Writing Raven’s Quest Back to Blog
Update: The winner is…Angela! Congrats, Angela!
If you are a fan of my Elemental Witches or Dark Magick paranormal romance series, or have read any of my erotic romances like The Chosen Sin, Jeweled, or Jaded, you will find Raven’s Quest to be a much different kind of story. Raven’s Quest was one of the first books I ever wrote and it’s a pure fantasy romance, weaving an enduring tale of love through a world rich with magic.
I wrote this novel right after the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. At that point in my life, I’d given up on my writing. Then my husband and I ended up trapped in Europe for an extra week because of the attacks. We were on one of the first passenger planes allowed back into U.S. airspace. On the flight home, I thought a lot about the people who’d been on those hijacked planes and how fast their lives had ended. I wondered why I wasn’t doing the one thing in my life I loved the most. Because I feared failure? What a stupid reason!
How much would the people on those planes give for a second chance to follow their dreams?
I came home and began work on Raven’s Quest right away. Since then I’ve written over forty other works, but Raven’s Quest still claims a very special place in my heart.
If you’re in need of a hero in your life, you might escape for a while with Lucan. The fourth son of a great king, he never expected—or wanted—to rule, but when his uncle kills Lucan’s family and takes the throne for himself, Lucan has no choice but to form a rebellion and force his unjust uncle from the throne.
Branna is a woman of magic and mystery who comes from a country far away. When she meets Lucan she knows he’s special in more ways than one. Strong and compassionate, Branna is willing to sacrifice her life for the good of her people, but the longer she knows Lucan, the harder leaving him becomes….
I had so much fun writing Branna and Lucan, building their magical world and guiding them both toward love. I hope you will enjoy reading their story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Raven’s Quest became available yesterday. Here’s a short excerpt to give you a taste.
EXCERPT
A noise sounded behind her and she whirled, afraid Fiall had followed her. She searched in the half light to determine who it was. By the man’s form and the way he moved . . . aye, she knew him by the way he moved better than she’d ever known anyone . . . she could tell it was Lucan right away.
“Are you all right?” came his low, deep voice. His face was caught in shadow.
For some reason, the concern that laced those words nearly broke her apart. She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing the tears that welled over and onto her cheeks. How could she find this man only to lose him again?
She tried to collect herself before speaking. “Yes . . . I’m fine,” she said in the steadiest voice she could manage.
“Because if you need to be kissed, I can do that. If kissing is what you need, I’m your man.”
She could hear the smile in his voice, though she couldn’t see it on his face. She laughed and sobbed at the same time. Fine, she would follow Arturo’s advice and simply give in. “Aye, I could use a kiss,” she said in a voice made husky by her tears.
Before she’d even finished her sentence, he strode toward her. He caught her around the waist and brought his face close to hers. His breath was mint scented, and it stirred the fine hairs around the edge of her face. He smelled as he always did, of spicewood soap and leather, although this time it also seemed she could smell his desire.
One teardrop meandered its way down her cheek, and Lucan kissed it away. Then he tipped her chin up and placed his mouth against hers. She could taste the salty tang of her teardrop as he parted her lips and brushed his tongue against hers in a long, slow stroke.
Morrenna’s stars . . . thank the Goddess for kisses.
Read the first chapter at http://www.anyabast.com/ravens-quest/
Leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed copy of Raven’s Quest.
The contest will end at 5pm (est) tomorrow.
Good luck and thanks so much for reading! 🙂
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Loved that sexy excerpt! Please enter me!
Love finding new books for my wish list!
Amy J
djsfoxylady @ gmail.com
Good morning Anya!
I really enjoyed The Chosen Sin. I am curious about Raven’s Quest since you said it is so different from your other books. I can appreciate a life-changing event like 9/11 making you go after your dream of being a writer. I’m so glad that the gamble paid off for you! I decided late last year that I would start doing things that had always scared me. I have never gone on a trip by myself so before I could chicken out, I registered for RT in LA. My tickets are bought and the hotel is arranged. It is a small first step to doing more fun and exciting things in the upcoming year!
