The Scythian Trials by Elizabeth Isaacs: Interview & Giveaway

The Scythian Trials
Elizabeth Isaacs
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: October 16th 2018
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction

Descendants of the Amazons, the Scythians work alongside prominent governments but answer to no one. Warriors living on the fringe of civilization, they live by one credo: Strength through Equality. Power through Knowledge.
Nya Thalestris is the brightest Scythian of her generation. Strong, capable, ruthless, she is sure to earn a spot in the Trials, a time-honored mating ritual responsible for the evolution of her species.
Abducted by their sworn enemy, the Drahzda, Nya is forever altered and spirals out of control. The Society sends in Jax Nickius. Infamous psychologist and one of the most brutal warriors of their kind, he discovers triggers planted in Nya’s mind. As Nya solidifies her spot in the Trials, Jax develops a plan to help her heal—while pursuing her as a mate. But, Nya’s attraction to Jax is at war with her instinct to never let anyone get too close.
During the Trials, Nya’s repressed memories surface, revealing a new enemy—one from inside the consulate walls—and a traitorous alliance on the horizon that could irrevocably change the course of history.
Since before the Bronze Age, the Society has managed to safeguard humanity from itself … until now.

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Author Bio:

Elizabeth is an author, teacher, and publishing professional who began her career as a national presenter for Resource Profiles, where she developed teacher seminars designed to foster creative brain stimulation. Moving into formal education, she helped at-risk students improve their writing skills as well as created and implemented a creative writing/blogging program that centered on teaching the 21st-century learner. Works stemming from this initiative were published online and seen in over 40 countries.
Elizabeth receives invitations to speak nationwide at schools and book clubs. She co-founded the popular book site, Chirenjenzie, which reaches thousands of people throughout the world. The writer support and reader interest group promotes and interacts with followers on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and various other blog sites. Elizabeth has a Master's degree from Austin Peay State University, where she studied classical opera. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
"The Light of Asteria" received Honorable Mention at the New York Book Festival. Her newest work, "The Scythian Trials" will be released in 2017 by Vesuvian Media.
For more information, please visit www.elizabethisaacs.com

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Interview 

Please welcome The Scythian Trials author Elizabeth Isaacs to Diane’s Book Blog. 

Thank you so much for having me!

How long did it take you to write Scythian Trials?

I love to add layers to a story, and so it usually takes me an entire year to write a book.

If you could be best friends with one of your characters, who would it be?

Being best friends with Xari would be fantastic. She’s fiercely loyal to Nya, and she can kick ass too. 😊  

What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book, The Light of Asteria, was initially written as a gift for my daughter. The entire series focuses on the many aspects of love.

What is your favorite book that you wrote?

I love The Scythian Trials, but the book that is nearest to my heart is the last book in the Kailmeyra series, The Heart of the Ancients. The entire series explores love, and Ancients deals with the fact that sometimes love means sacrificing all you hold dear.

What books have most influenced your life?

I read over a hundred books a year, and so this question is a hard one. I will say what solidified my love of fantasy was Stephen Donaldson’s The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. I believe the series is no longer in print, but I still find the occasional paperback in second-hand bookstores. Regarding poetry and literature, I love anything Maya Angelou. Her words have a way of slipping from the page and going straight to my heart. JK Rowling, of course. Romance wise, historical would be anything Lisa Kleypas. Contemporary, anything Abbi Glines. Rom-Com, anything Penny Reid or Amy Daws. Beach reads, anything Mindy Ruiz. Steamy paranormal, JR Ward. Basically, I’m an absolute nerd that loves all genres, lol.

What's your favorite book-turned-movie?

The Harry Potter series, hands down. Although, I wish they would have explored Hermione’s SPEW cause in the fourth movie. I loved that part of the book.

  

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I’m currently working on the second book in the Scythian Series, The Scythian Legacy. As we are planning for a seven-book series, the Scythian Trials introduces us to the main characters and the overall premise, but the second book explores the Scythian world as we delve into the Society’s infrastructure.

Here’s the opening paragraph of the second book.

Katrina La Croix’s footsteps echoed as she walked across the cobblestone road. Abandoned warehouses lined the street, their crumbling bricks and boarded up windows told this part of Nova Scotia had seen better days. Low-lying fog rolled in from the ocean, bringing with it a chill that seeped into her bones. She pulled her coat around her and quickened her steps. A haloed light appeared in the distance.

“I’m fifty meters out,” she whispered.

“Copy that.” Killian’s voice sounded in the small receiver nestled in her ear. “Luka, you in place?”

“At the end of the bar, closest to the door.” A deep voice muttered.

“Tor?” Killian again.

“Waiting in the back. Figured it would be best to put space between Luka and me.”

“Yeah, like that’ll help,” Kat smirked. Even though one male looked like a businessman and the sported a scraggly beard, it made little difference. Tor and Luka were 6’6” identical twins.

What do you prefer paperback, hardcover, or ebooks?

I usually purchase multiple copies when I can. I love having signed paperbacks but being able to adjust the backlight and change to Sepia tint on the Kindle Fire is absolute heaven when reading at night.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

          Just that I love them to pieces. I don’t know if all authors experience this, but I have a unique connection with my readers. I think it’s because the Kailmeyra series comes from a deeply personal place, and maybe they feel it too. Or maybe it’s because my readers are freaking incredible human beings with hearts the size of Texas. Whatever the reason, book conventions and signings usually end with a group of us heading to a café or a bar. It’s like a family reunion, readers sharing laughter and stories over a meal. It’s like we’re kindred spirits drawn together by a love of books. I’m both humbled and inspired by the experience, and I hope they know just how much they mean to me. 

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