-- Reviews by the Famous and well Known
Captain Jack Sparrow, Hannibal Lecter, Jimmy the Hand, are just some of the better-known antiheroes from recent generations. Meet Connor, an outlaw on the run from an evil oppressor for a botched assassination attempt. Like most modern heroes, Connor has a mixture of controlled brutality, deep-rooted integrity and subtle humour. Add a band of diverse individuals, including a dwarf, a loyal warrior and Connor’s love interest - the enigmatic Janice, which help him on his journey, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a thrilling tale.
Just one example of its genius is the idea of ‘Sundering’, which has the souls of Elves being split into two different entities – one half good, the other bad, both connected in mortal destiny – an idea which some would use as the premise for an entire novel.
Robert Auty has a contemporary style of writing, coupled with a ‘Ye Oldie’ subtext, which works brilliantly. If this is the first of a trilogy then I wait eagerly for the following sequels. Equal in its scope to Raymond E. Fiest’s Magician, and David Eddings’ Belgariad series, Trance Warriors is a valuable addition to the fantasy genre.
If you’re looking for a new and exciting yarn, then ‘Trance Warriors’ will not disappoint. Congratulations Robert on an excellent debut novel!
Paul Cave, Author of 'Something of the Night' & 'Cold Light of Day'
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This truly fantastic read includes a complex brew of characters fueled seperately by avarice and a mission to protect. This is the first of what promises to be a series of adventures of the hero, Connor the 'Trance Warrior', fighting a bloody hand-to-hand war with evil forces in imagined worlds - now and the hereafter. This novel is a tribute to Auty's extremely active imagination and creative ability. For those who enjoy non-stop, roller-coaster, violent action.
Michael J. Marfleet, Author of 'Romance With Death'
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This is a great book which transforms you from the first page into a magical fantasy land. It is the first instalment of a proposed trilogy and Robert should be highly commended for this his first book in what is a powerful and passionate tale of adventure. It is extremely well written and a terrific story which deserves to be recognized as a future sci-fi classic. Well done Robert and I like many am sure looking forward to the next instalment in this absorbing story. (Picture: Author Jim Dawkins with Author Robert C. Auty)
Jim Dawkins, Author of 'The Loose Screw'
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A very good read, exciting and you definitely can't put this one down until the end.
Sheila Woods, Author of 'Maud's Stone'
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Fantasy fans will love this one. Trance Warriors: The Siege of Scarn is a quality read, believable fantasy in a violent world. The plot, from the first page, thickens, flows and concludes - knowing there is more to come - effortlessly with a fast pace and ease of reading. The action jumps from the page and spells a movie with imagination, excitement and emotion, headed by the book's hero, Conner, who develops within the twists and turns of the plot. Also, humour is provided by the dwarf, Stort, which lightens the mood.
Each individual character, for which there are many, has been carefully crafted and created with the skill of a seasoned writer; each chasing their own destiny and beliefs, some with heroic honour and some with sinister cunning you would come to expect from fantasy fiction.
No doubt, the book will be compared to the like of Lord of the Rings. Why not? It's as good! And, if it helps towards the success of Trance Warriors, it can't be a bad comparison. I'm sure we will see Trance Warriors: The Siege of Scarn on the big screen. I look froward to the next instalment and the chase for the nine pieces. Well done, Robert - an inspiration for new writers.
Mark S. Bennison, Author of 'Military Rule'
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-- Newspaper and Website Reviews
I recently had the privilege of interviewing science-fantasy writer Robert C. Auty, whose new book Trance Warriors – The Siege of Scarn has just been released.
I liked Robert from the first moment we spoke. He’s quiet, unassuming and, to be honest, not the sort of person you’d imagine penning a rip-roaring novel about a world “beset with chaos and warfare” – Robert’s words, not mine.
The futuristic anti-hero of Trance Warriors is Connor – an outlaw who finds himself drawn into a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil. The psychically-gifted Connor is forced into the role of Master of Ceremonies as both sides head for the final conflict on the mystical Middle Isle.
The twist to the tale is that a far, far darker power lurks in the background – an evil that could engulf the entire planet. As Connor squares up to the hideous Blood Cult he realises that his ultimate test is just about to begin.
Auty was raised in Canada before moving to Lancaster where he now resides. He has a love of the Great Outdoors and comes across strongly as a passionate environmentalist. You can feel this strongly in his novel where you just know that the author yearns for a past age in which the word wilderness still meant something.
“Trance Warriors came about when I was writing another novel. I penned a two-page premise and eventually Trance Warriors grew out of that.”
Trance Warriors – The Siege of Scarn is right out of the Conan the Barbarian mould in terms of its mystical earthiness, but has something of Lord of the Rings, Dune, 2001 A Space Odyssey and even Star Wars about it too.
