Catalyst by Marc Johnson
For centuries, the kingdom of Alexandria has protected Northern Shala from the monstrous creatures lurking in the Wastelands. Now, a dark force threatens that fragile peace.
Far from home, Alexandria’s princess is abducted. When a young villager named Hellsfire stumbles upon her and her captors, he rushes in to rescue her, alone and unarmed. His fear and fury unleash an uncontrollable magical force that grants him the power to save the princess—and change the world.
Hellsfire has never craved nor dreamed of power. But such magic as he now possesses has not been seen in Northern Shala for a thousand years, since the devastation of the War of the Wizards and the creation of the Wastelands.
Now Hellsfire must leave all he’s ever known, and make a dangerous journey to learn to master this wild, ferocious power—power he knows he is not ready to wield. More difficult still, he needs to master his emotions. If he can’t, the power will consume him, Alexandria will fall, and darkness will eclipse the land, destroying everyone he loves.
In the dead of cold, the spark shall burn...
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--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.
#destiny #wizard #magic #comingofage #romance #ogres #monsters #evilwizards #hashtagsarefun
--How did you get the idea for the story?
It came to me in a dream where I get most of my story ideas. I dreamt of fire. It all took shape from there. While core elements are the same, much of the story is different than one I dreamed of.
--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
Part of me would like to have dinner with the beautiful and strong Princess Krystal. Another part would like to have dinner with Prastian because of all the weird drinks the elves make. However, I would probably settle with the historian dwarf, Jastillian. Just being able to pick his brain would be most interesting, plus dwarves are good company in a dinner.
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
I’m working on the third book of The Passage of Hellsfire series, tentatively titled, Reawakening. I’m guessing that won’t be out until early next year. However, I do hope to release a short story or two in between that. Those will be nothing like my young adult, fantasy series or be related to them in anyway.
--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”? (Similar kind of read, set-up or style)
I don’t know if my book has any cousins, at least off the top of my head. While I read a lot, I tend to genre hop so I haven’t read as much fantasy as I probably should. Also, fantasy today is dark, gritty, and graphic. While my series will take a turn towards that, it doesn’t start off that way.
So to actually answer the question, I have no idea.
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
My favorite books of all time are The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Matilda, Lit Life, and The Time Traveler’s Wife. I still love to read, but I don’t read as much as I used to. It’s not because I’m a writer, but it’s because I no longer have a boring office job. I averaged two and a half books while there. That might be why they laid me off, but hey, I did get my work done while I was there.
--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
Tough one. I would have to say The Time Traveler’s Wife. Even though it’d break my first rule of time travel, when it comes to time travel, I’d have to say, “Yes, please!” Even if I couldn’t time-travel, to be in a world where I could study it or learn the laws/theories about it would be fascinating.
--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
I just need a computer and a seat that reclines a bit so I can put my feet on the wall. I don’t need songs to inspire me though I will sometimes write with music on. Like right now.
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Flying. It’s the lamest superpower to be sure, but it’s also the most fun, at least to me. There’s nothing like having the wind blow in my hair. Any other power and I would try to take over the world.
--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love to game be it video, card, or board games. I’ve gotten into board gaming over the last year or two. It’s quite fun and there’s a whole world out there beyond Monopoly and Risk. I play with my friends every week or two and this year I’ll be going to Gencon for the first time!
--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?
Wait to sell your Magic cards. They’ll be worth a lot more later. Also, lay off the soda and start drinking water. You’ll love the taste of it.
--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
I just hope my books entertain you.
Lightning round: this or that?
This
Vanilla or chocolate?
Chocolate
Edward or Jacob?
Jacob
Hockey or soccer?
Hockey
Ebook or paper?
Ebook
Salty or sweet?
Sweet
Beach or mountains?
Mountains
Phone call or email?
Email
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Dog or cat?
Dog
Messy or neat?
Messy
Ninjas or pirates?
Pirate
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Kindle Fire
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Great interview, and thanks for the giveaway. I hadn't heard of this book before :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think flying is a lame superpower :D I would love to fly as well. Been obsessed with it since I was a kid. I was that little girl that always wanted to be Wonder Woman or Super Girl so I could fly. Loved the interview and thank you so much for the giveaway! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
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