Reviewed: June 16th, 2026 Released: July 15th, 2025 Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Following her parents’ disappearance, Gwyndolyn Carstairs dreams of joining the hallowed halls of the Astro-Archaeology Guild just like they did. But when the map she painstakingly and diligently plotted goes missing-and with it all hopes of presenting to the Guild-she sees everything she longed for evaporate.
Realising there is someone with the temerity to enter her locked office, she follows her erstwhile colleague, Dr Nicodemus Aster, to the airship dock. There, a sudden storm thrusts her into an unwanted quest, and far away from everything she has ever known.
When adventure and academia collide, fuelled by secrets and lies, Gwyndolyn will need to rely on her deepest instincts and inner strength. Only then will she discover who to trust-and uncover the mystery of her parents’ vanishing-if she is to obtain what her heart desires the most.
Forged by Betrayal and Blood by Helen Garraway opens the Celestial Throne series, a fantasy that brims with ancient magic, political intrigue, and a gritty redemptive journey. Vael Tor Arne, also known as the Butcher of Leif, is a disgraced soldier who has lived on the fringes of the empire, banished and haunted by a betrayal that destroyed not only his reputation but his family.
Farsolian warbands hunt Vael and his soldiers. His path leads to a lethal assassin, Disari, Sister of the Moon Blossom, whose mission to murder Emperor Talonm instead turns into an oath to destroy the oppressive sisterhood. When prophecies about the celestial dragons destined to protect the realm surface, Vael becomes the target of a sadistic warlord. Can he survive what is coming for him, protect his men, and find redemption?
Helen Garraway is a great entertainer, and her epic fantasy had me invested in her characters and how she explores their psychological wounds. Vael festers with survivor’s guilt and resentment, yet he is fond of his newfound family to whom he shows loyalty, especially Mort, the healer, and the protective Lars. Disari is another character who is grounded, struggling with the indoctrination by the Sisterhood and her desire for freedom. The setting is written with atmospheric detail, from the sanctuary’s stone archives to the Farsolian peaks and the snow that covers them. Forged by Betrayal and Blood is filled with action and scenes that test the human will.
Fans of Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon will find familiar thrills in the elements of military fantasy and dragon mythology; however, Garraway distinguishes her work through its examination of the cost of honor and the haunting question of whether a man broken by bloodshed can ever be free.
Book Two, Bound by Scale and Blossom is on pre order. Tentative release date, December 2026.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Oathsworn, the prequel novella to the SoulMist series, and get notified when my next books are published.
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It’s time to meet YA Fantasy author, Paul R. Somerville, who I met a local book fair in Farnham, and he is here to talk about his books.
Helen: Welcome, Paul. It’s great to have the opportunity to talk to you about writing journey. Thank you for joining me today. Tell us about your latest book.
Paul: It’s actually a trilogy, called Guardian of the Stones. Three books which follow the fate of Jaydon, a fourteen year old boy whose world is turned upside down when his whole family and village are destroyed. I’ve set the story in a land and time similar to Saxon age England, in fact I’ve taken many influences for my world building from the dark ages and early medieval Britain… even with twists on Celtic mythology.
In book one, The Stone of Radnor, I really put poor Jaydon through the mill in the early parts, as he’s left orphaned, homeless and eventually captured and forced into slavery. But he swears revenge on his the man who murdered his family after finding his father’s sword in the rubble of his home. It soon transpires that there is more to this sword than Jaydon ever knew, as his journey takes him on an unexpected quest, with unexpected consequences – all beginning with a companion, a young servant girl called Raven, who helps him escape. Jaydon discovers he is the guardian of the stone of Radnor, a magical god-stone on the pommel of his father’s sword.
In Book Two, The Gods of Winter, Jaydon has been sent by the High Priestess of Mieses to seek out an old warlock called Gunlak, who has, for 500 years, hidden himself away from the world. The evil god Elokar is raising and army and as the Guardian of the Stone of Radnor, it’s down to Jaydon to unite the remaining three god-stones, and Gunlak owns the Stone of Onir – yet no-one knows where is hiding. Jaydon’s sets of with Raven and his friends, their journey takes them across a vast ocean, but a vicious storm forces them to abandon the ship and seek shelter in the arctic islands called The Sisters, winter is coming, yet the islands are littered with warring tribes and hungry snow bears. Jaydon must befriend these tribes and seek help finding Gunlak – yet he finds war and clashing religions which put his friendship with Raven into jeopardy. For the arctic tribes I mixed both Mongolian and Inuit cultures to create the contrast that Jaydon had known on the mainland to challenge his beliefs and naïve view of the only world he had known.