But Bizarre readers shouldn’t fall into the trap of thinking that Auty has simply pinched previously-published ideas and re-hashed them. Nothing of the sort. Trance Warriors carries something of the flavour of Dune, Star Wars, etc, but nothing of the substance. It is fresh, unique and stands firmly in its own merit.
I probed Auty further about his personal life, and he revealed amongst other things his passion for the healing art of Reiki which he is currently studying.
“Reiki impresses me. It really works”, he told me, “Its both mystical and practical.”
It’s not hard to see why Robert would be enthusiastic about an alternative therapy like Reiki. Whether its food, the environment or literature Auty has a passion for that which is natural. Big, grimy cities are not his abode of choice. Auty is a streams and mountains guy and Reiki is a natural, gentle, healing art.
Back to the book. As Connor fights battles on the personal front and yet still shoulders his responsibilities as a great leader, his ally is the mysterious Blade of Scarn, a nice touch which gives Trance Warriors a lovely Arthurian feel.
If you want to find out for yourself what happens in Trance Warriors I have good news. The author and publisher have donated two, signed copies to give away to Bizarre readers who take part in the following competition.
Another famous science-fantasy character, Conan the Barbarian, was invented by a famous writer in the 1930s. Was the creator of Conan the Barbarian a) Howard E. Roberts, b) Robert E. Howard or c) Ronan E. Hobart?
The first two Bizarre readers to e-mail the correct answer to bizarrefans@tiscali.co.uk will receive their free, signed copy.
Trance Warriors – The Siege of Scarn by Robert C. Auty is published by Apex Publishing (ISBN 1-904444-59-8) and priced at £8.99.
The Shields Gazette
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The Trance Warriors, gifted fighters seemingly able to warp time around them to slaughter whole armies in seconds, make up this traditional heroic fantasy of warring Gods and the struggle of Good versus Evil. The writing quality is excellent if not predictable, with bloody action, snappy dialogue and a misfit cast producing the first in a new series I will be following with interest.
Dave Chapman, 'Outland . . .' Ottakar's Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Newsletter (Editor)
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THAT'S NOVEL...
A NOVELIST from Heysham has been voted runner-up in an inter-national Book of the Year' award.
Robert Auty's novel Trance Warriors - The Siege of Scarn', came to the attention of judges at the Spinetinglers awards.
The book took Robert (pictured), a distribution company manager, seven years to complete over weekends and countless evenings.
It is the first in a planned four book series set in a world of feuding warriors, sorcery and evil demons - and the second book, Connor's Folly', is already complete.
Robert says: "The book came into being in the midst of writing a contemporary fantasy which I was uncomfortable with in the now'. I wrote a two-page premise, which in essence became the first two pages of chapter one of the book.
"As for coming runner up, it was brilliant. Considering the calibre of some of the authors and the weight of a few large publishers, I was pleased."
He adds: "Any review, good, or not so good, can help you move forward. It's a very personal thing, and sometimes difficult to see from any perspective but your own. So the plaudit of being a runner-up was brilliant!"
Lancaster News
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THAT'S NOVEL...
A NOVELIST from Heysham has been voted runner-up in an inter-national Book of the Year' award.
Robert Auty's novel Trance Warriors - The Siege of Scarn', came to the attention of judges at the Spinetinglers awards.
The book took Robert (pictured), a distribution company manager, seven years to complete over weekends and countless evenings.
It is the first in a planned four book series set in a world of feuding warriors, sorcery and evil demons - and the second book, Connor's Folly', is already complete.
Robert says: "The book came into being in the midst of writing a contemporary fantasy which I was uncomfortable with in the now'. I wrote a two-page premise, which in essence became the first two pages of chapter one of the book.
"As for coming runner up, it was brilliant. Considering the calibre of some of the authors and the weight of a few large publishers, I was pleased."
He adds: "Any review, good, or not so good, can help you move forward. It's a very personal thing, and sometimes difficult to see from any perspective but your own. So the plaudit of being a runner-up was brilliant!"
The Barrow Browser
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“Legend has it you’re a Trance Warrior…”
Author, Robert C. Auty has created a fast paced medieval fantasy series battling the powers of good and evil between the Trance Warriors Scarn and Scarl.
Connor knows not of his heritage, nor the task his father Scarn will ask of him. The Sword of Scarn holds great power in Connor’s hand, he will learn the power of trance and find the pieces of Scarl’s sword, melding them back together to kill the evil god.
Crazed and cruel, the Grynn Queen Merrill drinks the potion of blood to remain eternally young. Her appetite for warriors to bed is as insatiable as her lust for evil and blood.
