Nicholas Lochel's Blog

 
A city lost to darkness, a ruthless enemy and two brothers on an impossible quest . . . The first book in the bestselling ZARKORA series from an Australian brother-and-sister writing team.
Five years after the death of their parents, poor farm boys Neleik and Ervine Fyrelit witness the kidnapping of their beloved little sister, Skye. Determined to rescue her, the Fyrelit brothers set off on a journey into darkness.As they traverse unknown lands, they meet loyal companions and face powerful enemies in the hope of rescuing their sister. And they discover a long-hidden secret that will change their world forever . . .THE FYRELIT TRAGEDY is the first in the four-book Zarkora series, from the Australian brother-and-sister writing team, Nicholas and Alison Lochel.'a compelling fantasy from two bright newcomers' Isobelle Carmody

 HACHETTE AUSTRALIA ACQUIRES SELF-PUBLISHING PHENOMENON –  ZARKORA Hachette Australia is excited to announce the acquisition of Nicholas and Alison Lochel’s four-book Zarkora series.   Zarkora is the story of brothers Neleik and Ervine Fyrelit, two poor farm boys whose parents have been killed by a mysterious and powerful stranger. In the first book, THE FYRELIT TRAGEDY, the kidnapping of their little sister by that same stranger begins an epic quest to rescue her and discover their family’s mysterious past. Along the way they encounter magical creatures, loyal friends, dangerous enemies and strange new lands. This children’s fantasy adventure has been a self-publishing phenomenon. Brother and sister duo Nicholas and Alison published the first two books to huge success, particularly in their home town of Brisbane. Their talent and dedication saw them shortlisted for an Express Media Award for best work or project by a young person or young people under 30 in Queensland in 2013. Associate Publisher Suzanne O’Sullivan said, ‘I absolutely fell in love with the Zarkora books. It is one of those rare series that feels simultaneously fresh and classic, and I was gripped by the Fyrelit brothers’ adventure. Nicholas and Alison are incredibly dynamic — they have a huge career ahead of them.’ Fiona Hazard, Publishing Director, said, ‘We are all so impressed by Nicholas and Alison’s talent and drive, and are excited to be bringing their work to the wide audience it deserves, across Australia and around the world.’ Nicholas and Alison Lochel said, ‘After an incredible self-publishing journey, we are absolutely thrilled to embark on a new adventure with the wonderful team at Hachette Australia, to bring our epic tale of two brothers to readers everywhere.’ A new and fully revised edition of the first book in the Zarkora series, THE FYRELIT TRAGEDY, is scheduled for release in July 2015. THE LOST KINGDOM will be published in November 2015, and THE MARK OF THE JACKAL and THE LAST STAND OF FYNAGLADE will follow in 2016.

Since the launch of the first book in July 2012, the authors have sold a massive 3,000 copies of Zarkora in Brisbane alone - 30 times what the average self-published book sells in its entire lifetime. The Fyrelit Tragedy and The Lost Kingdom are fast becoming two of the best-selling books in Queensland.

After many signings and school talks, the authors are rewarded with their best month to date. A whopping 832 copies were sold in Brisbane in November alone! That's over eight times what the average self-published book sells in its entire lifetime. Thanks to the support of Brisbane bookstores, the Zarkora series is fast becoming a children's best-seller!

The Zarkora Series is shortlisted for an Express Media Award for Best work or project by a young person or young people in QLD under 30 in 2013.

  

On the 8th, 9th and 10th of November the authors of the Zarkora series returned to Supanova (Brisbane). The authors signed and sold over 600 copies of The Fyrelit Tragedy and The Lost Kingdom at the event - that's one every two minutes! But the weekend wasn't all work; they also took the time to catch up with their fellow authors and role-models, Colin Taber (United States of Vinland) and D.M. Cornish (Monster Blood Tattoo).

On the 23rd of November 2013, Nicholas & Alison spoke to Grades 8 & 9 at Dakabin State School.

 On the 10th of October Nicholas & Alison spoke to almost 400 students at Brisbane Boys' College. The 3 hour event was separated into four sessions in which the authors talked about their self-publishing journey and the Zarkora series.   

The Zarkora series is stocked in every Dymocks store in Brisbane and many independent bookstores.
Both The Fyrelit Tragedy and The Lost Kingdom are best-sellers in each of the stores, suggested reads in many, and even reaching the Top 5 Kids Best-Sellers.