Since I became an Indie author back in 2011 I have read a wide variety of Indie books. I tend to prefer books aimed at an adult audience, and by that I don’t mean erotica. I like books with mature adult themes. However I have had the fortune to discover a fantastic New Adult Series. I’m delighted to welcome Tricia Drammeh to talk about her Spellbringers series, currently consisting of 3 books. If you have not read Spellbound, Firebound or Unbound I would advise you to do so.
Welcome back to Writers with Vision, Tricia. Please could you start by telling my readers what the Spellbringers series is all about and what exactly a Spellbringer is?
TRICIA: Thank you for having me! The Spellbringers series follows two girls, Rachel and Alisa. When a new family moves to town, the girls are drawn to the youngest (Jace). This family has a secret and Alisa is the first to discover what it is. What she doesn’t realize is that Rachel has a role in the family’s motivation for moving to town. Jace’s family are Spellbringers, meaning they possess magical powers and are part of a world where Demons and Hunters exist.
Where did you get the idea for the series?
TRICIA: When I wrote the book, I’d been reading quite a bit of YA fantasy. I wanted to write something different. Nothing against vampire novels and dystopian, but there was so much of it already, and I didn’t think I could do a better job than the authors who are writing it.
Without giving away major spoilers the younger characters learn a lot about their emotions, strengths and limitations through the course of the series to date, but which character do you think evolves the most and what implications does this have for the other characters?
TRICIA: I think all the younger characters do quite a bit of growing up as the series goes on, but I think Rachel undergoes the greatest transformation. She begins the series with a life that is nearly perfect, at least on the surface. Then she has an identity crisis and makes a series of very bad decisions that have dire consequences for a number of characters.
The series deals a lot with the issues of love, loyalty and betrayal. Which is your favourite Spellbringers Series couple?
TRICIA: Tough question. I have a couple of favourites, but I think I’ll say Abe and Jerica. They’re a wonderful example of what true love looks like. Love is easy when you’re young and everything is fresh and new. Abe and Jerica have been through hell and back. They’ve raised children, moved around the world, and endured devastating loss. But they’re still deeply in love and supportive of one another.
Could you tell my readers a bit about the different good and dark gifts a Spellbringer might possess and which two you would most like to have? I personally think Persuasion & Perception would be extremely useful.
TRICIA: Most Spellbringers possess gifts such as advanced eyesight and hearing. Some possess enhanced speed and strength. There’s also levitation, the ability to create fire, the ability to Transport (disappear and reappear somewhere else), among other ‘good’ magical abilities. Spellbringers might also possess an array of psychic gifts such as Empathy and Perception. Empathy is the ability to pick up on the feelings of others. For Rachel, this is a curse more than a blessing. Perception is the ability to determine the motives of someone else. It involves a little bit of prediction, and for those who have very strong abilities, mind-reading.
In the first three books, I didn’t touch on many of the dark gifts, but Persuasion is one that is discussed. Persuasion is the ability to invade someone’s mind and convince them to do something you want them to do. It’s considered a dark gift, but I agree with you that it would be extremely useful. If I had to choose, I think I would pick Transport and Persuasion.
What are the greatest dangers and problems a Spellbringer might face?
TRICIA: The greatest danger facing Spellbringers are Hunters, which are magic-stealing creatures. Demons and their followers are also a threat.
Is there a Spellbringers equivalent to Hogwarts?
TRICIA: Yes and no. Spellbringers are born with magic, but their skills don’t fully manifest until they are in their teenage years. They receive training from their parents or from an area Watcher. If they wish to receive additional training or a job in the magical community, they can attend one of two magical training facilities in Norway. This type of training is reserved for young adults and it isn’t nearly as fun as Hogwarts!
Who are your favourite & least favourite characters in the series?
TRICIA: Another tough question! Abe and Jerica are definite favourites. I also like Mordecai, believe it or not. Least favourite character would be Nevare.
Which is your favourite of the Spellbringers books so far?
TRICIA: Unbound, which is the third book in the series.
Are there any parts of the series you found difficult to write and if so why?
TRICIA: There’s a scene in Unbound that was very difficult to write. I don’t want to reveal what happens in that scene because for those who haven’t read the book, it would be a serious spoiler. I can just say it’s very difficult to let go of a beloved character.
A lot of Indie authors bring out ebook box sets of their books. Will there be a Spellbringers box set in the Near future? I personally would love to have all the books in one volume.
TRICIA: I would love to do a box set, but I’m trying to decide whether to do a box set of the first three books now, or if I should wait until the fourth book is complete.
Do you have a favourite excerpt you’d like to share with my readers?
TRICIA:
Here is a scene from Firebound. I know it’s one of your favourites and it’s definitely one of mine!