Trance Warriors is action packed from beginning to end!
Cheryl watches Connor by the stream, the Scarn hunter’s search is over, he has found the Trance Warrior of legend. Kaz Stort, the dwarf King, dangles from the dungeon wall beside Connor. They are to be quartered at dawn by the Queen, as was the Trance Warrior Gunny. Connor is forced to betray the leader of a band of forest outlaws--Janice is the woman he loves.
The blood emperor’s eyes glow red with evil power. Kaitomi is ruled by the evil Scarl. Stort melds with the warrior’s axe to do battle, the dwarf King warns, “Don’t get in front of me” as they follow Cheryl through the forests of enemy elves. In the Scarn Mountains a battle for Middle Isle finds Horan legionnaires trapped by the blazing inferno known as Scarn’s Fire.
For fantasy lovers the Trance Warriors series has only just begun!
www.rollingseas.com.au
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TRANCE WARRIORS: THE SIEGE OF SCARN
Interview with Robert Auty
Trance Warriors: The Siege of Scarn
Robert C. Auty
Apex Publishing Ltd (2006)
ISBN 9781904444596
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/08)
Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to be joined by Robert C. Auty, who is here to talk about his new novel “Trance Warriors: The Siege of Scarn.”
Robert spent his formative years living in Canada, but now resides near his birthplace of Lancaster, England. “Trance Warriors” came into being some six years before this book was published, in the form of a two-page premise drafted in the midst of writing a completely different novel, and grew into what you see now. Self-taught, Robert is currently busy writing the sequels to “The Siege of Scarn.” When he is not busy writing he enjoys walking in the Yorkshire Dales and Lakeland Fells.
Tyler: Welcome, Robert. I’m excited to talk to you about your new fantasy novel. To begin, will you tell us a little bit about the fantasy world that you’ve created?
Robert: Hi Tyler, nice to meet you. The fantasy world I've created? Well, as a world it is un-named, at least for the present, though it has several similarities to our own world. In this book I have introduced The Grynn Kingdom on Middle Isle and the Horan Empire on the southern continent. This world is peopled by different races from our world and from pure fantasy. Traditional fantasy figures, like dwarves and elves, hopefully with a few new, unique traits, as well as races from our earth's history. These races although perhaps not named as they were in their time, are hopefully recognisable by the reader. The land itself has been shaped by cataclysmic events that become clear as the story unfolds.
Tyler: Tell us about Connor, the main character. What makes him tick, and why is he attractive to readers?
Robert: Connor is one of the Trance Warriors of the title, although ignorant of his heritage to start with. He is brave, a consummate warrior, handsome, and, for the most part, honorable. His true lineage is hidden from him and, initially, he is not much more than an outlaw, admittedly, one with an unusual power he understands little about.
Tyler: Will you tell us what that power is, or at least what makes Connor realize he has a power, or will that be giving away the plot?
Robert: Connor is a Trance Warrior, which gives him the ability to enter the trance and kill thousands of enemies in what we would perceive as the blinking of an eye. But his ability is tempered by his lack of knowledge of his skill initially, and this ignorance has the potential to kill him.
Tyler: One of the reviews on your website refers to Connor as an anti-hero? Do you see him as an anti-hero, or is he truly heroic?
Robert: I enjoy getting reviews, both good and not so good, as it's always interesting to see how other people see your work. The review you refer to placed Trance Warriors firmly in the 'Conan' mold, and Connor as a Conan-like anti-hero. I'd, at least in this first book, call Connor a reluctant hero, rather than an anti-hero.
Tyler: Robert, after Connor, who is your favorite character in the book and why?
Robert: Janice would fill that description. She is Connor’s woman. Headstrong and, at times recklessly brave, she struggles and succeeds in a man's world. She is more than she seems and has a major role to play in the coming sequels.
Tyler: What is a Trance Warrior? Why does Connor want to be a Trance Warrior?
Robert: Your own reviewer has described it best so far. Trancing is the ability of a man to 'warp time' and thus gain an immense advantage on the battle field. There are many problems for these warriors, because when in the trance, they 'walk with the gods,' as it is described in 'The Siege of Scarn' at one point. And since they are not gods many limitations and problems arise for them. Much more about trancing is explained and revealed in the second book.
Tyler: Would you explain what you mean about warping time? How is that an advantage on the battlefield?
Robert: As I mentioned in an earlier answer, Tyler, Connor can enter the trance and, to him, it seems as if everything becomes still, while he still moves, and thus he is able to destroy enemies by the hundreds and thousands if he chooses. But this power is dangerous to him and anathema to his honor code. In the second book much more detail is added to the explanation of this power.
Tyler: Connor is fighting against a hidden evil. Will you explain how he is aware of the evil and how it is detrimental to his world?
