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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Female Fantasy Leads ~guest post by Cas Peace

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:

Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Trilogy trailer:


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Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. Read her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

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