Author Interview: Tamara Shoemaker, Embrace the Fire

I have never done an author interview before and I am pleased that the first author I am highlighting on this blog is a friend of mine -- a real life friend, not just online.  I met her at a writing group that I occasionally attend and I liked her right away.  Over the years we have connected, not just as fellow writers, but as women in a very similar place in life.

Tamara Shoemaker is an excellent author and writes in a very similar genre to mine -- young adult fantasy.  I have read several of her books before they were released and always enjoy her stories.  Please enjoy the interview below and take the time to check out her books!

Describe your book in three sentences.

Embrace the Fire continues the journeys of the four characters introduced in Kindle the Flame. Political intrigue overflows into epic warfare as kings clash and nations dissolve beneath Dragonfire and magic. Kinna, Cedric, and Ayden are drawn inexorably toward a fearful destiny, and Dragons, Pixies, Seer Fey, and other creatures are pitted against one another as the adventure dissolves into a cataclysmic end that will leave the reader dying for more.
 

Who is your favorite character in this book and why?

Prologue of The Gryphon

Prologue

An Excerpt from The Chronicles of Quat: The Gryphon

By Bryen O’Riley

Mikhail glanced at the glass-eyed woman behind him, drops of blood staining the front of her dress. She might as well have been a statue for all the thought and emotion she showed. He looked away as a shiver ran up his spine. Averness’s raven-haired, ethereal beauty reminded him of his wife. He hated the comparison.

Allynowyn was the polar opposite of Averness. Allynowyn was passion and fire, strength and satin. She would never have allowed a man to ruin her.

That thought gave Mikhail pause. He would have tried, of course. It was the only right thing to do. She had borne two abominations. The only correct course was to—

He shook his head. Where had that come from? His wife was long gone. Dead, maybe. He needed to focus on the cold, unfeeling woman with whom he was forced to travel. 

Averness pounced, graceful as lightning, upon a falcon that had alighted on a low branch nearby. She had jumped inhumanly high and caught it by the neck. With a quick jerk of her arms she broke its neck and was now roasting the bird above a cheery fire. 

She had, in common with all Fae, a strength and agility that were impossible—but then, he was used to that. What unnerved Mikhail was the deadness of her eyes. She hadn’t felt a thing. Not even the thrill of the kill. 

Vetton Spies on Quatists -- An Excerpt from The Gryphon

Vetton Spies on Quatists

An Excerpt from The Chronicles of Quat: The Gryphon

By Bryen O’Riley

Vetton had no idea that the Quatists would keep a prisoner— especially a woman! Perhaps she was a criminal of some sort. He was just surprised that they would soil their hands with handling such a person themselves.

Vetton’s eyes were riveted on the woman. A female criminal. A criminal so bad that the Quatists were forced to keep her themselves. What could she have done?

As they passed the last foliage obscuring his view and Vetton could see her clearly, he was struck by the woman’s appearance. She looked very similar to Mistress den Lyra. She was tall and attractive. She was of an age with Tad’s ma and had the same long dark hair and bright green eyes. Of course, it made sense that other people in the world existed with her same coloring and features—she must have family and a people somewhere! But it was surprising to see such a similar woman on Quat Island.

They walked closer and Vetton nearly fell out of his bush. She looked right at him, although the Quatists guarding her didn’t notice him. 

It was Mistress den Lyra! It was Tad’s ma. He was certain of it.

A Conversation with the Enemy - An Excerpt from The Gryphon

A Conversation with the Enemy

An Excerpt from The Chronicles of Quat: The Gryphon

By Bryen O’Riley

“Why waste skilled soldiers?” Galen asked introspectively.

“To placate the populace. Don’t you know anything about ruling a nation?” a cynical voice spoke up from behind them.

Galen and Tad turned around to see who spoke and Tad’s jaw dropped in astonishment.

It was his father.

