What inspired you to write Children of the Luminaries?
Actually, the entire trilogy is based on the stories my maternal grandmother used to tell me when I was a child.
So this is a tribute to your granny then?
Yes, as a matter of fact, it is! Granny was this incredible storyteller and I wanted to share with the world the tales she passed on to me.
The trilogy
also serves to mirror our individual spiritual growth; to bring awareness to the various issues that are taking place around the world. How we treat one another, the animals,
wildlife, forests, our waters and the lovely creatures who call it home,
our beloved planet itself. The entire story reflects how, if left unchecked,
negativity grows and flows leaving only death & destruction in its
wake.
So What's Children of the Luminaries about?
The story itself surrounds a young woman known only as The Oracle and tells of her adventures and coming into her own.
Throughout the trilogy, we will watch The Oracle go through the various stages of growth and maturity. The reader gets to witness first hand the battle of self as The Oracle struggles with stepping out of her comfort zone and into the role of champion.
In short, it is a story of one woman's spiritual journey into maturity. One that exudes and exemplifies unconditional love and how it transforms an individual.
How so?
It all begins when the energies known as The Wave of Negativity starts taking over entire worlds. In all the vast multi-verses The Oracle is the only one found to be worthy to take on and defeat it. Or rather the living vessel The Wave has chosen to use.
The Oracle? Is she like some kind of ruler or super soldier?
No. She isn't a ruler nor is she a soldier. As the name implies, The Oracle is a spiritual leader and a liaison for her people. She has no formal training as a warrior. And very naive when it comes to warfare. So you can only imagine the shock when she is told she has become the chosen one...a champion...who will hunt down and defeat their most feared adversary that is threatening not only their world but the entire vast multiple Universes.
How does she do that?
By facing her own fears, her own short-comings and stepping up to take action, The Oracle slowly transforms into a warrior. Of course, she accomplishes this through a series of personal battles of wills, i.e., the light vs. dark, that dwells within each of us.
When confronting her shadow side The Oracle is terrified as anyone would and should be (and is). But The Oracle comes into the knowing that deep down she must follow through and do what is needed to be done if she is to defeat Dagon. Despite, and in spite, all of her fears.
With the assistance of her mentor Demetrius, a shape-shifting, wise-cracking wizard, and a little help from her loved ones, The Oracle learns that in order to face her adversary, she must first face her greatest fears: accept herself and embrace all that she is.
Stepping up and taking ownership of one's power is one of the greatest challenges any one person can do. In fact, I believe the greatest battle of all is the one we deal with from within. And The Oracle demonstrates this throughout the entire story.
The Oracle's struggles sound like a very familiar subject.
Yes, unfortunately, it is. Very much so. Sadder still is this familiar subject isn't limited to literature, TV, and movies. This subject is found in real everyday life.
Throughout human history, ordinary men and women, with no formal military training whatsoever, have been called to face an adversary, one that threatens not only their home and way of life, but now poses a real danger to the rest of the world. It is a story as old as time itself. In fact, it is a story that we, as a global community, are seeing unfold here in the present right before our very eyes.
Like these brave men and women of yesteryear and today, The Oracle is thrust into becoming something she was very unprepared for. Not only is she a witness to all the destruction, but now she is called upon to do battle, and ultimately defeat, the very one perpetuating all this havoc.
This is one of many parallels the reader will see in the book
What would you say is The Oracle's motivation? What compels her to go through these challenges?
Unconditional Love. It is the genuine love for all living beings that found her worthy to be chosen in the first place. But it is the unconditional love she has for her comrades that prompts her into action and initiates the changes necessary to complete the tasks set before her. It is what literally transform her.
So you're saying Love is what this is all about?
Yes. It is love that motivates an individual to go outside their norm to do what even they believe impossible. Overcoming the impossible to do for those they care for. And even for those, she doesn't even know. That takes courage born out of genuine unconditional love.
I am a true believer that love--unconditional love--does transform a person and propels them forward. Pushing them to face and overcome insurmountable odds. Bringing forth the true self that stands in the light and does not waiver.
To sum it up in a nutshell, the Children of the Luminaries trilogy is a different kind of love story because it addresses the raw truth of what love is and is not.
Now, you mention The Wave of Negativity, what is that exactly?
