She took part in a sorcerer’s coup, then changed her mind. Can she find redemption fighting with the burgeoning resistance against Zalski Forzythe?

It’s pub day for Verony and The Conflicted Conspirator. I couldn’t be happier. You can find the book here.

(Please note, if you have not read any of my other books, this one stands alone in a real way. It functions as a great first visit to Herezoth, so please don’t hesitate to read it if you’re interested in it but haven’t read the Herezoth trilogy).

I don’t write explicitly Christian fiction, and people from all kinds of backgrounds and beliefs have enjoyed my Herezoth series, but I am Catholic, and I chose to release Verony’s story on August 15 for a reason.

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary on the liturgical calendar. When I pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary and get to the Assumption, I often find myself thinking about how Mary persevered to the end after she lost Jesus a second time, in a very human sense, at the Ascension. I can’t imagine it was easy.

It fits with Tolkien’s theme of fighting “the long defeat” and finding true victory therein.

Verony is an amazing character, and I feel so honored to tell her story. She fights the long defeat. She comes to understand what that means, why it matters, and how we triumph in it.

If you’re in a place where life feels heavy, burdens are real, and you are tired, Verony’s story is for you.

If you’re in a place where you’re not sure how to move forward after things have fallen apart, Verony’s story is for you.

If you’re struggling to forgive yourself for past mistakes, Verony’s story is for you.

I hope you’ll let her inspire you as she has inspired me.