Meet Velius

As we prepare to launch Poison (3 days!!), I thought I’d share a bit more about each of the main characters through a series of blog posts.

Over the last few days, I've learned that Velius Lassiter is my favorite character in the book. I know I said in a previous post that I couldn't choose a favorite, but Velius is so complex. I'm actually thinking of doing a little more with him, perhaps in a short story or a novella. He came from complicated circumstances, which makes him conflicted. Part of him wants to do what is right and follow the Crown. Another part of him craves the power of the Strages, leading him into Thaed’s misguided leadership. He is closest with Raum, who manipulates him into doing Thaed’s bidding.

I love the mystery behind this character. Initially, he was just a puppet under the influence of a couple villains. But as the story unfolded, his character grew, added depth, and presented him in a completely different direction than I had intended. The result, while being absolutely terrifying and creepy, is wonderful.

Beyond that, Velius is a Roman name meaning concealed. Oh, boy, you don't know the half of it!

Until you read the book, of course.

---