Kelly, could you please tell us a bit about yourself and about Warmaidens?

Sure! And thanks for having me! I’m Kelly: YA author, editor for a company called Blue Ocean Brain, former high school English teacher, essayist, and mom to three rowdy boys.

In Warmaidens, 17yo Kammani and crew have found themselves a safe haven in the city-state of Manzazu where Kammani has become a respected healer and built a life with her friends, her sister and brother, and Dagan, who’s asked for her hand.

But when an assassin from Alu murders a healer he thinks is Kammani, they know that their safe haven isn’t so safe anymore.

Hungry for revenge, Manzazu’s queen wants to strike back at Alu with her fiercest weapons—her scorpion warrior maidens—but Kammani knows that war harms more than it heals. To save the innocents and any chance of a future with Dagan, Kammani must take down Alu’s ruler before their lives burn up in the flames of war.

In what ways did your writing process change between writing Gravemaidens and Warmaidens?

It was soooo much different! When I wrote Gravemaidens, I could take all the time in the world I needed. I could write and rewrite and toss out ten thousand words because I didn’t need anyone’s approval on anything.

But with Warmaidens, I was lucky enough to have a contract. I’d been paid to write a book about which I had only conceived a couple of paragraphs. So, the pressure was on. Not only did I have a deadline, I wanted to write something that would be better than Gravemaidens and amp up the pressure for Kammani and her friends in all the best possible ways.

While writing Warmaidens was there a character that you felt particularly close to?

Iltani stayed with me throughout the entire story. I commiserated with her fate, but knew that to show the unfairness to women in this world, I needed to show how dire it could be. In our world, women face societal misogyny, no matter the power we have. We’re often discredited, underpaid, overlooked, dragged through the mud, or placed on a pedestal, and I knew I could reflect some of that with Iltani’s story. Though her situation is much worse than what I might personally face, it’s not half of what some women go through in our world today.

I feel like the tone for Warmaidens is definitely more intense, with a lot of fear and woven through. Which scene did you find the most difficult to tackle while writing?

There is a scene that’s pretty quiet, where Kammani meets up with Iltani after she’s been captured. Though it wasn’t one of the battle scenes, it was still difficult for me to write, knowing that one of them was free and the other was not. I felt viscerally sickened by Kammani being forced to leave because my whole heart was screaming to save her! I couldn’t do it at that point in the story, but holy hell, I wanted to.

As a writer, you connect with your characters and they become almost real to you, so it’s bizarre to watch them suffer, knowing that you have the power to change it. (Writing books is weird haha.)

I loved reading Dagan and Kammani so much *heart eyes*, but the sibling relationship between Kammani and her sister had so much growth! Were there any scenes between the sisters that you absolutely needed to make sure stayed in the book?

I wanted Nanaea to have a more active role in the story, so it was pivotal to me that she be in on the spying in Alu. I wanted her to use her skills to help, not just be the pretty face she was forced to be by the palace in Gravemaidens. For Kammani, Nanaea’s stitchery showed her how incredibly talented she was, too. She wasn’t just a little sister whom she could discredit; she was growing up and could self-sustain, just like Kammani could.

That was vital.

Your cover is STUNNING!! Who was the artist behind your book covers?

Isn’t it!???? I fell in love! Sammy Yuen, who designed the Gravemaidens cover, designed this one, too. When I first heard they were thinking plum instead of red (which was what I was pushing for), I wasn’t sure if it would work. But when they showed me both, I flipped out over this gorgeous, plum shade with hints of pink. Clearly, he and the Delacorte Press design team knew what they’re doing.

This year has been absolutely bonkers, but what is something you’re looking forward to once Warmaidens publishes?

Oh my gosh. I am so, so excited about having this story out in the world. It’s been a long time coming, since I sold both of these in 2017 (WHAT?). It will be nice to invest myself 100% in my next books! Plus, since it comes out on December 15, we can yeet this year into the sun sixteen days later. Haha Definitely looking forward to THAT.

