From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow Guest Post and Giveaway #SilverDaggerTours

 

Supernatural meets The Raven Boys in this thrilling young adult fantasy horror novel about a girl who has lost everything and finds herself in the center of a war between witches and demons.

From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow

The Fountain of Youth Book 1

by Miranda Levi

Genre: YA Dark Urban Fantasy Horror 

Supernatural meets The Raven Boys in this thrilling young adult fantasy horror novel about a girl who has lost everything and finds herself in the center of a war between witches and demons. In a world where anything is possible, can she find the things that keep her human? Or is she doomed to a dark destiny?

Love. Fate. Courage. Darkness.

Thrust into a timeless battle between an ancient network of witches and the demon underbelly who will stop at nothing to possess her regenerating body. Scarlet Singer must decide what is worth fighting for in this life. Love, fate, and a greater destiny are all at stake.

When Scarlet stumbles upon a poem written in a journal for her more than a hundred-and-fifty years earlier, she must face her greatest fears and accept the possibility that she is the fountain of youth personified.

Only a Telepath named Marcus and a Void named Zig stand between Scarlet and the battle over her future. Whom can she trust when both sides have enough reason to end her? If any of them knew the truth, her life would be forfeit.

Praise for From a Youth A Fountain Did Flow

"Pursued by demons, a teenage girl must confront darkness and a terrible destiny in Levi’s YA fantasy novel. In Washington State,17-year-old Scarlet Singer is haunted by nightmarish shadows and a feeling of wrongness. Her bad dreams come true when her home is invaded by a monster in the guise of a man. Her mother sacrifices herself to give her daughter time to escape, and a teenage telepath named Marcus Castillo is drawn to Scarlet, sensing her distress. His grandmother, a witch named Kara, accompanies him and slaughters the demonic killer with magic, and Scarlet’s perception of reality is forever changed (“I know magic isn’t real, and demons are like fairytales designed to scare children. Except, I am now swayed to the argument that demons are real, and magic seems to exist despite my reservations”). Packed with demons, humans reduced to “meat suits,” blood-letting and blood-drinking, witches, telepathy, time-shifting, and supernatural realms reachable through magic portals, the novel is never dull. The abundance of fantasy and horror tropes could have been overkill, but the author weaves them into a neat twist on the concepts of the fountain of youth and reincarnation. The catalyst is the 19th-century journal of a young woman named Kelby, which causes Scarlet, sheltered by a powerful Witches Council, to begin to wonder who—and what—she is, leaving her with a secret she can’t share, hunted by demons and ostensible friends alike. Throughout, Scarlet’s closeness to Witches Council members Marcus and the handsome Zig complicates things... The author effectively keeps the plot moving forward by shifting narratives between Scarlet, Marcus, Zig, Kelby’s journal, an enigmatic witch named Azeltha, Scarlet’s demonic nemesis, Dagon, and a few minor but essential characters. The shocker of a cliffhanger at the end signals a sequel to come. An imaginative fantasy-horror tale anchored by a relatable teen hero, engaging ..." Kirkus Reviews

“A fast-paced, intriguing, richly written puzzle box of a book. Every twist and turn left me breathless. That first paragraph grabbed me and wouldn't let me go.” –Aaron Michael Ritchey, award-winning author of The Sages of the Underpass and The Cunning Man series.

"This is a captivating tale about witches and demons and a battle as old as time. It is a story of love, loss, and being captured by purpose. The main character is likable and brave, and her growth as she discovers the truth about her past and her power over the future makes a story well worth reading. I highly recommend Mrs. Levi's 'From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow'" ~Cheree Alsop, author of the Werewolf Academy series.

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1

SCARLET

With each step, the city sucks a little more light from me. I’ve become a shriveled fraction of my former self. My insides let sorrow and darkness take hold. It grips onto my heart and seems to weave a thread through my core, sewing torn and broken pieces together again. I want to stop walking and lay down to die. But giving up is only an option for the broken. I’m patchwork now. So, I keep walking.

I’m not sure why I follow the old woman and a boy named Marcus. We walk for twenty minutes in silence. I consider leaving, turning right when the others go left. Each step is moving lead. I am dead weight.

I should have called the police myself. I should have stayed behind with mom. When I think about what’s happened, it feels like lies slipping off my tongue to speak my truth out loud. A tightness rises in me, choking out my ability to ruminate rationally. I don’t think I would even believe it had I not witnessed it myself.

The pizza delivery guy crouched over my cat’s slain body. He looked up at me with inhuman black eyes.

I’m going crazy.

The scene plays over and over in my brain. Like a movie on repeat, I can’t shut off. I was backing out of the bedroom, knocking things over along the way, stumbling into Mom as I clamber over the top of the couch to get away from the black-eyed man.

Limp fur, black eyes, and Mom telling me to run.

I don’t let myself think past that. I don’t want to remember.

“Run.”

It is the last word Mom ever spoke to me. She looks at me with chocolate brown eyes and points.

“Run.”

Mom’s voice is calm, collected. It’s not a question.

“Run.”

It’s not a demand either. I want Mom to grab my hand and drag us out of the house together.

“Run.”

It’s a plea.

All I want is her, whole and perfect. To be in her warm arms one more time. Hear her voice whisper me to a safe harbor. Only I know one more time would never be enough. No amount of time would be.

Her screams still echo in my mind.

I can hear her begging for a savior, for someone to help her.

But nobody came.

My mom is dead, and it’s all my fault.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

John Scalzi

The Bobiverse series by Dennis E Taylor

Clair North

Seanan McGuire

Rainbow Rowell

From The 911 Files by Justin Anhalt

What book do you think everyone should read?

