💫🌟 Greetings Friends! 🌟💫
Well, I’ve done it. Fae Planes Drifter: Otherworld Outlaws 4 is DONE! What’s there to say about this one, other than, holy smokes, you’re in for some surprises! It will hit stores August 19.
In celebration, I have a special surprise for you all—I’ve discounted the rest of the series in my direct store. Just click the image below to go there and catch up with Lula, Hattie, Toxicore, and Paddy while you’re waiting for Fae Planes Drifter.
Want an Advanced Review Copy of Fae Planes Drifter?
If you’ve enjoyed and reviewed any of the other books in the Otherworld Outlaws series and would like an advanced copy of Fae Planes Drifter, send me your name and email address and I’ll make sure you get one.
Announcements
Reminder: Come see me at Comic-Con!
Exciting news! I’ll be a guest on a Weird West panel at Comic-Con 2023 in San Diego, July 21. Other guests include: K.C. Grifant (Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger), Jonathan Maberry (Deadlands: Ghostwalker, The Good, The Bad & The Uncanny: Tales of the Weird West), Jonathan Fesmire (Bodacious Creed trilogy), John Palisano (Try Not to Die: In The Wild West), Richard Carter (lead designer for Doomtown: Reloaded), and Ross Fisher-Davis (writer for Doomtown: Reloaded). If you’re coming to Comic-Con, I’d love to see you!
The Good Stuff
In my least email, I asked what else you’d like to know about in relation to the Celtic and Old West backdrop of the Otherworld Outlaws. It was a toss-up between Celtic gods and goddesses and ancient Celtic culture. So today, let’s talk a bit about the Four Treasures of Ireland, integral artifacts of Celtic myth and culture.
The Four Treasures of Ireland: Magic to Rival Hogwarts
Ireland’s ancient mythology brims with magic and wonder, not unlike a certain famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. Rather than wands and spellbooks, Ireland’s mystical artifacts of choice were the Four Treasures: the Lia Fáil, the Spear of Lugh, the Sword of Nuada, and the Cauldron of Dagda (some of these are starting to ring a bell, amIright?). These four objects wield great power and tie the Tuatha Dé Danann, Ireland’s mythological inhabitants, to the land itself.
First, we have the Lia Fáil, or Stone of Destiny. When the Tuatha Dé Danann arrived in Ireland, the stone roared with joy to greet its true rulers. Roaring stones—talk about a cool culture! It also allowed the rightful High King of Ireland to be chosen by roaring under him. Not the coziest of chairs, but effective at eliminating unsuitable candidates. The Lia Fáil, so legend says, now lies interred within the coronation chair at Westminster Abbey, where its judgment is apparently no longer needed.
Then there’s the flashy Spear of Lugh, aka Sleg of Assal, belonging to the god Lugh Lamhfada. When cast, this spear would fly true to its target and kill them dead, then return to its owner’s hand. The ultimate in magical missiles, and a bit of an overreaction for a minor argument, in my view. But for deterring armies of invaders, I suppose it did the trick!
The Sword of Nuada was wielded by the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Nuada. You guessed right, it was a magical sword that inflicted only fatal wounds when used. Because clearly in Irish mythology overkill is underrated. Nuada eventually lost an arm in battle and had to abdicate until his limb could be replaced with one of silver. ’Twas but a scratch!
Finally, we come to the Cauldron of Dagda, the Tuatha Dé Danann’s god of wisdom (and the Otherworld Outlaws grumpy ol’ miner with a grudge against his ex). Dagda’s bottomless cauldron supplied an endless feast and restored slain warriors to life. The ultimate life hack for armies on the go, and much less creepy than the usual reanimation-of-corpses trope. If only it came with an endless supply of mead…
There you have the Four Treasures of Ireland in all their glory. Between a roaring magical stone, a spear and sword that overachieve at killing things, and an all-you-can-eat cauldron of resurrection, the Tuatha Dé Danann were well equipped with mystical gear in their day. These treasures have enduring legendary power and tie Ireland’s mythical history to its present. Not bad for some pre-Viking bling!
Are there other things about writing Celtic lore and the Old West you want to hear more about? Let me know in the comments below or take this poll.