Lost At Sea Scavenger Hunt Stop # 2

Welcome to the Lost At Sea Scavenger Hunt where we are helping the Kinsman people find a new home. If you’ve just found us, be sure to start the adventure at Stop #1, which is Jill Williamson’s blog.

Collect all the clue words in order so you can enter to win the Kindle. If you want to enter to win the second Kindle, you’ll have to take a quiz at the end, so take your time and read each post carefully. The main prizes in the hunt are open to international entries. Individual author contests, however, might have different rules, so please read the parameters on each site. You have until Sunday night, February 19, at midnight, Pacific time to finish.

If you need help, or get lost along the way, click here for assistance.



The Seffynaw docked at the first sight of land, and my characters found their way to Stop #2, which is Ilyon from Jaye L. Knight’s Ilyon Chronicles. Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Learn more about her books at www.jayelknight.com. 
 

Here’s a closer look at Resistance, book one in the Ilyon Chronicles.

Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he's ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he's tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.

Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair lives every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.

Following the emperor's declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.

Wilek and Trevn like the look of Ilyon. It is forested and sits on a cliff, which is reminiscent of our old home. They decide to take a closer look.

Inspiration for Ilyon

Inspiration for the world of Ilyon has come from a variety of places I’ve only ever dreamed of visiting. You see, I live in a very flat, rather boring part of Wisconsin. And while there are lots of lakes and pretty hills nearby, Wisconsin is farm country. We don’t have mountains, Sequoia trees, or cool things like that. So when I write fantasy, it’s a chance to “explore” more interesting areas.
One of the first things that inspired the world of Ilyon was Ancient Rome. Even though Ilyon Chronicles leans more heavily toward being medieval fantasy, I took a lot from my love of Roman history. You can see that in some of the architecture, the society, and of course the gladiator arenas that inhabit Ilyon’s main country of Arcacia.

But Arcacia isn’t all cities. There are lots of forested areas. These are my favorite. I have a thing for English forests and those amazing English trees you see gracing the screen in British TV shows like Downton Abbey. They are incredible, and I am a girl who loves trees and forests. That’s why so much of the book takes place within the forest. I’m also a huge fan of Robin Hood, and took a lot of inspiration from that story.

The one place I can point to for inspiration that I have actually visited is the Dells of the Eau Claire. This is a state park close to where I live and one of my favorite places to visit. It’s one of the really cool places in the area and has been a source of inspiration in my writing for a long time. It has gorgeous rock formations and amazing walking trails that transport me right into the heart of my stories. When I’m there, I can easily imagine places one might set up a hidden camp if we were living in a world like Ilyon.
 

 


You can order Resistance on Amazon!

CLUE! Write down this clue: northern
The next stop on our map is Stop #3, Seultrie, on Ronie Kendig’s blog.

Before you move on, I am giving away a bronze sword bookmark to three lucky winners. To enter, use the form below. Winners will be selected Tuesday, February 21st. Thanks for visiting my blog. Enjoy the rest of the scavenger hunt!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Dells photo by pixn8tr [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Happy Singles Awareness Day (plus a Valentine’s Surprise)

I couldn’t resist, being the single girl that I am. ;) For the next 24 hours, romance, hearts, Valentines, and all the mushy stuff (which you know I love) will be everywhere. So, to mix it up a bit, I’m dedicating this post to those such as me who aren’t spending the day with a significant other. I always say laughing about it is better than crying, after all. ;) And even if you’re not single, you might find humor here too. Gifs are always humorous. Plus, I have a special Valentine for all of my readers, single and not, at the end of the post. You don’t want to miss that, do you?

How Different Singles View Valentine’s Day

1. Who cares? I don’t need anyone.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

2. The sooner today is over, the better.

3. And finally, worst day ever.

Yeah, Valentine’s Day can be rough. Here, maybe this will cheer you up.

 

And just as I promised, a special Valentine for my readers. Click to open it. ;)