Hello everyone and welcome to my stop on the Escapist Book Co. virtual book tour for NC Koussis’ Dark Fantasy/Grimdark novel The Sword of Mercy and Wrath! Today, I am excited to help kickoff the tour by sharing an interview with the main character from the book, Selene!
You can find our Q&A below, along with all of the info about the book, the author, and links to purchase a copy of The Sword of Mercy and Wrath for yourself! Also, be sure to take a look at the schedule here or at the top of the post and follow along to see the stops from our other awesome hosts!
Book Information:
The Sword of Mercy and Wrath by NC Koussis
Series: The Swords of Dominion Series
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Grimdark
Intended Age Group: Adult
Pages: 400
Published: March 20, 2023
Publisher: Self Published
Blurb
VENGEANCE CUTS A BLOODY PATH
In a cathedral at the south of the Istryan Empire, young men and women are trained to be killers. The Order of the Golden Sword’s inquisitors are feared for their brutality masked as piety. Masters of blade and crossbow, their quarry is the god-cursed werewolf, whom they hunt with impunity to herald the return of their god.
Betrayed by her monstrous father, Selene loses her left arm and nearly her life when she’s saved by a traveling inquisitor. Scarred and broken, she swears vengeance on the cursed beasts and joins the Order. It takes all her will to overcome her limits, only for her violent past to drag her back into blood.
With the fabric of the empire at stake, Selene must master her hatred, hone it to a sharp point, then let it loose on her enemies.
The stunning fantasy debut from “One of Australia’s most promising young writers.” Perfect for fans of Andrzej Sapkowski and Mark Lawrence.
See Also:
Someone’s Hangry • Van Helsing but Werewolves • EuroTrip (with Horses)
Book Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80272063-the-sword-of-mercy-and-wrath
Character Q&A
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
*yawns and picks fingernails* If I must. I am Selene, ward to the Count of Invereid, for all the good it did me.
What music do you listen to?
I prefer the quick southern piccato and dancing the quadrille, to the slow, melancholic cansos of the north. Though it is said in Riga they dance to the sounds of the sacrificed on Sigur’s Day.
What are 3 items you can’t live without?
My knives, my dagger, and my crossbow.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing you’d like to have with you?
A blade. I am practical, always.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
When people ask me inane questions.
What do you do in your free time?
Make poisons and sharpen my dagger.
What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning?
Slaying demons.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
To aim for the soft spots.
What do you carry in your bag?
Poisons.
What’s your favorite animal?
Horses – they’re dependable.
What do you think about Tristain?
My adoptive brother? I try not to. Why, have you heard from him? *eyes bore through the interviewer’s head*
Do you have a favorite saying?
“Knives keep one honest.”
What is your favorite holiday?
Solnisday. Suncakes are my favorite sweet.
If you could go anywhere in [the book’s world], where would you go and why?
I like the warm south but I hate the heat. Maybe Valenti, it’s north enough, and the Bright Sea is nice this time of year. You might get stabbed, and your purse stolen, but I’d be fine.
What do you do to relax?
Listen to the sounds of the tortured.
What is your favorite food?
Suncakes. Werewolf blood has a certain acquired taste, as well.
What is your favorite season?
Auctumnitas – especially late auctumnitas. The mix of colors among the trees in Osbergia, the smell of the rot in the forests, the stark, dead trees that have already shed their leaves.
How would you define happiness?
A dead demon.
What are you passionate about?
Killing demons.
How do you feel about your government?
I try not to. The empire is a grist mill to the understanding and the psyche. Did you know that the emperor has three sons, and one of them can’t walk? And yet, no one is supposed to talk about it.
If you could change one thing about [the book’s world], what would it be?
I wish my mother was still alive, and hadn’t been torn to ribbons by her husband *she growls that last word*
What’s your biggest secret?
I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.
What do you hate?
I thought we already covered this.
What’s your biggest fear?
If I told you, I’d have to kill you.
What do you think your best quality is?
Patience for inane questions.
How would you describe the world you live in?
I know no other, but it is hard, and it is rough, and you wouldn’t survive a single day, you warm, soft craven.
About the Author
NC Koussis was born in Perth in 1993 to Greek and Gamilaroi ancestry. He has moved all around Australia, settling in Newcastle for the moment, where he lives with his wife, son, and staffy dog, Nala. He’s been writing fantasy books since he was a little boy, after falling in love with Lord of the Rings, Realm of the Elderlings, and Deltora Quest. He decided to publish a book in 2019, and it only took him three years. The Pyres of Vengeance is his upcoming novel. He considers himself an enthusiastic amateur of medieval history, historical battles and tactics, and food. When he’s not writing, he’s making sourdough bread and working on a PhD in neuroscience.
Webite: https://nikitaskoussis.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCKoussis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nckoussis/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nckoussis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCKoussis
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