Grimdark: Tales of Exile received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Kyle Fox.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Grimdark: Tales of Exile, October 21, 2020.
What’s the book’s first line?
Blood and sweat dripping from his forehead, the knight’s sword disemboweled another hellion.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Obviously, it’s a fairly savage adventure, but it’s fundamentally about death and rebirth. At every level of the individual, the society, the entire landscape. The complete destruction of the knight’s life and identity, a civilization cast into the flames of the forge.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I’ve always been interested in Sword and Sorcery fiction. But also real-world esoteric texts and alchemy. I wanted to make a fantasy world that felt unknown and exciting, that incorporated authentic alchemical symbology.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
If you’re interested in something a little wilder and unconventional. A book of over-the-top bloody adventure, which takes the time to explore the deeper and darker sides of existence. I’d say it’s worth a shot.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character?
Jacobus is loosely inspired by Jacques de Molay, the last grand master of the Knights Templar. But essentially, he’s a personification of order and willpower, which will find its counterpart later in the series.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best is creative freedom and flexibility. The worst is cutting your way through the marketplace like a machete in the jungle. Now I know why it’s called Amazon — touché, Bezos.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Get a good cover, get an editor, get over yourself. Wish someone would’ve told me.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Probably. If they approach me, they presumably like my work, so there’d be some common ground there with sensibility. And I’m very aware my business skills are not my strong point.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I’ve always felt a need to express myself artistically. Even as a small child, it just seemed a necessary process for my mind. Almost like sleeping or dreaming, my head gets bogged down and buried if I don’t process these things and clarify them. But also because I’m hoping to go full Nicolas Cage and buy a tropical island someday.