Book Review--Out of Darkness Rising by Gillian Bronte Adams

Darkness reigns unchallenged.

For the villagers on the accursed Island, life has only one meaning - death. Bound to the Island by the curse, the villagers suffer beneath the iron claw of the Serpent, daily breathing the poison of his breath and dying to appease his insatiable appetite.

When Marya’s parents are slain by the serpent for their belief in a legendary king, she becomes an outcast. Struggling to survive and avoid the vengeance of the Tribunal, Marya is torn between legend and the harsh reality of the Island. Yet when a forgotten promise springs to life, she cannot help wondering if the old stories might in fact be true. And if they are, will the promise prove stronger than the curse?

Through My Window

Gillian Bronte Adams has proven herself able to stand amongst the greats of Christian fantasy authors.

This stand alone fantasy novella displays the incredible beauty and power of allegory. The prologue alone is the best representative of Lucifer's fall that I've ever read in fantasy. Gillian is a master of epic prose that grabs you tight and steals your breath.

Alas, I lament that the story is rather short. I would have loved to see Gillian expand Marya's original plot-line in order to drive up suspense and mystery.

Nonetheless, this is a wonderful example of quality writing and convicting truth that will capture any reader, especially those wishing to rediscover the epicness in the story of our fall and redemption.

Out of Darkness Release Announcment!!!

AHHHHHH! I LOVE THIS COVER!!!!

 

 

Darkness reigns unchallenged. 

  

 For the villagers on the accursed Island, life has only one meaning - death.  Bound to the Island by the curse, the villagers suffer beneath the iron claw of the serpent, daily breathing the poison of his breath and dying to appease his insatiable appetite.

When Marya’s parents are slain by the serpent for their belief in a legendary king, she becomes an Outcast.  Struggling to survive and avoid the vengeance of the Tribunal, Marya is torn between legend and the harsh reality of the Island.  Yet when a forgotten promise springs to life, she cannot help wondering if the old stories might in fact be true.  And if they are, will the promise prove stronger than the curse?

 

Coming March 15, 2015

GILLIAN BRONTE ADAMS is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, coffee-loving speculative fiction author from the great state of Texas and the dreamer behind the Songkeeper Chronicles. During the day, she manages the equestrian program at a youth camp. But at night, she kicks off her boots and spurs, pulls out her trusty laptop, and transforms into a novelist.

To find out more about Gillian Bronte Adams's books, visit www.OfBattlesDragonsandSwordsofAdamant.blogspot.com.

Author Interview with Gillian Bronte Adams

 Gillian, the more I find out about you, the more astounded I am. Truly, you are a girl who takes the life by the reins and gallops with it. Not that’s a reference to your awesome horse riding or anything. ;) Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hmm, let’s see. During the day, I manage the equine program at a Christian youth camp in the great state of Texas, but at night, I kick off my boots and spurs, pull out my trusty laptop, brew a pot of coffee, and transform into a novelist. I have the adventure-seeking heart of a Ranger, but I dearly love having my own little hobbit hole to come back to at night. (It’s a tad difficult to write on the road, and books are hard to fit into saddle bags!) Aside from my book collection, I tend to stockpile random things like costumes, notepads, countless pens, and medieval weaponry.

Could you share one of your favorite moments from either your mission trips to Haiti or at the youth camp equine program?

This is a tough question … only because I have so many favorite moments! For the past four years, I’ve gone on a trip with the camp that I work at as part of an ongoing mission to establish a “sister” youth camp in Haiti. On my first trip, I recall hiking up the hill behind the campsite with the rest of the team one night and gazing out over the countryside and realizing that aside from the ones in the sky, the only light visible that night was a single lamp in the middle of the campsite. It was dark everywhere else. It struck me as such a clear picture of how God had chosen to plant one little light—Jacob’s Well—in the midst of an area of such poverty and spiritual darkness … but the darkness could not overcome it

You have a beautiful way with words, Gillian. What books do you feel most impressed their style of writing upon you?

It’s terribly difficult to compare my writing style to anyone else’s, because I feel like they are yet the master and I am but the student. But I would have to say that I have been most influenced by Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga and his ability to take a simple story and characters and transform them into something beautiful that grips your heart and won’t let go, Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive and his ability to create a world and plot and characters so complex it makes your head spin, and Maggie Stiefvater’s Scorpio Races and her ability to create compelling stories and characters, build unique worlds, and employ descriptions so vivid you can practically see them.

Besides writing, riding, and everything else, you also pull off incredible costumes! Who—if you had all the costume material in the world available to you—would you love to dress up as?

Eowyn—without a doubt. I love all of the dresses she wears in the movies, not to mention her armor, or her sword! Though if I could access whatever costume materials I needed, I would love to outfit my horse in full battle gear as would befit one of the various breeds of war horses in the next project I’m dying to work on!

