If you’re curious about The Strandlock, here are answers to 12 frequently asked questions (FAQs):
What age group is The Strandlock intended for?
Tima is a young woman of around seventeen, making the book a Young Adult fantasy. Adults will certainly enjoy it as well.
Is this a romantasy?
The Strandlock is not a romantasy, but readers may notice hints of a developing relationship between Tima and Lord Dranger.
Is The Strandlock part of a series?
The Strandlock can be read as a stand-alone novel. A sequel will follow Tima in her ongoing efforts to understand her magic’s destiny. There will also be a prequel exploring the creation of the strandlock, making this a duology with a prequel.
When will be sequel be available?
The sequel, The Strand That Binds, is expected to be released in March 2027.
When will the prequel be available?
The prequel, Lovestrands, is not scheduled yet, but will probably be released by the end of 2027.
Should I wait to read The Strandlock until the prequel is released?
No, The Strandlock is the best place to begin. The prequel explores earlier events in the world’s history and is intended to be read after The Strandlock to avoid spoilers.
What themes does the novel explore?
Since the novel is Tima’s coming of age story, it explores belonging, identity, trust, sacrifice, and the choices that shape our destinies.
How long is The Strandlock?
The novel is approximately 92,000 words, divided into 33 chapters.
Is there a glossary to define fantasy terms?
Yes. The book includes a glossary to describe words and terms unique to The Strandlock.
How complex is the magic system?
Magic is an important part of the world, but much of it is mysterious, even to the characters themselves. Ancient magic, legends, and hidden powers all play a role in the story.
How much technology exists in the fantasy world?
The Strandlock is set in a pre-industrial world called Spira. Tima lives in a primitive plains camp where basic needs are met by hunting, gathering, and trading hand-crafted items.
Why did it take 33 years to publish The Strandlock?
I was working full time and raising a family when I wrote The Strandlock, my first novel. For stress relief, I wrote on weekends and evenings when possible. I didn’t have time to pursue publication.
When I retired, my priorities changed, and I focused on finishing the sequel. I didn’t want to publish The Strandlock until I completed its sequel, so I could ensure consistency between the two books. Once I reached that point, I proceeded with the process to publish The Strandlock.
Missed earlier blog posts?
These FAQs conclude a series of behind-the-scenes articles about The Strandlock:
- Why Publish a YA Fantasy After Seven Books in Other Genres?
- The Strandlock: A 33 Year Journey
- A Cover for The Strandlock
- Drawing the World of The Strandlock
- World Building: Inventive Words and Creatures for The Strandlock
- Crafting a Blurb for The Strandlock
- Tima: The Unexpected Main Character in The Strandlock
- Lord Dranger: The Moody Shape-Shifter of The Strandlock
You can also find companion videos covering these topics, along with artwork, maps, and other visual elements on my YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@KLSmall_Author).
A Final Thought
Thank you for following this blog series and sharing the journey of The Strandlock. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or have just discovered the book, I hope these posts have given you a glimpse into the world of Spira and the characters who inhabit it. The adventure begins on September 22, 2026, with the release of The Strandlock. I can’t wait to finally share Tima’s story with readers.