What’s next after Warmaidens? Could we get a hint?

Squee! Of course! I can’t say toooooo much, but we’ve got some YA contemporary action happening next. I jumped genres for a second, but will absolutely be heading back to fantasy afterward. I have a swamp fantasy involving some magical fishhooks, a Cupid character, and gator wrestling that must be written. It MUST.

What has been something you’ve loved doing this year to help you stay grounded when things have gotten stressful?

I’ve always been an audiobook fan. Always. But this year, I was having so much pandemic stress, that I took audio books to the next level. I purchased an adult coloring book and some fancy markers, and decided to listen to stories while coloring. (Check out The Henna Artist if you haven’t. Gahhh, so good.)

Doing this whole listening/coloring thing has been amazing for my mental health. My husband and kids know that when my headphones are on and the coloring book is out, to leave me in peace. I’m resetting my circuits so I can be a productive, happy person for them.

It’s worked wonders!

Are you doing any online events for the Warmaidens launch? Pre-order incentives? How can we support your amazing new book?!

Yes and yes!

Preorder Incentives: I’m giving away a ton of goodies for every preorder or library request (while supplies last):

Preorders receive:

• A Maiden’s Tonic mocktail card
• A WARMAIDENS bookmark
• A scorpion laptop sticker
• A signed bookplate
• A 5 x 7 quote print of your choice. (You’ll choose when uploading your proof of purchase.)

Library requests receive the mocktail card and a bookmark.

You can find out how to get those here: bit.ly/WMGoodies

Warmaidens Events

I’m launching Warmaidens into the world on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 PM EST. You can register for this free virtual event here: bit.ly/WarmaidensLaunch

YA author Sorboni Banerjee and I will have some giveaways and an interview with both my agent and my editor.

I’m also chatting with YA authors Namina Forna and Kate Williams this month, too! You can find all of my events here.

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

The post Q&A: Kelly Coon, Author of ‘Warmaidens’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Now, before you go off adding this to your TBR, this is a sequel to a duology, so make sure to read Gravemaidens first! Also, you may want to stop reading this review here, so you don’t get any spoilers!

Okay, so when we last saw Kammani, she was escaping Alu with the other maidens chosen to die with the king. They’ve fled to Manzazu, where she’s become a respected healer. As the horrors of Alu begin to fade, Kammani starts to consider Dagan’s offer of marriage. Unfortunately, before they can get very far, an assassin attempts to murder who they think is Kammani and the displaced ruler of Alu. This time however, the kingdom of Manzazu is ready to help them with revenge at the cost of war, a war that Kammani knows will bring more suffering than healing. Kammani will have to return to Alu and dethrone the usurper herself before war can destroy their home entirely.

This story begins with a bit of relief before it starts in on some of the harder things. Now, while I loved Kammani’s fierce protectiveness of those that have become family, I had a hard time with her stubbornness in Warmaidens. It made her a little harder to connect with, but not completely. I loved her relationship with her sister Nanaea and her friend Iltani. They’re all so different but accepting of each other. Then there’s Dagan. I absolutely adored how much of a cinnamon roll this man is, but there were moments were I had a hard time with the way Kammani treated her. A lot of this boils down to the rampant sexism that exists in Alu, but there were moments that could have been more tender had it not been for Kammani.

Everything felt like it progressed quickly, but not at a breakneck pace. I love how carefully Kelly was able to plan every piece of this story and looking at how each choice might affect the characters. Now, while I’m all for happily ever afters in stories (with no character deaths), I have to say that there’s something more powerful about stories where actions have consequences, and boy are they going to make our characters suffer before all of this is over. Kammani has to deal with quite a bit of her choices, and I loved the accountability of it all.

