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Interview with Jennifer K. Marsh, author of Ilimoskus: Times of Old

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Ilimoskus: Times of Old is the first book in a trilogy which takes the reader into a stark collision between fantasy and reality.

The Ilimoskus are a race of elemental beings (fire, earth, air and water) who live on Earth, unbeknown to humans. They are a most peaceful folk who lead uneventful lives in harmony with nature. But, little do they all know, this time of peace is soon to come to an end.

There is an ever-growing tension forming between the Ilimoskus – the likes of which have never been experienced before – but throughout this, a rebellious Flamikus (fire folk) called Fii’dezrhu Reotum discovers a momentous secret which later proves to be the catalyst for the greatest change the world has ever seen: he inadvertently reveals the Ilimoskus’ existence to one young girl.

And the world they once knew comes crumbling down.

… And with that, we’re hooked! You say it’s a fantasy series?
The Ilimoskus trilogy could generally be categorised as contemporary fantasy, but it contains elements of low and high fantasy as well. It has an important environmental theme, so maybe it could be classed as an eco-fantasy!

What kind of readers will that appeal to?
I’d like to think that Ilimoskus will appeal to a wide range of different readers. Male and female, young and old! There are bits for everyone: friendship, love, duty, guilt, lies, anger, heartbreak, laughter – I could go on! However, that said, it is unlikely to appeal to younger children, as the story is deep and complex with a multitude of different themes and sub-plots running through it.

Being more specific, Ilimoskus will appeal to fantasy lovers, or readers who like to get lost in an expansive world; because the story is deep and complex, if you like a challenge, then I’m sure this will satisfy you. I have been told many times that Ilimoskus is ‘different’, so, if you’re looking for something that little bit unusual, perhaps this is it.

What do we need to know about Fii’dezrhu Reotum?
The Ilimoskus world is shown through the lives of the Flamikus (fire folk). The main Ilimoskus character is Fii’dezrhu Reotum, who is a rebellious and impulsive Flamikus. He is an outcast within Ilimoskus society, and this has led to his rash and, to some extent, foolish behaviour. However, despite this, he has a great sense of fun and adventure, and he is incredibly spirited. Through Fii’dezrhu, the reader is taken on an emotional journey as events and circumstances push him down the path of dramatic change and adversity encouraged by his own reckless exploits. Will he ever learn to quench his wild fire?

You mentioned something about a young human girl. Do we need to know more about her?
The human world, in the meanwhile, is shown through the life of fifteen year old Elizabeth Gott. She is a rather introverted girl, being the small shadow under her elder sister’s dominating presence. She comes from a privileged family who live in a quintessential English village; living in a village suits her, as she is a quiet girl and has easy access to the natural world which she so enjoys. She feels very isolated and outcast from her peers, and she has few friends. As the story develops, events take place that force Elizabeth to leave her comfort zone and embrace the person she was meant to become, but will she be able to accept the life-shattering changes heading her way?

Are there other characters we should know about?
Fii’dezrhu’s best – and only – friend is Nax’pala Arrubii (or, as known by many, simply ‘Nax’). Nax is without a shadow of a doubt the more reliable and sensible of the two, though this is due to his being the heir to an exceedingly high position within Ilimoskus society, and thus, he is bound by responsibility. For this reason, his friendship with Fii’dezrhu is a rather controversial one, for many believe that Fii’dezrhu is leading him astray from his duties; yet, in spite of being torn between duty and friendship, Nax is extremely loyal and has the kindest of hearts, and he is generous and thoughtful. Through Nax, the reader experiences the emotional strain of a free heart shackled by the chains of duty, but will the valiant courage within him lead to acceptance or escape?

How would you like the reader to feel as they read the last word of your book?
I have been told that the ending of Times of Old is a slight cliff hanger, so I would like the reader to feel keen to read the next one! Besides that, I’d like to think some feelings of concern would arise for the characters and what is to come, as the book takes a sudden and dramatic darker turn very late on. 

And when can we expect to get our grubby mitts on Book 2?
I am currently recommencing work on the second part of the trilogy after having a much longer than intended break from it all. I shan’t give any details about Book 2 as of yet, as I’m saving it for when it’s nearer completion, which should hopefully be sometime in 2014.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Wiltshire, United Kingdom. I am most definitely a country lass at heart, for I love all that nature has to offer; for me, there is nothing worse than being in a big city! I cannot deny that my love and respect for nature and the environment is one of the reasons Ilimoskus came to mind in the first place.

I started writing the first book in the Ilimoskus trilogy when I was still a full time student studying English Language, among a few other courses. On the subject of English and writing, I think I have always been a reasonably keen writer, for I remember writing stories as a child. I wrote my first short story when I was around eight; it was called ‘Silliness All Day, Everyday’, and it was about a disorderly family and the general mishaps that happened in their lives. I still have it, buried somewhere in amongst all my mounds of paper and rubbish, but rarely does it see the light of day – a tidal wave of shame and embarrassment comes crashing over me whenever I look at it!

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
http://jenniferkmarsh.co.uk/

What about social media?
@JenniferKMarsh
http://www.facebook.com/JenniferKMarsh12.

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