Awakened by J.F. Rogers’ Astray

K.A.:
Welcome, J.F.! Thanks for stopping by. I’m eager to learn about the world of Astray. Before we dive in, tell us a bit about this first book in your Ariboslia Christian fantasy series for teens.

J.F.:
A mysterious amulet leads Fallon to everything she’s ever wanted…and possibly her death.

After a lifetime with no knowledge of her parents, troubled seventeen-year-old Fallon Webb receives a necklace once belonging to her mother. The amulet leads her on a life-changing journey through a portal to a foreign land where she encounters unusual creatures, shape-shifters, and something she’s always longed for—family.

In Ariboslia, Fallon learns her mother is alive. Vampire-like creatures have her, and many others, captive. Most distressing is the prophecy that devastated her family. Can she trust it? Because if it’s right, Fallon must destroy the vampires’ leader—her uncle—to rescue her mother and free her people from the threat.

Unprepared and afraid, Fallon sets out on the journey, with no skills to assist her quest and no other way home. In her travels, she learns about the One True God and how desperately she needs Him. Perhaps, with His help, she’ll find a way to fulfill her destiny and stay alive.

J.F.:
If you enjoy visiting alternate worlds that feature fast-paced adventure, supernatural creatures, compelling characters, and exciting plot twists, come to Ariboslia.

K.A.:
What an exciting story line. Vampires, prophesies, and alternate worlds all intertwined with family conflict and a journey of faith. Just reading it got my pulse racing.

What other creatures can we expect to find in Ariboslia?

J.F.:
Ariboslia is another realm that exists alongside ours. The original inhabitants, the pech, are small dwarf-like creatures. They create megaliths and amulets that allow for travel between the realms: Ariboslia and ours. Shapeshifters existed in our realm long ago, but the humans began to revere them as gods. The One True God became jealous and transplanted them to Ariboslia and memories of shapeshifters in our realm faded, eventually becoming myth. Unfortunately, the new inhabitants in Ariboslia drove the pech underground.

K.A.:
What does Ariboslia look like? Is it very different from Earth?

J.F.:
Since Ariboslia takes up the same space as Earth, the sky is the same and there are many similar landscapes: oceans, lakes, mountains, etc. Many of the animals and food are similar. But there are things that don’t exist here such as living grass that retreats so it won’t be stepped on, flying toads, fur dragons, and—of course—the pech and shapeshifters (gachen and selkie).

K.A.:
You mentioned the original inhabitants, the pech, were driven underground. In the history of this alternate realm, how did their downfall come about?

J.F.:
At one point, the clans were all united as believers in the One True God. When some clans started worshipping false gods, war ensued. Two women, hoping to save their husbands, resurrected Morrigan—the Battle Crow. But she wasn’t fully resurrected. She was undead. The first fasgadair (vampire). When the main character, seventeen-year-old Fallon arrives in Ariboslia, their realm is becoming overrun with vampires.

K.A.:
This world has a lot of past, present, and, I’m betting, future conflict. So what inspired it all?

J.F.:
Ariboslia was sparked by the song, “Silent Lucidity” by Queensryche. Because of the song, I originally envisioned Ariboslia as a dream world Fallon visited while her body was asleep here. But every time I’d try to write, the story fell flat. When I finally submitted to the One True God personally, the book practically wrote itself and became a very different story.

K.A.:
That’s such a great song. Sounds like writing this story was it’s own journey. Tell us about some of the research that influenced your story world.

J.F.:
I researched some Gaelic and Celtic myths. The gachen are very loosely based on the Sídhee (shee). Morrigan is a well-known mythical character who has appeared in many different stories including Authurian legends. She’s had many names such as Morrigan, Morrigu, Morrigana, Morgan, the Battle Crow, the Battle Queen, the Phantom Queen, etc. The selkie come straight from Gaelic myth. But, as with everything, I like to shake things up.

Learn more about Morrigan on Mythology.net.

K.A.:
As our fabulous travel guide, is there anything else readers should know?

J.F.:
It’s a great place to visit and one of the cheapest trips you’ll ever take!

K.A.:
Lol. Traveling by book is certainly a wonderful way to explore. Especially on a budget!

K.A.:
You can pick up a copy of Astray here.

And if you scroll down the homepage of J.F. Rogers‘ website, you’ll find details on how to snag a free copy of an Ariboslia short story called The Redeemed.

K.A.:
J.F., it was great to have you here. And thanks again for the guided tour into the world of Astray!

About J.F. Rogers

J.F. Rogers lives in Southern Maine with her husband and daughter. She has a B.S. in Behavioral Science and teaches a 5th-6th grade Sunday School class. If she’s not visiting Ariboslia, you can find her buried in snow or kayaking, depending on the time of year. Or at church. She enjoys reading, watching television, going to concerts, drinking coffee, and gabbing. But most of all, she’s a believer in the One True God and can say with certainty—you are loved. Connect with her at jfrogers.com.

You can also find J.F. Rogers on Facebook, Pinterest, or Book Bub.

*** Want to know which author will be featured next?
View the full schedule here. ***