Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont - Hunters of Reloria

Hunters of Reloria

Magic, witchcraft, a mystery and a dragon. What's not to love? The Dragon's Seamstress by @julidrevezzo #FSFRL #dragons

8/16/2019

Blurb:
Since Caitlin and Trevor vowed to assist the Otherworld and opened their enchanted antique shop, they’ve seen many strange things. But now, someone comes in asking for a mundane item: kitschy “witches” brooms. Has their magical life returned to normal?As the couple prepares to host a family gathering, fate intervenes and something they’ve never seen before roars into their life: A creature out of Welsh legend and fantasy: A blundering, somewhat underdeveloped dragon—not at all the type of dragon they ever expected to meet. Forced to undertake his unique challenge, Caitlin and Trevor are perplexed by his demands, but the magical beast is certain they are the only witches who can help him.Doing so might unlock an ancient hidden secret. Refusing might destroy them.

My review:

Recommended for fans of the Antique Magic series, and those who like a gentle fantasy mystery.
This is the first book in the series I have read, so the regular fans will know a lot more about the magic shop and characters than I did. Saying that, Caitlin and Trevor make a nice couple and I kinda hoped there would be a smidge more romance for them, but it's not that type of book. Probably they are more affectionate in earlier books in the series.
The Dragon's Seamstress is a a slow-reveal mystery with some magic spells and fantastic beasts added for good measure. There are clues scattered all over town, including their home. Caitlin becomes detective which is enjoyable and you uncover the mystery with her.
On the whole I find there is a lot of standing around and talking, which is something I don't prefer to read. I like action.
I read a beta version and found it got off to a slow start, but I have been reassured my concerns were noted, the plot tightened, and the dragon makes a much sooner appearance. Yay! The story improved tremendously after the dragon was revealed. I quite enjoyed it from there. I mean, there's a dragon, so of course I'm hooked.
It reads well as a stand-alone, and I'm sure the rest of the series would be equally fun.
As to why there's a dragon, you'll have to read it to find out...

Here's the series for you. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Woot! An adult entry for the art competition #dragon #art

11/18/2016

I love the cool folks you meet at Supernova fandom conventions. This young artist named Rye the Art Guy was seated next to me in Artists' Alley and we had a fun weekend. Rye was kept very busy drawing commissions for the entire weekend and I was so pleased when she drew this little dragon for me.

Rye's art is high sought after, and I'm stoked she entered the art competition.
The dragons are some of my favourite characters in the Hunters of Reloria trilogy.
There is only about a week left to enter, so sharpen those pencils, folks. Draw a character depicted here to enter:
http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/art-competition-2016.html

Exciting 7th entry for the art competition #dragon #art

11/5/2016

Here's a great picture which was sent in by Emily M. from grade 5 this week. It's full of colour and action.

I really like the European style of the castle and the way the mini turrets jut out from the towers. The best part is the large dragon peeking from around the side of the castle; looking reading to devour any would-be intruders.

Well done to Emily on the great painting.

There are still about 3 weeks to enter, so check out the entry conditions at: http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/art-competition-2016.html
I'm looking for specific pictures to go in my books, so please read the descriptions there. I'm after elves, a dwarf, a baby witch and dragon (of course). Happy drawing, cheers, Kasper

A dragon flies in for the art competition #fantasy #art

10/27/2016

I get so excited when I receive entries for the fantasy art competition. Here is entry number 6 which is a grey dragon painted by Emily F from grade 5.
There are two grey dragons in the Garass and Asher story and I think this might be the female one, but I'm not quite sure. I really like the wing position and spikes. Very well done. The corner symbols are a nice touch too.
I wonder what the dragon is holding. A sparkling orb, perhaps.

Thanks Emily for this great entry.

There are still about 4 weeks to enter, so check out the entry conditions at: http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/art-competition-2016.html I'm looking for specific pictures to go in my books, so please read the descriptions there. I'm after elves, a dwarf, a baby witch and dragon (of course). Happy drawing, cheers, Kasper

Woot! I've found a new dragon author. Interview with Aduro Tri #dragons @AduroTri

6/2/2016

Felicia the dragon from Aduro's next novel: Ethias

Aduro's bio:
I am a simplistic author, though I may say that, I strongly specialize in High Fantasy. Stories that take place in other worlds. Like many of the High Fantasy authors out there, I very deeply enjoy the world I create. It's a great bit of pleasure for me.

There’s not really much about me to say. I’m just simply a person who enjoys writing above most other things. At least aside from gaming. I live for writing and telling stories even if I end up repeating myself.

