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Jonathan Kieran is the author of Confessions from the Comments Section: The Secret Lives of Internet Commenters and Other Pop Culture Zombies (Brightbourne) as well as the Rowan Blaize series of epic fantasy books. He is also the creator of the comic strip Zanzibar Circus. Explore this site to learn more about Jonathan’s work, or buy his books on Amazon by clicking the cover images to the right in the sidebar.
~The World of Rowan Blaize: Character Profiles~ by JONATHAN KIERAN
The realm of ancient sorcerer Rowan Blaize is one in which otherwise hidden worlds collide with (or dwell alongside) our own mortal sphere. Rowan’s existence is played-out across landscapes and dreamscapes that encompass “worlds within worlds,” providing the observant traveler ample opportunity to encounter creatures of dazzling magical qualities. Some of these beings are friendly, others are belligerent, and still others have a hard time deciding among the various options. From one universe to the next, certain things never change. Enjoy meeting the main characters of Rowan’s adventurous story in the profiles below and remember: wherever the world and whomever the wayfarer … only enchantment is immortal.
Character Name: Gertrude “Gert” Gokey
In my mind, only the inimitable Queen Latifah could bring the sort of class, sass, and brass required to play my favorite witch and pepper-shop owner, Gert Gokey.
Nature/Occupation: Witch and co-owner of the Datil Be The Day Gourmet Pepper Emporium
Age: Hundreds of years, at the very least.
Background: Gert, like her constant companion, Letty, hails from some sort of shadowy European background, but her origins appear to have been humbler. In fact, Gert alludes often to her life in some mountainous, woodland region, where she learned her spellcraft from various colorful family members associated with the great (smelly) witch, Baba Yaga. Gert’s sometimes exotic nature and ebony skin, however, hint at witchy origins even more mysterious than her limited biographical details thus far imply.
Significant Traits: Gert loves hearing a good story, telling a good story, hearing about a good drink, drinking a good drink, and is possibly addicted to reality TV. She has a soft-spot for child beauty pageant contestants and, if she were not dedicated to her pepper shop, believes she would be a superb nightclub proprietress.
Unique Powers/Abilities: Gert is a dab-hand at divination spells using the most mundane objects imaginable for such tricky enchantments (see: her “scrying pan”) and is also quite skillful when it comes to mastering fire in virtually any circumstance.
Classic Quote: “Just spit in the wok like I told you, Letty.”
Featured In: Book Two (Rowan Blaize and the Hand of Djin Rummy) and Book Four (As-Yet Untitled)
*If I am ever fortunate enough to see Rowan’s adventures adapted for film or for the stage, this is the actor (or creature) I can most readily visualize playing the character in a given profile.
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If you’re bored and don’t have any Japanese eyeballs to lick, hop on over to Jonathan Kieran’s Official Facebook Page and give it a Like!
Escape the Imminent Collapse of Civilization, Friends, if only for a few hours. A sweeping modern fairy-tale is born with the Rowan Blaize series of books. Click on the book covers to the right or have a look below …
Watch the Rowan Blaize Book Trailer HERE.
Book One = The magical cornerstone – a lavishly illustrated epic narrative poem … a genuine “spell” for the young and young-at-heart to treasure for a lifetime, telling the story of sorcerer Rowan Blaize’s battle to regain his magic powers. (Think Beowulf-meets-Dr.Seuss or an epic story-in-verse of a scope similar to Tolkien’s soon-to-be-released The Fall of Arthur, only contemporary.)
Book Two = The rip-roaring novel that continues the adventures of Rowan Blaize and introduces the three hilarious witches of the Ancient City, along with its dysfunctional werewolves, wraiths, ghosts, vampires, dryads, banshees and a beauty pageant brat that just might destroy the world.
Book Three = The next novel that finds Rowan trapped by a spell in another world, caught between a faery-squashing sorceress who’ll stop at nothing to conquer the kingdom … and a feisty teenage prince who’s determined to get it back.
Click here to purchase the Kindle e-books and watch a video of Jonathan discussing his work.
