The Series
What are the Nymphwood Elegies?
The Nymphwood Elegies are a collection of comedic fantasy tales set in a shared secondary world. The first of which is Taurenelle’s debut novel, Deep Lore, which will function as a stand-alone for those who want to dip their toe in the water, as well as lay the groundwork for the following two novels. And yes, there will be a trilogy–we're talking about a fantasy author here–but the first book ties up enough loose ends to feel satisfied.
Additionally, there will be short stories–some of which will be published in Taurenelle’s newsletter, others in an anthology– that highlight historical events or offer unique perspectives from minor (but important) characters. And eventually, more novels, duologies, and/or trilogies will be part of the collection… but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
But why 'elegies?' Can’t you just call them 'chronicles' like everyone else?
Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, this is a nod to the ancient art of elegiac poetry, which were initially somber pieces read at funerals but eventually became comedic and often sexualized bits of literature. This best describes the style of Nymphwood Elegies: comedic, yet sad, and set against a backdrop of an overly sexualized society. Not that there are explicit sex scenes in the novel (this isn’t erotica), but sex motivates nearly every aspect of their world in a way that readers can both laugh at and, sadly, relate to.
Secondly, fantasy “chronicles” tend to…well…chronicle a group of characters. And while there is some of that happening in the collection, Nymphwood Elegies will have various entry points for the reader across different centuries, lands, characters, et cetera, so the word “elegies” seems more apropos.
Lastly, it sounds cool.
What sets it apart from other fantasy novels?
The series is stylistically different from most novels in the genre. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it also doesn’t parody or satire the real world in any direct or meaningful way. It doesn’t aim to replicate or subvert troupes, nor is it trying to be overly violent, overly sexual, or offer any social or political commentary. Its only intention is to take readers on a whimsical yet emotional ride in a setting with a degree of world-building typically reserved for more serious tales.
Deep Lore
What is Deep Lore?
Deep Lore is Taurenelle's upcoming debut novel and the first book in The Nymphwood Elegies series. This is a humorous, high-fantasy tale set in a familiar secondary world with a twist. The story follows four POV characters (Dixon, Blaze, Pigtail, and Red Randalf) as they journey through.... well, just read the synopsis.
Synopsis
In a land where lust fuels magic and bad decisions, a hedonistic mage has accidentally awakened an ancient evil. An army of horned giants wage war on the living; primordial beasts terrorize the sky and the sea; and a forgotten goddess plots to undo the very fabric of existence. But for Dixon and his friends, there is only one course of action: lose their virginity before the end of the world.
Volleying between the debaucherous adventures of teenage boys, the downward spiral of a sex-addicted sorcerer, and the treacherous dealings of a mystical bounty huntress, Taurenelle transports you to a comical and strangely beautiful world where the fantasy is high, the morals are low, and selfishness runs as deep as the lore.
Who exactly is the audience?
Good question. If you were to have a Venn diagram of Terry Pratchett’s Discoworld series, Tolkein’s Middle Earth, and GRR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, Deep Lore would firmly fit in the shady center.
Like Discworld, humor is a fundamental part of the story, not in the sense that there is a pithy narrator, but because the circumstances and motivations of the characters, while very serious to them, are rather absurd to the reader. Pair that with an abundance of High Fantasy and Tolkeinesque adventure, the multi-POV, mystery-riddled style of GRR Martin, a dash of ancient Mediterranean poetry, and a healthy amount of raunchy situations, and you get Deep Lore.
In short, the audience is primarily adults who want something deeper than a beach read but more digestible than your typical epic fantasy series. Basically…YOU.
The World
What is the setting?
The Nymphwood Elegies is set in that classic fantasy gray area that draws societal elements from real-world Medieval and Renaissance Europe but mixes in absurd magic, weird races, impossible monsters, and wondering deities.
There is no chivalry, knights, or rivaling noble houses, but there are plenty of swords, shields, and adventurers. There are no guns or explosives, nor is the magic at a level that can replicate that kind of weaponry–but when the gods are involved, all bets are off.
There are no dragons (I know, I know), nor are there comparable beasts that mankind can tame on a large scale (I'm looking at you, Targaryens). However, there are plenty of massive, dangerous, fantastic creatures that play important roles throughout the story and offer new challenges that complicate the characters’ lives.
But mostly, Nymphwood Elegies, as the name suggests, has a foundation of Nymphs, a word that is deployed both in the mythological sense as well as the modern one. Therefore, lust is woven into the setting in fun cultural, magical, and even geographical ways. In short, it's a strange and intoxicating world that breeds unique and comical conflicts.
What is the Lore?
Well, let’s not ruin the enjoyment of experiencing it unfold in the novels. But rest assured, the history of the world runs deep, and, for those readers who are so inclined, there are plenty of clues and ancient mysteries that tell a secondary story of their own. And yes, some of those directly relate to the future of the series.
But beware of red herrings…
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