Like debut author Carolyn Walker, I’ve always been drawn to dark contemporary fantasy. Her first novel, IMMORTAL DESCENT, mixes the fantasy and psychological thriller genres to tell the story of Ethan West, a man with ‘a haunted past and a strange sixth sense he sometimes can’t control.’ Add in the fact that he’s ‘narrowly saved by the beautiful and mysterious Rue’—and I’m in!

Welcome to the blog, Carolyn! Your debut fantasy novel, IMMORTAL DESCENT, was released on April 3rd. What’s the book all about, and what inspired you to write it?

IMMORTAL DESCENT is the story of a young man who gets thrust into a dark world of mystery, spurred by ancient lore. When he's suddenly attacked by a mysterious creature known as a Lorn, he quickly learns that immortality on earth actually exists. He also learns about a dangerous age-old war happening right beneath his nose, and that his attack was no mistake...

I was inspired to write this book based on my own interests in immortality and the unknown. I'd read several books on immortality and how it was portrayed across countless cultures. I was fascinated by how the origin stories were similar in so many cultures on opposite ends of the earth. I started to think it was no coincidence. That was when my mind started formulating ideas. I'd read so many novels about immortality—following the lives of vampires, werewolves, angels, faeries, and the like, but I was in search of something more—something original. That was when I had a "moment" and decided to write a novel about that very origin myself. That was the turning point and what inspired me to write IMMORTAL DESCENT.

Has fantasy always been your genre of choice? Why are you drawn to it?

Specifically, dark contemporary fantasy has always been a favorite. I also have a soft spot for psychological thrillers. I'm drawn to the mystery and exploration of the human condition. IMMORTAL DESCENT combines elements of a dark contemporary fantasy and a psychological thriller.

IMMORTAL DESCENT is your first novel. Can you tell us about your journey to publication—what twists and turns did it take, and what was the most important lesson you learned?

IMMORTAL DESCENT is my debut novel and my journey to publication has been a whirlwind! I wrote the basic idea for IMMORTAL DESCENT years ago as a short story. Over time, the idea expanded and before I knew it, I had a story so big, it wouldn't fit into just one book! The publication process was fairly quick. I was picked up just a few months after I began querying and it was released nine months later! It's literally my first book baby! 🙂

What’s your biggest fear as a writer? Your greatest dream?

My biggest fear is not making an impact or difference in the lives of my readers. I hope to reach them and truly provide a memorable experience. My greatest dream is to inspire others, hands down!!

Amazon! It's free on Kindle Unlimited right now!!!

IMMORTAL DESCENT is the first book in the IMMORTAL series. What do you envision for the rest of the series—do you already know how it will end?

It will go through many more fun twists, turns, and thrills. I have an excellent idea of how it will end, but my characters have been known to have completely different plans of their own! 😉

What didn’t I ask that I should have? Whatever it is, please answer it here!

Where can we grab IMMORTAL DESCENT now?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Deep in the caves of rural Western Germany, the truth about immortality has remained a secret for centuries, but now that secret is about to break free...

Ethan West knows what it means to be different. With a haunted past and a strange sixth sense he sometimes can’t control, Ethan’s in search of a better future. Instead, he’s brutally attacked. Narrowly saved by the beautiful and mysterious Rue, Ethan quickly learns the world is darker and more bizarre than he had ever imagined. And sparing his life comes with a price: being reborn immortal. Now, a dark faction of ancient, cursed immortal beings known as Lorns are after him. And they want his rare, newly awakened soul.

Descended from the mythological Nephilim, Lorns are bound by either the divine force of order or the mortal force of chaos. Ethan is a rarity, bound by neither, yet he is ruled by both. Now, wielding an ancient and volatile power, Rue and her Alliance work to keep Ethan from spiraling out of control. At the heart of a terrifying underground war between Lorns, Ethan becomes the target of one side and a savior to the other. Amid everything, Ethan struggles to understand his own purpose and power—an ordeal that tests his loyalties, beliefs, and sanity in ways unimaginable. And the greatest danger is yet to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolyn M. Walker is a California native and lover of all things literary. As an avid reader, she always enjoys new and exciting reads. Now as an avid storyteller, it is her mission to bring that same joy to her beloved readers. After earning her Bachelors in English Literature and Psychology, Carolyn went on to pen the draft for her first fiction novel and hasn’t looked back since. Aside from writing, she is also passionate about art, food, travel, history, and music. Carolyn has a soft spot for holiday cooking and loves experimenting with new recipes and treats. She also loves the beach, snorkeling and diving. Carolyn now lives in sunny Florida with her husband and daughter.

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