Indie Superstars with the Author of The Quarter Mage + GIVEAWAY (International)

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 Angelina J. Steffort, Author of The Quarter Mage.

Caitlin Haines: Can you tell us a little about The Quarter Mage?

Angelina J. Steffort: The Quarter Mage is the first book in my upper YA/NA fantasy romance series about a princess, Sanja, who is tricked out of her throne and seeks refuge in the cruel fairylands where, as a human, she’s prey…
Fighting to survive, Sanja signs herself into the service of the most powerful Mages in the fairylands, determined to master the magic to save her kingdom—and finds herself stuck with a brooding Mage with a knack for keeping secrets.
As Sanja’s feelings for Tristan turn from dread to attraction, she learns that she isn’t the only thing the fairies are after. And Sanja must risk her life and her heart, or she will lose both him and her kingdom forever.

Caitlin: Where did the inspiration come from?

Angelina: The Quarter Mage has been sitting on my desk since late 2019. I’d always wanted to write something with a darker, more wicked breed of fairies and powerful mages, and when it was finally time to start writing The Quarter Mage last year, I was so ready for the story.

With the premise “When destiny fails you, who will you become,” the story explores the loss of a destiny Sanja thinks set in stone, and adapting to new situations her upbringing didn’t prepare her for. With every new challenge, she needs to leave her comfort zone more so she can master her fears and withstand the unknown dangers the fairylands present. Of course there’s a spicy love story involved as well.

A hybrid of Irish fairy lore, classic fairytales, and strong female characters guided me through the opening of the series but eventually, the characters always take over and do their own thing.

Caitlin: If you could have any form of magic, what would it be and why?

Angelina: If we are talking about elemental magic, I’d choose water magic. But actually, reading minds or being able to conjure and shape matter out of thin air would be quite practical, too. Healing magic, of course… Do I really have to choose?

Caitlin: Who is your favorite character in this book and why?

Angelina: In The Quarter Mage I have several favorites. Sanja as the female lead character, of course has a big place in my heart. Her struggles and recovery from every blow life sends her way is fascinating. But there is a very special, morally grey character whose name I shall not mention since names are so dangerous in the fairylands…

Caitlin: If you were thrown into this fantasy world, what role would you like to play? Would you be a hero, side character, etc.?

Angelina: That is a difficult one. There is something intriguing about being a Mage. Maybe I’d go into training at the Master Mage of Askarea and see how far I’ll get. But there is something intriguing about being a fairy at Recienne’s court, too.

Caitlin: What’s one thing you have to have while writing (music, quiet, snacks, coffee, etc.)?

Angelina: Chocolate.

Caitlin: Can you give us a hint at what’s to come next? What are you currently working on?

Angelina: I just finished a standalone novel in my Shattered Kingdom universe. Fatespun will follow the story of Gordan whose fate so many readers have asked about after the final book in the Shattered Kingdom series.

The Hour Mage (book 2 in The Quarter Mage series) will be released on 02/28/2023, so I’m preparing for release day.
Then I’m working on The Never Mage (book 3 in The Quarter Mage series). I can’t wait to share these books with the world.

Meet Angelina J. Steffort

“Chocolate fanatic, milk-foam enthusiast and huge friend of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career-path for me.”

Angelina J. Steffort is an Austrian novelist, best known for her Wings series, a young adult paranormal romance series about the impossible love between a girl and an angel. The bestselling Wings series has been ranked among calibers such as the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, and Lauren Kate’s Fallen, and has been top listed among angel books for teens by bloggers and readers. Her young adult epic fantasy series Shattered Kingdom is already being compared to Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series by readers and fans. Angelina has multiple educational backgrounds including engineering, business, music, and acting, and lives in Vienna, Austria with her husband and her son.

For updates on Angelina’s writing, new new releases, and appearances, sign up for Angelina’s newsletter.

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Giveaway

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