AWW Feature: Shona Husk on rules for visiting fairyland

LORD OF THE HUNT BY SHONA HUSK – IN STORES JANUARY 2014

She Wasn’t Cut Out for His World…
The realm of the fairies might be unbelievably beautiful, but its people are notoriously treacherous. Raised among mortals, Taryn hoped to avoid her fairy heritage her whole life. But now she must cross over to Annwyn and appeal to the King to pardon her exiled parents, or they’re sure to die. And to get to the King, she’ll first have to face the Lord of the Hunt…
He Can’t Imagine Life Without Her…
Verden, Lord of the Hunt, is sworn to serve to King. But the moment he sees Taryn, the attraction is instant and devastating. How can he not help the beautiful, brave young woman who refuses to bend to the will of the court? Yet the power in Annwyn is shifting, its magic failing. No matter how much he may love Taryn, the Hunter knows that abandoning his duty could bring down the mortal world forever.

Five essential things to take to Annwyn

This list was inspired by the often asked question what things would take if you were stranded on a desert island (sunscreen, books and a satellite phone so I can call for help). Annwyn isn’t a desert but it is quite possible for humans to be stuck there—my best advice is don’t accept an offer from a fairy to go there no matter what they promise—however history is littered with people who dealt unwisely with fairies. So this is what I’d pack if I knew I was going. YMMV.
1)    Water and food.
The biggest danger is Annwyn is eating and drinking fairy food and water. One bite and you are stuck there until the King decides to release you which could be never. So assuming you are going to be stuck in Annwyn for a finite amount of time before help arrives or you find a way out, take food and water. Of course if you run out well…you’ll have to chance the fairy food and hope the King is feeling lenient and releases you. Just remember not to make any deals as the fairies will always get the better end of the stick.
2)    Vodka.
Yep, I’d be slipping that into the fairies not alcoholic wine just to see what would happen. All their rigid ideals and carefully planned games would fall apart rather rapidly. Once the Court was in disarray it should be easy to negotiate a way home…maybe or they might just throw you in the river of the damned for spiking their drinks.
3)    Chocolate.
Fairies like sweet stuff so this would win over some friends and buy you some much needed favors, perhaps even a way back home that won’t involve trading your soul or bind you up in deals that last for centuries. This is a far less risky strategy than the vodka so maybe try this first.
4)    Mah jong.
Fairies like games, especially games that involve gambling so I think this would be a hit. Unless you can play really well perhaps just show them how it’s done and then let them enjoy, after all losing to a fairy would be a really bad idea.
5)    Books
If all else fails you can get through your to be read pile in the beautiful forests of Annwyn until help arrives. Reading is a much safer pastime than playing with fairies no matter how pretty and tempting they are.

*****

Click here to read my review of Lord of the Hunt

Praise for the works of Shona Husk:
“Romantic and intriguing.” —Publishers Weekly
“Enthralling.” —Booklist
“A great fairy-tale feel…dark, fresh, and tantalizing.” —Anna’s Book Blog

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. She is the author of the Shadowlands Series and the Annwyn Series. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

To Purchase Lord of the Hunt:

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