Interview with Justin Newland, THE GENES OF ISIS

Give a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

The Genes of Isis is a stand-alone novel that speculates on the genesis of today's human race, Homo Sapiens. 

The backstory is that the Fallen Angels, aka the Helios, have mated with the daughters of men and spawned a race of genetic hybrids and monsters.  

The main character is Akasha, a young girl living in a world where the oceans circulate in the sky waters. She dreams of releasing the Surge, the next evolutionary step for an embryonic human race, but it's dormant, a genetic seed trapped inside every human. 

Horque is a Solarii, a tribe of angels who manifested in human form and settled in Ancient Egypt. Horque is desperate to return home to the sun but can only do so by unravelling the chaos left behind by the Helios, who have left humanity on the brink of extinction. 

When Akasha foretells the falling of the sky waters and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change. 

Do you have a favorite character?

 

Akasha is my favorite character. The story tells of her coming-of-age journey from apprentice to priestess and from maiden to mother. She is a precocious girl, and composing her character arc was a great challenge.  

 

Have you joined any FB author groups to inspire and help you along the way?

These groups are really important as part of a support structure. I joined a writing group, and they offer great face-to-face support and feedback. I found it also helps to go to Writers Cons. Get on panels, give readings, go on courses, submit short stories for publication, talk to other writers, and get involved with the writing process as often as possible. Work with professional editors wherever possible. 

Remember, there are two kinds of writers, those who gave up and those who didn't. Dedication and discipline are two essential ingredients of success - in anything. 

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

I worked on the novel for a long time and wanted to move on to a new project. But I also felt I needed to see some fruit from the six years of labour. At first, I tried to find a traditional publisher in the U.K and even approached some in the U.S. I submitted to large print houses and small indie presses. When I felt I wasn't getting anywhere, I looked at self-publishing. 

Having self-published four novels, I have learned a lot about the publishing process, from editing to proofreading, and cover design, all the way through to the final print. I now feel confident enough to stay with self-publishing because I am familiar both with the process and the people. From the last edit to holding the paperback in my hand can be as little as six months – that’s a really good time frame which I don’t think can be matched by traditional publishers.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a two-book series set in Elizabethan times that explores two of the most formative events in English history: Francis Drake’s circumnavigation of the world and the repulse of the Spanish Armada. 

 

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BLURB:

 

Akasha is a precocious young woman who lives in a world where oceans circulate in the aquamarine sky waters.

Before she was born, the Helios, a tribe of angels from the sun, came to Earth to deliver the Surge, the next step in the evolution of an embryonic human race. Instead, they left humanity on the brink of extinction and spawned a race of monstrous hybrids. 

Horque is a Solarii, another tribe of angels, sent to Earth to rescue the genetic mix-up and release the Surge. 

When Akasha has a premonition that a great flood is imminent and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change. But will it save the three races - humans, hybrids and Solarii – from the killing waters?

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers - that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real people from history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural. He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. 

His Books

The Genes of Isis is a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the skies of Ancient Egypt. A re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind. ISBN 9781789014860.

“The novel is creative, sophisticated, and downright brilliant! I couldn’t ask more of an Egyptian-esque book!” – Lauren, Books Beyond the Story.

The Old Dragon’s Head is a historical fantasy and supernatural thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and played out in the shadows the Great Wall of China. It explores the secret history of the influences that shaped the beginnings of modern times.  ISBN 9781789015829.

‘The author is an excellent storyteller.” – British Fantasy Society. 

Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation reveals the secret history of the Industrial Revolution. ISBN 9781838591885.

“The novel explores the themes of belonging, outsiders… religion and war…  filtered through the lens of the other-worldly.” – A. Deane, Page Farer Book Blog.

His latest, The Abdication (July, 2021), is a suspense thriller, a journey of destiny, wisdom and self-discovery. ISBN 9781800463950.  

“In Topeth, Tula confronts the truth, her faith in herself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith.” 

http://www.justinnewland.com/         https://www.facebook.com/justin.newland.author/

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Genes-Isis-Justin-Newland-ebook/dp/B07D7FMDZG/

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

 

Justin Newland will be awarding one signed copy of the paperback (US or International) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway