Sceaduby Prashant Pinge
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: 10 November 2014
Blurb:
All this while, Matilda’s shadow had been growing larger and larger. Suddenly, it lunged out of the ground and swallowed her, like a python does its unsuspecting prey.
Nine year old Matilda ends up with a century old book through a series of strange coincidences. And disappears. Her brother and cousins are forced to suspend their hostilities and pursue her to Sceadu, a land inside the human shadow. Once there, the reluctant visitors find themselves chased by the vicious Hefigans, creatures of Sceadu. However, everything changes with the revelation of an ancient prophecy that foretells the doom of the world they left behind.
With the stakes suddenly raised, the children must now navigate the dangerous terrain, overcome grave challenges, and unlock the secrets of the shadow. But can they do it in time to thwart the plans of the treacherous Hefigans? Or will they succumb to the guile of a ruthless enemy who is equally determined to destroy mankind?
Sceadu is a fast-paced adventure which blurs the boundary between the physical and the psychological, the real and the mythical.
You can find Sceadu on Goodreads.
Excerpt:
Matilda sat at her old wooden desk, staring into the thick yellowed pages of a book under a dull moth ridden beam cast by the night lamp. But every time she blinked, it seemed as if the words had played a round of musical chairs. And the moths, fluttering through the words at times and hovering over them at others, did not make things any easier.
Matilda was about to turn the page when there was a tug at her feet. It was a very gentle one, almost imperceptible. Surprised, she glanced down, but there was nothing. Perhaps it’s just my imagination, she thought. She was about to shake her thick dark brown curls out of her face when she felt it again.
Matilda pushed her head down and looked into the dark void with furrowed brow. Her skinny legs stared back. But before she could decide on whether she had actually felt anything, there was another tug, an unmistakable one this time. And another one. The truth suddenly dawned upon Matilda. It was her shadow, trying to drag her into itself.
Matilda jerked back the chair, kicking hard at her shadow. But it snapped back, pulling at her even more viciously. She stomped upon it repeatedly. But the dark grey shape began jabbing at her feet and ankles. Matilda pushed herself up and made a frantic attempt to run. But her legs refused to move, and she almost toppled forward.
All this while, Matilda’s shadow had been growing larger and larger. Suddenly, it lunged out of the ground and swallowed her, like a python does its unsuspecting prey.
About the Author:I grew up in the quiet and beautiful neighbourhood of Shivaji Park in Mumbai, India.
My schooling happened at the famed Bombay Scottish School where I was a rather conscientious student while my college years were spent at D. G. Ruparel College. I completed my bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Purdue University with a brilliant semester at the University of New South Wales. I followed it with a master of science in management from Lancaster University, a post graduate program in management from Indian School of Business, and a post MBA master in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. And yes, there is a simple explanation to all this. I love campus life.
I started my professional career as an engineer at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Once the monotony got to me, I returned back to join our family business in Mumbai, where I have been ever since. More recently, I have settled in the role of a consultant in my own marketing and branding firm, Media Panther.
My foray into the world of writing happened in 2003 after I had a dream that compelled me to stumble out of bed and put pen to paper. But that book is yet to be written. In the meantime, I happily string words together in my quest for Nirvana.
In my spare time, I enjoy collecting old coins, reading fiction, indulging my creativity (I have recently written and produced a short film, Freedom of Expression), travelling to exotic destinations, watching movies, and listening to music. I am also keenly interested in the subjects of psychology, mythology and ancient history.
I live with my wife and son in Mumbai.
Q & A w/ Prashant Pinge
After
writing children's fiction for more than a decade, what prompted you
to write a young adult fantasy novel?
I
have always wanted to experiment with different genres. However, the
decision to write a young adult fantasy novel was not a conscious
one. The catalyst was an idea I had early one morning a few years
ago. But once it took seed, I knew I had to write this book. I shall,
however, continue to write children's fiction, a genre I immensely
enjoy working in.
The
title is quite unique. How do you pronounce it? Where did you get the
idea for this book?
The
title is pronounced as 'shay-du'. It is the old English term for
shadow. I have always been fascinated by human shadows, our constant
companions who are relegated to playing second fiddle most of the
time. In physics, shadows are formed when an object blocks light. In
psychology though, the concept of the shadow is a very interesting
one. However, I shall leave that for the readers to discover in the
book.
Did
you draw any inspiration from your own life when it came to
developing the characters?
As
a matter of fact, I did. It was easier to flesh out realistic
characters this way although I have exaggerated certain aspects of
their personalities to make them more interesting. I feel this will
help readers identify with the characters, immersing them squarely
into the adventure.
How
is Sceadu different from the other works of fantasy fiction available
today?
If
I were to think of one reason, it would be the logical basis of the
entire fantasy which makes this a thrilling yet plausible adventure.
I also believe it is the only story out there where the human shadow
has been given centre stage.
You
have been published traditionally by some of India's top publishers.
What made you take the self-publishing route with Sceadu?
The
decision to take the self-publishing route with Sceadu came after a
lengthy period of deliberation. The primary drivers were complete
creative control and the ability to reach a global audience. However,
I do plan to work with publishers, with my next work of children's
fiction already picked up for a 2015 release.
What
has your experience been with self-publishing so far?
My
self-publishing journey so far has been a very rewarding one,
allowing me to learn a lot about the different facets of this
industry. It has also been a very difficult one, especially due to
the lack of resources. In fact, it wouldn't have been possible
without the help of a lot of people who have contributed to my
endeavour in various ways.
Do
you have another project in the works? If so, can you elaborate on
it?
I
am currently working on a piece of commercial fiction which would
fall in the domain of romantic comedies. I hope to have it completed
by December 2014.
You can find and contact Prashant here:
- Website
- Book Page
- Author Facebook
- Book Facebook
- Goodreads
- Google +
There is a tour wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Sceadu. These are the prizes you can win: 3 e-copies of Sceadu
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