her only hope for survival - Thread of a Spider by D.L. Gardner

"D.L. Garnder's Thread of a Spider was a pleasure to read - most of all because the author celebrates love of country, family, friendship, courage, sacrifice, and honor. Traditional values - in other words. And those are rare treasures, today." - Stan, Goodreads

Description:

Published: July 2017

Cover Design GermaneCreative

TEENS ENLIST THE FAE TO WIN A WAR IN IRELAND

When all attempts to save her fiance fail, Ailis must rely on the magic of the forest folk. 

Following an ambush at the Upton Rail Station in 1921 Ireland, British troops burn Ailis' home to the ground and arrest her fiancé, Liam, for murder. She and her younger brother Paddy flee to an enchanted glen. Lured by a haunting song, Paddy is abducted by forest folk. Perilous obstacles, and a questionable stranger, hinder Ailis' attempts to find her brother or free her fiance, until her only hope for survival rests on the magic of the Fae.

A bitter uprising in Ireland is taking place and two siblings are tossed in the battle, facing death, believing in love, and hoping in magic. 

1920 found Ireland at the peak of tensions that had been building for centuries. Famine, tyranny and strife robbed the Irish of their homes, their lives and their country. Four years after the Easter Rising, pressure became so great, that the southern Irish took up arms against the British and fought for a free nation. Thread of a Spider, a historical fantasy, weaves history and Irish myth together to tell a story about two teenage siblings caught in the war and swathed in the legends of Erie.

A fantasy based on history woven with rich Irish lore.
"Read" first Chapter audio HERE

GUEST POST

What happened to the leprechauns? 

Of all the fae and fairy stories that we hear of these days, the remaking of magic, hobbits, wizards, witches and gremlins, I have not heard what happened to the leprechauns. 

It makes me wonder- 

Are huge machines with copper gears and steamy presses manufacturing fairy shoes now? Is the art of cobbling fading into the sunset alongside the elves that migrated out of middle earth? 

Worlds ago a Leprechaun was a much-needed worker, tapping away as he made a shoe for a fairy, though if he made two he kept one hidden in case he had to flee from a human. 

He hibernated in the winter, but he loved summer, so with global warming one would think the leprechaun might be seen more frequently. His bright green coat and red hat used to be a merry sight in the hillsides. Now the only thing red we see in the fields are the red poppies akin to the ones that put Dorothy to sleep. 

I suppose we’re all the better for it. They say Leprechauns hated to be seen. And if they were they would throw the contents of their snuffle box into the poor souls face, which would then suffer a terrible sneezing fit thus allowing the little critter a sure escape. 

Perhaps that’s why I sneeze when I walk through the grass in the summer. And all this time I blamed it on allergies. Well then, maybe I should think twice about inviting him back. 

Irish Fae folk. 

You’ll see an unusual-to-Americans fae folk (fairy, faeries) in Thread of a Spider. Those of us who grew up in the States are accustomed to the pretty Tinkerbell fairy that, though mischievous, was full of light, enchantment, and fun. I did do my research when I wrote my novel, because I didn’t want to fall into a trope that wasn’t authentic. We’re in Ireland, and in Ireland the tales of Fae are not so quite as innocent as Disney made them out to be. Fae stole babies out of their cribs for who knows what reason. And it was important for people to stay on the good side of them less they pull a prank on you, or steal from you or cause you all sorts of headaches. Fae also warred with the Pixies from Cromwell. It’s true. And this gives them a definite purpose for abducting the older boys, like Tommy and Paddy. 

I admit I don’t know all the legends, but I have had a few Irishmen read the story, including Lee Brophy, my narrator of the audio book (honestly you have got to listen to it. He does such an awesome job and while recording time and again he told me how enchanted he was with the story!). 

I hope this sheds a wee bit of light on the real Fae folk. Enough to make you cautious when you walk in the glen.

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About the author:

With a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she's won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects. 

She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.

D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine

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