C.C.Cole

C.C.Cole
author C.C.Cole's blog

Saturday, November 12, 2011

For Our Troops: Meet Shevata of the Gastar Series

For the Blog Tour, you should be coming from author David M. Brown:
http://blog.elenchera.com/




I first introduced my dark heroine Shevata, the lead character of my Gastar novellas in 2009 with “The First Book of the Gastar Series:  Act of Redemption,” a medieval dark fantasy/action series. The sequel, “Children of Discord” was published in 2011.  The Gastar series will be a collection of four novellas when completed.   I am honored to present her again to the brave men and women (past and present) who protect our freedom as we write these books.  I hope the Troops get a chance to enjoy the work of all participating authors.

Who is Shevata?  She is a former child slave fighter, amongst thousands of children born and bred for the sole purpose to fight a centuries-long war for the city of Gastar against the Abbians, evil priests who conjured undead soldiers of slain people, creating an almost limitless army.  Shevata was born in the latter years of the war, and was made an assassin instead of a soldier, so she rarely visited the battlefield.  Historical comparisons to her creation would be the numerous regimes that use children for soldiers, for example, the Nazi children of WWII or the Khmer Rouge in the 1970’s, just to name a couple.

What are Shevata’s abilities?  She’s a small, underdeveloped, sixteen year old girl that doesn’t appear dangerous.   So how can one so small be such a competent killer? She has a single unique skill, moving objects with her mind (telekinesis).  As a weapons expert, she can use anything from swords, arrows, and a kitchen skillet to the bad ends of her opponents.  As she concentrates, the weapons are propelled far beyond her physical strength, making her a particular nasty adversary. She can open locks without keys, climb walls with expertise, and move the earth to bury small buildings and slain enemies.

On a radio interview I was asked what was Shevata’s weakness.  Physically, she has few.  In the first two novellas, “Act of Redemption” and “Children of Discord,” her soul was removed as a curse for killing the last Abbian high priest without a death order, which demoted her to murderer.  With no soul, she doesn’t bleed nor age. I know too well by taking martial arts myself that a small person cannot easily overtake a large person by hand-to-hand combat. So size does count in the Gastar Series.

The main supporting antagonist of the Gastar Series is Zermon, demon lord of Hell.  His personality is based on my older brother, now a family joke.  He met and imprisoned Shevata in hell after she rescued scores of living child soldiers held by him as a favor to the Abbians, so the two know each other quite well.  This pair of powerful adversaries plays off one another to add an element of humor to the story; as some call it a “backward spin” of a huge demonic monster accusing a small teenage girl of barbarism.

What does Shevata want?  She wants to grow up. Unlike many medieval stories, she doesn’t make a geographic journey. Her path lies within herself, and the challenge is for her to change everything she’s ever known or learned to become a completely different person who matures, discovering the true life of love and family. 

I welcome readers to meet Shevata in my Gastar novellas.  These are not romantic cuddly stories; Shevata’s tactics rival the brutality of her enemies.  But her feelings are real; she sees people around her living a normal life, and yearns to do the same.  But she knows her enemies from the dark past and her intentions towards them are not forgiving.

Recognitions:  The first, “Act of Redemption,” is currently listed as Best Independent Novel on Goodreads, a reader/writer website. Shevata won a poll on the same site for Most Memorable Female Action Heroine, Assassin category.  The sequel, “Children of Discord” was published in 2009, and won a Pinnacle Achievement Book Award for fiction. 

BTW, when I ask my readers who've done military service what they think of Shevata, generally they say the same thing:  "She's hot!"  (men and women)

For the next part of the Tour, meet author Glen Skinner:

86 comments:

  1. It's very cool to see how many authors are willing to support the troops overseas. Thanks for being a part of the tour.

    scottpoe (at) hotmail.com

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  2. Thank you for offering your novel. I am a veteran and would have loved this when I served.