The final book is called The Servant of Mieses. Jaydon has reunited the three god-stones, but Elokar’s armies march northwards to war. Jaydon must get a ship back home to stop him. The tribes of The Sisters believe him a god, and follow him, yet despite the end of winter and the oncoming thaw, the land is treacherous and the only way of getting a ship is to get to the remote northern outposts of the islands. In book two, Gunlak had told Jaydon of the coming of Amraeth – the one who will defeat Elokar – and it was down to Jaydon as the Guardian of the Stones to face Elokar and bring Amraeth forth. But he does not know how, his army is small and he feels hopeless and out of his depth. Yet help comes from an unexpected source as he faces Elokar in a final battle.
Helen: What a thrilling adventure for young and older readers alike! Your covers go so well together, how did you come up with the designs?
Paul : One of the joys of being self-published is the full control we have over our own works, that includes the covers. I always had an idea of roughly what I wanted to do for my covers, specifically half-way through The Stone of Radnor when I realised I was writing a trilogy. Quite honestly I used the red, blue and green colours to represent three of the four god-stones in the books, red for Radnor, blue for Onir and green for the evil entity, Elokar. I was thinking of hiring someone to design them for me, but I love the creative element, so using online design tools I set to create each one myself.
The cover of the Stone of Radnor represents Jaydon’s sword with the red god-stone on the pommel. I have been told it gives a LOTR feel, which wasn’t intentional but plays into the fantasy feel I wanted.
The Gods of Winter has a shield on the cover, which is representative of the Shield of Edora from the book, a magical shield that comes into Jaydon’s possession.
Finally, The Servant of Mieses, keeps the central ‘circular’ theme from the first two, but the colour representing Elokar’s god-stone, however the ethereal globe in the centre covers two things – the Stone of Mieses (a white globe) and the final climax of all the stones coming together (sorry no spoilers to explain more).
Personally I feel the covers represent the story well and do draw the eye.
Helen: The Guardians of the Stones trilogy is YA Fantasy. Is that the main genre you write?
Paul: I write fantasy – I read a lot of historical fiction, and what I enjoy is bringing real historical stories into my own world and fantasy-based settings. The world across the Guardian of the Stones series is called Calaria, and uses lots of real-historical references through research that I have done; for example, in the Gods of Winter, Jaydon needs to find the magical Shield of Edora to save a friends life – this idea sprung from historical myths around King Arthur and his search for the Cauldron of Anwr in what is now Anglesey.
I just love the idea of the creation of my elements from my own imagination – including those elements that bring more realism, aside from maps (which are in the books) I have created a language called Calar Ahunn (Old Calarian) – which is used sporadically through the books for prayers and magical components. The language is unique, but based on forms of Nordic, including a rune-based alphabet.
I have been heavily influenced by what I read – which includes both epic fantasy and historical fiction – with Bernard Cornwell’s Last Kingdom series of books being my main influence, the way he develops character and seeps you into his world I find completely inspiring.
In essence, writing fantasy allows my imagination to flow and run wild and re-use existing myths, legends and historical stories and create and morph them into my own world.
Helen: Isn’t it wonderful how the books we grew up become our inspiration as we go forward. I hope my books one day inspire others to write. With your books having such a historial influence, do you find you have to plan your books, or are you more of a pantser?
Paul: Oh – a complete pantser, which at times is amazing as I never know what direction my characters will take me in. But sometimes that’s to my detriment as, I have, on occasion, got myself in a pickle. A creative writing group covered this in an exercise and put this in an interesting term – you’re either a gardener or an architect. A gardener plants seeds, nurtures them and sees how they grow, never really knowing what they will grow to be like – if the fruits will actually appear. Whereas an architect works to a detailed plan that they have already sketched out.
Having said that, I do usually have an idea of how my stories end (sort of) and although not sure quite how I will get there, it gives me a point to aim for. In fact, as I get closer to the end – usually about two-thirds of the way through – I start to map out chapters, writing a paragraph on each, stating what I want it to cover, and asking myself any questions that I still need an answer to. One piece of advice I was given was to treat each chapter like a mini-story, with a beginning, middle and end – having an objective for each one.
I do need to plot a little more in my current WIP, I have realised the middle part of the book has become a little muddled and I’m not quite sure of the motivations of my side-characters, which has allowed my protagonist to become too passive. So, I am undertaking an exercise to plot out their goals and needs a little more.
