Dead Things Came To Life

"Forgive my impatient hand, good sir and friend, but I'm afraid the dead have come back to life, and
your assistance is dearly needed.

King Asthan"

Progress

CURRENT WRITING STAGE: Research and outlining phase - character development - some scenes draftedCURRENT PRODUCTION STAGE: cover artist commissioned

PRODUCTION STAGES:

  • Website

  • Book Cover

  • Copyediting

  • Proofreading

  • Formatting

  • Character Art

Your Questions Answered

DOES THIS BOOK HAVE LGBTQ+ REP?

Yes. I only write books with LGBTQ+ rep anyway. In this novel, the mage Iskariot is openly bisexual. He and the demon slayer Victor are going to grow... fond of each other.

IS IT A ROMANCE?

Yes and no. The protagonists get closer as the story goes. There IS romance, but they're busy saving the world, so it will be a slow burn. Still, I believe there should be enough of it to keep you well satisfied!

IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR TEENS?

Because there will be monsters, violence and the presence of Master Iskariot overall, the starting reading age of this book is advertised as 18+.The book also contains copious amounts of wine and profanity, as well as sex workers.

WHAT ARE THE TROPES? WHAT ABOUT COMPARATIVE WORKS?

I'm particularly bad at guessing tropes,, sorry. I'll find out as I write and keep you posted.As for comparative works, I also suck at this. The best I can offer is: Diablo meets The Mummy.

WHAT GENRES DOES THIS NOVEL COMBINE?

1. FANTASY
Iskariot and Victor live in fictional kingdoms at a time without modern technology, and where the supernatural plays a vital role. It's important to remember this isn't our world and the people aren't stand-ins for particular cultures or countries, although I'm obviously influenced by my personal interests and tastes.2. GOTHIC/ HORROR
The story features animated skeletons and zombies and blood-thirsty demons, as well as some pretty unhinged antagonists. If you don't like violence at all, maybe steer away from my fantasy works in general. But is the novel scary? I wouldn't say so. If you like films such as The Mummy, you should like this one.3. COMEDY
I personally see this book as a dark comedy with some serious elements. Or perhaps it's the opposite? Who knows... Some situations and characters are intentionally ridiculous.4. MYSTERY
Iskariot and Victor band together to discover the source of the curse that threatens to drown the world. In a way, they become reluctant detectives. A bit like the rookie/grumpy old timer trope, but different. In this one, the old timer is a riot, and the rookie's the grump.

IS THE BOOK DIVERSE?

If you mean in terms of skin colour, then yes. The novel features many characters who are explicitly not white: mainly Iskariot, Helena and Amilyah. However this novel isn't meant to take anything away from BIPOC authors, whose work I would prefer you read instead of turning to mine for representation. The characters in this book are not representative of any real life culture, nor are they tokens of diversity. A world without different-looking people doesn't make any sense to me, so the characters in this book tend to look different. If you want an example, think of the recent tv show Andor. But in short: I won't be advertising this book as diverse as I don't want to distract readers from finding better books from diverse authors.The world of DTCTL includes all kinds of people, including trans and non-binary people, neurodivergent and disabled people, but not as the main focus. Although it must be said that Iskariot may be considered disabled by some.

Story

When the dead rise from their graves, a washed-up mage is appointed to stop the invasion before it’s too late. At the same time, a lonesome demon slayer will stop at nothing to find the source of the curse and use it to resurrect his twin sister. As the two of them repeatedly meet and clash, a disturbing truth begins to reveal itself to them: No one can be trusted, except perhaps each other.

Characters

Iskariot

Few know Iskariot's given name, as his family is ancient and revered — and lets him get away with anything.A long time ago, he was one of the most powerful mages in the region. But he disappeared many years ago, and when he resurfaced, his powers were depleted. Despite numerous speculations, nobody seems to know the reason why.Nowadays Iskariot is a mage for hire and uses his wages to indulge in food, drink, and people. When the emperor asks him to save his kingdom in exchange for more riches than he can count, he’s quick to accept.The common people like the nobles sneer at this sudden appointment, for Iskariot was never serious about anything but his magic, and everyone knows it is all but gone.

Victor

Victor would describe himself as Lisbeth’s twin brother. When the dead rose fifteen years ago, the two of them were the only survivors of the massacre that destroyed their village. Rescued by Pallas, the mysterious chieftain of the shadow gatherers—dark wanderers who can sense and harness darkness to fight evil—they were trained to join their ranks.Shadow gatherers usually work alone, roaming the countryside and coming to the aid of farmers and small folk in general, where the fancier mages don’t go. Victor and Lisbeth saved many lives at the cost of their own, until Lisbeth fell a year ago, leaving Victor in ruins.When the gates between the worlds open and the dead rise once more, Victor can trace the source of the dark magic that animates them. Rumor has it the same magic can resurrect the dead, and Victor needs his sister back. Drawn to the power of the curse, he finds Iskariot instead.

Helena

Leader of a revered secret order, Helena and her coven know how to harvest the light — and protect it. Under her calm demeanor, she’s a skilled warrior feared by demons and men alike.After meeting many years ago under dark circumstances, she and Iskariot share a strong friendship. In fact, she’s the only person he trusts. She knows who he truly is, because she’s witnessed his light, or the remnants of it.Helena is also blessed with some clairvoyance skills. Because she has access to the light, she must conceal her eyes.The legend says if Helena uncovers the top half of her face, her eyes are the last thing you will ever see.

Amilyah

Amilyah is the mysterious shadow darkening Iskariot's past.Although he refuses to speak about her, when asked if she had been lucky enough to steal his heart, Iskariot did once admit that she had.

Josefin

Josefin is the pesky raven following Victor around ever since he wiped out the undead at the graveyard where she hung out.She has some powers of her own and seems smarter than the average raven.Because he doesn't know her name, and because he's afraid of forming too much of an attachment, Victor calls her "Bird".Iskariot suspect her of being more than she lets on.

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AUTHOR

Zelda French (they/them) is an author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy & Coming-of-Age novels.

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