Straight Chatting from the Library: Chad L.E. McGhie

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READ THE INTERVIEW

What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

My favorite book as a child largely was dependent on the timing and what I was into at that current age. However, The Hobbit stands out as one that changed my perspective on literature forever, leading me down the path of becoming a fantasy author myself. Tolkien is a favorite author for many of the genre for a reason: he was heavily responsible for how we view fantasy today. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis are underrated. Another set of books that deserves an honorable mention, though, is the Harry Potter series - few books had me reading them in one sitting the day they came out.

What is your favorite book today?

The Prince of Nothing Trilogy by fellow Canadian author R. Scott Bakker is indescribable: I do not believe I have ever read a fantasy series that was more dark, realistic, and thought-out. Outstanding world-building, writing, and the characters are like nothing you have ever read before. On a more sociological note, I believe John Pilger’s book Freedom Next Time: Resisting the Empire is one of the most important books of our time.

Tell us about your current book in 10 words.

Legend of the Tragik is an emotionally engrossing, enthralling epic.

What are you reading right now?

I have been working on A Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R Martin, although I must admit, I have been stuck on A Feast for Crows for some time due to life, work, and of course, releasing my own novel. That, and many readers are unsure of just when Martin himself will finish the series, so that leaves me hesitant to complete the series until I know for sure myself. My backlog is getting too long, so I better get on it.

Do you have any bad book habits?

Beginning a book, and then leaving it for months - having to restart it so I get back into the flow of the story and characters. I have been extremely guilty of this lately! Whoops. Music has kept me distracted from my reading time with its demands as well.

E-Reader or print? and why?

Print all day. I even wrote an essay on this once in university: most readers like printed books. Ebooks caught on for a little while, but it did not take long for the trend to reverse. Audiobooks are certainly becoming a thing as well, but for myself, I’d still rather read a good book that I can smell on my lap. I have talked to countless readers who feel the same. Ebooks are hard on the eyes, and audiobooks are arguably for a somewhat of a different audience: a lot of readers may not have the time they used to have to enjoy a print book, so they listen to the audiobook. Others (...myself) find the idea of listening to one person read a book to be…not so enjoyable? To each their own, but yes, printed books always when possible. My favorite store is Chapters, a Canadian book retailer similar to Barnes and Noble, simply because of the new book smell that hits you in the face whenever you walk through their doors. I can’t recall what an ebook smells like.

Dog-ear or bookmark? (don't worry—Librarian Judith won't hold it against you—much)

I am definitely a bookmark guy - I don’t want to ruin the book as much as possible, and I always try to get the hardcover of any book I want. I can’t even remember the last time I dog-earred a page. probably in elementary school. Librarian Judtih may be correct in her judgment!

When do you do most of your reading?

Whenever it is quiet - sometimes, a hard thing to obtain in my household. I fall prey to not having nearly enough time to read these days as I would like. Children and work keep me busy, never mind keeping up a household and staying sane in the process. One has to escape to the outdoors or a quiet room to get any actual reading done. I’ve been working on my “tuning out” skills - necessary with as chaotic as my household gets!

How do you keep your books organized?

Many, many shelves - or wherever they end up because I forgot to put them away. We are currently limited on space, but one day, I picture having a study in the attic of wherever the family and I settle down. Picture the old man with a telescope, big desk, and towering shelves of books - that’s DEFINITELY me in the future.

Keep books or give them away?

I am a terrible book hoarder at times - there are some books I have that I still have to give away, because they are titles I will likely never read. Sometimes, I will part with a special book to someone who I think will really benefit from reading it. Those tend to be the more philosophical works, but sometimes, one of my favorite fantasy books slips away as well. I certainly selfishly dream of a study full of books, but they deserve to be read in the grand scheme of things.

READ THE BLURB

Not all fires are welcoming.

After decades of war, this had never been more true for the neighboring kingdoms of Tristren and Zemotze. Locked in a tense armistice, there was a promise of a treaty in the air. However, as the Blademage Volgare flees from his enemies, he can see through the wall of deception that clouds the land.

Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Brigandee, the shadow of the weapon known as the Tragik has crept in closer than comfortable. The young man named Hinro Gaskette lives a simple life, expecting little other than to be a soldier like his father before him.

Those expectations are shattered, however, when tragedy awakens a nightmarish power from within . . .

READ AN EXCERPT

Was this the cause of my…surge of strength?

The sound of the gate swinging open at the front of the yard made his heart jump. He dropped the axe to the ground, turning in a sudden rush of excitement. The thought of his anger vanished from his mind before he could even further entertain why he had felt it to begin with.

As the gate closed, the sturdy figure of Hinro’s father, Dritz, stood, smiling widely as Amy rushed into his arms. Hinro too began to run over, embracing his father for the first time in months. He looked into the mirrored version of himself, only with a darker, wiser face. It was stubbly with the long beginnings of a beard, and the darker browns of his father’s hair seemed stained and dirty. Equipped in a breastplate and cloak, a sword and shield hung at his back, the masked, horned helmet that they had always known at his belt side. A cape with a hood draped behind, a satchel with various travel items with a curiously long package lay on the ground.

He greeted them both fondly, having longed to embrace his children once again. But, as he examined Hinro more closely, he noticed the wounds - they were minor, but noticeable nonetheless, bandages showing from underneath the shadow of his cloak.

Looking upwards, the finger of his father was rough upon Hinro’s chin. His deep eyes gave him an investigating look. “It would appear you have been busier in battle at home than I have been away.”

Arms retreating, Hinro lowered his head. “Nothing of importance and that you need to worry yourself over. I am more interested in hearing about the news from the north.”

Dritz nodded, the smile and joy of seeing his children once again clear upon his face. A missing tooth showed, and the joy was burdened as it surfaced upon his face. “Come, let us go inside. I will tell you all I can. I long to taste your mother’s sweet kiss, as well as her cooking!”

MEET THE AUTHOR

Chad L.E McGhie, also known as Chad W. McGhie, is a diverse and exciting entertainer from Alberta, Canada. A father of five, author, and hip-hop musican, his life is full of adventure and excitement that he only hopes translates into his creative works. Whether you are enjoying his music, attending a performance, or now reading his novels, Chad L.E McGhie aims to please his audiences wherever they may be.

You can find Chad L.E McGhie on YouTube, streaming platforms, most social media websites, as well as www.everestingenuity.com.

Chad sincerely hopes you enjoy the journey that is Legend of the Tragik, and thanks you for coming along.

CONNECT WITH CHAD L.E MCGHIE

WEBSITE: https://everestingenuity.com/legend-of-the-tragik
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chadlemcghie
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chadl.emcghie/

. PURCHASE LINKS LEGEND OF THE TRAGIK

AMAZON.COM: https://amazon.com/dp/0228862310
AMAZON.CA: https://amazon.ca/dp/0228862310
INDIGO CHAPTERS: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/legend-of-the-tragik/9780228862314-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/legend-of-the-tragik-chad-le-mcghie/1142370897
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Legend-of-the-Tragik-Chad-L-E-McGhie/9780228862314

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