A Visit from a Special Guest: Terri Rochenski (@terrirochenski) Talks About #Writing #Fantasy #EotS

I cannot begin to tell you all how excited I am about today’s post. Not only do I have a fantastic guest for the day, but she is here to celebrate the release of her debut novel, Eye of the Soul, a story I can say I saw in the birthing stages, and have been watching grow, and rooting for ever since.

*happy dance*

Big congratulations to Terri for reaching the Release Day milestone. Looking forward to many more. She really is a fantastic author, and you can see my 4.5 Star review of Eye of the Soul on Goodreads HERE.

*collects herself*

Now that I’ve had my fangirl moment, here is Terri to talk about why she writes fantasy (my favorite genre) in the first place. Take it away, Terri!

Any stay-at-home mother of three little ones knows the importance—the NEED—to escape. For some, it’s through paranormal or romance novel which I do thoroughly enjoy reading. When it comes to writing, though, I want a true escape into the recesses of my imagination, the worlds made up of fairy tales, dreams, and magic.

It all started when I was a child and picked up Chronicles of Narnia. To a farm girl with three brothers who lived twenty miles from civilization, the idea that a magical world with talking animals lay beyond a wardrobe door filled me with wonder—and curiosity.

Needless to say, I checked every closet I could find. Reaching toward the back, I wished and prayed for my hand to encounter snow. Unfortunately, I never found that magical world beyond our own.

Some time in my teens I realized fairy tales are just that. Make Believe. I decided they might not be real life, but that wouldn’t stop me from day dreaming and putting those dreams onto paper to share with others.

So why fantasy? For me, because it instills a childhood sense of wonder that all too easily falls to the wayside in the everyday trials of true life. And, don’t we all need a little taste of long-lost wonder every once in a while? I know I do.

How about you? Where does your escape lie? 

About Terri: 

Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with the fantasy genre.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her two young daughters allow. When not potty training or kissing boo-boos, she can be found on her back patio in the boondocks of New Hampshire, book or pencil in hand.

Her Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

* * * * *

Let’s take a moment to have a look at Terri’s fantasy novel, the first in the Pool of Souls series, EYE OF THE SOUL.

EYE OF THE SOUL
by Terri Rochenski

Series:  Pool of Souls #1

Genre:  Fantasy

Publisher:  J. Taylor Publishing

Release Date:  October 7, 2013

Book Blurb: Escape.

That should be Hyla’s first thought as her people are chained and imprisoned for no imaginable reason.

Instead, Hyla finds herself traveling through a land void of Natives, with human soldiers pillaging in desperate pursuit of her, and in search of the mystical Pool of Souls—home to the one man who can save her people.

Or so she believes.

Led by her faith in the deity Fadir, Hyla is met along her journey by Jadon—a human male and fierce King’s warrior, and his childhood best friend Conlin—one of the few Natives aware of his Fadir-given Talents.

Protected by Jadon, guided by Conlin, and with an unfailing belief in the purpose of her pilgrimage, Hyla carries on.

Like her, though, another searches for the Pool, and should he gain access first, everyone she loves, and everything she knows, could be lost.

Forever.

* * * * *

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Paperback  /  Amazon Kindle  /  Barnes & Noble  /  Kobo

As part of the Blog Tour, Ms. Rochenski and J. Taylor Publishing are hosting a big Rafflecopter giveaway.

To get in on that, just visit this link, since I can’t host Rafflecopter on wordpress. RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

A HUGE thank you to Terri for coming by for a visit today. Make sure you all go grab a copy of her novel! It really is a MUST READ.

#Review: Eye of the Soul by Terri Rochenski (@TerriRochenski) #Fantasy #EotS

Eye of the Soul by Terri Rochenski
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars for this wonderful fantasy series debut!

I have to premise this review with a short statement of truth.

I’ve known the author for a few years, and have seen this story grow and flourish over the course of that time. I am baised in my joy for Terri in getting this tale published, and for all of you for getting the opportunity to enjoy it. That being wholeheartedly admitted to, here is my review.

I’m an epic fantasy geek, and this story really appealed to this part of my nature. While reading, I was often reminded of the epic adventures I would take with my fellow gamers in some RP world or another. (Yes, that much of a geek…) Beyond the fabulously described world, the diverse cast of characters came to life in a way that appealed to that sort of group quest mentality.

Hyla, the faithful, spiritual one. Set on her mission and the good of her people, despite all obstacle and self doubt. Her two male counterparts, Jadon and Conlin, each with their own set of enviable traits, and personality “drawbacks”. They’re the best of friends, both virile, handsome… Room for romantic tension in later novels, perhaps? This thought bounced around in the back of my head throughout the adventure.

But, every band of potential heroes needs a nemesis. A bad guy to fight against.

This is where a story either rocks of flops in my book. Yes, for me, a story is only as good as its bad guy character. And, this is where, Ms. Rochenski’s debut novel really shined for me. The High Priest, Belwig, is perfectly ruthless, deadly in his intentions, and ominous to get my attention and keep it. He gave me the creeps, and I just love when that happens. I don’t write any spoilers in my reviews as a rule, so I have to leave it there, but I really, really liked the Belwig character. I do like my bad guys…

Anyway, if you are a fan of fantasy with some romantic potential peppered in, I would give this one high marks, and make it a highly recommend novel to pick up. A stellar debut from Ms. Rochenski, and I am looking forward to more from her and her Pool of Souls series.