Robert: Connor becomes aware of the evil as the story unfolds, meeting new friends and gaining valuable insights from them. Without giving too much away, Connor knows that if the evil gains dominion of his world then everyone will die, or worse become a part of the evil.
Tyler: Will you tell us a little bit about the history of Connor’s world and its gods? Why are these important to Connor’s mission?
Robert: Connor's world is built around the animosity between the twin brother gods, Scarn and Scarl, whose eternal battle has all but destroyed several races and left large parts of the lands under the sway of the evil Kaitomi, of whom you can read more in the book. Connor’s role revolves around his connection to the twin gods, and his actions will ultimately decide the outcome of the battle between the brothers.
Tyler: Robert, gods and twins are common in myths. Would you say there is a specific world mythology that specifically influenced you, and if so, how did it influence your creation of a fantasy world?
Robert: I think the first book was an amalgam of ideas gleaned from many hundreds of fantasy stories and several original ideas that shaped it. As the second book took shape several very specific mythological and historical ideas wove themselves into my story, namely Norse mythology, medieval styles, vampire like evil, slavery and a few others. As for the twins concept, it was a convenient and a good avenue to explain the evil and to separate the good from the evil.
Tyler: Robert, you’ve lived in North America and in England. Does the history of England, which includes the medieval period, influence your writing? Do you think your location has been an advantage to your writing that someone living in the United States, for example, might not have?
Robert: Since most of the book is very firmly 'fantasy,' I think it matters little where I am located. Incidentally, I was very pleased by the Reader Views review as the reviewer picked up on the fact that the 'Scarn warriors' are loosely based on the Native American Indians. Several historical periods and peoples are featured in the books; their presence in Connor’s world is explained as the story unfolds.
Tyler: Connor has his own personal demons. What are those demons and how do they motivate his actions?
Robert: Most of Connor's 'demons' are to do with the devastating loss of his perceived family and the subsequent revelations about his true heritage. Too, he has great doubts about his own abilities and, sometimes, abhorrence when faced with some of the tasks he is set.
Tyler: Robert, what do you feel makes your fantasy world stand out among all the other fantasy worlds that have been created?
Robert: While most 'fantasy' novels of this ilk owe allegiance to “The Lord of the Rings,” I hope I have created a new world with enough diversity and excitement to add something to the genre.
I wrote it in a style I would choose to read. A negative review stated that it was sparse and barely adequate at the beginning, while positive ones have described it as fast paced, and several people have said reading it was like watching a movie. The latter comments are very pleasing as I have always read books quickly, skimming over long, drawn out descriptions of scenery and the like, to get to the heart and action of the story.
Tyler: You mentioned earlier that you created dwarves and other typical creatures in fantasy stories, but added a twist or made them distinctive. Will you give us an example of how you did so?
Robert: The dwarves have an interesting power that grants them a special weapon, and gives them a devastating edge when gathered in large numbers, but I’ll leave it to readers to find out for themselves. It is first seen in an exciting battle scene that one reader said was the most vivid and exciting he had read! The elves are introduced while in a particularly bad way; again I will leave it to the reader to discover how and why they were sundered.
Tyler: Which books, authors, or films would you say influenced you the most in creating your own fantasy world?
Robert: I would have to say the sadly departed David Gemmell's books have been my biggest influence. Many others as well though, very obviously Tolkien, David Eddings, Julian May, Stephen King, Christopher Stasheff, and several others.
Movies have had little bearing. Although the adaption of “The Lord of the Rings” to the big screen were, for the most part, brilliant, especially the second, “The Two Towers.” And the film, “The 13th Warrior,” has had a little influence on the second book.
Tyler: Do you enjoy fantasy films, even if they have had little impact on your writing? Have you imagined “The Siege of Scarn” being made into a film? Any guess on who would play the roles of Connor and Janice?
Robert: I enjoy most films and particularly fantasy films. I have envisioned “The Siege of Scarn” as a movie. I recently saw the brilliant, boys own romp, 300, and one particular actor in that film caught my eye—Michael Fasbender took a great part and I genuinely think he would make a superb Connor. As for Janice, I am undecided, although whoever it was would have to take on a duel role, at least for part of the story…and I know you’ll ask, but you’ll have to read the book!
Tyler: Our reviewer at Reader Views commented that the book was full of blood and gore, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. Do you find it difficult to write battle scenes and fill them with blood and gore? How do you make a battle interesting to your readers so that they are fascinated by it, even the ones who are squeamish?
