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I grew up in a small town, Kinston, in Eastern North Carolina in the golden age of youth. I say golden age, because kids dashed out the door on Saturday morning, took to bicycles, and explored the world around them unrestrained only returning home for dinner in the late afternoon. I scampered over fields and swampy low grounds, investigated and collected anything that moved and half the flora I came across. That gave me the knowledge of the natural world that backgrounds my epic.
I studied mythology and developed my own language that has served me through life. My most prized names took form in the characters and places of my books all these decades later.
I went to college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I graduated with a BA degree in Ancient and European History. An elective course on castle and cathedral fired up a love of medieval architecture. Little did I know political histories, biographies, art, and architecture would again arise in the fortresses and palaces in my books.
I served my country in the Vietnam War, repairing the display computers on the Air Force's F111 aircraft, though not in Vietnam. Then I audited agriculture courses at NC State University for a year before returning to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduating with a MBA, Masters of Business Administration.
A long career in the textile industry working in materials inventory, computer systems development, and finally, manufacturing operations ended abruptly due to a corporate buyout. The imploding industry left little economic opportunity. I found myself looking 'outside the box' for future options. A seed suggestion to write down some of my stories, planted by a doctor of literature in my youth, germinated. I decided to write a fantasy story. I had no inkling it would lead me on the greatest adventure of my life. Though I didn't know the stern mandates of creative writing before I started, I learned backwards by rewriting my epic over the years correcting the point of view, show don't tell, 'ly' adverb, passive voice, etc. issues until at last I have the story down pat.
My greatest supporter and companion through the years of writing this epic was my little silky terrier, Miss Delia. She passed away after sixteen years just prior to my publishing my first of the four books. This epic is dedicated first and foremost to that precious little girl.
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite
Saxthor is struggling to lead his small band of allies in his quest to restore the Crown of Yensupov. As he comes into his own, he is faced with a multitude of challenges in a world that is increasingly being influenced by the Dark Lord of Dreaddrac. With the Witch Earwig lurking in the background, Saxthor must strive to be the hero and leader the entire world hopes he can be.
The Crystal Legacy, Volume 2 of the Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire series, showcases the author's tremendous growth in almost all aspects of fantasy writing. The first book of the series was already a good read - this one is exponentially better. The interactions between Saxthor and his growing circle of allies emphasizes not only his own individual progress, but also the distinct personalities and characteristics of every person he encounters. His gradual growth as a leader and as a hero is reflected by the way the people around him react to his presence. The dialogue is distinct, snarky and concise. The story flows from one quest to the next, all while maintaining a significant connection to the overall arc. The action is frenetic at times and each fight scene truly utilizes the potential of every character involved. Witch Earwig still manages to steal every scene she's in, and her hand is still felt even though Saxthor is, for now, slightly beyond her grasp.
Magical creatures and spells play a significantly larger role in this book, a trend I hope will continue into the next part of the Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire series. I can say that C. Craig Coleman's growth as a writer mirrors Saxthor's growth as a hero. As this fantasy world expands and as Saxthor encounters increasingly harder challenges, I have every confidence that the author will be able to deliver in the next book of the series. C. Craig Coleman is a fantasy author to keep an eye on, one that has all the potential to be a mainstay in this genre for years to come.
