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Worth and Hope
In Excalibur’s Pendragon, readers follow a young boy battling with grief and depression as he tries desperately to fit into his newly discovered role as a Pendragon. What inspired you to write this novel?
In my life, I’ve seen how people feel powerless or even worthless because they may struggle with depression or grief. I care about helping them find hope while they learn to handle these emotions, and I believe that reading or telling stories is a great way to accomplish this. In the end, Ryan Walker’s purpose is to show readers that they have worth and hope while they are going through hard times, and if I can take Ryan on a journey that demonstrates the strength he has in his weaknesses, maybe I can help readers to have the mentality to do the same.
I find that while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
I can definitely relate to this. When I write, many of my characters have a special purpose or theme I like to explore even when I don’t immediately have an answer. Sometimes, when the paths and personalities of my characters develop in my mind, or when I am putting my words to paper, I find that they end up teaching me something I hadn’t considered before.
Asking questions is a great way to develop a story. Some of my idea-generating questions include “How do the characters impact their world and vice versa?” or “What theme can I explore through the contrast between different characters?” or “How can I use my story to deliver a message even if it’s not said directly?” or “Will this person’s small choices cause a big impact over a long course of time?”
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
For some reason that is a hard one for me to answer. I have a lot of fast-paced scenes in my book, but I also have moments when protagonists and antagonists take time to contemplate their situation. I like to explore the minds of my characters just as much as I like to see them perform their major plot points. For Excalibur’s Pendragon, I’d say the last few chapters are my favorite because there are a lot of retrospective discussions that lead to a highly anticipated decision, which serves as the delivery of my book’s primary message.
Can you give us a glimpse into Book 2 and where it will take readers?
Book 2 will feature a deeper dive into the magic world of Annwn, the primary setting for The Aethervard Legacy Series. I spent most of Book 1 preparing the characters and readers for this world. Now I am showing how the magic system works and how its practice greatly impacts Annwn for good and bad. I am also excited to explore the conflict between the protagonists and their challenges. Overall, expect a lot more world-building and even more character development.
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What empowers a legend? What turned a lowly boy into a warrior king? Who says that a new legend can’t be produced in the modern day?
How could a high school boy like Ryan Walker come to know or care about such things when his soul is broken? Even with the support of his father and friends, he lacks the fortitude to face his inner conflict, a struggle that has worn down his spirit for nearly a year. In Ryan’s eyes, the way forward is impossible.
But this pain doesn’t spare the troubled boy from the magic trials that await him. Somehow, he is burdened with powers too great for any human to handle, abilities that make him the target of ferocious demons that seek to taste his blood. Try as he might to escape this, Ryan is pulled toward an ancient legacy built upon the sentient sword Excalibur and its servants known as the Pendragons. The more he learns of this legacy, the more he is surrounded by mystic powers, a secret organization, characters from Arthurian lore, and enemies from the enchanted realm of Annwn.
These extraordinary forces push Ryan to his breaking point, but there is one more challenge that is harder than the rest. Some people are not who they seem, and their secrets could prove harmful when brought to light. This revelation could blow Ryan off course at a time when one deviation can cost him everything.
Regardless of the outcome, whatever path is placed before Ryan by the godlike sentinels of Annwn, what good can he do when he is so eager to reject his calling? How can he become a Chosen One when he feels robbed of the right to choose otherwise? Furthermore, in the event that he is offered that choice, what could possibly dissuade him from taking the way out?
Discover the answers to these questions and more in the first installment of The Aethervard Legacy! Named a winner in the Summer 2023 PenCraft Awards, this book will transport you into a world filled with action, fantasy, and an invitation to discover the powers of enduring faith and redemptive love.
Excalibur’s Pendragon
In Excalibur’s Pendragon, Parker C. Wilson introduces us to Ryan Walker, a teenager grappling with the aftermath of his mother’s untimely death and the ensuing depression. His quest for normalcy is derailed when he learns of his identity as the latest Pendragon, a direct descendant of the legendary King Arthur. The novel skillfully navigates Ryan’s journey as he balances the harsh realities of his newfound role with the challenges of adolescence.
Wilson’s foray into the realm of high fantasy with this novel is a notable addition to the extensive collection of works inspired by Arthurian legend. Despite the challenge of innovating within such a well-trodden theme, Wilson manages to blend familiar elements with unique twists, creating a narrative distinct from its predecessors. Ryan, initially depicted as an average teenager, finds himself thrust into a world of destiny and conflict, a journey he is reluctant to embrace. The novel playfully acknowledges its adherence to certain genre tropes, yet it confidently steps into uncharted territories, maintaining the reader’s engagement with its inventive plot twists.
The core of Excalibur’s Pendragon lies in its exploration of destiny and the often-limited control we have over our own paths. The story’s approach to this theme is fresh, rendering Ryan and the other characters as relatable and well-rounded. The narrative logic is consistent and well-structured within the book’s universe. Wilson’s narrative prowess shines particularly in the action-packed sequences, which escalate in intensity and stakes, revealing surprising alliances and betrayals. This dynamic storytelling ensures that the book remains a compelling read, particularly as it approaches its climax. The conclusion, while not a cliffhanger, leaves ample room for future exploration, inviting readers to anticipate further developments in this captivating narrative.
Excalibur’s Pendragon stands out as a creative and thrilling interpretation of Arthurian legend, blending the familiar with the innovative to craft a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Wilson’s novel is a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre and the potential for new stories to emerge from its rich tapestry–highly recommended.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0BFNCH9KY
LITERARY TITAN 