Introduction
Welcome to another edition of "Author Spotlight"! Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Cindy L. Sell, a writer of epic fantasy and fantasy romance novels who isn't afraid to explore the darker side of human nature. Her debut novel, Remnants of a Scarlet Flame, the first book in The Last Draegion Saga, has already garnered praise for its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and blend of classic and modern fantasy elements. But Cindy's stories are more than just thrilling adventures; they offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, promising that even the most hard-won victories are worth fighting for.
From Passion to Page: Cindy L. Sell's Writing Journey
Cindy L. Sell's journey as an author is just beginning, but her passion for storytelling runs deep. She draws inspiration from a wide range of fantasy authors, including giants of the genre like Raymond Feist, Brandon Sanderson, and Patrick Rothfuss, as well as more contemporary voices like R.F. Kuang, Samantha Shannon, and N.K. Jemisin. This blend of influences is evident in her work, which combines the epic scope and intricate world-building of classic fantasy with the nuanced characters and thematic depth of modern storytelling.
Cindy embraces beloved tropes like the reluctant hero, the timeless battle of good versus evil, the chosen one, and the ever-popular enemies-to-lovers dynamic, weaving them into fresh and engaging narratives. Beyond her writing, Cindy wears many hats: she's a mom, a bowling coach, and a self-proclaimed "yarn junkie," demonstrating the multifaceted lives that many authors lead.
Cindy's Promise: Quality and Dedication
Cindy L. Sell is deeply committed to providing her readers with the best possible experience. On her website, she makes a clear promise, outlining her priorities as an author. She emphasizes that all of her books are professionally edited and proofread before release, ensuring a high standard of quality. While acknowledging that occasional errors might slip through (as is inevitable in any human endeavor), she assures readers that these will be kept to a minimum.
Furthermore, Cindy prioritizes quality over quantity, stating that she "will never compromise quality for quantity" in her work. This means she may occasionally delay a release if she feels the book isn't yet at its absolute best, a testament to her dedication to her craft and her respect for her readers.
Finally, Cindy acknowledges the importance of family. While she embraces the many roles of an indie author – writer, marketer, formatter, and publisher – she's also a mom to two young boys, and she openly expresses her gratitude for her readers' understanding when "life happens." This blend of professionalism and personal warmth is a hallmark of Cindy's approach.
The Last Draegion Saga: A World of Dragons, Magic, and War
Cindy L. Sell's primary focus is The Last Draegion Saga, an epic fantasy series that promises a rich tapestry of magic, political intrigue, and deeply human struggles.
- Remnants of a Scarlet Flame (Book 1): This debut novel introduces readers to a world where dragons are believed to be extinct, sorcerers wield immense power, and the Syljian people are fighting for survival against the oppressive Sorcerers' Guild. The author's description sets the stage: "D&D-inspired dungeon rescue." The story follows Alar Fellman, a Syljian with psionic abilities who infiltrates the Guild as a student, and Daeya McVen, the Guild's star prodigy, who harbours secrets of her own. As the Amazon blurb reveals, "The future of the Syljian race rests in the hands of its greatest enemy." The novel explores themes of prejudice, resistance, and the complex relationship between Alar and Daeya, whose fates are intertwined in ways they can't yet comprehend.
- The Trouble with Knowing: A Seer's Story (Short Story): This short story, available exclusively to newsletter subscribers, provides a glimpse into the world of The Last Draegion Saga from a different perspective. The blurb offers a tantalizing hint: "Not all those with sight wish to see." It follows Riisii Evallier, a character with the gift of Foresight, as she grapples with the burdens of her power and the looming threat of war.