Something that I was delighted by was the fact that the Boatman and the mythology of Alu and Manzazu was featured more heavily in this book. The significance of his presence becomes more prominent as the story progresses, and I have to say that I loved what winds up happening with this storyline. Since the story is taking place in another kingdom, I loved exploring different customs (in this case a queendom) and the warrior women, the Koru. They’re warrior women who’ve taken a vow not to marry and to put the queen above everything.

While the whole story leads up to an epic climax with the antagonists, there’s also several smaller storylines happening that are worth paying attention to. They’re the ones that help build the story up to what it is, and while Kammani is involved in them in some way, Kelly also takes the time to make the reader care about the other characters that are being featured. The most prominent characters in this are Iltani and Assata, who have starkly different personalities and life paths in mind than Kammani.

Overall, this was quite an enjoyable sequel and end to the duology!

Warmaidens is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Warmaidens is the dark, action-packed conclusion to the heartwrenching Gravemaidens fantasy duology. Kammani and the maidens are now going to war against the ruler who tried to entomb them.

Just a few moons after escaping the tomb in Alu, Kammani and the other runaway maidens have found refuge in the city-state of Manzazu. There, Kammani has become a respected healer, especially among the warriors she’s brought back from the brink of death. Now that the nightmares of Alu are fading, she can finally decide whether or not to take Dagan’s hand in marriage.

But when an assassin murders a healer he believes is Kammani and attempts to kill the displaced queen of Alu, the maidens realize they’ve been found.

Hungry for revenge, Manzazu’s queen wants to strike back at Alu with her fiercest weapons—her scorpion warrior maidens—but Kammani knows that war harms more than it heals. To save the innocents and any chance of a future with Dagan, Kammani must take down Alu’s ruler before their lives burn up in the flames of war.

The post Review: Warmaidens by Kelly Coon appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you have read any of them!

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White comes a new fantasy series reimagining the Arthurian legend, set in the magical world of Camelot.

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret–she’s a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two sisters are torn apart by war and must fight their way back to each other in a futuristic, Black Panther–inspired Nigeria.

Color Outside the Lines by Sangu Mandanna
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This modern, groundbreaking YA anthology explores the complexity and beauty of interracial and LGBTQ+ relationships where differences are front and center from authors Anna-Marie McLemore, Elsie Chapman, Karuna Riazi, Lydia Kang, L.L. McKinney, Lauren Gibaldi, Tara Sim, Caroline Tung Richmond, Kelly Zekas, Tarun Shanker, Samira Ahmed, Adam Silvera, Eric Smith, Lori M. Lee, and Michelle Ruiz Keil.

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this start to a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.

Across A Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The last thing eighteen-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish–Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time. Powerful and uplifting, Full Disclosure will speak to fans of Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens comes an imaginative fantasy about an apprentice at a magical library who must battle a powerful sorcerer to save her kingdom.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honour…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

We Are Lost and Found by Helene Dunbar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A poignant, heartbreaking, and uplifting story in the tradition of The Perks of Being a Wallflower about three friends coming of age in the early 1980s as they struggle to forge their own paths in the face of fear of the unknown.

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this moving novel, debut author David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

High seas adventure, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, a thrilling first novel in a fast-paced new YA fantasy series by USA Today bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, unforgettable portrait of love, silence, and secrets amidst a Spanish dictatorship.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with a sumptuous, sultry and romantic new series set in 19th century New Orleans where vampires hide in plain sight.

Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this mesmerising sequel to the New York Times bestselling Girls of Paper and Fire, Lei and Wren have escaped their oppressive lives in the Hidden Palace, but soon learn that freedom comes with a terrible cost.

Swipe Right for Murder by Derek Milman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An epic case of mistaken identity puts a teen looking for a hookup on the run from both the FBI and a murderous cult in this compulsively readable thriller.

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh, new debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you’ve read before.

The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Debut author Margaret Owen crafts a powerful saga of vengeance, survival, and sacrifice–perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kendare Blake–in The Merciful Crow.

