In late February (before the great internet famine), I had a lovely chat with a debut portal fantasy author, Brooke Martin! Her novel, Seregn comes out sometime around June and promises to introduce readers to a delightful new world. Listen in to see why I am confident it’ll hit my top books of 2023 list!
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What Is Better Than an Exciting New Portal Fantasy? How about Steampunk?
Okay, when Brooke Martin described her book as a portal fantasy on a flat world, I was hooked. When she added shooting down a star to reverse a prophecy, well.. DUH! I knew I’d like it. Who wouldn’t? But then when she mentioned steampunk elements, that did it. The book had me captive before I’ve even read a word.
Here’s the deal. When I found out you could get the first three chapters? I wanted them yesterday. But after I said goodbye and went to grab them, I started having second thoughts. Could I stand to start a book I couldn’t finish? EEEK! I don’t know. So I still haven’t read those chapters like I was sure I would.
I have, however, been stalking Amazon so I can preorder. Alas, it’s not there yet. However, you can absolutely sign up for Brooke Martin ‘s newsletter to be one of the first to find out when you can preorder. I know I did. Probably twice. I think I did when we interviewed, and I just did it again in case I didn’t when I thought I did. #BecauseDesperate
Seregn by Brooke Martin
Curses are made to be broken… but oaths are meant to be kept.
A cursed king. A garbled legend centuries old. A young woman forced to follow it.
When King Urien of Evergaze is secretly cursed by his own son, the tears of a star are his only hope for recovery. Ada Wrembeck, a historical consultant with a somber past, finds herself unceremoniously pulled from her world and appears in his court in a blaze of holy fire. She agrees to the seemingly impossible: finding the tears of a star
to save the dying king.
After all, completing the quest is her only way home.
Ada finds herself among four of the king’s best warriors, including his mysterious candle keeper, Matteo. Their quest leads to the heart of a dangerous country where they must steal a fabled weapon—Seregn—from a tyrannical queen and journey to a mighty mountain to shoot a star from the sky. But with enemies on their heels, a traitor in their midst, and a companion with a secret of his own, Ada begins to wonder if there’s any chance of success.
And if they do succeed, will it be worth the ever-rising cost?
Seregn is a New Adult portal fantasy novel with a sprinkling of steampunk and a dash of romance. Faith-based readers will find elements to appreciate in particular, but the story can be enjoyed by all fantasy readers. I do not recommend Seregn to younger YA or sensitive readers, due to some violent content.
You can learn more about Brooke and her upcoming release on her WEBSITE.
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