When I spotted this cover art, I knew I had to read this. Sometimes an image will catch my eye and stay with me. I try not to read the excerpt for the book before I review it, but I do recall that this cover art was complimentary of the story within. That is very important to me. I have difficulty giving a good rating if the story and cover do not match. Check this out!
Some people may think this is too busy. I think it is beautiful. I love the lettering and the way her eyes shimmer. The wolves eyes are like christmas ornaments. And the picture of this girl represents Erynn perfectly.
Before my review I have something great to tell you. R.E. Sheahan is stopping in for an interview and she has offered 3 signed paperbacks with three signed posters for me to giveaway. Read my review and interview and enter for your chance to win this novel at the end of the post. Just look for the planets at the bottom!
Enter the world of Arranon
The story takes place in the future. The daughter of a famous general, Erynn is in training to be an interceptor fighter pilot. A sudden betrayal reveals an alien species has infiltrated the government at its highest levels. They want to harvest the planets of Korin and Arranon for their resources, which means total annihilation. With betrayal everywhere Erynn and her friends are not sure who to trust anymore.
Forced to flee Korin and seek safety on Arranon, Erynn learns about the mystery of her origins and her ability of Prophesy. She begins to understand her connection to the planet. A secret forced upon her since childhood may hold the key to saving both planet if only she can unlock it in time.
What an adventure! It is fantasy and science fiction all rolled up in one.
I really enjoyed reading Storm of Arranon. All of the characters are well-developed and understandable and the world building is almost visual without being too complicated and overshadowing the plot.
Erynn’s connection to the animals on Arranon was fun to read. I kept trying to envision what a Capora looked like – maybe a cross between a yak and a horse? And the Maejen, maybe a giant species of timber wolf?
R.E. Sheahan does a superb job of world building. She shows you the planets, their inhabitants and their cities, revealing an earnest desire for you to easily understand and enter these worlds.
If you have seen Avatar and remember how the flora and fauna all glowed with iridescent,brilliant colors, that is how I picture the Anim Blath.
They are alive, sentient, and they speak to Erynn, sing to her. Like the living voice of Arranon.
There is a budding romance between Jaer and Erynn, but the author kept it in its place. It was not the focal point of the plot but did add to my interest.
Storm of Arranon has magic, action, good and evil, friendship and romance, with an out of this world flavor. I think young readers and adults will enjoy this story. So well written, I was surprised that this was R.E. Sheahan’s debut novel. This story can stand alone and the ending is very satisfying. I am happy to hear there will be more. A great beginning to a series.
Loved it! I highly recommend it.
Now let’s get to know R.E. Sheahan shall we!
Hi Robynn. Thank you for stopping in to answer a few questions. Please start by telling us about yourself.
Thank you, Laura, for this opportunity to connect with your readers.
Hmmm, about me, well, I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I love books and reading. For me, bookstores are a bit like drug dealers whose highs are legal.
A few years ago while working as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Northern California, where, by the way, I read at least three books a week, I decided to try writing.
I moved to Oregon, changed my career to rancher and during my free time, usually in the wee hours waiting for a lamb to be born, I worked on my books. Yes, there are multiple ideas, all waiting their turn.
About four years ago, one particular character and her worlds demanded I devote more time to their story. So two re-writes, countless critique sessions, and a huge jump in my learning curve later, Storm of Arranon was born.
I would list your book as YA Fantasy/Science Fiction. What genre do you list Storm of Arranon as and where did you get the inspiration to write this story?
Yes, I would definitely list Storm of Arranon as YA Fantasy/Science Fiction, although many adults seem to enjoy the story, also.
As for the inspiration, okay, don’t laugh. Star Wars. I loved Luke’s innocence, his growth as a person and a Jedi through his adventures. Luke never backed down no matter how bad the situation.
The ‘what if’s’ started and in a very round about, convoluted way, Erynn and her two worlds came into being. The other characters arrived, adding their voices and suggestions, and, with the help of critique groups, I believed I had a story worth printing.
I’ve been wondering. How do you go about building a world and how do you choose names for places and species that don’t exist?