Robert: I really enjoyed penning the battle scenes, and the siege writing. This is sometimes where I personally think other books fall down. From my own experience, and talking to others enthusiasts in the genre, you can find other stories flitting about away from battle to story building and character building, then back to battle, and then away again. Whereas I have tried to keep to the siege in my book, admittedly from many different viewpoints, but concentrating entirely on the fighting and effects of the battle for most of the second half of “The Siege of Scarn.”
I really enjoyed “The Two Towers” movie, but I would have loved to see the siege at Helm's Deep as a seamless feature. As for gory or bloody, when you include swords, spears and arrows, there's going to be lots of it. But I hope I've tempered it with enough humanity and pathos to smooth the way. And I think I have considering the reviews, including the Reader Views review, where I received comments like, “I don't normally enjoy reading this type of book, but...” usually followed by positive comments despite the “blood and gore.”
Tyler: What do you most enjoy about writing fantasy?
Robert: The freedom of imagination, in a fantasy world anything is possible. It removes the limitations of time and location. Allowing you to create almost any situation you can imagine.
Tyler: “Trance Warriors” is only the first book in the series. Will you give us a hint of what is to come next in the series and when we can expect the second volume?
Robert: I can tell you the second book is at the final editing stage and will be titled “Connor's Folly.” It follows Connor to new lands and adventures and reveals a potentially much greater threat than was first revealed in book one.
I have provisionally planned four books in the series, book three is very roughly written and book four grows every day in my head.
Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, Robert. Before we go will you tell our readers about your website and what additional information they might find there about “Trance Warriors: The Siege of Scarn”?
Robert: Thank you too, Tyler. You can go to http://www.trancewarriors.co.uk where you can find all things Trance Warrior, and links to the many places it can be bought, including Amazon.com, where it has recently made an appearance. Anyone can contact me directly from this site, via an e-mail link.
www.readerviews.com
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YOU'RE LIVING IN A FANTASY WORLD MATE...
HEYSHAM AUTHOR'S SWORD AND SORCERY EPIC RELEASED -
A new fantasy world is stirring in Heysham - First book for author.
MOVE over Tolkien and Rowling, for Heysham now has its very own fantasy fiction writer.
Robert Auty has just had his very first novel - a tale of elves, dwarves, good and evil - published to such rave reviews that he is now working on a sequel.
Morecambe Visitor
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Heroic fantasy is a simple enough formula, but one than seems difficult to pull off judging by many efforts over the years. Largely they try to emulate popular works and usually fall far from what made those originals so memorable. Trance Warriors simply uses the heroic fantasy formula and does it's own thing.
Its world is divided between the cults of its 2 Gods, with the greatest fighters - the Trance Warriors - able to seemingly warp time around them to slaughter whole armies in seconds. The evil of the 2 Gods has been banished to the netherealm and his followers seek the 9 shards of his sword to resurrect him. Within this classic struggle of good vs evil, rises a Trance Warrior known as Connor, who is oblivious to his destiny which will tip the balance of the war.
Although often predictable, the story is never bogged down in setting, instead incorporating necessary background into it's flowing pace. Bloody action, snappy dialogue and a misfit cast help produce an epic first installment in an exciting new series.
'Outland . . .' Ottakar's Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Newsletter
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Sci-fi story a success for first-time author.
Lancaster Guardian
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Adventure of a lifetime... if the author has his way
Robert Auty talks fantasy with Peter Richardson, explaining why he developed a pacy style that could be easier for readers to get into than Tolkien.
Fantasy fiction, full of goblins and dragons, and heroes with impossible-to-pronounce names, languished a while in the realms of books read only by geeks and teenage boys.
Then it was dragged kicking and screaming out of the doldrums by Peter Jackson and his Oscar-winning film productions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
It became cool to be into fantasy. Heck, even girls were admitting to reading it.
Robert Auty hopes that this resurgence in the genre will mean good sales for his debut crack at writing. His first book, Trance Warriors - The Siege of Scarn, has just been published and the follow-up is already waiting in the wings.
Robert, 42, from Heysham, enjoyed reading fantasy fiction for years before first trying his hand at writing in 1998.
Ironically, given that the widening of fantasy fiction appeal to a larger audience is - at least in part - down to Tolkien, Robert has never been a big fan. He admits finding it difficult to properly get into Lord of the Rings . . . but loved the films.
Rather than Tolkien, it was his favourite authors David Gemmel and David Eddings, that have given him inspiration for his first novel.
He currently works as a manager with a distribution company in Lancaster, but would love to be able to give up the day job and write for a living. A dream he admits is long term at the moment but he hopes will one day become reality.
Trance Warriors - The Siege of Scarn came into being six years before being published in the shape of a two-page premise drafted in the middle of writing an entirely different novel. But what he'd written gripped his imagination so much that he was driven to write more in order to discover what happened to his characters.
