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A World of Magic and Medieval Weapons
The Missing (Raven, Romda, and Ravai) follows three battle-weary heroes who are given a mission to uncover what is happening to the people in a town where one-third of the residents have gone missing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My son came up with the bad guy in this book, and I turned it into a mystery of sorts because it made sense for this to be a cover-up. The person who does this is someone who would want to abduct people for a specific purpose. So, instead of a more action based story as I have done in the past, it works its way into a whodunit.
What was your inspiration for Raven, Romda, and Ravai’s relationship?
They are based on my son’s friendships. I wouldn’t say that they are a direct translation, but the uniqueness of individuals has always got my attention, and then I share it. To think about how normal people would navigate a world of magic and medieval weapons is highly interesting to me. The interplay between the three falls out of that. Plus, it allows for some good humorous moments as we have in our own lives.
What was one of the hardest parts in The Missing for you to write?
I don’t write mysteries where people get revealed at the end, but rather I have them found about two-thirds into the book, and then allow for a longer aftermath. So, I wasn’t quite sure when to do the reveal. I knew what I wanted to do post to that but didn’t want to rush it or make people feel like they have a long slog until the end of the book.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Thank you! I have been dropping small hints about the larger story arc that I want to tell. Within the next 3 books, that arc will ramp up considerably. I think people will be more comfortable with the characters and the settings such that they are ready for some serious danger coming.
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The Missing (Raven, Romda and Ravai Book 3)
In The Missing (Raven, Romda, and Ravai), Dave Maruszewski delivers a thrilling blend of mystery and horror that pulls you in from page one. The story follows Romda, Ravai, and Raven, seasoned heroes weary from battling a powerful lich, as they take on what seems like a straightforward assignment. But this is no ordinary missing persons case—one-third of an entire town has vanished. As they investigate the mysterious town of Ashton, with its unassuming residents and eerie undertones, they discover dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.
Maruszewski has crafted a fun, fast-paced adventure that’s hard to put down. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat; it’s one of those stories that you breeze through in a single day, eager to unravel the mystery. The world-building is remarkable, rich in detail, and fully immersive. Ashton, although one of the oldest towns in the kingdom, feels both strange and familiar, with a multi-dimensional atmosphere grounded in reality. What stands out most is how well Maruszewski merges horror with mystery. The writing is clear, modern, and easy to read, making it accessible to a broad audience. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is the banter and rapport between the main characters. Raven, Romda, and Ravai play off each other with humor and camaraderie, and Maruszewski’s dialogue captures their dynamic beautifully. Ravai’s carefree approach adds a bit of lightness, as shown in scenes where he’s more interested in eating or teasing Raven than focusing on their mission. These lighter moments make the story engaging, giving you a reason to root for each of them, even as things get dark. Despite the daunting task, their interactions kept me hooked.
The Missing delivers a beautifully constructed world and a compelling mystery that’s engaging from start to finish. Maruszewski’s storytelling shines, making it an exciting and satisfying read. For anyone looking for an adventure that blends intrigue with a touch of darkness, this book is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended!
Pages: 94 | ASIN : B0DGV6DZV6
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