The Heretic Cycle: a new fantasy series from Ross Payton

[clockworkjoe]

I just put out a new ebook - the first part in a fantasy serial. It's called The Heretic Cycle. Here's the cover for the first part:



Amazon/Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Heretic-Cycle-Hunted-ebook/dp/B007JCQZ60

Smashwords/All other formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/141629

Synopsis: When adventurers raid the dungeon of an immortal sorcerer known as Akil, he realizes he has to flee before the inquisitors find him. A heretic, thief and killer, Akil lives only for the next scheme to enrich himself and his personal code. To escape, he’ll have to deal with the border guards, patrols and other threats. With only the clothes on his back and a magical sword, he’ll be hard pressed to survive the hunt.

The Heretic Cycle is a new fantasy serial from author, podcaster and game designer Ross Payton. Follow the saga of a villain who builds dungeons, fights parties of adventurers and performs forbidden magic; a man damned by his choices and must wander the world alone for a crime that can never be forgiven.

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This is my first foray into fantasy fiction. I've previously written a lot of D&D material - including the New World, a D&D campaign with 4 free sourcebooks (I know you all probably know that but you never know)

I aimed for a darker feel for this story because I wanted to reverse a lot of common fantasy tropes. Focus on a villain instead of 'heroes' - plot revolves about selfish goals instead of a noble quest and so forth. I hope you enjoy it!

[Salkovich]

Purchased.

That cover art is BEASTLY.

[Herrigold]

Nice!

[Dawnsteel]

Hell yes. Going upstairs to buy it right now.

[Tadanori Oyama]

I'll give it a try.

[Dom]

Just bought this and gonna give it a read. I hadn't bought Zombies of the World or Zombies in Afghanistan because zombies don't interest me that much. However, fantasy and sci-fi are right up my alley.

By the way, what were your literary influences when writing this book?

[clockworkjoe]

Just bought this and gonna give it a read. I hadn't bought Zombies of the World or Zombies in Afghanistan because zombies don't interest me that much. However, fantasy and sci-fi are right up my alley.

By the way, what were your literary influences when writing this book?

Parker: The Hunter and Sandman Slim actually were both pretty strong influences since I had read both right before writing Heretic Cycle. I wanted to write about a world of magic but without the typical 'save the world' kind of plot - I was intrigued by the idea of doing a narrative about a professional criminal that lives by his own code, regardless of others.

[Great Scott!]

Well I think you did a stellar job. I couldn't put it down once I started. Really enjoyed the novella and would like to read the next ones!

[clockworkjoe]

Thanks! I have about 13k words written for part 2 but I don't know how long it will go. It's definitely going to be longer and have more characters and action.

[Great Scott!]

That sounds great. How many words was Hunted?

[clockworkjoe]

Hunted was about 17k words. Dungeon (part 2) should be much longer.

[Wooberman]

Dying.to.read.the.next.book

[Great Scott!]

Ah, for some reason I thought it was longer than that. But still, a pretty decent length for a short serial. I like the format a lot actually. It kind of reminds me of a television show or something but in book form and without the commercials.

[D6xD6 - Chris]

Any plans to pick up this serial again?  The first one is an enjoyable read!

[clockworkjoe]

I have about 7k words written on the second story - I just haven't had time to focus on it. My writing time seems to be spent on Ruin or Base Raiders.

I think I will re-read it tonight and see if I can finish it out soon.