Unlike some authors, he doesn't have a final framework of a plot before he starts; instead he lets the story develop as it flows.
The ending was as much of a surprise to him as it is to the reader!
The village of Heysham - with quaint cottage-lined streets and a wild coastal headland with mysterious ruined chapel - would make a perfect fantasy world, as would the Lune Valley and Kirkby Lonsdale, another part of the world with which Robert is familiar - it's where his girlfriend lives.
However, neither location features in Trance Warriors. This world spewed forth from imagination as he sat at his keyboard.
"There was a two-year period when I spent weekend after weekend at the computer writing. It was all-consuming. I must have spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours working at it," he says. "I was single then," he adds wryly.
"But I enjoyed it. It was exciting to write. The adventure carried me along with it, and I would like to go back there. It was a time that I enjoyed."
Robert's fantasy world in Trance Warriors is beset with chaos and warfare and inhabited by both the good and the malevolent. The first book in a saga, it follows the struggles of outlaw Connor as he becomes drawn into a battle between good and evil. Vying with both personal and real demons, and grappling with a new role as leader and protector, Connor learns how to develop and use his powers to stop a bloody conflict and bring opposing forces together against a hidden but escalating evil that could destroy the world.
Robert is currently working on a number of other writing projects while hoping that Siege of Scarn enjoys success. His aim in this first book, he says, is to develop a style of writing that he hopes readers will enjoy. His personal bugbear with fantasy fiction is authors who go on at length with descriptive passages that, while beautiful, do nothing to further the plot. He prefers a sparer style that chases the adventure along. "I don't like verbosity. I prefer work that reads more like a movie script, fast and pacy."
First book completed and second well on the way, he now awaits sales and reviews to see if his ultimate ambition of giving up work to become a full time author is a feasible plan.
Lancashire Evening Post
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It’s a while since Science Fantasy buffs have had something to crow about, and here it is. Robert C Auty’s Trance Warriors – The Siege of Scarn is right out of the Conan the Barbarian mould in terms of its mystical earthiness, but has something of Lord of the Rings, Dune, 2001 A Space Odyssey and even Star Wars about it too.
But the potential reader shouldn’t fall into the trap of thinking that Auty has simply pinched previously-published ideas and re-hashed them. Nothing of the sort. Trance Warriors carries something of the flavour of Dune, Star Wars, etc, but nothing of the substance. It is fresh, unique and stands firmly in its own merit.
Auty skilfully uses Roman nomenclature such as Arturius and Carvinus, eastern-sounding names like Kaitomi and the neo-Celtic Grynn and Connor to create a fantasy world which offers something to everyone, no matter what your historical–cum-cultural leanings.
The scene is set for a huge battle on Middle Isle. The psychically-gifted Connor is forced into the role of Master of Ceremonies as both sides head for the final conflict. As he fights battles on the personal front and yet still shoulders his responsibilities as a great and natural leader, his ally is the blade of scarn, a nice touch which gives Trance Warriors a lovely Arthurian touch.
If you like science fantasy and feel like indulging yourself then get this book. The good news is that a number of sequels are on the way…
Mike Hallowell, The Shields Gazette
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TRANCE WARRIORS: THE SIEGE OF SCARN
Christian Market Place Magazine
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TWO BROTHERS, TWO GODS, THE WAR AGAINST EVIL BEGINS
Connor has been sent on a mission to kill a King, and he won’t loose any sleep over killing him, because Connor blames the King for killing his whole family. When Connor arrives at the castle, he discovers that there is a far greater malignancy than an old King in this world he lives in, and that Connor is apparently the only one who can stop this malevolence.
Connor’s world is torn apart as he discovers who he is and realizes his own destiny. He is thrust into a world in which he is a King who has to fight the evil Queen Merrill before she destroys the world they both inhabit. Can he save the day, or will Merrill triumph? You will have to read the book to find out, and don’t worry – whatever the outcome of the first installment may be, Spinetinglers guarantees you will not be disappointed.
The Siege of Scarn is the first installment in the Trance Warriors saga, and what a promising beginning it is. The world that Robert C. Auty creates is a world that will entertain and excite readers of Fantasy Fiction, a world of Dwarfs, Elves, Gods and Demons. At times, the modern dialogue is a little bit distracting because the book is set in an ancient and fantastical world, but you forget about the modern language as the book progresses and become totally entranced by the story. If you enjoy books such as The Fellowship of the Ring, you will enjoy The Siege of Scarn.