View all my reviews

A Little Taste of Upcoming release, EYE OF THE SOUL by Terri Rochenski (@terrirochenski) #Fantasy

Welcome back to the blog. I ralize things have been a bit quiet around here lately, but I promise, the next few weeks will be full of posts. Have a lot coming up in the ole blog schedule, so stay tuned.

Today, I have the distinct pleasure of getting the chance to share an excerpt from my friend, Terri Rochenski’s debut novel and the first in her Pool of Souls series, EYE OF THE SOUL

The novel releases in October, but today I have a bit of a tease for you. Something to get you as excited about the pending release as I am. Here are the particulars on the novel being released by J. Taylor Publishing.

Eye of the Soul (Pool of Souls #1)
by Terri Rochenski

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release Date: October 7, 2013

Blurb: Escape.

That should be Hyla’s first thought as her people are chained and imprisoned for no imaginable reason.

Instead, Hyla finds herself traveling through a land void of Natives, with human soldiers pillaging in desperate pursuit of her, and in search of the mystical Pool of Souls—home to the one man who can save her people.

Or so she believes.

Led by her faith in the deity Fadir, Hyla is met along her journey by Jadon—a human male and fierce King’s warrior, and his childhood best friend Conlin—one of the few Natives aware of his Fadir-given Talents.

Protected by Jadon, guided by Conlin, and with an unfailing belief in the purpose of her pilgrimage, Hyla carries on.

Like her, though, another searches for the Pool, and should he gain access first, everyone she loves, and everything she knows, could be lost.

Forever.

And, as promised, here is the excerpt:

Cursing her arthritic fingers, Miri squeezed out a rag and draped it over the human man’s hot forehead.

“I’ve seen a lot more harvests than you, old goat,” she muttered, lifting his eyelids. “I’m thinking you’ll never catch up either. Doubt you last another half-moon’s phase.”

Miri pushed to her feet and stretched her hunched back. A heavy sigh slipped past her wrinkled lips as she glanced around the sick house. Keeping the night watch wasn’t too bad—she’d volunteered often since her old bones wouldn’t allow much sleep.

“Joints wasted, hearing all but gone …” Miri yanked on the long white braid lying over her shoulder. “I’m the old goat.”

She shuffled down the aisle, woolen kirtle swishing in the silence. A cool, autumn breeze rustled the crimson leaves of the magnolia and palm fronds overhead, drawing her gaze upward. Violet streaks lit the pre-dawn sky.

A dog barked, yipped, and fell silent.

Miri peered across the village green to the thatched buildings beyond. A shadow passed between two cottages. Another three hurried toward the neighboring dwelling.

“Sight fading or my mind, too?” Miri rubbed her watery eyes, blinked, and leaned forward. Light flickered through the palm trees behind the outlying homes.

Torches?

 

The flames drew closer, weaving between the trunks.

Humans from the mainland? Miri’s hand clutched at her throat. Soldiers. Fadir have mercy.

 

The men crept through the village, taking up positions at every doorway. Two brutes, more horse-like in size than human, approached the sick house. Sputtering torch held high, the first strode forward, dark eyes intent upon Miri. A green surcoat covered broad shoulders and fell to his thighs. The golden wheat sheaf of the city of Varosh adorned his chest.

Cold sweat beaded upon Miri’s brow. Breath burst from her lungs, and she moved back, clutching the door jam.

The second soldier stepped closer, chains and shackles clanking in his hand. He stopped two paces away from Miri, and a smile stretched his stubbled cheeks, revealing rotted teeth. “Good morning pointy-ears.”

Miri stared, heartbeat thundering in her ears. She’d been called worse in her eighty-three birth passings but never with such malice.

A single cry rang out across the village, and doors crashed inward. Screams rent the air.

“Don’t fight Native woman,” rotten-teeth sneered, shackles outstretched.

“W-why?” Miri whispered, taking a step backward.

A scowl narrowed his gaze, and his fist shot forward.

Bursts of light and pain exploded through Miri as she crumpled to the floor.

---

Add it to your Goodreads TBR pile today:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17156372-eye-of-the-soul

 Now if you want to follow (stalk) the author, Terri Rochenski, she can be found here:

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Eye of the Soul by Terri Rocheski (@terrirochenski)

It’s a busy week at the blog — finally 🙂

Today I have the cover reveal for a story that has been a long time coming. One I can’t wait for you all to get a chance to read. Eye of the Soul by dear friend, Terri Rochenski.

Eye of the Soul
Pool of Souls #1

by Terri Rochenski

Release Date: October 7, 2013

Target Reader: Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Back of the Book

Escape.

That should be Hyla’s first thought as her people are chained and imprisoned for no imaginable reason.

Instead, Hyla finds herself traveling through a land void of Natives, with human soldiers pillaging in desperate pursuit of her, and in search of the mystical Pool of Souls—home to the one man who can save her people.

Or so she believes.

Led by her faith in the deity Fadir, Hyla is met along her journey by Jadon—a human male and fierce King’s warrior, and his childhood best friend Conlin—one of the few Natives aware of his Fadir-given Talents.

Protected by Jadon, guided by Conlin, and with an unfailing belief in the purpose of her pilgrimage, Hyla carries on.

Like her, though, another searches for the Pool, and should he gain access first, everyone she loves, and everything she knows, could be lost.

Forever.

URL: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/33