As an author, I not only love to write but I love to read. Therefore, I am dedicating this blog to book reviews, book spotlights and author interviews that I am doing.
The Prince and the Singularity - A Circular Tale is a take on the Creation myth, drawing from different religious and philosophical sources and mixing them in an original, challenging and often very funny way. It is written in a multi-layered format, allowing it to be read both as a simple and entertaining fable and as a deeply philosophical work, full of hidden references and satire.
It’s the story of the Prince aka the Master aka Francis, who is more or less immortal and goes through the millennia fighting Desire and Rejection, the roots of all unhappiness and evil. He always fails until the moment he loses interest and decides to die, which he doesn't. Instead he gets promoted.
Meet the author:
Pedro was born in Mozambique 51 years ago, attended English schools in Lisbon and pursued his education until finishing a degree in Law. When he was around 33, Pedro decided there’s more to life than being a lawyer and tried his hand at various business activities, the most successful of which was a company that produced and managed rock bands. A year ago he decided to pick up again a long-forgotten hobby of his: writing. He started with a blog, mainly dedicated to political satire. Encouraged by the feedback from the blog Pedro then decided to try his hand at a whole book, an effort which resulted in the creation of The Prince and the Singularity – A Circular Tale.
Today I welcome author Rustin Petrae. Thank you Rustin for interviewing with me today. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in San Antonio, Texas but spent nearly half my life overseas. I grew up on Misawa Air Force Base, Japan and then went on to Seoul, South Korea and then onto Osan Air Force Base, South Korea where I graduated from Osan American High School. I loved that life. I loved living in a country where I was able to absorb different cultures and traditions. I learned a lot from that and I use a lot of what I learned in my writing. I started very early on. In fact, I can remember one of my elementary school teachers asking us all what we wanted to be when we grew up. My answer was that I wanted to either be a cartoonist or an author. Well, I didn't end up being a cartoonist (although I still draw and create my own characters). I went on to pursue the graphic design route, but I never did give up on writing. I think I really started to pursue it again when I was a senior in high school. That's when I tried to get a little more serious about it and also when I completed one of my first short stories. Ever since then, I have written several stories, flash fictions, a couple of novellas, two novels (Book One: Dragon and Indestructible: PAST (although that hasn't been released yet)), and working on getting out my third, Blood Ties: The First.
I've always enjoyed the creative process. I love taking things and seeing them through until they are something real. Something you can actually grab onto. For me, the creative spark really began in Misawa, Japan. All of my friends, myself included, would make up characters, cartoons and the worlds they would go in. Shortly after that I started drawing and spent a long time creating even more characters. It wasn't until a couple of class projects where we had to write and make our own books that I realized I could write about the characters that I drew. Everything just sort of spun off from that and I've spent nearly my whole life creating these characters and sharpening them and their worlds until I have stories that I like. I hope that everyone else likes them too.
Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
Book One: Dragon is about two races, the Rooks and the Terraqouis, that inhabit the world of Purga.
Rooks have embraced science and technology, inventing helpful, microscopic robots called nanos to create any machine they need.
The Terraquois are their opposite. They embraced the spiritual, developing a deep bond with nature. This bond allows them to shift into the animal that resembles their own, inner selves.
These two races have fought each other with brutal savagery for centuries. But things change when the Rook prince, Rone Varlamagne, is attacked and left for dead by an unknown force. Keiara, the daughter of the Terraquois chieftain, finds him, but instead of killing him, she saves his life. It is one act. One conscious choice. But it changes everything for them and the entire world of Purga.
Together, they face foes from every direction...and they will stop at nothing to protect each other.
The inspiration behind this epic adventure sprung from my love of both science-fiction and fantasy. I wanted to create a believable world where these two genres existed together. Naturally, the two races would be in constant opposition. That all changes when a Terraquois girl decides to save the life of her enemy, a Rook. I wanted to show that even though they were different, they could still get along if they better understood each other.
What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?
My favorite genres are science-fiction, fantasy, paranormal and a little bit of horror. I like reading and writing about places and universes where the rules change and anything can happen. I love worlds where superheroes actually exist, where people have amazing abilities, where magic is real, where people can travel through time, and where all those Boogieman monsters of your nightmares can actually show up to eat your face off. I've always had a passion for them, ever since I was a kid, and I love writing about them, with my own spin on things, of course.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?
The biggest criticism that I've received was for my novella Cat's Paw. The reviewer found that I used too much flowery words and purple prose and that I wasn't able to pull of my first person narrative. The biggest compliment that I've received was for Book One: Dragon. I've had several reviewers tell me that I am very imaginative and creative and that they loved how seamless I melded the genres of science-fiction and fantasy in my novel. With writing, you always take the bad with good. That's what I try to do. I like the positive reviews. I like the compliments. But I also like the criticisms. They help me learn and grow as an author. So yes, I will try to take those into heart when I write my next novel.
