Spotlight: The Binding
Today I'm going to introduce you to my current novel project, The Binding. This forms part of my Chronicles of Azaria series and is the first book in the Goddess Saga.
The Binding (Chronicles of Azaria series #1) (YA Fantasy Romance)
Click on the cover to read some sample chapters...
The Binding (Chronicles of Azaria series #1) (YA Fantasy Romance)
What do you do when you can't trust your heart?
All seventeen year-old Eliza Bryant wants is to avoid a Binding—the ancient spell that forces couples into a lifelong bond. It cursed her sister, and for the last two years it’s tried to claim her, too. Her monthly hiding ritual worked brilliantly, until the night she ran into Ryan, a mysterious bounty-hunter. Now Bound to him, Eliza must spend every moment at his side, else she’ll transform into an Unbound; a lifeless husk without mind or soul.
Unfortunately, Ryan’s not looking to settle, and Eliza is dragged into his crazy life on the run. Still, she’s not going to take this lying down. Between grappling with the false feelings conjured by the spell and fleeing an unseen enemy, she plans to find a way break her Binding; a feat nobody’s achieved in two thousand years. The key to her freedom lies closer than she thinks, and it’s deeply connected to Ryan’s past.
All seventeen year-old Eliza Bryant wants is to avoid a Binding—the ancient spell that forces couples into a lifelong bond. It cursed her sister, and for the last two years it’s tried to claim her, too. Her monthly hiding ritual worked brilliantly, until the night she ran into Ryan, a mysterious bounty-hunter. Now Bound to him, Eliza must spend every moment at his side, else she’ll transform into an Unbound; a lifeless husk without mind or soul.
Unfortunately, Ryan’s not looking to settle, and Eliza is dragged into his crazy life on the run. Still, she’s not going to take this lying down. Between grappling with the false feelings conjured by the spell and fleeing an unseen enemy, she plans to find a way break her Binding; a feat nobody’s achieved in two thousand years. The key to her freedom lies closer than she thinks, and it’s deeply connected to Ryan’s past.
Q&A
Q: How did you come up with the idea?
A: It was during the summer, just before I started work as a doctor. I'd just qualified and was 'shadowing' the doctor whose job I was going to take over that August. One day I was talking some blood samples to the pathology lab, when an image struck me out of the blue. It was of a girl hiding in a dark forest, because of a 'vulnerable heart'. Not in the medical sense, but in the emotional sense- she was afraid of becoming attached to someone.
I went home that day and played around with concepts, and finally came up with The Binding- a magical spell that forced people to fall in love if they experience a shared feeling at the right moment. The story's gone through some amendments since, but the basic theme is the same.
Q: How would you describe Eliza?
A: Cynical would perhaps be most accurate! Even though she's only seventeen, her experiences helping her healer father has given her a somewhat jaded look on life. She's also fiercely independent, if something of a daydreamer. And her sarcasm is formidable...
Q: So, Ryan, the mysterious traveler. Where did he come from, and what's his agenda?
A: Can't give away too much :) He's been travelling for a while, though what his agenda is remains unknown. He seems a kind and sincere guy, but Eliza is sceptical and wonders what he's trying to hide.
Q: Eliza mentions her best friend Adam a lot. Will he appear?
A: You'll have to read to find out :)
Q: Is this similar to other fantasy books already out there?
A: Yes- I'd liken it to Dragonfly, by Julia Golding. It's not paranormal, as events do not take place on Earth, and there are no supernatural races like vampires, werewolves, sirens, demons, angels etc. Perfect if you're a little bored of the typical teenage fantasy fare and want something with a new twist.
Q: There's only so many chapters on authonomy, where can I read the rest?!
A: Email me and I'd be more than happy to let you have the final chapters.
Q: When will Binding be published?
A: The official release date is 15th June 2013. Stay tuned!