Meet the Talented Esther Wallace!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

As we all settle into another work week, why not look for your next great read? I’ve got just the story for my fantasy loving friends out there! Let me introduce you to the multi-talented author and artist, Esther Wallace 😀

Her book The Savage War releases TODAY, and I, personally, am looking forward to reading this first book in The Black Phantom Chronicles. Read on to learn more about Esther’s creative world as you marvel at her artistic skills 😀

Thanks for joining me today, Esther! Could you give readers a feel for the setting and world you created for The Savage War. And will the setting move to other places in the course of The Black Phantom Chronicles?

Mira is the primary country in The Savage War. In feeling, it most closely resembles an Italian medieval setting, with its wealth and feudal system. However, it is at war with its native population and the natives more closely match the tribesman once found fighting the Romans for what is now Scotland. In beliefs, Mira is atheist and the natives believe in many gods.

Since Arnacin is the protagonist and he travels, the setting changes for the other books.

Sounds like you know your history and geography 🙂 Is there a system of magic in these lands? If so, what can you share about it?

The natives have mediums who can call upon the power of their gods from time to time, and like the name of his homeland suggests–Enchantress Island–Arnacin comes from a place that dragons and enchanters alike fought over. That was in Enchantress Island’s history, however, and although the islanders believe one enchantress still lives, there are no longer any physical signs of magic on the island.

For the most part, the series leaves the magic behind to focus on all the very real powers of human beings. Choices and actions are extremely powerful, and without magic, they help shape the course of the world. So do the characters in The Savage War.

Well, that’s a profound truth in our world, as well. Choices have powerful consequences. I like that you focus on that, rather than rely on magic.

What can you tell us about your two main characters, Arnacin and Valoretta? They seem to come from very different backgrounds, which always makes for interesting conflict and character development. Also, can you give a hint at who the Black Phantom is?

Arnacin starts out extremely passionate about what he believes. Nothing is gray for him. His greatest wish is to live, heart and soul, for some extremely noble cause.

On the flip side, Valoretta has been trained for politics from birth, where ‘right’ must be weighed against the outcome. Although a gentle soul by nature, she has developed a strong shield over her emotions…usually.

As to the Black Phantom, I don’t wish to give away too much, but the Phantom is actually a person, not a spirit. The name was bestowed by the natives. The Black Phantom is another who has the power over Mira’s fate.

Ah! Sounds mysterious indeed! This leads me to my next question, although I have no idea (yet) if there’s a connection between the two. Is there a villainous character you’d like to tell us about? If so, did you attempt to make them a sympathetic character or are they the kind that readers will love to hate?

The majority of the conflict is internal. However, there are several characters that could be labeled as villains. There are some councilors to the king, for instance, that readers will love to hate. And, of course, there are the mediums.

Oooh, internal conflict can be the most insidious kind of villain, so I’m intrigued! How about a little glimpse of the other books in the series? Do you have a projected publishing date for these?

My goal is to publish one book a year. It may or may not happen the way I want 😉

What’s in the next books? Well… It’s all very hush, hush, but the romance increases, and pirates enter the second book. Indeed, Arnacin’s travels take him many places, but eventually, he makes it home, where the final conflict takes place. Through it all, honor and heroism are the main themes–is there such a thing as honor and heroism, and if so, what do they look like?

I think Arnacin ponders it all as the series continues, as have I. It’s been thirteen years since the dream in which I met the person who started it all. My hope was–and is–that I could share Arnacin’s amazing journey with others who would feel as I did, the tears, the laughter, the joys, and all that comes between.

Wow, that sounds deeply personal. What a journey it’s been for you! Very cool that it started with a dream. I also have a long-labored story with snippets from dreams intertwined as well. Sometimes the muse likes to talk to us while we are sleeping 😉

I’m sure it must seem surreal to have made it from this dream-idea to actual publication. Congratulations, Esther!

I hope you guys will grab a copy of The Savage War, too. If you have any questions for Esther, please leave it in the comments. Have you ever had a dream that felt like it was a story begging to be explored?

A young shepherd boy sets out to find his calling and stumbles upon a land at war. Arnacin of Enchantress Island must wrestle with the purpose of honor, and the conflict that ensues when it’s called into question.

Valoretta, princess of Mira, has been chosen to be her father’s successor, but at what cost? Her country is in conflict, conspiracies abound, and the native population has risen against her father, King Miro, and their people.

Everything changes when Arnacin and Valoretta join forces to secure the future of Mira. But will Arnacin’s honor be the greatest victim of The Savage War? And will the Black Phantom be Mira’s doom or salvation?