Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book. This one is temporarily being discounted to just 99 cents!
Author’s name:
M.T. Magee
Title of book and/or series:
The Treasure of Gwenlais The Rienfield Chronicles Book 1
Brief summary of the story:
Princess
Laurel of Gwenlais finds herself tragically and quickly thrust into a world of
danger, so unlike the idyllic and sheltered life she has known. These dangers
from an unknown enemy also unexpectedly throw her into the arms of Caleb, the
warrior Prince of Heathwin, the nearby kingdom with which Gwenlais has a tense
alliance. The more refined people
of Gwenlais find their neighbors and protectors of the West necessary, but
consider them uncouth and sometimes barbaric. The long and bloody feud between
Heathwin and the mysterious, frightening, and misunderstood, race of beings called the Rabkins, had finally reached an uneasy truce, by the hard fought and
diligent efforts of Prince Caleb. This
fragile agreement was soon shattered by an attack from outside that threatens both kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin. Laurel and Caleb find themselves not
only fighting for the peace and existence of their kingdoms, but fighting for
their newfound love that is imperiled at every turn from a nameless enemy, and
their own people as well.
Brief description of the world or location you created for
this story:
The world I have created comes from the inspiration
of both my Scottish heritage and my husband’s Irish descent, with pride and
respect for both cultures. The beauty of the Scottish Highlands, as well as the
lush rolling meadows of Ireland, serve as
a backdrop for the mythical realm of Rienfield. Many of the names of villages
and towns that are used are actual names
of towns and villages of Scotland and Ireland. They are used in direct correlation for what their rich past made them known
for and is applied with loving respect
for their history in the story. Many of the names of the characters are Irish,
Scottish, or Gaelic, again showing my love and admiration for our heritages.
The characters also speak Old Irish, from time to time, referring to it as ‘old
speak.’
If we were to visit the kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin, as
tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
If you were to visit the kingdom of
Heathwin in the Planting season (spring) you would be able to enjoy the
wonderful Planting Festival. Filled with music, dancing, visiting merchants,
and wonderful food. If you were visiting the kingdom of Gwenlais during the
Harvest Festival, you would see the city of Gwenlais full of merchants and
local farmers displaying their crafts and local crops. As well as traveling
minstrels, acrobats, and even the Princes of Heathwin would be there as
well.
What dangers should we avoid in Gwenlais and Heathwin?
In Gwenlais there is always a danger
of raiders or highway men so best to not travel alone on the roadways at night.
In Heathwin the land is much wild and untamed. Creatures such as Dragon’s
Tooth, and Boracs live in the deep forest. A Dragon’s Tooth in a man eating
plant which closely resembles a mossy tree stump. It had poisonous tendrils
which feel out for unsuspecting victims, then quickly grabs them dragging them
to their waiting jaws. The Boracs are clumsy but vicious creatures the size of
large dogs. They are hairless with long tails and hides, with large floppy ears
almost hiding their faces, covering their long jaws filled with sharp teeth.
They will catch and eat anything in their path if they can.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we
might be served in Gwenlais or Heathwin?
Gwenlais is a kingdom of rich
farmlands. So anything from their many farms and gardens is always on the menu.
They are particularly proud of their honey, which they make mead with. And
raise an ugly little animal called a Gork. It resembles a small wooly pig with
horns and a rather large head. However, it is prized for its succulent rich
meat. In Heathwin, most of their produce and crops come from Gwenlais, but they
have lovely apple orchards, and also enjoy wild game such as venison, wild
boar, and salmon.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in
Gwenlais and Heathwin?
The warriors are mainly from the
kingdom of Heathwin and are typical of the fighting style of Medieval Scotland
and Ireland, between the 12th and 15th centuries. Broad
swords, long bows, cross bows, as well as hand to hand are used. They also
train and use large cats called Scimitar Cats, because of their long front
fangs for defense and to track slavers and raiders.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used
to travel in or to Gwenlais or Heathwin?
Again what was commonly used in
Medieval times, wagons, horses, boats, oxen carts, etc.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we
encounter in Gwenlais and Heathwin that we don’t see on Earth?
As mentioned earlier, Dragon Tooth,
Borac, Gorks. But also glow moths, tiny blue sprite dragons, that glow blue at
night. Also the noble and misunderstood race called Rabkins. That is the fellow
you see peering out of the woods on the cover. Though they appear to be
animals, they are actually an intelligent and mysterious race of beings that at
first only Prince Caleb of Heathwin can talk to. There is also the Kadesh. They
look like to be child-sized people who resemble rodents. They are traveling
merchants, love bright colored clothing, and are Prince Caleb’s favorite
informers, as they travel throughout the realm of Rinefield.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in
the lives of people there? If there is
magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
I really don’t use magic, hence no
wizards or magicians. Rather I use abilities that certain races such as the
Rabkins have. The characters have to work so to speak to achieve their agendas.
Knowledge in highly regarded. Princess Laurel, the heroine, leans to become a
healer or Ollam, as they are called. Scribes are the record keepers and
spiritual leaders of the people.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Gwenlais or
Heathwin? If you haven’t described it
already, please give some examples.
Only the use of colored stones
surgically implanted into the skulls of the Scimitar Cats to help control them.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are
available for entertainment in Gwenlais or Heathwin.
