We chat with Abigail Owen about The Stolen Throne, which is the highly anticipated sequel and follow up to riveting The Liar’s Crown.
Hi, Abigail! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! Thanks for having me on the Nerd Daily!
I write paranormal romance & upper YA/new adult fantasy romance. As long as it has magic, huge worlds, and an HEA, I love it. Other titles include wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, spreadsheet lover, eMBA, organizational guru, Texan, Aggie, and chocoholic.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I don’t quite remember when my love of storie started. I won 3rd place in a contest when I was eight, and I was hooked. I wrote on and off for years, but I didn’t finish my first book until I was thirty. Fifteen years later I’ve published almost 50 books under 3 pen names and love what I do every single day!
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
1st to Remember: a Nancy Drew book, I don’t remember which.
Become an Author: This is a pile of books from Lord of the Rings, to the Thrawn series of Star Wars, to anything by Johanna Lindsey. But it wasn’t until Twilight that I learned fantasy and romance could be combined so wonderfully.
Can’t Stop Thinking About: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The Stolen Throne is the second installment in your Dominions series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Some shadows lie, some save.
What can readers expect?
A nonstop adventure where the stakes get higher and higher, and secrets are uncovered, in a huge and vibrant magical world, all while Meren’s Shadowraith loses control over his powers, turning more and more dangerous to her!
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced whilst writing the sequel?
The second book in a trilogy I find is always the most difficult. Not from a plot perspective as you reveal more and up the stakes, more from the romantic relationship side. I did not want to do a true love triangle, but I also wanted to keep the tension of that relationship through to book three. In the end the answer became obvious. The heroes powers are out of control, and he’s going to decide to sacrifice himself for the heroine. I love how it turned out.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring further in this installment?
So many! I love when Reven gets Meren away from the palace. I love their moment in the water garden. I love that I got to explore side characters like Omma and Pella more. I loved the heartbreak of her discussion with Cain about their relationship. I loved sneaking in things like an homage to The Little Mermaid in the whirlpool scene, and zombies in the finale. And the cliffhanger was a blast to write!
Can we have a little teaser about the final installment, The Shadows Rule All?
If you thought Stolen Throne made it worse for our characters, the final book in the trilogy things only get harder as our heroine learns who she can and can’t trust, and does everything in her power to fight, but all while her heart is breaking. (Although, just a hint, remember I’m a romance writer first!)
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a few things including the first book in a brand new series that hasn’t been announced yet, as well as a spin off of my dragon shifter Inferno Rising series!
Lastly, are there any 2023 releases our readers should look out for?
My next release is in 2024 with The Shadows Rule All!
