Today I have the opportunity to introduce you to a new and upcoming book, The Wildcat of Braeton by Claire Banschbach. Today, we have a character spotlight about one of the main characters.

About the book:

“If you’re fighting our battle, we’d best make you look like a champion,” Tam said to Aiden. Tam and Blair began to apply the war paint the Clans had worn into battle since before they arrived in Braeton.

“You ready?” Tam asked when they finished.

“As I’ll ever be,” Aiden replied. “Tam, if everything goes wrong, you take charge after me.”

“I’m praying nothing goes wrong,” Tam said. “Just remember what Diarmad said when he built this place: ‘In times of trouble, a Champion shall rise up and Scodra shall not fall.’”

His term of service to Lord Rishdah now complete, Aiden returns to his home in Braeton. As he travels he hears rumors that trouble plagues Braeton. Clan Canich is being attacked from within. He arrives, determined to save his father, his brothers, and his Clan from the treachery of one man.

A year has passed since the Calorins were driven from Aredor and Corin is struggling to rebuild his country. Despite the peace, a fear haunts him that the Calorins aren’t far away. The Hawk Flight takes to the forest again to defend the borders against a possible attack from the neighboring country of Durna and its Calorin ally.

As Aiden and Corin struggle to adapt to their new lives they know one thing for certain – war is coming to the North!

About the Author:

Claire Banschbach was born and raised in Midland, TX, the fourth of eight children. She was homeschooled through high school and is now a proud member of the Texas A&M University class of 2014. An avid reader of Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and many other adventure novels, Claire was prompted to begin writing her own fantasy novel at seventeen after several years of daydreaming. She continues to write in her spare time (and often when she doesn’t have spare time). When not scratching out stories and homework with pen and pencil, Claire partakes in the joys of watching the Boston Red Sox, Aggie football, playing volleyball, and horseback riding. She hopes her faith and strong foundation in God will continue to help guide her writing. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the Texas Tech University Health Science Center.

Character Spotlight

Aiden is the third son of Laird Gordon, chief of Clan Canich of Braeton. He ran away from the Clan when he was sixteen after clashing with his father on numerous occasions; their headstrong and fiery personalities resulting in this almost continual conflict. He travelled south to the coast of Aredor where a friendly merchant gave him passage to the western country of Gelion. There he became a squire in a governor’s palace in a coastal town. It was there that he learned to use his distinctive double swords. An unfortunate accident in the training ring and an ever-growing desire to see more of the world prompted him to travel again, this time embarking on a voyage to the southern country of Calorin. Not too long after reaching Calorin, he found himself in a tight spot, brought on by his temper and some unfriendly Calorins. A Lord Rishdah resolved the situation and brought Aiden into his service.

Aiden served in Lord Rishdah’s army for a year before tragedy struck again in a battle, killing a close friend of Aiden’s. This caused Aiden to begin curbing his temper and struggling to control the berserker’s rage that haunts him. Shortly after, he joined the elite Phoenix Guard of Lord Rishdah. During that time he took a Calorin name – Emeth. Seven years later, he would finish his term of service to Lord Rishdah and begin a journey back to a home that he will find is very changed from when he left ten years before. Foreigners threaten his Clan and the safety of Braeton. It falls to Aiden to stop them before his family and country are destroyed.

His Calorin name, Emeth, means “faithful” or “true” and his Braeton name means “fire”, both perfectly summing up his character. He is loyal in every way to his family and his friends. If anyone he cares about finds themselves in trouble, Aiden will be instantly by their side. He is dangerous and fierce in battle but able to control the blood wrath unless under extreme circumstances. His shorter stature oftentimes will cause him to be underestimated, usually with devastating consequences. He’s never one to pass up a practical joke or prank and is more than willing to laugh at himself. When faced with a challenge some might consider impossible, he is most likely to reply “Sure, it’s easier than you’d think.”

Release date info

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the release date has been moved to (most likely) May. However, if you feel that you cannot live without this book, you can buy it here- https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-68097-981-7 Warning- it costs about a hundred-million dollars (or I’m a poor college student and anything over $20 is expensive), so I would wait until its official release date and you can shop more cheaply! Stay tuned on my Facebook page or blog for more info on the release date!

 Connect with the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clairembanschbach

Twitter: @TheRiseofAredor

Blog: https://www.clairembanschbach.wordpress.com

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/105807269877322531706/about/p/pub

Giveaway!

Opens at midnight March 23 and closes at midnight on March 28. Giveaway includes 2 signed copies of The Wildcat of Braeton and accompanying sets of four notecard sized illustrations from the series!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 23

Morgan Huneke, Shire Reviews – Book Review

Faith Blum, Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections – Character Spotlight – Aiden

 

Tuesday, March 24

Kendra E. Ardnek, Knitted by God’s Plan – Author Interview/Book Review

Mary Clare Archer, Virtuous Rebellion – Author Interview

 

Wednesday, March 25

Michael Gunter, Tales of Today and Yesterday – Author Interview

Claire M. Banschbach –Thoughts and Rants – Meet the Characters!

 

Thursday, March 26

Jaye L. Knight, Author Jaye L. Knight – Author Interview

Claire M. Banschbach- Thoughts and Rants– Interview with the Artist

 

Friday, March 27

Shantelle, A Writer’s Heart – Author Interview/Book Review

Elizabeth Rawls, E. Rawls – Author Interview

 

Saturday, March 28

Katie Grace, A Writer’s Faith – Author Interview

Claire M. Banschbach, Thoughts and Rants – Tour finish and excerpt