Helen: That is some great advice. I thought you might have been more of a planner! You mentioned your WIP. Can you tell us what you are working on next?
Paul: I’m currently have two projects on the go – one a little more advanced than the other. The main project, The Emerald Passage, is a fantasy / sci-fi – using the premise of climate change as the catalyst for my protagonist become the centre of this change.
Earth has a sister planet called Galea, many light years away, which is linked by a secret portal. The portal’s existence is protected by a secret society of humans from both planets – however they follow a supreme entity called The Being, who is dying and the secret society need to save both worlds to protect The Being and save Earth and Galea in the process.
I based this premise on stories I researched on Thoth the Atlantean an Egyptian deity of wisdom, described in literature as an immortal Priest-King who survived the sinking of Atlantis, and mashed it with existing stories written by conspiracy theorists who claim that aliens live among us. I guess it’s become cross between a Dan Brown novel and Stargate.
My other WIP is called The Cursed Crown. This is still very much in the very early stages of development, but I’ve taken the premise of what happened when Emperor Nero died and the Roman Empire was thrown into civil war, with four emperors in a year. I am this premise into my own fantasy world – with the view point of my main character, who is a close friend to the man who ends up as the final emperor during this period of chaos. A long way to go, but one I am excited about.
Helen: You are very busy!! I wish you all the best with your books. Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, what is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and from whom?
Paul: I’m certainly never short of being given advice!! 😊 I’ve been attending a creative writing group on and off for 6 years now. My tutor (Mel) is amazing and provides constant support and encouragement. The best advice she has given me is , write, write, write – even if it’s just a few words, just get it down. It doesn’t matter how good or bad it is, refining is the editing process.
I recently listened to Stephen King’s On Writing audio book. Although I don’t necessarily agree with everything that he said, he does say ‘Write the first draft with the door closed, the second with the door open.’ What he means by that is that the first draft you are writing for yourself, with the doors closed. Then you open the door and you are rewriting your story to the outside world, to your readers. I liked that analogy as I do tend to get myself bogged down trying to perfect a piece of prose or descriptive text on some scene, when actually I should just get the darn story written.
Being a self-published author, I’ve learned a lot through my own mistakes too. I certainly did with my first book – editing was a chore, and it’s costly paying someone to do this professionally, but that means that errors in grammar and typo’s creep in. It is definitely worth getting this done properly – and I’ve certainly had those errors pointed out to me after pressing the ‘publish’ button on KDP!!
Lots of people though have given me advice on what comes next, marketing, promoting etc. Every time I attend an event with other writers I learn more. One thing I have discovered is that the writing community, especially self-published and indie writers, are an amazing and helpful bunch of people, really supportive – I guess I now need to listen to that advice and become less of a luddite where social media and book promoting is concerned?
About the Author – Paul Somerville
Born in Burnley, Lancashire, Paul joined the British Army at the age of just 16 and served until 1999, having travelled widely (Norway, USA, Canada, Alaska, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, Portugal, Denmark, Croatia, Bosnia, Gibraltar) and completing three operational tours in the Former Yugoslavia during the Balkan conflict.
Since leaving the army Paul has worked in a variety of roles and organisations – but moved into Cyber Security, and is now a Principal Consultant for a UK based consultancy. Paul has lived in Malvern, Rugby, Farnham and now resides in Alton, Hampshire, with his two children, a mad-cat, two gerbils and several fish.
Outside of writing and work Paul is an avid supporter of Burnley FC and enjoys walking in the Hampshire and Surrey countryside and taking mini-adventures in his twenty-five year old campervan.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
Do you love classic epic fantasy sagas? Want to immerse yourself in a new world rife with legends, myths, and dragons? Looking for new characters to tug at your heartstrings? Then Forged by Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series is now available.
Betrayal comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s how you let them affect you that will forge your path in life.
‘I was enraptured from the first page all the way to the last word. There is a lot of action, adventure, found family, betrayal, magic, A little romance and dragons! The characters are all well written, they all have depth and they are all very engaging. Helen’s world building is stunning and she weaves and blends it brilliantly and beautifully throughout the story. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend reading it!!! And I can’t wait for the second book to come out!!!’ Raelene, ARC Reader
‘Another excellent book by master story teller Helen Garraway. I was quickly hooked and then reeled in to immerse myself in the story. I had to force myself to stop reading at 1 am so I could go to sleep. I kept telling myself: I’ll read just one more chapter.’ Bob, ARC Reader
Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.
Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.
The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.
Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
Have you preordered yet? I can’t wait to share my new world with you: WWW.Books2Read.com/FBBB.
