Blog Stop Tour: The Necromancer’s Daughter 

Steven Baird

Fantasy writers are especially unique in that they imagine worlds — regalities and cultures and creatures — that never were, and then go ahead and build them, imbuing them with their own lively visions, and then spiking them with a bit of awfulness that we all recognize. Dragons? I’m not so sure they don’t exist. In the imagination of D. Wallace Peach, of course they do. And so do necromancers, but it’s a costly gift.

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A healer and dabbler in the dark arts of life and death, Barus is as gnarled as an ancient tree. Forgotten in the chaos of the dying queen’s chamber, he spirits away her stillborn infant, and in a hovel at the meadow’s edge, he breathes life into the wisp of a child. He names her Aster for the lea’s white flowers. Raised as his daughter, she learns to heal death.

Then the day arrives when the widowed king, his own life nearing its end, defies the Red Order’s warning. He summons the necromancer’s daughter, his only heir, and for his boldness, he falls to an assassin’s blade.

While Barus hides from the Order’s soldiers, Aster leads their masters beyond the wall into the Forest of Silvern Cats, a land of dragons and barbarian tribes. She seeks her mother’s people, the powerful rulers of Blackrock, uncertain whether she will find sanctuary or face a gallows’ noose.

Unprepared for a world rife with danger, a world divided by those who practice magic and those who hunt them, she must choose whether to trust the one man offering her aid, the one man most likely to betray her—her enemy’s son.

A healer with the talent to unravel death, a child reborn, a father lusting for vengeance, and a son torn between justice, faith, and love. Caught in a chase spanning kingdoms, each must decide the nature of good and evil, the lengths they will go to survive, and what they are willing to lose.

From Chapter 5 – An excerpt

A wave of panic stilled Barus’s hand, the needs of an infant beyond his experience. The insanity of his choice forced him back a step. For a full day, he’d suffered from fatigue and fear, his mind as muddy as a spring puddle. What was he thinking? Did he believe, for a single moment, he possessed the knowledge or skill to raise a child?

He slumped onto the one chair Graeger had left intact when he’d first barged into Barus’s life. His head hung forward into his hands, and he shivered. If the land wasn’t trapped in the grip of winter, he could bury her body under the willow beside the boy. He could lower her into the ravine beside Olma’s bones so neither would rest alone. And while the thought comforted him, it made his heart ache with grinding loneliness.

Olma hadn’t abandoned him despite the tragedy of his birth. How could he choose otherwise?

If the land wasn’t trapped in the grip of winter, he could bury her body under the willow beside the boy.

He studied the baby’s exquisite face, her repose as tranquil as sleep, fingers curled, complexion and hair as white as the asters on the summer’s lea. On her deathbed, the queen had begged for her child’s life. He possessed the power to see her will done, and in the depths of his heart, he couldn’t deny her … or the infant. Or himself. Despite his fear, he’d fallen in love.

Meet the Author

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked.

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.

Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.

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One of my favorite excerpts: “A cold bone-moon sailed across the treetops. Silvergreen leaves glimmered between the towering evergreens like fairy lanterns. For several hours, she walked beside him, and they resorted to quiet conversation. With dawn a long way off, they settled beneath a tent of bowed branches and huddled together for warmth. Aster sighed and fell asleep with renewed hope.” This is simply lovely.

Diana’s writing brings a certain elegance to all her characters, who feel lived-in and fully-realized — particularly Barus, whose kindness and simple humanity lifts this tale high. Diane’s descriptive prowess is enchanting as always, and “The Necromancer’s Daughter” is as magical and rewarding a read as you would expect from this gifted author.

Purchase Links:

Global Amazon Links:

US: https://www.amazon.com/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach/dp/B0B9FY6YZJ

IN: https://www.amazon.in/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Apple

Diana’s Sites:

Amazon Author’s Page:

 https://www.amazon.com/D.-Wallace-Peach/e/B00CLKLXP8

Website/Blog: http://mythsofthemirror.com

Website/Books: http://dwallacepeachbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dwallacepeach

110 thoughts on “Blog Stop Tour: The Necromancer’s Daughter ”

  1. Pingback: The Necromancer’s Daughter Book Tour: Day 12 | Myths of the Mirror

  2. What a lovely post. Thank you for hosting me today, Steven, and for your wonderful comments on the book and my writing. You know what a fan I am of your writing, which makes this visit extra special. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to spending the day with you. Huge hugs ❤

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    1. Thank you, Diana, and thank you for the kind comments. I’m still amazed by your response to ‘Ordinary Handsome’. Of course I jumped at the chance to contribute to your Blog Stop Tour and am happy to so whenever you need a hand. Many wishes for a successful launch!

