Allow me to introduce: Ann Marston

It was in 2012 Five Rivers undertook to bring back to Ann Marston’s fans her acclaimed and much-loves series, The Rune Blades of Celi.  Ann’s understanding of Scottish culture, her refusal to accept standard Celtic fantasy tropes, and highly readable prose, were all attractive qualities that convinced us Ann’s work needed to remain accessible to readers. Now, eight novels later, her work is slowly being brought to a new audience through audiobooks. There are six novels…

Ann Marston discusses new YA novel, Diamonds in Black Sand

June 1, 2017, a new YA fantasy releases from Ann Marston, author of the much-beloved The Rune Blades of Celi series Diamonds in Black Sand. Ann took time to discuss this engaging new novel from her home in Alberta, Canada. LS: You return to your first love with this story by way of cultural influence, that of Scottish sensibilities. What is it about the culture that draws you, that feeds your imagination? AM: Scotland—its people, its landscapes, its culture,…

Artist, Jessica Allain talks about cover art for Diamonds in Black Sand

Jessica Allain sent along her thoughts on the vision behind the moody and dynamic cover she created for Ann Marston’s engaging new YA fantasy, Diamonds in Black Sand. After reading some of Ann’s manuscript, as well as speaking to her about aspects of her book, I began picturing the scene I wanted her cover to reflect. Growing up beside the ocean, I had a good idea of what a maritime scene should be. Ann described a…