Realm Explorers Part CXI: Visit Egria with Jennifer Ellision

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 on sale for just 99 cents, for the next two days only!

Author’s name: Jennifer Ellision

Title of book and/or series: Threats of Sky and Sea

Brief summary of the story:

Bree has spent her life as a barmaid, innocent to her father’s past and happily free from the Elemental gifts that would condemn her to a life in the King’s army.

...Until the day soldiers recognize her father as a traitor to the throne.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

The world of the Threats of Sky and Sea series begins in the country of Egria, where those who possess abilities over the Elements are conscripted into the King’s armies. As time goes on, our characters are drawn further into the war the King hungers for with the island nation of Nereidium. To say much more would be to spoil you!

If we were to visit Egria as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

If you find yourself in the capital, do stop by The Soused Turkey for a drink. It’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, but locals speak highly of the friendly manner of the barkeep and you can get a good—well, cheap drink there.

If you prefer landmarks and architecture, the winter palace is a sight to behold—some have playfully described the view as reminding them of a beautiful frosted cake.

What dangers should we avoid in Egria?

If you happen to be an Elemental, stay well clear of the palace in the capital. It’s the King’s stronghold and, if Revealed, he’ll not only punish you for avoiding conscription, but… well… you’ll find yourself serving a lifetime in his armed forces.

Unless you’re the sort that prefers fighting for a corrupt king. Then, by all means! Snap those fingers and light a flame.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Egria?

If you do happen upon The Soused Turkey and meet the barkeep, Clift, you might ask him for a glass of Starter Cider. It’s got a heady cinnamon flavor, but careful! It’s strong stuff.

And, erm… perhaps keep your Starter Cider away from an open flame. Just in case.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Egria?

Those who don’t possess Elemental abilities favor old-fashioned steel—swords, daggers, and arrows alike. When those are tossed aside, they’ll swing a punch if need be.

But the Elementals among us heavily favor using their Elements against an enemy. Stay clear of a Torcher in a bad mood…

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Egria?

By and large, inhabitants in the world of Threats of Sky and Sea travel by hoof or by foot. That is, unless they’re travelling to or from the island nation of Nereidium, in which case, they’d need a boat.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Egria?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

The magic at play in the world of the Threats of Sky and Sea series is dependent on the powers over the Elements that certain individuals possess—and the times that the Makers deign to interfere in the affairs of mortals.

Is there a particular religion practiced in Egria?  Please describe what it involves.

Many worship the Makers—the Mother and the Father. The Egrians’ creation myth tells that the Makers created the world, after a previous one was destroyed. With this new world, they chose to imbue certain individuals with the power of the elements, in the hopes that tying them more tightly to the earth would give them a greater respect for it.

When possible, Egrians worship in the middle of the week, mid-day—interrupting their day and week to worship.

What is the political or government structure in Egria?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

Egria is a monarchy, currently ruled by King Langdon, who has one son—Prince Caden.

Langdon is power-hungry. Power-mad, but he rules unchecked.

…For now.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Egria?

I’d avoid wearing the colors red or purple, if possible. The King likes to reserve purple for royalty. And, though it is an outdated practice, red was once the color worn by murderers.

Author Autobiography:

I spent a great deal of my childhood staying up past my bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When I couldn’t find the stories I wanted to read, I started writing them. I love words, have a soft spot for fanfiction, and am a master of the fangirl flail. I reside in South Florida with my family, where I live in fear of temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit.

I’m the author of the (now complete!) YA fantasy series, Threats of Sky and Sea, as well as the New Adult contemporary romance, Now and Again.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  Please include links.

You can find my e-books on Amazon (where Threats of Sky and Sea is 99 cents at the moment), Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Smashwords. Threats of Sky and Sea also has the honor of being available as a Booktrack, as well. Booktrack is a unique reading format in which the text is scored—like a movie soundtrack that plays as you read!

My novels are also available as paperbacks and you can find some of my works in audiobook form on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes—and I am working to make sure that they are all available in that format soon!

Where can readers connect with you online? 

I’m (almost) everywhere! You can visit me on my website, jenniferellision.com, chat with me on Twitter or Instagram as @JenEllision, or come hang out on my Facebook page!

You can also get updates on my work as well as other fun stuff by signing up for my newsletter—you get a free introductory short story just for signing up!

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Egria.  Questions about the world or the book?  Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!  

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXII!

-Annie Douglass Lima