The Golden Warrior by Soraya Rose
Rome itself will change after these games.
Get ready for the next epic story of gladiator fights, found family and righteous causes in Soraya Rose’s debut novel, The Golden Warrior. In this cinematic historical novel, Roman gladiator and slave Cassius begins to experience strange new things when a visit from his departed father leads him to question not only the world he lives in but also, those around him. Cassius’s journey of self-reflection leads to the realization that he is a pawn in a much larger game.
Follow the renowned warrior on a journey of self-reflection that will change the fate of Rome — and follow us as we take this journey with the author herself, through the process of bringing The Golden Warrior to life.
Q: What first inspired the idea behind The Golden Warrior?
A: My inspiration for The Golden Warrior stems from my interest in studying and learning the lessons embedded in history and applying them to the contemporary world in which we live to inspire change. Studying the past allows us to gain insights into unresolved conflicts and injustices, enables us to acknowledge diverse perspectives, reconcile differences, and foster an understanding and empathy. This empowers us to learn from each other and to ensure that lessons offered are in fact learned. By learning the lessons of the past, honoring the differences between us and making amends where needed, we can heal and grow as people and start facilitating a more harmonious future for all.
Q: Tell us a little about Cassius, your main protagonist. What does he go through, and how does it shape his character?
A: Whenever Cassius believes he’s found stability in his life, a curveball is thrown, that disrupts his world. Each time this happens Cassius becomes introspective and reassesses his surroundings and relationships with others. It is in these moments of reflection where Cassius not only discovers his true self but also grasps the importance of honor, purpose, and being true to yourself. Through these moments of reflection and relationships with others, he learns to use his abilities for the greater good. By doing that, he begins to understand that his actions can have a meaningful impact on others. Cassius’ journey through adversity and change shape him into a person driven by a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to improving the lives of those around him.
Q: What was it like researching a book set in ancient times? How much did you try to keep accurate to the period, and where did you choose to take liberties?
A: I have always felt a deep connection to Rome and its gladiators. Luckily, this era is fairly well-documented in ancient history, which made my research easier. While I strive for historical accuracy and meticulous detail, I recognize the challenges of interpreting ancient records. Many texts have been lost over time, causing gaps in our understanding. In instances where that was the case, I took measured liberties to fill in these gaps while remaining respectful to the historical context. I strived to bring this time period to life while maintaining integrity in depicting the gladiatorial world and its significance in ancient Rome.
Q: Would you consider yourself a planner or a pantser? What is your writing process like?
A: I consider myself both a planner and a pantser. Before I start writing, I create a loose outline of the lessons from history, historical details about the places, names, roles and duties of people within the community, etc. that guides me. However, as I delve into each chapter and immerse myself in the energy of the story, the narrative evolves organically. Drawing insights from the history of the time period, I adapt and refine the outline based on where the story is going. This dynamic approach allows the plot to grow more compelling and nuanced, while remaining rooted in the historical context that inspired it. Balancing structured historical accuracy with creative flexibility allows me to craft a compelling story that not only captures the readers interest and attention and immerses them in the past but also invites reflection and learning.
Q: You tackle a number of heavy topics in this book — everything from injustice and slavery to classism. What do you hope readers take away from this narrative?
A: I hope readers recognize that while history is not perfect, that it does offer invaluable lessons. It reveals not just the realities of the past but also guides us in creating a more harmonious future. Additionally, I hope readers ponder the question “what do you stand for?” and to reflect on their own abilities, strengths and gifts, and ask themselves how they can uplift others. This introspection can help people to recognize and embrace their unique skills and gifts and contribute to the world around them.
Q: Will we see more from the world of The Golden Warrior? And if not, is there anything you can say about a future project?
A: The Golden Warrior launches a series about a warrior navigating diverse lives across various historical time periods and global locations. With each installment, I strive for meticulous historical accuracy, and aim to captivate readers while imparting valuable lessons from the past. Beyond the engaging storytelling, these books will prompt introspection and reflection through the lessons learned by the warrior. Each book will pose thought-provoking questions and encourage readers to contemplate how the themes, questions and situations are relevant to their own lives.
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About Soraya Rose:
Soraya Rose has been attuned to surrounding energies since childhood, developing gifts of empathy and clairvoyance. Profound experiences at Cape Henlopen State Park, particularly with the WWII Watchtowers, deepened their connection to historical and spiritual energies. Despite a hiatus following intense premonitions, Soraya’s passion for sciences flourished.
Guided by mentors, Soraya returned to spiritual exploration, studying Reiki and becoming a Reiki Master. Further mentorship by Christine Alexandria led to mastering Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) and becoming a Certified Angel Intuitive.
Today, Soraya operates a sacred studio on the Eastern Shore, blending science and spirituality. They collaborate with deities and elementals to guide others on their journeys, continuing to explore the interconnectedness of science and metaphysics.
Publish Date: May 30, 2024
Genre: Fantasy
Author: Soraya Rose
Page Count: 292 pages
Publisher: Soraya Rose LLC
ISBN: 9781662932359