Do you have any other 2019 YA favourites? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Best YA Books of 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We’re excited to bring you the list of our most anticipated debut releases for this month! First thing first, there are a lot of debut releases this month, so you can imagine how hard it is to narrow it down into these 16 titles! Regardless, we hope you find something to be added from this list to your overflowing TBR.

I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When the news about Earth that might end in seven days spread, the paths of three high-schoolers crossed each other. Struggling with each of their own problems, getting to know one another while trying to survive the end of the world might not what they were expected to do during their last week on Earth.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Three strangers must overcome their differences in the game of lies and twists and work together to put an end to a deadly epidemic in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel from debut author, Rosiee Thor.

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

At the end of the twenty-first century, life continues one thousand feet below the ocean’s surface after an asteroid hit the Earth. When her father captured by the authority with vague reasoning, Leyla McQueen realized that she will risk everything to bring her father back, including joining a deadly sub-race or getting out of London illegally and explore the wild ocean for the very first time.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Going on a demon hunt to protect her kingdom, Asterin never imagined that she will unearth a plot to assassinate herself, The Princess, instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.

Crier’s War by Nina Varela
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An impossible love between two girls—one human, one Made—whose romance could be the beginning of a revolution in this epic fantasy duology from debut author, Nina Varela.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following the escape trip of five enslaved girls in their journey of finding freedom in the vicious land of Arketta, where people divided into ones with shadow and ones without one and demonic creatures and spirits wandered around.

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the city of Craewick, memories are the currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please. Trying to save her threatened mother, Etta will do whatever it takes, even if it means rejoining the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier and steal a map of prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When two childhood friends grow up together and the war is just over the edge, they must choose between the families they were born into or the one that they founded in each other.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Gravemaidens is the start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Epic, funny, and sweepingly romantic, The Last True Poets of the Sea is an astonishing debut about a missing piece of family history,  weathering the storms of life, and the strength it takes to swim up from a wreck.

The Library Of The Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren’t finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time.

Michigan vs. the Boys by Carrie S. Allen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Michigan Manning lives and breathes hockey and her future depends on it, but when the girl’s team dismissed due to the budget cut, she was determined to find a way to keep playing, even if it means joining the boy’s team. Facing a culture of toxic masculinity, Michigan must weigh the consequences of speaking up – even if it means putting her future on the line.

Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Relatable, heartbreaking, and real, this is a story of Ava Lee who has lost everything there is to lose: Her parents. Her best friend. Her home. Even her face. But when Ava meets a fellow survivor named Piper, she begins to feel like maybe she doesn’t have to face the nightmare alone.

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. But when her only home suddenly hangs in the balance and her mother’s compulsive shopping habit pressure her even more, Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with an unexpectedly shattered future, walks into the bookstore where she works… and straight into her heart.

Will you be checking out any of these debut authors? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 16 Debut Authors To Check Out In October 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

October also sees many authors releasing their debut novel including Rosaria Munda’s dragon-filled Fireborne, Farah Naz Rishi’s YA contemporary I Hope You Get This Message, and Amanda Joy’s A River of Royal Blood, which is set in a North African-inspired fantasy world. But that’s not all! Kelly Coon, Camryn Garrett, Coco Ma, London Shah, and Rosiee Thor will also be releasing their debut novels!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up one (or several) of these YA releases!

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic, perfect for fans of Furyborn.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time. Powerful and uplifting, Full Disclosure will speak to fans of Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A light-hearted and romantic contemporary novel set during the holiday season and full of humor, heart and heartbreak.

The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the world of the Lux with The Burning Shadow, the steamy, shocking second installment of the Origin series that will leave readers reeling.

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the last days of the twenty-first century, sea creatures swim through the ruins of London. Trapped in the abyss, humankind wavers between fear and hope–fear of what lurks in the depths around them, and hope that they might one day find a way back to the surface.