Do you love classic epic fantasy sagas? Want to immerse yourself in a new world rife with legends, myths, and dragons? Looking for new characters to tug at your heartstrings? Then there is only five days to go and Forged by Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series will be available.
Betrayal comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s how you let them affect you that will forge your path in life.
Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.
Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.
The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.
Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
21st May 2026 TITLE: FORGED BY BETRAYAL AND BLOOD, CELESTIAL THRONE, BOOK 1 AUTHOR: HELEN GARRAWAY Star Rating: 5
‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW Helen Garraway throws readers straight into the action with Forged By Betrayal and Blood, and it doesn’t take long to get hooked. From the opening pages, the world feels dangerous, gritty and full of tension, with battles, political unrest and long-buried secrets all colliding at once. Vael is exactly the kind of fantasy lead that’s easy to root for — scarred by his past, carrying a terrible reputation, yet fiercely loyal to the men who stand beside him. The banter and loyalty within his group adds a lot of heart to the story and keeps the darker moments balanced perfectly.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the character work. Vael and Emperor Talon are far more layered than they first appear, and watching their complicated history slowly unfold keeps the story compelling. Disari was another standout character for me. Her storyline brings a completely different perspective to the world, and her struggle between duty and freedom gives the book an emotional edge that works really well. None of the characters feel flat or predictable, which makes the shifting alliances and betrayals even more interesting.
The worldbuilding is rich without becoming overwhelming. Dragons, assassins, ancient gods and political power struggles all weave together naturally, and Garraway reveals details at a pace that keeps you wanting more. There’s a strong classic fantasy feel to the story, but it still feels fresh thanks to the character dynamics and the mystery surrounding the Celestial Throne and the missing dragons. The atmosphere throughout the book is fantastic — whether it’s brutal battles in the wilderness or tense conversations in palace corridors.
Overall, Forged By Betrayal and Blood is a really enjoyable start to what feels like an epic fantasy series. It has action, intrigue, emotional moments and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with flawed heroes, dangerous politics and slow-burning secrets, this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll absolutely be reading the next book.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
I can’t believe the Comic con is over. It went so fast! I didn’t have time to explore as Writer’s Block was busy, but we saw all the amazing cosplay. Considering how hot it was over the weekend, there were some brave cosplayers.
In writers Block, top left is fantasy author, C.K Andersson, next is LL. Macrae, in the middle is Royalty Sky and at the bottom, Michael R. Miller.
Forged by Betrayal and Blood made its debut and drew quite a bit of attention, and was very well recieved. Launches on June 1st, 2026.
As was the Reign of Dragons. The foiled hard cover and sprayed edges catch the eye and then you still have 18 stories and all the interior artwork to enjnoy. Someone even said they need two, so they can display the dust jacket and the foiled cover!
If you had tickets, then I hope you enjoyed the day and survived the heat. Hope to see you all again in October.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
Having met Neil J Hart at many book fairs, I’m delighted to welcome him onto my blog. Let’s find out more about his writing process and his latest book Hope’s Ruin.
Helen: Welcome, Neil. I’m so excited to chat with you today. Tell us about your latest book.
Neil: I’ve just released ‘HOPE’S RUIN’’ the second book in my ‘Scarecrows of Coldharbour Farm’ series. These books are set against the backdrop of a climate disaster that has washed away humanity and sucked the earth dry. Spirits now inhabit scarecrows and mannequins and wickermen who fight for supremacy of the seas and the skies. And among them live the last of humanity, struggling desperately to survive.
‘Hope’s Ruin’ picks up about a year after the events of book one – ‘THE LAST SCARECROW’ – and continues to follow Erin (the last human girl), Raven (a belligerent talking bird), and a host of strange monsters, villains, and scarecrows as the battle to save the ones they love.
‘Hope’s Ruin’ expands the universe we discovered in ‘The Last Scarecrow’. With the oceans now washed away, Erin and Raven meet survivors carving out an existence in a remote township called Hope’s Spark in the Great Wastes and a thriving community who live in caves beneath a vast mountain range. But a new evil is rising, more powerful and deadly than the last. Erin and Raven must risk it all as they travel to the plughole of the world and into the savage skies to uncover a mighty power that can turn the tide and bring balance and peace to the world.
Helen: Your covers are so striking. How do you come up with the ideas?
Neil : I’ve worked as a professional graphic designer for twenty five years so I do all my own covers and artwork. This is a huge advantage as I can craft exactly what I want. This also means I end up making over a hundred designs for each book and takes me weeks and weeks.
