Welcome to YA Books Central’s “Indie Superstars” column. This monthly event will spotlight the best and brightest of the indie community.
You don’t want to miss out on these talented authors!
This week we’re interviewing Raven More, Author of Of Blood and Crowns.
Caitlin Haines: Can you tell us a little about Of Blood and Crowns?
Raven More: Of Blood and Crowns, along with the following two books of the Broken Bonds series, is the story of my heart. This was a series I dreamed of writing but it didn’t fit into the mold of my USA Today bestselling and award-winning penname. Neither my agent, nor publishers, nor current readers were interested in my crazy, non-traditional tales. I longed to tell the stories I wanted to, so Raven More was born.
This specific book is set in the future after the great war between the Cursed and the current ruling class. I think it would be best to allow Valencia to tell you her story in her own words:
On my sixteenth birthday, I’ll become a murderer.
I don’t want to kill anyone but it’s my duty as princess.
To stop the threat of the Cursed. The ones who destroyed our planet and most life.
If I don’t participate in the ritual to seal my initiation into the ruling council and solidify my mother’s empire, everyone will figure out the truth.
My truth.
That I’m a Cursed.
It gets worse.
My only hope rests in the hands of Ryker, whose sister I sentenced to death.
Caitlin: Where did the inspiration come from?
Raven: I’ve always been a fan of anything not of this world. This book is a mixture of fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian. Think of it as cyborgs versus The Umbrella Club in a Firefly setting.
Caitlin: If you could have any form of magic, what would it be and why?
Raven: To heal people like Ryker. I’ve always wanted to make people feel better. I’ve worked in hospitals, organized special needs programs, and volunteered when I could. In the end, I decided my super power would be telling the best stories I can so people with unique issues in life can escape their challenges, if only for a time.
Caitlin: Who is your favorite character in this book and why?
Raven: Oh, that is tough. I adore so many! Again, book of my heart. Haha.
Obviously I love the hero, Ryker, and the heroine, Valencia but beyond that I would say Emery—the Cursed who is sentenced to death—and Boaz—the man who hides in the innards of the ship watching out for Valencia—are a close second. They are so innocent yet strong, smart yet underestimated.
Caitlin: If you were thrown into this fantasy world, what role would you like to play? Would you be a hero, side character, etc.?
Raven: The obvious choice would be Ryker, because of his specific gift, but the less obvious choice would be his uncle—the fairy godfather/Obi One Kenobi character—who knows everything but works behind the scenes to make things happen, protecting those he loves.
Caitlin: What’s one thing you have to have while writing (music, quiet, snacks, coffee, etc.)?
Raven: I’m a sprint writer. I walk, shower, drive, and work around the house while I develop the story in my head. Unfortunately that means I might place milk in the cabinet because I’m not focusing on real life 😊 Once I see the story, hear the character’s voices, and connect with the goals and motivation of the characters, then I sit down and type it out. I’m teased often about how fast I write. I usually can write a book, edit it, and have it ready to release in one month.
Caitlin: Can you give us a hint at what’s to come next? What are you currently working on?
Raven: It is a New Adult series with a twist on witches and vampires. I already have a prequel novella ready to go and the first book is in final edits. It’s full of passion, destiny, and forbidden love. All I need is a title. Haha! I find titles more difficult to come up with than the story line for books. 😊
Meet Raven More
Although, Raven has enjoyed a successful career as a hybrid author—USA Today bestseller in multiple genres—a great love of all things “not of this world” is Raven’s true passion. The one mission of this new secret identity is to create an escape for all those who need one.
If you enjoy epic tales with profound characters and twisty plots then welcome to the imagination of Raven More.
Giveaway
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Looks like a fun read!
Looks stunning
This sounds very intriguing! I like the cover as well.
The author referenced The Umbrella Academy and Firefly so I’m in.
This sounds so good!