Book: Ierie
Genre: Folklore Fantasy
Author: C.J. Sahadeo
In today’s newsletter, I’m excited to interview fantasy author C.J. Sahadeo. Hello and welcome! Can you tell us something about your book?
Ierie is a folklore fantasy novel which brings to life the Ole Mas carnival characters of the Caribbean islands Trinidad and Tobago. These characters, like the stickfighter and the midnight robber, must use the abilities granted to them by the island of Ierie to foil a terrible plot to the native people of the island.
Why did you choose this title for the book?
The original name for the island of Trinidad was Iere. Ierie is a twist on that and also sounds a lot like the word ‘eerie’ which is something a lot of the characters are!
How did you get the idea for this book?
I was actually listening to a song on the radio, ‘buss head’ which is about stickfighting, and that combined with my desire to have a fantasy book set in my home with my people inspired me to write Ierie.
Who is your favourite character in the book?
My favourite character has got to be Amrika. She’s fierce and loyal and above all, she is kind. She gets her abilities activated because she chose to help a child. She goes into battle against her brother’s wishes. She steals from the rich and gives it away to needy families in her village. She’s awesome and I think the world deserves to know her.
What do you consider to be something unique about your work?
Ierie is a fantasy book placed in my island and with people like me. Growing up, I had never seen any books like that before. It also has bits of my local dialect in it!
One last question. What are your plans for the future?
I certainly plan to publish again, though it is not likely that there will be a sequel for Ierie. I have a few other sci-fi and fantasy projects in the works.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
I can be found on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/c.sahadeo_?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
And on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21276285.C_J_Sahadeo
Link to book on Amazon:
My book can be found on Amazon.com!
And also in Amazon uk:
I’m always amazed at how diverse epic fantasy books can be!. Now on to this week’s fantasy creature.
J is for Jack-in-Irons
Jack-in-Irons is a fearsome giant who roams lonely country roads, traditionally in Yorkshire. He carries a spiked club, and his torso is encircled by chains to which he hangs the heads of the people he’s killed. It’s not surprising, therefore, that they are sometimes employed as jailors or torturers.
If you’re on a lonely road and hear the clanking of chains, best run as fast as you can! 😊
ARC copies
Before I sign off, I’d like to introduce you to the work of a writer who set up the critique group I form part of. Cordia Pearson’s debut novel will be launched in the coming days and she’s offering free copies in exchange for a review. Just look at that cover: isn’t it gorgeous!
These are the links to her two giveaways:
LibraryThing: Book Giveaway for Iridesce by Cordia Pearson
Some self-promo!
When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.
If you like magic, enemies to lovers, twists and turns, harrowing escapes and family drama, then you’ll enjoy The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy.
Dawn of Purple and Grey, Days of Wind and Snow, and Night of Rites and Wraiths (The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy) are available through Amazon as ebooks and paperbacks or as an ebook Complete Series Box Set.
Till next time,
Caroline
Caroline Sciriha 