What
inspired you to become an author?
I developed a strong love of reading when very
young, maybe 6 or 7 years old. It wasn’t unusual to see the first rays of
morning sunlight peeking through my window before I would put a good book down.
Later on in life, I owned and ran a small used bookstore,
and it was then that the desire to write began to grow inside of me. It wasn’t
until I became friends with a successful author in another genre, that my
budding dream became a reality. This author saw some of my writing and encouraged me to continue.
Do
you write in different genres?
You know, I don’t. Although,
this is something I have given thought to, and it will probably happen
sometime in the future.
Is
there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Life is what happens, while we’re busy making other
plans. We are all human, and sometimes this path called ‘Life’ takes us to
unexpected places. We make mistakes, and it is better to learn how to flow with
them as best we can, always keeping a smile on our face and a song in our
heart.
Is
the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone
you know, or events in your own life?
Illadari is based loosely off of someone I know who
is a great inspiration to me. I believe every author draws in great part from
his own experiences, at least on a human level. I have traveled the entire
western half of the country and spent
some time in Italy, so I believe when describing places and landscape, I do
draw at least something from the different places I’ve visited.
What
books/authors have influenced your life?
Within the realms of fantasy fiction, I would have
to say my three greatest influences are Scott Lynch, Brandon Sanderson, and
Patrick Rothfus. The author most influential in my life has to be Tolkien. His
books are where it all began for me, and so I thank him.
If
you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I would most likely choose either Brandon Sanderson or Patrick Rothfuss, although Brent
Weeks is definitely an influence
What
book are you reading now?
Night Angel Trilogy – For the second time
Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
I also have eight indie books I am hoping to read
and review soon.
What
books are in your to read pile?
Oathbringer, by Sanderson - Doors of Stone, by
Rothfuss – Red Sister, by Lawrence.
What
is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?
Currently,
I am busying myself with Fate of Belstrom, the sequel to Mark of Destiny. I
also am working on a YA steampunk novel in its infancy stage.
Can
you share a little of your current work with us?
Here is a sneak peak. If you notice any errors,
forgive me, this is my first draft.
Chapter 1
Thick
sheets of frost covered the flattened rooftops
along the merchant’s quarter in Ashengale the capital city of Belstrom. The
weather had been acting strangely as of
late, and the city had even witnessed snow for the first time since the Magi
Wars. The gods must be crazy, Rydon
thought, dashing to the edge of the building and leaping the alleyway to land in a slide on the adjacent building’s
roof. Slippery surfaces and the cold
weather definitely made it more difficult to ply his trade.
Recovering
from the jump, he reached into the inner pocket of his worn checkered coat and
pulled out a woolen cap he had stolen early in the day. Pressing it down on top
of his curly black hair, he took in his surroundings. There it was. His target
stood just beyond the next alleyway. It teased him, making him want to rush in
quickly, but he knew better. Years of surviving on the streets of the great
city had taught him many things, and he always followed his self-imposed rules.
Caution was his first rule.
Calming
his adolescent mind, Rydon moved forward taking quiet, measured steps, till he
reached the two-story drop to the
alleyway below. Gazing across he could see that all was quiet in the
medium-sized brick building. There were no lights in either the storefront downstairs
or the living quarters above. It was the home and business of Garric the money
changer. Rydon couldn’t believe his luck
when he had inadvertently realized that the successful money changer was almost
deaf. A secret like that was worth a month’s wages.
Backing
up, he gauged the distance. The alleyway ahead was wider than the last, and he
would have to get a good run at it to make the leap. Pausing to prepare
himself, he brought his hands up to his face trying to breathe some warmth back
into them. He could see his breath. This was getting ridiculous.
Rydon
began to run. His feet were having trouble keeping traction with the roof, as
he neared the ledge. Passing the point where there could be no turning aside,
he steeled his will, and with a mighty push of his legs, he sent himself flying
through the air. His stomach connected with the ledge of the building first,
instantly knocking the wind free of his lungs. Hanging there, dangling next to
the bricks, he wanted to curl up and die. This was definitely going to leave a
bruise. Despite his weakened grip, Rydon held as tightly as he could to the
inner lip of the ledge. Fortunately, it
was enough to hold him in place until he regained his breath and waited for
movement to return to his limbs.
Pulling
himself up, he rolled his body over and lay there panting. This was a bad
beginning, but he didn’t really believe in omens, so what the hell. He was
already here, might as well give it a try. Crawling to the edge of the building
he peered down the side facing the alleyway, checking to see if his jarring
impact had woke the money changer. No
lights, good.
He had scouted out the building earlier just after the shop
had closed. Garric had been visible
through the alley window as he retired to his room. That left the rear window;
it was where he would enter. The job would be next to impossible to pull off if the man could hear, but aware of the
money changer’s weakness, Rydon had brought along some tools to help pull off
the heist.
Who
designed the cover of your latest book?
T.K. Chapin
Just
for fun - If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what
would you have?
It would have to be a dragon. No one messes with a
dragon. Besides air travel is expensive and I love to travel!
Mark of Destiny
Azrael James
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Publisher: Branch Publishing
Date of Publication: 03/02/2017
ISBN: 1544070276
ISBN-13: 978-1544070278
ASIN: B06XDSHCSS
Number of pages: 403
Word Count: 82,331
Cover Artist: T.K. Chapin
Book Description:
Her destiny will change the world forever.
Belstrom—an ancient and mystical land where the Curo Wizards rule and life is cheap.
Tizrah—a lowly armory brat who dreams of one day becoming a warrior but fate has other plans.
Korlin—a recent graduate of the High Wizard’s School of Curogath is tasked with an assignment to eradicate a lost magic system that threatens the very stability of Belstrom. Mark of Destiny weaves together the threads of a captivating fantasy adventure, while remaining epic in scope, and modern in its originality.
About the Author:
AZRAEL JAMES fell in love with Tolkien at the age of twelve leading to a life-long love of fantasy fiction. Writing stories that capture the imagination, James invites readers into a world where magic rules and ordinary life is forgotten. When not spinning tales, James teaches guitar to underprivileged fairy folk. He believes music and love are what binds all life together.
Tour giveaway
Three lucky winners will win a signed copy of Mark of Destiny in paperback.
Drawing will be held on April 18th.
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