Guest Post: Ray East Author of Voluspa: A Magical World

Potter Games

By Sam D & Ray East 

At an early age, I discovered the thrill of reading fantasy books. Reading one is almost like being able to share the author’s dreams and imagination. Although that holds true for any book, in case of fantasy novels it is especially true. A fantasy novel provides the reader with the means to escape into an enchanted world where possibilities are endless, the scope limitless.The magic that a good fantasy novel weaves, can last for a long time. C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, Pratchett, Le Guin were some of the geniuses whose works stand the test of time.  In the last decade another author has emerged as a reckoning force in this genre and it is none other than J.K. Rowling. The popularity of her Harry Potter series can be considered an epic success and it’s one of the most endearing work of fiction, I’ve ever read. Over the last decade, Harry Potter fans have cried, laughed, got into trouble, fallen in love, embarked on chillingadventures and fought against evil forces with Harry and his friends.

Although perhaps not in the same category as the afore mentioned fantasy book , Stephanie Meyers with her Twilight series can definitely give some of the best fantasy books a run for their money, when it comes to sheer popularity. Teenagers worldwide fell in love with Edward Cullen, the vampire with the soul or Jacob the werewolf, as they both wooed Bella, an ordinary high school girl. I think what made the Twilight series so popular was the fact that it was so easy to relate to Bella. Every other teenage girl dreamed of having a boyfriend like Edward or a friend like Jacob. The supernatural characters in this book namely the vampire and the werewolf were very different from the norm – there were no protruding fangs, ripping skins, coffins or wolf lairs. These characters looked like normal teenagers and very plausible; fuelling the imagination of millions of young adults.

Another recent fantasy novel that has established its own records of popularity is the ‘Hunger Game’ series. This book is edgy, fast paced and although has a strong tone of violence, it is an enjoyable read. The plot strikes many chords – teenage love and anguish, poverty, rebellion against societal norms and so on. With books like these, the fantasy genre has never been more popular. One only has to go to any book store to see isles of YA fantasy books. As our world gets more complicated, cynical and fraught with tension, fantasy books offer the perfect panacea; a few chapters into the book and the reader can escape into a world of fantasy and imagination where anything is possible. An insignificant hobit can save the world, a seventeen year old boy can vanquish the darkest of evils or the girl next door can land the amazingly good looking immortal boyfriend. Fantasy books instill a feeling of hope, inspire heroism and thus no wonder over the ages is one of the most popular genres of literature.

 About the Authors:

Ray East and Sam D has moved to Voluspa and live in the Forest of Skotos with their 5 year old daughter and a pet Typhon.  They visit Earth with the help of an Empath from time to time. Ray East did her masters in Phsychology from Univeristy of Sussex and has worked as a counselor for adolescents. Sam D used to teach at a SPJC before he moved to Voluspa.
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About the Book:

Centuries ago, war between aliens and humans almost destroyed the world. To prevent such a war from happening again, a mighty ruler then formed a secret society of nine powerful humans and aliens called the Bramhas. These Bramhas each wrote a book imparting ancient wisdom and knowledge. The possession of these books could bring about untold power and success. The nine books were hidden but the desire to possess those books, still cause men to fight wars and turn against each other. One such war was fought in the realm of Voluspa decades back; the consequences of that war still resonate in this magical land. Two young lovers get caught in this tussle and it changes their destinies forever.

Amy’s humdrum life takes a complete 180’ turn with the death of her stepfather. She goes to live with her grandmother – her only living relative, though she hasn’t seen her in the last five years. Among her mother’s childhood memorabilia, she finds a book ‘Legends of Voluspa’ that captures her imagination. She becomes so engrossed in the book that she starts dreaming  about the places in the book till one night she finds herself inexplicably transported to the new world – Voluspa, as described in the book. Here she meets Drake, who unknown to her is a shape shifter.  Chemistry cackles between the two from the very first and as they discover that they share a lot in common, a tenuous bond forms between the two. ‘I’ll keep you safe’ vows Drake and he remains true to his word as he befriends her and saves her from various troubles that befall her over the next couple of months.

In Voluspa, Amy discovers a new way of life. It’s a magical world inhabited by primarily four clans – Empaths, Morphus, Mendens and the Pulchrous. The Empaths have the power of mind, the Morphus are the shape shifters, Mendens are the healers while the Pulchrous possess physical perfection and strength. With the help of an old family friend, Amy takes her rightful place in the Empath clan. This marks a new chapter in Amy’s life. She realizes her own powers and subsequently starts going to a school to enhance the same. With Drake by her side, she makes some wonderful friends. However, her life is not all smooth sailing; trouble comes when she learns the truth about her biological parents. She realizes that her very existence is against Voluspan law which forbids the union between individuals belonging to two different clans. History threatens to repeat itself as she realizes that her predicament was not that different from what her mother had faced, decades back. She is totally in love with Drake, who belongs to the Morphus clan.

The enchanting world of Voluspa is far from Utopic; it has barely recovered from a devastating war fought twenty years back when the peace of the land is once again threatened by Gangrels, the evil army of aliens.  The two young lovers soon realize that besides contending with forbidden love, they have to deal with other impediments. Ancient enmities, a past war, a much coveted book, all conspire against the two lovers. Gangrels reappear in Voluspa and Drake falls in the clutches of one such evil being who would stop at nothing to realize his fiendish ambitions. Amy and her friends cross realms, face enemies, deal with challenges, solve riddles and brave possible destruction, as they set off on an adventure to rescue Drake.  The ‘Force of Sutra’ clashes with the ‘Elemental Force’ of the Gangrels as Amy and her friends are faced with an indomitable enemy. They use strategic warfare, pit adversaries among themselves and use every last drop of strength, skill and courage as they take on warriors far more ruthless and skilled than themselves.

As Amy embarks upon a quest to save Drake, her love for him is tested at every turn but she never wavers from her objective. Braving imminent death she manages to reach Drake – only to find a changed person. Gone is the man she is in love with, instead a dangerous stranger stood in his place. This Drake was teetering at the edge between becoming completely evil and retaining his own soul. He almost harms Amy but stops himself at the very last minute. His love for Amy proves to be stronger than the evil entity threatening to overpower him.  However when chips are down, Drake comes through. He sets aside his personal well-being in order to save Amy, one last time. Drake is perhaps lost forever but hope dies last – Amy is determined to get back Drake, no matter what the cost.

Book Trailer:

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