I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this high concept YA novel debut that’s We All Looked Up meets The Sun Is Also a Star, three teens must face down the mistakes of their past after they learn that life on Earth might end in less than a week.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, unforgettable portrait of love, silence, and secrets amidst a Spanish dictatorship.

Will you be picking up any of these young adult releases? Tell us in the comments below!

The post October 2019 Book Releases: YA appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, and about Gravemaidens?

Kell in a nutshell:
I’m an editor for a company called Blue Ocean Brain (very nerd-heavy, haha), a former high school English teacher, a test prep author, a mom of three rowdy boys, and, of course, a YA author. It feels bizarre to even be able to write that, YET, here we are. I like hip-hop and chocolate and am the biggest book nerd on the planet. (I used to read eleven books a week as a middle schooler and still read books every single day.)

Gravemaidens in a nutshell:
In the city of Alu, beautiful girls like Nanaea are chosen to go with their dying rulers into the afterlife as their brides. It’s an honor. A tradition. But Kammani, Nanaea’s 16-year-old sister, sees the selection as a death sentence and is willing to sacrifice everything—including herself—to save her sister from this fate.

When you first started writing the story, what did you work on first?

The plot! For me, I have to nail down the major plot elements with the inciting action for each scene before I can move on to drafting. The goals of my characters tend to start showing up somewhere in the middle of drafting, though, usually with wildly different arcs than what I first imagined, so I have to go back and rework the entire plot to make sure that it reflects who the characters really are. It’s a weird process.

What was the most difficult aspect of writing Gravemaidens?

I wrote this story before I had an agent, and it was the fourth book I’d written unagented. I’d queried my first novel in 2008, then queried two other novels before this one with limited success. I knew I had a premise that was exciting with Gravemaidens, but wasn’t sure I could write a book to match. It was difficult writing it, not knowing whether or not I’d get an agent. Not knowing if I was just hammering away at something that would fail, yet again. But I couldn’t compel myself not to write it, even though I felt a lot of angst after typing “THE END.”

What was something you loved when writing dialogue between the characters?

Getting in another person’s headspace is really freeing in a lot of ways. You’re not bound by your own personal constraints. You’re not even thinking like you would normally think. In a way, when I’m crafting dialogue, I become this other character. I slip on their sandals and pull their tunics down over my head and kinda live inside their bodies (creepy, I realize). But when I do, the dialogue comes out authentically.

When I can’t get inside a character’s head, I realize I haven’t fully developed them, so I don’t know how they’d feel or react to something. And then it’s back to the drawing board for me. Usually, it takes at least a draft for me to understand who my characters are, and then several more before they feel like people I know.

Which character in Gravemaidens was your favorite to write, and which one gave you the most trouble?

Iltani is basically my smart-mouth self come to life, so any scene with her was easy. I just let whatever wanted to come out of my mouth do so. Ha! I had to reel her back in lots of times when she got out hand, but crafting her dialogue was SO, so fun. I’ve had a few requests for books with Iltani as the main character, which makes me laugh because she can be such a terror.

Nanaea was a challenge. I needed her to appear very self-centered in the beginning, so when you find out why she so desperately wants to be the ruler’s bride in the afterlife near the 75% mark of the book, it’s a big surprise and you realize she’s not as shallow as she seems. I needed to set her up for some strong character growth from book one to book two, and that was really hard to do!

There is a strong emphasis on the bonds of family, especially the bonds of sisterhood within Gravemaidens. What all went into developing this idea into the story?

Woo, Nathalie, that is a tough question. When I first queried this book to my agent, Kari Sutherland (who is a miracle-worker), the sisterhood bond wasn’t there. Kammani needed to save her sister, but Nanaea was an afterthought and had very little time on the page. Kari told me she thought I needed to bring that aspect out a little more. So to bring that to life, I dove into my childhood with my own big sister, and pulled out all of our fights and tender moments and the bond that, despite years and thousands of miles, doesn’t really go away.

