Wednesday 31 August 2011

Guest blog and Giveaway: Kathryne Kennedy - The Lady of the storms

Today I have Kathryne Kennedy over with a guest blog about the Elven Court. And at the end of this post there is a chance to win her new book, The Lady of The Storms. 

Welcome :D


THE ELVEN COURT

Thank you so much, Blodeuedd, for having me here today. It’s such a pleasure to talk with your readers once again! I’m looking forward to responding to the comments.

Seven mad elven lords took over England, dividing it into seven realms, each with a scepter which commands different powers. So the courts are different depending on the power of the elven lord that rules them. Here’s a peek into each court:

Dewhame court: The elven lord Breden rules with his blue scepter of sea and sky. The palace is all rounded edges, with water running down the walls and statues spraying fountains of it within the courtyard. Within the palace, there are ponds with fantastical plants surrounding them, and you might occasionally see a naiad swimming about. The court dresses in gowns of silk and satin and gauze, light fabrics that aren’t weighed down by the humidity. A waterfall shimmers behind the elven lord’s throne, and wisps of vapor swirl through the throngs of courtiers: half-breed elven with pale hair and jewel-like eyes.

Firehame court: The elven lord Mor'ded rules with the black scepter of fire, but if you look closely at him, you might see something unusually human in his midnight eyes. His consort, Lady Cassandra, stands by his side, a petite woman who moves with such grace she almost seems to be dancing. The court dresses in flamboyant reds, oranges and yellows, and those lacking the white hair of the elven wear ivory wigs, sprinkled with silver dust to imitate the sparkle of the elven lord’s hair. Lava appears to flow beneath the receiving room floor, and white fire dances like starlight on the vast ceiling above.

Dreamhame court: Here, Roden rules with the golden scepter of glamour and illusion, and the palace is constantly changing depending on his mood. Walls may readjust, ceilings may lift, and pillars carved with creatures that crawl about them may suddenly appear overnight. The great hall may have a glass floor with mermaids swimming beneath it, or a brown desert crawling with snakes. You will not find a single blemish or imperfection on the features of the courtiers, and their gowns move with a will of their own.

Stonehame court: The elven lady La'laylia rules here, with her lavender scepter attuned to the gemstones of the earth. The palace is constructed of one gigantic piece of amethyst, and the very air within the court seems to be tinted with shades of purple. The courtiers sparkle with jewels on fingers and gowns, in lappets and stockings, but none of them dazzle the eyes as much as the elven lady herself, in a gown woven of diamonds.

Bladehame court: Lan'dor holds the silver scepter with power over metal, and the sword at his hip fairly hums with magical resonance. His palace is made of the stuff; silver spires and towers and boxy rooms. The male court is more muscular than most, and their swords are not ceremonial, but crafted for serious use. The women are also unusually robust, and if they do not carry a short sword, then a long dagger can be found hanging from their girdles. The great hall has a sharp smell that even the courtier’s perfume cannot cover, and in the winter the engraved metal floors can be unbearably cold, so shoes and boots have thick soles.

Terrahame court: Elven lady Annanor holds the brown scepter of earth, and her palace is constructed of mud and clay—but the bricks are molded into unusual shapes, and fit together like some mad puzzle. The lords and ladies of the court dress in flamboyant colors, adding a splash of brilliance to the earthen great hall. Golems dash about on errands for the court; spindly creatures of mud and stick waving fans, carrying notes, tripping on flowing trains. Tremors occasionally shake the palace walls, and gentlemen aid the ladies over sudden cracks in the floor.

Verdanthame: The sovereignty of Mi’cal of the green scepter, who transforms plants and trees into beautiful creations with often-deadly intent. His throne is a stump of tree carved with depictions of hunting scenes, and the great hall’s pillars are tree trunks. Vines sway from the high ceiling, white moss flowing down from them like scarves of delicate lace. The court dresses in browns and greens, blending with the plants that grow from the walls and edges of the rooms. The palace itself is perched within an enormous tree, the walls of stone so covered with green moss that it appears to be some odd growth of the tree itself.

