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Author Meeting Place Interviews Author Mark Patrick of Jaén, Spain
Bio: I'm an Englishman who has been living in Spain for more time than I care to remember. I don't live on the coast, but in a city in the mountains of Andalucia.
Married, with three children and an incontinent dog, my main hobbies are music and reading.
I first started writing many years ago, but it wasn't until I matured that I found both the time and the inclination to scratch my urge.
How many book/s have you written?: 1 published, various unpublished
Please share with us your book titles: Janette's Tale - Lyrical Press Inc.
What genre/s would you like to write in?: Fantasy Adventure.
Please share with us who or what encourages you to write and why?: Why I write? That's a difficult question. I guess the answer is:- Because I need to.
How long did it take for you to write your book/s?: about six months.
How long did it take for you to publish your book/s?: About the same time
Who did you publish with and why?: I publish with Lyrical Press Inc.
I like them because they are friendly, give excellent advice and back-up, and are completely professional.
Might I single out Pamela Tyner, my editor, for her attention to detail and professional attitude?
Please share with us how you prefer to market your book/s?: As I live a fair way from my market - it's difficult to influence people by book signings etc. However, I do reply to reviews and appear on pages such as this.
Please share with us any event/s that you have planned in marketing your book/s: At present, none in view, although I'll probably be in America next June. Perhaps I can arrange something then.
With great power comes great adventure Janette, a young huntress, is forced into an epic journey when she’s saved by an Adepti knight from the Order of the White Tower. Instead of the usual shining armor, white horse and gleaming sword, Sir Conrad wields a mystical sapphire that imbues him with great power. Chased across country by the High Inquisitor, the pair seek aid from a goddess. And when they get it, Janette finds herself gifted with beautiful but deadly powers of her own, attracting more danger than ever before.
Book Review/s to share: From 'Goodreads' Reviewer: Danielle Hill
Janette's Tale is written in a rather barebones fashion, yet it has an appealing narrative. Seemingly an origin story, it details young Janette's evolution from being a simple lass of the forest, a huntress very skilled with bow and arrow, to become a powerful instrument of the Goddess.
I wasn't exactly sure if this story was set in the real world or a made up world. A historical tale set in Medieval times, it strongly brought to mind Robin Hood, although the story is quite diffe...more Janette's Tale is written in a rather barebones fashion, yet it has an appealing narrative. Seemingly an origin story, it details young Janette's evolution from being a simple lass of the forest, a huntress very skilled with bow and arrow, to become a powerful instrument of the Goddess.
I wasn't exactly sure if this story was set in the real world or a made up world. A historical tale set in medieval times; it strongly brought to mind Robin Hood, although the story is quite different.
The focus is always on Janette in this story, and this character withstands such close scrutiny very well. I liked her character very much. Despite the fact that she was chosen for a very special role by the Goddess, and her formidable skills with a bow and arrow, along with another lethal ability endowed on her by the Goddess, she was a humble person. Kind and generous, Janette went above and beyond to help others, and genuinely disliked taking lives, even though it was for her own protection and she was taking the lives of skilled soldiers who were her enemies. Her sense of honor was very powerful, driving her actions through this story. All of these traits could have led her to be perceived as annoyingly perfect, but her down to earth nature and wry, and off color sense of humor helped to paint her as a realistic person.
This story heavily features worship of the Goddess, and delves into persecution of followers of the Old Religion in the midst of control of society by the Church. It is never made clear if this is the Catholic Church or if this is a made-up entity for the sake of this story. However, Jesus' name was mentioned with respect, if not reverence, so this story was not Antichristian, but anti-Church instead.
There was a fairly strong romance element, although there were no sensual moments. It was very clear throughout the narrative that Janette's future lay entwined with the Knight of the White Tower, Conrad, who saves her from rape at the beginning of this story. I enjoyed their interactions and the chemistry between them although this story focused mainly on Janette's personal journey to becoming who she was destined to be.
This is a good story for girls who want to read about a strong heroine who is developing her sense of purpose in the world. Readers should be open-minded about other belief systems, as there is a major focus on belief in the Goddess. One possible shortcoming of Janette's Tale as a fantasy novel is that fact that the magic/fantastical elements are very subtle. The fantastical emphasis is found in Janette's connection with the Goddess, the abilities to perceive through her senses at a greater level than others, and her ability to heal, and the fact that the Knights of the White Tower are able to use jewels to perform supernatural feats. The last element is the most downplayed aspect in this story. However, the near constant adventure makes up for this shortcoming. I found this book a slow read at times, but the storyline, numerous action sequences, and the engaging characters kept me reading until I finished it.
This book seems to end as another chapter is beginning. Fortunately this is merely the beginning of the Chronicles of the White Tower with more books to come. Although there is some violence and light profanity, this book is very suitable for younger teenage readers. Older readers who enjoy fantasy with a heavy dose of adventure would enjoy it as well.
Email to share: mark-patrick@live.com
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