It’s my first guest post and I’m so excited to introduce you to my friend and fellow Realmie, Emily Hayse! She’s a lover of log cabins, strong coffee, and the smell of old books. Her writing is fueled by good characters and a lifelong passion for storytelling. When she is not busy turning words into worlds, she can often be found baking, singing, or caring for one of the many dogs and horses in her life. She lives with her family in Michigan and has just released her Sophmore novel! Seventh City is an Alaskan Fantasy about a brave young girl intent on rescuing her brother from captivity.
Welcome, Emily!
And now, I’ll turn it over to her as she introduces us to Maki!
Thank’s so much, Rae! For my character interview I chose my protagonist, Maki, and for sake of spoilers I interviewed her prior to the events of the book. By way of introduction: Maki is thirteen, dark-haired, short, and stubbornly loyal.
Favorite season?
I like autumn, when the salmon run upstream and the animals are fat and carrying good fur.
Weapon of choice?
A spear. Tsanu taught me to throw when I was six. When I was eight, I had my first large kill.
What is your greatest fear?
That I will lose those who I love most—Tsanu, Kavik, Iki—and that I could have saved them.
If you could have any life, what would it be?
To live in peace and plenty with Tsanu. Perhaps I will marry, but I doubt it. I am contented with taking care of Tsanu, since he does not always take care of himself. And I would be a very good hunter with many spears.
Best childhood memory?
Once, Tsanu took me on a hunting trip a full cycle of moons away, and we camped with a handful of others on the coast, by the sea ice, and hunted seals. Every night we ate well, told stories, and kept each other warm. It was a good journey.
If there was one food you could eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Berries and fruit, because I have never had my fill before, though dried pantak or seal oil would be more practical.
Biggest accomplishment?
I took down a male tuttik at thirty strides, which takes a great deal of strength. And Kavik, who leads the young warriors and is the best hunter besides Tsanu saw it. I was very proud of that.
What do you hate the most in your life?
The Invaders. Especially the captain. After that, mosquitoes.
Who do you admire the most?
Tsanu or Kavik. I want to be as strong and brave as they are and have been when I grow up. Tsanu raised me from the time he was twelve, and Kavik, coming back from the wars, refused to give up but trained the young warriors of our village at great risk to himself.
If you could only keep three things you currently possess, what would they be?
Iki my wolf dog, my best fishing spear, and a flint for fire.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would travel to the Jade Mountains because I have never been there and their strange green peaks have fascinated me ever since I was young.
What is one secret dream that you have?
To ride one of the hornless beasts with the many-colored coats and the leather on their backs and metal in their teeth. They are so swift and strong, though I hate their riders, I do envy them.
What is one thing that makes you cry?
I do not cry often, but sometimes when we sing a great song, or the sun strikes the peak of a distant mountain just so, or Tsanu speaks of my father, who he remembers a little. Sometimes then I cry.
What is one hope that you have for the future?
That the Invaders will leave and that Tsanu and I and our village live in peace in our village for the rest of our lives.
Want More?
Well, that’s got my interest! Here’s a little more info on Seventh City.
Synopsis:
“Let me tell you a story that happened so long ago that only the hills and rivers can remember the time . . . .”
All her life, thirteen-year-old Maki has heard tales of the legendary city of gold, buried deep in the northern frontier. But when her village is burned and her brother captured by cruel invaders, the legend becomes desperately real.
Armed with a wolf-dog and a heart of courage, Maki sets out on a journey that will demand all her strength and cunning. She is determined to bring her brother home at all costs. Yet as her quest leads her deep into a wilderness of ancient dangers, Maki realizes that even for her, some prices are too high to pay.
Find Seventh City Here:
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seventh-city-emily-hayse/1132869291?ean=9781733242806
The Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Seventh-City-Emily-Hayse/9781733242806
Find Emily Online:
Instagram: @songsofheroes
Twitter: @theherosinger
Website: emilyhayse.com
Facebook: /theherosinger
Blog Tour!
Interested in following the rest of the blog tour? Check out the rest of Emily’s stops!
Blog Tour Dates and Stops: August 20-30
August 20: Kickoff post: The Herosinger Blog http://emilyhayse.com
August 21: Guest Post: Down the Rabbit Hole https://melodypersonetteauthor.blogspot.com
August 22: Spotlight: Deborah O’Carroll https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/
August 23: Interview: My Lady Bibliophile http://ladybibliophile.blogspot.com
August 24: Guest Post: Rae Graham http:// https://writerraegraham.com/blog/
August 25: Q&A: Ink Lizard/Liz Koetsier http://elizabethkoetsier.com/blog/
August 26: Spotlight/Review: Claire Banschbach https://clairembanschbach.com
August 27: Interview: Smudged Thoughts/Kenzie https://smudgedthoughts.wordpress.com
August 28: Review: Kaleigh Stroink http://kaleighsbookreviews.blogspot.com
August 29: Interview: Unicorn Quester/Laura A. Grace https://unicornquester.com/blog/
August 30: Review: Father’s Joy/Anne Rhys https://aaablogfathersjoy.wordpress.com
Writer Rae Graham 