Let’s talk about beauty, as it’s a major theme within the book. Beauty is prized and used as an illusion to lull young women into their deaths in order to follow an established tradition. Can you tell us why you chose to focus on this?

YES, and thank you for asking! I’m a feminist through and through, which means I believe that women and those who identify as women should get to choose whatever they want for their lives. In Gravemaidens, I wanted to explore feminism in the context of the value society places on beauty. Although we’re chemically wired to appreciate beauty in other people (we actually get a jolt of dopamine when someone we find attractive waltzes into view), the media tends to push a thin, young, Euro-centric, wealthy, blemish-free version of attractiveness, and that really annoys me.

Beauty comes in all sorts of packages, and trying to fit into a certain mold can often be costly (as anyone who has ever walked out of Sephora with a bag full of goodies can attest), and in some cases, deadly. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts), an elective, cosmetic surgery, has a death rate of 1 in 3,000 people. That’s such a high rate to try to fit a certain mold.

As a feminist who enjoys getting myself dolled up and a woman who is aging and feeling the tug of societal pressure, I wanted to show two sides of beauty’s coin: the glamor and confidence some people can feel when they’re glitzed to the max as Nanaea feels when she’s chosen as a Sacred Maiden, but also the heartbreak it can bring when the version of beauty society feeds us might not deliver everything we want it to, as she does when she’s ensconced in the tomb, faced with her own death.

If you could choose any of your characters to bring to life, who would you choose and why?

I think people might revolt if I didn’t say Dagan. He’s handsome, strong, loyal, and a general lovey bear, and would absolutely make someone’s best boyfriend if he wasn’t already head over heels for Kammani.

Are there any fun little secrets about any works in progress you might have going on? Maybe related to a Gravemaiden’s sequel?

Eeee! Yes! SOOO, the sequel to Gravemaidens (title to be revealed soon!) will be coming out in the fall of 2020. It’s about badass female warriors who want to start a revolution. Though Kammani agrees with their mission, she realizes that war brings death and disease, and is determined to further their cause without bloodshed. Whether or not she’s successful remains to be seen.

Finally, the last character of the last book you read is the only hope you have of escaping certain death. Who’s coming to your rescue…and are you actually safe?

I’m reading With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo, and I am 100% certain Emoni wouldn’t let me die. She’s a senior in high school, and a young mom to boot, but if you need to get something done, you ask a mom to do it. They will figure out a way just like Emoni is doing, balancing culinary dreams, motherhood, high school, and even a little crush. I adore this story with my whole heart and will fight anyone who says otherwise.

Thank you so much for having me! You’re amazing!

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

The post Interview: Kelly Coon, Author of ‘Gravemaidens’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

In Gravemaidens, Kammani is the daughter of the former greatest healer in the city-state of Alu. She’s working hard to be the healer her father used to be, after their family was cast out of their privileged life in shame. When Alu’s ruler falls deathly ill, three Gravemaidens are chosen: beautiful maidens that will accompany him in the afterlife…and Kammani’s sister, Nanaea, is one of the maidens chosen to receive the honour. Kammani is the only one to see past the honour and cherished tradition for what it is: a death sentence. In her desperation she schemes her way into the castle to heal the ruler. However, she soon realises that there’s more danger in the palace in those corridors than she could have ever imagined, and her life and heart are at stake. Her only hope is to work quickly, otherwise, she might also become a sacrifice.

From the moment you start this story, Kammani’s desperate conditions are palpable. You can tell she’s a young woman who’s had to grow up very quickly because of her circumstances, and this makes her very strong-willed and stubborn. She’s a fascinating character because I’ll admit, I didn’t really like her or Nanaea at the beginning. However, Kammani is very multifaceted, and with each passing chapter, you get to see more of her: anguish, pain, regret, anger, and love. While those are a lot of negative emotions, they bring out a tenderness and fearlessness within her that you didn’t see at the beginning. She’s a woman of very few friends, but an increasing number of enemies.

