Character Interview: Droswain from Tom Stacey's 'Exile'

We’re thrilled to have here today Droswain from Tom Stacey’s epic fantasy, Exile. He is coming to us all the way from the distant land of Veria. It is a pleasure to have him with us today at The Literary Nook!

Thank you so for this interview, Droswain. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?

I think it’s fair in the main. Short of the ramblings of that idiot woman and her beloved lunatic, most readers will be able to see that I care about one thing above all others: truth. I fight for it — perhaps not with my fists, but in any way I can. I was banished for searching for it, and in so doing I found the route to Veria’s salvation. Anyone with a jot of sense will be able to see that.

What do you believe is your strongest trait?

My faith. In the gods, in myself, in those I feel have a role to play in my life. I am a fast friend and a strong ally because I believe in people. Perhaps some may see it as a weakness, but I have no time for such small-minded people.

Worst trait?

It could be said that I am sometimes over-zealous. If so, it is only because I am a passionate person. I am working towards a greater end than most, and nobody must be allowed to get in my way.

Do you have a love interest in the book?

No. I don’t have time for frivolity. Such things weaken the mind.

At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?

I can’t honestly say I was ever ‘nervous.’ You see, I’m dealing in absolutes, in the work of the gods, rather than the works of man. I know I am following their path. However, I have been worried about my personal safety, largely when I first met Callistan. He is a mad dog and it would be better if we put him down.

If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?

The girl, Riella. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be ruled by your loins. Still, it must be hard for her to accept her place in all of this.

How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?

Now wouldn’t that be telling? All I can say is that I am eager for the next one, so people can see what happens next. This part of Veria’s history will fill more than one page.

What words of wisdom would you give your author if he decided to write another book with you in it?

I already know that he is writing another book with me in it, and I would urge him to consider focusing more on those actions that do not include bloodshed. Far too much stock is put in the brutish and the violent, while we greater minds are left by the wayside. My kind may not win as much glory, but we are the key players. Without me Veria would be completely lost already.

Thank you for this interview.  Will we be seeing more of you in the future?

Oh, most certainly. I walk hand in hand with history. Whatever happens will happen on my watch.

About the Author:
 

Tom Stacey is an English author of the fantasy novel, Exile. Tom was born in Essex, England, and has lived there his whole life. He began writing at school, often taking responsibility for penning the class plays, or writing sketches with his friends. While attending university to read history, Tom developed his writing by creating several short stories, some of which would later become to basis for his debut novel, Exile.

Tom self-published Exile in summer 2014 and is currently working on the sequel as well as another unrelated novel. He earns a living as a video producer in London in the day and writes at night, a bit like a really underwhelming superhero.

For More Information

• Visit Tom Stacey’s website.
• Connect with Tom on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Tom at Goodreads.
• Visit Tom’s blog.
• More books by Tom Stacey.
• Contact Tom.

About the Book:

On the fringes of the Verian Empire, two small boys stumble upon a strange altar, buried in the heart of a mountain. There they awaken a horror unseen for generations, that will descend upon the realm of men while it is at its weakest. For Veria is a nation at war with itself, only recently recovered from a bloody rebellion, and the time of heroes has passed. The empire is in a state of chaos, and while its ruler, the Empron Illis, rids the land of his remaining enemies, unseen forces are gathering at the borders. However all eyes are turned inwards. The Empron is not a well man, and there are whispers among the common folk that his advisors are spies; demons that only wear the flesh of men.

Yet there is hope...

In the distant mountains, a forester who has buried his past learns that he has not been forgotten, and that his crimes have sought him out at last. But he is no simple woodsman. He is Beccorban the Helhammer, Scourge, Burner and the Death of Nations, and his fury is a terrible thing.

For when all the heroes are gone, Veria will turn to those it has forgotten, before all is lost. 

For More Information

• Exile is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.

Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads