Bruce Skye - Author Guest Post

During yesterday's Virtual Tour Stop, I posted a review and a bit about Bruce's book, Grayrider. Today I am thrilled and pleased to bring you a wonderful guest post by Bruce. I thank you, Mr. Skye, for taking the time to stop by Cafe of Dreams and share a few words with my readers!

(click here) to read my review of Grayrider!

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Why Write Fantasy?
By Bruce Skye

I must admit the genre of my recently published novel Grayrider chose me. I didn’t choose it. And, to be quite honest, I would have chosen a genre which would have sold far more books if I had a choice. But I didn’t.

The idea of the Grayrider character had been within me for years before I finally decided to put it to paper. With the character came his magical sword Deathsong. So I was stuck with in the fantasy genre.

However, it has been noted that next to the Bible, The Lord of the Rings novels sell more copies than any other books in the English language. So fantasy, if well written, can sell.

And this leads to the inevitable question: is Grayrider well written? Reviewers seem to think so:

I really like the characters in the novel because they are unique versus the typical fantasy archetypes. Gabriel (Grayrider), the revenge seeking warrior, possesses a magical sword that deals death just by being drawn. It cannot be sheathed until someone dies.

What I liked best about this book is Skye's ability to blend magic and romance with the inevitable bloodshed of battle without falling prey to the pithy spells and poetry that have ruined far too many a good fantasy novel. This series promises to be a bestseller.

Skye has a talent for vivid descriptions that will make you feel like you are in the middle of the story. His great character development and strong story line make this a great read. I enjoyed it and look forward to more Deathsong Chronicles.

Grayrider offers the reader everything they could need in a story. There is romance, sword fights, magic, and more to keep the reader entertained. The story line moves at a fast pace and keeps the reader very involved. I found that I could not put the book down.

Regardless of genre, there are elements that are essential to any good novel. In-depth characterizations, good plotlines as well as excellent descriptions and dialogue make books work. Grayrider has those, as well as romance, sorcery, swordplay and suspense.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Gabriel, the exiled king of Rivalin, comes before King Airell to warn him the Ansgarian army will invade his kingdom before the night is over. Airell tells him he has no one to send. Gabriel wants revenge for the murder of his family by the Ansgarians. He decides to fight the incursion without help.

As this takes place, Deirdre (Airell’s daughter), flees the kingdom of Cynyr north of Boadhagh. She knows now her mentor, Morrigan, created the Ansgarian army her father has fought for years. She goes south to warn him of her. Because Deirdre does not believe in herself, the young sorceress has difficulty in performing magic.

Once she is reunited with her father, she tells both he and Grayrider about Morrigan. Her power is growing; only Gabriel’s magical sword may yet destroy her. He must go to Cynyr to fight her. He agrees if Deirdre attends him, seeking her counsel. On that journey they fall in love and foil many efforts by Morrigan to kill Gabriel by both armies and sorcerers.

Grayrider fights Morrigan and sees his beloved slain by the sorceress before he is finally able to kill her. He returns to Rivalin brokenhearted. The ending is a complete surprise the reader will not expect at all.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A former technical writer, detail is important to Bruce Skye. His research for the Deathsong Chronicles included medieval armor and fortresses, as well as Celtic names and magic. "If you create a world, it must be consistent. And that's what I strive for Grayrider's world to be. I've built a database of material for each of the Deathsong Chronicles. Those databases aid me in keeping the world the same from book to book.

"When I wrote Grayrider, I followed the advice of Stephen King. I did not write the book following any sort of outline. I have no more idea than my readers do when I write a novel what will happen in the midst of the story. It makes it more exciting for both the readers and myself."

You can visit his website at http://www.bruceskye.com/.