Good luck with Raven’s Quest!
sounds like a book i’d really enjoy.
thanks
Well whatever the motivation I’m really glad you decided to write. I’d love to read Raven’s Quest. It’s going on my TBR shelf.
Congrats on the newest release! The Chosen Sin is one of my favorite books and I was hoping there would be more coming from this world.
can’t wait until i get the chance to read this book
Congratulations on the release of RAVEN’S QUEST. That is such a sweet excerpt. Leaves me wanting.
I love Anya’s books.
Raven’s Quest sounds really good.Thanks for sharing an excerpt.
Oh my what a wonderful and kind of sad story. I agree that if you have a chance to do something you love, do it, cause some people don’t get that opportunity. This book sounds amazing and I am definitely going to have to read it. Congrats on the release!!!
HUGS!!!!
I am so glad to hear you decided to write again. It nice to hear about something positive coming from such tradegy. Raven’s Quest sounds exciting and wonderful. I look forward to reading it.
Love your books… I am so happy that you decided to write again to share such wonderful books with us! RAVEN’S QUEST sounds like another great read! 😀
Raven’s Quest sounds like a great story. Thanks for sharing the excerpt.
Very sexy excerpt. I’m glad you started to write again.
congrats on your newest release!! and thanks so much for sharing the excerpt – it’s great and I will def keep your book in mind and on top of my wishlist 🙂
Hi Anya 🙂
I’m even more curious about RAVEN’S QUEST. You said you started writing RAVEN’S QUEST in 2001. Is this a re-release or did you want to hold back in submiting this story. I hear all the time from authors how much time it takes to get a story published, just curious if this was the case with RAVEN’S QUEST. Love your work so very excited to add this one to my bookshelf.
Thanks for stopping by and giving us the history to this book 🙂
I really want to read this one. It a little outside of my norm but I love Anya Bast so I know I will love it.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving comments, everyone! 🙂
Michele — This was the second book I ever wrote. It was the first book I ever sold. It was in print with Imajinn back in 2004. When I got the rights back to it, Berkley bought the book. So this is a re-release. 🙂
I just finished Jeweled a few weeks ago and really really enjoyed.. I would love a chance to read more of Anya’s work.
Thank you Cynthia & Anya for sharing this with me.
*fingers crossed*
Kelly M
crazybookfairy@gmail.com
I have loved everything Anya has written. Looking forward to reading RAVEN’S QUEST.
Pick me, pick me, please!
This is certainly the kind of book I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing your story with us, it’s very inspiring.
Valerie
in Germany
Never put off for tomorrow if you can do it TODAY A moto I
have followed since December 2000 Jan 2001 I had breast Cancer caught it early thank goodness , but like 911 it change me I strive to be a good kinder thoughtful person
always giving Hugs better listener will drop what I’m doing
if I’m needed Life is short to begin with to deny your passion of what you love is cheating yourself & others.
I adore the cover of Raven’s Quest i can’t wait to read it…
Have a wonderful day.
Ann <3
I can’t wait to read this book even though it looks different to the other ones you’ve written. I absolutely loved the Elemental Witches series as well as the Dark Magick series (so far) and also really enjoyed the Chosen Sin and Jeweled! Actually I can’t wait to get my hands on Jaded so basically I love everything you write Anya! Keep up the amazing work! 🙂
Hi Anya,
Thanks so much for stopping by and giving us a great excerpt of RAVEN’S QUEST. You have me hook, line and sinker. Definite on my TBR list!!!!
This sounds like a very good book. I loved reading about the back story of Raven’s Quest. 🙂 Great excerpt.
I enjoyed the Elemental Witches and loved The Chosen Sin Anya.
sounds great!! Cover is awesome!
I’m glad you didn’t give up on your dream! After reading the excerpt, this is going on my wishlist for Valentines day!
love anya books and would love to win this one.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Thanks for guest posting, Anya! Can’t wait to read Raven’s Quest!
What an inspirational post! I’m glad something so tragic lead you to reigniting your magical imagination!!
DragonStar1974 at aol.com
Loved the excerpt. This sounds like my kind of read. Please enter me in the giveaway.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
I know I’m late, but this really does sound great.
c.