Audiobook Series Launch from Podium
ABOUT THE PODIUM TITLES INCLUDED IN THIS LAUNCH
Shadowplay: Spellmonger by Terry Mancour and Emily Burch Harris (Podium Audio; October 5, 2021; ASIN: B09DZ4S8MG) : This bestselling epic fantasy is the first in a new spin-off series and narrated by award-winning audiobook narrator Fiona Hardingham. The novel follows Gatina, popular Spellmonger thief and shadow mage, in her early days in Falas as she is introduced to the truth of her mysterious family and is initiated into their secret legacy. The backdrop is a deadly Goblin War and the assassination of the Duke and Duchess of Alshar by a hereditary rival. Gatina must work undercover against the rising tyrant while training under the tutelage of an enigmatic and mysterious master.
Kradak The Champion: Arkana Series Book 1 by Shawn Inmon (Podium Audio; October 12, 2021; ASIN: B09GHR4NTD) : Narrated by Wayne Mitchell, this is the first book in a sword and sorcery series about a case of a mistaken identity and an actor who must take on the role he plays on TV. When a portal opens and Steve is kidnapped by Rista and Grint, who truly believe Steve to be Kradak the Champion, Steve must help them save their world or risk losing everything.
The White Tower: The Aldoran Chronicles Book 1 by Michael Wisehart (Podium Audio; September 2017; ASIN: B075DGP9Y6): Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, this award-winning epic fantasy set in a world where magic is forbidden throughout the Five Kingdoms and wielders are forced into hiding. With war looming, the outlawed wielders might be the Five Kingdom’s only hope.
AND COMING THIS DECEMBER, THE 3RD AUDIO BOOK IN THE ALDORAN CHRONICLES!
The Four-Part Key: The Aldoran Chronicles Book 3 by Michael Wisehart (Podium Audio; December 14, 2021; ASIN: B09H9HMCMJ : Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, The Four Part Key is the highly anticipated third book in the award-winning epic fantasy saga and continues where the second left off, with a world in desperate need of saving, as powers beyond their control threaten to bring the Five Kingdoms to its knees.
The Four-Part Key by Michael Wisehart
About The Four-Part Key: An ancient proverb holds the key to restoring the long-awaited wizard fortress of Aero’set.
Ty
Sitting in the front room of his family’s cottage, Ty listens intently as Nyalis conveys the urgency of his upcoming quest. Having agreed to search out the four missing pieces of an age-old relic, Ty soon discovers how unprepared he is for a mission of this importance. Not only must he find the missing pieces and assemble them, he must survive long enough to figure out how to use them before the White Tower closes in.
Ferrin
Desperate to reach Rhowynn ahead of Chief Inquisitor Sylas, Ferrin pushes his small band of convicts to their limits – his twin sister’s life depends on it. On foot, they fight their way through the harsh winter countryside of Sidara, hoping to find someone willing to help. But the help they find is not what they expect, and the battle that ensues will likely mean the end of them all.
Ayrion
Still struggling with the loss of his memories, Ayrion and his companions travel north, eager to find a safe haven in the rugged mountain community of Wellhollow. Instead, they find an army of Black Watch purging the town of wielders. And when a local seer reveals a disturbing prophecy that directly links his fate to hers, Ayrion finds himself donning his black leather coat and twin blades once again.
Adarra
Meanwhile, in Easthaven, Adarra makes a shocking discovery. Not only were the Tallosians who attacked her home part of Mangora’s scheme, it seems they are also part of a much larger invasion – an invasion Easthaven isn’t prepared to withstand.
The third book in this award-winning epic fantasy saga continues where the second left off, with a world in desperate need of saving, as powers beyond their control threaten to bring the Five Kingdoms to its knees.
Get the Audiobook:
Author Interview With Michael Wisehart
- What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
Any ideas that tend to leap out at me generally fall within the work that I’m doing already, whether it be for either of the two series I’m presently working on, or future series that might be written. All of my ideas are tied to this one world. Surprisingly enough, I’ve never had ideas for books or series that fall outside of that scope. The world of the Aldoran Chronicles will most likely be where I spend the rest of my life writing.
I do have assorted folders set up on my computer for not only each of these series and the books within, but also for other series I plan on writing in the future, whether they be Pre, Post, or following the same chronological timeline as The Aldoran Chronicles. Any stray thoughts that happen to be passing I tend to immediately file away in one of those folders, so I don’t lose it. When I finish one book and begin on the next, the first thing I do is open up my “Series Outline” folder, look for the particular series I’ll be writing in, open the document inside, and then find the chapter header for the next book. Under that chapter header I’ll have a long, bulleted list of ideas and action points that I want to see happen. That list is created from those random ideas.
