Author, Tracy A Akers, took a moment and allowed me to ask a few questions to one of the citizens on this series. Being a mother myself, I wanted to see Morna's perspective on the events that unfolded, hear her thoughts and learn her wishes. Most of all, to know how she has coped with everything. Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs out there. I knew we would all have a lot to learn from this strong woman.
Character Interview with Morna
1. What was your first reaction when Gorman brought home a baby all those years ago?
I'd just lost my fifth child to premature birth, and couldn't bear the thought of going through it again. The bleeding had grown worse with each one, and I couldn't imagine a future without children, much less never lying with my husband again. At first Gorman insisted on fetching my sister-in-law Vania to help me through the healing process, but when I told him I'd rather die than continue living like this, he stormed out the door without another word. I thought for sure he was going to fetch Vania, either that or he was leaving me for good, but when he returned later that day with a mewling bundle in his arms, it was as if I had been bathed in light.
2. The other villagers were cruel to Dayn because of his differences. How did you respond to them, if at all?
Gorman and I decided early on that we wouldn't hide our child from the world. If the townsfolk were ever going to accept Dayn's differences, they were going to have to be given a chance to know him. I pretty much ignored people when they made rude remarks, whereas Gorman took the opposite approach and told them what he thought. Dayn didn't let on how much it hurt, except for the bruises, which he couldn't hide, but still I think he wanted to be accepted. It wasn't easy, and looking back I'm not sure it made any difference in people's attitudes, but I figured if Dayn thought it was worth it, who was I to argue?
3. Are you satisfied with your role in this series, The Souls of Aredyrah?
My role in the story isn't a big one, and that's fine with me. The only role I ever wanted was to be a mother, and in that the author granted my wish.
4. If you could suggest anything to the author, what would you want to say?
Oh my. Well I'm just grateful she told Dayn's story, and Alicine's too. As you know, a year after Dayn came into our lives I was blessed with a healthy daughter. Alicine was always Dayn's defender, as it should be for sisters and brothers, I think.
5. Did the Spirit Keeper's words ease any of the worry or pain you felt when both of your children left?
Partly yes, partly no. I always knew Dayn was special, that the world had greater things in store for him. But when he and Alicine disappeared that day, I felt as if my heart had been wrenched from my chest. Greater things or not, a mother can't help but worry herself sick when her children are missing.
6. Do you secretly hope that Dayn finds nothing, so that he may return home again?
I didn't secretly hope it. Truth is, I hoped he would find what he was looking for AND return home!
7. Has Gorman admitted his fears for your children, or perhaps any guilt?
I know my husband carried guilt, but he mostly kept it to himself. He was a proud man, but sometimes I could see a kind of sadness in his eyes. When Dayn went missing the day of the Summer Fires Festival, then Alicine after him, I never saw a man so scared. We were terrified we would never see out children again. I never imagined it would be Gorman that I never saw again.
8. How did you react when you discovered that all the men in the village decreed that Dayn was to never court any of their daughters, therefore be denied a family of his own?
It was a heartbreaking day, I'll tell you that. Gorman had come home from Kiradyn angrier than usual. The townsfolk always managed to get him riled over one thing or another, but this time it was different. We both knew Dayn had feelings for Falyn, a girl from a prominent family who was already off limits. But the decree regarding him was a real kick in the teeth. It was one thing knowing he would never be allowed to to marry Falyn, quite another to know he'd never be allowed to marry at all. Of course Dayn could have sought a wife within the clan, but it would have been a risky endeavor, and not likely to succeed. The purpose of the decree was to keep him from fathering children, and few clan fathers would have gone up against the Vestry over it. Looking back, I can't say I'm sorry it happened. It was the catalyst for a lot of great things happening for Dayn. A mother can't expect her children to find greatness if she never allows them to leave home, and I must confess, I probably would have kept Dayn under my wing for as long as possible.
About the Series
Game of Thrones meets Narnia in this epic tale of two boys whose chance meeting leads them to a disturbing discovery: Not only are they bound by blood and prophecy, but their opposing beliefs are founded on similar lies. With adventure and romance, mysticism and cultural conflicts, this coming-of-age tales asks: What would you do if you learned everything you’ve been raised to believe is false—and those in power will do anything to stop the truth?
Book 1
In the world of Aredyrah, things are not what they seem. An ancient Purge has plunged the island into darkness, isolating its cultures by superstition and fear. Dayn lives in the northernmost region of Kirador and knows nothing of the great city-state of Tearia far to the south. All he knows is the Kiradyns are the only survivors of a god’s fiery wrath, and he looks nothing like them. Meanwhile Ruairi, a prince destined for greatness, resents his Tearian obligations, longing for a life he can never hope to have. But when tragedy takes his beauty as well as his name, he finds himself exiled by the very beliefs he once held dear. Both boys long for acceptance in societies that cling to religious ideals, but when fate throws them together, Dayn and Ruairi discover some unwelcome truths: not only are they bound by blood and prophecy, but the teachings they have been raised on are nothing more than lies. Will they reveal what they have learned, risking their lives and the security of those they love? Or will they keep silent, denying their destinies and the future enlightenment of their world?