    Catcough@gmail.com

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  3. hi C.C. Cole! Shevata does sound HOT! thank you for your contribution to the troops and for participating in this tour. c",)

    aobibliophile(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. I am thankful every day for the men and women who serve in the military. I have many friends and family who are or have been in various branches of the armed forces, so soldiers have a special place in my heart. Thanks to the troops and veterans for all you do and have done to ensure the safety and freedom of this country! Thanks to you for being a part of this great giveaway. bevsharp@desch.org

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  5. This is such a wonderful, wonderful cause, all the authors participating are doing a very special thing, thank you so much! :)

    Marta

    mpa931 (at) yahoo (dot) es

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  6. Thanks for being part of this tour and I hope your book makes somebody’s day better :)

    Your books sounds great! I'm looking forward to reading a book where the girl doesn't need to be rescued all the time.

    hellenlovesbooks (at) gmail (dot) com

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  7. Thanks for taking part in such a great cause! Thanks to all the men and women that have served our country.

    andreagrendahl AT gmail DOT com

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  8. Whee! Thank you all for the comments! I'm proud to support the Troops, and some book's will be sent!

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  9. I have enjoyed reading your posts from the last few days! Thank you for supporting our troops in such a generous manner! I know that each and every book received will be greatly appreciated! And thank you for allowing me to be a part of it through you!

    iarvd@yahoo.com

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  10. Thanks for sharing your book with everyone. Shevata sounds like a very real character.
    helpersarah2009@gmail.com

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  11. This tour is very beautiful idea! Thank you for sharing your book.

    artgiote at gmail dot com

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  12. My grandfather was in the Navy, so my love goes deep for the military. Thanks for your participation in the event!

    nurse6030@gmail.com

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  13. Thank you for taking part in this great program. I look forward to reading your book.
    Melissa.gwinn (at) yahoo ( dot) com

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  14. Thanks so much for this great idea of support for our troops. More power. And thank you for the giveaway. pringpringles(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. Just another author on the tour checking in. This is an awesome program, and I feel really honored to be included.

    ~ Erin M. Klitzke
    athensmcleod@hotmail.com

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  16. This is a really great project for a worthy cause. Thank you for your generousity and the giveaway. Shevata sounds like hot and I would certainly love to read about her.

    tamsyn5@yahoo.com

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  17. Shevata sounds intriguing, to say the least!
    Thanks for supporting such a wonderfully, supportive cause!
    suzy.turner[at]hotmail.com

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  18. A big THANKS to our Troops.

    Thank you for taking part of this wonderful blog tour.

    Stephanie O.
    ladybug07999@yahoo.com

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  19. Thank you for supporting our troops through this blog tour.
    cmhswi(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  20. Awesome blog tour for a great cause.

    quinnsmythwood(AT)gmail(.)com

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  21. Thank you for participating in the tour. It is a great idea and a good way to help show support to our veterans. shadow31071 (at) suddenlink (dot) net

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  22. Thanks for supporting our troops!
    SWyland808@msn.com

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  23. Thank you so much for participating in the blog tour. Your post is fascinating and I can't wait to read your book! You can find me at DinozzoGibbs @ gmail.com

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  24. Thank you for our troops, and thank you for being a part of this. It is such an amazing thing that all you authors are doing! I cannot wait to read a copy of your book.

    meghan.guarnieri@gmail.com

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  25. Thank you for participating in the tour :)

    brittanyrose40 AT yahoo DOT com

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  26. Thanks for supporting our troops!!

    nook_heartnsole at yahoo dot com

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  27. Thank you for supporting the troops! This tour is a wonderful idea, I'm glad so many authors are participating!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. Thanks for supporting our troops & for the free read - I can't wait to check out your book.

    allyreads81 at gmail dot com

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  29. Thanks for participating in the tour and supporting the troops!
    Have a great day. :)
    pauline@pjhandcrafts.com

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  30. Thank you for supporting our troops.
    As the wife of a soldier currently overseas, I can tell you all of this support means so much to our troops and to the families that are left behind.

    Having enough to do to keep our minds from wandering is often times hard to accomplish. The fact that this blog tour is helping to keep my mind from worrying, thank you.

    betty.vickery.johnson@gmail.com

    My loving soldier Jon:

    provert247 AT gmail DOT com

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  31. Wow, this series sounds awesome and this is such a wonderful event, thank you so much for participating and honoring our veterans on their day and giving to our troops the joy of a good book. I am also thankful for your providing us readers a copy of your lovely book as well. Your efforts are appreciated.

