Booze and a Book:
Mordant's Need, or, the Series that Shaped my Childhood
Tara Avery
I read a lot. I have always read a lot. When I was very young, I more or less cleared out the children-and-young-adult section of the library and I wanted more.
My reading (and writing) life changed forever when my father sent me down to the family room and told me to start reading Terry Brooks’ Sword of Shannara. “But, Dad,” I whined, “that book is soooo long!” (Forgive me; I was ten). He told me if I could stop after a chapter—just one chapter—I didn’t have to read it.
I couldn’t stop after the first chapter, and a love affair with fantasy novels began.
Writers often talk about their influences. I’m not sure I realized how much Stephen R. Donaldson’s Mordant’s Need series (Mirror of her Dreams and A Man Rides Through) influenced me until I reread them as an adult.
On second thought, ‘influence’ may be the wrong word. I didn’t realize how much I blatantly stole from these books in my adolescent writing until I reread them as an adult. We’re talking plot. We’re talking description. In some cases we’re even talking whole phrases!
This brings me to my recommendation. These books are good. When I was a baby writer, I wanted to write like Donaldson, and I wanted to write stories like Mordant’s Need. For good reason! I wanted epic adventure mixed with epic romance. I wanted kings and queens and court intrigue. I wanted damsels in distress and handsome, slightly-bumbling, sweet, strong heroes. (I really wanted that hero. And I have since learned I like my damsels in slightly less distress… or at least more proactive about taking care of the distress themselves. But I still love these books. Although I must admit I am surprised I read these particular books at thirteen. Let's just say there was a whole level of meaning that went way over my head... probably a good thing.)
The story begins a little something like this: Terisa Morgan lives in our world. Geraden lives in a different world, one where mirrors don’t reflect. They are, instead, a potent form of magic. One day, Geraden does something ‘wrong’ with a mirror and ends up bringing Terisa into his world. His country, Mordant, is under attack and he’s convinced she’s (somehow) just what they need to save themselves. Cue the aforementioned epic adventure, romance, court intrigue.
Most of the series takes place during the winter, which is why I’ve included mulled wine as the accompanying beverage of choice. Trust me, after one too many descriptions of the frozen landscape and the icy wind, you’ll be glad you’ve got something warming your insides.
Just remember… if you can stop after the first chapter, you don’t have to read it. (And if you can stop after the first glass, you don’t have to drink it!)
Mulled Wine
Like sangria, I think everyone brings their own taste to a mulled wine recipe. Experiment! Play! It’s pretty hard to get wrong.
2 bottles red wine
¾ to 1 cup sugar
2-3 cups water (or a combination of apple or orange juices; adjust sugar accordingly)
One lemon, one orange, one apple, sliced
Spices: (I like to use whole, wrapped in cheesecloth. Easier to remove, and the drink doesn’t get too cloudy.) Cinnamon sticks and cloves are standard, but you can also use whole nutmeg, star anise, vanilla bean pods, allspice… to your taste. I would start with a couple of each, and maybe a little extra cinnamon.
Simmer until drink is hot and sugar is dissolved. Alternatively, you can pop everything in a crock-pot, and four hours on low or two on high ought to do the trick. Enjoy!