Firelords Crown

A fantastic story from a great author

Some time ago I joined a website called Authonomy where I discovered a great many unpublished authors put all or part of their books on display asking for comments, suggestions, and criticisms so that they could improve their work. I quickly found there were some really good authors on the site and some really great books. One of

the first I found was called Firelords Crown by a chap called Jim Darcy. Later I discovered that Jim Darcy was a pen name and that his real name is Dee Harrison. Dee recently published the first two books in his Firelord series and when I discovered this I immediately asked Dee if we could do a written interview so I could share information about these exciting books. He agreed and the interview follows: 1. Dee, could you tell the readers a little about yourself, your background, etc.? Well, I was born and raised in Nottingham, UK, which is famous for its connection to the legend of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. As kids my sisters and I would often go to Nottingham Castle or Sherwood Forest with our grandmother and explore the dark, spooky tunnels under the city. I was also lucky enough to go to a school that was once a cliff-top medieval manor house complete with ghosts. Surrounded by all these myths and legends its little wonder I got interested in history and in reading all about them. I ended up studying History at Nottingham University. At the same time I discovered Science Fiction and Fantasy books and I couldnt read enough. I think I blew most of my student money on books. After a while, when I had gone through everything available in several local libraries and book shops, I started writing my own stories. For the day job I am a specialist teacher and assessor. I cant imagine what life must be like without books or writing so I endeavour to unlock the barriers that prevent others from enjoying them too. Im based at a local Further Education college and it can be very rewarding when students realize that they can actually achieve a good standard of literacy. Im also married, with three children and, currently, five grandchildren. My family is quite supportive of my writing and Ive managed to work them into my books as different characters. I also have three dogs and they are great at keeping me entertained.

2. Firelords Crown is set on Riom, a world and a time quite different from todays earth. Could you tell us a little about that world? The Firelords Crown is not set in a single historical period or culture comparable to our earth. There are, of necessity, recognizable traits that enable the reader to visualize whats going on. The medieval flavour is strong in Dinith but it is not a medieval world. The people were once much more advanced in terms of their worlds technology, their magic, but have lost much of their former knowledge. Riom is a world in slow decline. Magic is part of their experience and I envisaged it as their ability to manipulate the natural energy flows of their world produced by the underlying crystal layers within the planet. Riom also has more than one moon and, although many of the plants and animals seem similar to their earth-based counterparts, many are unfamiliar. It is part of the plot that, through Falaths eyes, we move from things we are familiar with to the strange and exotic. 3. Your main character, Airen, finds himself is a strange land and a difficult situation. Could you tell us about Airen and how he ended up in Dinith a place quite different from the part of Rion he is familiar with? Airen is the stranger in a strange land. He is part of the expedition dispatched by Guild Master Tamilin to search for the lost segment of the Crown in the unknown north. He, alone, survives the attempt to cross the mountains, however, and is struggling to come to terms with what has happened to him and where he is. He is used to magic but here, not only is it forbidden, but it does not work right. He feels somewhat superior to the people he meets but also inadequate to fulfill the mission. He is desperate to return home but determined to find the piece of Crown. 4. Falath, is an interesting character. Please tell us about him and his relationship with Airen?

Falath is the kings younger son, brought up in the shadow of his brilliant and revered older brother. When Anser dies Falath unexpectedly comes to the fore as the kings heir. It is not a role he was prepared for and one he actually quite resents. Because of this he has a tendency to over-compensate. He is, however, quite assured about himself as one of the Talorian race, the descendants of the Lost Ship. When we first encounter him we find him at a cusp in his life with some difficult decisions to make. Falath and Airen meet unexpectedly, with Falaths kinsman, Rollo, the catalyst (as he often is) to their encounter. Initially, Falath is ambivalent towards Airen. The healer is symbolic of all that Falath is afraid of. Gradually, however, as circumstances throw them together and they are forced to work in concert, a bond develops between them. Airen becomes Falaths teacher but Falath becomes Airens source of strength and hope. 5. To be effective this kind of adventure story requires a beautiful and interesting female character to spark the interest of and motivate the male heroes. Do you have such a character in your story? And if so please tell us about her? There are several strong female characters but the leading lady, the romantic interest, is Lady Maristan, Countess of Glowerdale. Daughter of a heretic count burned for his beliefs, she has resigned herself to a secluded life where she can mother her orphaned page and practice her magic away from hostile eyes. When Falath, Airen and Rollo enter her hidden valley Maristan is thrust into the political maelstrom of civil war. Her head tells her to turn them in for the substantial reward but she is attracted to Rollo and decides to aid them. She is a competent, self-sufficient, intelligent woman who lacks the vacillation and uncertainty of the other characters because she is comfortable with who she is. Her story is entwined within the main narrative of the Firelords Legacy series. 6. And of course every great book requires a great bad guy. Who is the bad guy in your book and what made him or her bad?