Nanaea on the other hand, embodies a young woman resentful of her situation and just doing her best to survive rather than make a good life for herself. She’s definitely a little spoiled, and when she’s selected as a Gravemaiden, that personality trait seems to grow ten-fold. Although, if you read really closely, you’ll see a sprinkling of things throughout the book that hint that Nanaea’s personality is much deeper than you might think. She reminded me of a glacier, a seemingly shallow chunk of ice that’s hiding quite a few layers underneath. I think readers will love seeing that aspect of her personality when they get there. Dagan and Iltani were also treasures, they made perfect contrasts to Kammani and Nanaea’s personalities very well. The dialogue between Iltani and Kammani is hilarious, and Dagan is such a sweet man.

There is a love story in this book, but it doesn’t take the center stage here. I could highlight quite a few themes that are touched on in this book, but the relationship between sisters is definitely number one. The discussion of beauty and death are also heavily discussed, as well as misogyny and cultural “traditions”. One of my favourite themes was the idea that beauty is transcendent, which is why the maidens are chosen as “tradition”. The women in this story are the key players, attempting to break down the walls that the men have built up.

Gravemaidens moves at a faster pace than I would have liked, but only because I wanted a little more background on some of the things that are happening in the story. I would say it leans more toward a character-driven story, as it is told in the first person point of view (Kammani). The first person perspective does make it harder to world-build, so there were moments where it felt a little disjointed because we were getting backstory. I’m also hoping that readers might get to revisit Alu, because I felt like there were some loose ends that weren’t addressed in this book.

Overall, I would rate this book an 8/10. It’s a great read with great discussions on some heavier but important themes. If you’re easily triggered, there is death and assault in this book, so if these things bother you, please read with caution.

Gravemaidens is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of October 29th 2019.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

In the walled city-state of Alu, Kammani wants nothing more than to become the accomplished healer her father used to be before her family was cast out of their privileged life in shame.

When Alu’s ruler falls deathly ill, Kammani’s beautiful little sister, Nanaea, is chosen as one of three sacred maidens to join him in the afterlife. It’s an honor. A tradition. And Nanaea believes it is her chance to live an even grander life than the one that was stolen from her.

But Kammani sees the selection for what it really is—a death sentence.

Desperate to save her sister, Kammani schemes her way into the palace to heal the ruler. There she discovers more danger lurking in the sand-stone corridors than she could have ever imagined and that her own life—and heart—are at stake. But Kammani will stop at nothing to dig up the palace’s buried secrets even if it means sacrificing everything…including herself.

The post Review: Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover the authors who will be releasing their debut novels and tell us in the comments below what you’re looking forward to!

JULY

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
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A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh, new debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you’ve read before.

The Other Mrs. Miller by Allison Dickson
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In this unputdownable domestic suspense debut, a lonely suburban housewife finds her life entangled with the family that moves in across the street at the same time that she becomes convinced someone is watching her–perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door and The Last Mrs. Parrish.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
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Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Tell Me Everything by Cambria Brockman
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A murder at an elite New England college tears apart a group of friends – and one of them is playing a dangerous game – in this electrifying debut in the tradition of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Couple Next Door.

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess
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A page-turning, coming-of-age story, written with a lyrical sense of place and a profound appreciation for the sustaining power of books, The Last Book Party shows what happens when youth and experience collide and what it takes to find your own voice.

The Expectations by Alexander Tilney
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In the tradition of Prep and Old School, a sharp and evocative portrait of insiders–and outsiders–at an elite boarding school who must face a reality very different from the one they imagined.

AUGUST

Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell
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Every child of Glasnith learns the last words of Aillira, the god-gifted mortal whose doomed love affair sparked a war of gods and men, and Lira of clan Stone knows the story better than most. As a descendant of Aillira and god-gifted in her own right, she has the power to read people’s souls, to see someone’s true essence with only a touch of her hand.

Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk
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Both a gripping historical epic and fascinating deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, Nathan Makaryk’s Nottingham mixes history and myth into a complex study of power–one that twists and turns far beyond the traditional tale of Sherwood Forest’s iconic thief.

A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause
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The high-stakes fashion scene of a reimagined nineteenth century Europe takes center stage in this YA debut perfect for fans of The Belles and The Luxe.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

Campusland by Scott Johnston
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A tumultuous and often hilarious first novel about one year of insanity at the Ivy-like Devon University, a blissful bubble of elite students and the adults at their mercy.

Color Me In by Natasha Diaz
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Debut YA author Natasha Díaz pulls from her personal experience to inform this powerful coming-of-age novel about the meaning of friendship, the joyful beginnings of romance, and the racism and religious intolerance that can both strain a family to the breaking point and strengthen its bonds.

SEPTEMBER

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
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In this moving novel, debut author David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Cold Storage by David Koepp
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For readers of Andy Weir and Noah Hawley comes an astonishing debut by the screenwriter of Jurassic Park: a wild and terrifying adventure about three strangers who must work together to contain a highly contagious, deadly organism

Tinfoil Butterfly by Rachel Eve Moulton
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The Shining meets About a Boy in this electrifying debut about a troubled young woman and a lonely boy facing their demons in the frozen Black Hills.

The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring
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Simmering in Patagonian myth, The Tenth Girl is a gothic psychological thriller with a haunting twist.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
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Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill
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A tender and terrifying literary horror novel–the author’s debut–that tells the story of a family (creators of a haunted house attraction called the Wandering Dark) and the hereditary monsters–both metaphorical and all-too-real–that haunt them.

OCTOBER

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
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An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave. 

How Fires End by Marco Rafala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A dark secret born out of World War II lies at the heart of a Sicilian American family in this emotional and sweeping saga of guilt, revenge, and, ultimately, redemption.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
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From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
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The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

NOVEMBER

Her Crown of Fire by Renee April
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In the dull, everyday world, seventeen-year-old Rose Evermore struggles to plan beyond her final year of high school. But when fire suddenly obeys her every command and her dreams predict the future, she becomes hungry for more of this strange power.

A Thousand Fires by Shannon Price
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Shannon Price’s A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that’s perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.

On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl
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A lonely newlywed and her wayward brother-in-law follow divergent and dangerous paths through the postwar American West.

Songs from the Deep by Kelly Powell
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A girl searches for a killer on an island where deadly sirens lurk just beneath the waves in this gripping, atmospheric debut novel.

When The Stars Lead To You by Ronni Davis
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Nicola Yoon meets Jenny Han in a heated first-love romance about two teens who are torn apart one summer by prejudice and mental illness, and find each other once again.

My Sister Is Missing by Julia Barrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Stephanie Henderson gazes at her newborn daughter and wonders if husband Adam will notice the lack of resemblance. But when her lover demands a paternity test, Stephanie tells Adam a string of lies—lies that lead the two men to a dramatic confrontation.

DECEMBER

Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen
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The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!

Would Like To Meet by Rachel Winters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A cynical assistant at a screenwriting agency must reenact the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedy movies in order to help her #1 client get his scriptwriting mojo back–but can a real-life meet-cute be in store for someone who doesn’t believe in happily ever after?

All That’s Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums
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Fans of Jodi Picoult and Fredrik Backman will fall for this tenderhearted debut mystery following a young girl on a quest to save her family.

The Network by L.C. Shaw
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A pulse-pounding, page-turning thriller involving corruption, secrets, and lies at the very deepest levels of government and media.

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson
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Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

Holly Banks Full of Angst by Julie Valerie
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A laugh-out-loud debut novel for anyone who’s tried to live the perfect life—and learned the hard way there’s no such thing.

Will you be reading any of these debuts? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 36 Authors Making Their Debut Between July & December 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.