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)
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?
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 . . .
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+).
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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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:
Additional Blog Stops:
Giveaway:
Enter the
rafflecopter form below to win an autographed copy of Resistance! One Winner. USA ENTRIES ONLY.
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About Lacy
The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
An Ilyon Chronicles Novella
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.
You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.
About Decree
The Adventure Continues.
Discover more of The Blades of Acktar in this collection of novellas and short stories.
The Blades as They Should’ve Been
A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family?
The First Mission
When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help?
To the Far Great Mountains
A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves?
From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.
Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a full signed set of the Ilyon Chronicles and The Blades of Acktar! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.) Click on this link to enter.
Be sure to stop by each of the character chats (links in the blog tour schedule) for additional giveaways throughout the tour!