__________________________________________
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Books-A-Million
Rowan Blaize Official Website
Goodreads
~The World of Rowan Blaize: Character Profiles~ by JONATHAN KIERAN
The realm of ancient sorcerer Rowan Blaize is one in which otherwise hidden worlds collide with (or dwell alongside) our own mortal sphere. Rowan’s existence is played-out across landscapes and dreamscapes that encompass “worlds within worlds,” providing the observant traveler ample opportunity to encounter creatures of dazzling magical qualities. Some of these beings are friendly, others are belligerent, and still others have a hard time deciding among the various options. From one universe to the next, certain things never change. Enjoy meeting the main characters of Rowan’s adventurous story in the profiles below and remember: wherever the world and whomever the wayfarer … only enchantment is immortal.
Character Name: Ariadne
In a million universes I could not think of a better actor to play “Auntie Ariadne” than the great Kathy Bates. This photo of Kathy playing the Queen of Hearts exhibits some of the traits I would envision Aunt Ariadne to possess … in spades.
Nature/Occupation: Sorceress and demigoddess. Aunt of Rowan Blaize. Sister of Rowan’s Mother. Original mistress of Bror.
Age: Probably around 7,000 years (though she isn’t likely to admit to more than five millennia. No way.)
Background: In the realm of Rowan’s adventures, Ariadne was a powerful sorceress on the European continent (not to mention other parts of the world) and was outgoing enough to be worshipped as a goddess by mortals at certain junctures of ancient history. Gregarious and enamored of her own fame, she was a keen patron of the arts and was indeed a “collector” of those who practiced the arts, depending upon her unpredictable romantic whims. It is known that she spent a fair amount of time in the company of Circe, terrorizing and toying with shipwrecked sailors in the Aegean. Perhaps due to a long-frenetic lifestyle, she is a witch who seems to “show her age” just a bit more than others. Therefore, “Auntie Ariadne” lives a much more sedate existence these days in her posh, ghost-infested Holland Park mansion, smoking Bloodworm Weed, drinking ambrosia and admiring the examples of “sculpture” she has amassed over the ages. She is a sorceress who keeps her “affairs” in order … from one crowded room to another. Poor Bror, we presume, was left to do the dusting.
Significant Traits: Ariadne has a stupendous memory, like most immortal beings of her milieu, and is one of the savviest enchantresses of all time. There are few spells the now somewhat portly matron has failed to master, including the means to transform back into the stunning physical appearance she enjoyed in her prime. For all her power, however, Auntie Ariadne is perhaps not the most personally trustworthy witch … which is apparently “a thing” with many of history’s exceptionally talented sorceresses.
Unique Powers/Abilities: Ariadne is particularly adept at summoning and dominating any kind of demon imaginable (along with a few that aren’t imaginable) and was untouchable when it came to transmogrification involving stonework.
Classic Quote: “This is nothing when compared to some of my old tricks. Ugh. That demon’s brains are sizzling on the hearthside bricks!”
Featured In: Book One. Ariadne’s abandoned London mansion features significantly in Book Two. (Rowan Blaize and Rowan Blaize and the Hand of Djin Rummy)
*If I am ever fortunate enough to see Rowan’s adventures adapted for film or for the stage, this is the actor (or creature) I can most readily visualize playing the character in a given profile.
___________
If you’re bored and don’t have any Japanese eyeballs to lick, hop on over to Jonathan Kieran’s Official Facebook Page and give it a Like!
Escape the Imminent Collapse of Civilization, Friends, if only for a few hours. A sweeping modern fairy-tale is born with the Rowan Blaize series of books. Click on the book covers to the right or have a look below …
Watch the Rowan Blaize Book Trailer HERE.
Book One = The magical cornerstone – a lavishly illustrated epic narrative poem … a genuine “spell” for the young and young-at-heart to treasure for a lifetime, telling the story of sorcerer Rowan Blaize’s battle to regain his magic powers. (Think Beowulf-meets-Dr.Seuss or an epic story-in-verse of a scope similar to Tolkien’s soon-to-be-released The Fall of Arthur, only contemporary.)