The process for ‘Hope Ruin’ followed the same design direction as ‘The Last Scarecrow’. I knew the central character of scarecrow Number Twelve would be a dramatic vision for the cover so I wanted to put her front and centre, surrounded by locations and meteorological references to the story. ‘The Last Scarecrow’ feature Number Twelve stood before a submerged city while storm clouds and stars lingered overhead.
In ‘Hope’s Ruin’ she stands in a vast wasteland. Desiccated cities and mountains rise behind her along with a remote drilling platform, all present in this new story. Number Twelve has also changed a little from the first book. Instead of her red flowing garments she now opts for black, wears a wide-brimmed hat, and her eyes glow red. This signals a major change in our central character, one filled with jeopardy and menace.
Helen: You are the second author I’ve interviewed recently who creates their own covers. You are all such a talented bunch! Who inspired you to start writing?
Neil: I hated books as a child. I’d much rather watch movies and TV shows. But when my Mum brought home copies of Ian Livingstone’s Fighting Fantasy books I was immediately converted. Livingstone’s Choose Your Own Adventure style books didn’t feel like ‘normal’ reading. There weren’t hundreds of pages to go until the end. There were short paragraphs followed by a decision – you turn left, you eat the wild mushrooms, you fight a bloodbeast etc – which all lead to different outcomes that you had some control over. I swiftly advanced to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books and that’s what really sparked my love of writing. I found Terry’s backwards, satirical, humorous approach to fantasy far more digestible than the lengthy tomes of Tolkien et al.
Helen: It is to our benefit that you found a love of reading. Everyone has a different path, I’m so glad you found one that worked for you. What are you working on next? Is there another Scarecrow book?
Neil: I’m currently writing the third and final book in the ‘Scarecrows of Coldharbour Farm’ series. Where the first book was set on water, the second on sand, this one ventures north. This book looks a little longer than the previous two, featuring huge set-pieces, epic battles, desperation, hope, and the most peculiar band of friends the world has ever known. More info on this coming later in 2026 including title name and cover reveal.
Helen: How exiting! Readers watch this space. Let’s chat a little about your writing process. Do you plan your books or are you a pantser?
Neil: I plan. A lot. Usually, after weeks of note taking and long walks, I’ll write a long synopsis of the entire story. Around five thousand words. I’ll then break that into thirty or forty chapters, with two to three scenes in each. Each scene and chapter has a sentence that explains what happens, the emotion tone, character points.
Then I sit and draft the whole book, joining scene to scene, chapter to chapter, taking notes and outlining potential issues or better character arcs as I go. I’ll leave the first draft for a few weeks, outline something new, then come back and read through, consult my notes, change the ending usually, and remove repetition, irrelevance, nonsense, and trim about twenty percent of the words to make it slick and pacey.
I believe nothing is perfect so when the book is ready, when I’ve read it about twenty times and thrown every idea I can at it, it goes to my editor. I know I’ll have new ideas in the future, perhaps better ideas, but if I sat around waiting for those to come along I’d have a dozen never-finished books.
Helen: Although I started as a pantster, the more I’ve written, the more I plan. Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, tell us about your favourite book and why you like it so much.
Neil: I have so many favourite books and authors but the one I always reach for when asked this question is His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. It has everything I love in a story: epic adventure, mysterious powers, monumental world-building, unusual friendships, heartbreak, danger, and brilliant villains. What really sets HDM apart from other books with these tropes is Pullman’s use of dæmons. Each character has their own unique mystical ghostly animal or creature (of the opposite gender) that represents their soul / nature. This is used to magnificent effect, allowing readers to understand the nature of each character by what dæmon accompanies them and to showcase the relationships between each character and their dæmon: a window to their hope, dreams, subconscious thoughts, fears, and soul.
About the Author – Neil J. Hart
Neil J Hart has won awards for his haunting YA fantasy novels ‘The Last Scarecrow’ and ’Sadie Madison and the Boy in the Crimson Scarf’ and is working on sequels to both. ‘Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows’ was released in May 2025 and is the first book in a new sci-fi mystery adventure saga. Neil also works as a graphic designer and a musician. He fosters for Cats Protection. Relies on coffee. Adores cheese and cucumber sandwiches. And collects Tomb Raider memorabilia.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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It’s time to meet author, Brooke Gillespie-Trout and find out about her writing journey and her book Executive Decisions
Helen: Welcome, Brooke. It’s wonderful to have you on my blog. Congratulations on releasing your book Executive Decisions on May 12th. Tell is about your new release.
