Melanie Card | Top Four Date Ideas If You Find Yourself in the Union of Principalities

Hi there! I’m Melanie Card and I write the Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer series. The fourth and final book in the series, WARD AGAINST DESTRUCTION, takes place in a fantasy world of princes and swordsmen and necromancers. The kingdom—which isn’t really a kingdom but a group of principalities joined in a union—is called the Union of Principalities. This world has a lot of places to go, exotic islands, magically molded public bathing houses, sweeping mountains, and deep seas. I got to explore some of the world in the Reluctant Necromancer books and here are my top four date ideas from the books.

Date 1: Sail, Swim & Fish in the Bay of Tranaquai.
From book 1, WARD AGAINST DEATH

A relaxing midmorning trip. Sail to the reef at the northern edge of the bay, away from the ship traffic entering and exiting Brawenal city’s busy port. Take a refreshing swim with a dazzling array of sea life, explore the marvels of the reef— and maybe one or two unfortunate ships who were swept astray during a storm trying to find safe harbor—or cast a line and fish for your lunch. While there, take a moment to look back to shore and take in the spectacular view of the city with it’s many great walls—the city’s famous rings—and the prince’s castle at the top of the rise. In all it’s majesty, it’s clear why Brawenal city is the capital of the Principality of Brawenal.

Date 2: Sunrise Picnic Breakfast in the Red Mountains
From book 2, WARD AGAISNT DARKNESS

While following the Pilgrims’ Road on the way to the Divine City of Gyja, wake early and have breakfast in a beautiful mountain glade. Cuddle with your intended as you watch the sun rise over the peaks of the Red Mountains then meditate together on the Goddess and Her two sons—the Light Son and the Dark Son—as the shadow and sunlight change on your majestic surroundings.

Date 3: Midnight Ghost Walk in the City of Dulthyne
From book 3, WARD AGAINST DISASTER

With a dark history of blood magic, the magic-made city of Dulthyne, shaped onto a cliff face in the Red Mountains, is the perfect place for a ghost walk. This guided tour takes you from the highest tower of the Duke’s citadel to the deepest caverns in the heart of the mountain. Explore halls alight with the ghostly glow of magically lit witch-stone and hear the talk of Diestro the Blood Magi from a minstrel of the first order.

Date 4: Nature Hike Through Ancient Ruins
From book 4, WARD AGAINST DESTRUCTION

Explore the ancient ruins of Vekalmeer. A hidden gem, this island is nestled in a secluded mountain lake with crystal clear water, climbing terrain from easy to rugged, and spectacular views. Climb the central rise to the octagon and obelisk monument and imagine the Ancients giving glory to the Goddess, their gods, or perhaps the islands spirits—it’s still not known who they worshiped. Then explore the many rooms of the deserted temple and marvel at the stone carvings inlaid with obsidian and witch-stone.

Tours are filling up fast, who’s joining me?

About Melanie Card

Melanie Card has always been drawn to storytelling and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t creating a story in her head. Her early stories were adventures with fairies and dragons and sword swinging princesses.

Today she continues to spin tales of magic in lands near and far, while her cat sits on the edge of her desk and supervises. When she’s not writing, you can find her pretending to be other people with her local community theatre groups.

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About WARD AGAINST DESTRUCTION

His love will give them life or destroy them.

Ward de'Ath used to the think that nothing could be more terrible than death. Now he realizes there are worse things. Like his never-ending hunger for blood. Even if he conquers the unbearable cravings that drive him headlong toward destruction, he's a wanted man with a bleak future.

Assassin Celia Carlyle learns she is the only one who can protect Ward from disaster. She loves him-she wants to help him, but no one can tell her how to save him from himself. And the confusing voices in her head scream to let him go.

But Ward's dark trials keep mounting. A malevolent evil is rising in the land, threatening to unleash horror upon the world. The only way Ward can defeat it, and have the chance to marry Celia, is by accepting his fate and becoming the one thing he swore he would never become...