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Jeffery Roarke Jr Author Interview

Wielders of Woe: Inferno follows an exiled prince who has to discover his family’s secrets and reclaim his birthright to save his people. What was the inspiration that drove the development of the world the characters live in? 

I have always loved science fiction universes that mixed with fantasy tropes and settings. I came about the first chapter by just luck and began writing and when I finished I realized that I have something here. It was the summer of 2020, so pandemic era, and I spent most of it writing, developing, and writing some more. I’ve always wanted to tell a story of a prince that had been forsaken and a family dynamic where they all love each other but something happened to cause a split and this was it.

I found Prince Halcion Skyborn to be a remarkably well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for his emotional turmoil throughout the story?

I wanted a character that stuck to his principles no matter what and wouldn’t let the world around him bend or break his character. Hal is a staunch follower of the Code of Athos and that helps him overcome a lot of problems, but it can also get him into some problems. I want him to be the pinnacle of sticking to your principles but also showcasing how, if done too much or unwilling to change, it can also hinder you. Its a part of his character development to learn how to balance it.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Like above, sticking to your principles, but also learning to trust others who aren’t exactly in your same mindset and always keeping your faith alive. Hal keeps his faith by following the code and Kristilin keeps her faith by following her religion, which will be explored further later. Always having something to believe in is important to everyone. I also wanted to showcase a sibling rivalry that no one wanted to happen and show what it takes to fix it. Hal and Miri are two sides of the same coin so it’ll take some work!

When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

I am currently writing the first draft of book 2 right now so it’s hard to say. Book 1 took 3 years from first draft to publishing! So I hope a little sooner! And I don’t want to spoil a lot about it but at the end of book 1 we know they’re going to Velra… but what they find there we’ll have to wait and see!

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When a hidden plot to overthrow the royal family is discovered and his father is murdered, Prince Halcion Skyborn is accused by the governing council of the Empire of Athos, led by High Minister Varim, and arrested for treason. Saved only by the star-nation’s defining doctrine, Hal’s birthright, his Fire Wielding abilities, are stripped away and is exiled to the forsaken Ashlands where no one has ever returned from.
In his exile, Hal must challenge powerful celestial forces, confront those he used to call friends, and unravel the secrets of his family’s ancient forebears to reclaim his birthright and save his people, even if it means facing his own blood. Though little does he know this is but the first step in a cosmic conflict that has raged for centuries and the whispers of a primordial deity are just being felt.

Wielders of Woe: Inferno

Jeffery A. Roarke Jr.’s Wielders of Woe: Inferno delivers an engrossing blend of science fiction and fantasy as it explores the trials and tribulations of Prince Halcion Skyborn from the Athos Empire. This sweeping narrative unveils an intricate conspiracy to dethrone the royalty, with the hapless prince accused of treason by the power-hungry High Minister Varim and the ruling council.

Stripped of his Fire Wielding capabilities and banished to the desolate Ashlands, the initially arrogant Prince Hal embarks on a transformative journey. A realization dawns upon him: knowledge can serve as a potent form of power. With newfound allies and a fierce determination, he takes on formidable celestial entities to regain his Wielding prowess and confronts his own sister in a bid to rescue his people.

Wielders of Woe: Inferno is such a captivating read that it certainly warrants a second perusal. Prince Hal, with his profound character development and heroic quest, has the potential to enthrall readers and keep them thoroughly engaged.

Roarke’s finesse in worldbuilding is also commendable. The universe he crafts feels tangible and interconnected, achieved without resorting to excessive exposition or unnecessary information. Roarke cleverly employs Hal’s own learning journey as a narrative device, thereby allowing readers to grasp the complexities of the Wielding abilities simultaneously with the protagonist.

An element of intrigue lies in the mystery surrounding the Primordials. The anticipation of uncovering more about these enigmatic beings in the future installments, along with the resolution of Hal’s sister’s fate and the outcome of Varim’s machinations, will undoubtedly keep readers hooked.

Roarke’s skillful storytelling breathes life into this brand-new universe and its compelling characters. The narrative brims with conflict and moves at a pace that culminates in a satisfying conclusion while leaving ample room for the continuation of Hal’s journey. As such, Wielders of Woe: Inferno is an immersive read that skillfully melds science fiction and fantasy elements into an unforgettable tale of courage, transformation, and resilience.

Pages: 431 | ASIN : B0C6QTDY9H

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