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A Place For All Characters
The House of Shi follows a 12-year-old boy who, after a chance encounter, is swept into the Land of Eternal Dusk, a strange, shadowy realm between worlds, where he embarks on a perilous quest to rescue an unexpected ally. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Land of Eternal Dusk was born not so much out of inspiration, as it was born out of the need to have a ‘place’ where all the characters were capable, in some way or other, to move in and out of it. Writers establish rules for their imaginary worlds. The World Beyond was not the right location for the action that was called for in The House of Shi because not all the characters would be able to enter or leave it. Also, with the second book, I realized I have two stories running parallel to each other, so that required that I structured the story differently from the first book. I created the Land of Eternal Dusk as the place where the living, the supernatural beings, the deities, and the lost souls could exist and/or interact. It is sort of a no man’s land. Since it is an in-between realm, I imagined it to be a gloomy place, caught in a permanent twilight. Also, things didn’t always work logically there. It is a place that could exist in a dream.
On the other hand, the huaca, the remains of the ancient temple where most of the action occurs for Anna’s story, is inspired by a huaca that is nearby the school I attended when I was growing up in Peru. The huaca of my imagination is in a more dilapidated state and for the purpose of the story, it belongs to the Mochica people, a civilization that never reached Lima. The real huaca, on the other hand, belonged to the Ichma and the Inca people. So, I hope I will be forgiven for the artistic license I’m taking in that respect in my books.
Was there anything from your life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Anna is the character I connect with the most. I would like to say that she’s the better person I wish to become. For example, she’s determined and unafraid to step into unexpected situations while I tend to overthink things. When I was working on the first book, I didn’t want Anna to be the absent or clueless parent we sometimes find in children and YA books. And I didn’t want her to be relegated to the background either. I wanted her, the adult in the story, to have an adventure too. She’s the only character that sprung up of my imagination armed with a mission and on a mission. Her story gave me a chance to utilize some of my school memories. The school in the books is inspired by my high school in Peru. Anna’s romance is not something that happened to me, but who hasn’t had a crush on a classmate when we were her age? I tried to infuse Victor and Anna’s relationship with the heady feeling of being in love at sixteen. Writing Anna’s back story for this book was a very enjoyable and fun experience for me.
What were some of the themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I don’t plan for a specific theme to explore when I start writing a book, but I do want my books to carry a positive message. I think themes find their way into the story as I write it out. I’m not sure how it happens, but I would like to believe that it is part of the process (and magic) of writing. The power of belief is one theme that became present in the book. I hope readers can identify with David’s mixed feelings about the creature that is part of him. We all have faced or will face self-doubts. Belief in yourself and in your ability to rise above your circumstances is the first step toward change. However, belief alone will not get you to your goal. You have to take action. In The House of Shi, David realizes his amaru powers, but not before he has worked through some challenges. Acceptance is also a universal theme. We all look for approval and try to live up to other people’s expectations. In the book, Victor is caught between his aspirations to become a musician and his father’s inability to accept him for who he is and wants to be. Another theme that ‘sneaked in’ the first book, but I hope it will extend to all three books, is love. Mother’s love appears in the first book. First love is a theme in the second one. And for the third book—well, we’ll have to wait and see.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for David and the direction of the third book?
I’m not sure if you’ll believe me, but I’m as curious about the third book as you are. I know some writers can plan every scene in their future books. I’ve never been able to do that. I’m not a planner. When it comes to writing, I’m just flying by the seats of my pants. That doesn’t mean that I’m improvising all the way. I do start with some ideas about my characters and the plot. I brainstorm possibilities for the stories. I always do research. I learn as much as I can about the topics I think I’m going to need for the book. While researching, I pick up bits and pieces of information and ideas that might serve the plot. It’s only when I sit down and I’m writing the story that those pieces will come together and fall into place. Right now, I’m trying to figure out who Natalia is as Esqha. Once I get to the answer, I’ll know what David’s mission is going to be in this book. For Anna, it is going to be about rescuing Henry, but along the way, she’ll have to question her own feelings for him since Rojas claimed (in the first book) that she has been bewitched by her husband. My intent for the third book is to tie all the loose ends as neatly as I can, and to provide a satisfying ending to the trilogy.
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When David Luke learns he has the power to become a dragon, he embarks on a perilous quest to unlock his true potential in the Land of Eternal Dusk.