After dinner, I cleaned the kitchen almost entirely by myself. It was my self-imposed penance for my crimes. The faucet was running almost constantly, so I didn’t hear the ruckus in the living room until I walked in on it. I stood frozen in the doorway. My first instinct was to assume the argument between Bryce and Jerica was about me.
Jerica shouted at Bryce while the others cowered. “You’re only twenty-years-old and barely out of training. How dare you try to tell me what to do?”
“It’s my job to tell you what to do, or at least to make sure you’re safe. If there are Hunters in the area, it isn’t safe for you to leave the house.” He matched her near hysterical tone with a calm, reasonable demeanor. That just made her even angrier.
“Now, Jerica, just calm down,” Grandma Alexander said.
“I am calm!” Jerica shouted. “I’ve got too many things to do. I can’t be stuck in the house for the next five weeks.”
Bryce sent his dad a pleading look. Apparently, dealing with a crazed pregnant woman had not been part of his training. Abe took pity on his son and intervened. “Jerica, Bryce is right and you know it. I know it’s tough, but we’ll get through this.”
Jerica’s face softened a little. Some of the anger faded from her eyes, but not all. In a cold voice, she said firmly, “Fine, Abraham. You are my husband and Protector, so I will abide by your wishes.” She paused long enough to lull her husband into a false sense of security. The second his posture relaxed, she continued. “But I am warning you now—if you will not allow me to go out and shop like a normal person, I will do all my shopping online. And I will spend double what I usually spend on Christmas presents.”
It was the first time I’d ever seen Abe show fear.
I know you’re working on a Spellbringers prequel about Abe Alexander at the moment, but what’s the next book Nightbound going to be about?
TRICIA: Here’s the blurb:
Good and evil battle within the halls of Central…
The only human in a world of Spellbringers, Alisa struggles to find her place at Central. She’s happy with her life as a wife and mother, but yearns for something more. Her search for identity and meaning lead her into the midst of a battle between good and evil, and she must use her newfound knowledge to survive.
Rachel’s magical training begins in earnest, but her chosen path is already shifting. Though Mordecai warned of her of the dangers within the strict confines of the Spell Masters quarters, she’s drawn there against her better judgment. Will Rachel be dragged into the depths of perpetual darkness, or will she discover the light that has been hidden all along?
Where can my readers find you online?
TRICIA: You can find me on my website, Facebook, or Twitter. Here are the links:
http://www.triciadrammeh.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTriciaDrammeh
http://twitter.com/TriciaDrammeh
Where can people get their own copies of the Spellbringers books?
TRICIA: You can find them at Amazon, B&N, iTunes, and other online retailers.
http://www.amazon.com/Spellbound-Spellbringers-Book-Tricia-Drammeh-ebook/dp/B00MCZ23WY/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Welcome back to Writers with Vision, Tricia. Please could you start by telling my readers what the Spellbringers series is all about and what exactly a Spellbringer is?
TRICIA: Thank you for having me! The Spellbringers series follows two girls, Rachel and Alisa. When a new family moves to town, the girls are drawn to the youngest (Jace). This family has a secret and Alisa is the first to discover what it is. What she doesn’t realize is that Rachel has a role in the family’s motivation for moving to town. Jace’s family are Spellbringers, meaning they possess magical powers and are part of a world where Demons and Hunters exist.
Where did you get the idea for the series?
TRICIA: When I wrote the book, I’d been reading quite a bit of YA fantasy. I wanted to write something different. Nothing against vampire novels and dystopian, but there was so much of it already, and I didn’t think I could do a better job than the authors who are writing it.
Without giving away major spoilers the younger characters learn a lot about their emotions, strengths and limitations through the course of the series to date, but which character do you think evolves the most and what implications does this have for the other characters?
TRICIA: I think all the younger characters do quite a bit of growing up as the series goes on, but I think Rachel undergoes the greatest transformation. She begins the series with a life that is nearly perfect, at least on the surface. Then she has an identity crisis and makes a series of very bad decisions that have dire consequences for a number of characters.
The series deals a lot with the issues of love, loyalty and betrayal. Which is your favourite Spellbringers Series couple?
TRICIA: Tough question. I have a couple of favourites, but I think I’ll say Abe and Jerica. They’re a wonderful example of what true love looks like. Love is easy when you’re young and everything is fresh and new. Abe and Jerica have been through hell and back. They’ve raised children, moved around the world, and endured devastating loss. But they’re still deeply in love and supportive of one another.
Could you tell my readers a bit about the different good and dark gifts a Spellbringer might possess and which two you would most like to have? I personally think Persuasion & Perception would be extremely useful.
TRICIA: Most Spellbringers possess gifts such as advanced eyesight and hearing. Some possess enhanced speed and strength. There’s also levitation, the ability to create fire, the ability to Transport (disappear and reappear somewhere else), among other ‘good’ magical abilities. Spellbringers might also possess an array of psychic gifts such as Empathy and Perception. Empathy is the ability to pick up on the feelings of others. For Rachel, this is a curse more than a blessing. Perception is the ability to determine the motives of someone else. It involves a little bit of prediction, and for those who have very strong abilities, mind-reading.
