Paula Xiberras
Earlier this year I spoke to the very likeable and talented author duo of Nicholas and Alison Lochel. These sensational scribing siblings have embarked on writing young adult fantasy fiction and although both have designs for solo projects sometime into the future, at the moment they are finding fulfilment in their four part young adult fantasy series, beginning with ‘Zarkora’ The Fyrelit Tragedy’.
The story is about two brothers Neleik and Erine Fyrelit who witness the kidnapping of their sister Skye and so begin a journey to recover her. Along the way various companions attach themselves to our heroes. Nicholas and Alison, who have two other brothers have loosely based their heroes on their real brothers.
Nicholas who has worked as an actor as well as a postie tells me he has never been to Tasmania but would like to, with the thought of riding his triumph motor bike here irresistible!
Alison has always loved writing and of course loves reading. The siblings are particular fans of Emily Rodda’s ‘Delta Quest’ and the writing of Caroline Wilkinson of the’ Ramose’ series and ‘Dragonkeeper.’
On the subject of dragons, the blurb accompanying the book tells me that Alison keeps a ‘cupboard full of them’! I’ll let you decide if that means books or dragons!
When reading the novel if you are scratching your head wondering why there is an extensive reference to science fantasy birth signs be assured as I was by Nichola and Alison that these will become relevant in book 3!
‘Zarkora’ The Fyrelit Tragedy’ is out now published by Hachette.