        Book title: Within Shadows and soon to be Tales of Ethias
        Genre: High Fantasy with a bit of everything mixed in

Synopsis: Within Shadows is a small time story that takes place in the Kingdom of Edithien, following the Head General, Elvera after a failed mission. It focuses primarily on her fixing the problems that had risen from her absence.  While Tales of Ethias is merely a collection of short stories that occurred throughout the world. While they have no specific meaning, they’re just all in good fun. They do help set up other stories though and may be connected to much larger ones.
        Publish date: January 11th, 2016
        Publisher: Amazon/Amazon Kindle
        Publish date: June 21st, 2016
        Publisher: Amazon/Amazon Kindle

Author interview:
Hi Aduro and welcome to my blog. Let's have some fun getting to know you.
It looks like you're having a busy year. What made you choose this genre?
Fantasy/High Fantasy is the most versatile of the genres to me. I’ve taken a page out of the DC and Marvel universes and sort of put together an entire world like it. This allows me much more breathing room as long as I’m able to stay to the lore of Ethias. (Which is the name of the world)

What’s the story behind your book titles?
The story behind Within Shadows is a simple one. I was looking for an interesting title to go with and this is what I came up with. While Tales of Ethias is something I’ve been mulling over for a while and I figured “Why not use this”? So I went with it. Yes, I’m a relatively uninteresting person.

What’s the basic plot of your book?
The basic plot varies from book to book and story to story. Though…I am working on another, third story right now. Though it was put on hold for “Tales of Ethias” as I’ve been struggling with figuring out exactly what to write with it. So, it’s kind of on the low down of it.
Regarding Within Shadows I don’t really want to reveal a whole lot though, but I will say it does involve a demon and the main character kicking some major backside.
Tales of Ethias has a number of stories. I kept them fairly short and mostly single-event based.
The Third story…is one of innocence lost to the horrors of the world. It’s about leaving behind what one once knew and traveling the world. Only to get wrapped up in events that don’t really concern you. Even if you can make a dramatic difference.

They sound really interesting. The demon and ass-kicking character sound like a lot of action.
Which is your favourite character and why?
I have various favorites, but two of my personal favorites do appear in Tales of Ethias and their names are Cynthia and Resia. (Both female characters)

How do you develop your characters?
I’m weird in the way I let them develop on their own. Ideas pop into my head and I start focusing on the particular characters until they’re developed. Even if they have relatively simple lives.

That's a cool way to go.
Have you used any real people in your characters?
Sometimes. Like most writers I do draw from personal experience.

Which one of your characters would you like to be?
Unfortunately I do not have a picture. But technically I already am a character in my list. He won’t be appearing very frequently though as I don’t like doing too many ‘self-inserts’ if you will. Though that’s just a part of the world really.

Do you have a pen name and why?
“Aduro Tri” is my pen name. Why? Simply because it’s the name of one of my signature characters in the world I created. He sort of represents me or who I’d be in another world. It’s part of the immersion process in how I write.

Aduro Tri

What music do you listen to when writing?
Power Metal mostly. Though I do enjoy some good instrumental music. I’m a huge fan of Dragonforce though. Need those powerful guitar riffs.

What’s your writing routine?
My writing routine consists of me complaining a bit, thinking intensely and going for walks. Sometimes even meditating on my ideas while I listen to music. It varies on personal feelings. But when I really get into the groove of actually writing, I don’t stop until it’s complete. Literally, when I find that right idea for how to begin it, I just keep going until it’s complete. Or until I’m exhausted.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?
I play video games usually and ignore my problems. Or I just go for a walk. Sometimes I even talk to my best friend, who can usually smack some sense into me if the writer’s block is really bad.

Best friends sure are good for that.
How did you go about developing your cover artwork?

Well I have a good friend that just so happens to be an artist. She’s pretty talented and hasn’t failed me at all yet. She usually knows what I want even when I don’t. So I’ll pay her to make it for me.

Sounds like a great arrangement.
What do you write about in your blog?
I’ve tried many things with my blog, but I can’t quite figure out what I want to do with it. So honestly? I’m really stumped. I want to blog, but I don’t know what I want to blog about.

Who inspires you?
J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling primarily. But, my best friend too has been a great inspiration.

Who would you like to be stuck on a deserted planet with?
That’s easy, My best friend. Because we will survive. We’re basically a better Dynamic Duo than Batman and Robin. They can eat their hearts out.

What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
My dream job? Writing is my dream job. Being an author is my dream job. I’m already doing it. Though I do wish I could do better in it overall, but that takes time.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
GAMING! Mostly. And causing trouble for friends and family too. Sorta. Though I don’t always enjoy it as family…well, they cause me great stress. Particularly lately as I’m answering this question. I need a vacation…

What’s your favourite pet?
I like Cats over dogs.

