Spotlight On: Preston Norton, Author of Blud and Magick

THE DARLA IN ALL OF US

by

Preston Norton

The dedication in the opening pages of BLÜD AND MAGICK reads, “If you feel like the world is against you, then you’re probably doing something right. I dedicate this book to you.” Now those who have read and reviewed BLÜD AND MAGICK have compared similarities to Harry Potter. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t aware of such similarities. In writing this novel, it was not my intention to recreate something similar to Harry Potter, but in actuality, to create an “anti-Harry-Potter.” Now that I have thoroughly confused everyone, let me explain. Harry Potter’s entire existence is based on the idea that he was born a hero. He was a hero before he was even capable of making a conscious decision. 

Whereas Harry Potter is an instant celebrity, the protagonist of BLÜD AND MAGICK, Darla Summer, is an automatic outcast. She was born from the ashes of the dead Shadow Lord, Remmus Alrad. Most everyone in this world believes that she is some sort of reincarnation of the Shadow Lord and that she is most definitely the personification of evil. And honestly, under such circumstances, who wouldn’t? She is forced to live outside of the magical world in a fourteen-year probationary state, unaware of her dark origins, before she is deemed safe to attend the Alrad Academy of Blüd and Magick, founded by the Shadow Lord’s virtuous father, Amarant Alrad. However, Darla not only has to convince everyone else that she isn’t evil, but she also has to convince herself. And there are plenty of creepy things happening inside Darla’s head to give her doubts. And on top of that, Remmus Alrad’s followers, the Shadow Risers, are intent on somehow resurrecting their master from her soul. As the tagline to BLÜD AND MAGICK reads, “How do you fight your greatest enemy when he’s living inside you?” 

Now these are obviously extreme circumstances, and the premise of my story is pure fantasy. Nevertheless, there are certain transcendent truths that I believe resonate with the human condition. I created the character of Darla Summer because I believe there’s a little bit of her in all of us. I believe we are all judged from preconceived notions that are out of are control. We are hated all too often simply for being who we are. I think this is especially true of children and teenagers who are simply trying to discover who they are and just want to fit in. I created Darla Summer for them. I believe she stands as a beacon of hope that says: Yes, there is good and beauty in all of us, and that goodness can overcome all else.

About the Book:

Blud and Magick

“Uncle Ed, I . . . I did that to them,” she stammered.

Edwin cocked an eyebrow. “Did what?”

She pointed to the two bodies, impaled by ice.

“You did?” His eyes became wide with concern.

Darla nodded, biting her lip. “Uncle Ed . . . what am I?”

Fourteen-year-old Darla has always been a little odd, from her love of horror movies to her obsession with mirrors. But she has no idea how different she really is until the day she finds herself wielding a power she never knew she had.

But having an extraordinary ability is only the beginning. As Darla uncovers the secrets of her past, her world goes from dangerous to deadly. Now she must decide which part of her she will allow to rule her heart, the evil from which she was born or the good by which she was raised.

This spellbinding novel is full of action, humor, and twists you won’t see coming!

About the Author:

PRESTON NORTON is the co-author of The Lost Son to be released in October 2012, and Blüd and Magick, to be released in January 2013. He was born in California, raised in Texas, and is currently a student at Brigham Young University – Idaho, seeking a degree in English Education. He enjoys sushi, rock concerts, and scary movies.

(Please Note: I was supposed to do a review of this book, but it wasn't my cup of tea, so I decided to just spotlight it instead and let the readers decide for themselves.)