Warrior Prince: Book One in the Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen

By Cathy Clamp

“We go to Disney World often, and it’s a happy place. But what if theme parks and tourist attractions around the world had a more nefarious purpose?” Such was the musing of bestselling author Nancy Cohen after visiting Epcot Center. The idea crept around in her brain, slowly becoming the plot of a new series, “The Drift Lords.” WARRIOR PRINCE introduces the world when mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she’s drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar-leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords-summons his troops. He doesn’t count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar’s soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

The new series is set in a contemporary world woven with magic, intrigue, romance, and suspense, and is based on Norse mythology. THE BIG THRILL sat down to talk with the author to learn more about this intriguing new reality.

This is the first book in a new paranormal romance series based in Norse mythology. What excited you about Nordic legends when you started your research?

The idea for my Drift Lords series came from a visit to Disney’s Epcot theme park. In the Norway pavilion is a ride called the Maelstrom. Guests board a boat that glides into a dark tunnel and then rises up a steep incline. At the summit, your boat sails into a misty forest where trolls appear. These evil creatures cast a spell on visitors to “Disappear…Disappear.” Never mind the rest of the ride! I loved the idea of evil trolls, and that’s when I decided to write a story based on Norse mythology. The trolls in my series would be the bad guys. I renamed them the Trolleks. Thus I began to build my world. I studied the myths and decided which elements I’d use in WARRIOR PRINCE, book one in The Drift Lords Series. The overall series arc is also based on this mythology as the heroes have to prevent a recurrence of Ragnarok. This great battle between the gods and the giants caused the destruction of the universe, and prophecy says Ragnarok is coming again.

Tell us a little about the world of the Drift Lords and their reality for those who haven’t read much science fiction or paranormal.

An ancient enemy—the Trolleks—has invaded Earth through a crack in the Bermuda Triangle, a rift between dimensions. The Drift Lords are summoned to send the Trolleks back where they belong and to seal the rifts. According to prophecy, they must join with a select group of Earth women whose special powers can defeat the enemy.

Underlying Earth’s tectonic plates are dimensional plates on a cosmic energy level. This grid intersects at twelve distinct geographic points known as Vile Vortices. The Bermuda Triangle represents one of these sites, where electromagnetic anomalies may occur. As the plates grind against each other and pressure builds up, a rift between dimensions results. The rifts close naturally when cors particles, produced at the event horizon, reach critical mass.

However, the Trolleks have learned how to force the rifts open from their side of the portal. As the cors particles amass and the rift doesn’t shut, dimensional drift occurs. Eventually this widening drift will cause a massive energy wave, destroying the multiverse.

The Drift Lords are warriors from space whose job is to battle the Trolleks whenever they make an appearance. However, this time they won’t succeed on their own. They need the help of a special group of Earth women whose powers are just awakening. These women are the descendants of Odin, the All-Father in Norse mythology.

What was the most interesting thing you learned in your research for the book, whether or not it actually made it into the text?

The entire Norse creation myth comes from the Edda, an epic of Germanic origin. I found that whole story to be quite fascinating. I studied trolls, which was fun, because I have a collection of those cute little troll dolls with colorful hair. If you come across an unusual rock formation, it might be a troll who was turned into stone by sunlight. Or so the Norwegians might think. But really, it was the concept of the Vile Vortices that gave me an explanation for the dimensional rifts. That theory came from a magazine article in 1972 by a man named Ivan Sanderson. You can find info on the Internet about this phenomenon.

Will this be primarily for the romance shelves where the couple’s story completes with one book, or will readers get a chance to read more about Nira and Zohar in future books in the series?

Nira and Zohar will have their happy ending in WARRIOR PRINCE, but the tasks for the Drift Lords and their women are far from finished. Loki, the trickster god and now a demon, is behind the Trollek invasion, and he poses a greater threat. To prevent Ragnarok—the end of all times—the six sons of Thor and the six daughters of Odin must join together and recite an ancient verse. They still have to find this rune, among other tasks. And all the women haven’t been revealed yet. The next story deals with Paz Hadar, the team’s communication officer, and how he meets his destined mate. His task is to determine how the Trolleks are keeping the rifts open and to seal them shut. Each hero has a specific mission to accomplish, while the women are striving to find each other and discover their unknown powers. Oh, and zombies make an appearance in Book Three! Nira and Zohar will show up whenever the team gets together for a debriefing and certainly in the final battle scene. But each book focuses on a different couple as the main characters.

How many books are planned for the series and when can readers get the next book?

I’ve written three books so far. The next one is already accepted but I don’t have a pub date yet. WARRIOR ROGUE and WARRIOR LORD are the next two titles. I’m writing them in sets of three. So the first set is complete. I have to work on the next three. And then I envision a seventh book that may take the series in a new direction.

You write both paranormal romance and mystery. What you do find to be the biggest challenge with writing multiple genres?

I find it’s refreshing to switch back and forth between mysteries and romance. The biggest challenge is keeping my readers satisfied. My mystery fans want to know when the next Bad Hair Day tale (Cohen’s mystery series with Kensington) will be available. I’ve just finished the draft for the eleventh title in that series. So it’s keeping up the pace and the cross-promotion that keeps me busy.

Will you be doing any book signings for the release of this book? Where can readers find you if they want an autographed copy? Will you be at any upcoming book conventions?

These are my upcoming appearances. You can find more as I add them or follow my Blog Tour during Sept/Oct at

Oct. 26-28, Friday-Sunday, Necronomicon, SciFi/Fantasy/Horror Convention, Hilton Bayfront,  333 1st Street South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-4342, 727-894-5000.

January 24-28, 2013, FRW Cruise with your Muse Conference aboard the Liberty of the Seas and sailing to Cozumel. Keynote speaker: Charlaine Harris. Nancy J. Cohen will be presenting a workshop on “Writing the Mystery.”

February 3, Sunday, 2:00 pm, Delray Beach Public Library, “World Building: Create a Sizzling Setting for your Novel”, Delray Beach Public Library, 100 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444; 561-266-0798

Where can readers find you online?

My website, blog, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Anything else you’d like readers to know about the book that they might not find anywhere else?

Drift World, the Orlando theme park in WARRIOR PRINCE, is based on Wannado City, a now defunct children’s role-playing attraction formerly in Fort Lauderdale. Drift World, however, is for adults only. You’ll find out why in the story.

Book Trailer:

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“An urgent quest to save humanity leads to surprising adventures and dangerous passion! Nancy J. Cohen has penned a wild ride that will leave readers breathless and eager for more!” –Allison Chase, author of RECKLESSLY YOURS

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Nancy J. Cohen is an award-winning author who writes romance and mysteries. Her popular Bad Hair Day mystery series features hairdresser Marla Shore, who solves crimes with wit and style under the sultry Florida sun. Several titles in this series have made the IMBA bestseller list, while Nancy’s imaginative paranormal romances have garnered rave reviews. Active in the writing community and a featured speaker at libraries and conferences, Nancy is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who’s Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets.

To learn more about Nancy, please visit her website.