Lazarus Carpenter – Author – CRACH FFINNANT

Crach Ffinnant – The Prophecy

After thirty manuscript submissions rejected, Lazarus Carpenter, based in Ystradgynlais had almost given up hope a publisher would be interested in his fantasy novel. Entering a writing competition hosted by Words Matter Publishing, USA in November of last year and seeing the number of entries, cast it to the back of his mind, again thinking nothing would happen, not even voting for his own book or following competition progress. In late January, Tammy Koelling CEO, notified Lazarus he was the Grand Prize Winner of the Holiday Book Competition. ‘The judges were very impressed, likening the work to Tolkien!’ Winning a Publication & Agent Contract this wonderful fantasy story is now in print with the audio book on the way. Like all good folk tales, there are many adventures to come.

Four

It’s 1375 and the Welsh people have been “long chastised, ridiculed and ruled by the English…their hearts, heavy with doom. A great prince is waiting in the wings, not yet ready to rule but well placed to do so. He knows not at this time the destiny written for him but will awaken to come forth when the heavens decree, leading the down-trodden people to freedom.” A dwarf named Crach listens respectfully as his master relates the prophecy but wonders what it has to do with him, “a small man in a much bigger world!” That’s when his master, an aging wizard named Llwyd ap Crachan Llwyd tells Crach his apprenticeship of ten years is over and he must go on a long journey to the land of the accursed English where he will ultimately serve the future prince of Wales and fulfil his destiny according to the prophecy. Crach panics and protests.

“Calm yourself, Crach,” Master spoke softly. “Do you honestly think I would send you on such a journey without all that you need to do what you must do? Keep your eyes on the heavens. A solution exists for every problem and it’s always a simple one. Justice always prevails. It is the way of all things!”

‘Our judges loved your tale and the world that you have created. Most compare it to Lord of the Rings.’

Tammy Koelling CEO Words Matter Publishing

PUBLISHER’S REVIEW

“’Crach Ffinnant’ The Prophecy” by Lazarus Carpenter–It’s the year, 1375 and a dwarf named Crach Ffinnant is an apprentice to Llywd ap Crachan Llywd, an old wizard when suddenly his training is over, and it’s time to fulfill his destiny. Through the prophecy, he learns that one day he is to serve the future Prince of Wales. What’s real and what’s fantasy in this book, we aren’t exactly told, but I’m inclined to go do some research after this truly spellbinding tale! There are colorful characters, sacred scrolls, magic, dreams, and adventures galore in this captivating story. There’s ten years worth of adventures including deep caverns, a Fire-Dragon, King Richard and even a Travelling Circus! Of course, there’s a reason for everything as Crach was taught by his wise master and he will learn the meaning of it all and get help from Prince Owain Glyndwr as his prophet and seer. In the end, the reader is left ready to rise above his own “inner-dwarf” and find like Crach, there is a solution for every problem, and the answer was more simple than we imagined. There are many witty sayings and shrouded truths throughout, and we will come to learn with Crach that ultimately, “Justice always prevails.”