The Gift-Knight's Quest by Dylan Madeley + Interview

The Gift-Knight's QuestAuthor: Dylan Madeley
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Publication Date: 28th May 2015
Source: ebook (provided by the author)
Rate: 




Summary:
Welcome to Kensrik, a world vividly imagined by Dylan Madeley, in which his debut fantasy novel The Gift-Knight’s Quest is set. His book follows the youngest descendants of two families that have traditionally been enemies: the Kenderleys, who now rule the world’s largest empire, and the Wancyeks, who have been reduced to common status.
“Chandra had yet to fathom why Jonnecht could not have lived and ruled for many long years, or why it was so urgent that she ascend immediately.”
Chandra never asked to rule Kensrik, but fate took a strange course. Known as a usurper and sorceress by most and traumatised by all that has transpired, she is forced to make use of the few loyal allies she has in order to hold together her restless empire. In an attempt to identify and defeat the conspirators who inadvertently landed her in power, Chandra risks putting the lives of many in mortal danger, as well as her own.
Derek is an aimless wanderer – the youngest in a lineage that has long fallen from nobility. He finds himself summoned by tradition to serve a family historically considered his bitter enemy. As he journeys down the same path a fateful ancestor once travelled, he struggles with personal demons and begins to reconsider his loyalty to the mission.
Duke Lenn found one true cause in love and it cost him everything. His legacy shaped the present in which Chandra and Derek find themselves. Now their choice will shape the future of Kensrik...
(via Goodreads)

Review:
This novel was sent to me by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
This novel tells the story of two decendants of two families, the Wancyeks and the Kenderleys, who have been enemies for ages.
Trough this book you're able to read the story in different points of view and in different times, since the ancestor's story is told at the same time present event are being told. By looking trough the eyes of various characthers you enter a world where you can't decide who's right and who's wrong!
A high-fantasy novel that can be read  by all ages and be loved just the same!
The main characthers are so intriguing and some events are so unexpected that you are amazed by the marvelous outcome of the story! The characthers learn about themselves at the same time you learn about them and you can really see great amounts of development!
I loved the fictional world and how all the places had their own traditions and how they were so well defined in the story having even their own language! I also loved all the intrigue and adventure in this novel!
I truly recommend this book to all fantasy and history lovers, it'll make you swoon and go to the moon and land on your feet again! Even if you don't usually read this kind of book you should give it a try, I'm certain you'll love it!

Author Interview:

Can you tell us about your book, The Gift-Knight's Quest, in 25 words or less?
The decisions that two children of an ancient feud make about each other will determine the fate of an empire, and the world.

What was your favorite scene to write?  
Tough choice, but I will say this: though the manuscript underwent many rewrites since its 2008 first draft, Chandra's surreal encounter with the tapestries at night is the closest to being the same. All that's changed is the verb tense. If something survived that long without being completely tossed an rewritten, I must have a soft spot for it.

How many books total will be in this series?
There are three manuscripts in this overarching plot, which guarantees you three books. I am working on three others centered around different characters, but seeing as how I have only just begun one of those, and have yet to finish it, I make no guarantees.

What is one of your favorite quotes from The Gift-Knight's Quest?
“I appreciate your hope. Perhaps it alone is powerful enough to increase my radiance.” - Chandra Kenderley

Are you currently working on anything else?
I attempt to churn out a manuscript a year during National Novel Writing Month, and some of my unfinished projects are readable on Wattpad:
http://www.wattpad.com/user/DylanMadeley

What is the best book you’ve read recently?
The last great book I read was a collection of Ray Bradbury tales called The Martian Chronicles. I don't look to it for perfect scientific accuracy, but for the way Bradbury isn't afraid to present his prose.

What made you decide to start writing?
It was something my father talked about doing, and that got me started. I did also have a teacher at the Montessori school I attended, who introduced the class to “swish”/free writing—just sitting there and getting into the flow of writing, a valuable skill.

Do you have any must-haves during writing?
A musical playlist. Teas and coffees. Electrolyte beverages, or at least tall mugs of water to make sure I remember to drink. When I'm too deep into writing, I have a way of ignoring my hunger or thirst; having the beverage right there on my desk and in my field of view is my preferred reminder.

What would you like to say to your readers?
An outline or plan is helpful, but never sacred. Don't feel chained to it if better ideas come along. I outline almost every time, and significantly deviate from that outline almost every time.


8 comments

  1. I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award. You can check out the rules here: http://diariesofabooklover.blogspot.com/2015/06/beautiful-bloggers-award.html

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    1. Thank you so much! I'll notify you when I do it and link it back to you! Love, Ana

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  2. This novel seems so amazing! I think I'll add it to my TBR list, it will be great for my summer reads. Great review!

    New follower by GFC, I'd be glad if you did the same :)
    Aeriko @ http://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you! Trust me it's amazing you're going to love it!
      I'm already your follower! Love, Ana

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  3. This book looks good and I love fantasy!! Hope to pick it up some time soon!

    Great review!!

    Nita@www.book-choose.com

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    1. Thank you so much! It's a relly good book! Love, Ana

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  4. Thanks so much for the review, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! As a special treat, I can tell you I'm looking at "The Crown Princess' Voyage" as a working title, but I don't tend to settle on final titles until the book's practically long finished. And even though I do have a nice lengthy first draft for the sequel, I expect to have practically rewritten it by the time the next revision is over--keeping the general main ideas of it, adding some, subtracting what doesn't work, etc.

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    1. Thank you so much! I look forward to reading it when it's finished! Love, Ana

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