The Virian Chronicler

    This interview was conducted by Robb Wallace (no relation!)  You can find the actual interview on his website at Robb Wallace About (Who, why, when, where, what) Tell us something about your books, including your genre and your characters and/or themes. I write epic and urban fantasy in contemporary settings, often blended with elements of other genres, such as sci-fi, courtroom and prison dramas, detective mysteries, espionage thrillers, gangster sagas and multi-generational family tales. Although I write fantasy, many of the themes are related to the real world.   I include issues such as bribery and corruption, manipulation of the news media, political rivalries and power-plays, poverty, racism, substance abuse and slavery. My books are all set in a fictional universe known as the Fenian Galaxy.   I’ve spent over 30 years building this universe and each novel I write brings something new to it. While my books are presented in series, e...

 Images of the Goddess Iraevesh made using Picfinder AI. Image of the Goddess Iraevesh made using Pastelkatto games.  You can find their website at  Pastelkatto Games Images of the Goddess Iraevesh made using NightCafe AI art generator.  You can find my account at https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/Xanxa Image of the Goddess Iraevesh made using Wombo AI. In the modern era, Iraevesh, Goddess of Justice, is worshipped by the Carpathian population of the planet Varathusia.  However, worship of her pre-dates the formation of the Carpathian Movement.  The original Varahs held her in high regard and worshipped her alongside Varagord, God of Wisdom. Iraevesh is often depicted in paintings and statues as a winged woman.  There are variants on the theme, including a reptilian version of her.  All iconic representations contain the same two artefacts — the Book of Truth and the Blade of Justice.  Most often the figure of the Goddess is shown carrying ...

Exterior of Carpathian Meherq building Image of Carpathian Meherq floor viewed from above   The Meherq is more than a mere building.  It represents the essence of the Carpathian Way and serves as a meeting place for the Ten Leading Families to debate issues and decide on points of law.  It is used as both a courtroom and a parliamentary assembly. The main meeting hall is built in a circle.  The word Meherq is derived from an ancient term meaning ring or circle.  The floor of the hall is split into ten sectors, one for each of the Leading Families. There are prescribed protocols for the various debates and hearings which take place in the Meherq.  These include criminal trials, policy decisions and votes on which families get promoted and which families get demoted. All meetings are recorded for posterity and entered in the Meherq's archives as well as the relevant archives for the families whose business is discussed there.