Brooke: My upcoming release, Executive Decisions, is a contemporary romance that officially kicks off The Hanson Legacy series on May 12th. While it explores the high-stakes world of a powerful billionaire family, the heart of the story actually began with my own real-life job hunt saga. One year, I went on 14 different interviews and began blogging about the process as I went. In one post, I wrote about the realization that I wasn’t just the one being scrutinized. I was interviewing them just as much as they were interviewing me. When that exact line was quoted back to me by a recruiter in my very next interview, the spark for Lauren’s journey was born. In the book, Lauren navigates that same professional fire, but the stakes get much higher when personal attraction enters the boardroom. It’s a story about legacy, professional power plays, and the life-changing executive decisions we make when our hearts and our careers finally collide.
Helen: That is great point about job interviews. It goes both ways. So make sure you interview your prospective employer as well! What were your thoughts behind you cover?
Brooke: I wanted the cover of Executive Decisions to visually represent the collision of two very different worlds. The top half of the cover is a nod to my protagonist, Lauren, and where her journey begins. She’s a blogger who spends her days working out of a local café, so the laptop and the coffee cup represent her world… her independence, her hustle, and the life she’s built for herself. It’s grounded and relatable, and the tagline ‘Love wasn’t in the job description’ hints at the unexpected shift her life is about to take. The bottom half features the glowing Denver skyline, specifically representing the high-end Cherry Creek area where the story is set. This symbolizes the Legacy side of the book… the sprawling, billionaire world of Drew Hanson. I chose this split design to show the contrast between Lauren’s cozy, everyday reality and the glittering, high-stakes atmosphere of the Hanson family. The sweeping script of the title bridges these two worlds, showing that while their backgrounds are worlds apart, their hearts are finding a common ground.
Helen: I love learning about the ideas behind the covers. The split images are so effective. How did you come up with the title?
Brooke: To be honest, I rarely have a title ready when I first start a book. I usually dive into the outlining process and let the characters tell me who they are first. The title for this one actually came to me while I was out taking a walk with my daughter. We were deep in conversation about the plot and the dynamics between Lauren and Drew, and out of nowhere, Executive Decisions just clicked.
That’s usually how it happens for me, the right title tends to find me when I’m away from my desk. For this story, the title felt perfect because it carries a double meaning. On the surface, it reflects the corporate world of the Hanson family and the professional choices Lauren has to make during her interviews. But on a deeper level, it’s about those pivotal, life-altering decisions we make for ourselves… the ones where we stop following a script and start deciding what kind of legacy we want to leave behind in our personal lives.
Helen: I end up dithering over titles. I brainstorm up a few ideas and then can’t decide between them. My newsletter subscribers have been very helpful choosing titles. Why did you choose to write this particular book?
Brooke: I always say that I don’t really ‘think up’ ideas, they find me. I wrote Executive Decisions because it was the one story that started playing like a movie in my head and wouldn’t stop!
It began as a small spark from my own life. Memories of a year where I went on fourteen interviews and blogged about the experience, but then my imagination took over. I started watching Lauren’s journey unfold.
When a story starts to marinate like that, I just have to follow it to see where it goes. I wrote it because I wanted to capture that specific cinematic energy and the mix of a grounded, relatable hustle with the fascinating world of a billionaire family. Once the movie in my head reached the final scene, I knew I had to get it down on paper.
Helen: Yes, I can sympathise. At some point you have to get it out of your head and on paper. When did you first realise you had a passion for writing?
Brooke: My passion for storytelling actually started on the stage. I began acting in community theater at age ten, which eventually led to years of work in local commercials and indie films. One of the most eye-opening moments for me was filming a national commercial for Chevy; seeing the jump from low-budget local sets to a massive, high-budget production gave me a deep appreciation for the machinery of a story.
Whenever I was acting, I found myself getting caught up in the dialogue. I’d start rewriting it in my head, daydreaming about the characters’ lives before the script started and after it ended. I actually attempted my first novel when I was 23, but life kept me busy for a while! I continued to play with stories over the years until everything finally clicked, and I published my first full novel at the age of 42. I think those decades of inhabiting different characters as an actress are exactly what allow me to watch my books like a movie before I write them.
Helen: That’s so great that acting led you naturally into storytelling. Was there anyone who first inspired you to write?
Brooke: My writing journey has been shaped by three icons who each brought something essential to my craft: Nora Roberts, LaVyrle Spencer, and Jackie Collins.
