Book Details:

Book Title: Cathadeus (Book One of the Walking Gates)
Author: Jeff J. Peters
Category: YA Fiction, 344 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing
Release date: Dec 8, 2017
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 2, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 (fighting scenes)

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Book Description:

It has been six hundred years since the Alchemists fused together men and beasts to form strong, mindless slaves. Now, their most vicious creations have attacked the mystical Walking Gates, slaughtering their Keepers and isolating their cities. Wounded in the brutal attack, Braxton Prinn’s mother is on the verge of death and he makes a desperate journey to find the reclusive elven master who can save her. But when he discovers an ancient magic, Brax is caught up in an even greater struggle and soon finds himself hunted for his power. Drawn into the chaos of an impending war and pursued by enemies on all sides, Brax must fight to save his mother and her race from slipping into darkness. Though his untamed magic may be the greatest threat of all . . .

 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Cathadeus is a great fantasy. Jeff J. Peters has a writing style that describes the setting so well that you feel like you’re right there, but he doesn’t get bogged down in details. His is my favorite kind of writing.

Braxton is a young man sent on a journey to save his mother after their town is attacked. He finds out that she’s actually an elfling who has been posing as a human. His father gives him his grandfather’s sword which ends up being a special sword that chooses him and gives him magic that he has to learn to control.

All of this is a lot for Braxton to handle but he does a good job at keeping things together. He has friends to help him along the way as well as the girl he has always cared for (loved?). With their help and the help of the spirit of the sword, will they be able to save their world from the Dark Child?

This is the best epic fantasy that I’ve read in a while. I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

 

What Readers are Saying about Cathadeus:

“Jeff J. Peters’ strong cinematic writing style allowed me to easily visualize the story and feel that I was right there alongside the characters.”
– Alison W.

“Jeff J. Peters’ writing is so smooth and easy to read – I can’t tell you how much of a pleasure it was…and how quickly you end up being drawn into the story because of it.”
– Amanda R.

“Cathadeus is the best kind of fantasy story – you get to learn along with a flawed main character while you get lost in a richly designed world. You can’t help but keep reading. A cleanly written pairing of characters you wish you could spend more time with and an enthralling world built around them. Cathadeus is the kind of story that plays perfectly off of your imagination, with characters grounded in reality to make it feel like you could really be there.”
– Ryan N.

“Jeff J. Peters definitely has storytelling skills…The story stayed on my mind when I wasn’t reading it. Young readers will be drawn in this imaginative story, while they relate to Braxton’s struggles with temper, insecurity, and young love. Cathadeus is dramatic, with an anxious tone—at times bleak, as the story keeps you wondering until the final battle if good will prevail.”
– Elizabeth C.

 

 

 

 

Author Interview

Question: What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Jeff: Getting to create characters and events that are both interesting to read, and which share a greater idea, meaning or inspiration to others. Hopefully people reading Cathadeus will not only enjoy the adventure, but also gain something more from the overall experience.

 

Question: What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Jeff: Never give up. Keep writing down ideas, dialogue or scenes even if not part of the story you’re currently working on. I often write content that is unrelated, only to discover it fits perfectly into a later section of the story. I also keep a notebook handy in which to jot down character names and general concepts. Finally, don’t worry too much about grammar or other structural elements. Get the story written first. You can always go back and revise later on.

 

Question: What was the hardest part about writing or publishing your book?

Jeff: Definitely the editing. I tell people that the story wrote it’s way through me, rather than me making up an idea and writing it down. However, the editing took a lot more discipline and mental focus. Working with editors was certainly an interesting experience, and I had the great fortune of receiving feedback from two exceptionally talented people. However, I also had my share of input from editors with whom I did not agree. So I’d recommend that new authors talk with several editors before selecting someone to work with, and have them read and comment ahead of time on several chapters of your manuscript (not just a few paragraphs). Also, have the courage to switch editors if you’re not happy with them, even if it impacts your publishing timeline. Not all editors are a great fit for every author, so look around and find someone who shares your view for what you want your story to become. Remember that it’s your book. You should make the final decisions and be thrilled with the ultimate results. Don’t settle for anything less.

 

Question: Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?

Jeff: Yes. Before starting each day, I read the previous few chapters from the book I’m working on. This helps ensure the story flows smoothly, lets me correct anything I don’t like on the previous pages and, most importantly, pulls me into the current scene. I also ask myself what I would say or do if I was each specific character in an event. I try to picture the scene from his or her perspective, so I can write dialogue from their point of view. I think this makes for a much more rich and visually enjoyable reading experience.

 

Question: Do you have another profession besides writing?

Jeff: Most new authors have to have some other work to sustain their passion for writing, at least initially. Mine was computers. I worked in IT for more than twenty years before leaving my corporate position to focus full-time on writing. Throughout that period though, I continued to read, write ideas and was constantly involved in the genre. I still occasionally consult for various clients, but most of my time now is spent writing. I’m currently working on Sotchek – book two of The Walking Gates.

 

 

Read the Prologue

 

 About the Author

Giveaway

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