In the words of the dreadful opening song from the ill-fated Enterprise TV show: "It's been a long road Gettin' from there to here."
Boy, has it ever! It's taken me seven years to write the first two parts of the Nifaran Chronicles, originally envisioned as one book, but split into two due to publishing restrictions. Not only did it take many years to write, but the editing and proofreading took much longer than I'd hoped.
Anyway, I've made it. The first book is now available in both paperback and e-book from the Amazon store. And, before you ask, no, there will not be an audio version. I can't afford Stephen Fry, and I wouldn't enjoy being locked in a studio for six months recording it myself.
So what is the story actually about?
We follow the journey of Jem Poulterer, a chicken farmer from a small village, who becomes a kind of apprentice (Garda in the book) to the mysterious Lady Moranne. She's an advisor to King Pythar and is required in the capital, Cynstol, to discuss concerning reports from the northern island of Stanholm.
The Stanish King Ramon is contemplating war, and he may have secured the help of a powerful ally.
Jem will join a mission to Stanholm to persuade King Ramon to stand down before a deadly conflict spirals out of control.
Along the way, Jem will meet new people and strange creatures. He will also make discoveries about his own past which challenge the stories he's been told by his aunt and uncle.
Parts one and two of the story contain a full story arc taking Jem and his friends to a dramatic conclusion.
During the creation of the story, it became apparent that many threads wouldn't be resolved and that the narrative became too big for two books. With this in mind, I've decided to continue the series with two further books. These entries will continue to follow our characters as they seek to understand their world and the hidden forces behind it.
I do hope you enjoy Stone & Sceptre; part 2 is coming soon. Please let me know what you think, either here or through one of my social media channels.
Juldra be with you.
John Howes.