World building, well, sometimes situations, places, and the inhabitants of these worlds, come to me in dreams. Often I just look at my surroundings and wonder, what if? I know, there’s that ‘what if’ again. Imagination. Mine was never restrained, even as a kid, and my parents encouraged this in me.
Naming my creations has been great fun. I’ll share a little secret here. I have an extensive Gaelic dictionary and I will use a translation, but with letters added, dropped, or changed. Hey, with a last name like Sheahan, what would you expect?
What is the hardest part of your writing process and do you have a routine you follow?
The hardest part of a book is the first page, the first paragraph, that first line. It’s so important.
I like routine, but for writing, I pretty much go where my thoughts take me, which tend to be linear. Sometimes there is no choice, though. When the characters are talking, it’s time to get what they’re saying down. This has happened often at four in the morning.
My usual writing process is to take a scene, the setting, the characters, and begin like I’m watching a movie in my mind. (Note: I imagine my characters with actual actor’s faces along with their personalities.) If I don’t like where the dialog is going, I rewind and direct the scene in a different way. I may ‘watch’ the same scene over and over again, until I am happy with what I ‘see, feel, hear, taste, and smell,’ on that virtual sheet of white paper.
Is there a favorite place you like to write?
In the summer, I would sit at the kitchen island. In the adjoining family room cartoons, (frequently Star Wars -The Clone Wars), were on TV and Parker would be sitting with his Legos asking questions every few minutes. I got more work done during those times than when I was alone, in a silent room. So now, I make sure to have something playing in the background. I especially like old- I Love Lucy re-runs.
Who are some of the authors that inspired you?
Dean Koontz, for his descriptions. I felt like I was right there with Christopher Snow, or Odd Thomas. That and the dog never dies in his books!
Nelson DeMille for his intricacies in weaving a complex plot. Wow!
Sue Grafton for her realistic and flawed character, Kinsey Milhoune. She gets herself into so much trouble! I like that in a protagonist.
What are you reading now and what is one book you would recommend?
I have three books going right now.
Dragon Gem By Brian Beam
Symphony of Dreams by Cynthia Rogan
The Watchers by Russell Turney
And, yes, I can keep them straight.
Book recommendations are so subjective. What I love, someone else may not enjoy. But here goes. And sorry, but it’s two books.
Fear Nothing and Seize the Night. The Christopher Snow stories by Dean Koontz.
Is there anything you would like to share with us?
I’m actually quite shy so publishing my book was difficult. A book is such a personal journey and an insight into the author. Well, it is for me anyway.
Let’s do a few fun ones, shall we?
If you could do anything (except write), what would you do?
Good question. I’ve driven fire engines and ambulances code three, run into burning buildings, and saved a few lives. That’s kinda hard to top. I’ve worked on a ranch and helped many a newborn lamb or calf into the world. Very rewarding. I’ve trained dogs, Border Collies, to work livestock. I love dogs!
I think if I could do anything, I’d be a veterinarian.
What is your favorite junk food?
WooHoo! Cupcakes!
Where would you choose to go on vacation if you could go anywhere?
That’s easy. Ireland.
Imagine space travel is a common thing now. Would you go if you knew you would be gone for a long time?
In a heartbeat.
Do you believe in aliens and would you like to meet one?
I would love to meet an alien. In fact, I’m sure I already have.
That was a lot of fun. Thanks for the great interview and for allowing me to host this awesome giveaway!
And now for the Giveaway! It’s International!
I have three signed paperbacks with three signed posters to giveaway to three lucky winners. To enter just leave a friendly comment about the interview or the book, along with your email address. Easy! Good luck everyone!
Contest ends at midnight on September 15th. I will contact the winners for mailing information to give to the author. Must be able to provide a complete mailing address.
It isn’t required, but I would appreciate it if you followed my blog and on twitter. To follow R.E. Sheahan just click on the links provided below.
A great beginning to a brand new series. If you like this post, don’t forget to hit that Like button. Thanks so much.
You can find R.E. Sheahan here:
- World Building with Angela Renee (nancyjcohen.wordpress.com)
- How important is the cover? (nutsandcrisps.wordpress.com)
Happy Dance!!
