We chat with author M.K. Lobb about Disciples of Chaos, which is the thrilling sequel to Seven Faceless Saints and follows Roz and Damian who must face their destiny as the world crumbles around them.
Hi, MK! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Absolutely! I’m a fantasy author from small-town Canada. When it comes to books, I’m a big fan of everything gritty, dramatic, and romantic—not necessarily at the same time! I have two cats whom I spoil terribly, and I can be summoned with anything chocolate peanut butter.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
It was probably when I started reading Erin Hunter’s Warriors series. I was already a voracious reader by that point, but this series got me writing fanfiction before I even knew what that was. It was the first time I became so deeply immersed in a world and so obsessed with a cast of characters that I was creatively inspired. I still remember writing by hand in a little notebook with a cat on the front, making up adventures of my own.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I honestly can’t recall anything earlier than the Magic Tree House series, which I absolutely loved.
- The one that made you want to become an author: It’s hard to point to a single book, but I have to say Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. That was the first novel that really made me appreciate prose.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: currently Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew. It comes out in April, and I’ve read a few iterations of it by this point. I’m absolutely obsessed.
Disciples of Chaos is the conclusion to your Seven Faceless Saints duology and it’s out February 20th 2024! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Ooh, this is tough! How about: tense, propulsive, emotional, climactic, and ominous.
What can readers expect?
Roz and Damian really go through it in this one! Don’t go into it expecting Seven Faceless Saints all over again—Disciples is quite different. For one, we see a lot more of the world, and that means diving into the political issues a little more. It’s pretty much non-stop action, and you’ll see Roz and Damian experience some growth in two very different ways. Not to worry, though—I’ll never sacrifice the romantic angst.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring further?
I really liked being able to include more of the secondary characters in this book! There wasn’t a lot of space for them in the first volume, but this time we get to learn a little more about them as they accompany our main characters on a fraught new adventure. I also really loved pushing Damian to the brink, because I’m that kind of author.
With this being your second published novel, were there any key lessons learned when it came to writing and the publishing world?
I think I’ve mostly learned that I need to let go of control. Realistically, I can’t do a whole lot to impact how successful my work is or how people respond to it. All I can do is keep my eyes on the page and write something that feels genuine to me and my vision. Accepting what I can’t control has allowed me to better focus on the things I can. It’s also far less stressful to roll with the punches!
What’s next for you?
I’ll be turning my attention to my 2025 book, a YA Historical Fantasy heist called To Steal From Thieves. I actually wrote the first draft long before I even conceived of the Seven Faceless Saints universe, so I’m over the moon excited that it’ll finally be out in the world! Thieves is about a charming con man and a magic-wielding inventor as they attempt to steal from London’s Crystal Palace during the 1851 Great Exhibition.
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
Oh goodness, so many! I’ve already mentioned Your Blood, My Bones; I’m also chomping at the bit for Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto (sequel to 2023’s Bonesmith), Megan Scott’s The Temptation of Magic, Allison Saft’s A Dark and Drowning Tide, and Tigest Girma’s Immortal Dark… the list could go on and on!
