Today, I'd like to welcome Cas Peace back to share a guest post about female fantasy leads and also some information about her new fantasy release, King's Artesan, from her Artesans of Albia Trilogy. Also, be sure to check out her wonderful giveaway that includes a copy of the first volume of my Enchanted Bookstore Legends, Seeking a Scribe.
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Female Fantasy Leads
First, I'd
like to sincerely thank Marsha for hosting me on her blog today, and for helping
to promote my fantasy series, Artesans of Albia. The first trilogy in this
nine-novel series is now complete, and the first three books are available for
purchase. Please see the links below.
Readers
often ask me how I came to create Sullyan, my main female character. The answer
is quite simple. I have read many fantasy books in my life, and apart from a
notable few (Lessa and Menolly from Anne McCaffrey's Pern series immediately
spring to my mind), the women in them mainly seem to exist as love interest for
the male characters, or if they are powerful, as witches who use arcane means
to make their way in their world.
I wanted to
create a believable female character who could coexist on equal terms with the
men in her world, and by her own merits. I wanted her to be capable of leading
men, of being respected by them, whilst still being beautiful and desirable. I
wanted her to have all the higher qualities that women possess, yet still be
flawed and vulnerable. I needed her to be powerful, to have command over
incredible forces, yet also to be humble. I wanted a woman who outwardly seemed
fragile, but who could display inner strengths and insights that few around her
possessed. In short, I wanted to create a character who could compete with, and
win over, the men around her without being some kind of impossible paragon, or
muscle-bound Amazonian. I hope I have
succeeded with Sullyan.
Some
readers have asked me why I chose to put Sullyan through the traumatic events
she experiences in my books. My answer is that people generally are not born
with the kind of inner strength I needed her to display. Every novel has to
have conflict, and I wanted a character whose nature and reactions are forged
in the fires of travail. As the books progress, Sullyan becomes a champion of
those less able than herself, and I needed good reasons for her to act and react
the way she does. Strife often deepens our higher emotions, and strengthens our
ties to others. It makes us realize and treasure what is important - qualities
such as loyalty, friendship, and love. Sullyan's disturbing experiences have
exactly that effect on her, and without them, she would not be the rounded,
complex character she is.
Why not
give the books a try, and decide for yourself?
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Artesans of
Albia series synopsis:
On a foolhardy foray into a foreign realm,
Taran Elijah is attacked by a terrible weapon known as the Staff. Killing its
wielder, he escapes into Albia, inadvertantly carrying the Staff.
Concerned by the
vicious raids that follow Taran's actions, Major Sullyan of the High King's
forces crosses into Andaryon to seek diplomatic resolution to the crisis. She
is captured and tortured by Lord Rykan, aspirant to the Andaryon throne.
Slowly dying, Sullyan
escapes his clutches. She offers her skills to the Hierarch in defense of his
throne, finally confronting Rykan on the field of battle.
Her handsome Captain
and lover, Robin Tamsen, embarks on a desperate quest to recover the Staff. But
Rykan's greedy General, Sonten, is two steps ahead of him. If Robin cannot lay
hold of the weapon before Sonten does, Sullyan's life and the lives of all
Artesans are forfeit.
The race for the Staff
has begun.
ADVANCED PRAISE FOR King’s Artesan:
“One of the best
fantasy books I’ve ever read. The balance between background story and action
is just perfect. I’m very glad I found this author. You won’t want to miss this
series!” ~Denyse Cohen, author of Witch’s Soulmate, Book 1 of the
Living Energy Trilogy
“Splendidly written in
a wonderful voice, drew me in immediately. Ms. Peace’s imagination alone gets 5
stars. Spectacular worlds and enchanting scenes. Anyone who enjoys losing
themselves in a world of a charming fantasy with plenty of layers and a host of
intriguing characters won’t be disappointed!” ~Rosary McQuestion, author
of Once Upon Another Time
“As soon as I finished
this book I was eager to start the next. I highly recommend this book. Great
Job!!” ~Janus Gangi, author of Elizabeth Rose and That
Morning After
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived
there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and
horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the
British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years,
1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to
return to Italy whenever she can.
Cas's other great loves are anything to do with
animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and
also singing. Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays
guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even
asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and
offers them as free downloads from her website.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: http://www.caspeace.com
Book Songs: http://www.caspeace.com/downloads/songs
Giveaway:
Trilogy trailer:
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