Debra Kemp

About me:

The House of Pendragon Book I: The Firebrand

Rather read the e-version? Now compatible with Amazon's Kindle and Sony's reading devices.

Now available for Kindle!

"Despite the collar marking her as a slave of Dunn na Carraice, young Lin is fiercely determined to retain her pride and keep her family intact. That dignity bears a price, for Lin has drawn the wrath of Modred, the youngest prince of Orkney. His single-minded quest to break strong-willed Lin--by any means necessary--nearly succeeds. Although accustomed to the death, disease, rape and famine that runs rampant in the slave hovel she calls home, it is when her beloved brother Dafydd is placed on the auction block that her warrior spirit becomes apparent to all who challenge her, and the shocking secret of her lineage is finally revealed."

Click here for more

Or visit my profile at authonomy to read a free sample--three chapters and my author interview thread! http://www.authonomy.com/Profile.aspx If you like it, I'd appreciate your vote there.

For a dramatized sample of Lin's story, check out the Celtic Myth Podcast, Samhain 2008 Part 2!

Discussion questions for FIREBRAND:

1) Authors are often asked: do you have a favorite character? For me it's: Dafydd or Lin? (and I've already made my admission!) And of course the question is on the readers' poll here. I'd like to propose a variant of that. Which character do you admire more: Lin or Dafydd or another? Why? Which do you relate to more closely?

2) If you could ask any character in FIREBRAND a question, and get an honest answer, which would you ask, and what would the question be? (Author's note: I am prepared to answer in character.)

3) FIREBRAND explores the darker side of Camelot, dealing with incest, rape, abuse and slavery. Given that Lin's abuse is sanctioned by Morgause, and her sons see nothing wrong with the system of slavery in their home, how does it affect your view of Gawain, Agravain, Gaheris, and Gareth as heroes? Can a knight be chivalrous and condone what Lin must endure?

4) Dafydd is often exasperated by Lin's actions. Having to witness her beatings and tend her wounds afterwards takes a heavy toll on his heart. Would you have done or said anything different to Lin to dissuade her self-destructive behavior? If so, what? Why? Do you think Lin would have listened?

Also by Debra A. Kemp

The House of Pendragon Book II: The Recruit

Have the new Kindle and prefer e-books?

King Arthur's daughter, Lin wants more than a life of weaving and gossip. Rejected and misunderstood by her mother, the Queen, Lin turns to her father for acceptance by joining his army.

The Ultimate review

" . . . a fine blend of traditional legend and innovation . . . Kemp captures the gritty essence of the era . . . (and) successfully raises very modern issues, such as the role of women in marriage and society. Kemp's "House of Pendragon" series is already a welcome addition to the body of modern Arthurian fiction." --Barbara Tepa Lupack, ARTHURIANA, Volume 17, Number 4, Winter 2007

A few quotes from my young fans at a local middle school

"Thank you . . . I guess you made me think Social Studies isn't the most boring and uninteresting class." Austin

"Your visit made me more interested in the Dark Ages." Rachel

"I will chose my dreams like you." Mandy

"I want to be an author some day, thanks to you." Kristen

"You were awesome." Keaton

**Finalist in the National Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards (eBook/fiction)**

**2007 USA BookNews Best Book Award Finalist (historical fiction)**

**New 5 Star review for Recruit**

"The concept of King Arthur having a feisty daughter, a warrior, makes for an intriguing and highly entertaining twist. While this novel makes a great story on its own, it leaves many unanswered questions, leaving the reader in high anticipation for the next book(s) in the series.

"The House of Pendragon, Book II: The Recruit" is a highly-recommended read, not only for those who are historical fiction fans, but for all readers who enjoy suspense, adventure, and intrigue. A warrior princess full of spunk, a sense of righteousness, a sharp temper, and undying determination; a princess Camelot will embrace. Escaping her past, however, may turn out to be more than she bargained. Is she brave enough to prevail?"

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (5/07)

**From Crystal Reviews for The Recruit**..

" . . . [a] haunting, freeing novel of what it takes to become a true heroine." by Viviane Crystal of crystalreviews.com

New Interview

more info here