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?
I write on my computer, mainly because that's what I've always used. I will, however, outline and flesh out my plot lines on paper first. What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from your to be read pile? When I'm not writing, I'm doing what feels like a million other things. I'll read my to be read pile. I'll work on graphic design projects I have going. I'll get ideas for new stories and write them down. I'll play with my kids. Sometimes it feels like my brain is on creative overdrive, like I always have to be doing something to get the creative juices working.
Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?
I have noticed quite a few things. For one, I feel that my dialogue has improved drastically from when I first started writing. I recently read over one my very first short stories. The dialogue in it to be stiff, awkward, and generally horrible. I feel that it's more natural now and better formatted. My plots, characters and over all story lines have also improved a lot. The plots are more complex and the characters have more personality and layers. I have also developed a mentality that everything has to have a reason or an explanation behind it. From why this character did that, to why I decided to name my world Purga, right down to the names I give my characters. I think that this really gives my stories more strength and believability. What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
I usually look for a book that has a naturally good flow and an easy to read writing style. Errors and grammar mistakes do become a problem for me, but not until they are extremely prevalent in an author's book. If there's only a misspelled word here, or a missing punctuation there, or the wrong word somewhere, I usually don't let it bother me. The books that draw my attention to them first is a well-written blurb and (this one's important to me because of my graphic design roots) a really awesome cover. Also, they are usually sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal and sometimes horror. What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
My favorite part of being an author is to completely create a new world with new rules. I love being able to make impossible things possible. For me, that's a lot of fun. I also love seeing my works up on a real site that other people can see and that they can buy. That's a little surreal. My least favorite part would be writer's block. That is certainly not fun.
When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why? I will typically head to the fantasy, sci-fi section. I love reading those kinds of books.
Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?
I am currently writing full time but in the process of trying to find a day job. I would still like to work as a full-time graphic designer because I love doing that too. My main specialty is with logos and vector illustrations.
What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you? I haven't really had any strange questions from a reader. What is your favorite junk food vice?
Anything sweet. I apparently have a major sweet tooth.
Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
I love drawing and playing around on my vector illustration programs. I can create some really cool things including what I like to call photo to art. An example of that would be my author pic. I get a kick out of doing those.
Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? Did you take their advice?
I've actually had a few that told me I showed some promise with writing, but my fifth grade teacher is the one that really got me interested in it. One of our class projects he had us do was to create (and bind) our own books. We even had a little book release party when they were all completed. It was, by far, one of the coolest experiences I've had and it really sparked my interest in being an author.
We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?
There are quite a few things, but the big ones are a really bad flow or pace to the story and awkward, unrealistic dialogue. Those would be my biggest pet peeves.
What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?
This might come as a shock to many people but I rarely listen to music. I do like it and will listen to it when someone else plays it, but I don't typically sit down and listen to it myself. I've always been more into reading than listening to music.
On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing? Who are you with?
On a typical weekend I am with my wife and kids and we are usually at the store buying groceries and things. Glamorous right? My wife will always try and find fun things to do, so occasionally we will go to the Zoo or something interesting that she's found.
What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why?
I think horror. I am a huge fan of Stephen King and I'd like to write something as truly creepy and nightmarish as him someday. Cat's Paw was my first endeavor on that path.
Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?
My first novel, Book One: Dragon was dedicated to my wife. She's always been there to see the mistakes that I've missed in my writing.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading the Guardians of the Akasha. So far, it is very promising and I really like the author's natural and easy writing style. Her story is very interested so far.
Who are your favorite authors? My favorite authors are Jim Butcher, Stephen King, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony and so many more.
What authors inspired you to write this particular novel? Why? I don't really have a specific author that inspired me to write Dragon, but if I had to pick one, it would be Terry Brooks. He was the man that really hooked me on fantasy back when I was still in high school.
What 7 words would you use to describe yourself.
Creative. Imaginative. Intelligent. Artistic. I got four, is that close enough? Which is your favorite character in your book and why? It
would be Rone. He felt like he was pretty stupid for hating the
Terraquois and admitted that freely. Not a lot of people are willing to
admit their mistakes. Also, he gets his leg cut off but still comes
out strong. I can personally relate to that. Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview? I really hope that Book One: Dragon is a hit with my audiences. If you like the book, pass it along. Share and recommend it to your friends. If you are a die-hard Histories of Purga fan, you can go to my website and sign up for the mailing list to get firsthand knowledge of new releases.
