We chat with debut author Akana Phenix about The Empire Wars, which is a powerful new YA fantasy in which magic may be a young woman’s only hope for survival.
Hi, Akana! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi everyone! I am a Harvard alumna, author, screenwriter, and film fanatic. I can talk about books and movies for months on end. I am a collector of autumn candles and I am an appreciator of all weather—whether in movies, films, books, and life.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
In preschool, I was storytelling myths of my own because they fascinated me. I began writing (and winning!) Young Author Awards as early as elementary school. It birthed my love of stories.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Lilo & Stitch.
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Hunger Games.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Song of Achilles, of course!
Your debut novel, The Empire Wars, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
A girl’s fight for survival.
What can readers expect?
If nationalism took over the world, this is how the world might look. With the inclusion of magic.
Where did the inspiration for The Empire Wars come from?
As a kid, I was banned from reading The Hunger Games due to violence. Naturally, I snuck around to read the book, before watching Battle Royale, which then inspired me to write about my own military regime and the youth’s fight for survival within it.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
My favorite moment was the plot twist(s). I can’t give away any spoilers!
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
I originally wrote The Empire Wars in my second year of high school. Then, I rewrote it during the pandemic while I was severely ill for three years. To my surprise, I acquired two agents in six days, and CAA film agents within the same week. I had a book offer that month, and later signed a six-figure book deal for The Empire Wars. I am forever thankful!
What’s next for you?
I am secretly working on a project that’s fantasy, and a thriller project. Shhh.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
King Leopold’s Ghost is a book I highly recommend. I am looking forward to Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment of the Legendborn series!