Book Two = The rip-roaring novel that continues the adventures of Rowan Blaize and introduces the three hilarious witches of the Ancient City, along with its dysfunctional werewolves, wraiths, ghosts, vampires, dryads, banshees and a beauty pageant brat that just might destroy the world.
Book Three = The next novel that finds Rowan trapped by a spell in another world, caught between a faery-squashing sorceress who’ll stop at nothing to conquer the kingdom … and a feisty teenage prince who’s determined to get it back.
Click here to purchase the Kindle e-books and watch a video of Jonathan discussing his work.
__________________________________________
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Books-A-Million
Rowan Blaize Official Website
Goodreads
~The World of Rowan Blaize: Character Profiles~
The realm of ancient sorcerer Rowan Blaize is one in which otherwise hidden worlds collide with (or dwell alongside) our own mortal sphere. Rowan’s existence is played-out across landscapes and dreamscapes that encompass “worlds within worlds,” providing the observant traveler ample opportunity to encounter creatures of dazzling magical qualities. Some of these beings are friendly, others are belligerent, and still others have a hard time deciding among the various options. From one universe to the next, certain things never change. Enjoy meeting the main characters of Rowan’s adventurous story in the profiles below and remember: wherever the world and whomever the wayfarer … only enchantment is immortal.
Character Name: Enoch Blaize
*IMDb Dream-Portrayal By: Gael Garcia Bernal
The enigmatic Gael Garcia Bernal has the requisite moodiness to play a wandering demi-god. He’ll have to grow the long hair back, though. Hope he can manage it — the call from his agent is right around the corner.
Nature/Occupation: Sorcerer and demigod. Father of Rowan Blaize.
Age: Unknown, but one can assume he is at least twice as old as Rowan, making him well over 5,000 years old.
Background: Little is known of Rowan’s father, Enoch, save for the fact that he vanished centuries ago “while seeking to cross the Gates of Punojem by the Waterfalls of Bibb” (according to Rowan’s mother). Rowan’s maternal aunt, Ariadne, suggests that Enoch crossed over into the world of Abarat — a personal homage to the great Clive Barker’s series of otherworldly books. Regardless of his destiny, Enoch Blaize appears to have shared Rowan’s own fondness for risky inter-dimensional investigation.
Significant Traits: It seems that Enoch may be a tad disdainful of magicians less formidable than himself (Snob Alert). He loves patronizing naiads and enjoys a languid vacation in Sardinian sunshine.
Unique Powers/Abilities: Inter-dimensional travel and alchemy.
Classic Quote: “That’s as may be, Dear, but they aren’t the purest stock to begin with, are they? More than a touch of dryad in old Haziran’s woodpile.”
Featured In: Book Two (Rowan Blaize and the Hand of Djin Rummy) and Book Four (As-yet-Untitled).
*If I am ever fortunate enough to see Rowan’s adventures adapted for film or for the stage, this is the actor (or creature) I can most readily visualize playing the character in a given profile.
__________________________
Escape the Imminent Collapse of Civilization, Friends, if only for a few hours. A sweeping modern fairy-tale is born with the Rowan Blaize series of books. Click on the book covers to the right or have a look below …
Watch the Rowan Blaize Book Trailer HERE.
Book One = The magical cornerstone – a lavishly illustrated epic narrative poem … a genuine “spell” for the young and young-at-heart to treasure for a lifetime, telling the story of sorcerer Rowan Blaize’s battle to regain his magic powers. (Think Beowulf-meets-Dr.Seuss or an epic story-in-verse of a scope similar to Tolkien’s soon-to-be-released The Fall of Arthur, only contemporary.)
Book Two = The rip-roaring novel that continues the adventures of Rowan Blaize and introduces the three hilarious witches of the Ancient City, along with its dysfunctional werewolves, wraiths, ghosts, vampires, dryads, banshees and a beauty pageant brat that just might destroy the world.
