Book Summary:

Far in the distant reaches of the universe is a world called Azmantium. A planet with lilac skies, jade green seas and fiery red suns. A planet where everything, from the tides of the sea to life itself, is rooted in magic. Children are assessed at an early age and trained according to their unique magical talents.

Lara, an orphan who has no memory of her true origins, is unaware that she has a vital role to play in the ancient prophesies that are about to begin coming true. Older than most who are just beginning their magical training, Lara will soon find out that destiny waits for no one, especially when the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.

With the help of her new friends, Lara will learn that in order to save the future, she must journey into the past – to a time when Dragons ruled the world!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords

 

Author Interview With Ela Lourenco

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing? What inspires you to write?

I am a true nomad having lived all around the world before finally settling down in Scotland. I believe that the love for reading my mother instilled in me combined with all the new and wonderful things I saw around the world inspired me to write. Everything I see, hear, touch, feel or smell inspires me daily.

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

My audience is anyone with a thirst for adventure and fantasy, anyone with a yearning to lose themselves in the world of magical beings. I believe Dragon Born is a book that speaks to readers of all ages (my reviews back this up!), there is something for everyone.

How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

Actually the title just came to me – the story came after! It was a true lightbulb moment.

Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

The designer of Dragon Born‘s cover is the wonderful, amazing, brilliant Nina D’Arcangela. All I did was give her a vague notion of what I was after (emphasis on the vague!) and she brilliantly managed to capture exactly what I had hoped for. Why a blue dragon’s egg? I thought it tied in nicely with the title and the beginning of the book (and series) without giving too much away! I’m sneaky like that!

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Oh, now you are going to get me in trouble!! The four main characters are named after my daughters and nieces!! So in order to be fair I will say that aside from the protagonists my favourite character would have to be the eccentric over the top Deedee!

How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

Jayla – everyone knows or has known a Jayla. Bullies make my skin crawl.

If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

I would turn back time and write it again from scratch because I enjoyed the process so much. I felt a true anticlimax when I finished writing the fifth and last book in the series.

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

Well, the main characters Lara and Asena are not only named after my own daughters and Sofia and Leyla are my beloved nieces, but their personalities are a true representation of how they really are in life!

What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?

There are a variety of books in existence which deal with the popular themes of friendship, identity and magic – but I do not believe that this makes them ‘similar’ in any way. Dragon Born is a fantasy adventure with a sci-fi element but no two books will ever be written in the same style or deliver the same exact ‘flavour’.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

I can be contacted directly at elalourenco@hotmail.com and you can look me up on Goodreads too.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Well, I am not allowed to tell you any titles, but the second book in the Dragon Born series has been written as has the first book in a new YA series I am working on… you will just have to wait and see!

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

They can post reviews and tell their friends about it!! I love getting feedback from my readers, it really makes my day.

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Write what you enjoy – I really believe it reflects in the read.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I would like to thank all the lovely ladies at Sirens Call Publications  – they are wonderful, warm and supportive and have truly made the publishing experience a very positive one for me!

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Chapter 1

The sky was dark, not a star in sight as the woman glided through the deserted streets. Her feet barely touched the ground as she silently made her way to the back door of the small stone house at the end of the street. She paused and looked at the house. She had been searching for the right place for many years. This small but welcoming house, with its red stone walls and silvery slate roof, spoke to something inside of her. This was where she would leave her precious cargo.

She rang the doorbell and waited. A petite woman she knew to be called Yelena answered the door with a warm smile, her green eyes twinkling in the soft light of the porch.

“Good evening. Can I help you?” Yelena asked.

The woman slid her hood back slightly so Yelena could see her face.

“Gods above!” Yelena gasped as she looked at the beautiful blonde woman radiating light from her very pores. A tattoo in the shape of a flame was etched on her right cheek leaving no doubts as to her identity. “Please come in!”

The woman followed her into the living room and sat gingerly on the end of one of the large comfortable armchairs as she looked around with interest. Yelena sat opposite her, still speechless, and waited for her guest to talk.

“I can see that you recognise me,” the woman began. “That is good… too many have forgotten the old ways… I am here on a matter of the utmost importance. I need your help. What I will ask of you will be a great burden to you and will bring grave danger to you and those around you…” she trailed off and looked at Yelena as though assessing her.

Yelena nodded. “It is an honour my lady… I did not think I would ever meet you… no one even knows you truly exist.”

The woman nodded. “And that is how it must remain. There are those who have sought to exterminate us from the face of this world. If they were to find out the truth no one would be safe.”

Yelena bowed her head respectfully. “What is it that I can do my lady?”

The woman took a large blue egg from under her heavy cloak.

“Is that what I think it is?” Yelena gasped.

The woman nodded. “It is the very last of its kind Yelena. I have kept it safe and hidden in magical stasis for many a year, but now it is time. It is time for the dawning of a new era.” She put the egg in Yelena’s hands, it was warm to the touch. “You must take care of it for all our sakes… and no matter what happens, no one must ever know the truth until the time is right.”

Yelena hugged the egg against her chest. “I will not fail you my lady. Will I see you again?”

The woman nodded. “Our paths will cross again… until then, keep safe.”

Yelena watched the woman pull her hood back on as she left the house and gracefully glided away into the darkness. She cradled the egg in her arms as she warded the door with her earth magicks—she would have to be very careful if she was to succeed in her mission.

About the Author:

Ela Lourenco lives in Scotland with her two daughters and husband. She has been an avid reader since childhood and has long enjoyed mysteries, mythology and anything related to the paranormal/supernatural/mystical/science fiction. She loves nothing more than making up stories about faraway people and places (helped somewhat by a mind that just won’t grow up!). When she isn’t nose deep in a book or writing herself she can be found dancing around the kitchen whilst baking. Her biggest wish in life is to infect others with a passion for reading.

Author Links:
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads