Lobb: I think Roz’s main issue is that she was already on the path to radicalization, and being forced to join what’s essentially the ruling class made everything so much worse. She’s seen how people without magic are treated, because she was one of them for most of her life. She knows what happened to her father, and how those like him are seen as disposable. Everyone believes that Salil Singh killed his girlfriend, Andrea Bell, five years ago—except Pippa Fitz-Amobi.

We got the chance to chat with the author herself about the world of Ombrazia, Damian and Roz’s tempestuous relationship, and what we can expect from the sequel. A suicide?” Forte echoed the suggestion derisively, hands roving the dead man’s clothes and bedsheets for whatever they could tell him. Disciples of Grace had a connection to such things: It was what made them expert weavers, able to manipulate fabrics into anything from trousers to tapestries without touching a needle and thread. “How convenient that would be for you, Signor Venturi.”Enzo relaxed at once, dragging a hand through the inky sheen of his hair. He’d been at the Palazzo less than a month, but he and Damian had become fast friends. “ Merda,” he said, attention still fixed on the bed. “He’s really dead, isn’t he?” The genre-bending high fantasy murder mystery concept is intriguing,and the narrative raises some interesting questions about the nature of faith and unquestioning loyalty."

In a time of typewriters and steam engines, Iris Winnow awaits word from her older brother, who has enlisted on the side of Enva the Skyward goddess. Alcohol abuse led to her mother’s losing her job, and Iris has dropped out of school and found work utilizing her writing skills at the Oath Gazette. Hiding the stress of her home issues behind a brave face, Iris competes for valuable assignments that may one day earn her the coveted columnist position. Her rival for the job is handsome and wealthy Roman Kitt, whose prose entrances her so much she avoids reading his articles. At home, she writes cathartic letters to her brother, never posting them but instead placing them in her wardrobe, where they vanish overnight. One day Iris receives a reply, which, along with other events, pushes her to make dramatic life decisions. Magic plays a quiet role in this story, and readers may for a time forget there is anything supernatural going on. This is more of a wartime tale of broken families, inspired youths, and higher powers using people as pawns. It flirts with clichéd tropes but also takes some startling turns. Main characters are assumed White; same-sex marriages and gender equality at the warfront appear to be the norm in this world. Giada was the first person Damian would question, but she wouldn’t be the last. The Palazzo—the city—was teeming with people whose motivations he couldn’t discern. Thank you for coming. Enzo, can you head to Death’s temple? Tell the guild to send one of their disciples to the Palazzo. I don’t care who it is. I need a read on the body.”Lobb: Honestly, I read more YA than adult SFF, so I think I just naturally gravitated toward that age group! I’d say my writing “voice” lies somewhere between YA and adult, and in this case leaning towards the former made sense—-especially because Roz and Damian were very much older teens in my head. Paste: Roz is such an interesting heroine for a story like this – usually, the young girl getting powers doesn’t get radicalized by having them! Talk to me a little bit about how you view her evolution as a character and where her journey is headed. A copy of this book was provided by the publisher – Little, Brown Books for Young Readers – for review.

Damian’s heart sank. If Giada didn’t know what had killed Leonzio, it would be more difficult to come up with a list of suspects. Kate Brighton’s father committed treason, and she still carries the weight of his crime. She’s trying to start over when she accidentally saves the life of Corwin Tomane—the king’s son and the boy she once loved. As the two reunite to try and solve a mystery involving dragons and court intrigue, they struggle to rebuild their friendship, then their romance. For me, having both Kate and Corwin’s perspectives is key to understanding how their complicated history informs their present interactions.They perceive the events that led to the end of their friendship very differently, and they have wildly different biases. The reader isn’t simply told about these conflicting feelings—they get to see it from both sides. Can you say drama?

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Now, though, she’s expected to become part of this institution by virtue of something she can’t control. It feels like a horrible betrayal to her father’s memory, and it’s at odds with everything she believes in. She’s going to have to come to terms with that and start confronting her self-loathing. Can the magic she detests be used, if she’s only willing to try? Damian leaned away from Leonzio’s body, repressing a shiver. The disciple’s bedroom was cold, and dim candlelight cast shadows on the gilded walls. Perhaps it was merely situational, but there was something oppressive about the darkness nipping at the edges of that orange glow. Something unnerving about the way Leonzio’s face was turned so as to reflect in the mirror across the room.

That said, it likely comes as no surprise that my debut novel Seven Faceless Saints contains the perspectives of both main characters as their paths converge after three long years apart. Of course, it’s far from a peaceful reconciliation, but that’s to be expected when one’s former beloved stood by as his father ruined one’s life. Oh, the perils of young love. A Little Mermaid retelling with teeth, Christo weaves a tale of two characters who team up while actively working against one another. Lira, a siren cursed to be a human, can only return to the sea if she delivers Prince Elian’s heart to her mother. He wouldn’t be the first prince she’s killed, after all. Unfortunately for her, Prince Elian is a renowned siren hunter.Paste: And my absolute favorite question I love to ask — as, an author, what are you reading and enjoying right now? That said, I think the message at the heart of the story is one of forging your own path. Of questioning the things you’ve been taught or told to believe, even when it’s difficult. Roz can fight against an unjust system even when it directly benefits her. Damian can change his mind about his convictions when things no longer feel right. Roz Lacertosa and Damian Venturi grew up as close friends–turned–young lovers until the war between rebel and national forces tore Damian away from home. Years later, the two are shells of their former selves and in vastly different social circles in Ombrazia. So it would appear. I’m sorry to have called upon you so early, but I require your expertise. I need to know what type of poison killed him.” As a disciple of Cunning, Giada knew poisons better than anyone. She should be able to sense the chemicals in Leonzio’s veins—a partial autopsy with no incisions required.