We chat with author Alexandra Kennington about Drown the Bones, which sees the spare heir must work with an enemy prince to discover who murdered her twin in this gripping slow-burn romantasy.
Hi, Alexandra! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Of course! By day I work in marketing and by night I write romantasy and science fiction books. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me baking, watching Star Wars (and reading all the associated fanfiction), and spending time with my family.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always been a big reader since I was a kid! But it wasn’t until I was in my early teens that I realized I wanted to try writing my own stories. Those first attempts were probably more like poorly written Twilight fanfiction if I’m being honest, but even in high school I remember being very serious about achieving the dream of being an author.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House!
- The one that made you want to become an author: There were so many, but the Artemis Fowl books really had me obsessed as a kid.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Ascendancy by Emily Hamilton. It’s not out until January, but definitely put it on your list if you love science fiction!
Your latest novel, Drown the Bones, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
‘Deeply emotional’ and ‘full of yearning’!
What can readers expect?
First and foremost, a hot sassy ghost. The book is both an ode to everything I love in romantasy (royals, unique magic systems, enemies to lovers, yearning), and a deep look at what it means to find a new pathway when your life has been plotted out for you…and then you decide you want something different.
Where did the inspiration for Drown the Bones come from?
I tend to find pieces of a story at different times before I put them all together, and this book was no different. I remember seeing a piece of art with a ghostly man wearing a crown coming out of the water. I also had the idea of two kingdoms with the same kind of magic who chose to use it differently, and having that as the central conflict between those nations. And then as I crafted the characters, I really wanted to explore themes of religious deconstruction through the lens of a fantasy world.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
So many! I have such a soft spot for Von. He’s Merridan’s twin brother, and the two of them are really perfect halves of a whole. He’s sunshine incarnate and I adore writing him!
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
A few! This book came to me very clearly, but I had a hard time deciding whether the characters were teenagers or adults. They seemed to fall into that weird transitional space where they are older but still discovering who they are. The rise of new adult fiction made it so they found their perfect spot on the shelves, but for a while I did wonder if I would have to sacrifice the key elements of their story!
What’s next for you?
Next summer my first science fiction book is hitting shelves! It’s called The Minotaur Project. It’s a sapphic sci-fi horrormance. Kind of a departure from my usual romantasy, but still with the action-packed plot and sweeping romance my readers know me for!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up soon? Any you’ve got your eye on that are releasing in 2027?
So many! Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page is at the top of my list. So is A Deal with Death by Jaclyn Rodriguez. And Nebula Rising by Sierra Branham!
