Guest Post by T.S. Graham author of The Chronicles of Trellah

Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my YA fantasy novel, THE CHRONICLES OF TRELLAH. 

As a child I was obsessed with all things science fiction and fantasy. I spent countless hours pretending to be Luke Skywalker, brandishing my light saber at Brandy, our beleaguered golden retriever (aka Darth Vader), and untold minutes screaming “Drink his essence!” into my mother’s ear after watching Jim Henson’s “The Dark Crystal” on our green-tinted console TV. I viewed my favorite films countless times, and wore the ink off the pages of myriad books. My fascination with the genre continued through my teen years, then, seemingly without reason, it ended. Suddenly, stories that weren’t grounded in the real world seemed trite and, well, downright boring. I continued to consume all things fantastical throughout my twenties, but the magic was gone. Sure I still loved the idols of my childhood, but was convinced that love was driven purely by nostalgia. I had to face the facts: I wasn’t a child anymore. 

Then something amazing happened. Harry Potter and his friends captured the world’s imagination, and Frodo and Gollum’s perilous journey to Mount Doom shined like a diamond on the silver screen. I was once again enthralled, feeling like a kid with each page I flipped and every scene I absorbed. And that’s when it hit me. I never stopped liking Syfy and fantasy, the books and films that came out while I was in my twenties weren’t worth liking! Why? One simple word: Character. 

The decade of my twenties was bereft of stories anchored by memorable characters. Not a single Han Solo, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones (okay, so I like Harrison Ford), or Frodo to be found. So when I sat down to write my debut YA fantasy novel, THE CHRONICLES OF TRELLAH, I knew that character was the key to making my story memorable. When you curl up with TRELLAH, you won’t just encounter a new world filled with fantastical creatures and imagery, you’ll feel what fourteen year-old Sophina Murray is experiencing through her heart and mind. I can’t promise that everyone will be swept away by my prose, but I can assure you, the reader, that the characters I created have feelings that go well beyond skin deep. Thank you for spending this moment with me! 

T.S. Graham 

The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain

"The World's Toughest Book Critics" have weighed in, and it's high praise for Trellah! "An excellent choice for readers eager for a suspenseful, emotionally satisfying fantasy adventure." -Kirkus Book Reviews Fourteen-year-old Sophina Murray will be the first to tell you: Bad luck comes in threes. First, her father is lost at sea. Then, the rains start . And don't stop. And finally, her little brother is taken from his bed by a monster straight from her worst nightmare. A glimpse into the parallel universe of Trellah - a land of giant trees, bizarre creatures, and a glowing red mineral with mystical properties - convinces Sophina that all may not be lost. But first, she'll have to survive in a hostile world where her darkest fears live and breathe. Trellah is an original and realistic fantasy for ages 12 to 112. Parental guidance suggested for advanced readers ages 10-11 for moderate elements of horror. The upcoming deluxe edition of this book will include illustrated paintings by artist Ryan Penney. Below is a sample of this talented artist's work. Purchase this book on Amazon.

About Author T.S. Graham

T.S. Graham was born and raised in midcoast Maine. He has worked as a sea urchin diver, fish monger, home renovator, and in several group homes for children and adults with disabilities. His original screenplay, Stone's Point, written as Clint Elliott, has won multiple awards. He studied English Literature at the University of Southern Maine, where, despite developing a strong dislike of the traditional curriculum focused on old, dead (and boring) scribes, he somehow managed to graduate with honors. His greatest influences are writers like Stephen King and Michael Crichton, whose talents would have allowed them to write more literary fare, but they chose to thrill and entertain instead. He now lives on a horse farm with his beautiful wife and five daughters, two poodles, two cats, two happy turtles, four playful ferrets, three fish, a corn snake named "Tiger," dozens of chickens, and, of course, four awesome equines. The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain is his debut novel. Follow T.S. Graham Website | Facebook | GoodReads The author is giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card. This tour will begin February 14th. a Rafflecopter giveaway Follow The Tour --