Book Three = The next novel that finds Rowan trapped by a spell in another world, caught between a faery-squashing sorceress who’ll stop at nothing to conquer the kingdom … and a feisty teenage prince who’s determined to get it back.
Click here to purchase the Kindle e-books and watch a video of Jonathan discussing his work.
__________________________________________
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Books-A-Million
Rowan Blaize Official Website
Goodreads
~The World of Rowan Blaize: Character Profiles~ by JONATHAN KIERAN
The realm of ancient sorcerer Rowan Blaize is one in which otherwise hidden worlds collide with (or dwell alongside) our own mortal sphere. Rowan’s existence is played-out across landscapes and dreamscapes that encompass “worlds within worlds,” providing the observant traveler ample opportunity to encounter creatures of dazzling magical qualities. Some of these beings are friendly, others are belligerent, and still others have a hard time deciding among the various options. From one universe to the next, certain things never change. Enjoy meeting the main characters of Rowan’s adventurous story in the profiles below and remember: wherever the world and whomever the wayfarer … only enchantment is immortal.
Character Name: General Kerrion
*IMDb Dream-Portrayal By: Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe could play the gnarly and wicked General Kerrion without the need for any Method whatsoever. Volatility. It’s a gift.
Nature/Occupation: Human warlord and leader of Queen Oblixta’s Dark Army
Age: 35-40
Background: General Kerrion, who stands at the right hand of sorceress-queen Oblixta to do her bidding and direct her massive military forces, had a humbler origin in terms of his murderous career. Oblixta discovered Kerrion at the head of a small army in the walled Kelnian city of Nargos, where he served the local Lord, Cabrisius. Recognizing his potential for cruelty, the up-and-coming witch put a spell upon Kerrion and together they assassinated Cabrisius, increasing the size and scope of her dominion. Once Oblixta had gathered enough military might and magical aptitude, she launched the great attack upon her parents at Castle Cadrach, with Kerrion as General of her legions.
Significant Traits: A man of few words and much wretched thought, Kerrion needed no spell or charm to summon cruelty in his soul — there has always more than enough of that to spare. His abilities as a merciless fighter, cunning strategist and uncompromising leader have proved indispensable to Queen Oblixta and she commands not only his loyalty but his deep-seated fear. Whether his dedication to evil shall reap the reward he truly desires is, however, another matter entirely.
Unique Powers/Abilities: Military prowess. Unmitigated cruelty on the battlefield.
Classic Quote: “How could you have dealt with me so? I have served you long and faithfully. What are you planning in your wickedness?”
Featured In: Book Three (Rowan Blaize and the Starbane Exile)
*If I am ever fortunate enough to see Rowan’s adventures adapted for film or for the stage, this is the actor (or creature) I can most readily visualize playing the character in a given profile.
___________________________
Escape the Imminent Collapse of Civilization, Friends, if only for a few hours. A sweeping modern fairy-tale is born with the Rowan Blaize series of books. Click on the book covers to the right or have a look below …
Watch the Rowan Blaize Book Trailer HERE.
Book One = The magical cornerstone – a lavishly illustrated epic narrative poem … a genuine “spell” for the young and young-at-heart to treasure for a lifetime, telling the story of sorcerer Rowan Blaize’s battle to regain his magic powers. (Think Beowulf-meets-Dr.Seuss or an epic story-in-verse of a scope similar to Tolkien’s soon-to-be-released The Fall of Arthur, only contemporary.)
Book Two = The rip-roaring novel that continues the adventures of Rowan Blaize and introduces the three hilarious witches of the Ancient City, along with its dysfunctional werewolves, wraiths, ghosts, vampires, dryads, banshees and a beauty pageant brat that just might destroy the world.
Book Three = The next novel that finds Rowan trapped by a spell in another world, caught between a faery-squashing sorceress who’ll stop at nothing to conquer the kingdom … and a feisty teenage prince who’s determined to get it back.
Click here to purchase the Kindle e-books and watch a video of Jonathan discussing his work.
