S.D. Grimm continues her Children of the Blood Moon series with Amber Eyes (Enclave Publishing). In the fantasy world of Soleden, Jayden is a 17-year- old, dagger-wielding orphan with special powers. She’s the only one who can save her countrymen from a powerful enemy—but the wrong choice could cost her everyone she loves. In this exclusive interview, S.D. reveals more about the world she created, and what her young protagonist is up against….
Tell us a bit about the world you created in your Children of the Blood Moon series?
Sure! Soleden is a place where magic is real, and blade and bow reign as weapons for those who don’t have it. Magic mostly manifested through abilities that certain people are born with. For example, the main character, Jayden, has the ability to predict storms. She knows where lightning will strike, how long the rain will last, and when the heart of the storm is at its strongest. She can also feel people’s emotions to the point where she can temporarily make them her own. Feravolk are the people who have magic in their blood. Many of them can bond with animals, giving them and their animals a way to communicate with one another telepathically.
Do you and your main character, Jayden, share any traits?
Jayden has a tender heart. It’s a great strength, even though at times she sees her insight into emotion as draining and difficult to deal with. I share this trait with her. I tend to feel other people’s emotions deeply, and while it can be a blessing, it can also be draining. But she is learning how to focus on the blessing part of this kind of tenderness throughout Scarlet Moon. She isn’t one to give up, she looks for the best in others, and she’s really good with daggers.
Can you give us a hint about what Jayden faces in Amber Eyes? How has she grown since Scarlet Moon?
She will face her fears again. An enemy she fears and a threat that broke her in the past. Since Scarlet Moon, she has learned that fear doesn’t need to control her, but as all humans tend to slip back into old habits, as the stakes get higher and scarier, she will struggle to slip back into her old cocoon of fear.
When did you first become interested in writing fantasy? Why do you love it?
Ever since I could write. I’ve always been drawn to stories in this genre. I love the possibilities magic and science that’s not yet explained bring to the table.
What do you hope your readers will take away from this series?
Mostly the power of real love. Love always protects, always hopes, always trusts, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Visit S.D. Grimm’s author page here: https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/s-d-grimm/
Amber Eyes
Children of the Blood Moon
S.D. Grimm
Enclave Publishing