He was an older version of Etan, the same blond hair, blue eyes, jawline, and nose, and was definitely the man that Tad had fought in the cave while Alastar had stolen the Stone.

He appeared to recognize Tad as well.

“I thought you said we weren’t enemies up here?” Mikhail asked Galen.

“We aren’t.”

“Yet this one is here? The one who fought with me over your Stone.”

Tad gulped. His father recognized him from that day but might not have put together that Tad was his son. He sure hoped not.

Tad Meets Bandar - Excerpt from The Gryphon

Tad Meets Bandar

An Excerpt from The Chronicles of Quat: The Gryphon

By Bryen O’Riley

         It felt wonderful. Not only had Tad’s morning concoction actually seemed to lessen the taste of metal in his mouth and invigorated his sluggish body but he was actually able to leave his room and do something useful.

         The Queen had found a very skilled warrior to train him, or beat him bloody, more like! Tad hadn't felt so good for nearly two months!

         Bandar was a few years older than Tad and absolutely massive. He was of the warrior class and so had been trained from his youth. He was very good.

         “You are the new prince?” he asked, clearly doubting that possibility.

         “I am.”

         “You don't look like it.”

         “What do you mean?”

         “You have dark hair, like me, and green eyes.”

         “So?”

         “The royal family is blond and blue-eyed,” he looked Tad over, “and strong.”

         “I am strong.”

A Quote from The Gryphon

New Cover for The Stone

This is the new cover for the first book in The Chronicles of Quat trilogy.  I like it!

Bant Meets Rynn - An Excerpt from The Gryphon

Bant Meets Rynn

An Excerpt from The Chronicles of Quat: The Gryphon

By Bryen O’Riley

         As the Quatists finished latching the manacles around her wrists, arms, abdomen, thighs and ankles, Rynn watched an older man in a long, deep blue mantle climb the stairs to the platform.  When they were done the four made as if to leave the platform but stopped when they saw that a visitor was approaching their ward.

         The Quatists bowed as the man reached the platform but before they could say a word in salutation the man dismissed them with a wave of his hand, “I would speak to our prisoner alone.”        

         The Quatist with glasses opened his mouth as if to disagree but thought better of it and hurried after his companions.

         “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Mistress den Lyra,” the old Quatist said quietly after the other men were out of earshot.

         Rynn peered at the man's face, trying to discern his intentions.

         “Who are you?” she asked, unable to hide the wariness from her voice.

         “My name is Bant.”  The man's long white beard nearly hid his friendly smile, “I had the distinct pleasure of teaching both your son and your husband in Scientific theories.  I must say that you are beautiful.  I hear, of course, that your evils are legion being Fae and all but I confess I cannot believe it from such a lovely young woman.”

         Bant rubbed his hands together, glancing at the four Quatists who had left, they were finally reaching the bottom of the steps.

         Rynn remained silent.

         “In any event,” Bant continued, “I wanted to meet you, obviously, after having my curiosity pricked about the kind of Fae woman who would marry a Quatist.  Your marriage was the first time it had occurred, was it not?”  Bant peered at her through blotchy spectacles.

         “To my knowledge, yes.”

         “And you have the ability of the Fae, I assume?” he seemed a little excited about this question.

         Rynn just nodded.  This was surely the man Etan had said recognized him and that he was too befuddled to be considered a threat but Rynn wasn't so sure.  His mannerisms were certainly scattered but his eyes were sharp.

         “Could I,” he looked around, embarrassed, “this is probably not the right place for it, but could I see something?”

         “I am not an entertainer Quatist Bant.”

         “Oh no, of course not!  I would never think you were anything but an honorable married woman!”  Bant seemed quite shocked by the very insinuation.

         Rynn rolled her eyes.  She hadn't meant that kind of entertainer!  She had meant that she wasn't going to put her abilities on display for a stranger.

A quote from The Gryphon

Cover Reveal for The Gryphon!

This is the cover for the next book in The Chronicles of Quat series!!