The chief adversary in Firelords Crown is Malglint, Earl of Keldheim. He is a Dinithian, descended from the lands original inhabitants and utterly opposed to Talorian rule. He is a sociopath and has found his niche as the rebel dukes chief assassin. He is skilled, intelligent and feared for his ruthlessness. His prime motivation in Firelords Crown is to hurt and humiliate Rollo with whom he was once a close friend. 7. The title of your book suggests that there is a crown of some kind that is very important. Please tell us about the Firelords Crown and why it is important? The Firelords Crown is a jeweled circlet that was formerly worn by Raethwin, known as the Red Witch on account of her red hair, the greatest sorceress of her era. She used it in her battle with Maegror, a dark magicweaver, who was also her husband. Two thousand years before the action in Firelords Crown takes place, Raethwin and Maegror both perish in a clash of powers that fractures the crystal layers and initiates a doomsday scenario. Tamilins visions show him that only someone wielding the Firelords Crown will have a chance of reversing the damage. Theres just one problem. Raethwin sent her six closest companions away before her last battle and gave each of them part of the physical crown as a keepsake. Five made it to safety, the sixth ship disappeared. This is the piece Airen seeks. However, a crown also refers to a group of six people and their circle of powers so Firelords Legacy series is as much about finding the six people as the actual crown. 8. Ok Jim, thats probably enough about the book itself. We certainly dont want to spoil the story for readers by giving away too much in advance. So, could you tell us why you chose to write this kind of story? Ive always loved these kind of stories so it was natural to use my historical background to forge my own myths and legends.

9. How did you come up with the ideas for the personalities and motivations of the various characters in the book? Are any of your characters based on people you know? Some of the characters are based on some aspects of people I know. I think to myself, how would so-and-so react in this situation? and see if it fits. Real people do not always act in stereotypical ways so Ive tried to make my characters more rounded, more 3-D, by giving them quirks and the occasional unexpected response. I find that working in a large college provides examples of very many different characters which I can dip into when needed. In terms of motivations, I refer to history a lot and what inspired, or otherwise, different historical personalities; whats going on in the news; and the underlying psychological and sub-conscious forces that drive us all. Plus a twist. I like to add a twist. 10. In creating a new world for your story do you actually draw a map of the world in advance so you can paint a clear picture of what it is like as you write the story? I love maps, I always have. They fascinate me with their promise of learning and understanding new things. I do have maps of the lands in my stories. I like to know where things are in relation to others so I can say with confidence that place A was so far away from Place B to the south and took so many days to get there. I am a firm believer than we are influenced by the landscapes we inhabit so its important to me to get this aspect right for my characters. Once I figure out how to do it I plan to upload the relevant maps into my books. 11. Are there any books or authors you rely on for inspiration in your own work? One of the original inspirations for my work was Michael Moorcock. Ive told the story before of how, as a teenager, I went on holiday with my best friend and her family and it rained the whole week. I was reduced to buying books from the campsite shop and came across

The Sleeping Sorceress by Moorcock. I was blown away by it and Elric has been a favourite ever since. I dont suppose therere many fantasy writers who havent read The Lord of the Rings. I was certainly impressed by it, even if I did (and do) skip some of the more wordy descriptive passages. It was the whole, epic, world-building on a a grand scale that Tolkien demonstrated that I loved. I even spent time translating the runes on the inside flaps! 12. I understand that Firelords Crown is available on Amazon and that the next story in the saga, Firelords Heir is available there as well. Are these books available anywhere else, or only on Amazon? Currently they are only available on Amazon kindle, although you can read them on other devices too if you know how to transfer files. There is a paperback version of book 1 out now for those who prefer real books. If there was sufficient demand I would happily make the books available on other platforms. 13. Do you have a webpage or any other social media where a fan can keep track of you and learn about any new books you write? And along this line is Firelords Heir the last book in the series or can we expect further adventures with the same characters? My website is www.fantayswriter.co.uk and there is a Facebook Firelords Crown page too. News of my books can be found on my website, along with other things, like short stories not available elsewhere. One of my stories is featured in the anthology Fusion by Breakwater Harbor Books (also available on Amazon). The Firelords Crown is the first book in the Firelords Legacy series. Book 2, Firelords Heir is out as an e book and part 2, Firelords Curse will be released after Christmas. The final parts, Firelords Wyrd and Firelords Vow, completing the story arc, are also out next year.

I am currently working on a new book, Mirrorsmith featuring a new hero, Junah Venmark. A taster of what to expect can be found on Harper Collins Authonomy website. Its a different kind of book, more Urban fantasy than traditional fantasy. 14. Thats about it for my questions. Is there something else youd like to say to readers before I end the interview? Id like to thank you for this opportunity to share this time with you and with your readers. I know you write an excellent tale yourself and Im gratified that you found my books worthy of your attention. If people are interested in learning more about the realms of Riom then please check my website or email me directly: magicweaver17@yahoo.co.uk. All feedback is gratefully received and I would love to read your reviews on Amazon if youve been so kind as to read my books. May your God bless all your endeavours and bring you peace. 15. Well Jim, its been a pleasure chatting with you and I hope the readers have learned enough about you and your book to rush out and by a copy. Thanks for agreeing to the interview and best of luck with your two published books and with future efforts. Thank you!