Here’s an excerpt from The Lady of the Storm, and I’m keeping it short as my post ran a bit long. :} I chose this excerpt because it captured the feel of Dewhame itself, and I loved creating a liquid world.

Cecily craned her neck up at the palace walls. Water streamed down the sides of the blue-tinted stones, picked up the meager sunlight and transformed the curtain of water into glimmering translucence. Within the courtyard itself, stone carvings spouted waterfalls that sprayed white mist into the air, speckling Cecily’s cheeks and arms.

Which realm would you most like to visit, and why? I’m looking forward to reading your comments!

My Magical Best,
Kathryne


Thank you for this interesting post, Kathryne :D 


Giveaway 
2 copies of The Lady of the storm 

1. Open to US and Canada
2. Ends September 7th
3. Just enter, or make it fun and answer Kathryne's question 
(Which realm would you most like to visit, and why?)

Have fun!

 

THE LADY OF THE STORM BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES AUGUST 2011

Giles is bound to protect her...
In a kingdom viciously ruled by warlike elven lords, village blacksmith Giles Beaumont reluctantly swears to protect the half-elf, half-human Cecily Sutton, never dreaming that he will fall under her enchanting spell.

But duty soon turns to desire...
When Cecily's father disappears, Cecily and Giles set out to find him. But, as their journey unfolds, duty is quickly replaced by desire—and the search for Cecily's father leads to a magical destiny that could end the rule of the elven lords forever...

“Fantastical creatures, magical spells, lengthy quests, angst, and passion will satisfy readers looking for a romance plot in a well-developed fantasy setting.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Kennedy’s exquisite world building and terrific plotting make this a must-read.”
—Booklist Starred Review


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathryne Kennedy is an acclaimed, best-selling, award-winning author of magical romances. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at www.kathrynekennedy.com. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives with her wonderful family in Arizona, where she is working on the next book in The Elven Lords series, The Lord of Illusion (February 2012).




50 comments:

  1. I would have to say Stonehame or Verdanthame. But probably Stonehame. It sounds gorgeous!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Allisonmharper@hotmail.com

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  2. I think I would want to visit the Verdanthame realm. I just love the earthy sound of it.

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  3. I think the Dewhame Court would be my choice, I love being around water and the idea of dressing in silk gowns that are nice and light is definitely appealing:) All of the courts sound beautiful though!

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  4. Hi Book Girl, thank you for having me here today!

    Hi Allison! Lovely!

    Hi Rebekah! Wonderful to hear!

    Hi Jenny! It does sound cool. :}

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  5. man u mean wed have to chose lol honestly im not sure id like to visit them all for different reasons I have to say Verdanthame becauseit sounds so pretty and earthy dewhame sounds rapther pretty too but honestly id loveee to visit
    Bladehame why id want to visit blade hame is because well i love teh sound of it expecially the women being robust sounds like my plac eto hang

    mortalsinn@yahoo.com

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  6. Hi Kathryin, I really enjoyed The Lady of the Storms, thanks. I would love to visit Stonehame or Bladehame. I have a thing for Amethyst, and own several pieces of it, and some necklaces and broches. I would love to see a whole castle made from Amethyst. And Bladehame seems like the most normal of the lot, and I like though women fighters instead of weak court ladies running around.

    Question: will there be more books in the Reliqs of Merlin series soon? I miss those.

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  7. Given the chance I would love to go to all of them, but if only one, then I think that I would have to choose Dewhame. I love swimming and being around water, and I think seeing all of the waterfalls and ponds would be not only beautiful, but fantastically magical. Thanks for another great book!

