We chat with author Kim Harrison about Secondhand Luck, which sees Petra Grady’s luck may be about to run out against in the next book in the enthralling contemporary fantasy series from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Hollows novels.
Hi, Kim! Welcome back! We last spoke for the release of Demon’s Bluff just over a year ago. How have you been and what have you been up to?
In a word, busy! With three series open, I sometimes sit down at my desk and say, “Where am I?” The next Hollows book is currently at the publishers, (due out next year about this time) and I’m currently working on the next, full-length Eclipse book. (for the year after) And then there is my pet project with my agent, so yes, I’ve been busy.
Secondhand Luck is the second instalment in your Shadow Age series and it’s out February 10th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Intelligent energy bonds to overlooked magic user. Yikes.
For those who haven’t picked up Three Kinds of Lucky yet, what can they expect?
The Shadow age series is an entirely new universe from the Hollows, and I hope that new readers give it a chance even if it doesn’t have Rachel and the crew populating it. Unlike Rachel, Petra begins her story as a magic user at the top of her game, overlooked, slighted. But she’s content because she has a much-needed skill in high demand. And then something goes wrong, and right, and luck plays its part, both good and bad, waking an ancient magic that needs her to survive.
And for readers who have, what’s to come in Secondhand Luck?
Petra and Pluck have made a place for themselves on campus, so they are excited when a new weaver arrives, bringing her own brand of luck, most of it bad. Friendships deepen and evolve, and Petra realizes why her brand of magic was once outlawed.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing the sequel? How did you overcome them?
It’s been a while since I’ve worked in third person. First person is my go-to, but the stories outside of the Hollows tend to need something a little wider, and rediscovering how to use third person slows me down a little, even as it expands what I can do.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on several open series. The Hollows will continue to be a focus for my attentions, but my editor at Ace is giving me the freedom to develop a few other worlds which I hope my long-time readers will enjoy.
