Over the past couple of months, I’ve been busily promoting my latest novel Ravenseed. Here’s a handy list of links to the various facets of the novel explored on this site, for those still considering whether to take the plunge and give this novel a go.

I can only again urge you to do so, as Ravenseed – an epic tale of love, lust, betrayal, and vengeance – is a story I’m particularly proud of. Blending Arthurian mysticism with adventure and romance, it’s the first fantasy novel I’ve ever released, but it isn’t aimed purely at the fantasy crowd. Ravenseed isn’t bogged down in world-building minutiae, but it deals with relatable themes via engaging characters, primarily in a Dark Ages setting, and in a present-day parallel plot that mirrors events in the past. Why not give it a go?

Here’s the blurb from the back of the book:

532 AD. Knights Sir Peter and Sir Matthew ride to battle, but when they take an ill-advised detour, the two friends find themselves involved in a quest to break a curse on Sir Matthew’s love, Elizabeth.

The quest sends them on a journey through Anglia, where they encounter magicians, spirits, gods, and dangers beyond their wildest dreams – from without and within.

In the present day, as teenager Fay Pendleton reads an ancient account of the two knights, scars start appearing on her face. Despite her ongoing disfigurement, she becomes obsessed with discovering the outcome of the quest, and her link to this mysterious story.

If that doesn’t whet your appetite, here are the aforementioned links to articles, exploring certain aspects of the novel in more detail.

Teaser Images

For a series of teaser images, hinting at some of the locations in the novel, click here, here, here, and here.

An Introduction

A lengthier introduction to the narrative and themes of Ravenseed can be found here. I also expound on why this isn’t just a novel for fantasy fans, but for all readers.

Excerpt 1

A brief taste of the novel, from chapter 3, introducing Sir Peter, Sir Matthew, and their squires. Click here to read it.

Excerpt 2

A second short excerpt, introducing the beautiful and beguiling Elizabeth. Click here to read it.

Settings, Research, Revisions

This article explores some of the research that went into the novel. This includes earlier iterations of themes and plot ideas from the original outline, as well as the physical locations, geography, histories, and folklore surrounding the story. Click here for more.

Influences and Inspiration

What novels or texts informed Ravenseed? I discuss the tonal inspirations in this piece.

Deleted Scenes

In an article about the editorial process, I reveal details of two major sequences (each about a chapter long) I decided to cut from the final draft. One involves a dragon, the other, a second battle sequence. Click here for more.

Bloodmire Revisited

A companion piece novella for Ravenseed entitled Bloodmire was published a couple of years ago on Medium. I’ve since decided to revise the ending, for Substack subscribers (exclusively, for the time being). More details can be read here.

The First Review

Fellow fantasy author Claus Holm offered this five-star endorsement of Ravenseed. To read it, click here.

Ravenseed is available from Amazon on Kindle or paperback here (in the UK) and here (in the US). It is also available from Draft2Digital and their associated outlets (such as Smashwords).

Reviews are hugely important to independent authors like yours truly, as they encourage algorithms to show my novels to more people. Obviously, it’s also great when they are positive, and in the case of Ravenseed‘s first review, it’s a five star all-out rave. Author Claus Holm had this to say about my novel:

“Dillon reveals a new side of himself in this novel. Mostly known for gothic thrillers, this time he turns to a fantasy stories with knights, curses and dark wizards wielding evil magic. He knocks it out of the park!

In modern day, a teenage girl named Fay finds an old book, describing the adventures of two knights of the realm, Sir Peter and Sir Matthew, during the reign of King Arthur. The book tells of how they embark on a quest to absolve Matthew’s great love, Elisabeth, from a curse. As she reads the book, the events in the book being affecting Fay’s life, and she is soon stalked by an unknown enemy that has ties to the very story she reads. She must go on her own quest to find out what is happening.

The story is dark, full of rich flavor and told very well. Both Peter (the writer of the old book) and Fay are compelling protagonists, that you very quickly get to care about, and the descriptions of old Anglia that was are full of very lovely descriptions of a world long gone.

The book also frames the conflict between the old religions and Christianity in an interesting way, where they both have power in different ways.

The book is a rare gem, for well-written Arthurian fiction is hard to come by, and the modern twist only improves the story. Highly recommended for a darker fantasy reading.”

All very encouraging, and great to have the endorsement of a fellow fantasy writer. If you have read and enjoyed Ravenseed, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or ideally both. It doesn’t have to be long or eloquent. “I enjoyed it” is fine, and all reviews are appreciated. They are the lifeblood of independent authors, and literally put food on the table, due to the aforementioned algorithmic stimulation. Thank you to all of you who do review my work. You are hugely appreciated.

Ravenseed is available from Amazon on Kindle or paperback here (in the UK) and here (in the US). Downloads or paperbacks are also available from Draft2Digital, Smashwords, and associated outlets here.