In an effort to save Natalia, an unexpected visitor to his grandfather’s house, 12-year-old David Luke is thrown into a fantastic world that lies between the worlds of the living and of the dead: the Land of Eternal Dusk. As he and Natalia cross the vast plain in the Land of Eternal Dusk, they must fight their way to the House of Shi, the abode of the Moon goddess, where David might, just might, unlock the ancient secret of becoming the amaru, the legendary Peruvian dragon.
As David battles to harness his newfound abilities, his mother, Anna, is in hot pursuit of a thief who had stolen a jewel with mysterious powers. Powers, she hopes, would allow her to cross into the World Beyond to reach the amaru still imprisoned there; the one whom she hopes could be her missing husband.
Join David on his epic adventure through the Land of Eternal Dusk. Get your copy today and unveil ancient secrets, face mythical creatures, and discover if he has what it takes to become the amaru.
The House of Shi (The World Beyond Trilogy Book 2)
The House of Shi, by Amai S. Li, is a captivating fantasy novel that plunges readers into a world of mystery, mythology, and magic. The story follows 12-year-old David Luke, who, after a chance encounter, is swept into the Land of Eternal Dusk, a strange, shadowy realm between worlds. Here, David embarks on a perilous quest to rescue Natalia, an unexpected ally, while uncovering his true identity as the Amaru, a powerful Peruvian dragon. Alongside him, his mother, Anna, is on a desperate mission to recover a stolen jewel that could reunite their family and lead her to her lost husband. As their separate journeys intertwine, both face a race against time and fate, leaving readers on edge with one burning question: Can David unlock his hidden power before it’s too late?
This novel is an immersive experience, rich in mythical landscapes and layered with intriguing, interconnected stories. One of the book’s standout features is its short, action-driven chapters, which give the narrative a fast-paced momentum that keeps readers hooked. Despite their brevity, these chapters pack in intense moments that deepen the plot, pushing it forward without sacrificing substance. The alternating perspectives of David’s adventure and his mother’s quest add a seamless flow to the story, allowing readers to navigate two parallel narratives without feeling lost. This structure enhances the plot, offering varied perspectives and emotionally grounding both characters’ struggles.
Amai S. Li’s use of multiple languages throughout the novel is particularly clever, inviting readers to think critically as they move through the story. This multilingual approach, along with the cultural references woven into the narrative, not only educates but also enriches the fantastical world. By blending authentic cultural elements with the magical, the novel strikes a balance that makes the fantasy feel grounded in reality, anchoring readers in a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The subtle humor, sprinkled in, especially through the lens of a 12-year-old protagonist, provides levity amidst the darker themes, making the book accessible to younger readers while still delivering layers of complexity for a more mature audience.
Where the book truly excels is in its fusion of mystery and fantasy, with twists and turns that constantly surprise the reader. The narrative unfolds with new layers of intrigue, keeping readers engaged as the plot deepens. The historical and cultural context that underpins the fantasy elements elevates the story, making it more than just a magical escape. It touches on universal themes of heritage, self-discovery, and the power of belief, grounding the fantasy in real-world significance. The final chapter is a masterclass in suspense, leaving readers with just enough unanswered questions to eagerly anticipate the next installment in David’s journey.
The House of Shi offers a brilliantly crafted blend of action, mystery, and fantasy, all backed by strong technical execution. The short chapters, multicultural depth, and well-structured narrative make it a highly engaging read for both younger and older audiences. For fans of fantasy rooted in cultural richness and storytelling that keeps you guessing, this book—and its forthcoming sequel—promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking adventure well worth your time.
Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0D5W5LCK4
Daughter of Light and Dark
Daughter of Light and Dark, set in the fantastical kingdom of Rafah, is a compelling YA fantasy novel by author Ahlam Faris. The book introduces readers to Mina, a young woman with the rare ability to see Jinn without the aid of a ring. Protected by her mother, who guards this secret fiercely, Mina’s life takes a tragic turn when a devastating fire leaves her orphaned. Years later, accompanied by the enigmatic Jinn Lord of Chains, Ashrush, Mina returns to her childhood home in search of a stolen artifact belonging to her mother. This quest not only reveals the truth of her origins but also sets her on a path to save the Rafah Kingdom.