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  8. Hi SiNn! So great to hear from you! I love the warrior women of Bladehame, and I'm thinking I may have to write a book for Wilhelmina. :}

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  9. Hi Aurian! I have finished the third book in the Elven series, and I am currently working on a fourth book in the Relics series, Everlasting Enchantment. So you'll have your wish. :}

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  10. I'd have to be shallow and say Stonehame because of the lovely color (as close to my favorite sapphire blue as possible). Thanks for sharing your vision and good luck with the book!

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  11. I would love to visit Stonehame. As a jewelry maker I love amythest. I would love to make jewelry there. Thanks.

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  12. Terrahame b/c it's so earthy, and I love bright colors!!

    not an entry, i've read this one :)

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  13. Hi Alyssa! My absolute pleasure!

    Hi Elf2060! Thank you so much!

    Hi Kelly! Sounds like Stonehame would be heaven for you!

    Hi Carrie! Very sweet of you to stop by and leave a comment. Thank you!

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  14. Dewhame - because I'm always drawn to water.. But they all sound very interesting in each own's right. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  15. What an interesting post. I have enjoyed learning about the Elven courts.

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  16. I think I would want to visit the Stonehame Court because it sounds so beautiful, and I might actually make it out alive, lol. Thanks for the contest :-)
    spifferfishATyahooDOTcom

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  17. What an imaginative world you've created! I loved your FIRE LORD's LOVER, so I'd probably have to visit him!

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  18. Hi girlygirlhoosier52! Then you should enjoy The Lady of the Storm. :}

    Hi Vivienne! Thank you!

    Hi Tiffaney! That's very true. :}

    Hi Mia! Yes, Firehame would be a sight, although a bit hot. :}

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  19. It definietely would have to be Stonehame! My daughter's birthstone is Amethyst and it is one of the most beautiful stones around. I love buying her jewelry with this stone!

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  20. oooooh! Such an interesting concept. All sound a bit primitive so that is kind of scary/thrilling. I think for me I'd pick the Stonehame court. It sounds so lovely.

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  21. I find myself thinking that all of the courts sounds interesting and beautiful in it's own way. If I must chose only one court I'd say Firehame, I have't read any of the books but lord Mor'ded with his midnight eyes immediately captured my interest.

    I have heard such great things about Kathryne Kennedy's The Elven Lords series :)

    I'm not entering the giveaway since I live far away from the US and Canada but I wanted to answer the question.

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  22. Hi everyone :D Thank you for the great guestpost Kathryne!

    I think I would choose Dewhame because is sounds so lovely. I would love to stay at Bladhame too cos of all those men with swords, but staying there forever, nope.

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  23. I would like to visit Dewhame, as I love the ocean, and it just sounds like a lovely place to be!

    Thank you both for the opportunity to win! I fell in love with the first book and have been eagerly anticipating the second! :)

    Thank you, again!!

    Shoni
    shonijunk (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  24. (No need to enter me in the contest) All the courts sound so different and unique but I think I would like the Stonehame Court best.

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  25. I would love to visit Dewhame court. It just sounds so beautiful, and I do love being near water.

    carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com

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  26. I'd have to go with the Dewhame Court. I'm all about being around water. For me it sounds like the most relaxing, peaceful place. Though Verdanthame would be a close second.
    teawench at gmail dot com

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  27. Hi Cherio1! How wonderful for your daughter!

    Hi Missie! Thank you for the interesting comment!

    Hi Mari! Very kind of you to comment, thank you! I'm thrilled readers are enjoying my world.

    Hi Blodeuedd! Loved your comment, thank you so much!

    Hi Shobelle! So great to hear! :}

    Hi Jenny! Thanks so much for commenting!

    Hi Carolsnotebook! You would enjoy meeting Cecily, then. :}

    Hi Teawench! Not sure about the relaxing part, but yes, it is beautiful. :}

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  28. Bladehame court would be my choice. I love metals and the sounds of the men for this one.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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  29. Oh I'd have to say Dewhame as well. I love water and it has such a great effect in court. I would love to visit all the realms tho!

    books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  30. I'd love to visit Dreamhame. I love the idea of of it changing according to mood. How cool would that be?!

