Please join me in welcoming back a returning guest, Vijaya Schartz. Always a nice addition to The Roses of Prose.
It's always bittersweet to write the last book in
a long, beloved series. I've been working on the Curse of the Lost Isle
medieval fantasy series for twenty years, off and on, including years of
intensive research.
The myth of the ondine (siren, mermaid, silken
etc.) is widespread in Europe. Melusine the Fae is an immortal, related to
Morgane the Fae. Because she abused her supernatural gifts in childhood, she
was cursed to become an ondine (water serpent from the waist down) on specific
days. If the religious authorities learn what she is, they will hunt her down
as an evil monster, and burn her at the stake.
In mythology, she represents the independent,
knowledgeable and wise woman, the crone, the witch, the healer. She represents
a threat to medieval society, who wants women to remain ignorant, modest,
docile, and obedient. The religious order of the time also wants to suppress
the influence of women, going as far as denying them a soul. Ignoring the
taboos of her time, Melusine fights her oppressors and accomplishes much,
despite their opposition and intrigues. She fights for justice, protects women,
marries for love, empowers her men, builds mighty castles, forges alliances,
and gives birth to powerful rulers.
Book 8 - ANGEL OF LUSIGNAN, scheduled for January
2017, will be the last in the Curse of the Lost Isle series, bringing
Melusine's curse to its conclusion. Along the course of this series, Melusine
first appears as a child in Book 2 - PAGAN QUEEN. She is then the main
character in Book 3 - SEDUCING SIGEFROI, Book 4 - LADY OF LUXEMBOURG, and Book
5 - CHATELAINE OF FOREZ. Books 1 and 2 tell the story of her mother, Books 6
and 7 the story of her sisters. Find this series on Amazon
- Barnes
& Noble
Previously, from her Luxembourg family, after
marrying Count Sigefroi, Melusine gave birth to a line of powerful rulers who reigned
in Germany, Flanders and Austria. Later in Forez, with Count Artaud, her
initial success was soon crushed by mounting religious conflicts.
In the historical chronology, Book 8 - ANGEL OF
LUSIGNAN actually takes place before Beloved Crusader and Damsel of the Hawk (already
published standalones, portraying the other two sisters, and set during the
Crusades). This last novel, however depicts the most well known legend of
Melusine, the popular myth scholars have been studying for centuries...
particularly in Europe.
This last book in the series is set in Lusignan, a
town in Aquitaine, created by Melusine, according to legend. Lusignan is also
the name of the powerful family she founded there, where she falls in love with
Count Raymond, and gives birth to a mighty noble line.
Her descendants Guy and Hugh of Lusignan later became
kings of Jerusalem and Cyprus during the Crusades. Another descendant of hers
is the famous and infamous Eleanor of Aquitaine, twice queen, in France and in
England. King Richard the Lionheart mentions more than once the stain upon his
family, his dark ancestress through the centuries, the cursed one. That was
Melusine the Fae, whose blood also flowed in Eleanor of Aquitaine.
But as a writer, I wanted to find the truth beyond
the myths and the legends. I wanted to discover the heart of these characters. A
series of facts does not a story make. Their indomitable passion is what drove
them to extraordinary feats and brought their names all the way into this
century. Unfortunately, at the time they were judged harshly. Remember that
history is always written by the victors, and Paganism was crushed by
Christendom. So it made sense that the Pagans of the time would be reviled in
the official records, and presented in a negative light, even accused of
horrible deeds.
In my intensive research for this series, I peeled
off the layers of superstition to find the truth of these fascinating
characters, and bring them to life into the light, with all their hopes and
struggles.
I hope you will enjoy reading their story as much
as I enjoyed writing it.
HAPPY READING!
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks -
6 comments:
Fascinating! What an incredible feat on your part to complete the series. Best of luck with its success.
I celebrate the last book of a series with you! Writers know how much research goes into a gigantic story like yours, anchored on deft plots and intriguing characters. I'm sure you already have another concept going as you put this one to bed. Good work, Vijaya!
Really interesting. Your books remind me of The Mists of Avalon in concept. A look at history from another perspective. Best of luck rapping up your series!
Welcome back to the Roses of Prose. Leaving a series is hard, especially when you've come to love the characters and their story beats strong in your heart. I can't wait to hear what you'll write about next.
This sounds like a fantastic series! I love stories that weave mythology and legend and history into a new concept. Ending it must feel like saying goodbye to best friends and family, but I'll bet what comes next will be just as wonderful. wishing you much success!
Welcome, Vijaya. Sounds like a great series. Best wishes.
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