Hello everyone! I am very excited to announce that I had the honor of interviewing debut author Farah Oomerbhoy, getting to know more about her, and her new book The Last of the Firedrakes, which will be out August 15th! Isn't the cover gorgeous? There is also a giveaway below!
Thank you Farah for meeting with us and the awesome giveaway! Well here goes!
- What inspired you to write The Last of the Firedrakes?
Every reader at some point in their lives comes across a book that inspires them to think beyond the boundaries. For me that book was Harry Potter.
The wonderful world of Hogwarts and the magical beings that lived within it made me look at the world of magic in a completely different way. I had always loved reading fantasy stories, and Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings series; along with C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series were already my favorites. These books inspired me to write a story that would combine the best of the three, and so The Last of the Firedrakes started to take shape. I started thinking about this book nearly ten years ago. Building the world of Avalonia whenever I got time. The actual world creation started with a tapestry in my grandmother’s house. One day I stood before it and wondered, what if I could step into the tapestry? Where would I end up? And so the world of Avalonia sprang into existence.
From then on, the person who stepped into the tapestry was a young sixteen-year-old girl who didn’t know who she really was, her name was Aurora, and this is her story.
- Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Nothing is impossible, and it is ultimately your choices in life, strength of character, and courage in the face of adversity, that will determine who you truly are.
I think Uncle Gabriel expresses this very well in the book, when he tells Aurora:
“When difficulties come, we must see them as what they are—opportunities and a new path to discover your potential. How will you ever know the magnitude of courage that you are capable of, if you have never experienced the hopelessness of fear?”
- What book are you reading now? Are there any authors living or dead that you would name as influences?
At the moment I am reading Heir of Fire by the amazing Sarah J. Maas. As you may know its part of the Throne of Glass series which is my absolute favorite.
There have been many influences in my life that have influenced my writing and the plot of this story. But I think J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, Enid Blyton, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Tamora Pierce, have really shaped the way I look at fantasy worlds and magic.
- Can you share with us a favorite scene in your book?
I think my absolute favorite is when Aurora finally meets Morgana. When I wrote this chapter even I was surprised at how it turned out. I wasn’t expecting things to happen the way they did, I just let Aurora do what she thought was right. I don’t think I can tell you much more without giving away the ending.
- How are you the same/different from your main character Aurora?
I think I definitely identify with Aurora’s character, she is the sort of person I could have been at sixteen and at the same time she is not me.
Although she has many faults, she has many endearing qualities too. There are scenes where I would have figured out what’s happening before she did, but her character can be naïve at times and it’s that naivety that gets her into trouble more often than not. But on the other hand she can also be brave and headstrong, and has an inner strength and courage that even she does not realize she had until she is face-to-face with her greatest fear.
I don’t think I could have endured all the danger and responsibility that she has had to undergo when I was sixteen.
- What type of research did you do and what part of the research did you find the most interesting?
The most interesting part about doing research on this book was learning about castles and manor houses. Going to see beautiful old castles and estates was wonderful. I love history and mythology and have always enjoyed studying medieval societies. Incorporating real medieval life and practices into a fantasy setting was really the most fun for me. Essentially I am just a storyteller, I write about what I love and hope my readers like it.
- What kind of relationships can we expect from the characters in your new book?
There are great friendships, fierce rivalries, and a heart-stopping romance. Secrets are revealed and family loyalties are tested.
- If you could take a character from any other book series and place them into the setting for The Last of the Firedrakes who would it be and why?
I think I would choose Gandalf He would be a great mentor for Aurora.
- Favorite films?
Gone with the Wind, The Lord of the Rings (all three), Harry Potter (all 8 movies).
- Favorite music?
I don’t have a type, I like all music. But if I have to choose a favorite, it would be 80’s pop music, and modern contemporary music. I also love opera music.
- What are your favorite books to give and get as gifts?
Lord of the Rings
Gone with the Wind
The Hobbit
Harry Potter series
The Chronicles of Narnia
Outlander
The Earthsea Quartet
The Song of the Lioness Quartet
The Belgariad
The Ruby Knight
Little Women
Pride and Prejudice
The Magic Faraway Tree
Throne of Glass
The Fault in our Stars
The Mists of Avalon
Great Expectations
16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.
Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way. Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.
With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.
Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way. Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.
With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.
About the Author...
For Farah Oomerbhoy, writing is a passion and reading her solace. She is a firm believer in the fantastic and magical, and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. Farah lives with her husband and three children in their family home in Mumbai, India. She has a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Mumbai. Her first novel, The Last of the Firedrakes, Book 1 of the Avalonia Chronicles will be published worldwide August 15th, 2015.
Follow the Author...
Website: http://farahoomerbhoy.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarahOomerbhoy
Instagram: http://instagram.com/farahoomerbhoybooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/FarahOomerbhoy
When I was eight years old I started reading the whole Little House on the Prairie series and I never looked back. From there it was Rebecca from Sunny Brook Farm, Little Women, then I found The Hobbit and the Lord of The Rings series. This is only touching the surface though. I am a true Bibliophile and love reading and books. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's some serious reading! I have never read the Little House on the Prairie series, but I will add them to my classics tbt pile! Thanks for checking out my interview & giveaway. :)
DeleteI developed my love for reading from reading literature in school. I loved the stories and they just carried over into books.
ReplyDeleteRobbie, that's great! I've always had a love of fiction, I will admit that I struggle to read classic literature. :( I have been meaning to read Pride & Prejudice for years but haven't gotten around to it.
DeleteI can't remember a specific book that sparked my interest in reading. When I was in the 1st grade I had problems reading and didn't like to read. My mom started taking me to the mother of my former kindergarten teacher for help and the rest is history. I've been reading constantly even since and for me there's no such thing as too much reading or too many books! :)
ReplyDeleteMegan, the fact that you had someone take the time to help you read is wonderful! I wish we had more people like that! I'm glad you found my blog, good luck on winning The Last of the Firedrakes! :)
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