The Treasure Trove... 'The Convergence' by Casie Aufenthie

It's my pleasure to welcome back Casie Aufenthie for her second appearance on Treasure Trove! Casie recently completed The Drift trilogy with The Convergence, and I have to say: this series is simply outstanding. If you enjoy science fiction and fantasy, this is an absolute must-read.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing 'The Convergence'?

Casie: Knowing this was the final book of the series, I put a lot of pressure on myself to try to make it as satisfying an ending for readers as possible while still staying true to my plans. People have spent a lot of time and money to take this journey with me, and the idea of disappointing readers weighed on me. It caused a lot of writer’s block and second-guessing that I didn’t experience nearly as much with the first two books.

Who is your favorite character in the series and why?

Casie: I have to go with Kip. He’s comic relief but with even more layers than an onion (yes, that’s a Shrek reference). There’s a lot of wit and wisdom in-between the sarcastic remarks, and he is the epitome of a ride-and-die friend. Selfishly, I also appreciated how easy he was for me to write. I never had to question what he would do or say in any situation. He always came the easiest for me. This is, in part, because he was the first original character I ever created and writing him is a lot like throwing on my favorite hoodie.

Question from a Red Dragon Insider Reader:
How long did it take you to write each book of the series?

Casie: The Drift took about five years from start to publishing. I think I had it largely done in two but then sat on it, too scared to share it, for quite a while. Once my husband convinced me I it was good enough to put out into the world, I did a few more final edits and got it published pretty quickly.
The Symbiosis only took about a year. I had the majority of that book in my head before I ever started typing, and I was really excited about the scenes between Tristan and Samara, given how I left them at the end of book 1. Life was a bit calmer at this point, so I also had a lot more time to spend writing.
The Convergence took three years. I was pregnant with my youngest when I started writing it, and pregnancy brain is very, very real. It was a struggle, and I ended up having to re-write a lot of what I had originally done. Then I had a newborn so sleep deprivation was also a factor.

What do you enjoy the most about writing?

Casie: I love living through my characters, experiencing new perspectives and situations through them. It’s an escape and therapy all wrapped up in one. But I truly write because of the connection words can create between people. Despite time or distance, a story can connect people through common thoughts and feelings and experiences in a way that I haven’t experienced with anything else. To spark something in someone’s heart is a gift I’m rather addicted to at this point.

Tell us about your favorite fantasy or science fiction books.

Casie: My all-time favorite fantasy is Dragon Riders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. It’s what made me fall in love with the genre, and the relationships stuck with me for decades. Though, right now, I have somewhat fallen into the cult of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinneman. It’s ridiculous and hilarious, but there are really deep moments that touch on society and the human experience in a way that surprised me.

Tell us about your favorite video game.

Casie: Ooh, there are so many—anything Legend of Zelda, Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Portal 1 and 2, Mario Brothers, Mortal Kombat. However, I don’t think anything will ever beat Turtles in Time for me. My big brother and I would play that one over and over and over. He was a good sibling (and 7 years older than me) and always let me get the pizza so I didn’t constantly die. That game reminds me of our childhood and how close we’ve always been.

Tell us about your next or upcoming book.

Casie: I’m returning to my fantasy roots with the next book. It doesn’t have a title yet, but I equate it to Legend of Zelda meets the story of King David (minus the not-so-great life choices). An orphaned flock keeper, Zeke, longs to be one of the sacred knights that serve Iesous to protect the people from creatures of darkness. Azra is the princess of Eklevar, meant to be blessed by Iesous with holy magic like every other generation of her family, but she’s not sure she even believes anymore. When an ancient evil awakens, their paths cross, and both will be changed forever by the challenges they are forced to face.

About 'The Convergence'

Tristan and Samara are reunited, but around them, everything else unravels. Two months have passed since their declaration of war against the Council split the world in two, and Fang has framed Tristan as the villain behind the death and destruction that now grip the planet—the very chaos she unleashed.

Tristan’s hope for a peaceful resolution has all but disintegrated, and with his illness growing more prominent each day, his mind and body are quickly following suit. Despite his faltering strength, he’s determined to end Fang’s bloodstained reign and honor his promise to Samara. But to give the woman he loves her dream, Tristan must face his greatest nightmare.

Terrified of losing Tristan, Samara is desperate for him to seek a cure, but the harder she fights for their future, the higher the wall between them grows. Worse, she’s hiding a secret that’s affecting her abilities, leaving her vulnerable when the world needs her most. And when Tristan learns the truth, it may strike the final blow to their relationship.

A glimmer of hope surfaces when an unexpected ally offers vital information that could bring an end to Fang’s cruel machinations. But with Tristan’s mind unraveling and the death toll rising by the hour, can Tristan and Samara heal what’s broken between them before the world crumbles completely?

In this explosive conclusion to The Drift, enemies become allies, secrets are exposed, and the bonds of love are tested to their breaking point. Will Tristan and Samara live long enough to see the peace they’ve always dreamed of—or will the war consume them both?

Get 'The Convergence'

About Casie Aufenthie

Casie grew up in a small, rural town in North Dakota where she passed the very, very, very long winters devouring books of all genres and playing video games. The author still lives in North Dakota with her amazingly patient husband and two incredible daughters. When not reading or writing, chances are she's either spending time with family, still playing games, or kickboxing.

Connect with Casie Aufenthie

• Official Website
• Facebook Page
• Twitter Profile
• Instagram Page
• Goodreads Author Page

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Keywords:  Authors , Fantasy , Science-Fiction , The Treasure Trove