Mischief and Mayhem: Part One of the Faerlands Chronicles by author S.D. Nicholson is the first book in the dark fantasy series that debuted in May 2019. To help adults escape the mundane life, Nicolson created a new world that is filled with fantastic creatures and magical powers.
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Mischief and Mayhem follows protagonist Ophelia Maplewood on a twisted journey through the realm of the Faers. After lying dormant for centuries, a dark presence awakens. While malicious forces quietly stir in the southern nation of the Meadows, Ophelia, along with her companions from the Woodland Scouts, set out into the darkness.
Soon, they find new strength and allies in the north – along with an unexpected human. Joining Ophelia and her scouts may be his only means to salvation, as he quickly discovers what little understanding of the hidden worlds surrounding his own really has. Will their journey bring balance to the homeland and prevent chaos from spreading to the other realms? Only time will tell.
Q&A with S.D. Nicholson:
Question: Tell us what Mischief and Mayhem is all about. S. D. Nicholson: Mischief and Mayhem is the first of its series, introducing a mythical race that is rarely spoken of: the faers. Their realm is isolated from the rest of the world, which includes the medieval human race, sea faring trolls, and more to be introduced. A disturbing force of resurrected faers, humans, and trolls destroyed the southern most nation of the Stones and are warring against the Meadows. Our story begins in the Woodlands in the north, where many are unaware of what is occurring in the south. As our characters make their way south to the capital of Nectar, in the Meadows, they encounter their own fair share of raiders, demons, and alleys. The plot thickens as the realm’s protectorate, the sphraali, are being sought after by others. If their power is released, it could mean the end for life in the Faerlands.
Question: Many fantasy books today are aimed at teens. Why did you choose to write for adults? S. D. Nicholson: Honestly, I find it easier to target adult interests more than teens or young adults. Yes, adults are more complex in their judgment and preferences, but they are also more accepting of new ideas. There are two key elements here. First, there is a level of enjoyment that nearly everyone has for fantasy, whether it be creature specific, magic, or just the general world of a “Middle-Earth.” Second, people don’t like to say it, but humans are intrigued by violence. Part of you enjoys the flutter of your heart when tension rises and emotion overtakes judgment. You cheer for some characters to live and hope certain ones to die. To make a long story short (too late), I felt I could ease adults into my world and attach them to characters, before dousing them with fantasy, and then be more violent and expletive along the way.
Question: Mischief and Mayhem is the first book in the series. When will the next one come out, and what can readers expect from it? S. D. Nicholson: Hopefully soon! My goal, as I’m sure is any debut author’s, is to reach a point that I’m constantly producing content. I moved to the Outer Banks at the beginning of the off season and right when I began the publication process, knowing that I would have a lot of free time. I’m pleased to say that in the past six months I’m just over the three-quarter’s mark with Part Two and it is full speed ahead. As far as expectations go: more story. Part One ideally sets the stage of the world and lays out what surface issues are occurring. Part Two brings in a third story line, following the forces in the Meadows as they defend against the invaders. It also allows the antagonists more, learning a little about their story. Overall, Part Two is a hurricane of emotion, violence, and mysticism. More races are introduced and understood, along with even more fantastic creatures!
Question: What do you want the reader to take away from Mischief and Mayhem? S. D. Nicholson: I want them to take away the concept that even when the world looks bleak and empty, you only need to turn the page and find a silver lining. Our characters face far worse problems than any of us could imagine in day to day life, yet they endeavor to persevere. I know it’s cliche, but our issues are always minute in the grand scheme. Sometimes we just need to see others, whether they are fictional or not, overcome something worse and inspire them to do better and enjoy life for what it is. TLDR…don’t wait to be happy, go seek it.
Review:
From humans to sprites to monsters of the night, the author did a great job luring me into the beginning of a great fantasy series. I enjoyed learning what every character’s ability was and how it would be used (even the darker characters). I look forward to seeing how far Ophelia can go and if she will be able to control what lies ahead of her and within her. I appreciate that the author put in the first chapter of the next book at the end so that you can get a taste of what is to come. This is a great book for adult readers who love fiction and fantasy.
For more about the author visit https://www.samueldn.com/
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