It occurred to me
yesterday, whilst writing a guest post for another blog, that I hadn’t actually
placed a piece on here to describe my latest release. I’ve done lots of posts
regarding character and place, lots of mentions running up to the launch in
March, but I haven’t actually described the book!
Most remiss of me.
So, to coincide with its availability
in the publisher’s new online store, here’s the basic information.
Joinings, the first book of epic fantasy trilogy,
A Seared Sky, is published in digital
and print formats by
Fantastic Books Publishing and was released on 30 March
2014.
This is what the book is
about:
In one sentence:
An ill-timed omen sends a
malicious leader on a hazardous quest that will alter everyone it touches.
With a little more detail:
When celestial portent, the
Skyfire, arrives earlier than expected, the autocratic and corrupt High Priest,
Dagla Kaz, must set out for the ancient homeland to harvest a new Godwood and
exchange Virgin Gifts. He must lead his reluctant pilgrims hundreds of leagues across
pirate-infested seas and over hostile lands, to return triumphant before the
seared sky dies back to normality.
In his father’s absence,
the Renegade, Aklon, risks torture and death to bring justice to his subjugated
people. Mindtalk with a wise woman on the distant mainland has opened his eyes
to the evils underlying the society he inhabits. And, whilst seeking truth, he
finds a soulmate and lover in the most unexpected circumstances.
Witnessing his beautiful
and clever daughter, Tumalind, wrongly chosen as a Virgin Gift, religious
fanatic Aglydron follows the mission in order to right the wrong. Okkyntalah, Tumalind’s
young and handsome betrothed, helps Aglydron kidnap the rightful Virgin Gift to
take her over unknown seas and lands, risking violent death at the end of their
epic journey.
Here are some review
quotes, to heighten your interest and inform you of other readers’ impressions:
‘It is hard to imagine anyone getting to the end of this and
not thirsting for more. The opening scene is gripping. It hooked me in and then
I was compelled to read the rest.’ Dr P. Grubb
‘Stuart Aken does a tremendous job of world-building, and
the beliefs and mythologies of the world are well integrated into his
characters who speak and act with references to their existing mythology.’
Walter Rhein
‘The beautiful prose, delectable style of
writing and the sharpness of the story is enough to keep one absorbed to the
last page.’ Khamneithang
Vaiphei (one of Amazon’s top reviewers)
‘The author has created a well-realised world with differing
societies, full of many small details that serve to highlight cultural mores,
and of course a host of interesting characters.’ N. Lilley
‘I've rarely read an epic novel of such
power and I write as a PhD in creative writing!’ Nigel J. Robinson
And, of course, you need
to know where to buy the book. Simply click on the supplier’s name and you’ll
be whizzed over the ether to the appropriate place. Enjoy the read.
And, for those who prefer
to order from a local bookshop, use these details so they can get it for you:
Title: Joinings, A Seared
Sky. ISBN 13: 978-1-909-163-300 or ISBN 10: 1909163309, published 30 March 2014 by Fantastic Books
Publishing.
If you’d like a PDF copy
(for review purposes only) please contact me via the ‘Contact me’ link at the
head of the page.
