At a young age Linvin Grithinshield was sent to the far away Kingdom of Valia to be trained as a warrior, leader and general.  In his mid-twenties Linvin has reached the rank of Supreme Commander of all Valian Forces. 

The rank is still new when he receives word that his father is missing and he must return to his home in the Kingdom of Sartan to run the family business.  The joy of his homecoming is short-lived as Linvin’s mother is murdered and Linvin’s true destiny is revealed.  He has been chosen to be the next Master of the Red Sapphire.  The gem is said to give world-altering magic to its master. 

Now it seems someone else of great power wants the gem and is willing to kill anyone in order to attain it.  Linvin must flee for his life and search for the stone.  His wise uncle Anvar who has more secrets than hairs in his beard comes along but knows they need more help.  With assassins and mercenaries everywhere they turn to Linvin’s antagonistic fraternal twin cousins Bander and Rander. 

Friction within the party rears its head frequently and Linvin discovers he must learn to control himself in all situations if he hopes to win the Red Sapphire.  Battles rage with giant wolves, bandits, goblins and even a dragon but somehow the small band must perceiver and succeed before their murderous competitor find the Red Sapphire and claims it for their own.

What genre is it?
Fantasy/Young Adult

It would appeal to anyone 13 years of age or older who likes a story with plenty of action, adventure, plot twists and strong characters.

Complete this sentence for us: if you like _________________, you’ll love my book.
Lord of the Rings.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in a wonderful family headed by my father, who was an editor, and my mother who taught in high school.  Out of the many great moments growing up, I remember most fondly our after supper talks.  We may have been at the dinner table with a pot of tea or on the porch swings but we sat and told stories.  At one point or another, everyone in the family would tell some sort of tale.  Some were true and others were invented purely for entertainment value. Each person, however, told their story slightly differently.  I was enchanted and learned different traits from my parents, brothers and sister that helped me form my own style.

A couple of years back my mother and biggest fan was lost to cancer.  At our last meeting she made me swear to finally have my work published so that others could enjoy my stories. 

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
http://www.rivalgates.com/

How can we follow you on Twitter and/or Facebook?
On Twitter I am @Rivalgates1

What’s next?
The next volume of the Sapphire Chronicles called “Sapphire Crucible” is at the publisher and will be out soon.