Nora Roberts taught me the power of world-building and dedication, while LaVyrle Spencer showed me the importance of deep, emotional vulnerability. She made me believe the heart of a story is the character’s internal evolution. And then there is Jackie Collins, who brought that unapologetic, high-stakes glamour and pace that keeps you turning pages.
In fact, my Heart & Soul series really showcases that Jackie Collins influence. It’s edgier, a bit bolder, and whenever I sit down to write those characters, my ‘inner Jackie’ absolutely comes out. Between the emotional depth of LaVyrle Spencer, the world-building of Nora Roberts, and the daring edge of Jackie Collins, I like to think my books are a unique blend of all three: grounded heart, high-stakes drama, and a whole lot of fire.
Helen: Who is your protagonist and why did you write her/him?
Brooke: My protagonist is Lauren Lane, a sharp-witted blogger and career-driven woman who isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants. I wrote her because I wanted a character who mirrored the modern, messy reality of the job hunt, and someone who is authentic, relatable, and determined to hold her own.
Helen: If your Main Character could answer, why would they say we should read your book?
Brooke: If you asked Lauren, she’d probably tell you: ‘Read it because you deserve to see what happens when someone decides they’re done being interviewed and starts taking control of their own life.’ She’s the voice for anyone who’s ever sat in a corporate office and thought, ‘There has to be more to the story than this.’
Helen: I think Lauren has the right idea. Executive Decisions is a contemporary romance, is that the genre you write in?
Brooke: I write contemporary romance because I’m drawn to stories where characters grow, overcome obstacles, and ultimately find that connection that makes everything else fall into place. Having spent years as an actress, I’ve always been fascinated by human dynamics, and for me, there is no better space than romance to explore the what ifs of life… like how professional ambition and personal heartstrings collide.
Helen: What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Brooke: The best thing, without a doubt, has been the internal shift I experienced once I finally finished my first book at 42. It felt like I unlocked a door that had been waiting for me for decades. Before that, I think I was waiting for inspiration to strike, but once I proved to myself that I could sit down and execute a full story, my creativity didn’t just wake up, it started to overflow.
It’s been an incredible relief, too. Now, whenever I find myself starting to worry about where the next story will come from, I don’t panic anymore. I’ve learned to trust the process. Inspiration has this funny way of showing up right when I need it most, whether it’s during a walk with my daughter or a quiet moment in my day.
Helen: I started writing even later than you. I am what you call a late bloomer, but once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. I can’t imagine ever stopping. I love creating new characters and new worlds. I know this is a tough question, but who is your favourite character from your book?
Brooke: It’s honestly like choosing a favorite child, it feels impossible! I have a soft spot for at least one character in every book I’ve written. But if I have to pick one from Executive Decisions, it has to be my protagonist, Lauren Lane.
I love her spirit. She’s incredibly smart and has that grit that comes from real-world experience, but my favorite thing about her is how she handles herself when she’s pushed into a corner. She has this sharp, sassy wit that comes out the moment she feels threatened or challenged. I genuinely admire her strength, and writing her dialogue was some of the most fun I’ve had in a long time. She’s the kind of woman who refuses to be anything less than herself, no matter who is sitting across the desk from her.
Helen: Moving on to your writing process. Do you listen to music when you write?
Brooke: That’s a hard no from me! I find music to be a major distraction. Honestly, the movie playing in my head is loud enough on its own. I have enough voices to manage without adding a soundtrack to the mix! When I’m deep into a scene, the dialogue and the emotions between my characters are constantly running, and I need total quiet to hear them clearly. For me, the silence is where the story happens.
Helen: Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome the fear and the little doubting voice in your head to keep writing?
Brooke: I think every writer deals with two things: actual writer’s block and the occasional lack of motivation. When I’m really struggling, I don’t try to force it. Instead, I set a timer for 15 minutes and I write with my eyes closed.
By removing the visual of the screen, I’m not distracted by the words already on the page or the temptation to backspace and edit. It allows me to truly see the movie playing in my head and get the story out unfiltered. Because I’m a fast typist… hitting over 75 words per minute… I can get a surprising amount of story down in those 15 minutes. Of course, this method does lead to some pretty amusing typos that I have to clean up later, but 99% of the time, that quick burst of blind writing is exactly what I need to push through the block and find my momentum again.
Helen: You are so lucky that you can touch type. I wouldn’t understand a word I typed, if I closed my eyes! What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom?
