Welcome to this week’s Friday Author Spotlight! This week I have Allison D. Reid returning with her new novella, Into the Shadow Wood. I was lucky enough to be able to read an early copy and it’s an amazing story. It had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down!

Alaric, where were you born, and what was it like growing up there?

I was born in Tyroc Castle. Though I was not the son of the Sovereign, or even one of his lords, I was born into a nobility of sorts. I am the seventh generation of my family to serve as one of the Sovereign’s elite personal guard, called the Circle. I am also the last generation to bear that honor.

My childhood was spent preparing me for my entrance into the Circle, even when I wasn’t aware of it. Every activity was meant to build up my strength, endurance, skills, or character. All of my needs and desires were taken care of; I never went hungry, lacked clothing, or endured the labors of the field. I received a better education than most of the boys in Tyroc, too. But my purpose was also made very clear. My life belonged to the Sovereign, and my first duty was to defend him and his family. Their lives were valued above mine, and if necessary, I was to die protecting them. This was not a sacrifice, but an honor passed down from my father to me…

Read the rest of the interview on Renee Writes.