Cheers fantasy readers! We’re here today with Caim the Knife, star of the upcoming novel, Shadow’s Lure from Gollancz. How have you been, Caim?
Doing all right. I’m a little sore today. We’ve been shooting scenes from the third book all week, and I never use a stunt double.
That’s impressive. So that was actually you up on the roof of the palace in Othir in book one, Shadow’s Son?
Yeah, it was me. We shot that scene all in one night at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Whoa! You’re blowing my mind. What was that like?
Well, Shadow’s Son was my first big break, so I was a little nervous. We had to be up and in costume by 3 a.m. because we couldn’t get permission to work past six in the morning. City regs or some such bullocks. Anyway, me and Ral—he plays my rival in the first book—had to work under a downpour machine for three hours straight. But I think the final product was worth it.
I think your fans would agree. So, I’ve been wanting to ask you, what’s it really like to be a hired assassin?
It’s not the glamorous life you might imagine. I work a lot of late hours, skulking on rooftops, sharpening my weapons, following people. That sort of thing. And the benefits are nonexistent. You ever try getting health insurance in this profession? We tried to unionize, but it all fell apart when the knives came out. It’s almost enough to get me to move to the U.K.. You lads have got national insurance, right?
Everyone wants to know if we can expect the same high-flying acrobatics in Shadow’s Lure?
Of course. I wasn’t going to sign on to do the sequel until I saw the script. But once I did, I knew we had another winner. It’s bloody, maybe even bloodier than the first book, but I get more time to be me.
And that’s a good thing?
(Caim frowns.) Don’t get cheeky.
Sorry, Mr. Caim. I meant to say, could you elaborate on that?
Okay. Take my shadow powers, for example. Everyone’s always asking me about them. In the sequel, you learn more about how they work and what they’re good for. Besides killing people, I mean.
What are they good for besides killing?
*incomprehensible muttering*
All righty then. Let’s move on to your co-star, Josey. How are you two getting along? Still an item?
Josey’s great. She really shines in this book. I think she’s going to be a major star in this industry for a long time to come. I mean, look how she handled losing her father in the first book and then discovering her secret past. Now she’s running a whole country. Sure there are some bumps in the road, but that’s life. Ain’t it?
Indeed. Mr. Caim, how is work progressing on the third book. Is that going to be the end of the story?
It’s going quite well. We’ve got a great production crew. Things are looking good for a release next summer. As far as the story continuing, that’s really out of my hands. My contract ends with the third book.
But would you be opposed to returning for another go? I imagine this must be the role of a lifetime.
I can see myself returning for another stab at it. But I’m a busy man. I’ve got appearances to do, fan conventions, premiers, and I’ll be starring in a production of Oklahoma! at the Belastire Playhouse . . .
You do sound busy. Thank you so much for stopping by today, Mr. Caim. Any last words for your fans?
Stay sharp and sleep with one eye open.
Very nice. Until next time, fantasy readers.
Jon Sprunk is the author of Shadow’s Son, nominated for the David Gemmell Award for Best Fantasy, and the soon-to-be-released sequel, Shadow’s Lure. He lives in central Pennsylvania (the States) with his family.
