Time for a book spotlight. My fourth novel called Kurayami which is book one in the Chronicles of Paper in Time series. This was spin-off series from the main storyline taking place in the world of Cyrnghräir, which I will write more about on this blog in due time. Unfortunately, the main storyline (has actually been written), but is a complete and utter dumpster fire of a mess and will require substantial rewrites and edits from yours truly. So, in all likelihood that series will not see the light of day until this four book saga is completed. Without further ado, here is an insight into what Kurayami is about. I am currently seeking representation based off this book, and will be documenting my experience with that process as well. Would love to hear what you think, and hope to share the published manuscript with you all in due time!
The City of Cargyll is in the profitable business of trading their knowledge of chronomagic for Fujikuran fairy slaves. The Order of Threadcasters vehemently disapprove of this trade. Or they would, had they any clue it was happening. One such clueless threadcaster is Kallae. Now Kallae is a sanctimonious grouch if ever there was one, and this was before the leader of the Order unceremoniously stripped him of his magic, leaving Kallae not only demoralized after the slaughter of his entire team on Ethnia, but about as pleasant to be around as a bear shoved into a corset. Kallae would tell you this was a capricious act of cruelty. Reality would dictate it was because Kallae defied a direct order to go to Fujikura.
Fujikura is an island a four-month journey away by boat or a death-wish away by foot. But distance is no obstacle for the spread of chronomagic. For many good years, the Order’s threadcasters were welcomed to the island, their ability to control time being ample enticement for their warm reception. But relations had soured, and word had reached the Order that threadcasters were being killed. That’s where Kallae comes in. Or was supposed to anyway. Kallae has a choice. Follow his orders and retrieve his surviving brethren from the island of savage barbarians or leave the Order in disgrace. Choosing Fujikura is as good as choosing death but remaining in Cargyll means losing his magic and immortality forever. To put it mildly, Kallae was about as screwed as a tissue in monsoon season.
Meanwhile on the island of ‘savage barbarians’, Akira, an early adopter of chronomagic, faces an equally enticing choice. Rescue her captured clan leader before he’s taken to Cargyll as a fairy slave (and probably die trying) or spend the rest of her days as a rogue threadcaster and be hung as a traitor to the Kitsune Emperor. Piece of cake. Or a tasteless rice patty in this case.