Mina’s journey of self-discovery unfolds against a backdrop of magical beings, including the Jinn and Ifrits, in a world on the brink of collapse. As the Veil that separates the realms begins to tear, Mina emerges as the potential savior of her kingdom. Faris crafts a richly detailed world filled with intricate lore and a plot that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The story is successful in its world-building and offers a tantalizing hint of romance amidst the action. The characters that populate Mina’s world add depth to her development, particularly the mysterious Ashrush, her childhood friend Saif, and the noble Prince Zyed. Despite the mounting tension and violence from the fanatical rebel group, the Nonbelievers, these characters bring moments of levity to the story. I would love to have seen an expansion of the history of the fascinating Jinn and their descent into the human realm.
Daughter of Light and Dark is a promising debut with its engaging plot and richly imagined world, it is a worthy addition to the young adult fantasy genre, and Ahlam Faris is an author to add to any fantasy fan’s must-read list.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0D2S1LGQF
The Lost Siren
The Lost Siren by Hermione Lee starts out with one of the most beautiful settings I have read in a book so far! Aquila is a young, beautiful, and enchanting Siren of the sea. Unfortunately, she wakes up on an iceberg alone, scared, and without a memory of her past. She’s bruised and cut up but finds her way to an island, where she is rescued by a young sorcerer named Everard.
Everard and Aquila fall in love with each other quickly. He takes care of her and answers any questions she has. He doesn’t like it when she has questions about the palace or the royal family. Everard, however, is not the knight in shining armor we all thought at first. He hurts and abandons Aquila, and she is rescued by a handsome king. Aquila quickly falls in love with the king’s kind spirit, but as she starts to regain her memory of her past, she isn’t proud of who she used to be. Finally, war comes to the palace, and Aquila must write all her wrongs to end the war.
I really did enjoy the creative aspect of the book. The world that was created by the author was unique and painted a good picture in my mind. It was well written with great detail. I loved the characters and their development throughout the story. I enjoyed reading about the magical powers they had in this world. An island full of magic creates such a beautiful picture. What I didn’t like about the book was how the relationships developed when it came to love; there was no build-up. I like falling in love with the characters; in this case, readers are not given much to build on.
The Lost Siren is a captivating teen and young adult novel with elements of romance. While there is a love interest, the story focuses on how Aquila deals with her emotions and the realization of who she is. It is perfect for teen girls struggling with who they are and want fantasy novels that focus on more than battles and wizards.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0BGPV6LWN
Friendships, Companionship, and Rivalries
The Conclave is a fantasy novel in the world of Arvelas and begins with a worry amidst the protectors of the realm who have recently chased away a threat to their city. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Arvelas is a place I’ve been traveling to since my early teenage years. I created this world after a good friend introduced me to the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, where you have one host presenting the adventure and several players acting out the characters.
We initially played using adventure sets, which provided all the information about the characters and events of the game, as well as the locations where everything took place, often with maps. I quickly decided to create my own world, called it Arvelas and started hosting gaming sessions. With a world of my own, I was suddenly not limited to the content that was provided. I could create an infinite number of original adventures.
Over the years, Arvelas changed based on my preferences as well as those of the players. I continuously updated the rules, and added new villages and cities, mysterious and magical places, or new characters, all based on our favorite books, movies, or video games. These changes molded Arvelas into the universe it is today.
I believe it is one of the players who suggested I write stories to expand on the game. After all, as the host of most of our games over the years, I was doing exactly that: creating stories. Because I know the world so well and because I love it so much, it was an easy transition.
The first story I published was a short story titled ‘Zanathu‘. It is available for free download on my website. ‘The Conclave’ came next.
Your characters are intriguing and well developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
One of the biggest challenges I encountered while writing ‘The Conclave’ was its large cast of characters. The story is fairly short and I was worried that readers wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. For that reason, I spent a significant amount of time debating which characters to include and how best to introduce them.
In the end, I decided to keep most of the initial characters, because the story required it. The idea of bringing them to the secret meeting one by one was inspired by the first part of the book ‘Hyperion’ by Dan Simmons. Simmons’s introduction is much more lengthy and he only has three characters, but I enjoyed meeting his protagonists one at a time and thought it could work for ‘The Conclave’.