What would you love to try that you haven’t done yet?

Sailing! Obviously I’ve never been, so I have no clue if I would be any good at it or would prove myself a hopeless landlubber, but I would dearly love to try it one day.

Besides Orphan’s Song, you also have a novella, Out of Darkness Rising, approaching. Do you have any other works in progress that you would like to share about? 

I’m currently working on book two in the Songkeeper Chronicles! So for all you dear readers who are anxiously awaiting the next book—never fear, it is coming! Once book two is complete, I’ll be tied up for a bit with book three, and then … then … well, there’s an epic fantasy series I’m simply dying to write. I have pages and pages of world-building notes, about a hundred pages of the first book done, and a thousand ideas swirling around inside my head!

These were such fun questions! Thanks for having me on your blog, Hannah.

Check out Gillian's Blog: Of Battles, Dragons, and Swords of Adament
Find Orphan's Song on Amazon!

Book Review--Orphan's Song by Gillian Bronte Adams

Who Will Keep the Song Alive?

Every generation has a Songkeeper - one chosen to keep the memory of the Song alive. And in every generation, there are those who seek to destroy the chosen one.

When Birdie's song draws the attention of a dangerous Khelari soldier, she is kidnapped and thrust into a world of ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by her old friend, traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches of her enemies in pursuit of the truth behind the Song’s power.

Ky is a street-wise thief and a member of the Underground—a group of orphans banded together to survive . . . and to fight the Khelari. Haunted by a tragic raid, Ky joins Birdie and Amos in hopes of a new life beyond the reach of the soldiers. But the enemy is closing in, and when Amos’ shadowed past threatens to undo them all, Birdie is forced to face the destiny that awaits her as the Songkeeper of Leira.

Through My Window

I knew before I opened this up that the story would be good.

After following the author's blog, hearing of her beautiful, busy life, and reading her lovely short stories, I knew that Gillian Bronte Adams would write stories that are special. So I was rather determined to read her first book at once.

I was not disappointed.

First of all--her characters. Her cast is simply delightful. She takes common types--the poor orphan girl, the street scamp, the fun-loving protector with a dark past, and spins them anew. You feel the enchantment of a classic story all over again. Birdie is a doll. Ky is endearing. Amos...well, you're just going to have to read for yourself about Amos. I knew that the lady who wrote such astonishingly insightful (and hilarious) villainy posts would write good villains, and sure enough, I just felt the chilling, powerful, yet human presence of the villain as soon as he stepped onto the page. I was also delighted to encounter the young "evil" soldier who doesn't quite match up to the stereotype of "bad-guy." I hope we will see more of him.

Her writing is sweetly simplistic, elegantly formed. She ties her different plots together with ease, dropping delicious hints here and there. And she surprised me. I should have seen it coming. But she surprised me anyway.

While this is a delightful story, there is also a more serious, mature stamp on it. For the consequences of life and death are clearly portrayed. Not everyone comes out all right in this story, not even innocent children. This is a world with harsh reality.

And a terrible cliff-hanger.

Yes. One of those. Not an evil cliff-hanger, understand. Just one that leaves you ready for the next part of the story, because the first major fault with this book is that it was too short. Or perhaps it is simply because the next book is not here yet. So write quickly, Gillian Bronte Adams. Your audience awaits.

Cover Reveal--Orphan's Song

I have a beautiful cover to share this morning! Let me tell you, I have been waiting and waiting for this author to be published! After reading her blog and several short stories, I was simply enchanted with her writing, her humor, her spirit, and her heart! I know you will be too once you get a chance! But for now the cover!

Every generation has a Songkeeper – one chosen to keep the memory of the Song alive. And in every generation, there are those who seek to destroy the chosen one.

When Birdie’s song attracts the attention of a notorious Khelari soldier, she is captured and forced into a centuries old conflict plagued with ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches of her enemies, determined to discover the truth behind the Song’s power.

Ky Huntyr has stolen many a thing in his time as a street-wise thief and senior member of the Underground—a gang of orphans banded together to survive—but he never thought he would be guilty of successfully stealing a priceless treasure from the Khelari and bringing their wrath on his comrades. Haunted by the tragic consequences of his raid, Ky joins Birdie and Amos in hopes of drawing the Khelari after him to keep the Underground safe.

But war soon threatens all of Leira, and the enemy is closing in. When Amos’ shadowed past threatens to undo them all, Birdie is forced to face the destiny that awaits her as the Songkeeper of Leira.