__________________________________________
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Books-A-Million
Rowan Blaize Official Website
Goodreads
GOODREADS MEMBERS Click Here for a Chance to Win a Giveaway Copy of Rowan Blaize and the Hand of Djin Rummy by Jonathan Kieran. The Contest runs until June 10!
Watch the Rowan Blaize Book Trailer HERE.
_______________________________
~The World of Rowan Blaize: Character Profiles~
The realm of ancient sorcerer Rowan Blaize is one in which otherwise hidden worlds collide with (or dwell alongside) our own mortal sphere. Rowan’s existence is played-out across landscapes and dreamscapes that encompass “worlds within worlds,” providing the observant traveler ample opportunity to encounter creatures of dazzling magical qualities. Some of these beings are friendly, others are belligerent, and still others have a hard time deciding among the various options. From one universe to the next, certain things never change. Enjoy meeting the main characters of Rowan’s adventurous story in the profiles below and remember: wherever the world and whomever the wayfarer … only enchantment is immortal.
Character Name: Gragan
*IMDb Dream-Portrayal By: Christopher Lee
The legendary Chrstopher Lee is soon to release his first (and hopefully one of MANY) heavy metal music albums. Oh yeah. Rock on, Saruman!
Nature/Occupation: Semi-immortal wizard.
Age: 323 yrs.
Background: The origins of the Gragan wizard are unknown but he was the Lord and Master of Drothgad Mountain in Kelnia, living a life of luxury and magical bounty, unchallenged and unconcerned with the goings-on of the rest of the world around his own. Meeting a young sorceress named Oblixta changed all of that. Quickly.
Significant Traits: Though he had once surrounded himself with riches and other manifestations of opulence, the Gragan Wizard is rather down-at-heel when we first encounter him. Scabby. Withered. Robbed of his power. Tortured. Imprisoned. Feasting on roaches in the dark. All he has left is a signet ring he managed to keep hidden from those who reduced him to naked powerlessness. Yep.
Unique Powers/Abilities: Gragan was one of the great wonderworkers of the Kelnian world and master of a multitude of magnificent spells and incantations, many of them he (unfortunately for him) wrote down in his ill-fated and flesh-bound tomes. One trick he could not perform, however, was the ability to travel between dimensions and investigate other worlds. This failure frustrated him to no end and was likewise the reason he was able to first meet Rowan Blaize … and later call upon Rowan for a bit of vengeance-by-proxy when his world came crashing down.
Classic Quote: “You see, I struck a little bargain with Rowan Blaize during a rather harrowing predicament that took place when he first stumbled upon these lands, long ago. He is bound by an old spell, and by his own interests, to aid you on my behalf if you demand it, and if you show him the sign. And believe me, boy … you shall need aid.”
Featured In: Book Three (Rowan Blaize and the Starbane Exile)
*If I am ever fortunate enough to see Rowan’s adventures adapted for film or for the stage, this is the actor (or creature) I can most readily visualize playing the character in a given profile.
____________________________________
Escape the Imminent Collapse of Civilization, Friends, if only for a few hours. A sweeping modern fairy-tale is born with the Rowan Blaize series of books. Click on the book covers to the right or have a look below …
Book One = The magical cornerstone – a lavishly illustrated epic narrative poem … a genuine “spell” for the young and young-at-heart to treasure for a lifetime, telling the story of sorcerer Rowan Blaize’s battle to regain his magic powers. (Think Beowulf-meets-Dr.Seuss or an epic story-in-verse of a scope similar to Tolkien’s soon-to-be-released The Fall of Arthur, only contemporary.)
Book Two = The rip-roaring novel that continues the adventures of Rowan Blaize and introduces the three hilarious witches of the Ancient City, along with its dysfunctional werewolves, wraiths, ghosts, vampires, dryads, banshees and a beauty pageant brat that might just destroy the world.
Book Three = The next novel that finds Rowan trapped by a spell in another world, caught between a faery-squashing sorceress who’ll stop at nothing to conquer the kingdom … and a feisty teenage prince who’s determined to get it back.
Click here to purchase the Kindle e-books and watch a video of Jonathan discussing his work.
