About the Book
Foes of Hope takes readers into the alternative Victorian-era continent of Vasarea, a land of fragile alliances and brewing rebellion. At its heart is the royal family in the nation of Eirene, a once-mighty kingdom now fractured by war, power struggles, and betrayal. As a dangerous cult known as the Harbingers rises to challenge their rule, four heirs must navigate loyalty, ambition, and personal demons to determine their nation’s fate. This is a tale of growth, redemption, and the courage to redefine what it means to lead.
Pistis, the daughter of the ruling Arete family, must fight alongside her father to defeat Gregorio, the leader of the Harbingers. Meanwhile, her siblings go through their own trials. Cadfael, the charismatic Prince, must make decisions that will shake the very foundations of his kingdom. Yagmur, the maligned sibling, will learn to overcome her addiction, as well as decide who to trust, and who to kill. As the civil war ensues, the truth of the war begins to reveal itself, and the sins of their past come back to haunt them, will the Arete siblings find their inner strength to overcome their trials? Or will they become another forgotten member of their chronicled lineage?
About the Author
Brendon James is a high school English teacher and bartender who was born in the small town of Ventura, California. While studying journalism in college, he discovered his passion for writing stories and decided to write his debut novel, Foes Of Hope. He lives in Denton, Texas, where he constantly dreams up new ways to engage his readers.
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book, Foes Of Hope, What is it about?
Foes Of Hope is about this group of family and the emotional journey they each go through as they all become affected by a civil war. It mostly focuses on Pistis, the youngest daughter who is burdened by her past and tries to fit the image both her family and her society wants her to be. Then there’s Yagmur, the middle child who has struggled with addiction and being sort of the “black sheep” of the family, which in turn has gotten her into a lot of trouble. And then there’s Cadfael, who tries to decide whether he loves his family or power more.
All of the story takes place in the continent of Vasarea, where there are 12 different types of magic called Stocheio, and there are different colored moons that represents each nation. And when a person gets a Stocheio, they’re able to create their own abilities, so for the most part, everyone has their own strengths and drawbacks regarding their power.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, Foes Of Hope, is it directed at any particular market?
Any fan of fantasy as well as someone who likes any stories taking place in a Victorian inspired setting.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
V.E. Schwab is who inspired me with the way she writes her stories and world building. There’s always something majestic with the way she crafts her characters too, and I challenged myself in trying to create something that will have an impact on people.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
Realize that not one author’s journey is the same as the others. I started way back in 2014 when I was in college, and it took me 11 years to publish. There’s no time limit. There’s someone in this world who wants to read your story. Set aside time to write to keep that passion going,
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
I don’t have a website yet, but I am on Instagram as brendonajames, and TikTok as bajames12.
Qn 6: What was your inspiration for writing Foes of Hope?
My inspiration came after reading a Darker Shade Of Magic by V.E. Schwab and Kings Or Pawns by JJ Sherwood. I wanted to craft my own world and characters that would leave an impact on people.
Qn 7: Pistis, the daughter of the ruling Arete family, Cadfael, the charismatic Prince, Yagmur, the maligned sibling, are just a handful of your characters, who was the most challenging to write in Foes of Hope and why?
Oof, that’s a tough one. They’ve all changed so much throughout the years. I would have to say Pistis. She used to be a very meek character. Then she was a charismatic adventurer who was always smiling. And then she was a reserved warrior who thirsted for battles. I had many headaches figuring out what kind of ability she should have. Heck, for the longest time, she was going to have a spear before I settled on her using a bow. The Pistis you see in this book versus the ones in earlier drafts are different characters. I was so concerned about creating a protagonist that would stand out at least a little bit in the fantasy genre that I spent years making sure Pistis was compelling and unique.
Qn 8: Who did you enjoy writing about the most?
Probably Yagmur. Her story is unique compared to the rest of her family, and it was a different kind of challenge I thoroughly enjoyed. But Soteria is right behind her. I’d always have a smile whenever I wrote her dialogue and scenes.
Qn 9: Foes of Hope is a coming of age story with elements of good vs eveil and personal struggles – what key aspects can readers identify with in the story?
Some key aspects would be coming to terms with change, even if you don’t want it to happen. How to find value in yourself even if you feel like everyone is against you. And another aspect is just trying to become who you want to be, not what your society wants you to be.
Qn 10: After Foes of Hope, will you be working on a sequel or any other project?
I would absolutely love to work on a sequel. I do have some ideas for another story, but I’d like to see how Foes Of Hope does to see if the community wants to see a continuation of the Arete family’s journey.
Foes of Hope: Buy now on Amazon
Be the first to comment