Yes, I did use that word, Mr. Stark. It’s that kind of world.

With the launch of Adamant in Dust less than a month away, allow me tease you with some highlights from its world.

Miran: Land of Four Continents

The action of Adamant in Dust takes place in Pennith, the western continent of the world of Miran. The other continents are Elolle to the south, Meiwen to the east, and Lothaulind in the north. They surround the Mor Sea in the middle. Before I get into some history and lore of Miran, let me tell you about Aldwyseld. This unseen island in the Mor Sea is not really a part of Miran, yet Miran is a part of it. Nothing happens there, yet everything comes from it. Mysterious and hard to imagine? Maybe a map will help. Here’s a rendering of the whole world from my master mapmaker, Travis.

You might have also gathered a sense of the cultures of the continents from their place names. But what’s the deal with Aldwyseld? It’s time for the history and lore.

Eisei and Their Stones

If you have read my prequel story, “Brightness Broken,” some of this will sound familiar. Click here to get it, if you haven’t read it yet.

Four nobles of Aldwyseld, called Eisei (singular: eisee), came to Miran, bearing the Four Far Stones. These Stones held the power and memory of the fabled land from which the ancestors of Miran came. They were boons to help the people and call them home. After many generations, their coming has fallen to lore while the peoples of the four kingdoms built by the Eisei focus mainly on the power of the Stones. The Stones themselves have become broken, lost, or usurped. And now, a dark lord attempts to gain all the Stones and subjugate Miran under his evil rule. Our heroes must fulfill an ancient prophecy and stop him. That’s a broad summary of the whole series. The nuances are in the individual pages.

Sword and Sorcery

What is an epic fantasy without combat? Swordfights and archery are featured prominently, but there will also be martial arts and other ways to engage in conflict.

One of those ways is, of course, magic. But in this story, there is also a force called Aerjui. It is the true power of the Stones and is as mysterious as their source. Aerjui is distinct from magic in that it is not manipulated by incantations or weaves. You are not born with it, and anyone can get it. But few know how to wield it because no one holds it by their will. It is simple on one level and indomitable on another. Needless to say, it is the key to victory.

Creatures

One final note. I love animals. So, many critters, natural and strange, will make their appearance throughout the series, but never a dragon. That’s right, you knew it! That beastie on the cover is not a dragon. It’s a wyvern. It has only two hind legs and two wings. Dragons have four legs. Wyverns also do not typically breathe fire. We’ll see how that plays out in the story. I won’t give away whether this fellow is friend or foe. But I will say that more cuddly creatures come in later books. Like the other characters you will meet, do not underestimate them.

I hope I have whetted your appetite to read the book and find out more!