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The Tale of Sir Valiant and Earl Vladimoor follows a brave knight who meets a beautiful maiden, leading them on a dangerous collision course with the Dark Earl and a battle between good and evil. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The first and only true inspiration was my partner Cathy, at the time of the original writing. I had always wanted to write a story of this nature, of a steadfast knight who braves all obstacles, evil villains and dragons alike, to rescue the fair maiden, whisking her safely away to his castle far, far away. Cathy had always been touched by my writing, and asked me to put this whole story into words, after seeing the first few paragraphs. Though our relationship did not endure, the desire to finish this story always remained.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
Apart from Cathy, much of this inspiration comes from my own classical and historical education. I have always been fascinated by both the myths and legends of antiquity, the Greeks and the Romans, the underworld, fantastical tales of knights, dragons and the chivalry of the medieval period. Further inspiration came about through the writing and rewriting of the story, the determination to create a better and more engaging tale over the years, enhanced even more by the many thoughtful and helpful suggestions of my editor through the editing processes.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
In developing these characters, first and foremost, I strove to imbue them with both admirable, but most importantly believable moral, or in the case of the villain, immoral qualities.
Those characters in the former category, while moral and virtuous to the extent that they could be in their present circumstances, honest, caring, dependable and trustworthy, were also infused to some degree with certain character flaws and shortcomings, self-doubt and self-worth as examples, that at times created an internal struggle for them in their own development.
Those characters in the latter category were likewise imbued with wholly despicable characteristics, of cruelty, selfishness, arrogance and greed, and a complete disregard for the safety or well-being of others, those who in the end held no hope of salvation. These would be such character traits that would create and almost immediate dislike amongst readers, while simultaneously necessitating the need for an ultimate triumph of good over evil.
These characters too, the good ones, at least are in part based on real life people, Cathy and myself.
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?
Interestingly enough I had never intended to write any sort of sequel for this story, but as luck and good fortune, and inspiration would have it, I found myself very quickly through the editing process of this book sitting down and writing a follow up to this original text. Looking at the story ever closely I could see many new potential directions in which this tale could continue. At present, the draft for the next book is well underway, but with no clear definitive ending yet in sight. Depending how I choose to complete this new text, I may be able to set this up for a potential third installment.
I anticipate a second publication by the end of next year, as I do have another manuscript in the works, ready to go for later this year. I started writing it at about the same time I began this original text.
At this point all I can really say is that the fight between these two main characters is not over. The evil Vladimoor is far from remaining confined, restless in the depths of the murky underworld.
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Vladimoor, obsessed with this young maiden, will stop at nothing to possess the beautiful Catherine. Thwarted time and again, Sir Valiant and Earl Vladimoor face each other once more in a final epic battle.
Only one will walk away.
The Tale Of Sir Valiant and Earl Vladimoor
William J. Birrell’s The Tale of Sir Valiant and Earl Vladimoor is an epic clash of good versus evil wrapped in a sweeping medieval fantasy. The novel follows Sir Valiant, a noble knight devoted to protecting his kingdom and his beloved Catherine from the cruel and ruthless Earl Vladimoor. Throughout the story, Sir Valiant faces not only external threats, ferocious dragons, treacherous landscapes, and relentless enemies but also his own inner struggles of duty, love, and sacrifice. The story is steeped in the grandeur of classic heroism, with vividly detailed battles, a strong romantic undercurrent, and a rich medieval setting that pulls the reader into its world.
From the first page, the book grabs hold with its intense, immersive descriptions. The opening battle between Sir Valiant and the dragon Prometheus is cinematic, filled with scorching fire, clashing steel, and a knight’s sheer determination to survive. The way Birrell describes the oppressive heat, the putrid stench of the dragon’s breath, and the weight of the knight’s armor make it feel like you’re right there in the thick of it. The prose is energetic and dramatic, sometimes bordering on overindulgent, but that’s part of its charm. It reads like a legend passed down through generations, with every detail heightened for effect. Some passages can be a bit lengthy, especially when describing settings or Sir Valiant’s thoughts, but if you love rich world-building, it’s a treat.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the emotional depth of Sir Valiant’s character. His devotion to Catherine is unwavering, and the way he treasures the embroidered cloth she gave him adds a touching personal stake to his battles. A particularly moving scene is when he recalls watching Catherine dance for the first time in the village square, her silver-white gown flowing with the music. This moment, alongside his vow to protect her at any cost, gives weight to his every decision. However, while the romance is beautifully woven into the plot, I occasionally wished Catherine had more agency in the story rather than being primarily a symbol of Valiant’s honor and purpose. Still, their connection is heartfelt and powerful, making his quest feel all the more urgent.
The villain, Earl Vladimoor, is a formidable and thoroughly despicable antagonist. He is the embodiment of darkness, cruelty, and revenge, always lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. His siege on Summerton and the kidnapping of Catherine and other young women adds a harrowing level of stakes to the story. The devastation he leaves in his wake is palpable burning villages, terrorized people, and a looming sense of dread. While he’s a classic evil-for-the-sake-of-evil villain, it works well within the grand, mythical tone of the novel.
The Tale of Sir Valiant and Earl Vladimoor is a gripping, old-school adventure with heart, high-stakes battles, and a noble hero worth rooting for. If you love medieval epics, knights in shining armor, and grand quests filled with danger and romance, this book is for you. Fans of The Lord of the Rings or The Once and Future King will likely appreciate its classic, mythic tone. While it occasionally leans into overly elaborate descriptions and predictable heroism, that’s also part of its appeal—it’s a story that revels in its own legend. A thrilling, heartfelt read that will leave you eager for more of Sir Valiant’s adventures.
Pages: 224 | ASIN : B0DR5S1CCG
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