Please welcome Epic Fantasy author, Wendy L. Anderson to Reads & Reels!

Hi Shannon! Thank you for having me! After reading a dozen articles on what should constitute a great guest post, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are a dozen different ways to do this.  I think I’ll start by being honest!  I’ve been a self-published author for three years now and I can honestly say self-publishing a book feels like throwing a party, sending out hundreds of invites, preparing wonderful food and drink, and…no one shows up. Other times it is like standing on a street corner with a cardboard sign that says “Reviews please? Anything helps!”  Still other times, it is like standing naked in front of millions of people and saying, “Please judge me and the most intimate, important thoughts in my brain!”

I’m a fantasy writer and writing is what I do best.  Marketing, however, is not my strong point.  I’d just like to write and let someone else do the marketing.  As a self-published author, I’ve gone all the suggested social posting routes on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.  I’ve posted frequently, crafted cleverly worded ads, set-up attractive photos, the whole 9 yards. The reality I’ve come face-to-face with is that, while all that is necessary, it is the reviews that get you noticed and get the word out.

I’m deeply grateful for readers who review my books.  As a part-time writer, with a full-time job a husband, and two boys, I certainly understand what a precious resource time is. Reviews are the blood-source of my inspiration to keep writing and publishing. Getting the word out that a reader liked one or, hopefully, all of my books is such a gift to me as a writer. I can hardly express how much I appreciate them all. I always tell my readers that the review doesn’t have to be long or a complete reiteration of the synopsis so I coined the phrase “KISSR” keep-it-simple-sweet-reader!

Back to my writing; I have written an epic fantasy series called, the Kingdom of Jior fantasy series.  Book one is “Of Demon Kind”, book two “Redemption of the Fallen” and just released is book three “Heirs of Jior.”

The adventure begins in “Of Demon Kind” book one in the series. The main character, Lorn of Jior was raised by an evil king as a half-demon, half-human.  Father and son set off on a path of destruction but are eventually vanquished and Prince Lorn of Jior is what’s left of that evil empire. King Kullorn was the epitome of evil. Together they led demon hordes reaping death and destruction, but Kullorn is killed, leaving Lorn alone to wallow in the desolation of defeat. Years later, Lorn is accused of following in his father’s footsteps and kidnapping the Princess Lililaira. Risking capture, imprisonment and death Lorn attempts to learn who is using his name to start another war. During a rescue of the Princess, Lorn is badly wounded and they must fight to remain together as he is healed by her, body, heart and soul. Lorn goes into hiding after he and his father were defeated in a devastating battle.  Years later Lorn learns someone is using his name to start the war again, Lorn must leave Jior out and find out who threatens the only thing he has left, his castle and his life.  As he risks imprisonment and death for his old crimes, Lorn rescues the Princess Lililaira who he has been accused of taking prisoner.  Together, they must find out who is implicating him in these new crimes and clear Lorn’s name.

“Of Demon Kind,” the first in what seems like a promising series of adventures. You’ll be hooked on the vivid writing that brings the book’s many characters to life. Unlike most sword and sorcery epics, this one doesn’t try to shove too many characters or scenarios down your throat, and the result is an easy-to-understand story-line that gives the readers a chance to truly know the characters and understand the motives. Such enhancements are rare in the genre, and truly separate this work from the pack.” – The Great Northwest Book Festival

“Redemption of the Fallen” is book two in the Kingdom of Jior series in which the combined armies of Vedt march toward Jior intent on slaying everyone and taking revenge for Lorn’s past evil deeds. Lorn, now King of Jior, must deal with old enemies and new friends, but will he be able to tell the difference?

A Juliapicks1.com review had this to say: “Having read the first of Anderson’s books, “Of Demon Kind,” I could not wait to read the follow-up!  I enjoyed the second just as much as the first.” “There are several things I like about these books.  One is that the struggle between good and evil is not so black and white. The right answers are not clearly drawn… This is beautifully done in the books and the endeavor is authentic… do yourself a favor and read these books- even if you do not like fantasy, check them out. I think you will find them to be a treat.”

The saga continues in “Heirs of Jior” where perilous adventures await Lorn and Lililaira’s children in the third installment of the Kingdom of Jior fantasy series.

This set of adventures starts out with Princess Lyra Song, young and beautiful, stepping into maturity, she and her family attend the funeral of a dear friend. During this sad time, she pursues her hopes and dreams endeavoring to explore a betrothal with the Heir of Krickgold.  However, when she is mistaken for a witch by a Lord from a neighboring country, her dreams are dangerously interrupted. Waylaid, taken prisoner and thrown into an iron cage, the delicate Princess of Jior is charged with a crime she didn’t commit and she must do whatever it takes to escape or be wrongfully executed.

Prince Vannier of Jior, known to the Ny-Failen as Little Wing, has been devastated by what happened to his sister Lyra Song, but life must go on and he goes forward with his plan to marry Lady Summer Rain, his childhood love. The day of the wedding ceremony he finds his betrothed with another man and now he must face devastating reality and some difficult choices.  When his younger brother Dark Star goes missing, Vannier must set aside his own problems to go into the Violent Mountains and find who has taken his little brother.  Amidst the turmoil of the hunt, Vannier must face danger, loss, and possible heartbreak.

Dark Star has been changed forever by the events of his capture and he remains troubled and unable to find peace. A mysterious compelling draws him away from the safety of his home and family.  He sets off on his own to investigate and finds a black castle and a beautiful sorceress in dire need of his help.  Dark Star must face a demon from the Hells to free them both.

After two other heart-wrenching, adventure-packed books “Heirs of Jior” promises to be another enrapturing escape into the beautiful realm of the Kingdom of Jior.

Quoting a recent five-star review; “The book is broken into three sections, one for each of the three heirs to Jior. They are written in Anderson’s usual poetic flow with depth and the ability to help the reader visualize the most amazing scenes. The characters come to life in a way in which you cannot help but feel a deep connection with each of them. The stories tell of the tales of their adventures, the meeting of their beloved and the changes in the kingdom of Jior. Wendy L. Anderson is a magnificent author. Read her books, you will never regret it and have fond memories of the characters.”

If you have not yet adventured into the Kingdom of Jior fantasy series I invite you to escape to Jior!  I humbly ask, and thank you in advance, for a moment of your precious time to post a review.

You can find these marvelous books on Amazon!

Of Demon Kind

Redemption of the Fallen

Heirs of Jior

About the Author

Wendy L. Anderson is a Colorado native and mother of two boys. She has an English Degree from Regis University and writes books, short stories and poetry. Wendy is a devout reader of the classics, fantasy, sci-fi and historical fiction. She has decided it is time to write down the fantasies from her own mind. Writing about everything from fantastical worlds to the stuff of her dreams she takes her stories along interesting paths while portraying characters and worlds she sees in her mind’s eye. Her goal is to deviate from common themes, write in original directions and transport her reader to the worlds of her creation.

 B&N 

Goodreads 

For more in-depth information about me, my books, and my writing, check out my blog on my beautiful website! www.wendylanderson.com or on Instagram wendyanderson7111