Guest Author: Troy Jackson

When history gets lost in… well, history!

Throughout each of our lives we have heard and read the same, dry bits of history from textbooks and other means.  If one positive can be found in this they will typically result in a restful nap that will leave you energized to go and do something else.  Why does history have to be so…boring?  Much like politicians, we could debate this for weeks on end and never sway one single person to your side.  Is history important?  Certainly.  The human race has a tendency to learn the hard way in many aspects of life, and where better to look than in our own history?  As poet and philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Touch a hot stove, and you hopefully have learned not to repeat the action again, and you can pass it along to others so that they do not duplicate your mistake.  But some will not heed your words and find out the hard way, and thus the vicious cycle repeats itself once more.

So why must we learn history in such...a…dull…manner…?  Perhaps if we could spice it up a little and make it not only informative, but also entertaining?  It is a question I have asked myself countless times throughout the years.  It is why I have always gravitated towards novels that fall into the historical fiction and historical fantasy sub-genres.  My novel, The Elementals, can easily fall into those categories.  I take a period in history that is known by very few and breathe new life into it.  Actual events that occurred over 2,200 years ago in ancient China can leave a rather bland taste in one’s mouth.  However, by adding my own supernatural twist I not only entice readers, but also dare them to read on.  When vampires, werewolves, dragons, and magic and fictitious worlds are all the rage nowadays, an author has to separate his or herself from the rest of the pack.  Why can we not bring the same excitement to a subject that most try and avoid like garlic to a vampire?

About the author:

Born in 1974 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Troy Jackson moved to the great state of Georgia with his family at the age of three where he as lived ever since. Currently he resides outside the city of Atlanta with his loving wife and daughter. His passion for history, fantasy, and science fiction began at an early age with a little nudge from his older brother. Attending Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia he received a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Master's Degree in Teaching. In his spare time he enjoys being with his family, watching and partaking in sports. Although new to the profession, he intends on writing about subjects that have always fascinated him, including fantasy, adventure, science fiction and history.

Synopsis:


Upon unifying the seven warring states under one banner, the First Emperor of China began solidifying power for what he envisioned as a thousand-year reign. Using those he conquered, the Emperor began a series of arduous projects, including the first Great Wall, the Linqu Canal, and a national system of highways. Ignoring the physical and emotional toll exacted upon the people, his insatiable desire to further his own power has led to a growing, and secretive insurgency. One such organization is the Dragon's Spite who wishes to usurp control of the throne by nearly any means. But first they must marshal their forces strewn throughout the kingdom. More importantly they seek out three extraordinary girls who hold vast supernatural powers that can tip the balance in their favor. But do these unknowing heroines realize the talents that they possess? Will the Dragon's Spite reach them before the agents of the Emperor?

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