This past week we gave the spotlight to The Secret of the Sword, Sean R. Bell’s Fantasy novel, the first book in The Grandfather Chronicles trilogy. Our Roadies brought a wide selection of content to this show with their reviews, interviews and more. Now it’s time to bring the show to an end and it’s my pleasure to present you with the encore, including some extra content. Come and learn a bit more about the world of The Secret of the Sword through our Q&A with Sean! And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Shall we?
Sean Bell is a Canadian author. Growing up, his creativity and interests were encouraged by the loving relationship he shared with his grandfather. An avid reader, he has long been fascinated by epic narratives, fantasy literature, Arthurian legends, and powerful villains. Combined, these influences led to the writing of his first book, The Secret of the Sword, which is part of his forthcoming series, The Grandfather Chronicles. His imagination and dedication to nurturing family values has helped Sean in creating a world filled with magic that readers of all ages will relate to. He currently resides in St. Catharines, Ontario, with his dog Rocky.
Connect with Sean R. Bell
An ancient bloodline. A powerful enemy. A hidden sword with the power to save or destroy the Earth.
Ian Dekker is a twenty-five-year-old filmmaker and hockey fanatic living a happy life in Toronto, but little does he know his destiny is about to change forever. The arrival of a mysterious letter from his deceased grandfather draws him back to his home city of Montreal, to his grandfather’s old house, where he follows clues that lead him to an astonishing truth. Ian is a descendant of the Pendragons: the family who, in the Middle Ages, established a vast empire in Western Europe, giving rising to legendary figures such as the High King Uther, whose mentor was none other than the great wizard Merlin. However, as Ian learns, King Uther had a jealous sibling named Morgana, who, after living in her brother’s shadow, turned to darkness in order to gain power and exact her revenge. Merlin and Uther managed to trap Morgana inside the sword Excalibur—but now, centuries later, she is on the brink of escaping her magical prison with the help of loyal followers.
This is where Ian comes in. Just like his grandfather before him, Ian must harness his magic and inner strength in order to keep evil at bay. Armed with only his grandfather’s journal, myth comes to life, and Ian is swept into an adventure that takes him across the world and between realms—from light into shadow—as he accepts his destiny. By his side is his childhood friend, Kate, as well as his mother, Lynn, who both help him navigate the mysterious waters of his family history. Ian’s courage and strength are tested as he searches for answers, meeting cruel enemies along the way who use trickery and possession in order to pursue Ian in his quest. In this story, good and evil have the same destination, and only the legacy of a grandson—fuelled by his grandfather’s love and trust—can save the world from complete destruction.
Click on the blog name to read their full review or other content!
DECEMBER 12TH – THE KICKOFF
Whispers & Wonder – interview + IG spotlight @whispersandwonder
DECEMBER 13TH
@chapter.mjthomas – review + IG spotlight
“I love how the author integrated the age old Excalibur legends into the modern world, making it feel very relevant and current.”
@apocketfuloftomes – review + IG spotlight
“This is an entertaining modern take on Arthurian legend. It started as contemporary and adds mystery and fantasy elements as it progressed. It’s fast-paced, plot-driven, and action-packed.”
DECEMBER 14TH
@thisreadergirl – review + IG spotlight
“This story is interesting and took me to know the Arthurian legend in a new way. This has action, mystery, is fast paced and has lot of family values.”
@ofproseandspells – review + IG spotlight
“Short and fast-paced, The Secret of the Sword gives readers a modern Arthurian tale that centers family history and fantasy.”
DECEMBER 15TH
@kevinscorner – review + IG spotlight
“It’s a quick read I can best describe as a mix between National Treasure and Sorcerer’s Apprentice so fans of either may find something to hook into.”
DECEMBER 16TH
The Momma Spot – review + IG spotlight @bookdragonstbr
“The pacing is smooth and steady, you need to keep turning those pages as you are engrossed in the story. The characters are likable and relatable. I thought the plot was a fresh take on an old tale. I found myself fully immersed in the story and couldn’t put it down!“
Beneath A Thousand Skies – review
“However, the story itself and what Bell has chosen to do with the setting and the Arthurian elements was fantastic, and he has created an entertaining book that was a quick read and a welcome break between some chonky books.”
