Indie Book Club discussion

(Story info)
The lands held by two city-states has been at war for decades, though few even remember why. With the war finally turning towards absolute victory for one side, the losing faction begins seeking help from the darker arts. The ensuing escalation may well change the fate of the world.

Throughout this turmoil, the animal-like wildling Estin must find safety and find a way to survive. To this end, he escapes the cities and finds himself among more of his own kind, who are perhaps as savage and dangerous as the life he fled.

(General Info)
"In Wilder Lands" is available in print and ebook (Nook and Kindle). This book is intended to be the starting point for a series of similar stories from other races, cultures, and locations in the world of Eldvar, all experiencing the events of the war as it tears the lands apart. Ebook versions are priced at $2.99 and print is $13.99 due to the size and number of pages.

Though the story revolves around animal-people, this is not a children's story. The characters are designed to be as human as possible, with influences of their animal type affecting their decisions and personality. When people look confused, I tend to tell them that this story is Lord of the Rings, but with Redwall characters thrown in among the dwarves, elves, and humans.

(Author info)
Publication of this book has been a whirlwind. Since 2008, I've had several of the scenes of the story bouncing around in my head, trying to get out. When I was diagnosed with a drastically-collapsed disc in my spine this year and scheduled for surgery that the doctor warned could paralyze or kill me (cheery doctor, that one), I decided I needed to stop wasting time ignoring these ideas. In 42 days, the entire 198,000 word story was done and through initial editing. Another 50-80k didn't make it past the cutting block. Since then, the editors have been hard at work and my cover artist got to try his hand at the strange characters I used (he still think's I'm crazy, I'm sure). I'm hoping others enjoy the characters as much as I have.

Paperback: In Wilder Lands: The Fall of Eldvar
Nook: In Wilder Lands
Kindle: In Wilder Lands

Although nothing to do with the book any more info on the spinal surgery? I hope it is in the past and you are recovering well from it.

Yeah, I'm fine. Back to my old bouncy self more or less. Just amazing how having a doctor casually mention death will motivate you to write. :)

Though the xray pics are awesome with this neat little metal cage around my spinal column in my neck.

Glad to hear that is all in the past. I'll be sure to check out a sample of your book even if you don't win the next book of the month.

Same here. Your book sounds interesting!

Side note...this week the Kindle edition is $0.99.

Jim