Epic/Mythological Fantasy
Date Published: 08-28-2018
Publisher: Troubador
Akasha is a precocious young woman who lives in a world where oceans circulate in the aquamarine sky waters.
Before she was born, the Helios, a tribe of angels from the sun, came to Earth to deliver the Surge, the next step in the evolution of an embryonic human race. Instead, they left humanity on the brink of extinction and spawned a race of monstrous hybrids.
Horque is a Solarii, another tribe of angels, sent to Earth to rescue the genetic mix-up and release the Surge.
When Akasha has a premonition that a great flood is imminent and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change. But will it save the three races - humans, hybrids and Solarii – from the killing waters?
What is the hardest part of writing
your books?
For me, the
best writing environment is one that provides continuity. In other words, a
place and a time where there are as few interruptions as possible, so, no
cooking, cleaning, and minimal time for eating. So, this speaks of a retreat,
and the best place I have found to write, where at the end of the day my hands
are tired from typing and writing, is a monastery. The place I go to now is
Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England. It’s a Benedictine Monastery, and I’ve been
there a couple of times a year for the last six or seven years. The retreat is
so quiet, you can hear your own thoughts winging their way across the plasma of
your mind.
That’s the
easiest part of writing.
The hardest
part is not being in that environment.
What songs are most played on your iPod?
These days I
don’t listen to music like that. I listen to the radio, and enjoy classical,
jazz and pop music. The last piece of music I deliberately listened to was some
Benedictine Monks (them again) from St. Michel singing their beautiful
Gregorian chants. The quiet pace of music slows you down, and brings peace and
harmony to the faculties. Before that, I reckon the last piece of music I set
out to listen to was Beethoven’s late piano concertos. Sublime music by an
unparalleled genius.
Do you have critique partners or beta
readers?
I do. I use
them a lot. Over the years, I’ve written six novels, and published four, and I’m
working on another one. Once I’ve written a first draft, I’ll edit it, and create
a list of changes I want to make. First drafts are always interesting because
you are never quite sure what you have written about, and whether there are
themes and plot-lines that need expanding, or characters that can be merged. Once
I’ve got a draft that I’m happy with, I’ll look for beta-readers and critique
partners in my chosen genre, and offer to critique their novel in exchange for
critiquing mine.
I use up to
six beta readers and always like to formally acknowledge their input to the
formation of the finished product. The feedback is often useful, compelling,
and offers views on the story and characters that I wouldn’t have come to
myself. So, in that sense, they are quite invaluable.
And reading
and critiquing other people’s works is also stimulating, and you learn so much
from how other writers approach their work, and weave their stories.
What book are you reading now?
I am reading “We
Borrow the Earth,” by Patrick jasper Lee. The front cover blurb says it’s ‘An
intimate portrait of the Gypsy Folk Tradition and Culture.’ I’m about half way
through, and it’s well-written, and explores many ideas about respect for the
Earth, respect for each other, and naturally bemoans the loss of a once-great
and significant colourful and passionate people.
How did you start your writing career?
I’ve always
read literature since I was a young child, of seven or eight. I’ve written
short stories when I was a student, and even wrote a novel about Ancient Greek gods and goddesses. So,
whether that’s when my writing career started, I don’t know.
Then I spent many years researching and studying all sorts of areas, from
literature, philosophy, plays, the arts science as well as history. Then about
fifteen years ago, I decided I wanted to start writing fiction.
The advice you get is to write about what you know about, so I write
about history and different historical periods, and give the plots a supernatural
twist. In that way, I’m able to offer a different interpretation of the history
we think we know.
Tell us about your next release.
My next book is set
during Elizabethan times.
Nelan is a young man
and a Dutch émigré who becomes a master of conjuring the four elements. But in 1588,
Spain is by far the richest and most powerful nation in Europe, and its Catholic
King is sending a huge fleet of warships to invade England – the legendary Land
of Angels – and burn all its heretical Protestants at the stake.
Nelan knows that a
battle is won before it’s been fought, so can he rescue England from the existential
threat of the Armada?
About the Author
Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers - that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real people from history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural. He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.
His Books...
The Genes of Isis is a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the skies of Ancient Egypt. A re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind. ISBN 9781789014860.
“The novel is creative, sophisticated, and downright brilliant! I couldn’t ask more of an Egyptian-esque book!” – Lauren, Books Beyond the Story.
The Old Dragon’s Head is a historical fantasy and supernatural thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and played out in the shadows the Great Wall of China. It explores the secret history of the influences that shaped the beginnings of modern times. ISBN 9781789015829.
‘The author is an excellent storyteller.” – British Fantasy Society.
Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation reveals the secret history of the Industrial Revolution. ISBN 9781838591885.
“The novel explores the themes of belonging, outsiders… religion and war… filtered through the lens of the other-worldly.” – A. Deane, Page Farer Book Blog.
His latest, The Abdication (July, 2021), is a suspense thriller, a journey of destiny, wisdom and self-discovery. ISBN 9781800463950.
“In Topeth, Tula confronts the truth, her faith in herself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith.”
V. Triola, Coast to Coast.
Contact Links
Twitter @Matador
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