Hidden Gems: Jaye L. Knight

It's the second week of September, guys! (How did that come to be??) Additionally, it is the seventh week of my blog series, Hidden Gems! Have you liked it so far?

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing an amazing and special author ... who also happens to be my friend! ^_^ I'm sure a lot of you know her very well already, but for those who don't, she writes incredible Christian fantasy, and has also written historical under a different name in the past (and may be writing some more in the years to come?)

Moving along here, stay around for a lovely author chat, and enter the giveaway for an autographed copy of Resistance!

Reasons I Think This Author Is One You Need To Discover:

• Books are Fantasy, with an Allegorical Theme
• An Imaginary World, yet Mirrors some Ancient/Biblical times
• Amazing and Lovable Characters (seriously, we have huge fan groups for them *grins*)
• Adventure, Action, strong themes of Faith, and a little bit of Clean & Adorable Romance
• Relatable Struggles
• Great Fantasy World & Unique Fantasy Races
• Dragons (...need I say more? *winks*)

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Introducing ... Jaye L. Knight

JAYE L. KNIGHT is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

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~ ILYON CHRONICLES Series ~

“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”

Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.

Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair lives every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.

Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.

(Christian Fantasy/Clean New Adult/No Magic)

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Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

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The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place. 

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. Yet, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed. 

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery? 

See where Jace’s story all began . . .

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When news arrives that Emperor Daican has been in contact with his chief war strategist, it signals potential doom for the country of Samara. Determined to intervene, the resistance in Landale, headed by Lady Anne, embark on a covert mission in hopes of unearthing further information. However, a shocking discovery leads to complications no one could have foreseen.

Armed with their newfound knowledge, they set out for Samara to warn the king. War is inevitable, and they must face two desperate battles--one on the walls of Samara's great stronghold, and the other on the battlefield of Jace's heart, where victory might only be achievable through great sacrifice.

About the Series

Ilyon Chronicles is a six book, non-magical Christian fantasy series geared toward new adults (ages 18-25+).

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Exiled from his homeland, King Balen leads a group to Dorland in search of aid against the emperor, while those in Landale must tread carefully as their enemies close in around them. In Valcré, Prince Daniel has his own challenges to face in the midst of his father’s tyranny.

*Release Date Yet to be Determined*

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Check out this talented author's earlier works under her pen-name, Molly Evangline HERE. I loved her first fantasy series, the Makilien Trilogy, and she also has a really great book on independently publishing: Where Do I Start? An Overview of Indie Publishing.

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Author Interview

What genre(s) do you write?

Jaye: I started out writing historical romance, but I have switched over to writing Christian fantasy. I’m a huge history buff, but I love the creative freedom I gain from writing fantasy.

Do you have a release date for your next book?

Jaye: Not yet, unfortunately. I’m still in the early stages of editing the next book of Ilyon Chronicles, so it will be a bit before I can start looking at tentative release dates.

What impact do you hope your books will have on readers?

Jaye: One of the biggest messages in my books is that all things work together for those who love God. I hope that this message will encourage anyone going through a hard time, especially when it is unclear what God is doing.

What’s one of the best things about being an author?

Jaye: I have lots and lots of imaginary friends! Haha! Seriously though, I adore characters, and they sort of start to feel like friends and family, especially when you work on a series as long as Ilyon Chronicles.

What made you decide to start writing?

Jaye: I would say my mom. She’s a writer too. When I was little, I would see the different things she would do for her writing, such as collecting character photos from magazines, and I thought it looked like fun.

Which one of your books would you call the ‘story of your heart’ (or are they all)?

Jaye: Well, I would call the entire Ilyon Chronicles series the story of my heart. I couldn’t really pick just one of the books since it’s really one long story. Ilyon Chronicles has always been very special to me. God gave it to me out of nowhere, and it has been the coolest writing adventure I’ve ever been on as an author.

Why do you write?

Jaye: Because I’d die if I didn’t. Lol! Well, maybe not die, but certainly be depressed. ;) I just love to tell stories, especially heartfelt ones. I think it helps me deal with some of the difficulties in my own life.

Of all your books, do you have a favorite cover?

Jaye: It’s hard to choose. I’m very happy with how all of my Ilyon Chronicles covers turned out (including the unpublished ones). If I had to pick just one, I maybe lean towards the cover for Half-Blood. It’s a gladiator cover, after all, and I love gladiators.

Are there any fellow authors who inspire you?

Jaye: Oh yes, quite a few. One of the biggest inspirations to me (aside from Tolkien) is R.J. Larson. I just adore her Books of the Infinite series.

What do you do for fun?

Jaye: Write. ;) But I’m also big into historical reenactment. That is one of my favorite things to do. I love being outdoors as much as possible when the weather is nice. (I am NOT a winter girl.) I also love to read, though I struggle to find enough time for it.

What was your hardest book to write, and why?

Jaye: As of this moment, I’d say book four of Ilyon Chronicles (which I’m currently editing). It just seemed to fight me every step of the way. However, I now consider it my darling, oddly. Sadly, the final book, which I’m writing now, it not being completely cooperative either, but I’m hoping it will pick up soon.

What writing project are you working on right now?

Jaye: That final book of Ilyon Chronicles, book six. I’m only a couple of chapters in, so I’ve got a ways to go, but I am excited to be nearing the end. It’s a bittersweet feeling. I will hate to leave the characters behind, but I am so excited about some of the new ideas going through my mind.

What are some of your favorite books (not your own)?

Jaye: I already mentioned Books of the Infinite. Besides them, I adore Chasing the Lion by Nancy Kimball, The Blades of Acktar by Tricia Mingerink, The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson, anything by Karen Witemeyer, and I’m currently reading through and loving The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. There are definitely more books I love, but those are some of my favorites.

What does your writing process look like?

Jaye: I’m not much of a planner/plotter, so once I have a solid idea, I just write and write until it’s done. After that, it goes through about three or four rounds of editing before I’m ready to publish it. Even though I’ve always been a pantser, I’m trying to get more into planning and outlining, since it would probably help me write faster.

Where do you usually write?

Jaye: In the summertime, I love to write outside, usually on the porch. If it’s cold, then I’m usually writing in the living room because there is a woodstove there, and it’s nice and cozy. :) 

When do you usually write?

Jaye: It varies depending on what’s going on. I like to try to write first thing in the morning. That’s the goal, anyway. One thing I desperately need to work on is a better writing schedule.

Thanks so much for being here, Jaye! It was a joy, as always! ^_^ Praying God’s blessings on your writing! And that more people will find your soul-stirring tales!

Connect Further With Jaye L. Knight:

Website ~Jaye L. Knight

Blog ~ Jaye L. Knight - Musings of a Christian Fantasy Author

Facebook ~ Jaye L. Knight

Goodreads ~Jaye L. Knight

Twitter~ @jayelknight

Pinterest ~Jaye L. Knight

Google+ ~ Jaye L. Knight

Etsy ~ JayeL. Knight

Additional Blog Stops:

Mon. ~ Soleil @ ReviewsbySoleil: Book Review(s)

Thurs. ~ Claire Banschbach @ The Overactive Imagination: Book Review/Spotlight of the Ilyon Chronicles Series

Giveaway:

Enter the rafflecopter form below to win an autographed copy of Resistance! One Winner. USA ENTRIES ONLY.

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