Step into a world of captivating wonder and impending danger with “The Last Keeper” by JV Hilliard. Immerse yourself in a tale where the extraordinary and the ordinary collide – Daemus Alaric, gifted with prophetic sight despite being blind since birth, emerges as a Keeper of the Forbidden, destined to thwart the sinister plans of Graytorris the Mad. Amidst the enchantment, Princess Addilyn Elspeth’s journey leads to a mystic revelation, unveiling a sinister force that threatens their realm. As Daemus and Addilyn stand united against this formidable evil, “The Last Keeper” unfurls a saga of epic proportions. Join us in learning more about this riveting inaugural installment of The Warminster Series, a fusion of heart-stopping adventure and unparalleled excitement.
The concept of a “Last Keeper” is intriguing. Could you delve into the significance of this title and its role in the narrative?
Daemus Alaric is one of the main characters, and he becomes the literal “Last Keeper.” It’s his journey that spurs the story along and is developed throughout the series. He’s “blessed” with visions from the Ancients, and it’s what connects him to the arch-villain of the saga.
So, when the remaining Keepers lose their connection to the Ancient of Knowledge, Daemus is truly the last of their sect who’s able to commune with their deity and consequently, the fate of the realm rests on his shoulders.
The book explores various themes. Could you discuss how you approached incorporating these themes into the story and what you hope readers will take away from them?
Some of the themes in The Last Keeper can be defined in various forms of human struggle, which is something we can all identify with. Whether is it is the forbidden love between Ritter and Addilyn, Ritter’s call to duty over selfish needs, societal acceptance for those that are different, or even understanding the struggles with one’s health, these common themes are translatable to our own lives, helping readers better identify with the characters and their choices.
You are rather gifted at creating intriguing characters. If you could meet any of the characters in ‘The Last Keeper’ which one would you choose? Why would you choose them, and what would you two do during your visit?
If I could meet any of the characters, I’d have to choose Ritter. In some cosmic way, we’ve already “met” as he’s based loosely on one of my old Dungeons & Dragons characters. Playing the game through his eyes and living up to his standards and social morays wasn’t always easy for me, as I may have chosen different paths. I think that conversation between player and character would be fun, insightful, and a little emotional.
World-building is crucial in fantasy novels. Can you talk a bit about your process for creating the world in which your story unfolds and how it contributes to the overall experience?
I always find it’s important to know the realm you are creating and the rules within and I’ve done that over the years by borrowing from my gaming experience. In my 20+ years of Dungeons & Dragons adventures, I’ve created or “traveled” to many different realms and the Realm or Warminster is a knitting together of these shared and tested experiences.
And since it’s fantasy, it’s not as strict as historical nonfiction, but you still need to know certain aspects of the history of your realm, especially in epic fantasy. It’s expected by the reader; thus offering readers a map, family trees, and a glossary of terms helps them as they read through the adventures.
I am sure your fans are wondering what is next for you. Do you have another book you are working on that you can tell us about?
I am working on book 4 in The Warminster Saga, known as Echoes of Ghostwood, which I’m very excited about. After that, I do have a few ideas to launch a series of novellas, chronicling the origin stories of some of the more popular characters before the launch of the second series.
Bonus Question
If ‘The Last Keeper’ were to be adapted into a movie or TV series, and you had the chance to make a cameo appearance, what type of character or role would you envision yourself playing in the fantastical world you’ve created?
I’d love to be cast as the “voice” of the realm, or the “chronicler.” It’s not a real role in the books but I’d love to be the storyteller, setting the audience up for the epic tales to come.
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