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Truly Unique Characters
Arisawe Hampton Author Interview
The Mage’s Tome is a genre-crossing novel with elements of a fantasy, romance, and paranormal as well. Did you start writing with this in mind, or did this happen organically as you were writing?
About ten years ago I became interested in possibly writing a fantasy novel of my own. After several years of planning the breadth of storylines and plot, and quite a few inspirational reads, a few truly unique characters literally popped into my head while I was on a camping trip with my friends. After that, I had no choice but to write my series.
The characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
It just happens that The Mage’s Tome, my debut novel, has quite a few quirky characters that grow during the span of the duology. They all hold a soft-spot in my heart, but I’m particularly fond of my main hero, Pyrus. He’s rather lovable. even though I’m sure he’d disagree.
I felt that the backstory of the world goes deeper than most fantasy novels. What was the inspiration for the world your characters inhabit?
I did spend a great deal of effort building out the world in The Cry of the Acere duology. On one hand, you get that medieval type of feel that is common in fantasy, but I also included some contemporary elements. The quest really takes place in a pre-industrial type fantasy world (think Wheel of Time), and my characters speak like they’re from our time-period. Our modern-day language and slang create some pretty funny situations for Pyrus. Oftentimes, saying something as simple as “what’s up?” brings about some very affable responses for him.
This is book one in the Cry of the Acere Duology. What can readers expect in book two?
In The Mage Attendant, I begin to reveal a lot more about the direction my characters are headed. Pyrus, certainly has a lot more opportunities for him to show off his self-deprecating, sarcastic sense of humor. It also has some exciting warring that takes place! My readers will also be pleased that it has a rather romantic and happy ending that they might not expect!
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![The Mage's Tome: Cry of the Acere Duology: Book I by [Hampton, Arisawe]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51H1cihHjTL.jpg)
The Acere have spoken; the tome must come to the mage.
Among the rubicund grasslands to the forests of Roan, a quest begins at the onset of royal betrayal. The fate of Roan rests on the hermit mage, Pyrus, who has singular powers but is loathe to help. Yet, the susurrus words of the ancient Gods have promised that he will be instrumental to their plans. Their entreaties show him the nature of their magic. He must first avow to create the soldier, and he must also protect the Lady.
Meanwhile, seething in the pit, the Hellion will soon emerge.
They all will be tested, yet it is Pyrus who holds the key to camaraderie and purpose.
The Mage’s Tome
Arisawe Hampton takes the reader into the fantastical land of Roan. A land with many modern and typical occurrences but a land so not typical! In the opening chapter we meet the somewhat reluctant hero of our tale, the hermit Pyrus. The gods have spoken, however, and he must enter a quest that will save the land of Roan. Along the way we are introduced to many interesting characters, the soldier with magically produced “amnesia”, Hazel the maid, the spoiled Lady, Leo the wolf-dog, and more!
This story is full of adventure, magic, fantasy, and even some romance! The author paints absolutely beautiful scenery with her words. I felt transported to the world of Roan. It is clear that this world is very detailed in her mind. She writes with passion and conviction for her story. Although there were times I wanted the story line to progress more rapidly, I loved how this book flowed. The story archs for these characters were connected very well.
Another part of the writing I enjoyed was the world that is created is part reality and part fantasy. For example, we see characters playing a game of poker, but we also see Pyrus communicating with animals. We see Pyrus the “therapist” and Pyrus the mage who can use spells for all sorts of fantastical things! I loved this juxtaposition of modernity with fantasy.
The word usage and descriptors are fun to read. I was truly transported into this world. She created realistic dialogue for her characters. There were a lot of scenes that I found humorous. Pyrus’s use of the Asher Zin as Hazel’s fiancé was hilarious. It had me thinking of the movie Overboard, where an amnesiac (although not spell induced!) is lead to believe she is married to someone she is not.
I recommend this book to lovers of epic fantasy fiction. The reader will immediately see that they are in good company because Hampton clearly has a passion for fantasy herself. There are moments of levity and moments of intensity that make this story very well-rounded. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series!
Pages: 327 | ASIN: B07FD743HD
LITERARY TITAN 