Today, Olivia is chatting with author Angelo Verdelli about his epic fantasy, TELLER’S TALE! Check it out!
In South Portland, Maine, four teens are exploring caves when they pass through a red door… and into a world of princes, mystics, conspiracies and warring gods.
Do they trust Talus, the rightful King of Atresia, or Teller, the spiritual leader of Galea? Prince Talus has been robbed of his birthright by his father, who seeks to murder him and have another ascend to the throne. Through a mystic and the prophecy that he will reveal a god for what it truly is, Talus has befriended The Darkness in order to survive.
Or do they trust The One—the God of Talus’ father—or The Darkness that seeks The One’s destruction?
Olivia with YA-Mag: Angelo, welcome to the Young Adult Magazine! Today, we’re here talking about your novel THE RISE OF TALUS.
YA: Let’s talk about Talus. How did you two first meet? What makes him the perfect character to tell this story?
Angelo Verdelli: I met Talus after dreaming about four kids being lost in another world. Talus became their nemesis in the physical realm. Though he is surrounded by evil, he himself is not. Talus even becomes repulsed by his own actions and those around him. Talus justifies them by convincing himself that they are for the greater good, an illusion supported by those who want him to continue toward his path to power.
YA: What sets Talus’ story apart from other YA fantasy epics? What will readers find that isn’t anywhere else?
AV: Most fantasies are based on myths. This epic is has a hint of truth. Whether you believe in a God or not, there is something elemental between us and a spiritual dimension just beyond our reality; one that could influence our lives and those that surround us. We call it Karma, luck, epiphanies, angels, and ghosts. Talus’ story plays upon that connection. Not only does the story reveal this dimension but it is at war with itself and we are caught in the crossfire.
YA: What non-book influences helped spark this story or your writing career in general?
AV: I have had many life experiences. I grew up in the late sixties and was influenced by the Beatles, the Vietnam War, along with assignations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. I studied religions: Eastern and Western along with Philosophy; my favorites are the Greek philosophers. But most of all, traveling around the country as a struggling musician, I learned a lot about people. There are simple truths which I restate throughout the story which I have learned from life; truths that have hopefully made me a better person and father.
YA: When you were a teen, what was your favorite book (YA or otherwise)? Now that you’re an author for teens, what is your favorite contemporary YA?
AV: My favorite books are fantasy: As a teen it was The Wizard of OZ. Like most people I’ve read The Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia, but my deepest thanks goes to J.K. Rowling.
YA: What is story behind your title, TELLER’S TALE?
AV: Actually the title came by necessity. The book is called Teller’s Tale but divided into two parts: The Rise of Talus and The Four Strangers. The titles state the main themes in each section. The series is called the Journals of Esoph. A series with more twists and turns than found in this book.
YA: This is the first in a six-book saga. What do new fans have to look forward to in the upcoming novels? How will the stakes be raised?
AV: The second two- part novel is complete. This time certain characters enter our world. The books reveal how we the modern society manage against the good and evil in our mist. Without giving away the plot of the first book, I will say the following: there is corporation which holds a monopoly on God. World governments are aware of the supernatural and the incursion of UFO’s. But the biggest tease is this: Like Superman from Krypton who developed superpowers; these characters are given abilities beyond our imagination.
YA: These books are self-published as ebooks. What has it been like as a self-published author? What has been the best part, and what has been the most difficult?
AV: The best part is the interaction with people. I love talking about the book because I love the story. I spent seven months writing and seven years editing and publishing. The story is genuine. It is a part of me and sharing that with others has been a joyful experience. The most difficult and the most frustrating has been getting the word out.
YA: If you could cast the Dream Film of THE RISE OF TALUS, who would you cast?
AV: Talus would Duane “The Rock” Johnson. Being a wrestler along with his acting ability would make Totchpak interesting and Talus likable.
Hallicus would be Jonathan Goldsmith, the actor who plays the Most Interesting Man from the beer commercials.
Solus would be John Malkovich. He could pull of the perfection of evil.
Johnny Depp would be Salpingo.
I haven’t thought of who would play Lacunae or the kids but honestly actors and actresses today are awesome and I know the roles would be portrayed beautifully.
YA: What’s up next for you in YA land? Any pet projects you can tease us about?
AV: Not really. This series is my dream and hope. I am also an inventor. I have a patent in the works which I hope will help me promote my writing.
YA: All right, last one! If you could spend one day with Talus, what would you do together? What would advice would you give to Talus about his past or future?
AV: First of all, I like Talus. He really is a good guy. He truly lives the adage “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. Dinner with Talus and Lacunae would be great. Away from Solus, they truly love each other. How they interact along with the desire of changing their paths from destruction to hope would the one thing I would want most. Short of that, if I could, I would tell Talus to tell his father the truth. His shame prevents him from speaking up. Even he regrets the fact that his life has gone horribly wrong.
YA: Thank you very much, Angelo! And again, from YA Mag, best of luck with TELLER’S TALE!
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Readers, be sure to check out Angelo Verdelli at www.TellersTale.com. Or follow him on www.Facebook.com/TellersTale.
TELLER’S TALE is now available for all your favorite reading devices!
Olivia Hennis is a transplanted New England girl dropped by a tornado into the magical Land of Jersey. For more info, follow her on Twitter@OliviaHennis.