Find out what inspired #HistoricalFantasy author, Fiona Tarr to write her fabulous series — The Eternal Realm @fionatarr

My Inspiration

By Fiona Tarr

When I decided that I wanted to write fantasy novels, I had no idea where to start. I was inspired to write, but had little or no direction. I honestly can’t say where my first inspiration came from, but I chose the story of King David from the Old Testament Bible and re-told the story with a generous helping of dark magic, religious turmoil and social commentary on the culture of the times. Many people have since told me that I brought a contemporary voice to the stories, which was my hope.

Little did I know that I would become fixated on turning these sometimes difficult to understand stories into religious fantasy novels.

I finished my first series with four novels and a novella in 2017 and moved on to a new series almost immediately. I was excited and inspired after having found my voice during this first series. I’d fought the religious fantasy tag for so long, trying to write mainstream fantasy, but I had begun to realise, it was my ‘thing’. It possessed me throughout my writing and often took over without any conscious thought. It was just meant to be.

So, The Eternal Realm series was born. This series blends mythology and religious fantasy in a way to emulate the epic fantasy genre that first got me writing; the likes of David Gemmell and Raymond Feist.

The Eternal Realm series explores the Divine beings of heaven with a setting still set in Ancient Israel during the times of the Old Testament stories. These tomes are full of intriguing, yet disturbing stories of genocide, spiritual warfare, oppression of culture and religion; so, what could possibly make a better fantasy read?

My first book in the series The Jericho Prophecy introduced Asherah, a goddess mentioned on several occasions in the bible. While this latest story is focussed on Delilah and brings with her story a whole host of angels. These old bible stories often hold accounts of the gods of other cultures. Dagon, Asherah, Moloch and others are mentioned amongst the Philistines, the Canaanites and the Hittites. I’ve used a little poet license to take these gods and turn them into angels, some good, some not so good, all with a story of their own to tell.

It was really important to me that these stories be stand-alone novels, so each tackles a new bible story with the battle amongst the angels going on around them.

It’s a risky business, re-telling bible stories to suit a contemporary audience. There is always the chance of upsetting the indoctrinated, but for the most part, I think my readers get what I’m trying to do in highlighting issues that we face every day in this modern world. Issues like equality, cultural and religious tolerance and war.

My books have been described as anything from feminist to irreligious, but the consensus is that they bring a contemporary feel to these old bible stories and make them come alive for the reader. My latest, Delilah and the Dark God seems to be no different, with some great early reviews coming in.

Delilah and the Dark God

 The Eternal Realm Book 2

Delilah is young, poor and inexperienced. Discovering Samson’s secret might not be as easy as she thinks!

When Delilah is compelled to discover the source of Samson’s secret strength, she becomes torn between her desire for wealth and growing feelings she cannot yet understand. She has no idea that the Eternal Realm is at war, but she quickly realises there is more at play than religion and politics.

The Goddess Asherah knows Delilah is the key to future peace in the heavens, yet she is forbidden from meddling with humanity….. But when the Dark God Dagon grows obsessed with Delilah, she must choose a side. 

Will Asherah risk revealing herself to protect the ancient prophecy and secure peace for her brethren?

Delilah and the Dark God is the second book in The Eternal Realm series; a religious fantasy series that mixes mythology and intrigue in epic fantasy style. If you like strong characters, intricate plots and action, then you will love Fiona Tarr’s contemporary take on this old biblical classic.

“Another amazing book from Fiona Tarr, what an imagination. More Please!”  Claire Simpson

“The angels were my favorite to read about and their interaction with the characters was mesmerizing.”  Amazon Customer

Buy Delilah and the Dark God today and discover what really goes on within the eternal realm!

Amazon • Books2Read

Fiona Tarr

I live in Noosa, Australia with my husband and two young adult sons, where we run our family small business involving tourism and watersports.

When I am not writing, you will likely find me kitesurfing, stand up paddle surfing, travelling or volunteering in some capacity.

I am the great niece of Australian literary author George Johnston who is best known for his book My Brother Jack which was made into a mini-series with the ABC. Although I don't write with the literary style of Uncle George, I have been told I write a compelling fantasy novel.

I find culture, faith, philosophy and sociology intriguing and these topics are at the heart of my fantasy.

Connect with Fiona: Website • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Amazon • BookBub.