All the people of both kingdoms
enjoy music, dancing, and playing games such as Fidchell (ancient game of
checkers) Tablut (ancient game of chess) Pass the Boar (a dice game favored
among children) as well as reading, horseback riding, especially in Heathwin.
Both Kingdoms love art and sculptures. Archery is a favorite sport in both
kingdoms as well.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in
Gwenlais and Heathwin as on Earth? What holidays or special events are
celebrated regularly there?
Seasons are mentioned such as
Winter, Planting season, Growing season, and Harvest season.
NO days of the week are mentioned, a
month is a month, two weeks is called a fortnight. Festivals in Planting and
Harvest are celebrated. The royal family in Heathwin has a Family gathering
yearly in winter. Another example is instead of saying a person is so many
years they say seasons. In the beginning of the story Princess Laurel is 18
seasons, Prince Caleb is 28 seasons.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Gwenlais and
Heathwin? Please describe what it
involves.
The people of both kingdoms worship
an entity called The Maker. There are no churches or temples, though men called
Scribes are considered the spiritual leaders as well as historians and they
keep track of all the histories of the realms. The household heads are
encouraged to lead their families in a prayer of thanks at meals and
gatherings. One day out of the week is
considered a day of Prayer and Reflections, where local businesses are closed
and families are encouraged to spend the day together at home in prayer and
reflection.
What is the political or government structure in Gwenlais
and Heathwin? Who is in charge there at
the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? Iwenlais is a monarchy fashioned after the early
rulers of Britain. King Garron is the ruler at this time. He is a fair and just
ruler, though he does tend to still carry the old bigotries of his father and
grandfather in regards the people of Heathwin, who they have an alliance
with. In Heathwin the structure of rule
is very fashioned after the Clans of Scotland, with King Fergus, Prince Caleb’s
father, being the king and Chieftain of his Clan. He is a well loved and
respected leader as his father and older brothers were harsh in their dealings
with the other Clans.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should
be aware of if we visit?
The people of Gwenlais, where the
heroine Laurel is from, tend to consider themselves more refined, never really
having to fight or defend themselves as the Sentinels, or warriors of Heathwin
do this for them, in exchange for growing crops and livestock for Heathwin. The
people of Heathwin tend to be more relaxed and sometimes bawdy in their
behavior, which those of Gwenlais tend to find uncouth. Both tend to
misunderstand each other often. The ruling family of Heathwin and their Clan as
well as the Sentinels, speak “old speak”, which is actually Irish Gaelic. Caleb
then begins to teach Laurel how to speak it as they draw closer. I loved
introducing this aspect into the story. Readers will never have to wonder what
is being said as I make the dialogue meaning clear, with the explanation given
by the characters.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations,
cultures, etc. in your book? My
grandparents are from Scotland and my husband’s family from Ireland, county
Clare to be exact. We both have a love of history and the medieval period is my
favorite. I also enjoyed studying Irish Gaelic.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you
touch on in your book?
Without standing on a soap box, I do
touch on the subject of brutality against women, as it sadly has become a trend
in many genres. Basically making it something that is frowned upon, especially
by the younger generation. As well as the prejudices and misunderstandings of
different races and cultures towards each other.
Author Autobiography:
My name is M.T. Magee and I live in New England on our small
farm with my husband and son. We raise an assortment of silly goats, quiet rabbits, far too many ducks and
chickens, and a high strung Border collie cross named Gronk. I have always
loved fantasy and fell in love with Tolkien at age eleven. I read all of his works at age twelve. I have been
writing stories since I was ten years old and have always wanted to be an
author. After fulfilling my dream of becoming a nurse, marrying the love of my
life and having two wonderful sons, I have finally been able to fulfill my
first dream of publishing my first book. My youngest son is severely disabled
and I am his full-time caregiver. The long winter months here in New England
make it virtually impossible to go out very often, so I used this time to begin
my story The Treasure of Gwenlais. Fifteen months and 1144 pages later I am
very happy to present my story to all of you. I love strong female characters,
who are still able to convey a sense of vulnerability and be very relatable. I
also love strong male leads who are not afraid to show their soft side. Love of
family is important to me as I am sure it is to everyone and I convey this in
my story. So welcome to the world I have created and I hope you enjoy visiting
often.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
My book is currently in e-book format, and I am very happy
to announce I am now having a promotion running from Mar.21st until
the 25th for .99 regularly 3.99.
I currently have over 20 five star reviews. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015IQ0LW2?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Where can readers connect with you online?
I have a lovely website with beautiful pictures, music, excerpts,
and reviews. http://www.mtmageeauthor.com/
I have a twitter acct. https://twitter.com/Mtmagee1013M
My author page on Facebook www.facebook.com/therienfieldchronicles/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
As well as my Gwenlais board on Pinterest where you can see the inspirations behind the story as well as the next books that will be coming in the series. https://www.pinterest.com/frumpyfarmer/the-treasure-of-gwenlais-the-rienfied-chronicles-b/
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Lael, in Realm Explorers Part XCIII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
2 comments:
New series to me! Thanks for such a comprehensive review!
I love the cover of this book. I found myself studying the details of it! Thanks for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week on Mommynificent.com! Always great to have you!
Tina
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