    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

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  32. Thanks for being a part of this. Shevata sounds like an awesome character. Can't wait to read y our book and knowing a soldier will get to also is such an honor.

    rivawriter(at)yahoo)dot(com)

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  33. Shevata sounds very interesting.

    Thank you for participating in this great tour.
    melorabrock {at} gmail {dot} com

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  34. Thank you for participating in such an amazing cause :) My Granddad was in the RAF and fought during WWII, as a big reader himself before he died I know he would have loved the idea of the Tour de Troops.

    shroudedheart(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  35. Thank you so much for participating in this wonderful event! It is a great way to thank our troops!

    Karen

    kmoaton@hotmail.com

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  36. As a 24yr vet it has been my honor to serve.
    Thank you for what you do.
    ryan.mill68(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. What a unique story: how did you come up with the idea?

    Thank you for supporting our troops!

    books4me67 at ymail dot com

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  38. Thanks, everyone for the interest! Keep 'em coming, I feel honored to support our brave Troops and to share my work with you!

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  39. Thank you so much for doing this for our troops!

    glenn(at)keyaquests(dot)com

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  40. Thanks for being part of this blog tour. Please send my copy to another soldier. I pray they all come home soon safe and sound!
    Joe

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  41. Thank you to all our veteran's and all those that serve today!

    miranda.grissomATgmailDOTcom

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  42. Thank you for so much for your support. So many troops are going to know they are appreciated and will have great new reads.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  43. Repeating what others have said: thank you to the troops for what they do; thank you to you for supporting them and supplying them with a book to read; and thank you from me for your book - I can't wait.

    Janey
    jandhj2 (AT) yahoo (DOT) ca

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  44. Thank you for participating in this hop tour for the troops. I enjoyed seeing all your extra Veteran's Day related postings.

    The fantasy world and characters you've created for your book series sounds fascinating.

    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

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  45. Thank you for supporting our troops this way (and I have to say that I'm going to enjoy it too). My father, husband and brother-in-law have all served or are currently serving and anything that supports our troops is near and dear to my heart.
    Thanks again,
    Andrea
    a_ariail(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  46. This tour was an amazing idea! Thanks for supporting our troops!
    ruby[dot]meek[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  47. Thanks for supporting our troops. :)

    reikibirth at gmail dot com

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  48. Thanks for being part of such a phenomenal gift for our fighting men & women. Anything we can do to help them endure the hours, days, weeks, months or years they serve is well deserved.

    drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com

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  49. Heh, love the response to Shevata :P. Here's seeing if one more soldier feels that way.

    evanbartholomew@gmail.com

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  50. I want to commend all of you for what you are doing to support the morale of our troops! My husband was in the Navy and my mother-in-law and daughter were in the Air Force, so supporting our men and women holds a special place in my heart!
    I look forward to reading your book :)
    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  51. Thank you very much for supporting our troops! Great blog tour thank you to all the great Authors for taking part!
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  52. Thank you for caring and brightening the day of many well-deserving soldiers. christygibbon at juno dot com

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  53. Sounds like a great read. Thank you for participating, and giving us the chance to help.

    nancyg5997@gmail.com

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  54. Again, thanks to you all for the kind comments and I hope our Troops get a chance for a short, fun read and I hope you like Shevata as well. Keep 'em coming!

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  55. Thank you to the troops for their service. Thank you for supporting them in such a wonderful fashion. Please donate my copy to a soldier.

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  56. Thank you for the opportunity to help our soldiers. They are truly heroes. Please donate my copy to a soldier.

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  57. What a great cause - thanks for supporting our troops!

    I look forward to reading your book!

    Sandi(at)Beckman(dot)me

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  58. What a great way to support our troops! Thank you :-)

    smaccall AT comcast.net

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  59. Thanks for making this such a great event and for your generosity!
    MJB
    msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com

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  60. Thank-you for doing this.:)
    robyn.hummel@gmail.com

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  61. It's great that all of you authors are supporting our troops. Thanks.

    stefscat@gmail.com

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  62. Thank you for being part of the Blog Tour de Troops. I appreciate your gifting members of our troops with your book.

