I'm thrilled to have Lexi Rees stopping by today to chat about Eternal Seas, the first book in her new middle-grade The Relic Hunters Series...
Eternal Seas
(The Relic Hunters #1)
By Lexi Rees
September 28, 2018
Troubador Publishing
Such a small parcel shouldn't cause experienced smugglers much trouble, but this parcel is far from normal. Lost and scared after a violent storm, Finn and his sister, Aria, take shelter on a remote island. They discover the parcel contains a relic belonging to a long forgotten people. Locked inside are powers which will change their lives, and the world, forever. As Finn realises his connection to the relic, a vision strikes him - but what does it mean? Who should they trust? And if they decide to follow their hearts rather than their orders, will they manage to deliver the relic in one piece? Chased across the seas as they try to solve the mysteries within the parcel, the fate of this ancient people depends on them. Finn and Aria must choose between what is right and what is easy - and time is running out ... With brave protagonists and life lessons of courage and honour, Eternal Seas speaks from a `flawed' character perspective that everyone can relate to. Young readers who enjoy daring plots and exciting adventures will delight in this original story of different races and tough choices.
Q1. What three words best describe your book, Eternal Seas?
Fast-paced, thrilling, adventure
Q2. Grab a copy of Eternal Seas and answer the following:
Favorite chapter? Ooooh that’s tough. Probably Chapter Three, Lost. Strange characters, a creepy setting, a touch of magic and a mystery ....
Favorite page? The first page – it reminds me of the day I started to write Eternal Seas, so long ago!
Favorite setting? I love Castle Gylen. It’s a real ruined castle on the Isle of Kerrera, near Oban in Scotland, although my description of the island itself fits the Outer Hebrides better.
Flip to a random page and give us a 1-2 sentences teaser:
‘You should not be here,’ he growls, his voice dark and menacing. ‘It is not safe.’
Q3. What inspired Eternal Seas? How did this story come to be?
The initial idea started from the Chinese Cultural Revolution and, in particular, the destruction of books and paintings. That got me thinking about a black market for such things. And that would need smugglers. But what if the smugglers aren’t bad people?
And that’s where the idea for Eternal Seas started, Finn and Aria are smugglers. Of course, that’s just the backstory – it’s not what happens in the book. That’s a different adventure.
Q4. Can you tell us a bit about your characters Finn and Aria? What makes them special and what do you love about them?
Finn is twelve and Aria is ten. They live on a boat and are constantly on the move so don’t go to school. I have friends who home-educate their children and I love the flexibility it gives them to provide a broad education. As a result, Finn and Aria are great at outdoor sports including sailing, climbing, and archery, plus they have other skills like navigation, building camp fires, and hunting.
I love that they are so different. Finn is brave and likes to get stuck in, whilst Aria is smart and thoughtful. Both of them learn a few lessons during the book, of course.
Q5. In Eternal Seas, your characters are smugglers...what would YOU be willing to smuggle?
Haha, great question! Whisky.
One of my favourite movies is the old black and white version of Whisky Galore. If I was on the island of Todday in the movie, or Eriskay in real life, I’d definitely have been a whisky smuggler.
Q6. Fill in the blanks:
I'm awesome at taking a coffee break.
I'm embarrassed to admit I can happily eat a family-sized packet of Jelly Babies.
The last great book I read was “Rowing the Pacific” by Mick Dawson. It’s non-fiction, taking adventure to the extreme. If you liked Joe Simpson’s “Touching the Void”, I would highly recommend it.
Q7. If you were to create and bake a cupcake inspired by Eternal Seas, what would it look and taste like, and what would you call it?
It would have waves of icing, but not blue. Blue icing is just wrong! Salted caramel flavour. I’d call it “Once Lost, Twice Found” as Finn and Aria are The Relic Hunters.
Lexi Rees grew up in the north of Scotland but now splits her time between London and West Sussex. She still goes back to Scotland regularly though.
Usually seen clutching a mug of coffee, she spends as much time as possible sailing and horse riding, both of which she does enthusiastically but spectacularly badly.
Her first book, Eternal Seas was written on a boat; the storm described in it was frighteningly real.
Loved your questions! Thanks so much for inviting me onto your fabulous blog! What would you be willing to smuggle??
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