Enlightenment by: Liz Keel w/ Interview & Review

Title: Enlightenment

Author: Liz Keel

Series: The Driel Trilogy (Book 1)

Genre: Upper YA/Fantasy with SciFi Elements

Publisher: Fire Quill Publishing

Release Date: April 18 2016

Edition/Formats: eBook & Print (1^st Edition)

Page Count: 190 (Approximately)

Rating: 

Blurb/Synopsis:

After losing everything, all seventeen-year-old Thea wanted was to be a normal teenager. Instead, she was attacked by a mysterious creature she thought only existed in fairy tales. Now thrown into the unknown realm of Faey, Thea is forced to determine the difference between reality and fantasy, in a world ruled by a dark elite and a society wracked by intolerance and prejudice.

With the support of her new friends and a mysterious dark haired, blue-eyed guardian watching her every move, Thea will discover that when it comes to Faey, nothing is what it seems. Will her courage and desire to save this new world from darkness be enough? Or will Thea be the next victim to fall to the dark whispers of fate...

The twins and I walked over to our archery class together. As this was my first class, I was a little apprehensive, yet excited at the same time. Apparently using a bow and arrow was something every Elf learned and all are accomplished in this as we’d been gifted with this skill from the goddess Elebrin. It was therefore one of the oldest types of weaponry Elves used, Isaac had told me. Because I had come into this type of training much later than everyone else, it was Janin who had the task of getting me caught up with the others.

“As magic flows through you and into your arrow, you will need to harness that energy as well as your instinct as an Elf, to get the arrow to fall on the intended target. There are obviously other things you need to take into consideration when aiming such as the wind, humidity and temperature, which you can feel by just closing your eyes. Imagine the arrowhead piercing your target,” he finished unhelpfully.

On seeing my exasperated face, Bay chipped in with another bit of advice. “The arrows you will be using are footed arrows. They contain two types of wood found in the Forest of Arlain so they’ll be lighter and more flexible for you to use. You’ll be fine.”

Wanting to prove myself, I focused on one of the targets the professor had set up for practice, which was about a hundred yards away. After concentrating for a couple of minutes, I let my body relax and cleared my mind as Janin had suggested. As my breathing slowed, I felt my magic begin to surface and pushed it down through my arm and into the arrow I had poised. The only way I can describe the feeling was that it was as if the magic was being pulled taut within me and was about to snap. At that exact moment I pictured the target in my mind, took a couple of deep breaths and released the arrow, praying I would be vaguely near the target.

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I found myself with the opportunity to read this book, from the very beginning Enlightenment was a hard book to put down for me, full of action and excitement I wanted to see just what happens next to our heroine Thea on the next page. Such a pleasure to find another author that can keep my attention and wanting so much more of this story.

**** Disclosure of Material:  I received this book for Review from RBTL Book Promotions and the Author/Publisher.  I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". *****

Hello and thanks for stopping by and visiting with us today.  It is so nice to have Liz Keel here.  Readers I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.  Oh, hold on while Liz Keel and I grab our favorite beverage.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I’m Deputy Head Teacher of a primary school. No day is quite the same as another, and it is often filled with supporting the children’s learning and making sure it’s as fun and engaging for them as possible. I seriously feel I have the best jobs in the world; working in education and writing. 

Down time for me includes going for long walks in Windsor Park with the family; I have a 7 year old called Noah and Olivia is 4. I also enjoy going to the gym.  Unfortunately with such a busy life, sleep and much needed lie-ins don’t feature very often!

Where do you get your ideas?

I’ve always loved reading especially the paranormal or fantasy genres and with so many talented authors out there, over the years they have helped provide the inspiration to write my own story.  I also have a vivid imagination which helps!

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I’m sure if you’ve read the Harry Potter series you can understand why I’m mentioning that as a series of books that have influenced me as a writer. I love how you feel you’re there with Harry as he sets off on his journey of discovery. The way J. K. Rowling has created a whole new world in such detail is awe inspiring and it wasn’t long before I wanted to create my own fantasy worlds as well.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

One of the main challenges is to have confidence in yourself and persevere. It can be quite daunting putting something you have created – your heart and soul – out there for others to view and potentially criticize. Whether you decide to go through a publishing house or not, the second hurdle to face is the whole new world of marketing you will enter. Knowing how to market your book can feel overwhelming especially when learning to do this the first time round.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

Fortunately my publishers have taken ownership of this but that doesn’t mean as an author you sit back and put your feet up. Marketing your book is very much a joint partnership between you as the author and the publisher. Obviously online you have the ‘big chiefs’ where you want your book to be marketed such as Amazon and Bookbub, as well as in all the well-known bookstores but then it’s also important to build up a relationship with your readers – that’s why virtual book tours are so useful and are a fun way to get to know them all.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your book or getting it published that you would change?

I don’t think so. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but even so I’m a firm believer you learn from your mistakes and if anything become stronger as an author. It isn’t an easy ride becoming published but so worth it in the end!

Tell us about the first story you ever wrote and how old you were?

I’ve always written short stories that were usually fantasy based from a young age. Enlightenment is the first full length novel I’ve written.

Do you prefer to live in a big city or in the country?

The country, although I feel I’ve got a good balance at the moment as I live in a village near a town with Windsor Great Park in walking distance. I’m also only about 40 minutes away from London.

JUST FOR FUN

Night Owl or Early Bird?

Definitely Night Owl however work and the kids mean I consider myself an early bird as well!

One food you would never eat?

Carrots – yuck!

Pet Peeves?

People who continue to moan about something but never try to sort the problem out.

Plain or Peanut (M&Ms)?

Peanut

Coffee or Tea?

Tea! - I have to say that considering I’m British! ;)

I live in Surrey, England, a short walk from the beautiful Windsor Park, with my husband Richard and our two gorgeous children Noah and Olivia. For me, writing is nothing short of an addiction and I often find myself sneaking out to my writing shed for just a few minutes, which can often turn into hours of pure, unadulterated bliss catching up with my characters and continuing their story. In-between writing, I teach in a primary school where there’s never a dull moment! I will also often be found Kindle in hand, reading a wide variety of genres but with YA fantasy and paranormal romance at the forefront of my reading list. Although I’m currently writing the second book in the Driel trilogy, other characters involving all things fantasy, paranormal and YA romance are jockeying for position, wanting me to write their story next, so watch this space! It is such a privilege to share my stories with you the reader. Thank you enough for taking the time to find out more about me. 

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