Envision, if you will, all the hate, all the anger and all the fears of every living being collecting together and forming into one massive energy growing at an exponential rate, sweeping across the Multi-Verses. And as it makes its way across the cosmos it amplifies every single negative emotion in all it touches a million times a million leaving chaos and destruction in its path.
Sounds horrifying!
Oh! It is! It is!
And The Oracle has to battle and defeat this energy?
In a sense, yes. The Wave Of Negativity now has consumed several key characters. One of which is Dagon, who was once one of the high ranking officials of the Knights of the Pantheon. And through the encouragement of three members of the Pantheon, who have also been taken over by The Wave, Dagon has now become the living physical embodiment of the energies known as The Wave Of Negativity.
We touched on one or two things in the story that mirror real life, are there other parallels found in Children of the Luminaries?
Oh yes! The breakdown of governments, the moral decline of society worldwide, the overwhelming power grabbing of leaders, the lack of compassion, the increasing distrust and loss of faith in religious teachings. The overall growing hypocrisy in both religion and politics. The intensifying of fear on every level.
On the upside, the reader will see the tenacity of the human spirit. And the astounding metamorphosis of those who find themselves in these dire situations. I feel is the most important parallel of them all.
The tenacity of the human spirit? You're talking about The Oracle, right?
No, not just The Oracle. Though she is the focus of the story, Children of the Luminaries has been written in such a way that the reader can relate to more than one character. Each of them displays certain traits we all possess. They allow us to see and acknowledge our individual fears and show us that in spite and despite those fears, we can be courageous and forthright.
Of course, I believe everyone will find themselves relating to The Oracle and her struggles of accepting who she really is more than anything.
Yes, I can see people of every walk of life relating to this story on some level in some way.
Exactly! The Children of the Luminaries trilogy has been written to appeal to everyone. Those who have personally gone through a life-altering transformation of some kind; and those on a conscious spiritual quest will find this story, particularly to their liking. And of course, anyone who loves a good fantasy action adventure filled with a wide assortment of mythical characters, knights, and magic!
But be advised...this is not a children's book.
Oh, definitely not a children's book! That's for sure. Which leads me to my next question, what age group is Children of the Luminaries written for?
It's written for anyone 18 years and over who enjoys a great story that blends and mixes science fiction, fantasy, action adventure, and spirituality.
If you (or someone you know) fancies Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, then Children of the Luminaries is something you will definitely enjoy!
Excellent! Okay, gotta ask. Who is your favorite character in Children of the Luminaries? And why?
Actually, I have two. One is the ogre Kee'Shu and the other is Muddithir, leader of the Sarducian Guardsman. They are two of the many tragic victims of the Dark Lord Dagon. These two magnificent beings are shining examples of those who never give up hope and never lose faith. And they are such gentle souls. I can't read those chapters without tearing up.
What's your favorite scene? And why?
That would have to be where Demetrius and The Oracle have gotten out of Dagon's castle and discover The Twelve have departed without them. The Oracle's tantrum is hilarious. It is endearing and quite comical.
I have to ask this, why was a woman chosen to be champion?
When I asked my grandmother that question many years ago, her reply was...Why not?
But in all honesty, I believe a woman was chosen based on what the female energies represent. Creation and strength. A moving force that brings about change. And it is the major source of all there is. After all, we refer to nature as Mother.
And too, The Oracle symbolizes the global rise of the female energy acknowledging and taking back its power. No longer playing the victim, no longer accepting of being part of a slave class and/or being a second class citizen. The Oracle is a living symbol of, not only all women, but anyone Standing up and taking ownership of their personal power and all they are.
Book One leaves us all hanging ... what can we expect from Book Two?
Book Two will take us into The Oracle's intense training and allow the reader to bear witness to her incredible transformation from naive spiritual teacher to a powerful warrior. It will also answer many questions Book One has posed and lead us into Book Three...The Day Of Reckoning!
Can't Wait! And where can folks purchase Book One?
You can purchase a copy on Amazon.com.
You can also purchase your copy of Children of the Luminaries Book One: The Coming Storm directly at Create Space.
Click HERE or copy of the URL below:
https://www.createspace.com/4738502
Also available on Amazon! Click HERE
It's available both in paperback and on Kindle!
