 The Dagger of Urachadh: Attack from the Underworld is a story about persevering through persecution, poverty, age discrimination and gender inequality, and finding true friendship. It is a tale about grit and determination, and putting one’s own needs above others. It is a saga about how one should never give up no matter how bleak the situation may look. It is narrative about the conflict between good and evil and emphasizes that anyone regardless of age or gender or social status can do their part to make the world a better place to live.
The book takes full advantage of the Saskatchewan landscape, featuring well-described and interesting scenic locations that readers could visit themselves. This delightful tale brings to life many unique destinations in Saskatchewan including the Mystery Rocks, the Valley of 1000 Devils, Jones Peak, 70 Mile Butte, Crooked Trees, Beechy Sand Castles, Big Muddy Badlands, Castle Butte and the St. Victor Petroglyphs.
This book is dedicated to my friend Bertha May Moorman who I have been best friends with since the first day in Grade 1. Bertha was having serious health problems during the writing of this manuscript. She ended up having to have major surgery.
I originally came up with the idea to write a book as a project to have something to do over the winter. But after I started composing it, I noticed that one of the main characters of the book, Button, reminded me of someone. I realized at that moment that it was my best friend that I was writing about. I believe that writing this book was my subconscious way of dealing with the severity of her illnesses and the potential of not having a favorable outcome after her surgery. Since we are the same age, I had to come face-to-face with the brevity of life and the aging process and how fast I was entering into the latter years of my life. I was also reminded that I have to appreciate the people that I have in my life for as long as I have them with me. Regarding my best friend Bertha, who is presently on the road to a full recovery, I came to realize that if death should ever part us, I would always have a piece of her in my heart. She is the strongest woman that I know and through her continuous love and support over the years, she has helped make me who I am today. Bertha is a strong female role model in my life. I am blessed to have her as my lifelong friend.  Karen E. Mosier was born and raised in Saskatchewan. She has lived in Saskatchewan all her life and she is a proud Saskatchewanian. She has a BA in Psychology and a MSc in Pharmacy both conferred from the University of Saskatchewan. She has worked at the University of Saskatchewan for 15 years as a Research Coordinator, primarily to help faculty write research grant applications. Karen is the author of the self-help book entitled Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office (see karenemosier.com). Over the years she has developed an intense love for writing. Since she was a young girl, Karen has always been an avid reader. She also loves gardening, traveling, hiking and being outdoors.
Dagger of Urachadh: Attack from the Underworld is her first fiction book. Karen is delighted to share her love of Saskatchewan through her writing and many of its beautiful and scenic locations to visit are highlighted throughout her book. The adventures of Golden and her young friends make many of these unique destinations come alive as never before. In this middle-grade fantasy novel, a young Saskatchewan girl named Golden, who has a strange birthmark on her arm, finds a magical amulet in her recently deceased grandfather’s study, and is magically transported into a fantastical alternate version of Saskatchewan, in a time equivalent to about the 1500s. After a long trek across the prairies, Golden is rescued by a kind young Celtic boy, Button, and learns that the Darach tribe, which has five clans (Mountain, Forest, Bog, Hill and River), is facing a deadly attack from the forces of darkness at Samhain, when the veil between the earth and the underworld is the thinnest. This onslaught started after the evil and greedy Randahar from the Mountain Clan knowingly disturbed a portal to the underworld. The Mountain clan is hated and persecuted as a result - and Golden's mysterious birthmark turns out to actually be the mark of the Mountain Clan!
After Golden confides in Button that she is from a different time, they set out together to find the Ancient Wizard whom they hope can help her return home. During their journey, a benevolent god visits Golden and tells her she needs to find the Dagger of Urachadh, which will guarantee victory against the evil marauders if wielded by the Great Protector. With the help of Button and his two friends, Naed the Wise and Robert the Historian, and some magical stones, Golden has everything that she needs to set out on her quest. Ancient Celtic legends come alive as the gods often take animal or human form and show up in the most unexpected places. Follow the many adventures of these four youngsters as they struggle to find the Dagger of Urachadh and to bring the holy relic to the final battle at Battle Creek amid constant dangers from mischievous creatures to deadly mythological creatures to powerful evil gods. The Celtic history and tradition woven throughout this story will not disappoint. You will not want to put this book down until you have read the whole thing! Available in book stores everywhere. |
dagger of urachadh - attack from the underworldA young Saskatchewan girl named Golden, who has a strange birthmark on her arm, finds a magical amulet and a strange incantation in her recently deceased grandfather’s study. As a result, she, and is magically transported back in time into a fantastical alternate version of Saskatchewan in the 1500s. After a long trek across the prairies, Golden is rescued by a kind young Celtic boy, Button, and learns that the Darach tribe, which has five clans (Mountain, Forest, Bog, Hill and River), is facing a deadly attack from the forces of darkness at Samhain, when the veil between the earth and the underworld is the thinnest. This onslaught started after the evil and greedy Randahar from the Mountain Clan knowingly disturbed a portal to the underworld. The Mountain clan is hated and persecuted as a result - and Golden's mysterious birthmark turns out to actually be the mark of the Mountain Clan!
After Golden confides in Button that she is from a different time, they set out together to find the Ancient Wizard whom they hope can help her return home. During their journey, a benevolent god visits Golden and tells her she needs to find the Dagger of Urachadh, which will guarantee victory against the evil marauders if wielded by the Great Protector. With the help of Button and his two friends, Naed the Wise and Robert the Historian, and some magical stones, Golden has everything that she needs to set out on her quest. Ancient Celtic legends come alive as the gods often take animal or human form and show up in the most unexpected places. Follow the many adventures of these four youngsters as they struggle to find the Dagger of Urachadh and to bring the holy relic to the final battle at Battle Creek amid constant dangers from mischievous creatures to deadly mythological creatures to powerful evil gods. 
comment from the author
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan. I have lived in Saskatchewan all my life. Dagger of Urachadh: Attack from the Underworld is my first fiction book. I had so much fun writing it. I am delighted to share my love of Saskatchewan through my writing. I hope that you enjoy reading my book!
Karen E. Mosier |