Book One: Dragon by Rustin Petrae ASIN: B00A0P2UGM Publisher: Rustin Petrae Publishing Kindle (229 pages)
HE WAS HER ENEMY. SHE SAVED HIS LIFE. THE REST IS HISTORY.
Rooks have embraced science and technology, inventing helpful, microscopic robots called nanos to create any machine they need.
The Terraquois are their opposite. They embraced the spiritual, developing a deep bond with nature. This bond allows them to shift into the animal that resembles their own, inner selves.
These two races have fought each other with brutal savagery for centuries. But things change when the Rook prince, Rone Varlamagne, is attacked and left for dead by an unknown force. Keiara, the daughter of the Terraqouis chieftain, finds him, but instead of killing him, she saves his life. It is one act. One conscious choice. But it changes everything for them and the entire world of Purga.
Together, they face foes from every direction...and they will stop at nothing to protect each other.
“Once again, Ms. Karlsen delivers. Byzantine Gold is full of beautiful
scenery, a tension-filled plot, and strong characters worth rooting for.”
A sunken
warship from the Byzantine Era carrying an unusual cargo of gold has been found
off the coast of Northern
Cyprus. News of the valuable cache has
attracted the attention of a terrorist cell. They plan to attack the recovery
team’s campsite and steal the artifacts. On the Black Market, the sale of the
relics will buy them additional weapons.
Charlotte
Dashiell, an American archaeologist, and her lover, Atakan Vadim, a Turkish
government agent, are scheduled to be part of the recovery team that brings up
the artifacts. While en route to Cyprus, they find themselves caught
in the crosshairs of Maksym Tischenko, a Ukrainian contract killer bent on
revenge. Charlotte, Atakan and Tischenko share a grim history. As a result,
Tischenko is a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal—seeing them
both dead.
About the Author:
I was born
and raised in Chicago.
My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious
reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.
My parents
also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places
I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated
me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North
Africa.
I am a
retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two
different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired,
I decided to pursue that dream.
I currently
live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband,
four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.
Good morning Teena and welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time to interview with me this morning. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am an author, ministry leader, and artist with hundreds of published articles to my credit in the secular and Christian realm as well as numerous books. My current focus is on helping others find value and beauty in themselves and others despite brokenness and transforming them into authentic, mature Christ followers.
When I'm not writing, I am creating artwork and jewelry treasures (often from discarded and found objects) or leading ministry for Java Journey--an innovative coffee shop ministry in Hickory, NC--whose mission is similar to my own, to provide hope and restoration to the hurting and broken by sharing Christ's story, showing His love and by empowering the restored to serve others.
God is certainly using you in wondrous ways. May He continue to bless your life.
What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?
Historical mystery romances, romantic suspense and the classics.
What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from you to be read pile?
I usually have two or more books I am reading at a time and a pile more by my reading chair and now that I have kindle, a bunch on there to be read as well.
Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?
I don’t know about my style but I will say I think I have improved considerably and hope to continue to improve.
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
I usually want pure escape so fiction is my preference but it needs to be a little but more than just romance because I want a challenge. I think that’s which I like romantic suspense.
What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
I think knowing that someone has benefitted from my book and it has either helped them grow or change or both. Least favorite, marketing. It’s a necessary evil but I’d rather be writing.
What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?
I usually can’t concentrate when I have music on so usually I write without music.
What 7 words would you use to describe yourself.
Hard working, disciplined, artistic, sensitive, entrepreneur, confident, insecure Which is your favorite character in your book and why? The book I
am working on now is a romantic suspense. My favorite character is the
male romantic lead who is a well known thriller writer. I like him
enough to marry him but, oops, I'm already married.
Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?
I think a lot of people glamorize writing, but when you get down to it it’s 99% perspiration and discipline.
The Treasure Seeker by Teena Stewart ISBN: 978-1414120185 Publisher: WinePress Publishing Softcover (195 pages)
Many women, even the most outwardly self-assured ones, wrestle with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Though we want to believe we have value, messages bombard us daily, telling us if we don't look a certain way, dress a certain way, drive a certain car, weigh a certain weight, or work in a certain type of career, we are worth very little.
The Treasure Seeker, Jesus, our loving Father's only Son, has a different opinion. He knows your true value and will stop at nothing to recover you, His cherished one. He deeply longs for you to come into a close, loving relationship with Him so that you can not only feel cherished but also cherish Him, the greatest treasure of all.
Through practical truth The Treasure Seeker, will draw you closer to the Seeker and Master Jeweler who: lovingly shapes, refines, polishes, and even incorporates our flaws, to transform us into jewels of stunning beauty.
