BooksChatter: ℚ The Fraternity of the Soul Eater: Samuel Roberts [3]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Scott A. Lerner to talk about The Fraternity of the Soul Eater (1 June 2015, Camel Press, 218 pages) an urban fantasy, paranormal suspense which is book three of the Samuel Roberts Thriller series which began with Cocaine Zombies and continued with Ruler of Demons.

In this adventure, Sam and Bob confront an evil secret society bent on bringing the Egyptian gods to life in order to clinch their own power on Earth.

“An exceptionally entertaining read [...] A master of the genre, Scott Lerner’s latest novel continues to document his originality and skill as a storyteller. The Fraternity of The Soul Eater is highly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library collections.” —John Burroughs for the Midwest Book Review.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

Hello Scott and thank you for joining us on BooksChatter./>
What was the inspiration for your latest book, The Fraternity of the Soul Eater?

"I find Ancient Egyptian folklore and traditions to be fascinating as well as a bit creepy. A society obsessed with the dead gave me a good starting point. Plant a group who worships Ancient Egypt in a large Mid-Western University and give them a penchant for human sacrifice and dismemberment. Sam and the gang certainly have their work cut out for them."

I can imagine :-) I have also always been captivated by the Egyptian culture and their underworld.

How much of yourself is reflected in the Samuel Roberts series, and how?

"The main character and I are both lawyers. We both live in the same area of the country. I have never had to fight evil supernatural creatures or go head to head with the forces of darkness. Not much, anyway."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Fraternity of the Soul Eater - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The cover shows an Ancient Egyptian Temple under the full moon. I had little impact on the cover design but I kind of dig it. The artist is a woman named Sabrina Sun. I will say that ancient temples and the full moon play a part in the story. I don’t want to give away more than that. "

The cover of course shows a Colossus of Ramses II in Luxor Temple, in Egypt. Whatever comes out of that and a full moon cannot be good...

Why should we read your book and what sets it apart from the rest? / What makes your book unique?

"Well, I hope readers will find it fast-paced and entertaining. Part of what makes this book unique is that it takes place in Champaign, Illinois. I like the idea that scary things can happen anywhere, not just in New York or Los Angeles. I also think it is unique to have Ancient Egyptian deities visit the Midwest. "

Can you tell us something quirky about The Fraternity of the Soul Eater, its story or characters?

"An underground Egyptian pyramid in Illinois is quirky in and of itself. I also think putting the Soul Eater [Ammit] in the limelight is a bit unusual. Anubis seems to get all the credit in spooky stories about Ancient Egypt. Sam and Bob have a wacky relationship as they seem to be able to work together to overcome impossible obstacles but still not take themselves too seriously."

Given, given and given! I certainly want to read this, and the rest of the series, of course.

Who would you recommend your book to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this book to everyone. Okay, maybe not everyone; I should point out that there are a few murders—some of them gruesome—as well as human sacrifice and dismemberment. Yes, some children may find that disturbing. It is a bit graphic at times but if I can get my kids to read anything I wouldn’t complain. Anyone who loved Scooby-Doo will enjoy this book, I think. There’s a certain goofy comic tone along with the serious issues of what human beings will do to each other in order to gain power and wealth."

If you could / wished to turn your book/series into a movie, who would be your dream team (e.g. director, actors, locations, etc.).

"Stanley Kubrick could direct. Yes, I know he is dead but this is my dream team. Christina Hendricks or Amy Adams could play Susan. Sam could be played by Robert John Downey, Jr. and Bob could be played by Seth Rogen. Or maybe Bob could be played by John Belushi. If for no other reason than it would be fun to bring John back from the dead."

I like that cast... and you never know these days with 3D technology and CGI... it would take a bit more creativity for Kubrick as he would need to be channelled...

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I mostly like to write about things that go bump in the night. I write fiction primarily but have written a couple articles on legal topics. I know the law can be spooky. I like to juxtapose the scary and ridiculous with the ordinary and mundane.

So far I have been working on this series but I would love the opportunity to explore a different genre. Maybe I’ll try to write a romance or price guide for antiques. I am the wind.

I like to read thrillers, urban fantasy, and horror books. As long as it is well written and entertaining, I’m in. The genre is less important than the content."

What is your writing process?

"I write when I have time. I usually have a computer nearby so it is just a matter of finding the time."

What is in store next?

"The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest should be out just in time for Halloween. Imagine a village of witches in Central Illinois discovering that one of their own has been murdering children and draining their blood for a nightmarish ritual. Naturally Sam and Bob have to get to the bottom of the situation."

We look forward to that.
Again many thanks to author Scott A. Lerner for being here today, and we wish you all the best for the remainder of your blog tour.