Auty’s book is filled with romance, mighty battles, power struggles and glorious revelations, and the Epilogue promises much more to come.
www.spinetinglers.co.uk
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The Siege of Scarn by Robert C Auty - Reviewer: Magda Healey
Heroic Fantasy is a sub-genre that harks back to Conan The Barbarian and is identified by the presence of warrior heroes, high body-counts despatched in one to one combat whose descriptions form a big part of the text, intrigue at decadent courts, bloody evil cults and heroes of often dubious personal ethics that almost accidentally end up fighting on the right side. The Siege of Scarn has all those ingredients with a struggle of supernatural good and evil forming the backdrop. Connor, a Trance Warrior who can speed up his individual time and thus dispatch his enemies with even more astonishing efficiency, takes on a mission to kill the King of Grynn, but instead falls foul of the Queen who is in thrall to a growing evil threatening to overcome the world and bathe it in blood. Pursued by lizard-like demons and then imprisoned, he finds himself escaping to the mysterious city of Scarn in the mountains, accompanied by the necessary fellowship composed by a dwarf fighter, a Scarn hunter sent to the lowlands in search of somebody who can change the fate of the world and a demi-elf, his lover and friend. And yes, there is an artefact too: their world had been created for two divine brothers Scarn & Scarl. Scarn is the good one, Scarl is the bad one: imprisonned in the void between the worlds by Scarn, he's waiting for his followers to find pieces of his sword so he can return to the world. There's also the mystery of Connor's parentage and his destiny. All of it, and more, will unfold in the buildup to the mighty siege of the title, when amassed armies of people and other races will fight. The Siege of Scarn is the first volume of the Trance Warriors saga. The siege of the title forms the second half of the book and decidedly the better one. The battle narrative and descriptions are very good: both sides are shown in action and their strategies and motivations are well described and interesting. I am not particularly keen on battle scenes or fight descriptions, but I found the siege of Scarn compelling and entertaining. There are characters the reader can root for on both sides and enough twists and turns to make one interested in how the final outcome (obvious from the beginning) is reached. It's long, but not too long and makes one almost sad that the fighting eventually ends. The earlier parts of The Siege of Scarn are taken up by events preceding Connor's arrival in the city of Scarn as well as introducing all the characters and providing the background info, followed by the build-up to the siege itself. These first introductory sections are the weakest: the writing mostly manages to
keep just about the right side of cringe-inducing, with an occasional anachronistic lapse in dialogue being perhaps the most offensive; although nobody in their right mind should worry much about writing in a novel descended from Connan anyway. However, the introductory sections are much too sketchy. Many fantasy books suffer from excessive pagecounts, so brevity is normally a virtue, but in this case there is just too little space and too few words to do all that needs to be done. The result is a stumbling narrative in which major characters and revelations of epic proportions are introduced suddenly and without a build-up to disappear for many pages after a brief appearance. There is hardly any setting description and the tale rushes on more like a synopsis or a film script before the real fun of the battle can commence. Once all the hasty introductions were done, I enjoyed The Siege of Scarn and in particular the long and exciting battle. Fans of heroic fantasy should have quite a bit of fun with this novel and might want to buy it and continue on to the next volume while other fantasy readers might enjoy a foray into the land of mighty warriors and bloody cults, probably best borrowed.
www.thebookbag.co.uk
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THAT'S NOVEL - By Rachel Ryan
A NOVELIST from Heysham has been voted runner-up in an international Book of the Year' award.
Robert Auty's novel Trance Warriors - The Siege of Scarn', came to the attention of judges at the Spinetinglers awards.
The book took Robert (pictured), a distribution company manager, seven years to complete over weekends and countless evenings.
It is the first in a planned four book series set in a world of feuding warriors, sorcery and evil demons - and the second book, Connor's Folly', is already complete.
Robert says: "The book came into being in the midst of writing a contemporary fantasy which I was uncomfortable with in the now'. I wrote a two-page premise, which in essence became the first two pages of chapter one of the book.
"As for coming runner up, it was brilliant. Considering the calibre of some of the authors and the weight of a few large publishers, I was pleased."
He adds: "Any review, good, or not so good, can help you move forward. It's a very personal thing, and sometimes difficult to see from any perspective but your own. So the plaudit of being a runner-up was brilliant!"
Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen
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WRITER ROBERT IS IN A TRANCE
FANTASY WARRIORS GROW INTO A NOVEL
By Lisa Higginson
A SELF-TAUGHT author from Heysham has published his first fantasy novel after eight years of penning - and a sequel is already on the way.
The Citizen
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TRANCE WARRIORS: THE SIEGE OF SCARN
The Self Publishing Magazine
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-- Readers Comments
I read the prologue and was drawn into the book instantly, the book grabbed me and I struggled to do much of anything else until I had the last page. There is lots of detail of blood and gore which is great to see in a book; both good and evil suffer tremendous losses in this epic fantasy which is important. Most books like this seem to be a bit more one sided (ones that I have read). A really well thought out book, instantly addictive, I can't wait for the next book.
