'Twelve heroes. One kingdom on the brink of eternal darkness. And a prophecy that says only together can they save the world.
The Author
S. E. Turner
Kingdom of Durundal - Age of Heroes.
Why should you invest in my books? And what makes my books stand out from the rest?
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To begin with, I write about strong females, something I feel is lacking in a lot of fantasy and historical fiction. In fact, statistics show that only 1 in 4 children's books have a female protagonist, and it continues into adult fiction. That is a shame. I'm a strong advocate of a woman's strength, perseverance, and intuition, and I celebrate that in my books. There is an abundance of male protagonists throughout the Age of Heroes series, but you will notice the female presence in a strong and positive way.
The Prophecy is a prequel and can be read at the beginning or the end of the series. It gives clarity and explains the origins of the 'chosen one.' And thus, like our own existence, the series reads like a cycle. Each book brings in a new protagonist with his or her own tale but they are all pivotal to the plot and the fight against the Dark Lord. As the books evolve you will discover more about the characters: the good and the bad, the protagonists and the antagonists - particularly who they really are or, perhaps more interestingly, who they become ... I can guarantee a plethora of shock twists for everyone.
There are many themes throughout the Kingdom of Durundal series. Ultimately it is a fantasy/adventure/drama, but there is a significant romance intertwined and a sense of justice. It is well-researched—so the reader's senses are stirred by rich details and historical events, and then woven together with threads of political intrigue, celebration and sorcery.
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I hope you enjoy reading the books, and if you do, please leave a positive review.
★★★★★
'The series is more than the single genre of fantasy for one particular audience. Rather, it blends into a numinous crossroads where fantasy meets reality, and the surreal meets the sublime. I wanted to write a series that everyone could read, and I’m happy to provide an exciting, epic story, that a wide variety of ages will enjoy.'
S E Turner Author.
What inspired you to write The Kingdom of Durundal?
My love for fantasy began early—I devoured The Chronicles of Narnia as a child and discovered The Lord of the Rings as a teenager. Later came Game of Thrones, but it was a journey to Scotland that truly sparked the world of Durundal.
The wilderness there was breathtaking—the vast mountain ranges, the haunting atmosphere where it feels as if ancient clans still whisper on the wind. Standing on the mound of Dunned Fort in Kilmartin Glen, once home to the first Gaelic kings some 2,000 years ago, I looked out across the lochs and and imagined castles, caves, hidden grottos, and lives long past—including elves, dragons, and giants. From that moment, a story began to take shape. I saw pain and triumph, love and sacrifice, courage and betrayal—the magic of a time gone by. That was the birth of The Kingdom of Durundal.
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Like all kingdoms, mine is built on sacrifice, ambition, and power struggles. These themes form the backbone of the story, becoming more vivid as the series progresses.
Interestingly, from the first moment that Ajeya comes riding in - Book 1, to the part where Sansara returns to Tarragon Island - Book 5, the timescale is only a few days. It's the history of the main characters that goes back decades, weaving together histories, secrets, and legacies across generations.
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Books 6,7, and 8 in the Sorceress of the Sapphire series, introduce the third and fourth generations; and the last character you meet in book 8, is Ajeya's granddaughter, Azura.
Books, 9,10, and 11, offer further stories and insights that are paramount to the history of Durundal.
Book 12 is a prequel, which can be read at the beginning or the end.
It's that deep rooted connection that makes this story so unique and memorable - where the ties of destiny bring the characters together, and makes this series a timeless classic.
How did you decide on the titles for your books?
When you write about ancient civilisations, albeit in a fantasy setting, there has to be a certain amount of research to keep it believable. Most of what you read about the clans is factual, and their totems are indeed very real. Our ancestors depended on them for safety, to please the spirits and to give the bearer added strength. I have tried to keep this bygone age alive in my books. The titles in the first four books are animal totems. Book 5 - A Moth in the Flames, represents change, and breathes life into the world of witchcraft and magic.
Your female protagonists are very strong. Why did you write them in?
Over the course of history there have been so many inspirational women, women of courage with a fire about them. I yearn for all women, from all over the world, from all walks of life, to find that inspiration, light that fire and ignite that courage. I want everyone to find their strengths and give their best, regardless of age, colour, status or creed. Think like Cleopatra, fight like Boadicea and live like a Goddess.
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Who is your favourite character?
I am asked that a lot, and I would have to say Cornelius. I think he had a bad start in life. He was the ultimate bad guy - he did some pretty awful stuff to Namir in A Leopard in the Mist. He was a liar and a coward. But was it nature or nurture that made him that way? Whatever made him change, he came good in the end (A Stag in the Shadows). At that point I didn't know whether to kill him off or save him. I spent months considering the options. But in the end I decided to save him - because he is my favourite character - named after my great-grandfather, and to show that people can change - if they want to.
What would you say to a fledgling author?
Never give up on your dream. Read a lot of books in different genres, and write down all those little pockets of inspiration that pop into your head at the unlikeliest of moments.
