The Outcasts
Book I, The Lies of Autumn
by Chuck Abdella
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Pub Date Jun 17 2015 | Archive Date Dec 01 2015
Description
The only ones who can fix a broken world are those who have been broken by that world. A shadowy threat has emerged in a realm populated by serious wizards, pious elves, passionate humans, and hedonistic morphs. Several outcasts have been brought together—by fate or by design?—for what they believe to be an epic struggle against that shadowy threat. Yet if they are expecting a straightforward quest to slay some Dark Lord and bring peace to the world, the outcasts are disabused of that notion when a wise voice warns them, "It's not that kind of story." But what kind of story is it? Are these broken beings on an epic quest, or is someone guiding their mission under the aegis of a tired and traditional story? And is this "someone" benevolent or sinister?
As the outcasts seek to mend their broken pasts, navigate the perils of love, and perhaps save the known world, we are left to wonder how much of the story is a lie and how much truth has been baked in to make the meal palatable. While "The Outcasts" pays homage to traditional fantasy archetypes, it also seeks to undermine most of them. In a story laced with ancient and medieval scenery, you will find yourself dizzy with the plot twists of this exciting debut fantasy novel.
Book I, “The Lies of Autumn” introduces the half-Wizard Marcus and his dear friend Quintus, who find themselves unexpectedly in the company of enslaved Elf siblings Griffin and Gwendolyn, the disgraced Human soldier Octavia, and a Morph named Alexia who possesses abilities which have not been seen in 1,000 years or more. These disparate creatures must navigate love and jealousy, friendship and selfishness, as well as the unspeakable tragedies which haunt each one of their pasts in a quest to save an indifferent world. As Octavia notes, “It sounds like one of those epic tales of old, but it sure doesn’t feel like one.” Expect fantasy with a twist, as well as equal helpings of romance and action.
As the outcasts seek to mend their broken pasts, navigate the perils of love, and perhaps save the known world, we are left to wonder how much of the story is a lie and how much truth has been baked in to make the meal palatable. While "The Outcasts" pays homage to traditional fantasy archetypes, it also seeks to undermine most of them. In a story laced with ancient and medieval scenery, you will find yourself dizzy with the plot twists of this exciting debut fantasy novel.
Book I, “The Lies of Autumn” introduces the half-Wizard Marcus and his dear friend Quintus, who find themselves unexpectedly in the company of enslaved Elf siblings Griffin and Gwendolyn, the disgraced Human soldier Octavia, and a Morph named Alexia who possesses abilities which have not been seen in 1,000 years or more. These disparate creatures must navigate love and jealousy, friendship and selfishness, as well as the unspeakable tragedies which haunt each one of their pasts in a quest to save an indifferent world. As Octavia notes, “It sounds like one of those epic tales of old, but it sure doesn’t feel like one.” Expect fantasy with a twist, as well as equal helpings of romance and action.
A Note From the Publisher
My Print edition is available for $15.99 on Amazon.
Chuck Abdella is a History teacher at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, MA. With degrees in History from Boston College and Columbia University, Chuck has spent many long hours in the embrace of ancient and medieval civilizations. During July, he also directs an academic enrichment camp called College Academy, where he usually saves the world at least once per summer by spearheading an adventure during the camp's popular Time Machine Day. Studying all that history, telling stories as a teacher, and seasonal world-saving have all helped inspire his writing.
Chuck has written poetry and prose for at least 25 years and has been published by the St. John's Icon, the Boston College Stylus, Worcester Magazine, and the Boston Globe. He estimates he's written at least eight novel-length manuscripts of varying levels of horribleness since he was in high school, but feels as if this novel might help to prove that the ninth time really is the charm.
When he's not spending his time reminding adolescents that the Romans were much cooler than they thought, Chuck enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, coaching youth softball, playing basketball, and watching Boston sports. He is grateful for the support of his loving wife, Kerry, and his two daughters, Zoe and Molly, whose writing and story-telling he tries to encourage daily.
Chuck Abdella is a History teacher at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, MA. With degrees in History from Boston College and Columbia University, Chuck has spent many long hours in the embrace of ancient and medieval civilizations. During July, he also directs an academic enrichment camp called College Academy, where he usually saves the world at least once per summer by spearheading an adventure during the camp's popular Time Machine Day. Studying all that history, telling stories as a teacher, and seasonal world-saving have all helped inspire his writing.
Chuck has written poetry and prose for at least 25 years and has been published by the St. John's Icon, the Boston College Stylus, Worcester Magazine, and the Boston Globe. He estimates he's written at least eight novel-length manuscripts of varying levels of horribleness since he was in high school, but feels as if this novel might help to prove that the ninth time really is the charm.
