King by R.J. Larson
Fantasy Meets the Old Testament in a Novel That Will Reach Readers of All Ages.
Against his wishes and desires, Akabe of Siphra has been chosen by his people to be King. But what does a warrior know of ruling during peacetime? Guided by the Infinite, Akabe seeks to rebuild the Temple in the city of Munra to give the sacred books of Parne a home. But dangerous factions are forming in the background. To gain the land he needs, Akabe must forsake the yearnings of his heart and instead align himself through marriage to the Thaenfall family.
Meanwhile, Kien Lantec and Ela Roeh are drawn still closer together…while becoming pawns in a quest to gain power over the region. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies and murderous plots, each must seek the Infinite to guide them through an ever more tangled web of intrigue and danger.
Author R. J. Larson
R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women’s Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman’s Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.
*Is this your first book or have you published before?
King is book three of a series–Books of the Infinite–which began with Ela's story in Prophet, then followed up with Kien's story in Judge, and now ends with Akabe's story in King. Reviewers have called King “Almost standalone” so if readers pick it up at random and start reading, they won't be lost because they've missed backstory.
*Are you working on anything else?
I'm currently waiting for official decisions regarding future books. Meanwhile, I'm having fun writing a spin-off of the Books of the Infinite series. Just in case!
*Do you have any advice for authors wanting to publish?
Whether authors publish through an indie press or the traditional route, several things apply:
~~Practice patience with your writing and with the publishing process. Polish your prose! If you're an indie publisher, be sure your work shines before you offer it to the reading public. Often, you'll have only one chance to woo and win a reader. Typos, weak plots and ideas, and unlikeable characters must be dealt with before critics read your stories. Almost everything else is subjective. But you want to do everything within your power to bring readers to your side and to keep them coming back for sequels.
~~Editors are your friends. Seriously. This applies to indie authors and traditional authors as well. Editors want your work to shine for readers. They want readers to pick up your beautifully crafted story and be unable to put it down. YOU want readers to pick up your beautifully crafted story and be unable to put it down! Get thee an editor and heed his or her advice, particularly if it's repeated several times.
~~Keep the day job. Even bestselling authors hold down day jobs. If you're able to retire and write, then blessings and hurray! However, most authors need extra income. I've written devotionals that have been read by millions, yet my pay for those devotionals was…six copies of the book. It's true. However, those devotionals added punch to my resume and furthered my path to publication.
*What is your favorite writing snack?
Potato chips! And chocolate. Chocolate-covered potato chips might be an option for the future. 😀
*What gets you in the mood to write?Â
I often listen to soundtracks and instrumentals or worship songs. I have some beautiful Celtic inspirational music! I also love a soundtrack inspired by Lord of the Rings. Usually, I'll listen to the music for an hour or two, then turn it off as I'm drawn into action scenes.
*Who is your favorite character and why?
In my series? I don't have a fave, I promise. That would be like deciding on favorites between my own kids. Cannot be done!
However, the most mentioned character–and the most often depicted in fan art is the monster warhorse–a big, grumpy black beast who is ever-hungry, and utterly devoted to his masters. By the way, the monster's name is… Pet.
*Favorite book of all time?
My Children's Picture Bible, given to me and my brothers when I was eight. I picked it up and fell in love. My brothers never had a chance to read it unless they secretly stole it from me. Beyond that, I loved fairy tales, myths and legends, and historical biographies.
*What made you want to write this book?
King was inspired by a character who showed up in the last few chapters of Prophet, volume one of the Books of the Infinite series.
Akabe was a mysterious hunter-revolutionary, and I realized he was perfect for a lead role as the Infinite's anointed King of Siphra.
*Breakfast says a lot about a person, what is your perfect
breakfast? *
I must be very confused, because I'll eat anything and everything for breakfast. Particularly leftovers. I'm fond of breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Does that help? What's your verdict?
*Do you have a favorite period of time that you like to write about or
would like to live? *
I love writing about ancient civilizations, and the fantasy genre plays right into my past research. I'd love to spend a day in Eden, or Biblical lands such as Egypt, Israel, and Sheba. However, I wouldn't want to live in any of those places forever–I'm too fond of modern conveniences.
*Please tell us in one sentence why we should read your book! *
Because, “Larson makes the fantasy genre thrilling even for readers who wouldn't normally venture into mystical realms….” –Booklist
Is that okay for a one-liner?
It just sounds better coming from an outside source.
Giveaway Details
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/23/13
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