Author Bio: Gillian Bronte Adams was born with a pen in her hand, a sword at her side, and a saddle beneath her feet. As a speculative fiction writer from the great state of Texas, she delights in combining epic adventure and fantasy with themes that point to the greatest story of all—or, as she refers to it, writing to the echoes of eternity. During the day, she works as the Equine Director at a Christian youth camp, while at night, she kicks off her boots and spurs and transforms into a novelist. You can find out more at her blog: http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/ or facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gillianbronteadams.

Want to find out more? Check out Gillian's Blog and the rest of the Kickstater campaign by Enclave Publishing!

Gillian’s Blog: http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/

Enclave Publishing Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/enclave/enclave-publishing-fall-releases

Fantasy Reflections!

As far as I'm concerned this is the best Fantasy Reflection presented to us by Gillian Adams yet! If you could build your own Fellowship of the Ring with 9 companions from any fantasy books besides The Lord of the Rings, who would you choose? Hard, huh?

It only just occurred to me that she said, Fellowship of the RING. I was kind of thinking Fellowship for any quest I want. The Ring, with its corrupting powers, is a tad more difficult. But whatever the case, here is the Fellowship of Nine that I would choose if I were to go on a fantasy quest.

Leader: Corlath (The Blue Sword) An experienced and deadly king of the desert with very unusual power. He is a natural commander and hard to faze. If he brought his horse along too, I would be happy.

Main Fighter: Etanun (The Tales of Goldstone Wood) Armed with Halisa, he's like, completely unstoppable. Also, a Faerie and the range of his powers is unknown.

Guide: Akilun (The Tales of Goldstone Wood) With the light of Asha in his hand, he can pierce any darkness. He is also a man of profound insight. Plus, Etanun and he are brothers and a team. Together, they're kind of unstoppable, but hey--nothing but the best for my team!

Fighter: Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender) Okay, okay, it was a TV series first, but it has turned into graphic novels, and Zuko is absolutely awesome. First and foremost, he's a firebender (no worries about cold winter nights), he's an expert swordsman, pretty good at stealth, and just a smart cookie.

Archer: Nock (The Door Within) This guy is such a good archer, he can make Legolas turn green (Book-wise). He's just awesome.

Fighter: Mallick (The Door Within) But what is Nock without Mallick? Though his complete opposite in both temper, bulk, and fighting (I think he has a huge hammer), they are best friends and an absolute hoot together!

Expert Thief and Spy: Eugenides (The Queen's Thief) When I saw this list, I KNEW that Eugenides MUST be on my list. He could steal anything I want, he can infiltrate and observe whatever base I want, and he's also a really, really good fighter, if it's an emergency (otherwise, he'll let everyone else do the fighting).

Fighter and Entertainer: Eanrin (Tales of Goldstone Wood) What would I do WITHOUT Eanrin? He's a Faerie, Bard, Knight, cat. And he is so funny, I think I would die to see how he interacts with everyone.

Healer and Confident: Imraldera (Tales of Goldstone Wood) I have to bring at least one girl along just in case I need her! I trust all these boys absolutely, but I wouldn't want to put them in an awkward situation. Imraldera is sweet, wise, gentle, and very brave. Plus, she could help keep Eanrin in line. :)

What about you? You can answer here, or you can join the discussion at Gillian's blog, Of Battles, Dragons, and Swords of Adamant. 

Fantasy Fun!

Gillian Adams posed a very difficult question for fantasy readers and invited us to continue the discussion on our own blogs. This Fantasy Reflection of today is,

"If you could become any fantasy character---literally step into their shoes and into their life possessing their personality, traits, and abilities, who would you choose to become?"

Tough, right? I decided on Harry Crewe from The Blue Sword, who lives an awesome and fairly un-miserable life.  Go check out the rest of the awesome discussion at Of Battles, Dragons, and Swords of Adament.

What about you? Who would you like to be?

Fantasy Fun!

Guess what? Gillian Adams from Of Battles, Dragons, and Swords of Adament has created a fun event on Fridays in which she presents a question about fantasy that fans can answer and muse over. Sounds like lots of fun! Go and check it out!

Read-Along and Giveaway!

Did you know that Anne Elisabeth is hosting a Christmas Read-along on her book, Veiled Rose? If you have read or are just reading this book, bounce on over to discover a wealth of insight into the story and sneak peaks into the future tales.

I found today's post particularly interesting, since I'm a big fan of The Legend of the Brothers Ashiun. :)

Also, I thought you might like to know that Gillian Adams is hosting yet another book giveaway over at her blog. This time, she's giving away a copy of both The Orphan King and Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer. Check it out!

Book Giveaway

Guess what, readers of mine?

Gillian Adams is hosting a giveaway over at her lovely blog, Of Battles, Dragons, and Swords of Adament. She's giving away a copy of both The Book of Names and Corus the Champion by D. Barkley Briggs to a look winner! Go over and enter if you're interested in those books! Plus, check out her own blog and upcoming novels!