My Keys On: Writing, Illustrating, and more: Blog Tour: Artesans of Albia

I am thrilled to share with you this post. I met author Cas Peace at a conference her publisher was holding in Salt Lake City. Her and her husband had flown all the way from the UK to be there and I feel like it was all for me. She shared the most fabulous presentation on world building I had ever heard that after it was over, I had to meet her. Cas wasted no time in giving me tips and encouragement with my own projects. A few months later, Cas again came to my aid when I was ready to submit to publishers. She edited my book, helped me with my query, read through my publishing contract, and even wrote me a song! Cas is what I call a Giver. She freely gives of her time, her talents, her love to help others in need. To top it all off Cas is a brilliant writer!

I got her first book, King’s Envoy, as gifts at the publishing conference were we met. I finished it in
just a few days. I was absorbed in the rich details of the world of Albia. The story made me a fan for life! When her publisher announced their closer this past summer I was horrified. I felt absolutely terrible for my friend. I immediately sent an email to Cas to find out how she was handling it. Surprisingly, Cas was extremely positive (I would have been crushed)—she saw it as a new opportunity. When she told me then that she wanted to redesign the covers of her last two books, I practically begged her to let me do the art (I really did beg). I was star struck when she let me.

I’m not sure if anyone would know how I felt as I worked on the covers of these books. As I said before, I am a huge fan of the Albia books. I felt a mixture of feelings while working on the covers, from insecurity in my art, to elation. I was thrilled when Cas told me she loved them. I hope you love them too. They do not give the story justice, Cas has genius in writing that could never properly be reflected in art, but it is my hope that you see a glimmer of the magic she has created in them. With a much longer introduction than I intended, I give to you the rerelease of the Artesans Albia Trilogy, by Cas Peace.

Artesans of Albia series synopsis:

On a foolhardy foray into a foreign realm, Taran Elijah is attacked by a terrible weapon known as the Staff. Killing its wielder, he escapes into Albia, inadvertantly carrying the Staff.

Concerned by the vicious raids that follow Taran's actions, Major Sullyan of the High King's forces crosses into Andaryon to seek diplomatic resolution to the crisis. She is captured and tortured by Lord Rykan, aspirant to the Andaryon throne.

Slowly dying, Sullyan escapes his clutches. She offers her skills to the Hierarch in defense of his throne, finally confronting Rykan on the field of battle.

Her handsome Captain and lover, Robin Tamsen, embarks on a desperate quest to recover the Staff. But Rykan's greedy General, Sonten, is two steps ahead of him. If Robin cannot lay hold of the weapon before Sonten does, Sullyan's life and the lives of all Artesans are forfeit.

The race for the Staff has begun.

Praise for King’s Artesan

“One of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read. The balance between background story and action is just perfect. I’m very glad I found this author. You won’t want to miss this series!” ~Denyse Cohen, author of Witch’s Soulmate, Book 1 of the Living Energy Trilogy

“Splendidly written in a wonderful voice, drew me in immediately. Ms. Peace’s imagination alone gets 5 stars. Spectacular worlds and enchanting scenes. Anyone who enjoys losing themselves in a world of a charming fantasy with plenty of layers and a host of intriguing characters won’t be disappointed!” ~Rosary McQuestion, author of Once Upon Another Time

“As soon as I finished this book I was eager to start the next. I highly recommend this book. Great Job!!” ~Janus Gangi, author of Elizabeth Rose and That Morning After

About the Author:

Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years, 1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to return to Italy whenever she can.

Cas's other great loves are anything to do with animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and also singing. Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and offers them as free downloads from her website.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.caspeace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace?fref=ts

Book Songs: http://www.caspeace.com/downloads/songs

Here is the YouTube link to the new Trilogy trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ORbCO_wGI