Stone of Matter
B. L. Barkey 

(Litiguh, #1)
Publication date: April 10th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Ammon and his brother dream of becoming Guardians for their hidden home called Cephas Island. Under the watchful eyes of Levitians and Stone-wielders, ventures, choices, trials, and darkness carry Ammon ever closer toward his mortal destiny. As he continues to unlock his physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities, darkness builds momentum throughout the world.
Spiritual titans wage war over the Creation Stones, seeking the final hidden Stone of Matter, and revealing glimpses of the Greater War that affects them all. As balance shifts between light and darkness, dreams weave through Ammon’s mind, guiding him towards foreign paths. After imagining a life spent with his family and friends, he must choose which paths he will tread. Yet one thing remains clear. The world of Proelum, and life as they know it, is about to change. Perhaps for the last time.

~ Author Interview ~

Q. Tell us a little about B.L. Barkey?

A. I was raised with a wonderful family that loved me, though they didn’t quite understand me. My passion for stories has been with me pretty much since birth (aka. Nerd for life). Growing up, I loved drawing, reading, skateboarding, rock ‘n’ roll, and Toonami (all 90s kids will understand, this is where you found Yu-Yu Hakusho and Dragon Ball Z before the Internet). Since then, I have gotten my Masters in Water Engineering, ran several marathons, completed a full Ironman race, raised two beautiful dogs, worked for an engineering firm, and of course, written the book I’ve always wanted to write. I’ve spent most of my life in Colorado, and I will most likely move back there someday.

 Q. How did you come up with the idea for Stone of Matter?

A. This book was actually written simultaneously with Book II. I wrote it straight-through, after which I separated the two and shaped Book I into its own. From there, it has really taken shape as a world of its own, telling its own story, while leading into Book II. As far as inspiration, it all came to me at once under the title of Litiguh. Once I thought of the name “Litiguh” for the series, the rest started falling into place, piece by piece. Things have shifted slightly over the years, though much of the core of Litiguh remains the same. I truly love the world and enjoy writing the stories. I hope people will enjoy reading them.

Q. Did you think of The Legend of Litiguh as a whole or did that come after you started writing Stone of Matter?

A. I thought of it as a whole. I knew it would be a series, maybe three books. But as I kept piecing it together since 2009, I believe it has become what it needs to become, which is most likely going to be three trilogies. So nine books.

Q. Who or what was your inspiration for your characters? 

A. I would say some characters are based on different mindsets within myself, which are then recorded in ink, and allowed to take on a life for themselves. From there, they begin to surprise even me.
Others are based rather closely to real people I know. Never the names, of course, but the personalities and effects they had on me in life. I try to capture more of the impact they had on me than their physical appearances.

Q. What are your hopes for this series? How many books do you plan to have?

A. From the beginning, it started out as three books. Now, it will be nine. Three trilogies. My goal is for each book to stand alone with its own story, while keeping intrigue for the greater mysteries threaded throughout. Every book is sketched out, the first two are written, and the third is a chimera of ideas waiting to be sewn together.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an author? 

A. No, not really. When I look back, my favorite thing in the world has always been stories. Books, songs, movies, video games. Anything with an unforgettable story has always left me happy and wondering.

Q. One day, while I was reading, I remember thinking, “Wow, I can’t imagine writing an entire book.” I still feel the same way. I’ve just learned to take daunting tasks one step at a time. In the end, writing “Stone of Matter” was 90% fun, 10% hard work. I’d say that’s worth it.

Q. Whose writing inspires you the most?

A. In general, probably C.S. Lewis. His fictional spinning of spiritual topics brings lots of peace to my heart. I also enjoy the honesty and originality in Stephen King’s work.

Q. Aside from Stone of Matter, what is one book you would recommend to readers?

A. “Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss, hands-down. With the addition of its sequel, “A Wise Man’s Fear”. And I apologize ahead of time, for you will be addicted, and the third book of the trilogy has yet to be released. But it’s so worth it.

Q. Do you have any words of wisdom to anyone that might want to be a writer?
A. Never stop reading or growing.

Author Bio

Since he was a child, he always had a passion for reading, fiction movies, adventure, and school. He always loved school, particularly math. He was the kid that would sleep in Algebra class, then wake up to ace the test. Yeah, no one likes that kid. Oh well.
He is a single dad to two children (of the “canine” persuasion) named Toby (blue heeler mix) and Nala (husky wolf mix). Oh, and he has a cat named Lucy. She is cool too.
Brandon still loves reading, running, and math which is pretty much all he does now. He also loves traveling around the U.S. and other countries when given the chance. He hopes to publish his books, continue to contribute to society through engineering, travel the world, and find his best friend in female-form to marry and raise a family with (both human and canine children).


XBTBanner1