Monday, February 20

Guest Post & Giveaway: Cassiel Knight


Many times since Key of Solomon was released, readers have asked why mythology and archeology?  What led me to write a book with these elements?

For as long as I can remember, which, sadly, isn’t all that far but far enough back I can recall devouring books and stories with mythological elements. Before I knew better, I thought Greek and Roman mythology with some Viking thrown in were the only mythology that existed. As a teenager, I think I read every story and knew all of the major gods and goddesses and a lot of the minor ones. As paranormal started to take wing, I knew I’d found a place I could indulge in my love of mythology.

When I first conceived the idea of this story, I knew I wanted to work in some kind of mythology with paranormal elements but I didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing (meaning no vampires or werewolves and, despite their popularity now, demons/angels hadn’t taken off by then). 

During my research into that elusive “something different”, I discovered the mythology surrounding King Solomon. I was raised on the Bible and knew all about Solomon. Or, I thought I did. I was so intrigued with the notion that he was supposed to be a magic user and had a ring given to him by God that allowed Solomon to control and compel demons. And his famous temple? The stories say it was built by these same demons. Key of Solomon just took off from there. And I loved writing the scene in the book where he uses the ring to compel the demons into the bronze jar.

Archeology was easy as I think I was an archeologist or explorer in another life. <grin> I’d always loved history, much more than I love the present. It’s funny, because I like the future too. Or at least, envisioning what the future might look like. For the past, I’m fascinated by what our ancestors accomplished with what they had. The beautiful and magnificent structures. Sure, we build magnificent structures now but there are few I would call beautiful.

I think the past is much more appealing even with the lack of computers and assorted technologies. And since the assorted technologies have allowed me to armchair travel to the past, I get to indulge my love of history and archeology in my stories. In fact, the story I’m shopping now is fully immersed in archeology and Egyptian mythology with a tomb raiding heroine.

I'm offering up reader's choice of a print or ebook of KEY OF SOLOMON. Just answer the question in the comments and you're entered.

As a reader, do you find mythology and archeology interesting? If so, why does it intrigue you and what kind of mythology would you love to read more about?

************************************************************
BLURB

Key of Solomon
Samhain Publishing
Book 1 of the Relic Defender series

Trust no one…except the one who walks in the dark.

Anthropology PhD candidate Lexi Harrison never bares it all when she belly dances for a strip club crowd. She doesn’t have to—she’s that good. Every performance earns money toward her degree, and restores the sense of power her painful childhood ripped away.

Something is different about tonight. A man whose silver gaze seems to touch her skin beneath her veils. When a rowdy customer crosses the line, he comes to her rescue with the speed of a hawk—complete with wings.

Mikos Tyomni has never seen anyone dance like Lexi. Trust his tormentor, Archangel Michael, to put him in close contact with the cause of his downfall: a mortal woman. Particularly this mortal woman. The Defender. He has only thirty days to win her trust before Hell’s deadliest demon attempts the mother of all prison breaks.

No matter how sexy the messenger is, Lexi’s career plans don’t include some crazy idea she’s the last line of defense against the forces of evil. Until her university mentor’s murder leaves her holding the key to Hell. And fighting a losing battle against a passion forbidden by Heaven.

Buy the BOOK at:
Amazon.com – Kindle
Amazon.ca – Paperback Pre-order
Amazon.co.uk – Kindle
Barnes & Noble – NOOKBook
Samhain Publishing
Lulu – eBook

6 comments:

Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm said...

I loved reading Greek Mythology when in high school. It's been a while since then but you're never to old, right? What I love about Archeology, is that it's just another form of historical romance. It's another way of finding out about the history of a culture or people. Thank you for a chance to win.

Lynn
lareynolds0316@gmail.com

Colleen said...

I love myths and legends... so many to look into... I recently watched a program on Cleopatra & her siblings... they actually found her sister's remains... looking back at what data they found and putting together a belief at what events happened... I found it truly amazing what technology can do and how determined people are to find and figure out answers... thanks for sharing with us!

greenshamrock AT cox DOT net

StacieD said...

Part of my Bachelor's degree involved studying various mythologies from around the world. I love mythological elements in romances. I think it makes the stories more complex and interesting.

geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com

Cassiel Knight said...

Hi there! I'm so glad to find fellow archeology and mythology enthusiasts here! Lynn, I found your comment about archeology being another form of historical romance pretty interesting and a unique way to think about what I write.

Colleen - I did not know that - I think I missed that program but I've missed a bit since I'm under deadline for Book 2 of this series. :-D

StacieD - yes, that's exactly why I write them. It's the additional element that adds flavor to my stories.

Thanks, Ladies, for visiting and commenting and good luck on the drawing!

S.R.Bradford said...

I took many archeology classes in college and loved them. I would love to see something based in the easter islands, or the hanging gardens of babylon.

Suzykarma78 @ gmail .com

Cassie Knight said...

Oooo, the hanging gardens of Babylon. I know a little about them. I'll have to go check them out. Oh goody, more research! :-D

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