Baptism of Fire

 

Title: Baptism of Fire

Author: Stephanie Constante

Published: Self-Published – September 7th, 2012

Word Count: Approximately 63,000

Genre: YA Fantasy

 

 

Synopsis:

Being the daughter of a dragon slayer was never easy, especially when Leito discovers a dragon child injured in her father’s fields. Knowing the fate that will befall this child, she helps the boy escape before the hunt is upon him.

Leito realizes years later that no good deed goes unpunished and after the village offers her up as a sacrifice for her father’s actions against dragons, Leito must utilize all her knowledge and strength to outwit the dragon who aims to kill her. In this mythical tale, Leito is challenged mind, body, and soul as she learns more about the dragon world and the one creature who makes her question her fears and her heart.

This book contains mature subject matter and is intended for an older audience (16+).

 

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Excerpt:

“The night your kin came was the last night he killed a dragon. I made him promise me he would never do it again. He never did. And you may hate him, and I am not saying you haven’t the right to, but what you felt for your mate, for your son, that is what he felt for my mother and for me.” She swallowed when his eyes finally met hers again.

“All I saw growing up was a sad, hopeless man who was trying to quell the horrible memory of losing his only love. It was not hate he felt, it was pain and guilt. Guilt that he could do nothing to save my mother. I know what revenge looks like Aidan, I know that to you, it seems important and it seems just, but in the end, the only person you poison is yourself and anyone who you keep in your company.”

“You’re in my company. How do my feelings of your father affect you?”

“Well, I cannot say I enjoy knowing you wish to make him miserable but there is nothing I can do to stop how you feel. I have learned that people do not change because you want them to. My father has not changed; I know that if he were here right now he might want to kill you even if I said you were my friend.”

“Are we friends?” he asked.

“Do you not think so? Am I still just a prisoner to you?” Leito felt her heart skip a beat wondering what his answer would be.

“No, you’re not my prisoner.” Aidan shook his head frantically. “You are more than a prisoner to me, Leito, I assure you.”

“And you are more than just my captor.” She returned. He smiled at this and pushed his hair back with his steady fingers.

Leito yawned and covered her mouth. She apologized but this seemed endearing to Aidan since he pushed some stray hairs behind Leito’s ear. “You’ve had quite the day. Visiting dragons, hidden passageways, learning to swim and saving my life in the process . . . it is no wonder you’re weary.” He rose and began walking towards the torches snuffing them out.

“Are you leaving again?” she rose up from her seat as well, watching him as he walked around the room.

“Only if you would like me to go.” His face went blank. He was waiting to see her reaction. He did this a lot with her. Always offering his hand and waiting for her to take it.

“I would like you to stay.” It took her all her courage to say this. She never knew how much rope to give him, how much to offer of herself. She did not know if she could even compare him to others who had tried to court her. This was much different. Leito enjoyed being pursued by him if that was what he was doing. Part of her always wondered if she was reading too much into his actions. The smiles, the little touches, it all made her feel wanted but she knew girls in her past that took a simple kiss on the hand as a proposal of marriage. She never wanted to be one of those girls, especially now when she was still trying to understand this dragon, this young man who was slowly knocking down the walls that encircled her heart from the world.

Aidan smiled and let out a little chuckle. “Then I’ll stay.” His eyes seemed to brighten. Then she followed his gaze to the bed and her face became hot and flushed. “I will take the floor.”

“That is not necessary, I will take the floor, it is your bed after all.” She had already started grabbing one of the pillows to place it on the ground.

“Stop it.” He took the pillow from her gently and looked down at her, his eyes nearly burning right through her. She felt shaky all of a sudden; her stomach fluttered being so close to him and the bed. She had to look away to keep from blanching. “I have slept on cave floors all my life.” He assured her.

“We can compromise, can we not?” She grabbed the pillow back from him and placed it on the bed. “We can share the bed, as long as you promise to be a gentleman.”

His grin grew wider. “And as long as you promise to behave like a lady.”

 

About the Author:

Stephanie Constante was born and raised in Miami where she currently works as a mental health counselor. While growing up, she loved to write poetry and fiction, hoping to one day become an author. It was only recently that she began to see an opportunity to live her dream through self publishing. In her spare time she loves to read, write, spend time with loved ones, travel, and watch her favorite UK television shows.

 

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What sets your book apart from other books in the same genre?

Though this happens to be a YA Fantasy, I believe I have included some societal allegories within the pages of my book. I honestly didn’t even realize I had so much social commentary in it until after I read over the entire book during the editing process. It’s not just a coming of age story or a love story; it’s about how people react to one another’s actions and sentiments, along with the consequences that arise from those reactions.

One example of this is the notion that people allow their need for revenge and hate to drive them, which just spirals into a vicious cycle. Leito’s Father, Draven, hurts Aidan through his actions and Aidan, in turn, hurts Draven through his. Both are still full of pain and rage, and their revenge does nothing to make them better individuals. They in fact end up unintentionally hurting people that they love and cherish.

I also think that the social constructs of the two dragon societies in the book can apply to some of the societies we see in our own world. There are plenty of nations that are plagued by violence, megalomaniacs, and the need to subjugate those weaker or peace loving. This would be an example of what the Incendio dragon den is like. On the other end of the spectrum, we have some individuals that strive for non-violence and equality. This is what those living in Marilibera hope to obtain through their peaceful coexistence.

I also want people to see Leito as someone who holds firm to her convictions no matter what. Even when something might be more convenient for her, she puts the needs of others first. I think that it is important to not always think of ourselves first; to look at what we can do for those around us, even if it means having to sacrifice our own comfort sometimes. Leito is someone I think people could appreciate because she is willing to do for others what most people wouldn’t, even if they had the means to do so. These are qualities I think anyone could admire. 

Great answer. Thank you so much for your time Stephanie.

Have an awesome weekend!

Hugs,

Keira

 

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