DECEMBER 17TH
In My Opinion: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and The Weird – review
“In My Opinion, this is a somewhat quick book to read and quick paced. It has plenty of fun to read through and some adventure. A very good fantasy story, that many can and will be able to enjoy.”
Welcome to the Asylum, Sean! Take a seat by the fire, have a glass of beverage of your choice and tell me something about yourself!
Thank you for having me, I have never felt so much at home as I do here at the Asylum. As authors, we all go a little mad sometimes. Something about myself, let’s see. I worked a variety of different retail jobs growing up and one of my favourites was this little unique gift shop called Green Earth. It was unique, not only in the collectibles that they sold, but also in the commodities they featured that helped balance the mind, body and soul. Gem stones, Incense, Sage are just a few things that were offered. I had the opportunity to interact with some, let’s say interesting people and I remember meeting a white witch who helped educate me on the abilities of these unique products. I really took an interest in understanding the earthly powers of these remedies and helped customers use them in a variety of ways. It turned out to be very beneficial as I ended up cleansing a friend’s apartment at the time with white sage to combat negative energy. It was quite an experience as I remember feeling just off in her apartment, but after this cleansing, there was a sense of calm and peace. A chilling experience at the time but I like to think I played a part in combating some sort of negative or evil presence and it was all thanks to this white witch.
What inspires your writing? Do you listen to music, stare into the fire, listen to the whispering of the wind, make deals with the Devil?
I am yet to meet the Devil, but as a storyteller who is fascinated with villains and their stories, I would love to have a conversation with the Devil. So what inspires me as a writer? I would have to say, my experiences and eclectic nature. I was so fortunate to have such a wonderful childhood filled with such great memories and impressions made upon me as a child have stuck with me and help fuel my imagination.
I have long been fascinated by epic narratives, fantasy literature, world and cultural history, Arthurian legends, and powerful villains. I would have to say my emotion feeds my imagination.
Your MC is locked in an asylum. What did he/she do to end up there?
Oh Ian, do you still believe one of your greatest ancestors is the most powerful and evilest sorceresses of all time. Ian believes in this myth that he is at the center of a sinister plot, in which he is a descendant of the Pendragon bloodline, destined to carry on his grandfather’s legacy to protect the earth from his evil ancestor, Morgana Pendragon. That’s quite the imagination Ian 🙂
Describe an asylum set in the world of your book, The Secret of the Sword!
When writing the origin story of the sorceress Morgana Pendragon for my book, The Secret of the Sword, I always had the idea of creating a prison realm that would trap her. Morgana is hell bent on destruction and her radical ideals make her a dangerous threat to the stability of the Earth realm. Knowing this, her brother Uther trapped her in what is now known as the Realm of the Sword, a private asylum that would hold Morgana a prisoner for all eternity.
Which fictional character (it can be one of yours) and/or author would you like to live with in an asylum and why?
I am fascinated with villains, which is one of the many reasons why I have been committed to this asylum. I would be very interested in sharing a room with Morgana Pendragon. She is most definitely the main antagonist in the first installment of The Grandfather Chronicles and I imagine I could learn a great deal from a mind like hers who has seen and experienced so much. She also intrigues me with her deceptive mind and cunning personality. She is a powerful sorceress and I feel in some way connected to her 🙂
If I had to choose an Author to live with in an Asylum, it would be J.R.R. Tolkien. His imagination and creative mind is something I would love to tap into. Understanding what inspired him to create Middle Earth and the fantastic characters that occupy it, as well as the stories, is something of great interest to me.
While you are locked in here for eternity, we will allow you one book – what would you choose?
The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring. It makes me believe in a fools hope that I may actually escape this Asylum.
Well then, we hope you’ll enjoy your stay in the Asylum! Any last words? *locks door*
Thank you so much for the incredible invitation to be a part of the Asylum. As a special thank you to all the wonderful people and the tremendous support The Grandfather Chronicles has received, I have prepared a special tribute video that I wish to share with the world while I continue to my extended stay at the Asylum.
Grab a copy of The Secret of the Sword!
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