When he's not spending his time reminding adolescents that the Romans were much cooler than they thought, Chuck enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, coaching youth softball, playing basketball, and watching Boston sports. He is grateful for the support of his loving wife, Kerry, and his two daughters, Zoe and Molly, whose writing and story-telling he tries to encourage daily.
Advance Praise
“Finally, some original fantasy…(T)his is not your typical fantasy adventure. While evil leaders give orders… It is the darkness in all of us that represents the greatest danger of all, and it is that darkness that threatens the realm and the fellowship's attempt to save it.”
--LP on Amazon
“…(O)nce I started reading it, I couldn't put it down…There are many great things at work in this story. The characters are complex and while they are united as outcasts, each has his or her own conflict as well. The plot is full of surprises, and the author does a great job of balancing action with introducing the reader to the world of the story.”
--DVM on Amazon
“I tip my hat to the author! This novel was captivating and I couldn't put it down…it is not my typical genre. HOWEVER, I am so glad that I gave it a chance because within the first chapter it pulled me in, and kept me in until the last page. Now I'm biting my nails waiting for the next book…his is the mark of a seriously wonderful author - to keep me wanting more in a novel that is so far out my scope of "normal" reading! I HIGHLY suggest that you give this book a chance - you will be so glad that you did!!”
--Meaghan on Amazon
“This isn't your typical fantasy story. Sure, it has the magic. It has the adventure. But it also has a decidedly modern edge. It has characters who are not only navigating a mysterious quest, but navigating their own emotions. They are battling against long ingrained biases against each other, while realizing that the changing world needs them together. They are at once reconciling their past individual experiences and bearing the weight of responsibility. With twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat, this is a book that you won't put down. I am eagerly awaiting book two!”
--Sara H on Goodreads
The Lies of Autumn is a wonderfully written fantasy genre book. This is not my usual genre but I was very pleasantly surprised. The characters are multi-dimensional and their individual stories are masterfully intertwined… Hats off to the author for introducing three strong female characters. They add a unique dimension and perspective to the story. I am looking forward to book two!
--Andrea P on Amazon
This book is an excellent debut work that stands out within a genre that too often relies on tired tropes and rehashed storylines…Though conflicts and battle scenes more often drive works of this category to the detriment of the characters who remain hollow and flat, this work takes a different approach with complex and evolving characters who battle as many internal demons as external enemies. Abdella successfully balances the challenging interplay of fully realized characters and requisite action scenes, which keeps the story engaging and satisfying… the concept that a band of outcasts from a broken society would be the only salvation for the same society that cast them out was an excellent twist. …I look forward to the sequel!
--Wallace H. on Amazon
--LP on Amazon
“…(O)nce I started reading it, I couldn't put it down…There are many great things at work in this story. The characters are complex and while they are united as outcasts, each has his or her own conflict as well. The plot is full of surprises, and the author does a great job of balancing action with introducing the reader to the world of the story.”
--DVM on Amazon
“I tip my hat to the author! This novel was captivating and I couldn't put it down…it is not my typical genre. HOWEVER, I am so glad that I gave it a chance because within the first chapter it pulled me in, and kept me in until the last page. Now I'm biting my nails waiting for the next book…his is the mark of a seriously wonderful author - to keep me wanting more in a novel that is so far out my scope of "normal" reading! I HIGHLY suggest that you give this book a chance - you will be so glad that you did!!”
--Meaghan on Amazon
“This isn't your typical fantasy story. Sure, it has the magic. It has the adventure. But it also has a decidedly modern edge. It has characters who are not only navigating a mysterious quest, but navigating their own emotions. They are battling against long ingrained biases against each other, while realizing that the changing world needs them together. They are at once reconciling their past individual experiences and bearing the weight of responsibility. With twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat, this is a book that you won't put down. I am eagerly awaiting book two!”
--Sara H on Goodreads
The Lies of Autumn is a wonderfully written fantasy genre book. This is not my usual genre but I was very pleasantly surprised. The characters are multi-dimensional and their individual stories are masterfully intertwined… Hats off to the author for introducing three strong female characters. They add a unique dimension and perspective to the story. I am looking forward to book two!
--Andrea P on Amazon
This book is an excellent debut work that stands out within a genre that too often relies on tired tropes and rehashed storylines…Though conflicts and battle scenes more often drive works of this category to the detriment of the characters who remain hollow and flat, this work takes a different approach with complex and evolving characters who battle as many internal demons as external enemies. Abdella successfully balances the challenging interplay of fully realized characters and requisite action scenes, which keeps the story engaging and satisfying… the concept that a band of outcasts from a broken society would be the only salvation for the same society that cast them out was an excellent twist. …I look forward to the sequel!
--Wallace H. on Amazon
Marketing Plan
I've done several local book signings, use Twitter/Facebook to promote, etc.
I've done several local book signings, use Twitter/Facebook to promote, etc.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781311006349 |
| PRICE | $2.99 (USD) |
Average rating from 6 members
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