Buy Book #1: The Fire and the Light
Book 2
The Prophecy has come to life in Tearia, and the Temple wants nothing more than to see it dead. Whispers say the Unnamed One walks amongst them, and there is little doubt as to who that person is. Reiv is oblivious to the hopes turning in his direction, just as he is ignorant of a plot being waged against him. He has no time for rumors or innuendos; he is too busy trying to build a new life for himself. But the life he longs for will have to wait. A rebel movement is growing, and Reiv’s cousin Dayn has joined the insurgents in their cause.
Angered by Dayn’s involvement, Reiv reverts to his old self-serving behaviors. He wants nothing to do with prophecies or rebellions, and isn’t sure he wants anything to do with Dayn either. But when tragedy throws Reiv into new turmoil, he finds himself facing a dangerous choice. Someone he loves is dying, and there is only one chance to save him.
Will Reiv choose to be a Transcendor, fated to sacrifice his life for another? Or is he truly the Unnamed One, a hero destined for glory? One will save the life of an individual, the other that of an entire kingdom.
Buy Book #2: The Search for the Unnamed One
Book 3
The saga of Aredyrah continues as Dayn and Alicine return to Kirador to find things very different from when they left. Their house has been ransacked, their parents missing, and evidence of spell work has put a price on Dayn’s head. Frightened, they go to the nearest place they know of: the homestead of Haskel, a man who has never been accepting of Dayn’s differences, and even less so of his own son’s.
Back in Tearia, Reiv has settled into the quiet life of a Shell Seeker. But while the rhythm of his routine is calm, the longings of his heart are not. He turns to Cora, an eye-catching girl who has also drawn the attentions of Lyal, a man whose hatred of Reiv goes far beyond jealously. But romance is the least of Reiv’s worries. A terrible plague is spreading, and Reiv’s brother, the King, is determined to burn it from the land—even if it means killing innocents along the way.
While Reiv risks annihilation by Tearia’s increasingly brutal king, Dayn suffers challenges of his own. His disappearance from Kirador months before not only ended the existence he once knew, but started a witch hunt that threatens his safety and the survival of his clan.
Both Dayn and Reiv find themselves facing a difficult choice: Leave their homelands in order to save themselves and those they love, or stay and fight an evil they cannot hope to defeat.
Buy Book #3: The Taking of the Dawn
Book 4
In this final installment of the award-winning Souls of Aredyrah series, Dayn and Reiv find themselves facing an old foe and falling into the trap of a new one. Struggling to make their way home through a bitter landscape, they soon discover they are not alone. A tribe known as the Taubastets has captured them in a life-or-death scenario, and the tribe’s chief is determined that one of them must be sacrificed. When a young warrior named Tyym vows to see them home, they face decisions that will not only affect their survival, but the spiritual salvation of their world.
While Reiv, Dayn, and Tyym navigate a web of conspiracy and doubt, Dayn’s sister Alicine struggles with loss and the impending threat of invasion. The king of Tearia has not abandoned his quest to slay them, and his seemingly unstoppable army is nearly through the pass. But when Tyym enters the scene, hope is rekindled. Even Alicine cannot deny the charisma of the mysterious warrior who has wormed his way into their lives, and into her heart.
The game is in play. A traitor is in their midst. Can the souls of Aredyrah hope to defeat a monster disguised as a king? Or will they succumb to a darkness beyond their understanding?
Buy Book #4: The Shifting of the Stars
Tracy A. Akers is a former language arts teacher and an award-winning author. She grew up in Arlington, Texas, but currently lives in Florida with her husband, three naughty pugs, and a feisty chihuahua. She graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in Education, and has taught in both public and private schools. She currently divides her time between writing, lecturing, spending time with her family, and costuming at fantasy and science fiction conventions.
Ms. Akers has won numerous awards for her Souls of Aredyrah fantasy series for young adults. As a Florida Book Awards winner, she was acknowledged for her contribution to YA literature by the Governor of Florida during the 2008 Florida Heritage Month Awards Ceremony. Books One and Two of the Aredyrah Series are included in the Florida Department of Education’s 2008 Just Read Families Recommended Summer Reading List. In addition, Ms. Akers has been an invited guest author at major book events and writers’ conferences, a panelist at fantasy and science fiction conventions, and was on the steering committee for Celebration of the Story, a literary event held at Saint Leo University.
The Souls of Aredyrah Series is Ms. Akers’ first series of novels for young adults.
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$25 Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Card giveaway Ends 05/31/2014. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kisha from Indie Hoopla Services & Promotions, http://indiehoopla.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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