Fantasy and magic are so beautiful in a story. They have ALWAYS captivated me.

I think that’s because there’s something about the theme of magic in a story that lays bare the human condition without raising our defensiveness.

So, how will I judge launch day on Thursday a victory? How will I judge whether my book about a ragtag group of rebels stuck in a magical civil war is a success?

• If it inspires someone to courage and to hope in the face of their battles or the drudgery of life (the subtitle, after all, is “The Fight for Hope”)
• If it makes one person question whether there may be more at work in the world and in our hearts than what we can physically see and can understand
• If it helps a reader believe that even crushed dreams and expectations are a garden in which incredible things can grow, if we choose to till the soil where we find ourselves in life
• If it helps someone forget their problems and their troubles for a while and gain mental rest
• If it helps one person to understand that, as Sam Gamgee says, “There’s some good in this world yet, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for”

Then I think I can safely say it’s a success!

Of course, some sales would be nice too! Please help spread the word if you feel so inclined. You can read a review here.