Brooke: I’m a big believer in the power of quotes to keep me focused, especially when the creative process gets a little overwhelming. There are three that I live by, and they’ve truly shaped how I approach my desk every day. The first is, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ It’s so easy to look at other authors’ timelines or success stories and lose sight of your own path. Remembering that my journey is mine alone keeps me present and grateful.
The second, ‘You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank one,’ is my ultimate cure for writer’s block. It gives me the freedom to be imperfect. It reminds me that the goal of a first draft isn’t to be brilliant; it’s just to exist so that I have something to work with. And finally, ‘Trust the process.’ This one is my North Star. Writing isn’t linear. Some days the movie in my head is playing in high definition, and other days it’s static. They aren’t just quotes to me; they’re the tools that keep me writing.
Helen: That is some great advice. When you have time to read, do you have a favourite book?
Brooke: My favorite book of all time is Twice Loved by LaVyrle Spencer. I first picked it up when I was 15, and I’ve re-read it at least a dozen times since then. What’s so fascinating about reading it over the years is how my perspective shifts. The more I grow and experience life, the more I understand the characters’ choices and the nuance in how they handle their situation.
It’s actually quite funny because a love triangle is usually my least favorite trope, but LaVyrle Spencer handles Twice Loved with such incredible depth and heart that it somehow became my favorite book. It taught me that it’s not just the trope that matters, it’s how you write the characters caught inside it. It’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling, and it’s a book I’ll keep coming back to for the rest of my life.
Helen: We’ve nearly reached the end of the interview. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Is there any advice you’d give new writers?
Brooke: My biggest piece of advice is simple but hard to do: Write for yourself. When you start worrying about whether a certain type of reader will like your story, you lose your voice. I love the phrase, ‘Dance like no one is watching,’ but for writers, I prefer to say, ‘Write like no one is reading.’ If you try to censor yourself while you’re creating, you’re never going to get to the truth of the story. Pour your heart out onto the page first. Be messy, be vulnerable, and be honest. You can always edit, revise, or refine those words later, but you can’t fix what isn’t there. When you stop writing to please an audience and start writing to satisfy your own curiosity, that’s when your unique voice finally comes through.
Helen: More great advice. Thank you so much for joining me today. It’s been great chatting with you and learning about your book. Good luck with your launch. Is there anything else you’d like to add to close us out?
Brooke: You know, looking back, the most unexpected part of this journey has been realizing that everything I’ve done… the acting, the commercials, the 14-interview year, and even the daily walks with my daughter… was just research for the books I’m writing now. I used to think my path was a bit winding, but it’s all fed into the stories. Whether I’m watching a scene play out in my head or just trying to navigate the messy, wonderful chaos of daily life, I’ve learned to trust that no experience is ever wasted. If you’re a reader or an aspiring writer, just keep living your life, keep your eyes open, and don’t worry if your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s. The story is in the living
About the Author – Brooke Gillespie-Trout
Brooke Gillespie-Trout is a contemporary romance author known for weaving together the drama of the stage with the irresistible pull of a “bad boy” charm. Drawing on her extensive background in theater and a life lived across the United States, Brooke crafts high-stakes adventures and deeply emotional love stories that keep readers turning pages.
With a dozen titles published, including the Heart & Soul series, the Portland, Maine trilogy, and the fan-favorite The Art of Zen, Brooke has established herself as a versatile voice in modern romance. Her stories are celebrated for their relatable characters, dramatic flair, and unforgettable “happily ever afters.”
Now residing in the Las Vegas area, Brooke continues to explore new adventures in print. Her latest work, Executive Decisions, marks the beginning of the Hanson Legacy series, a high-octane dive into billionaire romance and family secrets.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
Have a booklover in the family? Eager to find a new book to read? Signed by the author?
I will have some early release copies of my next book, Forged by Betrayal and Blood, which launches on June 1st, 2026. Get a hardback copy early. And while stocks last you can get a show book box including a cover artwork postcard and book mark
I’ll also have my last release, Sentinals Origins Part Two, in paperback, and you can get the Sentinals Origins duology with a matching Leyandrii scented Waxmelt for free while stocks last.
Do your booklovers love dragons? Then I will have a limited number of the most amazing fantasy anthology with foiled cover, sprayed edges, beautiful artwork and 18 dragon-themed stories. The ideal present for your bookdragon hoarder!
Come and meet the indie authors, all with tales to share and books to talk about. Everyone welcome.
Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.
If there is a specific book you want, then please preorder for collection at the show, so I make sure I bring enough copies and can reserve one for you, as now I have 15 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!
Hope to see you there.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
Helen Garraway 