As the last book in my trilogy is about to be launched to the world, I'm reflecting on the journey by revisiting the books. SPOILER alert if you have not read the first two books: Fyr and Draca.
This trilogy started how many of my books start. I think of an idea, a myth or supernatural creature I want to reinvent, a problem, or a concept. I let my imagination run wild and start slapping words upon paper. The way I wrote Fyr was interesting and details can be found in earlier blogs when I discuss my "pantser" methods. To sum it up? I thought of a concept, celestial spheres, that was in antiquated texts I had read, which led me to the old solar system belief of elemental planets, and labeled in Old English on an ancient map was the planet Fyr. My fire planet was born, my fire prince arriving in a dream, and then I wrote the scene where Alex and Toury first met. They didn't even have names then. I went back and wrote some of the beginning to shape what the readers needed to know before the meeting moment. Then stone, fire, light, and dark magic, the architecture, and culture grew as I rendered the story. The royalty being descended from draca (dragons) came from Welsh legends. The second book is aptly named the Old English Draca because I felt that story was truly a bit more about Alex finding himself. And then the last book focuses on Toury's journey more, and I struggled to name it. Searching for an Old English title to keep my theme going, I found Bladesung in an Anglo-Saxon dictionary that compiled all Old English sources' words/spellings together. It means "shining, lightning." I became so attached to the title because it sounds perfect, like a singing blade told a tale, since there is war. I decided to make an addition to the plot to make sure those two words made an important plot point. I cannot share because it would spoil the novel, but when you read it, you shall see. One thing I love about searching as I go and freewriting is I'm not afraid to let the research shape my work and in this case, the trilogy is all the better for it.
Here's a recap of my books' back-cover blurbs and for those familiar with the trilogy, the new Bladesung blurb.
Celestial Spheres
At seventeen, Toury arrives in Fyr, where magic is power, a prince’s love is deadly, and female autonomy is a dream. Formerly a loner and burden to her adoptive parents, she ruins her chances of a fresh start by offending an ogler who just happens to be the prince.
Alex, the Prince of Fyr, is no novice when it comes to pressure. He has to face his father’s ailing health, the expectation to marry soon, and the hidden necromancers trying to take over the realm by exploiting his dark curse. At least there’s hope in a cheeky savior, but Earth girls aren’t so easy.
Toury and Alex learn that the strongest magic cannot be conjured but must be earned. They must risk their lives, hearts, and futures to save the land from a darkness of apocalyptic proportions. But can they trust each other enough to save Fyr? Or will everything they hold dear turn to ash?
To say Toury and Alex’s reign has been rocky is an understatement. But the danger isn’t over yet. Rebels and necromancers are still out there, joining forces under "the commander." As Alex plans against a war beyond what Fyr has seen in generations, he knows they will strike where it hurts Alex most: his heart. He must make the ultimate decision—sacrifice everything, or let his tenacious lifemate save herself?
Meanwhile, being a queen is not Toury’s dream job—she always wanted Alex, not the crown. But as enemies close in, Toury must make her own harrowing choices to control her own destiny, and if she must, all of Fyr’s.
In this conclusion to Alex and Toury’s love story, they will face horrors beyond their wildest nightmares. Will they be able to heal a fractured kingdom, or will all turn to ash and ruin?
I feel so bittersweet about the end of a trilogy, particularly because of the expectation of readers. I know they'll love it but fear their wrath when there is no more. But I refuse to be an author who stretches plots out needlessly. I had been a fan of series only to abandoned them because they kept throwing nonsense in after a great story was already told. Stay tuned for my upcoming plans. I promise not to disappoint.