You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?
The Flash. If I could be some form of The Flash for even a single day, I’d love it. Because…The Flash is the best DC hero and his powers are awesome.

Quick quiz:
Favourite food: Pie and spaghetti
Silliest saying: Have none.
Best holiday spot: Someplace tropical or isolated in the mountains.
Favourite song at the moment: Seasons By Dragonforce
Star Wars or Lord of the Rings: Lord of the Rings all the way.
Best superpower: Speed or The Speedforce
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: Make a difference in the world.

Thanks for the chat Aduro. I wish you all the best with your writing and your new release next month.
Folks: please check out Within Shadows and Aduro's links below.

Within Shadows
Being the General for a small kingdom in an ancient world of magic is tough. Even tougher considering that millions of lives count on you to keep them safe. Making matters worse, you’re working for your family too. What kind of person could handle that, you ask?
Meet Elvera Antos, an equine Animeleist (animal person), who one day wakes up in her own bed, battered and bruised from what appeared to be a fight she doesn’t even remember. Which is strange considering how much she enjoys fighting. Had she been drinking at the time? No; as she will quickly realize, something wasn’t quite right.

Aduro's Links:
Website: http://adurotri.deviantart.com/
Blog: https://adurotri.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AduroTri3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AduroTri
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aduro-Tri/e/B01AOEVVOK

Here they are (drumroll please) the fantastic art competition winners #fantasy #art

12/7/2015

The 7 winners of the $50 prize and publishing the picture in the Fandri's Adventures novel are:
Michele Rene Goodhew for 'Tsunami'
Ruby, grade 5 for 'Fairy'
Hecate Jerrett for 'Queen Liara-Star'
Tania age 11, for 'Dragon'
Susannah age 14, for 'Fandri Wrestling with a White Bear in the Snow'
Hecate Jerrett, for 'Fandri-La'
Madison, age 12, for 'Queen Liara-Star'

An additional prize of $100 plus the book cover picture was awarded to
Brighid Walton for 'Fandri and the White Bear'

Congratulations to our winners, and a huge thank-you to all who entered the competition. We appreciate all your hard work, from Kasper and the two art teacher judges.

You can view all the competition entries here and on Youtube https://youtu.be/5ePsDuDHQjo

Justin from grade 5 sends in a fearsome-looking dragon #dragons #art

12/1/2015

I must admit a little trepidation when a piece of paper was passed to me with a dragon image that looked like it was about to leap from the page and tear off my arm.
Well done to Justin for drawing such a great dragon with its angry eye, sharp teeth and spikes.

The art competition is to uncover new chapter art for Kasper's next novel, which is a prequel to the Hunters of Reloria trilogy. There is $500 up for grabs in prizes and the competition closes today, so hurry to enter.

Click here for more details:
http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/art-competition.html

Entry 47 'Dragons flying around the volcano' digital painting #dragons #art

12/1/2015

Michelle Rene Goodhew has sent in another cool digital painting. This one is of a large green dragon in flight. I really like the sunset colouring of the volcano background and sky in this painting. Looking good.
The art competition is to uncover new chapter art for Kasper's next novel, which is a prequel to the Hunters of Reloria trilogy. There is $500 up for grabs in prizes and the competition closes today, so hurry to enter.

Click here for more details:
http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/art-competition.html

A set of dragon pictures from a United States artist #dragons #fantasy #art

11/30/2015

Boy am I glad to have art teachers helping me with the judging of the art competition. I can't even pick a favourite from these 2 great pictures by Michelle Rene Goodhew. The colourful picture is done in paint and the monochrome one is in pencil.
These are entries 38 and 39 and I must say that the competition is really hotting up in the last couple of days with heaps of cool pictures coming in.
Thanks to everyone who entered.

The art competition is to uncover new chapter art for Kasper's next novel, which is a prequel to the Hunters of Reloria trilogy. There is $500 up for grabs in prizes and the competition is closes this coming Monday, so hurry to enter.
Click here for more details:
http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/art-competition.html

Looky here ... dragons flying around a volcano #fantasy #art

11/29/2015

Fandri entry 44 'Dragons Flying Around Volcano' in coloured pencil by Susannah, age 14.
I am very excited by the colours of the dragons in this wicked dragon scene. Seriously, you had me at dragons, I love it. The colours are great and I like the fact that many of the dragon clans are represented here. Well done Susannah.

The art competition is to uncover new chapter art for Kasper's next novel, which is a prequel to the Hunters of Reloria trilogy. There is $500 up for grabs in prizes and the competition is closes this coming Monday, so hurry to enter.
Click here for more details:
http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/art-competition.html