Sons of Gods by Arthur J. Gonzalez
Publication date: January 25th, 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult
Long ago, the wrath of the three God brothers marked the onset of the Great War. The other Gods watched in horror, until they, too, were forced to take sides. Their beloved Mt Olympus collapsed, ruin was brought to all Divine, and the Age of Darkness gripped the world in its clutches. But a group of Gods was wise, and before their impending deaths, they had crafted a pact, committing to one day rebuilding the Territories – the Heavens, Seas, and the Underworld. It would usher in the world they protected and honored out from its darkness. And from it would rise the new Greats: the Sons of Gods.
Cienzo has always had an affliction for metal and fire; never did he anticipate it would one day translate to wielding dormant powers. It is during a journey to fulfill a promise to his dying sister, that he is plunged into a dark and magical world, and where great responsibility is bestowed upon him.
Is he worthy of assuming the throne of the Territories? Can shattering steel and splitting fire change his mind?
~AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Arthur J. Gonzalez~
1) What gave you the inspiration for the storyline?
I have always been captivated by Greek Mythology. My first major introduction was in 7th grade, when I was tasked to play Hades in a class revival of the Kidnapping of Persephone. The parallels between seasons and pomegranate seeds would breed a major revolution of creative thinking for me. It would stay with me forever.
2) Are there any hidden themes in the book that you hope readers will discover?
I don’t think the themes are very hidden. It’s all about believing in the power within yourself, even when you believe that power is nonexistent or undeserving. We are each given something magical in life, and at some point we must step up and decide whether we will honor that gift or not. It is about courage and love, loyalty and loss. Things we all, no matter age or race, will face in a lifetime.
3) Are any of the characters based on real people you know?
There are bits of everyone I know sprinkled into each of my characters. That is how I build my characters. Kayana and Zendaya and smart, deft and fearless. They are inspired by the women in my life: my mother, grandmother, sisters and niece. They are dedicated to those around them, prepared to do what they must to protect the ones they love. Filled to the brim with integrity and loyalty. These are the women that made/make me who I am. The relationship between Cienzo and Isla: it is what I imagined I would do for my very own sister. For the bonds that we have. To the end of the world I would go.
4) Who has influenced you most as a writer?
I learned a lot of my writing from my editor Monika Faulkner. But as an influence, I think of Walt Disney. I read a few of his biographies and was filled with immediate creative fulfillness and energy. I read that he used to urge and challenge his Imagineers to ‘Up’ their work; to stop and ask if they’ve ‘Upped’ it enough. I use this so often. I will stop my work and ask “What can I add right now, what can happen right here, what can I introduce that can ‘Up’ my story?” And so often my entire storyline will change for the better.
5) If you could have any three literary characters over to your place for game night, who would you invite, what would you play, what would you serve, and why?
So, I’m going to have to say any three of the tournament players from Marie Lu’s WAR CROSS novel. First of all, who would not want to attempt game night with the technology of Virtual/Augmented reality?! And what I would serve is a LOT of caffeine so that we can stay up all night playing. I wouldn’t want to give it up.
6) Do you feel that you can ever have too many books?
Never. I can get overly anxious about having too many to get to at once, but one can never have too many stories to read or write. Writing is a magic power. I’d never give that up. What one leaves behind after writing will one day be a relic to their life’s work. It is their legacy. It is the most beautiful form of memorializing a person, and there can never be too much of that.
Author Bio:Arthur J. Gonzalez is a Young Adult author of the Photo Traveler series. Originally born in Miami, FL, you can now find him living on the West side in Los Angeles. If he’s not drinking coffee or playing with his adorable Schnoodle, Sookie, then he’s probably enjoying a nap. Also, he forgets the lyrics to nearly every song.
Thanks for hosting today, Jen! :)
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