- Embers Rising (Book 2 - Launching Summer 2025): The saga continues with Embers Rising, which promises to escalate the conflict and delve deeper into the mysteries of the draegion magic. The blurb paints a picture of escalating stakes and desperate measures: "Three thousand years ago, the last draegion stole power from the god of chaos. Now he’s coming to take it back." Daeya, falsely accused of treason, must flee the Sorcerers' Guild and seek help from the Syljians, becoming their most valuable hostage. The return of dragons, a conspiracy, and the threat of a vengeful god set the stage for an epic clash.
- Tipori: Tales of Dessos (Spin-off Dark Romantasy - Launching September 2025): While connected to The Last Draegion Saga, Tipori takes readers in a different direction, offering a standalone "dark romantasy" with morally grey characters and plenty of spice. As this book's blurb describes, it is "A champion pit fighter crowned king of slavers. A military leader collared and made to kneel. An attraction of opposing forces that could topple an empire."
- Aether and Ash (Book 3, projected 2026) and Tides of Immolation (Book 4, projected 2027): These books are slated to continue the epic saga, further exploring the world of The Last Draegion and the fates of its characters.
What Readers Are Saying About Remnants of a Scarlet Flame:
Cindy L. Sell's debut novel has resonated with readers, who praise its engaging characters, immersive world-building, and exciting plot. Here's a selection of what they're saying:
- "Remnants of a Scarlet Flame sets the stage for a thrilling epic series. Sell’s use of sensory descriptions made for an immersive read, transporting me right into the heart of the conflict. Every scene came alive, as if I was watching it play out in front of me... This debut delivers on all fronts, offering a rich world with diverse characters. If you're a fan of epic fantasy with depth and detail, this one’s a must-read." - Erynn Snel, 5 stars, Goodreads
- "What an exceptional fantasy read! As the story unfolds, told with multiple POVs, each character has their voice and moves the plot forward. Some I instantly fell in love with, and others grew on me. I especially enjoyed Daeya as a character. Her creative ways of achieving her goals kept me on my toes, guessing what would happen next. Remnants of a Scarlet Flame has all the fantasy elements you could want: epic world-building, elves, mages, good vs evil, political plots, well-written battle scenes, and dynamic characters. It even has a touch of romance, which I am all here for as the tension builds. This book made me laugh, cry, and swoon. And the end! What a cliffhanger, and I absolutely will be diving into book two when it comes out. This author is on my list of writers to watch!" - Jan farnworth, 5 stars, Goodreads
- "I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It kept me captivated and thinking about it when I had to put it down and return to real life. Cindy L Sell has a writing style that reminded me a lot of reading/ listening to the name of the wind and I absolutely loved that. She has a very clever way to tell the reader more about the world and charecters without info dumping too much for me to be able to follow." - Falling_Into_Ink, 5 stars, Goodreads
- "Superb book! I can't wait for the second one already!" - Anita Knox, 5 stars, Goodreads
Remnants of a Scarlet Flame is celebrated as a captivating epic fantasy with a classic feel, drawing comparisons to genre favourites. Readers praise its richly developed world, complex characters with emotional depth, and intricate plot featuring political intrigue, magical powers, and a struggle for survival. The book is lauded for its elegant prose, diverse cast, and binge-worthy storytelling, with many expressing anticipation for future works by the author. See reviews on Amazon.
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to discover the captivating world of The Last Draegion Saga and Cindy L. Sell's other works. You can find more information about her and her books on her website, and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter to receive the exclusive short story, The Trouble with Knowing: A Seer's Story.
You can purchase her book through the Amazon affiliate link below:
This book is also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!
After reading, consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads to share your thoughts and support her work.
Conclusion
Cindy L. Sell is a rising star in the epic fantasy and fantasy romance genres. Her commitment to quality, her passion for storytelling, and her dedication to her readers are evident in every aspect of her work. From her richly detailed world-building to her compelling characters and thrilling plots, Cindy's books offer an escape into worlds of magic, adventure, and heart. I highly recommend embarking on this journey with her, and I eagerly anticipate the next installments in The Last Draegion Saga and her other exciting projects.
Thanks for reading!
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