Review: Prince Nacil by R. R. Goodwill

This was supposed to be up yesterday, but everything sorta happened at once and I didn't manage to get it up there. (Sorry, Kendra!)

From the moment Victor Greenwood sets foot in the old farmhouse of Willowmere, Mrs. Whitaker and her family take the friendless drifter under their wings as one of their own. Deeply touched by their kindness, Victor delights them with his stories about the Elven-king Othniel and Jael his queen, forming a special bond with Mrs. Whitaker’s nine-year-old granddaughter, Jane. But several odd occurrences indicate that Victor is more than he admits to. When the secret of his heritage threatens Jane’s safety, he sets out for the homeland he has long been banished from, to find Jane and return her home. Unbeknownst to his friends, Victor is doomed to die thirty days after setting foot on his native soil, with only one hope of breaking the curse. But surely thirty days is far too short a time to find True Love...

This book was incredible. At first, it was hard to get into. The first several chapters, maybe four or five, dragged, which might have been because I had just finished a six book series and wasn't mentally prepared for the change. However, this book is one that you can totally throw yourself in there and get invested in. Each character is captivating in his or her own way. In fact, I'm even interested in a few characters that weren't even actually in the book, just mentioned in passing. A few times I was jolted out of the world of the story by a sort of stilted/forced Biblical part. DON'T get me wrong, I'm glad there was a clear Christian worldview in the book, I enjoyed it immensely after the last series which had some crass language and other annoying things to deal with. It just was sometimes a little unnatural. The worldbuilding was exquisite! Super inspiring and makes me want to go work up my own story. For now, I'm happy reading loveliness like this, though. Just a touch of romance, children were main characters, it's super long and great for one of those days you just want to settle in and stay put. I can't wait for the next book. (How long do I have to wait again?) 4 Stars (And a heart... am I allowed to add hearts to my review?)

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. (It's honest, I promise)

Purchase Link: Amazon

Author Interview: R.R. Goodwill

Today we have a very special guest for an interview! I'm so glad that RR Goodwill could be here today to tell us a little more about herself and her new book! Without further ado, let's jump in and see what she has for us today!

Greetings, Erica! I'm honored to be your interview subject today. You'll find my answers below in purple.

Do you have a favorite character in your story?

*Tsk, tsk* That's like asking a mother which is her favorite child.  I think the ones I found most enjoyable to work with, though, were Victor/Nácil, Müriel, and Miss Prescott and Lady Cambria to some degree. Nácil and Müriel are the most like myself, personality-wise; but more than that, I love the chemistry they have with each other. I loved the Mind-speaking scenes, and the deep connection they have, even though it gave me Da Feelz in more than one place. Miss Prescott was fun, pairing practicality and common sense with a love of the fantastical and thirst for Adventure. And Cambria ... *chuckle* Cambria showed up in the middle of the final incarnation of the story, insisting she was important to the overarching plot, and that it was perfectly logical for her to be there. And boy, was she right!

What was the hardest part of the book to write?

The actual plot, LOL. My inspiration comes in detached scenes and random bits of dialogue, so stringing all my "snippets" together coherently, and figuring out an interesting way to get Our Heroes from Point A to Point Z, was quite the challenge.

How did you work on your worldbuilding for the story?

I basically "borrowed" bits and pieces of Middle-earth and Narnia, combined them with concepts and imagery from Faerie-tales and other stories I enjoyed, and molded them all together into my own little world. Essentially, anything I like that fits within the typical pseudo-Medieval fantasy theme (or can be altered to do so), or that I wish existed or happened in our world (temperate weather year-round, for example), I put in Ýdära and figure out how to integrate it into the story in a way that feel snatural. Still working on that one ....

Do you have plans for a sequel or a spinoff with one of the characters? 

My readers will be happy to know that I'm currently working on the sequel to Prince Nácil, and am hoping (Lord willing) to have it finished by the end of the year. I have ideas for at least one or two more books after that, as well as a prequel series and a spin-off saga involving one character mentioned briefly in PN (but who becomes mmore important later) and one who hasn't been born yet, cannonically. *Grin* Yes indeedy, I have plans ....

What is your writing routine like? Are you snuggled up with a mug of tea and a furry muse or furiously typing away in a vortex or somewhere in between? 

When I'm in the groove, I'm usually plumped down at my desk, staring at my laptop screen, and struggling to find the right words to express the images and emotions of the scenes playing out in my head, and/or write down all that loverly dialogue before it evaporates from my brain. I generally don't encourage our puss-cat to sit in on my writing sessions because he's three feet long and 18-20 pounds of fluff and muscle, and consequently hard to reach over.  

I do sometimes sip on a mug of cocoa or a bottle of root beer (if we have them) while I'm working. Once in a while I might make myself a snack. Most of the time, I'm too focused on the story to bother about food and drink.

What do you hope will resonate most with your readers?

Mainly, I pray that my faith will shine through the Faerie-tale elements, and point my future readers to Christ, without sounding forced or preachy. I also hope some of the themes in the story will spark some serious thought, touch their hearts ... and maybe even tickle their funny-bone. Themes such as forgiveness, moving past grief, waiting to form opinions until one has all the information, and that faith and love are more powerful than fear.

What was your favorite book growing up?

Oh, I had several! Just off the top of my head, I'd say our books of nursery rhymes and fairytales (including a beautifully illustrated adaptaion of Hansel and Gretel), the first six books of the Anne of Green Gables Series, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen by Lloyd Alexander, and Howard Pyle's complilation of Robin Hood lore were perenial favorites throughout my childhood and growing-up years. Also C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and Tolkien's The Hobbit and partf of Lord of the Rings, of course. 

Thank you so much for coming by today! I can't wait to review Prince Nacil in a few days!