By: Andy Carroll
Welcome to our second author spotlight interview with Boyd Lee! If you’d like to read the book review for A Game of Two Worlds Book 1, or the Author Spotlight for Book 1, you’ll be caught up and ready to dive into Book 2!
Synopsis of A Game of Two Worlds – Inneshys
When Alister uncovers a hidden dungeon, Matthew takes a chance to bury the hatchet with his enemy. Proposing a portal network to connect places in both worlds raises some eyebrows, as it’s very difficult and expensive to do. Still, Dunnishire lost much of its settled areas in wars over the last century. With the power to cross the country, Matthew envisions a portal network and a network of dreams—a school and an orphanage. Yet, dreams require funds, driving him to work to become stronger and wealthier.
This time, trouble finds Matthew, Neera, Alana, and Princess on Earth. Hoping to stay ahead of the wave of problems that follow them, they still run the dungeon to progress and grow their stats and levels, enjoying a nice Duke’s Own hamburger from their favorite tavern.
Should the challenges be too tough, Matt encounters an unexpected twist while visiting a new barony. Confronted with a pivotal choice, he faces the possibility of disrupting the stability he’s starting to find or embarking on a path toward unimaginable wealth and opportunities. Embracing uncertainty, Matthew forges ahead on his journey in A Game of Two Worlds.
What this book is: A fantasy LitRPG/GameLit progression-based storyline. There are grownups in this book who act like grownups. They drink, curse, make bad jokes, and fall in love. What’s not in this book? Sex scenes. Graphic or otherwise. There are plenty of jokes and innuendos about it, however.
AC: Since this is our second interview, you have already shared your writing process with us. What things about you would like to share with your readers about A Game of Two Worlds Book 2?
BL: Despite my online presence, I’m actually sort of a quiet guy. I like traveling all over, and I drive it solo so I can get some time to either dictate, listen to audiobooks, or just… unwind from the craziness that life brings.
AC: My sentiments of disdain for Alister in book one changed with “Inneshys.” Is this something you wanted to occur for readers?
BL: I wanted it to be a surprise. It sure as heck surprised me as I wrote it! I knew where I wanted to go and realized that my MC and Alister had much in common.
AC: I think Neera is still my favorite character, but new characters and more depth to established characters made me question myself. I enjoyed Princess’s added depth. Is your favorite character still the fun and spunky Jessamin in A Game of Two Worlds Book 2?
BL: She is. She has absolutely no guile and lets loose when she’s doing drops of honey. She went from trying to be as snarky as Matthew in Book 1 to realizing she’d rather be his friend than compete. Since her interactions from coming to Earth are limited and she missed out on TV, YouTube, the Kardashians, and Martha Stewart, she has much catching up to do.
She’s my funky, funny, wise old fairy learning Earth culture while Matthew is trying to figure things out on his end. Plus, she can do anything with her magic.
AC: Are there deeper messages in the “A Game of Two Worlds”? Or is it just a fun adventure?
BL: For me, it was a fun adventure. It was me trying something totally new and fun for me (to write) and not stress myself out. I told my wife these are my mental health books. Palette cleansers between posts-apocalypse books… but the truth is, I really like this world I’ve made and have already started writing a side series to tie in.
AC: If you could transport us to Inneshys, where would you want to take me first?
BL: Probably the Fabled Glory. It’d be for a Duke’s Own. Dwarven Fire Whiskey shots in between chasers of ale. Then probably to the markets and Temple Square. I won’t describe them as much as I should have, but think of a medieval city made of stone and brickwork, cobblestone roads, and waaaaaay too many people, although there are not enough guys. (Spoiler alert).
AC: Both entries I have read so far are fantastic, but I cannot pick a favorite. Which of the A Game of Two Worlds books are your favorite? The Royal Duke or Inneshys and why?
BL: Inneshys. I had to spend some time in Book 1 laying out the foundation and making sure the magic and progression systems were explained. In book 2, I explored the complexities of relationships and unintended consequences. From somebody from our world, buying a girl a hairbrush, scrunchies, and hair products is no big deal. On the other hand, in that world, it’s often used as courting gifts.
AC: Why did you feel it was necessary to include many segments dedicated to money and Matthew’s politics as Duke? Why do you feel they are needed parts?
BL: In both worlds, money makes life easier. By the end of book 3, he’s at a comfortable balance where it won’t be as necessary going forward. The thing with money, though, and coin… was a lot of coins were being sent back to Earth by primarily human and elven counterparts to make their life easier. Obviously, my guy does it, too, but he’s found a way of bringing the coin back to a balance. In Inneshys, gold is not as valued as platinum. On Earth, it’s the opposite.
As far as politics go… Oh boy. I wish I could explain it, but book 3 is hitting on October 31st. Things come to a head because nobody will leave Matthew alone in either world.
AC: If you could be the Duke in A Game of Two Worlds, would you want to be?
BL: Nope, uh, uh, no way. I have a hard enough time keeping one lady happy. If I accidentally married another one, I might not wake up the next day!!!
AC: I love the veils! Are these highly regulated on Earth and Inneshys, considering they hide a being’s true form?
BL: The council of kings requires them. This makes sure the unseen world can stay hidden. On Earth, humans vastly outnumber the fantasy races and mages. Also, the mana density on Earth is a lot less than Inneshys. Most magics work on Earth, but it doesn’t have as much ‘oompf’ as in Dunnishire.
AC: With Matthew finding a different way to increase his money, will this affect Earth or Inneshys going forward?
BL: Oh yeah!
AC: Can you tell readers, without spoilers, what to expect in your next entry in the Game of Two Worlds series, “Highspire”?
BL: A lost bet, an angry princess of the empire, the council of kings, assassins, dungeon diving, leveling up, being OP, and political intrigue. I hope!
Interested in reading A Game of Two Worlds – Book 2?
Inneshys is available on Amazon right now! So what are you waiting for? Get your copy!
I would also like to mention that Books 1 & 2 are available on Kindle.
The third entry, Highspire, will be available on October 31, 2023.
Get Inneshys today, and I promise you will want to preorder the next! I know I will!
