Nethermost Regained

CONTAINS 30 greyscale digital paintings

Somewhere deep beneath the massive roots of our northern Canadian forest, floating on a pool of liquid gold, lies the continent of Nethermost. For centuries Nethermost's benevolent sovereigns have fostered harmony amongst its wondrously magical citizens, and have encouraged an ideal realm liberally tinged with prosperity -- until four decades ago. Now it is a continent in crisis, with many living in exile, with a climate in daily jeopardy. What remains is a society in disarray, a nation decimated by the greed of one usurper, the disappointed younger brother of Nethermost's rightful heir.

Eighteen year old Cait O'Quinn knows nothing of Nethermost, let alone of its grim plight. Raised in virtual captivity by an emotionally distant aunt at the edge of nowhere Canada, she is self-deprecating and unsure. After being convinced that the fate of Nethermost rests on her uneasy shoulders, Cait's panic is palpable -- "I'm just a stupid girl of little significance, leading a very dull life on a very small bump in the road. What do you want from me?"

My education in fantasy writing comes from a M.A. from McMaster University, Canada, with a thesis specialty in the fairy tale. As an artist, I have had formal training from Sheridan School of Fine Arts, Oakville, ON, and have operated my own fine art business for more than twenty years now. I am also a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators." NANCY GUILD BENDALL writes and paints from her studio at the edge of a small village near Toronto Canada, looking all the while for fairies at the top of the garden.