Hello everyone and welcome to my stop on the Escapist Book Co. virtual book tour for M.T. Fontaine’s dark epic fantasy novel Carved Amidst the Shadows! Today, I am excited to help kickoff the tour by sharing an interview with the main character from the book!
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 Carved Amidst the Shadows 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:
Carved Amidst the Shadows by M.T. Fontaine
Series: Brands of Taelgir
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Dark Political Fantasy
Intended Age Group: Adult
Pages: 502
Published: August 30, 2022
Publisher: Flecha Escrita Edicionas (Self Published)
Blurb
When the gods shaped the continent into five kingdoms to be ruled by their progeny, they did not account for the greed of men. When they created the Order from their god-blessed followers to mediate between realms, they neglected to plan against the hoarding of power. War between the royalists and the godly was inevitable.
Five centuries later, the borders between kingdoms are impenetrable. No branded-born Marked can cross them without burning to ash, except the Order’s Stewards. But a damaging new war has been prophesied, one that haunts the Order, one that will come to pass if Carved traitors roam free and brandless-born Flawed are left alive.
It starts with one girl that survives the impossible. Kaianne, the Carved. It takes shape through one prince with ambition. Andreiyes, the Marked. It hinges on one grieving man who is ready to give up hope. Rau, the Steward. Three people bound by fate – whether they like it or not.
See Also:
She Buries the Hatchet • He Had Been Weighed, He Has Been Measured, and He Has Been Found Not Wanting • He Bends It Like Beckham
Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Carved-Amidst-Shadows-Brands-Taelgir-ebook/dp/B09Z61R4C8
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61306990-carved-amidst-the-shadows
Character Q&A
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Kaianne: Hello, I’m Kaianne. I was once the only daughter in a family of five children to a prominent Lord of Isyldill. Now, I’m just me. I’m a survivor. I’m a Carved and proud of it.
Andreiyes: Call my Andreiyes, and we might just enjoy our time together.
Rau: Rau, Master Rau to you.
What music do you listen to?
K: Give me something with a beat to it, and I’ll jump right in.
A: Absolutely no trumpets. I hear enough of those sounding off on a daily basis to make anyone cringe.
R: Has no one ever heard of appreciating silence?
What are 3 items you can’t live without?
K: I wouldn’t be who I am today without my dagger, my wits, and someone to watch my back. So I’d say those 3.
A: What’s life without a good time, a great bed, and the hope that it will not all come crashing down in the blink of an eye?
R: Unfortunately Well’s water – I have little choice there. My Master robes define me. After so long with them, I do not believe I could shed them so easily. And the memory of my daughter as it brings me both the joy and pain I need to keep going.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing you’d like to have with you?
K: My dagger. You never know when something sharp will come in handy.
A: A tome on plant and animal life. Someone needs to be practical.
R: How is it none of these fools chose food and fresh water? That is the most logical.
What do you do in your free time?
K: I train. I can’t let my guard down, ever.
A: I keep my mind off my problems any way I can. Preferably in ways that involve a willing partner.
R: I find a peaceful place to let my mind rest.
What is your favorite holiday?
K: I don’t know what fantasy world you live in, but holidays don’t exist for Carved. A day off from life is the best way to drop your guard and find yourself on the other end of a noose.
A: If I had to pick one? The Festival of the Golden Sun. The streets are vibrating and lively. The people are entertaining. The attires are relaxed. ‘Tis a good time all around.
R: Holidays are for family. Why would I celebrate another day in an endless turn of them without family?
If you could go anywhere in [the book’s world], where would you go and why?
K: I would like to visit the Carved city Paradise within the swamps of Gyldrise. It’s the only one I have yet to visit. I’ve heard it is more exposed than any other Carved city if not for the fog and accessible only by boat.
A: Anywhere outside the borders of Isyldill. I grow bored off Isyldill’s plains, fields, and forests. I wish to go past the restrictions of the borders.
R: I would go back to the Order’s Temple and visit my Greenling’s grieving tree. I need that connection to my daughter. It’s the only part of her I still have.
What is your favorite season?
K: Rebirth because new life replaces the old, and new beginnings are possible.
A: I prefer the stretch of gain because it is not so hot as to make one suffer but not so cold as to cause shivers.
R: The Blight is my preferred stretch. People are less obtrusive in the cold season.
How would you define happiness?
K: Being satisfied. Knowing me and mine are going to survive the day.
A: In the simplest terms: A full belly, a parched throat, pleasant company, and no politics to ruin it. But in truth, happiness would be the lack of worry.
R: If the past could be undone, that would bring me happiness.
How do you feel about your government?
K: Is that a trick question? I’m a Carved living in exile, hunted just for lacking a mark. How do you think I feel?
A: I am applying myself so that we may one day be free of the Order’s oppression. Until then, as part of the royal family, I assure you that we are doing our upmost to keep the populace safe from those that would seek you harm.
R: The realms would be a safer place if there was no obligation for a royal to oversee them. It is an unfortunate limitation in how the gods established Taelgir, but the Order’s Archchancellor has fortunately found a work-around.
What’s your biggest fear?
K: For my life not to have meaning. I don’t want to be insignificant and easily forgotten.
A: I fear failure. It’s not option – not for me, not for my family, not for my people.
R: I fear the Order’s fight will never end, and I will never be able to rest. Centuries have come and gone, and still the realms require the Order’s helpful hand. When does that end?
What do you think your best quality is?
K: I’m decisive. I know what I want and I go for it.
A: I plan and strategize. That is what success is built upon.
R: Loyal, I am and will be forever loyal to the Order.
About the Author
M.T. grew up as that kid whose thoughts always raced faster than what her mouth could spout out. That kid who woke up in the middle of the night to write down ideas and left notes behind for friends and family to find.
She quickly discovered spun stories expressed her emotions far better than the spoken word. The rest was a matter of time, patience, and many deletions.
Mari-Tris lives under Spain’s gorgeous sun and warm weather, gorging on tapas and tea. Lots and lots of tea.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.t.fontaine/
Website: https://mtfontaine.com/
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