In a world where fantasy meets deep emotional dilemmas, Kara Macris’s debut novel, Where Demons Reside, is poised to make waves in the literary world. Scheduled for release on October 31st, 2024, this dark fantasy novel promises to captivate readers with its intricate plot, richly developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. With a unique blend of magic, moral quandaries, and intense emotional connections, this book is set to be a must-read for fans of the genre.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Moral Dilemmas
Where Demons Reside follows the story of seventeen-year-old Thomas Walker, who believes he leads a typical teenage life—until a family secret shatters his perception of reality. Thomas learns that his bloodline is far from ordinary; it carries a sacred mission to protect humanity by exorcizing demons. However, this mission is not as straightforward as it seems. As Thomas delves deeper into his new identity, he discovers that demons are not merely the evil entities his grandfather warned him about. Instead, they are tormented souls, humans stripped of their essence, desperate for salvation.
Faced with this harrowing truth, Thomas is torn between his duty to protect humanity and his growing compassion for the very beings he has been taught to destroy. The novel delves into his internal conflict, exploring how he grapples with the realization that his actions could either save or condemn these tortured souls. The narrative challenges readers to consider the complexities of good and evil, duty and desire, and the thin line that often separates them.
An Unlikely Alliance and a Battle Against Darkness
At the heart of Where Demons Reside is the unexpected bond between Thomas and Elijah Anderson, an enigmatic demon who refuses to surrender his fading humanity. Elijah’s desperate desire to save himself and others like him from eternal damnation sets the stage for an unlikely partnership. Together, they defy the teachings of Thomas’s lineage, risking everything to challenge the forces of darkness.
As they work together, Thomas and Elijah form a deep connection that goes beyond mere alliance. Their relationship is fraught with tension, trust, and a shared hope for redemption. However, their defiance does not go unnoticed. With the sinister Prince of Demons closing in, Thomas’s choices carry the weight of catastrophic consequences. The novel builds a gripping tension as Thomas must decide whether to uphold his sacred duty or follow his heart, even if it means losing himself to the shadows he seeks to eradicate.
Themes of Identity, Redemption, and the Human Condition
Kara Macris masterfully weaves together themes of identity, redemption, and the human condition in Where Demons Reside. The novel is not just a tale of magic and fantasy; it is a deep exploration of what it means to be human. Thomas’s journey is one of self-discovery, where he must reconcile his inherited duty with his evolving understanding of morality. The story poses challenging questions: Are demons beyond redemption? Can compassion coexist with duty? And most importantly, what does it mean to truly save someone?
These themes are further enriched by Macris’s portrayal of Elijah, a demon who embodies the struggle between light and dark. Elijah’s character is a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is a flicker of humanity worth fighting for. His relationship with Thomas is a testament to the power of empathy and the potential for change, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
About the Author: Kara Macris
Kara Macris’s journey to becoming an author is as intriguing as the tales she weaves. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kara’s passion for language led her to major in East Asian Studies, with a focus on Japanese. Although she initially planned to teach English in Japan, life took her down different creative paths. She became a dedicated behavioral therapist for children, a role that undoubtedly deepened her understanding of the human psyche, an element that permeates her writing.
In addition to her work as a therapist, Kara is an enterprising watercolor business owner. However, it is in the world of words that she truly finds her home. Writing has been a lifelong passion for Kara, and Where Demons Reside marks the beginning of her journey as a published author. Her ability to blend fantasy with deep emotional and psychological themes is sure to resonate with readers and establish her as a compelling new voice in the genre.
For more information about Kara Macris and her work, readers can visit her official website at karamacris.com. Those interested in purchasing Where Demons Reside can find it on Amazon.
Conclusion
Where Demons Reside is more than just a debut novel; it is an exploration of the complexities of identity, the nature of good and evil, and the enduring power of compassion. Kara Macris’s unique narrative voice and her ability to create richly textured characters make this book a standout in the fantasy genre. With its release on the horizon, readers eager for a story that challenges conventions and delves into the darker corners of the human soul will find Where Demons Reside a rewarding and unforgettable read.
We had the privilege of interviewing Kara Macris. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi Kara, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hello, I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My passion for language flourished into a major in East Asian Studies, with a focus on Japanese. Originally, I set out to teach English in Japan, but life took me down a different path, leading me to become a behavioral therapist for children and the owner of a watercolor business. Through all my creative ventures, writing has been my constant, my true passion. Every day, I find joy in breathing life into new stories, allowing my imagination to take shape on the page.
Please tell us about your book.
Where Demons Reside is my debut novel, a Young Adult Dark Fantasy filled with high-stakes adventure, complex characters, and emotional depth. At its heart, it’s the story of seventeen-year-old Thomas Walker, who is thrust into a dangerous world of magic, demons, and dark secrets. He must reconcile his newfound role as a demon exorcist while questioning the morality of everything he’s been taught. As he forms a bond with Elijah, a demon desperate to regain his fading humanity, Thomas is faced with impossible choices that could save or doom them both. It’s a tale of duty, defiance, and love that challenges the boundaries of good and evil.
Please share your journey with our readers.
I’ve always loved writing, ever since I was a child, making up stories and scribbling them down. But it was only recently that I truly committed to honing my craft. Dedicating time and effort to refining my writing has helped me create something I’m proud of and hope readers will enjoy. While I once planned on teaching English in Japan and later even considered going to medical school to become a psychiatrist, the future is still open. What I do know for sure is that writing brings me immense joy, and I can’t imagine ever giving it up.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Tenacity and resilience are the two most important traits any writer can develop. The ability to push forward despite setbacks and to keep writing even when it’s difficult is key to success. If you can, carve out a little time each day to dedicate to your craft—those small moments of commitment add up and bring real progress.
Any message for our readers?
To all readers, thank you for taking a chance to read my story. Your support means everything, and I hope Where Demons Reside offers you a journey filled with excitement, emotion, and a touch of darkness. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.
Thank you so much, Kara, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!