Rise of Iron is Live!

Above: The proof copy of Rise of Iron, the first book in my next fantasy series. (Author copies are on the way.)

Welcome, Rise of Iron!

Today is the day, folks. Rise of Iron—the first book in my new series—is published and officially out in the world!

For those who pre-ordered it, you should already have it on your Kindle. If you were waiting for the paperback format, you can now get it on Amazon now.

I’m so excited to share this book with you all! For a reminder on what it’s about, as well as some additional insights, read on.

What It’s About

The blurb (below) can also be found on Rise of Iron’s book page on my website. At the bottom of that page, click “Discover More” to see a color map of Tredania and learn a little bit about the island nation.

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A cataclysm is coming.

Emery has only ever wanted to keep the cave city of Oraden safe. So, when a tremor that feels like a warning shakes her to the core, she leaves to get help from the Gold Wrights in the capital.

In the shadow of the volcano the Gold Wrights revere, the High Chancellor hears Emery’s plea, but refuses to believe her. Held captive in an unfamiliar city, Emery must come to terms with the fact that she’s failed her people. Again. But when she befriends the handsome Lead Wright assigned to watch her, she discovers truths about society—truths about herself—that change everything.

Beneath the volcano, a new class is rising. If Emery can move beyond the memories of her tragic past, she’ll discover her true power and guide society into the future. Unless an eruption propels them first.

Rise of Iron is the first book in The Tredania Chronicles, a new romantic fantasy series from the author of The Way of the Wielder. Venture into a world where metal magic determines who rules nations, and where one woman’s destiny changes the fate of Tredania forever.

Additional Insights

I always like to add tidbits of additional insight to the books I publish. At first, I was considering explaining the inspiration for the antagonist, but as I sit here now—mere hours before Rise of Iron makes its debut—I realize that’s not the kind of energy I want to bring into this new series.

So instead, I’ll focus on the inspiration for another character: Jameson.

Thirteen years ago (August 2013), I began working as a public relations specialist. I was a year out of graduate school, and while I had experience working with communities, I had virtually none working with the general public. I was brought on to work with another specialist, as outreach efforts for a big utility project were ramping up.

My first day on the job, I went to a public meeting, and it was there I met Jim. Despite the fact that he was old enough to be my father—or maybe because of that—we hit it off right away. He was a well of knowledge, relaying not only project details on the fly, but offering insights into community behaviors, history of places, and the general temperature of the public we would be working with.

Over the next four years, Jim became not just my colleague, but a mentor and dear friend. He introduced me to everyone he knew (and that was a lot of people), invited me to networking business events, and supported me as I brought attention to work-related misconduct. He showed me what it meant to be successful when working with the public, and gave me space to find my own voice. He taught me the art of puns, the practice of being early, and the joy of listening to Bob Seger.

In short, he helped me become a confident public relations specialist, and a more confident person overall.

When our project ended in 2017, we stayed in touch. Even now, almost a decade later, we meet up for lunch sometimes. In fact, we’re meeting up in a couple of weeks, so that I can give him a copy of Rise of Iron—because it’s dedicated to him.

From almost the beginning of the story, Jameson helps Emery in whatever ways he can. Not just by offering her rides across the kingdom (similar to Jim’s “outreach mobile” during our project days), but in educating her, sharing his wisdom with her, and helping her become the confident woman she was destined to be. The bond they have is endearing and pure, and Emery is forever grateful for his unending kindness.

As I am with Jim’s.

In Closing…

While I often say this story is about a young woman finding her inner power and overthrowing a tyrant, it’s really about much more than that. As I mentioned in September’s blog post, it’s about leaning on each other’s strengths, forgiving past transgressions, and working together to build a better future for everyone.

It’s also about finding your own inner strength—your own inner confidence—and becoming the person you were always meant to be. Sure, you may have to rely on others for support along the way, but that’s part of life.

And sometimes, those people become more than just your support system. They become your mentors, friends, and family.

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Rise of Iron is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and KU (Kindle+). Get your copy today, and join the resistance for a better tomorrow.

Thanks for reading. Until next time, be well, and stay creative.

And get out there and vote.

~Sarah