Today I welcome my friend and fellow author Andy Peloquin to my blog. Andy is  a great guy who took some of his time to help me out, and I am happy to share his introductory work: In the Days: A Tale of the Forgotten Continent    

Tell us what the book is about

The Empire of Atlantis: the most powerful nation in the world. Peace reigns across the continent, and an age of prosperity and enlightenment has made the Empire the center of the globe.

But, beneath the peaceful façade of life in the Imperial City, trouble is brewing. Assassins lurk in the shadows, intrigue abounds in the court of the Empress. Will political ambitions topple the House of Tah, or could the threat be one much more sinister in nature? Dark forces threaten the land, and the future of the Empire is at stake.

What is special about the main character?

 The main character, Deucalion, is as ordinary as it gets – save for his sarcastic nature and his unique position as Historian and Chancellor to the Empress of Atlantis. He’s just a man trying to navigate his way through life.

What conflicts drive the story?

Political intrigue and assassination threatens both Deucalion and the Empress throughout. There is always the undertone of “Who sent these assassins?” and there are plenty of surprise twists throughout as the reader finds out who is behind it all.

To add to the problem, a prophet of doom has warned of the destruction of Atlantis! Will Deucalion be able to prevent the total annihilation of the continent, or is he doomed to share the fate of the rest of the world as he knows it?

What would you say the theme of the book is?

Acceptance of a calling. Faith and belief in a higher power.

Who would be most interested in this novel?

Anyone who loves a fast-paced adventure, complete with intrigue, mystery, suspense, sword-fighting, and a hint of the supernatural.

What prompted you to write the book?

I’ve always loved the concept of Atlantis, as well as the liberties I could take writing it. After all, with no written records of what the civilization was like, it is like a fantasy world in and of itself.

When you write, how does it make you feel?

It is a huge release to be able to put my thoughts and feelings down on paper like this. I put myself into my writings, and I love the creative outlet it provides me.

What authors inspire you?  Whose books can’t you put down?

Scott Lynch showed me the value of a great character.

Glen Cook showed me that bad guys aren’t always bad.

Brandon Sanderson showed me the importance of a complex, complete world.

Would you like to share any other stories or books that you have written?

I have a graphic novel coming out in the next few months, but I can’t say more than that just yet. This is my first published book, but many, many more are on their way!

Tell us about yourself and your family:

I am married to a wonderful woman, and am step-father to four children between the ages of 10 and 14. It’s a full time job, but it’s a very rewarding career!

What projects do you have planned for the future?

My next foray will be into the world of dark fantasy.

A legendary assassin finds himself drawn into a much darker world than he could have possibly believed existed after a contract goes wrong. Will his target kill him, or will his death be by The Bloody Hand, the Dark Heresy, or a far less mundane threat?

I hope that helps to pique the interest of a few fantasy readers out there!