On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Sword of Soter, the second book in the Sacred Armor Trilogy by Ralene Burke! Today she’s sharing with us a bit more about the series and herself as a writer, including her own personal tagline and motto. And you might be surprised about what she’s allergic to! Enjoy getting to know her better and ask her more questions in the comments area. Be sure to enter the great giveaway at the end!

1.) What was the inspiration behind this series?

The Sacred Armor Trilogy was really an answer to prayer…literally. I was praying, asking God what my next project should be when I the idea for the series just hit me. And wouldn’t let go. I had always wanted to write an epic fantasy with sacred objects of great power—this series was perfect! 

2.) What more can we expect out of this series?

I hope the readers have come to enjoy the traditional fantasy tropes with a bit of unique flair and the fantastical creatures, both old and new. If they’re anything like me, I also hope they find they can relate to one or more of the characters! Despite all they’ve been through in Books 1 and 2, there is still so much ahead of them!

As the series continues, there’s an ancient evil out there, seeking to destroy the world, not to mention the sociopathic warlock who released it. They’ve got more tricks up their sleeves than I think Karina and Tristan and the others are ready for. There also might be a few more big twists left for Book 3…a few things readers won’t expect!

3.) If you could be a character in any of your books and/or live in any of your settings, which would you choose and why?

Honestly, I’m not sure I’d want to BE any of my characters—I don’t know that I would have survived half of what they’ve been through. However, I would love to live in Aletheia, a kingdom of snowy mountains, an ice plain, and a beautiful forest. 

4.) What drives you as a writer?

I am an encourager and a “fix-it” type person. As a writer, I seek to combine both of those traits in a way that can inspire and encourage readers. That can be pretty difficult in fiction, but I don’t mind the challenge. I live for the days when I hear from a reader and they say that my stories helped them in some way. 

5.) Your tagline is Shine Beyond. Tell us more about that.

Life is hard. And it doesn’t often go the way we expect. #SHINEBeyond is a motto as much as a tagline. It is the culmination of what I seek to accomplish (or help others to accomplish) through all of my work (writing, editing, ministry). I aim to help others #SHINEBeyond their circumstances, their experiences, and any obstacle that might be standing in their way. 

In my writing, this means my stories are full of characters, who are faced with overwhelming odds but are given opportunities to #SHINEBeyond. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. And they face the consequences of their decisions, just like we do in real life. 

6.) What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I am allergic…to COFFEE! *gasp* Yes, it’s true. I also have many other food allergies, but the one that always surprises people the most is my coffee allergy. “How do you survive?” they ask. Well, I am somewhat of an iced tea addict. LOL! 

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