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      1. I just love rich, atmospheric writing, and deeply emotional characterization. You always deliver, Steven. That was my introduction to your skill and I was blown away. Delighted to hang around with you today, my friend. 🙂

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  3. Hello! I’m here because Diana sent me! So glad to meet you, and she really gave you a wonderful introduction. Your blog will be a nice addition to my world, so I will follow you. Wonderful blog post for Diana’s Necromancer’s Daughter. It’s a fabulous book and I fell in love with the characters. She also said you write characters with depth! 😃

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    2. Thanks so much for following the link and meeting one of my favorite writers, Ka. That was so kind of you, and I think you’ll love
      Steven’s blog. Yay! And I’m so touched by your lovely comment about my book. You’re the best. Hugs.

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  6. Love this layout. I have to try the gradient headings.

    I’ve said a whole lot about how much I love this book, but I’ll add one more thought. I read a quote about the passing of an amazing speaker/writer at some point in the past. The line I remember is “talent on loan from God”. This too is Diana.

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  8. I want to try those gradient headings too, Jacquie. They’re much nicer than the solid blocks. 🙂 And thanks for stopping by Steven’s this morning. I hope his blog and book get a lot of attention. Of course, your comment humbles me – a super generous thing to say. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤ ❤

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    1. Thanks, Priscilla. It’s a long tour, but I’m glad to hear that it’s been enjoyable. I’ve had a lot of fun, both talking about the book and hopefully giving my hosts some exposure. They’re all talented and generous. Have a great day, my friend. 😀

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  14. Another fabulous stop on your tour, Diana. The scene you shared here is such a poignant moment for Barus. My heart broke for him. I highly recommend this book. It’s a great read. Thank you, Steven, for hosting today!

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    2. Barus is a sweetie, Liz. I loved writing his character. Thanks for taking the time to stop by Steven’s. I know you’re a regular at his site and suspect that you enjoy his writing as much as I do. Here’s to some excellent progress on your WIP. Happy Writing! ❤

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      1. You’re welcome, Diana. Now that I stop and think about why I enjoy Steven’s writing, I would have to say that it has the same quality that draws me to William Faulknder’s writing. It has one foot in the real world and one foot in a world that can only exist in his fiction.

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      2. Your comment fascinated me, Liz. I had to read Faulkner in high school and hated it. I haven’t read any since. (Book reports did not make me a fan of literature.) Now I MUST give his work another try. Won’t this be interesting.

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    2. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, Teri. I appreciate the kind comment and support. I admire Steven’s writing, and I’m delighted to spend the day on his blog. Have fun getting ready for Bad Moon Rising. Only days away!

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  19. I’m nearly done with the book and I agree with your review of this book as well as your comments regarding the skill and beauty of the amazing D. Wallace Peach’s writing.
    Here are a couple snippets of character/relationship moments I found especially well-drawn. CH. 21: “Like cold ash from a hearth, she swept him from her mind and focused on her…” CH. 38: “…exhausted, vulnerable. His head ached, and a fever stewed in his veins. Part of him regretted his cold-hearted honesty…”

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    2. Awww. Thanks for the wonderful comment, Sheri, and for pointing out a few lines that you enjoyed. Yay! I’m eager to hear your thoughts when you get to the end. I hope you enjoy the way it wraps up. It’s great to see you here at Steven’s. Have a wonderful evening, my friend. ❤

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    2. It’s so funny how we find our niches, Jacquie. I can’t imagine conjuring up a story in the real world. All that technical research and stuff I’d have to learn. Eeek. Thanks for the kind visit to Steven’s. Always wonderful to see you. Hugs.

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Laurie. I’m feeling very well taken care of by my hosts and all the kind visitors. Wonderful to see you and have a lovely Friday and weekend. (FYI – I’m posting my September reviews tomorrow – including your book. :-))

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      2. Thanks, Robbie. Humans have a pretty terrifying past when it comes to superstition and beliefs about evil. (All those real people who were hung, drowned, burned throughout history, often women). I wanted to show a different perspective. Hugs, my friend.

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  24. What a delight to get a sneak preview of your book and meet you Steven on Diana’s site although I do believe we have crossed paths.

    I love the mutual respect you have for each other and love what Diana said about you here “He’s one of the authors I try to emulate. I drool a little over his lush imagery and the exquisite emotional depth of his work. His glimpses into character are breathtaking.”

    I can see by your lovely review of Diana’s book. You did it justice and truly highlighted her talent as well. ❣️❣️🙌🏽
    Nice review❣️❣️

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    1. Thank you, Cindy. What a lovely comment. Diana and I do share a mutual appreciation of each other’s work, and I’m always happy to lend a hand when she has something new to put out into the world. I’m very glad you stopped by. 🙂

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