__________________________________________
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Books-A-Million
Rowan Blaize Official Website
Goodreads
GOODREADS MEMBERS Click Here for a Chance to Win a Giveaway Copy of Rowan Blaize and the Hand of Djin Rummy by Jonathan Kieran. The Contest runs until June 10!
Watch the Rowan Blaize Book Trailer HERE.
_________________________
~The World of Rowan Blaize: Character Profiles~ by JONATHAN KIERAN
The realm of ancient sorcerer Rowan Blaize is one in which otherwise hidden worlds collide with (or dwell alongside) our own mortal sphere. Rowan’s existence is played-out across landscapes and dreamscapes that encompass “worlds within worlds,” providing the observant traveler ample opportunity to encounter creatures of dazzling magical qualities. Some of these beings are friendly, others are belligerent, and still others have a hard time deciding among the various options. From one universe to the next, certain things never change. Enjoy meeting the main characters of Rowan’s adventurous story in the profiles below and remember: wherever the world and whomever the wayfarer … only enchantment is immortal.
Character Name: The Galwyn Crone
*IMDb Dream-Portrayal By: Kirstie Alley
Under certain circumstances, I have no doubt that the talented and versatile Kirstie Alley has all the right assets to play the frightening Galwyn Crone in an adaptation of ‘Rowan Blaize and the Starbane Exile’.
Nature/Occupation: Immortal Monstrosity. Sorceress
Age: Hundreds of years … if not thousands.
Background: The Galwyn Crone’s origins are shrouded in the mists of both Kelnian and Corydian legend, but even the mention of her name is enough to raise the hairs on the back of the sturdiest warrior’s neck. A flesh-eating sorceress of utterly repulsive bearing, she supposedly battled with a great dwarf-king named “Mandulis” and, triumphant, stole his magic staff. Thereafter the crone holed-up in a series of loathsome caverns in the rocky Galpern Valley and established there a shrine … to herself! All those who sought her magical assistance (made even more formidable by the Staff of Mandulis) were granted their desire … provided they brought along certain delectable “sacrifices” as payment.
Significant Traits: Gargantuan, fetid, filthy, utterly untrustworthy and sort of funny, the Galwyn Crone is also blind. That, however, is hardly an impediment. Her sense of smell and magical intuition are virtually without peer in her world and that combo makes her almost unbeatable.
Unique Powers/Abilities: With the Staff of Mandulis, the Crone is Mistress of virtually every worthy enchantment … except for the restoration of her own sight and the ability to clean up her rancid cavern-dwelling. Go figure.
Classic Quote: “We smell arrogance!”
Featured In: Book Three (Rowan Blaize and the Starbane Exile)
*If I am ever fortunate enough to see Rowan’s adventures adapted for film or for the stage, this is the actor (or creature) I can most readily visualize playing the character in a given profile.
____________________________________
Escape the Imminent Collapse of Civilization, Friends, if only for a few hours. A sweeping modern fairy-tale is born with the Rowan Blaize series of books. Click on the book covers to the right or have a look below …
Book One = The magical cornerstone – a lavishly illustrated epic narrative poem … a genuine “spell” for the young and young-at-heart to treasure for a lifetime, telling the story of sorcerer Rowan Blaize’s battle to regain his magic powers. (Think Beowulf-meets-Dr.Seuss or an epic story-in-verse of a scope similar to Tolkien’s soon-to-be-released The Fall of Arthur, only contemporary.)
Book Two = The rip-roaring novel that continues the adventures of Rowan Blaize and introduces the three hilarious witches of the Ancient City, along with its dysfunctional werewolves, wraiths, ghosts, vampires, dryads, banshees and a beauty pageant brat that might just destroy the world.
Book Three = The next novel that finds Rowan trapped by a spell in another world, caught between a faery-squashing sorceress who’ll stop at nothing to conquer the kingdom … and a feisty teenage prince who’s determined to get it back.
Click here to purchase the Kindle e-books and watch a video of Jonathan discussing his work.
__________________________________________
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Books-A-Million
Rowan Blaize Official Website
Goodreads
