Blood Moon, a YA Fantasy

Title: Blood Moon
Author: Nancy Gray
Genre: YA Fantasy
Mercy finds herself on a ship bound for the Ashen capital with her companions. But things don’t go smoothly there after Mercy, Mirilee, and Erebus decide to sneak ashore to take part in a festival. They get more than they counted on when they witness a public execution of Sylvan Islanders and Mercy is captured after being mistaken for a Sylvan spy!
Dark and sinister secrets are revealed on their perilous journey. Erebus is forced to confront his inner demon, while Mercy discovers a demon of her own. In the midst of it all, Mirilee has a dark vision of the war they are trying to prevent.
What will become of Mercy and her friends?

Interview with Pyron

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Pyron. People say my most striking features are my gray skin, red hair, and red eyes. Of course, most of the people that find my appearance striking are not from the Ashen capital. The skin tone of the Ashen people is always the color of ash and all of us have hair and eyes the color of flames. My city is constructed of brick and mortar. Industry and metallurgy is what our city is known for. I’m quite proud of the city of Crevane, and our culture. My occupation is espionage in the service of dictator Crevane himself. My specialty is gathering information and I am well trained in the art of disguise.

What is your role in Mercy’s journey?
I tend to handle the little details of our journey. I arrange for the ships that we take, make sure we have enough rations, and plan out our strategy for when we reach our destination. Though I recognize that all plans will have holes that can be exploited by the enemy, I feel going anywhere without one is like fighting without a weapon.

What is your favorite hobby?

Despite the fact it was all a front for getting information for the Ashen capital, my favorite hobby is tending to the lighthouse in the town of Concord. The ocean is beautiful, and the town is very peaceful. It’s somewhat difficult work, but it’s satisfying. Tending to the light saves lives every day. The respect I get there is, in my opinion, the measure of my worth. It’s rare that I have an opportunity to protect others working for the dictator. I find my work at the lighthouse more rewarding. One day, if I live to retire, I want it to be there.

What is the challenge you’re trying to overcome in the story?

My loyalties to the dictator have recently come into question. I have a strong desire to help Mercy. Our personal goals are similar, but they go in contrast of my orders. I’m trying to figure out where my loyalties lie, with my country or with my new companions. I worry that I could be loyal to Mercy for the wrong reasons. I want her to be happy, and Erebus makes her happy, but at the same time I admire her from afar more than she knows.

If you could make one wish, what would you wish for?

I’m not in the habit of focusing on foolish wishes and regrets. My work is my life now. It doesn’t do anyone any good to dwell on the past. If I must answer, I wish my wife was still alive. I wish I had never taken that mission from the dictator that drove her away from me. I wish I could overcome my weaknesses and make up for the sins of my past. As you can see, I have too many wishes to narrow it down to one, which is why I don’t bother to waste time wishing. It’s far better to learn from my mistakes and move on.

About the Author

Nancy Gray lives in West Columbia, SC, with her husband, two daughters, and two crazy cats. She attended college at the University of South Carolina and attained a BA in Media Arts with a cognate in English. Her original career was as a graphic designer but writing is her calling. Her favorite genres to write are horror, fantasy (particularly young adult), steampunk, cyberpunk, urban fantasy, and occasionally light science fiction (space opera). Many of her short stories and novels also blur the lines of genre fiction. Nancy is an avid reader and also enjoys drawing, video games, and table top role playing games. She also enjoys anime and manga.

Links
Website: www.nancygray.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterNancyGray/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyGrayWriter
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Gray/e/B01LZSB78L/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15639927.Nancy_Gray