Thursday, May 23, 2013

A Character's Perspective - A Guest Blog

So, This was supposed to go up yesterday, but thanks to some internet issues and an illness on my part, the result was nothing more than a blank blog post that probably had most of you wondering if I had lost my mind.  I haven't, I promise. (Okay, so that might be debatable, but for the purposes of this blog, we're going to go with I haven't.)  Anyway, as you can see, I have another guest blog for you! I'd like to introduce you to:

ABOUT RON HARTMAN


Ron Hartman has had a life-long passion for the written word and is an avid reader. The Prophecy Chronicles are his first written works. Ron graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and lives in Ottumwa, Iowa with his wife and three children. Read more about Prophecy Foretold, as well as excerpts from the other books in The Prophecy Chronicles series, at www.prophecychronicles.com.

His latest book is The Prophecy Chronicles.


A Character’s Perspective

For me Prophecy Chronicles: Prophecy Foretold was a labor of love. I could go on and on about the project, but I think I’ll let one of the characters speak for himself. Please let me introduce to you Soren, former captain of the Naphthalian Royal Guard and current leader of the Resistance:


Greetings—or if you prefer, Morning’s Blessings, as is often said in some parts of EnialĂ©. Ron asked me to tell you a little about my world. Well, as I always say, sooner begun, sooner done, so here we go. I was once the captain of the guard for the last king of Naphthali, King Begnauld the Wanderer. Some call him the Fool…yes, well, history iswritten by the victors, isn’t it? He was murdered by Imperialists, but we didn’t know that until later, not until it was too late.

I know what you’re probably thinking: where was I, the captain of his guard? Believe me, if I could change the past I would. His death is a shame I must live with, as well as all that followed. Even the deaths of my own—no. Many apologies, Ron, but I can’t tell that tale.

Suffice it to say, Naphthali burned. Clan turned on clan, division destroying everything Begnauld and his forebears brought together. At times like that the strong devour the weak and we are all left that much smaller for the dark deeds. It shouldn’t be surprising that the Empire attacked when they did. After all, we knew they were watching, waiting…

Imperial armies overran what defense we had left before we even realized they were coming. The streets ran red, and before long an Imperial governor took Begnauld’s seat. He granted our lands to his lackeys and forced those of us that wouldn’t kneel into hiding. Now they rule us with an iron fist, their damned Rule of Ten controlling the people with fear.

I’m done hiding. My friend Thosten and I are making for the Iron Gate now. We hear the Bloody Horde, brave warriors of clan Durmeer, plan to stand and fight. I fear they don’t have the numbers to stand alone, but if we can’t turn them we will join them. I’ve been sharpening my Katareen blade and I’m ready to use it.

The Resistance needs a strong showing, or it may be over for all of us. What choice do we have? There is no Naphthalian that could reunite the clans, not now. The old healer, Westragen, would have us hold out hope for the Stranger…but I’ve heard that tired old Prophecy in a hundred different ports! Who’s to say it’s even meant for Naphthali? Just for argument’s sake, let’s say it is. If the Stranger means to save us, he damn well better get here soon, or there’ll be nothing left to save.

Many apologies, Ron, but I really must go. We fight for honor, for the glory or Naphthali, and we fight for justice!


Oh, sorry, I thought Soren was going to tell us a little more about Naphthali than that. Honor drives him to stand against the Empire, and he’d never abandon a friend as true as Thosten, not when he goes to battle with his kin. Anyway, I guess that does give you one perspective on Naphthali when Prophecy Foretold opens, just when Daniel Marten is drawn from our world into Soren’s. If you pick up the book, I hope you enjoy it! I know Soren would appreciate your support and well wishes. And I’d love to hear what you think! Please stop by www.prophecychronicles.com and drop me a line!


These are dark days for Naphthali. The king has been murdered, the land invaded by the Imperial Army. It will absorb Naphthali into an Empire that stretches across all of EnialĂ© at any cost. The ravaged people cling to an ancient promise, an assurance that a Prophesied savior will come to set them free…

Daniel Martin is trapped in a life that hasn’t gone as expected. His pharmacy is struggling and he is losing all hope of making a difference in his patients’ lives. His family is the one shining light in his disenchanted life, but he is torn from them when an accident draws him to Naphthali. The people need him but Daniel is driven by his need to return to the family he loves. Is he the Prophesied One? Only time will tell as both the Empire and the Resistance battle for Daniel while the fate of Naphthali hangs in the balance…