Today I am delighted to welcome author Nicole Zoltack. “Champion of Valor”, the third novel in her Medieval Fantasy Romance Series, Kingdom of Arnhem, has been released by Desert Breeze Publishing. Today she’ll be discussing Religion in the Middle Ages. Congratulations and welcome, Nicole.
Religion in the Middle Ages
The medieval people lived in trying times. Many children died before their first birthday. Many mothers died during childbirth. The plague. The Crusades. It comes as no surprise that the medieval people were extremely religious, with many attending daily mass.
Woman of Honor, the first book in my medieval fantasy romance series, is the most historical book in the trilogy. Aislinn is a young girl who wishes to be a knight – this book focuses on her knightly training and the love she finds along her journey.
Knight of Glory introduces different races like dwarves and wind-dancing trolls and focuses more on the fantasy aspect of the world as Sir Geoffrey finds himself torn between two different and mysterious women.
But I felt that I would have been remiss to ignore how religious the medieval world had been so Champion of Valor has religious undertones. The war between Arnhem and Speica mirrors the war between angels and demons as Lucifer tries to bring about the apocalypse before its time.
Excerpt:
Heaven
Christopher glanced down at Terra between the clouds. With the heightened sight of a warrior saint, he was able to see Arnhem castle, his home throughout his knightly training. The marketplace had come a long way since the horrific fire. A large smile graced his face when he saw the queen, his sister, help a young child to an apple from a market’s cart. She, too, had come a long way, her tenacity and determination earning Aislinn her shield and the heart of Arnhem’s young king.
“She has an even harder journey ahead of her.”
The deep voice of his commander, Saint Michael the Archangel, stirred Christopher from his thoughts, and his heart fell slightly. “Aislinn must face more hardship?” he asked, dreading but already knowing the answer.
“I am afraid so. She will survive it, do not fret.”
Christopher breathed a sigh of relief. Although he longed to one day be reunited with his beloved sister, he did not want to rush her death. “Do you want me to warn her again?”
As a soldier in the Battle for Heaven, Christopher was allowed, at certain times and with his Archangel’s consent, to visit one still on Earth about the trying times ahead, to prepare her, to ready her heart, and to increase her devotion to the Lord. He had already visited his sister several times.
“No.” Saint Michael’s large, ethereal wings glittered as he shook his head. “The war between Speica and Arnhem is rapidly engulfing the entire continent of Alethereia. If things continue at this rapid pace, Europe and the rest of the eastern world may come to grapple with the destruction as well.”
Christopher blinked and furrowed his brow. “But Europe and the other continents are still ignorant of magic.”
“Yes.” Saint Michael glided beside Christopher and gazed down upon Terra with a mild look of concern. “Now is not the time for magic to be revealed to them. We cannot allow that to happen.”
“How can we prevent this from occurring?”
“As you told Aislinn many years ago, the battles waged on Terra parallel those fought here in Heaven.”
Christopher nodded with understanding. “We must fight Lucifer and his demon angels.”
“We must win, and soon.” Saint Michael’s gaze shifted to Christopher. “Your time on Terra was cut short, and I am sorry for that, but the Lord had need of you here. You have proven yourself time and again in battle. It is time to ready the other warriors.” Saint Michael nodded his head and vanished in a brilliant flash of white.
Christopher stole one last look down on Terra, his eyes now drawn to the dark castle of Speica. The hint of black magic vibrated and hummed even across the great distance. He shuddered. At least in Heaven, Christopher did not have to worry about dying again, but those fighting for Arnhem, and the light, would have a dangerous road ahead of them. Christopher did not envy them.
Be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win some signed post cards and magnets. Each comment during the Champion of Valor Blog Tour gives you an entry for the grand prize: a copy of the entire Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy – Woman of Honor, Knight of Glory, and Champion of Valor.
Hi Nicole,
thank you for visiting today. What a great excerpt, I can’t wait to read “Champion of Valor”. Good luck with your writing.
Blessings,
Regina
Nice post Nicole!
REGINA/NICOLE-the new book sounds great I cannot wait to purchase. Please keep up the good work. Romance is always an interesting topic!!!!!!!REGARDS BEN SMITH
NICOLE- this is the third book in your series,how do the other books compare to this one in terms of content??Why your interest in medieval romance? Well anyway please keep up the good work! REGARDS BEN SMITH
Hi Ben,
Thanks so much for your comments!
Regina
Thanks for visiting, A.R., and glad you liked the post! Nicole is awesome.
Regina
Regina, you’re a sweetheart. Thank you so much for your kind words and for hosting me today!
Thanks, A.R.!
Hi Ben, thanks for dropping by!
The first book in the series is called Woman of Honor. All of the books are fantasy romances set in a medieval like world. Woman of Honor has the strongest historical feel as it is Aislinn’s story as she tries to become a female knight and finds love as she earns her shield.
The second book, Knight of Glory, is more fantasy-inclined. Sir Geoffrey finds himself torn between two different women as he tries to find the kingdom of Arnhem allies in the war against Speica.
Champion of Valor has more religious undertones than the others. The war between Speica and Arnhem is coming near its end. This time, the love story is between Selliki the selkie and Gabrael the mage.
Why am I interested in medieval romance? I’ve always loved the Middle Ages. I’ve gone to the state Ren Faire so many times. Hubby and I even had a Renaissance themed wedding. I love the idea of chivalry, of men laying down their lives for country and love. Knights, chivalry, love – that’s why I love medieval romance.
Hi Nicole,
Your writing and your imagination are just awesome. The tone and the feel of the world you have created has such depth and authenticity. Could you please tell us a little about what inspires you?
Thank you,
Regina
Nicole, Best wishes with all your endeavors. 🙂
Following your blog tour. Really enjoyed that excerpt. I am learning a lot about the medeviel era.
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
REGINA- excellent book to show on your blog.Continued success in your future writing jobs..REGARDS BEN SMITH
To answer your question, Regina – it might be easier to say what doesn’t inspire me! lol I can find inspiration in so many places – through TV, books, movies, my family, people watching, through dreams. Just through living life. I try to find stories in everything.
That’s what inspires me for writing. What I find inspiring period is my family. I love my husband and my two little boys so much. Everything I do, I do for them. They’re my whole world.
Hi Nicole,
Thank you so so much for your heartfelt answer. It is very refreshing to hear how you derive pleasure and inspiration from your loved ones 🙂 What a beautiful perspective.
Nicole, I would say you are very inspiring! You certainly inspire me.
Thank you for visiting and please come back again soon!
Hugs and blessings,
Regina
REGINA/NICOLE- I cannot wait to get Champion of Valor.Anyway keep up the good work ladies,and a pleasure to read the works of you both!REGARDS BEN SMITH
Wonderful post, Nicole and Regina! And great excerpt!
I read Woman of Honor – it was an awesome read and I thorougly enjoyed it!
I wish you continued success, Nicole, on all your books!