The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves? After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him. Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding, powers that may prove to be her undoing.

Thanks to Bewitching Book Tours for hosting this blog tour. I have Philippa (Pip) Ballantine, author of Harbinger here today talking about power. Welcome!

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I’d Like the Power…

In the world of the Books of the Order there are a number of powers that the Deacons have. Through years of training they can control fire, walk through walls, see into other worlds and a number of other awesome…but terrifying powers. Then there are other wild talents, that are a little less reliable; Deacon Merrick Chambers can manipulate the emotions of people, and Garil can look into the future.

I really wouldn’t want to have any of those powers, since the cost of them is years of training, and being linked to another human being could be a tricky thing. Sorcha and Merrick learn about the dangers of that Link.

The power I would love to have is the one that Raed is so tormented by; that of a shapeshifter. Though in the world of Arkaym it is bought by being possessed by a geistlord, I still think it would be a wonderful thing to experience. In the final book, Harbinger, Raed has come to an arrangement with the Rossin, the fearsome and huge cat that has his own agenda so that Raed has some measure of control. How much will be seen though…

While that geistlord is a powerful creature, I don’t think I’d want in my head. However, if I had the wild talent of shapeshifting I’d be happy. I’ve always loved cats both big and small, and I would chose to take that form—preferably a tiger. It’d be neat to prowl through the forest and experience the world through the eyes of a great cat. Seeing in the night, smelling the animals and plants, hearing all the noises of the jungle, would be an amazing experience far beyond that of a human.

I think that is why people often dream of being a shifter; the escape from the ordinary, and the joy of returning to the wild.

I know that there is part of Raed, even though he is horrified by the Rossin, that is thrilled by the power of the beast. It’s an attraction many humans feel towards the wild, and dream of feeling its strength—even for a moment.