    Please enter me in the draw, and thanks for the giveaway!

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

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  31. Wow! All the courts sound so beautiful!

    I think though that I'd like to visit either Dewhame Court or Verdanthame Court I love and appreciate the way both courts seem to be surrounded by their respective natures, I hope that makes sense!

    I'm also very intrigued by Stonehame court because I'm really into pretty gems and precious stones.

    kakuchouakisame_19(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. Great choice, Debby! ;}

    Hi Melissa! Me too. :}

    Hi Darlene! Dreamhame is featured in book 3, The Lord of Illusion. Thx!

    Hi Gabby! Makes perfect sense. Thx so much for commenting!

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  33. I think I'd like to visit Dewhame court, it sounds like the most inviting to me, although they all sound pretty cool.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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  34. Thanks for the giveaway.
    I think, Firehame court.

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  35. I think I would have to say Stonehame. I was hooked at the word "Lavender" and then the diamonds helped to push me over the edge.

    They all sound fabulous.

    Thanks for the giveaway and good luck to everyon.

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  36. Dreamhame, I like the thought of everchanging scenery.

    Is worldbulding your favorite part of creating a story?

    Good luck everyone!

    mfroelich @ Yahoo.com

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  37. Thank you, Barbara E! Me too!

    Hi Pamela! My pleasure.

    Hi Jackie! Ah, we both love sparklies. :}

    Hi Mary! Yes, it is my favorite part. My characters develop as I write, so they become my fav as I'm writing. Great question!

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  38. Hi Kathryne, So many different realms to choose from and they all have a special appeal of their own. I'd have to say my favorite is the Dewhame Court because of the waterfalls and my love of water. Everything about this realm attracts me to it.
    I'm so happy to hear that you are already writing another book to follow up with the Relics of Merlin series. I loved it, and look forward to another book. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to starting to read your newest series of books as I haven't yet read them.
    You have an amazing talent and I love your writing Kathryne.
    Donna
    dawn2454@gmail.com

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  39. Dewhame, I do believe would be my
    favorite. I once encountered diffi-
    culties in a swimming pool and
    nearly drowned. As I was a child
    at the time, I was left with fear
    of swimming and water. Perhaps
    being surrounded by so much water
    might help alleviate my fears!

    Pat Cochran

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  40. Great imagination! Stonehame or Dewhame for me!.

    portiabridget (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk

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  41. Hi Donna! Thank you so much for such a lovely note. Means the world to me.

    Hi Pat! So sorry to hear that, and yes, being around all the water may help you with those fears. Wish you the best!

    Thank you to all you ladies for commenting. It was such a pleasure to talk with you all. Thank you again, Blodeuedd, for hosting me here at your blog. I had a wonderful time. Wishing everyone my magical best, Kathryne

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  42. The Dewhame court, because it sounds so beautiful and peaceful! I'm really, really excited to read this book now, so thanks for giving me a chance to win a copy :D

    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  43. Stonehame court because lavender is my favorite scent and the amethyst is my birthstone!

    Thanks for the contest.

    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  44. I would like to visit Dreamhame Court because a constantly changing palace sounds very interesting.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. I'd love to visit Verdanthame because I love all things green! :)I have the first book in this series as an e-book and hope to squeeze it into my reading schedule soon. I would love to win a copy of the sequel.

    akreese at hotmail dot com

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  46. Nice post! all teh realms sound interesting. I think I'd most like to visit Dewhame court. I love the idea of it being all about the sea and sky.

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  47. I would like to visit Dewhame court, because it sounds so beautiful. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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  48. Dewhame Court sounds the best to me!

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  49. Dewhame Court that sounds good, thanks lisapeters at yahoo dot com n Lisa

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