Interview with Tom Fallwell and Review of The Shadow Of Narwyrm

I'm pleased to be welcoming Tom Fallwell to the blog today for both an interview and a review of his book - The Shadow Of Narwyrm. Here's a little bit about Tom:

Tom Fallwell, early in his life, found a love for the wonderful escape into realms undreamed of through books of Fantasy and Science-Fiction. Weaned on some of the greats, like J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert E. Howard, Roger Zelazny, Robert A. Heinlein, Michael Moorcock, just to name a few, Tom's imagination was forever inspired by those marvellous tales.

One day, he discovered a simple book of rules called Chainmail, by Gary Gygax, and found a new love. The love of creating adventures and stories of his own. Chainmail evolved into Dungeons & Dragons, and Tom played consistently with friends as both a player and a dungeon master (DM). Such activities developed his ability to create worlds and stories for other players to enjoy.

Now retired from his long career as a software developer, Tom began to write all the adventures and characters that seem to constantly fill his mind and share them with the world. 

And onto the interview:

What made you want to be a writer?
Since I was introduced to Role-Playing Games, many years ago, I've found a love of creating characters and stories, but until recently I'd never had the time to actually write. Now that I've started writing, I don't think I'll ever look back. This is what I truly love to do, tell stories.

What kind of writer are you: plan or not?
I started out as a panster, just writing and letting it flow, but after a time I found I started to do more plotting and planning. Still, while I do have a plan, I may not always stick to it, as I enjoy letting the story play out before me while I simply write down what I'm experiencing and seeing in my mind.

What book/character of yours is your favourite?
I'm sure that will change, but at this time I would say book #3, The Shadow of Narwyrm, of my Rangers of Laerean series is my favorite. The MC of that series, Baric is definitely my favorite character, though I like a lot of them almost as much. I really enjoyed writing this epic conclusion to my trilogy.

What attracted you to your chosen genre?
I don't have a specific chosen genre, more like a few genres. I've always been an avid fan of fantasy and science-fiction, from an early age. Lately, I've been finding a great love for a blend of both called science-fantasy, or scifan. I can't really say any one thing attracted me to these genres. It was many things, but I guess, perhaps, the most prevalent would be imagination and creativity.

How have other writers influenced your own writing?
Many authors, such have influenced me by inspiring in me the desire to build complete new worlds. J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert E. Howard, Frank Herbert, and Roger Zelazny, just to name a few. The worlds they created are a great source of inspiration for me to create my own worlds.

Do you prefer to type or hand write?
I prefer typing in MS Word, as my handwriting is terrible. So much so, that I can barely read it myself. :)

What's your favourite kind of scene to write?
There are two types of scenes I really like to write and feel that I shine the most in. Action scenes and emotional scenes. Both make me feel like I just did what I wrote for real. Sometimes exhausting, sometimes exhilarating.

Baric has already failed once to stop the horror of the dragon, Doomrage, who continues his attacks against the people of Hir from the realm of shadows. Baric and his new found companion, Ramura, the Lord of the Lions, must journey to find an artifact of great power created by an ancient race from a previous era of Hir.

Still hoping to save the soul of his lost love, Whisper, from the monster's shadowy prison, Baric doesn't realize that Doomrage now has full control and has sent Whisper's simulacrum to slay the very man in whom she once placed her hope, and the deadly assassin now tracks the Rangers on their quest to find the ancient relic they need to defeat the equally ancient dragon.

The world of Hir now stands on the brink of war with the demonic Manenase and their massive horde of Morok minions. The armies of the civilized races of Hir come together and gather to meet this threat from the Great Divide, as Baric, Ramura and the Zumarian, Sainsha, journey to the haunted Ghost Swamp to find the lost Amulet of Thiranor, which holds the key to stopping Doomrage, once and for all.

In the epic conclusion to the Shadows Trilogy of the Rangers of Laerean series, much lore from the ancient past is learned, and the history of the ancient magical creatures known as the Mythica is discovered, while the shadow of the great Dragon Spirit, Narwyrm, looms over them all.

Amazon 

My Review: 5 stars
I've never been one to read a lot of fantasy, but when I came across this book, the blurb enticed me enough to make me want to give it a read. Normally with series books I would read them in order, and I was a little worried that I would find I was missing important information, but while there is backstory in the previous books the book itself stands somewhat alone. Any important information needed is included, which is a big plus. I enjoyed the book and found myself transported to the mythical place of Hir where wondrous characters are fighting to save their home, their lives and the lives of the creatures and people around them. The rangers of Laerean are ones to be admired and sought after. The book had me hooked from the first chapter and I settled myself in to read it almost in one sitting! It was beautifully crafted and allowed me to lose myself in the pages. Very much enjoyed!

You can find Tom here on Facebook, his webiste and Goodreads

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.