It’s interesting to note that two of the main characters, Onthar and Argon, were in essence created by players during a campaign we played more than twenty years ago. It was important to me to stay true to their depiction of both characters and to respect the relationships they had built during the gaming sessions.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I didn’t set out with a theme in mind, but due to the format of the book—many characters sparing back and forth—relationships quickly came to the forefront. The book explores a wide variety of friendships, companionship, and rivalries, touching on the themes of loyalty, honesty, and trust, as well as the significance of love and forgiveness. Come to think of it, relationships and their intricacies are explored in my other books as well.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently finalizing the first installment in a massive epic fantasy series called The Lost Tyronian Archives. The first book is titled ‘The Stranger of Ul Darak’, and it’ll be available later this fall. The novella ‘The Burden of the Protector,’ which I published in 2016, is a prequel to the series.
I’m also in the preliminary phases of a project where readers will be able to directly participate and influence the development of a dark fantasy series. My goal is to involve them in early versions of each story, gather their feedback and adapt the final version based on the comments I collect. I call this initiative the Baneseeker Project (the series is titled ‘The Baneseeker Chronicles’) and I’m planning on kicking it off early in 2023.
Finally, I just completed a short story for an upcoming anthology around the theme of Winter. The story takes place in Arvelas and tells us about Zebu, one of its most powerful and renowned wizards. The anthology is titled ‘Winter Paths’ and will be available in the Fall.
The details of each of my stories or projects can be found on my website www.SCEston.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Warrior With Broken Wings
The Warrior With Broken Wings by Thorsten Brandl is a fantasy novel about Thomas Knight, a photographer who’s suffered much loss that has left him broken. During a trip to Japan, he happens upon a shrine where the monks give him a blade. As he goes to take a picture with a camera his cousin bequeathed him at his passing Thomas finds himself transported into a world on the brink of destruction. Here he learns there is a prophecy that a hero would come to save them, and it’s believed he’s that very soul. With his newfound friends, and his magical blade they embark on a quest to find a way to save the last city of the realm from falling into evil forces.
This book has some great world-building, it’s a beautiful place with some rich history. There are great characters to fill it like Phoenix the talking cat who comes armed with sass, Ylja the tough captain of the guard, and Sæla her brother who is hung up on 80’s pop culture. There’s great humor, which I always appreciate in a book, Sæla had me grinning. We see the scary side of corporations when they have too much power. It makes for a great unorthodox villain unit in a fantasy setting. There’s also some great use of time travel.
The book does not start out with a description of the main character so readers will get to know his personality before finding out his appearance. I would have liked it made clear from when we learn Ylja was the king’s daughter that Sæla is her brother instead of figuring it out from an offhand comment. The character relationship building is slow, much like real people would interact. It can handle be expected that when someone transports to a new world they are instantly friends with people they encounter. This gave the writing an authentic feel as readers watch as they became great friends and bonded.
The Warrior With Broken Wings is a great work of fantasy, it has everything a good fantasy novel should have: talking animals, time travel, 80’s hits being blared from speakers during the big battle. If you’re seeking a unique fantasy this book is the one for you.
Pages: 363 | ASIN : B08LYCTLWB
The Conclave
The Conclave by S. C. Eston is a fantasy book based in the world of Arvelas. The book begins with a worry amidst the protectors of the realm who have recently chased away a considerable threat to their city. The city is rebuilding, and people think the worst is behind them. The Seeker, however, is not so sure about that. The air is chilling, and a feeling of dread continues to seep within his heart. Onthar, the Seeker, calls a meeting of all the Vanguards and important people in a secret place. The meeting is to plan the further course as well as to find out about the traitor amidst them.
Eston’s writing style is engaging and flows smoothly. The interest spikes as we get deeper into the story making it hard to put the book down. The flashbacks and episodic introductions are used to explain the city’s current situation. Most of the actions and events are discussed in retrospect. The oscillation between past and present is visible and keeps the reader’s interest.
Even while being vague, the author can arise the sense of dread and fear that plagues the characters. However, the description of characters is effective and prevents them from merging in the shadows. Each character has its own story, which is reflected in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book with a fast-paced narrative with multiple characters and viewpoints. The shift in narratives is clear and makes the reading experience enriching. The book ends on an ambiguous note with a promising sequel to this story. However, the threat hasn’t been obliterated even though the story comes to an end. It will be amusing to read more about the world of Arvelas and the realm of Tilia.
The Conclave is a captivating epic fantasy novel. Young adult and teen readers who want a fast-paced, action-filled adventure with powerful characters will find this novel hard to put down.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B07JMM42TR
LITERARY TITAN 