Barnes & Noble to host book release party for local author

Barnes & Noble at SouthPointe Pavilions, 2910 Pine Lake Rd., will host a book release party for local author Eric Linke’s second fantasy novel, “Blood of the Pale Light,” from 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27.

“Blood of the Pale Light” is the anticipated follow-up to “Dreams of the Witches Three” and serves as the second entry in the Eyes of the Abyss series, which details the events of a struggle against the gods as they seek to bring untold destruction upon mankind. The “Blood of the Pale Light” story focuses on a wide cast of characters, each with their own struggles and goals as they strive to overcome enemies both mortal and immortal. The new book includes intense battles, passionate romance, warriors, wizards, heroes and villains in a tale of war and survival against insurmountable odds.

The launch party has several events planned:

5 p.m. – The party begins. Linke will be signing copies of his books and mingling with guests.

5:30-6 p.m. – Fantasy Trivia Contest. Barnes & Noble will run the contest featuring questions about not only Linke’s books but other fantasy novels.

6-6:30 p.m. – A drawing session will take place. Barnes & Noble will supply art supplies so that partygoers can draw scenes from Linke’s novels. Linke will also answer questions anyone has about the writing process.

6:30-7 p.m. – Linke will host Mad Libs based on passages from “Dreams of the Witches Three.” The audience will supply the words used in the Mad Libs.

7-8 p.m. – Barnes & Noble staff will host and judge a fantasy-themed costume contest. Contestants may enter multiple categories: Fiercest, Coolest, Best Craftsmanship, Cutest, Showstopper, and Exhibition (for those who don’t want to be judged). Costumes should be family friendly. No real or fake weapons are permitted as part of any costume.

“I thoroughly enjoyed Linke’s story,” said Cole Rush from The Quill to Live, a book recommendation and review site, in his review of Linke’s debut novel “Dreams of the Witches Three.” “There’s something charming about a fantasy tale that both subverts typical tropes and pays homage to them. Linke walks that tightrope with a delicate grace.”

Originally from Geneva, Illinois, Linke came to Lincoln in the fall of 2019 to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Since completing his degree in May 2022, he now works as a freelance private music teacher and performer in eastern and central Nebraska.

In addition to music, Linke said that history, fantasy and science-fiction have always been passionate interests for him. So, when he finished college, he set out to write and publish the fantasy series that had been in his head for nearly 13 years.