“13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher. The novel gained a lot of popularity in recent years and sparked important discussions surrounding mental health and the impact of bullying. It is important to note that the book and its themes can be sensitive and triggering for some individuals. It is crucial to approach such content with care and consideration for one’s mental well-being. That being said, I think it’s one of the most impactful books for readers of all ages.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for thirty years. I’ve been writing seriously with the goal of publication and through the lens of learning everything I can to be successful for 12 years.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

When it comes to creating characters, the process is dynamic. For me, it often begins with the main characters who take center stage in the story. They emerge gradually, not all at once, as I spend considerable time ruminating over their essence. I ponder upon their identities, their relationships, and their intricate backstories. It’s as if I am peering into their souls, allowing their personalities to take shape and form.

As I delve deeper into the lives of these main characters, they gradually become fully realized, brimming with a history all their own. It’s at this point, when they feel like authentic individuals with distinct pasts, that I’m compelled to set fingertips to keyboard. Their stories beckon me to share them with the world.

Interestingly, as I begin writing, the side characters tend to materialize effortlessly. Stepping into the lives of the main characters feels akin to entering a vivid tapestry, where the supporting cast emerges naturally. These side characters, like the brushstrokes that add depth to a painting, have a way of fitting seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. They may surprise me with their quirks, their interactions, or even their unexpected impact on the main characters’ journeys.

As an author, my role is to be an observer, to witness and document the lives of these characters as they unfold before me. It’s a privilege to share their stories, to lend a voice to their triumphs, struggles, and growth. The characters, both main and side, become companions on this creative journey, guiding me through their experiences, revealing new facets of their personalities, and driving the narrative forward.

In essence, the process of character creation is a fluid and evolving one. The main characters often arrive first, fully formed in my mind, their histories and relationships deeply ingrained. Yet, it is through the act of writing, stepping into their lives, and immersing myself in their world, that the characters truly come alive, revealing themselves in ways that surprise and inspire. Their stories become intertwined, and my role as the author is to honor their presence, faithfully sharing their tales with readers who will, hopefully, embark on their own journey of connection and discovery.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

The research I undertake before diving into writing a book varies depending on the specific project and its needs. In the case of “A Tear In Time,” where a significant portion of the story is set in 1968, extensive research became crucial. I delved into a plethora of resources to understand the time period, focusing on the places mentioned in the novel and the specific months during which the events unfolded. Each location featured in the book was a real place during that era, and my intention was to breathe life into forgotten moments of history. For instance, when the main character, Fear, travels to Las Vegas, I conducted arguably too much research to ensure accuracy. I discovered that the hotel he stays at no longer exists today, but during that time, Tom Jones was performing there. By finding actual footage of that show, I aimed to infuse the narrative with authentic details and bring those moments in time alive.

On the other hand, with “From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow,” the research aspect was less prominent. Instead, my focus was primarily on delving into mythology and exploring the history of one specific character. While this character had a significant impact in the first novel, he did not receive much screen time. However, in book two, he takes center stage. To maintain authenticity in portraying his dark plight and his shifting motivations, I immersed myself in understanding his character, intertwining his history with actual historical events mentioned in the first book.

Research, in essence, plays a pivotal role in grounding the story in reality, evoking a sense of authenticity, and enhancing the reader’s experience. Whether it involves delving into specific time periods, locations, mythology, or character histories, the research process allows me to weave elements of truth and detail into the fabric of the narrative. For me, it’s a vital step in ensuring that the story resonates with readers, offering an immersive and believable journey into the worlds I create.

Do you see writing as a career?

Writing, to me, is more than just a passion or a hobby—it is my unequivocal career path. I firmly believe in the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on readers’ lives. To pursue this dream, I dedicate a substantial amount of time and effort, fully aware of the challenges and the length of the journey ahead.

My commitment to writing is unwavering. I invest between 40 to 60 hours per week into writing, promoting, and editing, all while juggling the responsibilities of my day job and spending quality time with my family. It’s a delicate balancing act, but when faced with a choice between different activities, more often than not, I find myself drawn to writing. It’s a natural inclination, a deep-rooted desire to pour my thoughts and emotions onto the page, to craft stories that resonate with others.

From the moment I embarked on this path, I understood that writing would demand my full dedication. If I aimed to achieve the level of success necessary to transition from my day job to a full-time writing career, I had to treat it with the same level of commitment and professionalism as any other occupation. This realization led me to embrace a mindset that views writing not merely as a hobby, but as a career that requires consistent effort and unwavering focus.

My routine exemplifies this mindset. I rise at 6am each day, even on weekends, to Immerse myself in writing, editing, and marketing before my better half wakes up, ensuring that we still have quality time together. On weekdays, after work, I dedicate my evenings to writing, squeezing in as many productive hours as I can. This structured approach allows me to make significant progress towards my goals.

In the upcoming twelve months, I have an exciting prospect ahead—a remarkable opportunity to release four, possibly five, books. It’s an ambitious endeavor that fuels my drive and determination. To accomplish such a feat, I need to approach writing as a career, channeling my energy and resources into making it a reality.

Writing is not just a passing interest for me—it is the career I have chosen to pursue with utmost passion and dedication. Through careful time management, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling, I strive to build a successful writing career. It is a journey that demands continuous effort, but one that I wholeheartedly embrace, as I am confident that by treating writing as a career, I will achieve the fulfillment and success I have always aspired to attain.

Miranda Levi is an accomplished fiction writer and poet hailing from the Pacific Northwest. Her writing is known for captivating readers with her evocative storytelling and lyrical prose, which transport readers into other worlds and perspectives. With a passion for exploring the human experience, Levi’s works delve into the complexities of life, love, and loss and offer a glimpse into the human soul. She lives in Seattle with her husband, Peter, and their cat Hamilton. 

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