Hi, Debbie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hello! Firstly, thank you so much for inviting me to chat. I’m excited to be here. Now, a little about myself? Hmmm…I’m a UK based author, mum of three humans and two furbabies. I’ve been writing fantasy romance stories for several years, and I can’t get enough of it. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me deep in a book, playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends, board games with my family, or immersed in a gripping TV show. I’m a coffee drinker, a late to bed and early to rise gal with a penchant for dark chocolate.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I’ve always loved reading fiction, and my love of writing came with my desire to create story worlds of my own.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Tom’s Midnight Garden.
• The one that made you want to become an author: All of them!
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: IT by Stephen King because of the found family aspect.

Your latest novel, Wicked Onyx, is out February 10^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Ooo, that’s a hard one. Five words you say? A rollicking good time…Wait that’s only four words. A rollicking good time with teeth. Crap, that’s six. Hmmm… It’s a ‘Can’t stop reading it book’. At least I hope so. Gosh this was a hard one, and I failed. XD I’m sorry.

What can readers expect?

A dark academia set in a fantasy world, filled with rich lore, engaging characters, deep world building, and plenty of literary eye candy

Anamaya is a morally grey heroine with bite, and I absolutely loved writing her. And if you’re a fan of found family and slow burn romances where you don’t know who she’ll end up with, you’re in for a treat.

Where did the inspiration for Wicked Onyx come from?

A very vivid dream. I kept thinking about it and the story bloomed from there.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

All of it! The world build and the lore scratched my world weaving itch. And Anamaya was a delight to sink into.  I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the dynamics of the relationships she forges. I had a blast!

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

I didn’t face any specific challenges. Wicked Onyx was a passion project, but I knew that I would be submitting it for traditional publishing, so I guess the only challenge was to try not to get ‘into my head’ about it. To write it as I would any other book—for joy, for myself, and for my readers.

What’s next for you?

More books in the Veritas Legacy. I’m working on the first draft of book 3 right now. I’m also dipping into Space Romantasy this year. The Darkest Stars, book 1 in that new series, is out now. I plan to write and release the second book later this year.

I have some secret projects that I’m plotting too. I’m so excited for the stories to come!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

I have a huge TBR, and I’m very much a mood reader. But I’ve been longing to dive into The Will of the Many by James Islington, Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn, and The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig. Those are the top three that come to mind for me.

Will you be picking up Wicked Onyx? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Debbie Cassidy, Author of ‘Wicked Onyx’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Straight out the gate, the queues to enter the competition for a proof of this title were humungous and spoke to the quality of Faridah’s previous work and the killer concept. Five geniuses, one murder and one hell of a whodunnit is in store. This sounds like Knives Out meets The Inheritance Games and I am here for it. Faridah is one of my all-time favourite authors and if she’s not already on your radar, you need to correct that immediately. 

Survival Show by Juno Dawson 

Simon and Schuster organised an attention-grabbing stunt for the cover reveal at YALC with a flashmob performance in keeping with the theme of this book as a deadly reality TV competition to join the latest hot pop group. It sounds like everything you could ask for. 

The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze

This is an intoxicating-sounding debut, blending Dark Academia with magic and revenge. Emma Curran is drawn into the prestigious, all-male Turnbull Club after falling for its leader and things take a dark turn when a fox hunt game gets underway. 

Reap & Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb (cover TBA)

Penguin’s House of YA had a fantastic bargaining ploy in their intricately themed booth – sign your soul away in the hopes of reading this Gothic romantasy. Set in a world where you must sell your body or your soul to survive, this sounds like a high-stakes and darkly wonderful read. 

King of Beasts by Catherine Doyle

Doyle continues this thrilling romantasy series with a new spin-off standalone set in the world of Twin Crowns. This was a highly sought-after title with a fervent fanbase. It promises slow-burning icy YA romance, perfect for these wintery nights. 

A War of Wyverns by S. F. Williamson

A War of Wyverns takes the stakes from A Language of Dragons and raises them tenfold in this lushly imagined YA fantasy where secrets are rife and not everyone is as they seem. It builds wonderfully on that jaw-dropping ending of the first book and elevates every aspect. 

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord

A desperate girl at a cutthroat magical academy faces a choice between life and death: become an assassin for the enchanted elite or watch her decaying body draw its last breath. Lord utilises this phenomenal premise to full effect, delivering an epic start to a fantasy series that encompasses a fascinating magic system, shadowy politics and deadly consequences. 

Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy

In a ruthless magical academy where she’s cursed and powerless, the last Onyx must unravel dark family secrets and navigate dangerous alliances to reclaim her legacy and make those who betrayed her pay. Dark Academia is clearly a hot genre for 2026 with another exciting title added to the mix. 

Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones 

In a world ruled by ancient spells and silent power, five young witches are about to discover that the truth is the most dangerous magic of all. This tarot-inspired graphic novel is about chosen family, breaking the cycle and the love we’d fight for. I got to have a peek at the illustrations and they are gorgeous, detailed and vibrant. 

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

Reality TV turned deadly – four new contestants must solve the murder that dramatically ended the previous series of the escape-room themed reality show they’re participating in. This co-authored YA murder mystery promises to deliver on this intriguing premise. 

These Shattered Spires by Cassidy Ellis Salter

In a rotten and bloody world, four magical rivals are forced to work together to avoid certain death in a deadly competition.  This kickstarts a new queer Gothic high-fantasy trilogy that sounds like a blend of The Raven Scholar and The Atlas Six, with a competition that will take everything from our protagonists. 

Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter

Two publishing powerhouses have combined forces to deliver this debut romantasy, kickstarting a new trilogy. Two heirs to their respective kingdoms (witches and dragon riders) are pitted against one another in a once-in-a-generation duel to the death as they battle to control the source of all magic in their kingdoms. 

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

This is a poignant and powerful fantasy debut that will shatter your heart. It is evocative with dirt under its nails in a desperate portrayal of survival. To kill a monster, she must become one…

Her Hidden Fire by Clíodhna O’Sullivan

If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him. But what happens when they realize she has the gift?

Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni

A young reaper hunter must conspire with her enemy to stop an ancient evil threatening her world in this heart-pounding romantic fantasy from the million-copy bestselling author of The Prison Healer.

Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron 

New to town, wannabe journalist Myra is caught up in an escalating series of events when one of the popular clique mysteriously dies at her parents’ restaurant and Myra is confronted by a mysterious boy avenging her death. Guron’s YA mysteries always deliver and this sounds like it will be no exception. 

Coterie of Liars by Kate Weston

One of Us Is Lying meets The Inheritance Games with the vibes of Saltburn – a seductive thriller tapping into decadence, Dark Academia and privilege from stand-up comedian Kate Weston.

Seven Deadly Spells by L. A. Weatherly

This was one of the most hotly sought-after proofs across the weekend. Romeo and Juliet meets The Sopranos with magic in this epic enemies-to-lovers urban romantasy about duty, desire and betrayal. 

An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

Warren University has stood amongst the ivy elite for centuries, built on the bones―and forbidden magic―of its most prized BIPOC students…hiding the rot of a secret society that will do anything to keep their own powers burning bright. No matter who they must sacrifice along the way. This is Dark Academia with a wonderful twist – the type of book you can completely lose yourself in. 

The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin

Aurora Finch from the miraculous village of Reverie is taken under the wing of the enigmatic and alluring sorcerer known as the Starmaker and must uncover what he is hiding or face an endless winter in this whimsical and sweeping romantasy.

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