In the first three books, I didn’t touch on many of the dark gifts, but Persuasion is one that is discussed. Persuasion is the ability to invade someone’s mind and convince them to do something you want them to do. It’s considered a dark gift, but I agree with you that it would be extremely useful. If I had to choose, I think I would pick Transport and Persuasion.
What are the greatest dangers and problems a Spellbringer might face?
TRICIA: The greatest danger facing Spellbringers are Hunters, which are magic-stealing creatures. Demons and their followers are also a threat.
Is there a Spellbringers equivalent to Hogwarts?
TRICIA: Yes and no. Spellbringers are born with magic, but their skills don’t fully manifest until they are in their teenage years. They receive training from their parents or from an area Watcher. If they wish to receive additional training or a job in the magical community, they can attend one of two magical training facilities in Norway. This type of training is reserved for young adults and it isn’t nearly as fun as Hogwarts!
Who are your favourite & least favourite characters in the series?
TRICIA: Another tough question! Abe and Jerica are definite favourites. I also like Mordecai, believe it or not. Least favourite character would be Nevare.
Which is your favourite of the Spellbringers books so far?
TRICIA: Unbound, which is the third book in the series.
Are there any parts of the series you found difficult to write and if so why?
TRICIA: There’s a scene in Unbound that was very difficult to write. I don’t want to reveal what happens in that scene because for those who haven’t read the book, it would be a serious spoiler. I can just say it’s very difficult to let go of a beloved character.
A lot of Indie authors bring out ebook box sets of their books. Will there be a Spellbringers box set in the Near future? I personally would love to have all the books in one volume.
TRICIA: I would love to do a box set, but I’m trying to decide whether to do a box set of the first three books now, or if I should wait until the fourth book is complete.
Do you have a favourite excerpt you’d like to share with my readers?
TRICIA:
Here is a scene from Firebound. I know it’s one of your favourites and it’s definitely one of mine!
After dinner, I cleaned the kitchen almost entirely by myself. It was my self-imposed penance for my crimes. The faucet was running almost constantly, so I didn’t hear the ruckus in the living room until I walked in on it. I stood frozen in the doorway. My first instinct was to assume the argument between Bryce and Jerica was about me.
Jerica shouted at Bryce while the others cowered. “You’re only twenty-years-old and barely out of training. How dare you try to tell me what to do?”
“It’s my job to tell you what to do, or at least to make sure you’re safe. If there are Hunters in the area, it isn’t safe for you to leave the house.” He matched her near hysterical tone with a calm, reasonable demeanor. That just made her even angrier.
“Now, Jerica, just calm down,” Grandma Alexander said.
“I am calm!” Jerica shouted. “I’ve got too many things to do. I can’t be stuck in the house for the next five weeks.”
Bryce sent his dad a pleading look. Apparently, dealing with a crazed pregnant woman had not been part of his training. Abe took pity on his son and intervened. “Jerica, Bryce is right and you know it. I know it’s tough, but we’ll get through this.”
Jerica’s face softened a little. Some of the anger faded from her eyes, but not all. In a cold voice, she said firmly, “Fine, Abraham. You are my husband and Protector, so I will abide by your wishes.” She paused long enough to lull her husband into a false sense of security. The second his posture relaxed, she continued. “But I am warning you now—if you will not allow me to go out and shop like a normal person, I will do all my shopping online. And I will spend double what I usually spend on Christmas presents.”
It was the first time I’d ever seen Abe show fear.
I know you’re working on a Spellbringers prequel about Abe Alexander at the moment, but what’s the next book Nightbound going to be about?
TRICIA: Here’s the blurb:
Good and evil battle within the halls of Central…
The only human in a world of Spellbringers, Alisa struggles to find her place at Central. She’s happy with her life as a wife and mother, but yearns for something more. Her search for identity and meaning lead her into the midst of a battle between good and evil, and she must use her newfound knowledge to survive.
Rachel’s magical training begins in earnest, but her chosen path is already shifting. Though Mordecai warned of her of the dangers within the strict confines of the Spell Masters quarters, she’s drawn there against her better judgment. Will Rachel be dragged into the depths of perpetual darkness, or will she discover the light that has been hidden all along?
Where can my readers find you online?
TRICIA: You can find me on my website, Facebook, or Twitter. Here are the links:
http://www.triciadrammeh.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTriciaDrammeh
http://twitter.com/TriciaDrammeh
Where can people get their own copies of the Spellbringers books?
TRICIA: You can find them at Amazon, B&N, iTunes, and other online retailers.
http://www.amazon.com/Spellbound-Spellbringers-Book-Tricia-Drammeh-ebook/dp/B00MCZ23WY/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8