Before I speak about my novel, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jennifer and the Authors’ Lounge for thinking of me and allowing me to do this.

A Time Of Flames – book one – The Misplaced is the first in a fantasy series. It is the tale of an abducted boy and imprisoned girl, separated by time and space, who are destined to be lovers and saviours of a broken world. The main character (Sebastian) is handsome, privileged and lost. He spends his days and nights mixing with the down and outs of Camden Town. Amongst Sebastian’s vices are sex, alcohol and drugs. His frailty is succumbing to depression – the darkness within – that demands isolation and so much more. Sebastian has no one to care for him or advise him. His life begins to change when he meets Raymond, a doorman and martial arts expert. The strength of their bond is something neither has experienced. They are both quickly drawn into a disturbing world where Sebastian eventually discovers the alarming truth about the man who called himself his father. As time passes, Sebastian and Raymond realise they are linked in ways beyond their comprehension. Together, they travel a forgotten path where every twist and turn brings more mystery and danger.

At its heart, The Misplaced is a love story – a quest for happiness and inner peace. Precious things that most of us like to believe lie along the winding trail leading to our individual destinies.

I wanted to write a different kind of love story and set it in a fantasy world. I also wanted my story to cross genres and be easily accessible to people who typically shy away from such things. This is because I have read too many fantasy books that instantly bombard the reader with long unfamiliar names and epithets without context. Instead, my goal was to lead readers gently into a brutal world of magic and monsters.

I took my inspiration from four very different sources. Firstly – and the reason I began writing – is the Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazny.  Secondly is a quote by F Scott Fitzgerald:

“Two souls are sometimes created together and in love before they are born.”

Thirdly is a painting called Moonlight River by William Pether. And lastly, a painting by a friend of mine depicting a beautiful otherworldly girl.

My book is aimed at an adult audience who enjoy fantasy novels, but it has also received praise from YA readers.

I would like to think those that read my book will find the honesty and complexity of the characters appealing. It is exciting and sometimes disturbing. Readers might also find solace in an embedded message that runs through the book. It speaks of the belief that life can set seemingly insurmountable trials, yet our dreams and hopes are still there, waiting if we can only maintain faith and fight hard enough.

The future goals and plans for my books are simple. First, I wish to finish the trilogy. I have completed book two – Tears Of Cirryn. It should be out this year, 2023. Second, I would like to reach more readers, not for thoughts of wealth or fame but simply to know people.

In my other life, I am a session musician and composer. I also have Asperger’s Syndrome, which has its positive and negative sides. I do not feel it is right to speak of the negative here, but the positive side of my condition is that I can visualise things others seem to struggle with. I believe this helps with my writing and imaginings.

I now live in Cambridge with my wonderful wife and two naughty cats.

To find out more, please visit my website: Home | Robin Giddings

Or visit my Instagram page: Robin Giddings Instagram

A Time Of Flames – book one – The Misplaced is available from Amazon and all major stockists:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/ATimeOfFlames