A special bonus podcast episode!
World of Azuria Episode 11
Listen to the podcast episode here.
Why this novella and this story?
Part of what I wanted to convey with Aurora as the prequel novella for the Age of Azuria series was that, when we really dig into them, it’s difficult to uncover a story’s true moment of initiation.
Book one in the series, Buried Heroes, starts with its own origin point to Iellieth’s story, but those events wouldn’t have transpired were it not for Emelyee and Dorric’s relationship. And Emelyee and Dorric’s love would look quite different, if it existed at all, without the influence of Emelyee’s grandmother Olivia and the story of Aurora and her elven lover, Sylris.
So in Aurora, we have this initial story, joined by threads of other stories. This is one of the aspects I love most about interconnected storylines across multiple perspectives as well.
Play with Perspective
At the same time, we have access to a fuller, more well-rounded story and we better perceive the gaps of what we’re not hearing. For instance, we know what Ridel wants and is thinking throughout. However, the perspective and goals of her “bosses,” Lucien and Alessandra, are more removed, and we approach them through the perspective of Ridel.
Yvayne is there as well to provide a point of contrast to Ridel’s understanding of the events and world taking shape around her.
Following both Ridel and Yvayne, we learn things that Emelyee and Dorric don’t know. Yvayne knows the true origin of Dorric’s amulet, for instance, and the box that holds it, though the amulet is of greater importance, which we’ll see in Buried Heroes.
Glimpse of a Wider World
Another thing I like about Aurora as an introduction to the series is that it gives us a glimpse into the wider world of Azuria shortly before (twenty-two years to be precise) the action of the series really kicks off.
I had considered introducing Azuria through the lens of some of the characters in Buried Heroes, Iellieth and Teodric specifically, but I decided instead to take things back farther to her parents’ story. Plus, this way, we get to see Yvayne in action as she combats Lucien’s forces!
Backstory Timing
I also feel that personal character backstories, as opposed to origin stories, can be more meaningful after you’ve already met the character in their present adventure. And once we get into Buried Heroes, if you are curious about Iellieth and Teodric’s backstories, then there’s a second prequel novella just for you—Song of Parting!
This won’t be the last time that we visit the Aurora estate, though I hope that you enjoyed our time spent here, right at the beginning of a grand adventure!
If you’re interested, here’s a link to a pinterest board for some of the location inspiration from Aurora.
My favorite place at the estate is, of course, the ancient sacred site hidden away in the forest where Aurora and Sylris first met and where Emelyee and Dorric act on their attraction to one another.
What about you?
But as we wrap up this novella, I would love to hear from you! Did you have a favorite moment in the story? Which character resonates with you the most?
I would also love to hear your questions about the characters or story. If you could read one character’s diary entries from this period, whose would you want to read? Get in touch and let me know!
Age of Azuria Update
As part of this special blog post/podcast episode, I thought it would be fun to give you a quick update on the Age of Azuria series. The next book in the series, Story Magic, is available now for preorder before release on June 1st. I’m currently working on book three, Amber Queen, which is heading to my editor at the end of this month! So exciting!
As always, thank you so much for letting me share these stories and this world with you! There are some really fun projects coming your way soon!
Letters, Soldiers, and the Amulet: Buried Heroes, Age of Azuria Book One, Chapter Twenty – The Storyverse of Verdigris
- Letters, Soldiers, and the Amulet: Buried Heroes, Age of Azuria Book One, Chapter Twenty
- Bribes, Cheats, and Hushed News: Buried Heroes, Age of Azuria Book one, Chapter Nineteen
- An Overdue Update and A Fancy New Podcast Name!
- Embracing the Beast Within: Buried Heroes, Age of Azuria Book One, Chapter Eighteen
- Marcon's Travail: A Special Excerpt from Phoenix Rising, Feather & Flame Book One