Through Him you can find your remarkable true worth and become the dazzling gemstone you were created to be.
Hello Cheryl and welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time to interview with me today. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a native of Portland, Oregon and have lived abroad for more than twenty years. My daily experiences of living and working in an old-world culture provide the inspiration for writing fantastical stories that enthrall, enlighten and entertain. The Carnelian Legacy is my debut novel. I currently live in The Netherlands with my husband, four children, two cats, and the laziest greyhound on the planet.
Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
This story has actually been simmering in my head in a sort of crock-pot stew for more than twenty years now. In my home state of Oregon, there is a visitor's attraction called The Oregon Vortex that stakes its claims on the fact that the laws of physics no longer apply there and strange phenomenon occur. When I was a kid, we often passed it on our way to California and I imagined that it was really a mysterious portal to another world.
What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?
I love to read historical romances and any kind of fantasy. Growing up, I loved the Narnia books, Lord of the Rings, and in my later years, anything written by Michael Crichton. Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong century since I especially love to write stories that take place somewhere in the distant past.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?
I had a rock-hard beta reader once who hacked my story to pieces and I cried for two days. But it taught me to look more critically at my work and it did make the story better. But I also came to the realization that some of what the beta reader said was opinion and personal taste but not necessarily the final word.
The biggest compliment I ever had was when a woman told me that my book was so good that she forgot she was lying on deck on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean!
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?
Definitely computer. My hands can fly over the keyboard to keep up with the rate of my thoughts, but writing by hand goes way too slow!
What do you do when you are not writing?
I spend my time editing my projects or engaging other writers on social media. I'm a social freak and love to connect with people.
Compared to when you first started writing, have you noticed any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?
Yes! When I first started, my dialogue was more stilted with "he said," "she said." But now I've gotten it to flow much better and I just use my ear to tell me when they should be in the dialogue and when the spoken words are simply enough.
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
There has to be a fast enough pace to keep me interested. Prose is fine and it has its place, but I don't like to get bogged down with flowery words just to gratify the author's desire to display his or her literary sophistication (see what I mean?) There has to be some sort of romantic tension going on as well or it usually won't be enough to keep me interested.
What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
The writing itself fascinates me because it's learning how to express one's thoughts and ideas on the page. I love the opportunity to sit down and just write for hours on end.
I don't like the process that a writer must go through in order to become a published author. I think that the majority of great stories out there get shelved because too many writers just give up after hearing "I didn't connect with the story as well as I had hoped" from literary agents.
When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?
First, I grab a cappuccino. Then I usually head over to the Sci-Fi/Fantasy shelf and Christian Fiction. I don't know why -- I just naturally gravitate there. Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker are some of my favorite authors.
Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?
I am still in my day job which I actually love. But since I work almost full time and come home in the evenings to a husband and four kids, there isn't a whole lot of time left over for writing. I work for the U.S. Department of State in The Hague, The Netherlands.
What is your favorite junk food vice?
Corn nuts and Diet Pepsi. eating them right now, as a matter of fact. The crunching helps me think better! Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
I love watching a great movie, and traveling is definitely in my blood. We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?
There has to be an even balance between dialogue and prose -- to much of either drives me batty. I also don't like a whole lot of "he answered," "she countered." I like it when the author trusts the reader enough not to constantly be telling them who says what. If the dialogue is done well creating distinct voices, then the reader should be able to figure it out with very little help.
What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?
I am what I like to call "an epic writer." This means that I am imagining everything around me as if I am actually in the scene. The most inspiring music kind for this is movie soundtrack music. Depending on the mood of the scene, I might listen to romantic melodies from a Jane Austen movie, or if it's a chase scene, some dramatic film music usually works best.
Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?
My debut novel is dedicated to the memory of my father. The opening scene in the book begins when the main character is standing next to the casket at her father's funeral. I wrote that chapter just five months before my own father died very unexpectedly. Suddenly I was experiencing the same emotions as my main character and the book took on a whole different perspective. I was able to work through my own grief by completely identifying with the main character's emotions. Who are your favorite authors?
Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Michael Crichton, Frank Peretti and Jane Austen. Strange that all these are men except one, don't you think?
What 7 words would you use to describe yourself?
Loyal, Creative, Passionate, Perfectionist, Giving, Vulnerable, Compassionate Which is your favorite character in your book and why?
This is definitely the most difficult question to answer. I love all of them in their own special way. But I think I would have to say Darian Fiore because I wish I knew someone like him in real life. He isn't perfect and has his weak points, and yet he still always tries to do the right thing. Sometimes he messes up big time and has trouble forgiving himself, but it just makes him more human. Plus he's just so drop-dead gorgeous! To swipe a line from the book: "He was not the sort of man a girl could be just friends with. Darian Fiore was the sort of man that most women would have trouble remembering to breathe whenever he was around."