Dayle Mitchell Jr
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An exciting fantasy tale which captures your interest from start to finish, bring on the next one!
T Mitchell
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The type of book I can get lost in. It draws you in until you can feel the emotions of the characters and follow their hopes and dreams as if they were your own. Well depicted battles and a wealth of information upon which to base the books which are sure to follow. A pleasure to read.
Mr D Giles
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From the first page of the prologue I could not put this book down. Such was the style and pace; at times I felt I was watching a movie. As a female reader his empathy with the female characters is insightful and powerful. He draws you in with the characters and you find yourself fully involved with their situations. This author is surely an emerging talent to watch out for whether you be a heroic fantasy fan or not. I for one am looking forward to the continuing saga. You will not be disappointed!
Catherine Cousins
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An epic, fast paced heroic fantasy. Full of all the action a fantasy fan could ask for. Exceptionally easy to read. Having read many books of this genre, I believe that this one stands higher than all of the others in storyline, writing style, and a capturing mix of action and adventure. Ending with a fantastic siege this is the perfect read for any and every heroic fantasy fan.
Luke Green
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I really liked it. A strange combination of brutality and compassion - a bit of a rollercoaster of a read if you get absorbed like I tend to.
A reader from England
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I really enjoyed the book and I await with baited breath the next trilling instalment of this saga. The humour and personality Auty gives his characters really amused me, also I liked the way he added a greater depth to the story half way through with the inclusion of Kaitomi and his blood cult.
Scott Wilson
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Absolutely Brilliant! Especially coming from an unknown author, better than most popular heroic fantasy writers.
A reader from England
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‘Trance Warriors’, the debut novel of Robert Auty, is a complex, multi-layered and often, chilling saga. The novel owes a debt to Tolkien, the heroic adventures of Icelandic heroes, coupled with a twist in language and existential angst for a 21st century audience.
The depth and breadth of the author’s vision is evident in the landscapes and histories created for each of the ‘tribes’, he provides the reader with enough detail to evoke character and place, whilst at the same time, leaving tantalizing clues as to what lies ahead for our protagonist, Connor.
Like the best of the genre, this fantasy fiction novel allows the reader to engage in splendid set battle scenes, bloodthirsty enough to quench even the most hardened fantasist. However this is neatly counter-balanced by the doubt, insecurities and universal questions that are explored and posed throughout the text.
Reading the novel was an intense experience; much like a rich truffle, I found that it could only be consumed in bite-size pieces, so overwhelming is the narrative in parts. By the end of the text however I was definitely left wanting more and looking forward to the further adventures of Connor and his band of heroes.
S.J. Scarff-Hurst
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I do not care for fantasy books or movies such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Ring Trilologies. I tried to read/watch them but within the first chapter or scene(s) I get bored. I do, however, like horror books and movies. So maybe that is what helped make this book a real success to my taste.
I was shocked how Trance Warriors The Siege of Scarn hooked me from the first page. Robert C. Auty wrote an amazing story that immediately captivates readers.
The characters are well thought out. The plot line is very interesting. I cannot wait for the next book. I hope this book becomes a movie. I think it will be a top box office hit.
If The Lord of the Ring & Harry Potter became so famous this book is sure to grab even more fans!
A reader from USA
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The Siege of Scarn is quite an exciting read! I absolutely love fantasy books and this one was right up my alley. It was a bit more graphic than some others I've read, but it was done tactfully and fit the story well. The story reminded me of some of the other very famous fantasy tales so it wouldn't be surprising if this one follows in the same footsteps, as far as popularity goes.
I was so captivated by the story that I was so surprised at how quickly I'd finished it! I can't wait to see books as a part of this series in the future!
A reader from USA
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I like fantasy. I don't like lots of blood and gore and chopped off body parts. In reading Trance Warriors, Seige of Scarn, however, I was pleasantly surprised to see that although there is carnage, and death, and lots of fighting, the story was so intriguing that I had to keep reading. Connor, an outlaw, is hired to assasinate the king, but kills the wrong man,incurring the wrath of the evil queen Merrill. As he escapes her he meets allies, Cheryl, a follower of the god Scarn, who is the good brother, Scarl, his twin, is an evil god.Stort, a dwarf, is another ally, as is Janice a female fellow outlaw. They meet elves, even dark elves. Relationships among them are revealed as they travel and fight.
The action is fast paced, with Connor discovering more about himself and his relationship to the god Scarn. He doesn't always agree with what he has to do, but continues to work for good. His companions bond and form a group to help him and gather other allies, during battles and confrontations. And Connor discovers the toll fighting takes, and the toll secrets require.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
A reader from USA
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