    Most Cordially,

    Ardee-ann

    sagemoon_cottage@yahoo.com

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  63. Thanks for supporting our troops.


    My hubby as well as several family members are veterans so this weekend has special meaning for me.

    Heather
    earthsbooknook at gmail dot com

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  64. This book looks like a fantastic read.
    Thank for your generosity and supporting our troops!
    tweezle(at)gmail(dot)com

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  65. A fellow author stopping by to say thank you for taking part in the blog tour for our troops!

    And thanks to all the men and women that have served our country.

    brjf [AT] yahoo [DOT] com

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  66. Thanks for taking part in the Blog Tour de Force! Such a great cause. :)

    ~Jesi

    jesilea@charter.net

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  67. I used to send books overseas via 'Books for Soldiers', and this is the best way I've seen yet to continue that effort!

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  68. What a great way to honor and give to the people serving our country. Thank you for participating. nwilson@sportsfive.net

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  69. Thank you for taking part in this event!
    karysafaire@gmail.com

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  70. Thanks for participating. The books sounds good. Can't wait to read it.

    pefrw at yahoo dot com

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  71. Thank you to all that serve.

    Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

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  72. Thank you for supporting our Troops!
    t_manfredi@hotmail.com

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  73. Great turnout, everyone! contact me cccole44@prodigy.net if I missed anyone! With every comment an ebook goes to the Troops, so if anyone didn't leave a contact, let me know. Thanks again, and Thanks To Our Troops!

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  74. I'm so glad there's another Tour de Troops!! Can't wait to see if there's more comments than Memorial Day! What a great way to give our troops a little escape in a book while they are away from home and at war. Thanks IndieBookCollective!! Thanks for the free book - can't wait to read your story!

    I would like the troop book to go to my cousin Zachary Neer serving in the United States Army in Afghanistan.

    Melissa
    missyebookmail (AT) mediacombb (DOT) net

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  75. Thank you for participating and donating books.

    acm05@juno.com

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  76. (Sorry, I originally posted this on the incorrect post)


    Thanks to those who serve, their families - and to everyone participating in this tour. What a wonderful way to support the troops!

    beritlemons AT gmail DOT com

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  77. Thanks for offering your book for this event. It's definitely for a worthwhile cause; thank you to our troops!
    egstanley(at)gmail(dot)com

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  78. Well I think your character is a strong heroine who does fight for her people.
    Thank you for participating in this blog to honor our Service people.

    God Bless each and everyone that is involved in this blog tour.

    Teresa K.
    tcwgrlup41(at)yahoo dot com

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  79. Thank you for the support of all our troops the past, present and the future.
    And thank you for all your hard work.
    tammi.hagberg@sbcglobal.net

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  80. thanks for doing this. As an army veteran of multiple deployments, I can assure you that reading provides sanity and a chance to explore worlds outside the dust/rain/dirt of the present un-fun. With the advent of eBook readers it has become even easier to read, try new authors and to feel less cut off from the world.

    sincerely - Holly (prosekniticATyahooDOTde)

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  81. Thank you so much for supporting our troops and for participating in this blog tour.

    thenarcissuslibrary at gmail dot com

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  82. Hi,

    Thanks for being part of the tour.

    To all of the women & men of the military, thank you for everything you do, the sacrifices you make, and for keeping our country safe! To the families of those in the military, thank you for the sacrifices you make each and every day.

    Pinky
    pinkmaiden821(at)gmail(dot)com

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  83. I'm so glad to be able to support our troops by participating in the Blog Tour again (did it last Memorial Day also). Please send a copy of your book to our troops & mine to:

    ackleybj {at} verizon {dot} net

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  84. She sounds like an awesome character. Thank you to all the troops out there who are in and out of service. You'll never know how grateful we are.
    jessangil at gmail dot com
    -Jessica B

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  85. Thanks for supporting the troops.

    Marty
    puccagirl73@gmail.com

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  86. Thanks for the comments, and Thanks to our Brave Troops!

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