Blog Archives
Second Chances
Ashes and Miracles follows a sister of the Priest Hamlet order, who is forced to flee with the sacred Ashes of St. Arne to protect them from raiders trying to steal the holy artifact. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, the story was going to be a globe-trotting epic featuring the Wyrmsbane brothers and Alacrity as they tried to reunite the ashes with their rightful home. However, as I was writing I realised that I had taken on a more intimate and low-stakes approach and much preferred that. Not every fantasy tale needs to be Lord of the Rings; sometimes a trip up the fantasy coastline with a friend can be equally as entertaining.
Alacrity has lived a sheltered life and must learn to survive in a world on the run with two strangers. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Initially, I had it planned that Alacrity would be stuck in a new world and being forced to learn to survive, but then I realised she was a very strong character who held true to her morals and ideals. I wanted to show how even though she was sheltered her idealism could positively impact those around her and be the driving force of others’ growth.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think very clearly I was driving at an idea of family, faith, and the idea of second chances. Everyone is in a really bad place when the story starts and while not everything is resolved and there are steps to take left, through each other everyone is on the path to improvement.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book in the series, yes! Originally it started as a collaborative writing project with a friend of mine but we both completed and published our works around the same time. I’m working on a prequel at the moment, focusing back to the first Wyrmsbane and the story of how the dragons were chased from the land, you can expect to see it early next year if all goes well!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Amazon
Ashes and Miracles
When armed strangers storm Priest Hamlet demanding the sacred Ashes of St. Arne, Alacrity’s sheltered life is thrown into chaos. Once content with the mundane task of tending a deserted toll bridge, she is now entrusted with a grand assignment: protecting the coveted ancient relic, the Ashes of St. Arne. As Alacrity embarks on her quest, her path converges with Marques D’Wyrmsbane, a desperate nobleman fleeing for his life. Together, they must evade relentless divine beings and mortal adversaries driven by greed, grudges, and hidden agendas. Teetering on the brink of death, they uncover the shocking truth about the Ashes of St. Arne, a secret poised to alter history forever.
Michael Grace expertly weaves suspense and intrigue in Ashes and Miracles, blending intricate plotlines, vivid action, and immersive world-building to deliver an exceptional fantasy tale. The story opens with a gripping hook, setting the stage for a complex and engaging narrative. This compelling start builds excitement and lays the groundwork for the intricate plot. As the story unfolds, suspenseful twists keep readers on edge, although these frequent developments can sometimes become overwhelming, occasionally overshadowing the central storyline and making it challenging to maintain a clear focus. The relationships and dynamics present a mixed bag. While some relationships are straightforward, others are more complex. For instance, the evolving bond between Alacrity and Marques keeps readers guessing whether their connection is a deep friendship or something more intimate. Similarly, his interactions with the divine being, Madeline, add another layer of complexity, leaving their dynamic open to interpretation. This ambiguity fuels intrigue and speculation, allowing readers to explore their interpretations of these relationships.
Grace successfully constructs a richly detailed fantasy setting that will captivate readers. He describes fight and action scenes with striking clarity and intensity, demonstrating impressive attention to detail. Each battle is exhilarating and immersive, adding significant depth and excitement to the narrative. Although the plot twists, especially those involving the antagonist, can be outrageous and exaggerated, they bring a unique and creative unpredictability to the story. Ashes and Miracles is a memorable read due to its richly imagined world and engaging plot.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0D77ZK147
LITERARY TITAN 