What would you like the world to know about Cheryl Koevoet?
I love to write and I love to share with others. When I combine these two things together, I create something that I hope will last and resonate with many generations.
Can you give a small blurb about what we can expect from this book?
Eighteen-year-old Marisa MacCallum always knew the man of her dreams was out there somewhere. The problem is--he's in another dimension.
You've signed with WestBow Press. How did this came about and have you liked working with them?
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. After searching for almost a year for a literary agent (without success) I began to question the entire process of going the "traditional" route. Just because I couldn't find someone to fall in love with my story didn't mean that it wasn't worth publishing. When I decided to go with WestBow, I was a little apprehensive at first, but the folks there have been kind and gracious the entire way. I have enjoyed learning the process of steps that turn a manuscript into a physical book and looking back now, I wouldn't have done it any other way.
On your blog, you made the announcement in September of 2012 and your book is being released this month (squee)! That's so fast! What have you had to do to prepare for this big moment?
To be honest, I haven't had any time to rest on my laurels yet! I have taken the story through countless edits and through it all, I have always been my own worst critic. Like one of my main characters, I am a recovering perfectionist and am always trying to push each scene to it's outermost limit. I have been blogging, tweeting, and facebooking like a maniac to build up my platform. Where can we get your book?
The hardcover and softcover versions will be distributed worldwide through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, the WestBow Press Book Store, and all the other major booksellers and distributors. It will also be available in e-book format for Kindle, Sony, Kobo, iBook, and all the other forms of e-readers.
Fill in the blank. "if I were a shoe, I'd be a_______________?"
Manolo Blahnik
Favorite place?
Cannon Beach, Oregon
You're face to face with the entrance of a cave. All is black inside except for the red-rimmed eyes of a creature. What happens next?
I would send in my fearless main character, Darian Fiore with his Excalibur to defend me.
Rainy days and sweatpants or sunny days and a swimsuit?
I'm an Oregon girl at heart. Rainy days and sweatpants!
What does your future hold?
I don't know and I don't want to know.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. Everyone born on this earth has a purpose. We all have an important role to play and each person is precious in the eyes of God. No matter how gray the skies become, remember that the sun will shine again.
What was the hardest scene to write (no spoilers!)?
Definitely the opening chapter. While it might seem to be the weakest chapter of the entire book, it sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Which character do you relate to the most? Why?
I can relate to all three of the main characters, Marisa, Darian and Arrie. Each of them has a part of me in them, but if I could only pick one, it would have to be Darian. He's so concerned with never letting anyone down that sometimes he forgets to live a little.
Outside of family, what was the greatest support while you wrote this novel?
It would have to be my good friend Christy. She fell in love with the story and the characters, and encouraged me in spite of the rejections from literary agents. I call her my sister because we are not bound by blood but by love.
Our family followed a modern Dutch custom of grilling meat in a special pan at the table. One of my favorites! Is there an actor who you think looks like your MC?
No. I have tried to figure out who could play Darian Fiore in a movie, but I just can't. I can see him in my head, but I can't visualize the right actor.
Vanilla or chocolate?
Uh, chocolate. This is Europe!
As a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
First choice: Teacher; Second choice: Actress; Third choice: Stewardess
Last book you read?
Re-read Timeline by Michael Crichton
The Carnelian Legacy by Cheryl Koevoet ISBN: 978-1449780890 Publisher: WestBow Press Softcover (320 pages) Purchase the book:Amazon | Goodreads
Book blurb:
Marisa MacCallum always believed the man of her dreams was out there somewhere. The problem is—he’s in a parallel universe.
After the death of her father, eighteen-year-old Marisa’s life is on the verge of imploding. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks comfort on her daily ride in the woods of Gold Hill. But when a mysterious lightning storm suddenly strikes, Marisa is hurled into the ancient alternate dimension of Carnelia where she meets the arrogant but attractive nobleman, Darian Fiore. With no hope of returning home on her own, Marisa has no other choice but to join Darian on a risky mission to negotiate peace with his cousin and archenemy, Savino da Roca.
As she struggles to survive a world teeming with monsters, maniacs and medieval knights, Marisa sees a softer side of Darian and begins to fall in love. But when she discovers he is locked into an arranged marriage, her heart shatters. After Savino falls for her charms and demands her hand in exchange for peace, Marisa is faced with an impossible choice: marry the enemy of the man she loves or betray them both and become the catalyst for a bloody war.
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