About the Book
In the theocratic nation of Zanther, Captain Flick Alastar serves as a loyal enforcer of the High Counsel's will while raising his two children as a single father. His aspirations soar as he anticipates a coveted promotion to the High Counsel. However, his world takes an unexpected turn when his daughter falls seriously ill and he crosses paths with Anca, a captivating woman with a dangerous secret: she serves the heretical deity HaMelech.
As Flick's bond with Anca deepens, he witnesses the inexplicable healing of his daughter by HaMelech. Struggling with conflicting loyalties, Flick must confront the choice between his duty to the nation and his newfound love for Anca, who represents everything his society deems heretical. Caught between ambition and compassion, Flick grapples with the consequences of embracing a forbidden faith, knowing it could cost him everything he holds dear.
About the Author :
Ellie Lerum is a prolific fantasy author based in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, she has carved a niche for herself in the genre of fantastical literature. Her love for writing, reading and blogging is evident in her captivating storytelling.With a dedicated passion for creating otherworldly realms and characters, Ellie has become a figure in the fantasy literary community. Alongside her husband/illustrator Phillip, Ellie has developed the land of Illeross. In this world, magic, miracles, monsters, and missions are combined to showcase an in-depth, enchanting, world where most anything is possible.A devout Christian, Ellie's faith has been a guiding force in her writing journey. She draws strength from her beliefs to tackle sensitive topics with empathy and grace, including her personal experiences with pregnancy and miscarriage. Many of her works place an emphasis on anxiety, grief, depression, pregnancy/child loss, and the difficulties that life brings regardless of status or privilege. Through her writing, Ellie aims to offer solace and hope to readers who may be facing similar challenges.After losing her first pregnancy, Ellie was shocked to see how society treated the concept of miscarriage. While some banded around her, others offered attempted words of hope or simply turned away from the topic. Feeling alone and isolated, Ellie became severely depressed. Working through these emotions with the pregnancy of her first daughter, Ellie realized that she was unwilling to let other families experience the devastation of pregnancy loss alone. Coupled with her personal battles with depression and anxiety, Ellie began to write. Now, Jean Cassy and the Phantom in the Dark, her first book, has brought numerous thanks from other women who felt isolated through their own times of grieving.When she is not advocating for more conversations about hard topics, Ellie enjoys spending her free time with her family and exploring the great outdoors. She finds inspiration in the natural beauty of Idaho. Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering faith in God continue to shape her work, making her a truly unique voice in the world of fantasy literature.Ellie is currently working as a blogger in Idaho Falls while maintaining her published works and her small homestead. Phillip Lerum is an illustrator based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, driven by a profound passion for art and storytelling. With a degree in Virtual Technology and Design from the University of Idaho, complemented by a minor in Fine Arts, Phillip embarked on his artistic journey with aspirations of game development. However, fate intervened, leading him to discover a deeper calling in assisting his wife, Ellie, in their collaborative storytelling endeavors.While not "able to write gud", Phillip's artistic talents shine through in his illustrations, breathing life into the fantastical realms that Ellie vividly portrays in her writing. Among his proudest achievements is the creation of Illeross, a richly detailed world that he has meticulously crafted through countless hours of planning and development alongside his wife.Rooted in his unwavering faith as a devout Christian, Phillip's artwork reflects his deep-seated beliefs and moral convictions. Each piece is imbued with the talents bestowed upon him by God, serving as a testament to his creative vision and commitment to storytelling with integrity.Phillip employs a diverse array of digital mediums to bring his artwork to life, showcasing his versatility and innovation as an illustrator. While he utilizes various styles, Phillip has a particular affinity for a cartoon style that he honed during his college years. Currently, he focuses on creating realistic images for the books co-authored with Ellie, blending technical precision with artistic expression. Beyond book illustrations, Phillip finds joy in exploring other forms of artistry, including technical drawings and journal entries, as exemplified in works such as 'Jean Cassy and the Phantom in the Dark.'In addition to his artistic pursuits, Phillip finds inspiration in nature and family, channeling his creativity into developing games and spending quality time with his loved ones. As a dedicated stay-at-home dad, he balances his responsibilities with fulfilling art commissions and drawing orders, all while nurturing his passion for creative expression.Driven by his passion for art and storytelling, Phillip Lerum continues to make a lasting impact in the world of illustration, enriching and elevating narratives with his unique artistic vision and unwavering dedication.
