Thursday, February 2, 2012

FALLENWOOD (GODDESS FISH TOUR AND REVIEW)

Title:  Fallenwood
Author: Leslie Soule
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Source:  author
Available:  now
Genre:  Fantasy
Rating:  PG
Pages:  175


I would like to welcome author Leslie D. Soule here today to talk about her book, Fallenwood.  I hope you stick around to read what I thought of the book and be sure to enter the contest!


Welcome!

Hey there! Thanks for having me as your guest today. I understand you have some questions for me about my writing and I’d love to answer them for you.
Tell us something about Fallenwood that didn't make the cut.
 
Well, a lot of the stuff I originally wrote didn’t make it, because I wrote in back-story type stuff that didn’t need to be there. I do remember that I wrote in a scene where Will, my sorcerer, and Rupert, a Royal Guardsman, are in a tavern, arguing about whether it’s better to have real magic (which comes with a curse) or magical items. It was an interesting scene, but didn’t really have a point to it. 

I can see where too much is extra, but sometimes I'm sure it's hard as an author to cut your baby!

Where do you usually do your writing?

Usually I do my writing in the break room at work when I’m on my lunch break. Sometimes I’ll write when I’m in the car if I’ve arrived early somewhere, or at a coffee shop.

Are you going to stay with the paranormal genre or are you planning on tackling a different arena in future books?

Well, I love the fantasy genre, and I’m going to stick with it for a while because I feel like Ash’s story isn’t finished quite yet. I thought I was done with it, but my characters have been nagging me to write more about them. 

Oooh...can't wait!!

What were your favorite Childhood books?

I absolutely loved the Redwall books by Brian Jacques when I was growing up. They’re wonderfully written, there’s nothing inappropriate about them, and I found myself immersed in the world of Redwall.

Sweet or Salty Snacks?

Definitely sweet. I have a notorious sweet tooth!

What is your favorite form of social media?

I’m quite fond of Facebook because I feel like it’s a good place to share ideas, get a consensus on things, etc.
Do you have anything in the works you would like to share?

Yes! I’m working on Fallenwood 2, but I’ve also put together a Teen’s Guide, full of things I wish I’d known when I was a teenager and have had to learn the hard way. It’s been very cathartic for me to write it and I’m currently seeking a publisher for it, so I don’t have release details, but it’s one of the things that may be soon appearing in an ebook store near you! 

A hands on book for teens...sounds great!

Thanks so much for having me! If you’d like to enter the gift card contest, please leave your name and e-mail address in the comment box.


About the Book:
Fallenwood—a land where magic is the life force, dragons are sages, and wizards good and evil battle for supremacy. When 23-year-old Ash is thrust into the middle of Fallenwood’s power struggles, she is also forced to face her own inner battles. Life on Earth was hard enough on Ash, who is locked in grief for her stepfather. Now, the fate of Fallenwood rests on her shoulders. She must destroy the Great Crystal—the catalyst for all the land’s magic. As the kingdoms prepare for war, Ash must look inside to find the power to save the world, and herself.
My Take:
When I first read the blurb I thought it sounded like an awful lot packed into a novel, but Leslie did it wonderfully. The writing is inspired and sometimes cleverly twisted to make us see the picture. It keeps going with action from one scene to another and doesn't stop. I like that Ash really has to dig deep to find her strengths, but that it takes her through some tough emotions. I also appreciated that the love didn't just happen...it built up over time, like many love stories. If you have ever liked Tolkien or C.S. Lewis' books, you will probably fall in love with this one as well.

About the Author:
Leslie Soule lives in Sacramento, California. Fallenwood is her first fantasy novel. She has received her B.A. in English from Sacramento State University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in English at National University.

Website: www.lesliesoule.com
Here's a little taste..
The dragon’s eyes glowed, for a flickering moment, with white light.

“Ash,” the dragon continued, “Welcome to Terra Illumina…or as it is more commonly known, Fallenwood.” Then a fierce roaring laugh erupted from the stone, as though the dragon thought the new name a joke. “A dark, difficult, dangerous path lies before you, Ash Kensington.”   

Ash’s heart grew heavy. In truth, she knew that she was destined to some terrible, dark fate. For so long, her life was filled with sadness and doubt, and one horrible thing after another. What else can I hope for?

“But Ash, you must not lose hope. Our world needs you..."

The Giveaway Leslie is giving one lucky commenter a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card, so be sure and enter by leaving a comment and your email address!
For more opportunities..visit Goddess Fish Tours

5 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting me here today!

    I will be away from the computer for most of the day, due to work, but I will be back here in the evening to reply to comments. :)

    -Leslie Soule
    www.lesliesoule.com

    Find me on Twitter @Falcondraco

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Leslie,

    Thought I missed your Thursday stop...better late than never I guess.

    kareninnc at gmail dot com

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  3. Hi Leslie,
    You are a new author for me and I would like the chance to read your work. I liked the interview and the blurb. Congratulations on the move to fantasy. Please enter me in the contest.

    reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. You're a new author to me, too, Leslie. You book sounds fantastic--I'll have to look for it. :)

    ReplyDelete