Know the Novel Part 1: Introducing A Noble Warrior

*races in* (Okay, whoops, I miiiiggghhhhht have forgotten to write the intro to this post before publishing it. XD Thank goodness for edit buttons.)

I’m so excited to be doing Know the Novel again!! It’s such a fun blog thing, and today I have brought my novella in the Cornerstone series, A Noble Warrior.

What first sparked the idea for this novel?

The fact that I signed up for a multi-author series and thus had to write a novella? XD

Okay, in reality…I’ve always wanted to write a Nutcracker retelling, so I jumped at the chance to be able to do so. And…the real thing that sparked the ideas…

Uh…

*checks notes*

Whoops, sorry, complete spoiler that would ruin the whole book. Eheh.

Share a blurb (or just an overall summary)!

What would happen if you wear a mask for so long, you forget who you truly are beneath it?

Ever since the Mouse King usurped his parents’ thrones, Cassian Erich has been on the run, seeking safety far away from any hint of his old self. But after only two years of shaky peace, a disastrous meeting sends him stumbling back into the Mouse King’s hands, and once again, his life is in danger. Hunted, he must decide whether or not the mask he has built for himself is worth the cost of his kingdom.
A prince or a nut farmer. One identity will see him killed. The other, an entire country destroyed.

For the past two years, Marie Stahlb’rin has spent her life pretending she is no longer affected by the death of her younger sister and hiding the pain she can’t let go of. But when a failed assassination attempt on her best friend thrusts her into a world of treachery, she finds herself with no choice but to face the past.

Betrayals, secrets, and danger abound when a prince must choose between picking up a sword for his country or protecting the mask that saved his life.

A Noble Warrior is an NA Christian fantasy Nutcracker retelling and book #10 of the Cornerstone Series.

Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects of the setting?

ANW takes place in a land split into two countries by a huge canyon called the divide. Ninaria, where it is always summer, and Eisyber, where it is always winter. And a small span of land across the divide, called–very creatively–the In Between, that is stuck in eternal autumn.

ANW takes place in the In Between and Eisyber.

Tell us about your protagonist(s).

Cassian Erich’s life was thrown upside down when the Mouse King took over his kingdom, killing his parents and sending him on the run in a neighboring country under the guise of a simple nut farmer.

Cassian is very introverted, and becomes extremely silent and awkward when in crowds. XD But if he’s around just a few people that he knows well, it is basically impossible for him to keep his sarcastic side quiet. It’s a nightmare for poor Marie to keep him and her brother in line.

He is a quiet, introverted prince who prefers swords to finery, fighting to dancing, and thinks nobles are spoiled and disgusting. He’s a bit jumpy, after living in hiding for two years after losing his parents to the Mouse King and almost dying himself…But he’s also extremely protective over those he cares about, and is super thoughtful in a very quiet and sometimes awkward way. XD

Life as Marie Stalhb’rin knew it was torn apart when her parents and younger sister–her best friend–were killed during a diplomatic trip to the country of Eisyber, and Marie was suddenly thrust into the role of Lady Stalhb’rin.

Marie is bubbly and loves a good laugh, quick to brighten someone else’s day as an effort to try and bring sunshine back to her own life. She is a steadying voice to her best friend, Cassian, encouraging the shy farmer in his lonely life.

She loves music, and is quite an accomplished musician. She also has the very hard task of keeping her older brother Fritz and Cassian from causing chaos as they argue. XD

Who (or what) is the antagonist?

THE MOUSE KING.

The evil ruler who killed Cassian’s parents and took over Eisyber.

More cannot be stated due to the fact that he does have a small POV and thus spoilers.

What excites you the most about this novel?

The fact that it’s a Nutcracker retelling. XD

And the ending. I absolutely love the ending.

And…the fight scenes. I love to sword fight, and once in a while try my hand at sparring, so I try and write my favorite moves into the scenes. It always makes me excited when someone says the fight scenes are realistic or just plain cool.

Is this going to be a series? standalone? something else?

It is book ten in the Cornerstone series, but is read as a standalone. You can read as little or as much of the rest of the series as you want. XD

Are you plotting? pantsing? plansting?

Um…I’m not really sure how I wrote this novella. XD

Mainly a mixture of pantsing and plansting, and yet at the same time I outlined each chapter before I wrote it.

Name a few unique elements in this story.

Hmm…

The fact that no one knows what spring is? XD

A non-nocturnal owl.

ICE CREAM! (AKA non-frozen-milk.)

My character retelling Clara never makes an on-screen appearance in the novella. The blurb will tell you why…XD

There are exactly three more fight scenes in ANW than in any other story I have written…

Um…spoilers…but…

You’ll really love the plot twists, they’re very unique. XD

Share some fun “extras” of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a Pinterest board, a map you’ve made, a special theme you’re going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!).

I WOULD SHARE MY MAP! But…it’s not ready yet. XD

So here are some aesthetics.

Oh! And…

Cider is one of my favorite things EVER, so I will disagree with Marie’s thoughts in ANW, and pick Cider. *innocent face*

And I’m constantly listening to music, and cannot write without it…so yup, I shall pick listening.

What about you??

LucyP

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4 responses to “Know the Novel Part 1: Introducing A Noble Warrior”

  2. Oh myyyyy. This sounds incredible. And a Nutcracker retelling?? The world is in such desperate need for more of those! There are too few! And the whole premise and characters of this sounds amazing. Also, you swordfight? That’s so cool! How epic you get to use that skill to put into your stories.

    So many congrats on your upcoming release! I’m so happy you used Know the Novel to share more about it. This was such a treat to read!

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    Reply

    • Thank you!! I KNOW, there need to be more Nutcracker retellings. That’s why I snapped at the chance to do this one. XD

      Thank you! And thanks for putting on Know the Novel. It’s so fun!

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