I first thought about writing this story years and years ago. In fact, I might as well be honest. When I was a teenager I'd read Frank Herbert's Dune. . .it had a major effect on me as a writer. I knew after reading it that I wanted to write an epic story. I have always been fascinated with the celestial heavens and all that is out there or might be out there. Also, I wanted to write something akin to what Tolkien wrote but I'd figured he did high epic fantasy with elves, dwarves, knights, etc. best of all and there were many others who came along after him with stories of their own in that vein. I didn't feel that I could contribute anything interesting there that wasn't already written. But an epic set on Mars? That was somewhat biblical in nature? That seemed like an interesting idea.
Dune was the closest thing to that. I wanted to write something like that but in my own way, naturally. Instead of spaceships and intergalactic-travel I chose Antiquity and many sources from the Bible. Of course, as Mars is a desert planet, the cultures that I chose are ones that were inspired by ancient Mesopotamian, Eastern and Northern African and southern European cultures. There is also inspiration from ancient West African kingdoms as well.
. . .
A queen in peril. An outsider priest. A young girl who dreams of adventure.
The Ainash priesthood, a ruthless faction in the city of Jhis have fallen in power after a barbarian warrior has conquered the land. But even among the Ainash priesthood, there are plots within plots. As the queen throws herself toward the apex of a dangerous political conflict her decisions will have long-reaching effects on the fate of the kingdom - and her own.
Ilim, an Ainash priest, is thrown out of the Golden Temple. He has a prophetic dream and a divine commission and he believes this new spiritual path will lead him to the answer that will save the kingdom. It leads him, not to a great warrior and a holy army, but to a feisty little girl in the fortress town of Gamina. Plots and betrayals abound. Visions are dangerous, paths are perilous and prophecy seems improbable. All are caught in the river of Destiny and Purpose. Some will rise and others will drown. Who will triumph?
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Red World Trilogy
Reading Order
Schisms
Cryptic Tongues
Rise of the Red King
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