Sherrie Cronin is the author of a collection of six speculative fiction novels known as 46. Ascending and is now in the process of publishing a historical fantasy series called The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters. A quick look at the synopses of her books makes it obvious she is fascinated by people achieving the astonishing by developing abilities they barely knew they had.

She's made a lot of stops along the way to writing these novels. She's lived in seven cities, visited forty-six countries, and worked as a waitress, technical writer, and geophysicist. Although she's lost several beloved cats on her journey, she's been lucky enough to gain a husband and three kids who love her despite how odd she is.

Today she lives and writes in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where she also answers a hot-line, volunteers for SFWA, and plans her future travels.

She's the One Who Thinks Too Much by Sherrie Cronin

Do you know what your problem is?

Ryalgar knows hers. People have been telling this over-educated 13th-century woman for years. So when an equally intellectual prince decides he loves her, it looks like everyone was wrong and her dreams have come true.

Except, this prince is obligated to marry another. He is leading the army training to defend their tiny realm against an expected Mongol invasion. And he is considering sacrificing Ryalgar's home nichna by abandoning its rich farmlands to their foes.

If only he wasn't such a nice guy. Another woman would …..

Actually, Ryalgar has no idea what another would do. All she knows is she has a multitude of university intellectuals and a family of tough farmers behind her, and a newfound connection with the witches in the forest. Why not devise her own strategy to keep the invaders from destroying her home? Then she can figure out what to do about this problem prince.

It's just the sort of thing that happens when a woman thinks too much.

 

REVIEWS

  • "S.R. Cronin writes some of the most thought-provoking and fascinating speculative fiction I've read. After thoroughly enjoying the 46 Ascending series, I was thrilled to see more books coming from Cronin's writing lair... I wasn't disappointed"

    – Kit 'N Kabookle

  • "From the first page ... She's the One Who Thinks Too Much pulls the reader into a diverse, colorful and plausible world, with its own geography, culture, language and politics. S.R. Cronin has done a wonderful job creating Ilari and its peoples."

    – Author Lisabet Sarai of Beyond Romance  

  • "The world-building is excellent, providing a clear insight into how the characters fit into the world. Each sister is brought into the story carefully and methodically whilst still leaving plenty to come."

    – Archaeolibrarian
 

BOOK PREVIEW

Excerpt

I was sad the morning we had to leave, but knew it was time to go. We'd gone through all our provisions, and the cold, clear day would make for easy travel.

"Each back to our chores," he said as he finished the last of the hard bread and cheese for breakfast.

"What chores does a prince have?" I regretted it as soon as I said it. Of course he did something other than play all day.

"Surely you're not that naïve."

"I'm not. But, you are a second son. What specific responsibilities are given to you?" I was trying to cover up my stupid comment with a legitimate question. He knew it, and he let it pass. I supposed that was what people who cared for each other did.

"Believe it or not, I'm working with our generals to develop a battle plan."

"What for? We've lived in peace with our neighboring kingdoms for generations. Why would they attack us now?"

"I doubt they will. Our biggest problems come from occasional marauding thieves or minor quarrels between our nichnas. But we've good reason to think that's about to change."

I must have looked puzzled because he kept on explaining.

"You do know traders from beyond our kingdom usually go to Pilk, and don't bother with small farming nichnas like yours, don't you?"

I nodded. Pilk not only had most of Ilari's money and goods, but it also sat on the confluence of the large river forming our boundary on two sides and the smaller river running out of our mountains and through the realm. Pilk served as Ilari's informal capital and was our center of trade, so of course foreign merchants went there.

"Well, they all bring news along with their spices and silks. For years, many have spoken of horsemen from far to the east of here, horsemen who have become fierce in recent times. They say their land is so cold and barren they can grow nothing, and they live only on the meat and milk of their yaks and horses."

"It's hard to imagine what sort of people could call such desolation home," I said. I was wrapping up remaining the apples as I spoke. "Imagine life without fruits like these?"

"Word is they've developed a taste for farmed goods in recent years, and have been making their way outward, raiding farms."

"That's horrible. Do they take all the farmers' food?"

"Most of it. But if the farmers fight back, then they kill them all and burn everything to the ground."

"I'm glad they're far away."

Nevik reached towards me and brushed the hair out of my eyes. It was a gentle gesture, but one that invited me to see more clearly.

"People like that are never far enough away."