Penny's Reviews and Chat

OATHTAKER 

by Patricia Reding

Today I’m deviating from my normal blog post format of reviewing children’s books to feature Patricia Reding, author of OATHTAKER, the first novel in her Fantasy series. The second volume is SELECT. 

I met Patricia through the 2015 Literary Classics Award Program. 

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Here is the description about the series:

An Oath Sworn. A Struggle Engaged. A Sacrifice Required.
When Mara, a trained Oathtaker, is drawn by the scent of the Select to battle underworld beasts summoned by powers of evil to destroy the guardians of life, she swears an oath for the protection of her charge. 
Armed with a unique weapon and her attendant magic, and with the aid of her Oathtaker cohorts, two ancients and a spymaster, Mara seeks safety for her charge from one who would end Oosa’s rightful line of rule and from assassins who endeavor to bring ruin to the land.
As Mara puzzles to decipher ancient prophecy concerning her charge, as she is haunted with memories of her own past failings, she discovers the price her oath will exact. 
To renounce her word would be treasonous; to fail, ruinous; to persevere, tortuous.
Abiding by an oath requires sacrifice.

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Here are five interview questions to introduce Ms. Reding’s series. I’ll post the first two questions today, the third Tuesday, the fourth on Wednesday, and the fifth question on Thursday:

1. What made you decide to write OATHTAKER

The answer is that I started writing because I knew my children were seeing me whine about how disappointed I was in trying to find something that grabbed and held my attention.  Eventually, I realized how wrong that was and told them that I would try myself.  If I could do it—I could complain.  If not—I would shut up.  Well, I did it—but even so, I’ve given up on most of the complaining—because I've discovered how truly difficult it is, and because I’ve come to appreciate that any work is an enormous labor.  I have a new respect for those willing to undertake it.

2. What one lesson, theme, or principle did you most want others to take from your work?

The lesson or theme of OATHTAKER is that it matters what you say you will do.  It matters that you follow through on your word.  It matters that others are watching you, wondering if what you tell them is something upon which they can rely.  You should not speak lightly.  But once you’ve spoken, it is honorable to see through on your word.

Information about OATHTAKER and author Patricia Reding is at  

http://www.oathtaker.com/about-the-oathtaker-series.html

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Come back tomorrow for the next interview questions.

Tags:

Oathtaker, Fantasy, Patricia Reding, Magic, Sword and Sorcery