Anyone who has heard me rant about my favourite books for even a minute will realise how much I love the Spook's Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney. So when I approach a series that involves both apprentices and witches, I am both excited and wary. Excited because, oh dear, how could I not be? And wary because I'm never sure a new book could stand up to my lofty expectations.
When I heard that Random House Australia was to publish the first in a new series called The Witch Hunter Chronicles, I knew I had to read it. And though I still experienced that same excitement/wariness feeling, I'm pleased to say I finished the book feeling one hundred percent excited. I absolutely adored this tale of German witch hunters and their demonic foes, and so I'm very pleased to have Stuart Daly here on the slab at Spine Chills.
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Can you tell us a bit about your most recently published book?
The Army of the Undead just got released today. This is the second book in The Witch Hunter Chronicles. This is an intensely fast-paced adventure series set in the seventeenth century. Imagine Pirates of the Caribbean meets the Three Musketeers, and you're getting a close idea as to what it's like.
What would be written on your main character’s gravestone?
Deo duce, ferro comitante. Don't know what this means? Well, you had better read The Scourge of Jericho, the first book in The Witch Hunter Chronicles, to find out.
Why do you write horror?
I love the idea of scaring people. Books can be so much scarier than movies, allowing a reader's imagination to conjure the most terryfing scenes.
Have you ever had your own spooky experience?
Fortunately, no.
What is your favourite book of the past month?
The past year? All time? Favourite book of the past month - Sandstorm by James Rollins. Favourite of the past year - The Purity of Blood, by Arturo-Perez Reverte. All time favourite - Ice Station, by Matthew Reilly.
What does your writing space look like?
As I don't write on a computer, I don't have a set writing space. I write on pieces of paper when waiting at traffic lights - Sydney's traffic is so congested you could write a 1,000 page novel in the time it takes to drive down King Street! I write all the time, whenever I can. I only use a laptop when I'm typing up the final product.
What’s the scariest book you’ve ever read?
The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James. What a bone-tingler! Best ghost story ever written.
What’s your biggest fear?
Heights. I once had a person jump from the top of Westfields and land at my feet. Believe me, you wouldn't wish that on your worst enemy.
What are you working on right now?
I'm currently working on Books 3 and 4 of The Witch Hunter Chronicles. I don't want to reveal anything about these other than say that they are going to be the most action-packed, scariest books I have written.
Check out the Witch Hunter Chronicles at http://witchhunterchronicles.weebly.com/ or on the Random House website.
