Valcoria, Children of the Crystal Star is a fantasy story told from the points of view of several characters. However, the story centers around Yuiv, a fourteen year-old street-thief who's kind and honest heart seem incongruous with the criminal's life he is leading. But growing up on the streets of an Amigus border-town has developed his sense of self-preservation to the point that he is able to ignore his sensitive conscience when the situation calls for it. This gets Yuiv into trouble when, for a bag of silver and the promise of freedom from prison, he is tricked into helping a corrupt governor betray his own country by secretly admitting an enemy army into the town. Yuiv is then double-crossed by his employer and thrown back into prison to await a secret (and horrific) execution. There he meets a captured Amigus soldier named Sitrell. Freed from prison by an anonymous sympathizer, the two escape the conquered town and embark on a desperate quest to warn the leaders of Amigus of the invasion. Sitrell is wounded during their flight and starts to fade. This crisis awakens something inside Yuiv and he taps an unknown power which he uses to save Sitrell from death. Thus begins the first step Yuiv takes on realizing his destiny as a Kalyra, a word that means Child of the Crystal Star. The Kalyra can tap what's called Jia - the substance from which a person’s soul is made, and use it to exercise supernatural control over themselves and their environment. Fans of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson will recognize a similar style of narrative, but with more action. Make no mistake, this is an action fantasy with plenty of large scale battles as well as exciting duels. And while I intend to make Valcoria a seven volume series, Children of the Crystal Star stands on its in own with a distinct and satisfying ending. Check it out. I think even non-fantasy fans will find it interesting and enjoyable.
Thanks,
Jason
