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Partner at Harrogate accountancy firm publishes first book

Tuesday, 16 January 2024 12:00

Tom Rhodes, a partner at Harrogate accountancy firm Lithgow Perkins, is proving he’s a whizz with words as well as numbers.

Partner at Harrogate accountancy firm publishes first book A partner at Harrogate accountancy firm Lithgow Perkins is proving he’s a whizz with words as well as numbers. Tom Rhodes has just published his first book, The Awakening of Speros, a fantasy tale of magic and adventure aimed at teens and young adults. Tom, a former student of Rossett School, said:

“I’ve really enjoyed writing the book and building the story up. I did a bit of writing when I was younger, but this is the first time I’ve gone through the whole process of finishing and publishing something. “Writing is an escapism for me. It’s about as far removed from accountancy as possible. I really enjoy my day job but I also love escaping into a different world with my writing. "I tend to write fantasy because I like that you can make up your own rules and get lost in what you want to happen in your story.”

The book is the first in a trilogy called The Tale of Taratia and is inspired by some of Tom’s favourite authors such as George RR Martin, Christopher Paolini and JRR Tolkien. It features a detailed map at the beginning, drawn by Northallerton-based illustrator Michelle Wade. The Awakening of Speros is being sold in Castlegate Books in Knaresborough and is also available as an e-book on Amazon. Tom said:

“I’m really grateful to Gary Cooper at Castlegate for stocking copies of my book. "I really enjoy working with local independent businesses through my job as an accountant and I appreciate Gary being the first to take a chance on me and stock my book. “I can’t wait to develop the trilogy and have nearly finished writing the script for the sequel, which I hope to get published next year.”

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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