HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!!!
Today, I’m excited to host this Q&A with the author of Blood And Mercy. To celebrate her new release, V.S. Holmes is answering a few questions for us.
Her fantasy fiction novel is out today and is published by Amphibian Press.
Now, let me introduce you to V.S. Holmes!
V.S. Holmes, Author of Blood And Mercy– Q&A
What inspired you to write Blood And Mercy?
With Blood and Mercy, I wanted to show an honest depiction of heroes–broken, tired, idealistic, imperfect. The backdrop of faded grandeur in the first books of the series helped me focus on what happens to characters who endured war and trauma while they navigate a world that doesn’t need them any more.
Describe your main character in 3 words.
I’ve got two, but I’ll focus on Rih, my deaf soldier-turned-rebel: calculating, fierce, dreamer
What was the most challenging part to write in this book?
Wrapping up all the loose ends! I started this series a decade ago, so making sure each piece was paid off–or purposely left hanging to pick up in the sequel series–was really tough!
What was your most favorite part and why?
This book is a love-letter to goodbyes, and I wrote the second half in the wake of my father’s death. Writing endings–both good and bad, deserved or not, was so important, both for myself and these characters. Some had joyful reunions and others never will. I was able to tap into someplace deep with this book. Writing that honesty was probably my favorite (plus I love reunions after months of angst!)
What’s a typical writing day for you?
I wake up early and get right to work–right now we have a lot of time since we’re isolating, but usually I get writing and emails out of the way, then dive into editing or admin stuff. I like to be done by 2 and if it’s a good pain day, I’ll take a walk with our dog Rory or tend to my plants.
Where do you like writing and why? Favorite snacks and/or beverage?
I’ve got a desk set up in a corner of our one-room apt, with my big rig computer. It’s surrounded by art and bones–my favorite being a cel of Molly Grue from The Last Unicorn, and a few skulls I’ve acquired over the years.
I’m a caffeine person, so it’s either tea or coffee! I don’t usually eat until I’m done with the work day, but I’ll make exceptions when my spouse (who eats all day) makes something particularly interesting for lunch.
What was your last 5 star read and why?
Sleepwater Static by Kathrin Hutson. It’s such an amazing story, and the writing itself is decadent yet subtle–plus I love a diverse cast of characters!
How would your main character fare with a stay at home order?
Rih would be crawling up the walls if she couldn’t go to the training courts, but her life as a deaf woman can get pretty isolating as it is. She’d be walking every day with her friend and interpreter.
Keplan, on the other hand, would be drowning in the cityfolk’s anxious thoughts and would probably have snuck away from the palace to try and quarantine in the slums with his ex-boyfriend.
What author or story inspired you growing up or inspired you in some ways?
Tamora Pierce’s Alanna was the first book where I really saw myself at the time–a ginger tomboy with a bad temper and some secrets. But honestly, anything gender-bent and atmospheric, like the Folk Keeper, was a hit.
Is there anything you can tell us about the book that is not a spoiler and not on the blurb? Something you’d like to share with us?
I enjoy all my characters–even the jerks–because I love delving into different nuances, but my favorite character in Blood and Mercy is hands-down Azimir. Like someone says later in the book: “None of us deserve you.”
THANK YOU SO MUCH, V.S. HOLMES, FOR ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS!
Synopsis – Blood and Mercy by V.S. Holmes
Saving the world may have doomed them all
Keplan reels in the wake of grief and guilt at the blood on his hands. Outside the city walls, however, winter grows fiercer and droughts longer. Alea reforged the fractured world twenty years before–so why is it withering before his eyes? Then, just as he masters being a monarch, a prophet arrives spouting scripture about a One True God. Keplan’s own mother killed the last gods, yet this one matches his description perfectly–and its wrath is about to fall upon Athrolan.
Isolated within the same cold, marble walls as Athrolan’s murderous king, Rih struggles to plot her rebellion leagues away from everything she has ever known. With an unexpected ally, she may have finally found a way to the Mirikin Hetmir–until tragedy strikes. With religious fanatics at their walls, blight in their fields, and a king floundering from addiction, Athrolan spirals out of control.
Now Rih must choose between a mad king’s life and her own revolution.
BOOK DETAILS
- Author: V.S. Holmes
- Publisher: Amphibian Press
- Release Date: June 27, 2020
- Book Length: 493 pages
- Genre: Fantasy
PRE ORDER OFFER HERE – Price goes up after release weekend!
About the Author – V.S. Holmes
V. S. Holmes is an international bestselling author. They created the REFORGED series and the NEL BENTLY BOOKS. Smoke and Rain, the first book in their fantasy quartet, won New Apple Literary’s Excellence in Independent Publishing Award in 2015. In addition, they have published short fiction in several anthologies.
When not writing, they work as a contract archaeologist throughout the northeastern U.S. They live in a Tiny House with their spouse, a fellow archaeologist, their not-so-tiny dog, and own too many books for such a small abode. As a disabled and queer human, they work as an advocate and educator for representation in SFF worlds.
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