I never stop work on one book just to play around with another. I keep my mind as focused on the story I’m writing as I can. Having everything stem from one world makes keeping that focus a little easier.
I did recently decide on a new series that I plan to start working on in 2023, as soon as one of my other series finishes. I had no idea I was planning on working on this series until finishing up my latest release: The Four-Part Key. In that book, some mythology came to light that I had not anticipated, which is one reason why I give my characters a little more leeway when it comes to the story. Many times, they know better than I do what needs to happen and when. Discovering this new mythos led me to choose which of the two series I will be working on next.
- Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite? If picking a favorite character would be like picking a favorite child, which character seems to be the most demanding or your attention and detail as a writer?
I can’t say that I have a favorite character to write for, as I find that I enjoy writing each for different reasons. Like many aspects of my life, I don’t generally have, or choose, favorites. I don’t have a favorite ice cream, or song, or color. It usually depends on my mood. Each character allows me to express a part of me that is unique from the rest. To be honest, they all are pretty demanding of my attention, especially since my editors—and more importantly readers—will call me out if their favorite character begins to stray.
- What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
I write epic fantasy and, as such, there were a number of authors that personally influenced my own writing. This list is in no way extensive. Just a few of those I tended to read more than others:
- Robert Jordan
- Terry Brooks
- Terry Goodkind
- Brandon Sanderson
- Patrick Rothfuss
- E. Modesitt Jr.
- Robin Hobb
- Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?
Well, since my previous jobs and education have to do with business accounting and film production, I’m not sure if there is an interesting way to incorporate money disbursement and cinema into my books. However, I have been able to incorporate both into my work in other ways. The business side of my education has come in handy with running an indie publishing company, and I use my love of cinema to help my writing be more visual in nature.
- Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?
I identify with all my characters in one way or another, taking bits and pieces of myself or how I would like to be, or areas I would like to correct, and incorporate them into my characters. It’s not done specifically on purpose, I just find that we authors tend to write what we know, what we see, hear, touch, and feel. At least that is how I have found it to be with myself.
- Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
A magic-filled epic adventure, perfect for the whole family!
- Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
Everything about us “authors” is odd, I guess. I can’t think of anything out of the ordinary, though, from what I imagine other authors doing. Many enjoy listening to various thematic music while writing. I find it too distracting. When writing, I generally keep three screens up in front of me. I write from a 49” Ultrawide curved monitor, which I absolutely love. It allows me to keep multiple screens up at the same time. When writing, I generally fill the monitor with three.
The screen on my left holds one browser with at least twenty tabs open and pinned, mainly used for research. I typically leave a reference photo for whatever scene I’m writing to help me visually picture where my characters are at. The window that is open at present is to reference photos of universities in the UK. I am studying the architecture and designs for a new map.
The screen on my right has another browser window opened with seventeen pinned tabs. The one tab I generally keep open is linked to the maps on my website. This helps me see where in the Five Kingdoms my characters are located or in the process of traveling to. As I’m sure you have gathered, I’m visually oriented, so I prefer having those images there to help spark creativity.
My central screen, of course, holds my main Word Document. I also keep my Aldoran Encyclopedia document opened as well to reference, or when needing to add some new character or terminology. That particular encyclopedia of all In-World terms is over 70 pages long with nearly 2,000 individual names for people, places, and things.
- What is your favorite line from your book?
Now what did I just say about “favorites”?
Even though I don’t have a favorite line from my books, I did recently share a specific passage for an article I wrote in Authority Magazine when asked to share a passage that exemplified my writing style. Perhaps it will work here. This is one of the more vivid battle scenes depicted in The White Tower. I chose it not because of the graphic nature, but because of the emotions that it portrays.
***
As much as he hated war, there were times like these when Commander Tolin found a certain thrill galloping at the head of a stampede of horsemen—sword drawn, teeth bared, hair rippling in the wind. He could feel his heart racing and his mind coming into focus as they neared the wall of Cylmaran armsmen. It was terrifying. It was exhilarating. It was the rush.
The faces of the enemy came into view. They had no idea what was about to hit them. Or maybe they did. He could see the horror in the eyes of the closest. Taking a deep breath, he raised his sword in the air and roared as they tore into the Cylmaran army’s right flank.
His horse trampled those unable to get out of the way. He swung his arm with the fury of a madman, cutting, slicing, stabbing. Tolin’s heart raced. It was the rush.
A large cleaver swung in his direction. He sent it flying, along with half the owner’s arm still attached. From one side of his horse to the other, he struck, severing limb from torso. Like an artist, he painted his canvas with blood-filled strokes. Men cried out in rage, cried out in terror, cried out for mercy. But there was none to be had. It was the rush.
***
About the Author
