The Dreamt Child: Book Three of Earth’s Pendulum
by Yvonne Hertzberger
Genre of this Book:Fantasy/Magic Realism
Word count: 92,000
We follow Liannis, seer for the goddess Earth after a winter in semi-trance in a cabin in the woods. The goddess Earth leads Merrist, previously seen only as her devoted hired man, to Liannis to call her back to her duties. Earth, as Liannis still has not heeded the recurring dream of a child, takes Liannis into pre-history, showing how the custom of seers never taking a mate happened. With the evolution of society the duties of Earth’s seers must change once again. Merrist is also given the dream. Upon sharing it with Liannis they find that Earth wishes them to join (marry). The child is their destiny. But the people believe that such a union is forbidden and some oppose it. Among these is one of the candidates for lordship of Catania. Lord Gaelen, of Bargia, current ruler, wishes Catania to become independent again, that he wants to relinquish his control over it. Treason, treachery and violence ensue. Earth gives Merrist the gift of healing. Gaelen also wishes to return Lieth to independence. The people are rebuilding after the great quake that destroyed Lieth City. Lady Nairin, under asylum in Bargia, wishes to set up a regency for her son. Can she be trusted? Will the people of Lieth accept the family back? With Merrist in Catania and Liannis in Lieth the couple find themselves facing many of these challenges alone. Even Earth does not always know what will come. Yet these changes must occur. Otherwise Earth, and the world she protects, are in danger.
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Yvonne, How did you come up with the title for your book? Does it have any special meaning?
This is the final book in the trilogy. The second, Through Kestrel’s Eyes, foreshadowed the birth of a child with a special destiny. This title continues the theme of never-ending change – the swinging Pendulum of history. The child’s birth marks one of those momentous changes.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I am drawn to Merrist. He faces the greatest challenges, and undergoes the biggest growth as he comes to terms with his destiny. He begins as a hired man and discovers he, and the changes he undergoes, make him far more important than his wildest imagination could have predicted.
Does your book have any underlying theme, message, or moral?
The title Earth’s Pendulum illustrates the swing of history from chaos, to peace and back again. The idea is that we are interdependent with our environment, here shown as the goddess Earth, and that survival depends on change, our adaptations to it, and willingness to live in harmony with it.
What would/could a reader or reviewer say about this book that shows they “get” you as an author?
That the world I created and the characters in it are believable and have depth, that they were drawn into the story, felt I understood my characters, and were left wanting more.
Give us an excerpted quote from your favorite review of this book:
This final book in the series is delightfully full of developments in the beloved characters’ relationships, in the peoples that shaped human society and in the awareness of the connection between Earth and its inhabitants, a concept which I found refreshing and thought-provoking.
Where can people learn more about your writing?
http:/newfantasyauthor.com
This is a great book. I loved the whole series!
Thank you, Greta.
Wonderful interview, Yvonne! I’ve read the book, I know a lot of the background, but nonetheless, it’s still interesting and informative to ‘hear’ more of your thoughts!
Thank you, Carolyn.