“Never give up.” So was Lani Forbes’ mantra until the day she lost her battle with stage IV cancer.

Award-winning author Lani Forbes had just given birth to her third child when she received her diagnosis: a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine cancer that could be delayed but not cured.

Yet, as Lani often said, she was aggressive too. She embraced the zebra-striped symbol of her disease and tried every treatment she could. Despite her exhaustion, she still found the energy to pour into her husband, her three children, and the rest of her community.

I was a part of that community.

Lani and I first became friends in 2020 through Instagram. I initially contacted her with excited ravings about her debut novel The Seventh Sun, but I stayed for the person behind the screen. Kind, passionate, and as vibrant as her stories, Lani possessed the rare ability to make people feel seen and loved.

Seven months before her death, Lani traveled to the Realm Makers Conference where I was finally able to hug her. Our brief time together brimmed with laughter. I remember the resounding cheers filling the banquet hall when The Seventh Sun won three Realm Awards. Incomprehensible joy shone from her tear-stained face as she thanked God for all his blessings. Her pain never destroyed her faith. Light exuded from her and filled the spaces she inhabited.

In January 2022, Lani announced that the cancer had gone to her brain, and on February 3rd, 2022, only eight months after her diagnosis, she breathed her last.

Her loss shook the author community and shifted my world. Though most of us hadn’t spent much time with her in person, she left a hole in our souls. She was a spark, giving hope to all around her, burning bright unto the very end.

A Legacy of Words

Lani may have only been thirty-four when she passed, but she was a prolific writer. The Age of the Seventh Sun trilogy is full of blood magic, swoony romance, and epic stakes. Her gritty fantasy western Face the Night, written during chemotherapy, just released on August 15th, 2023. On a related note, after her passing, her community came together to create a charity anthology called The Sun Still Rises to honor her.

Here’s more about each book. Beware—there are spoilers ahead for The Jade Bones and The Obsidian Butterfly!

There’s only one way to break through to sunrise—by turning to face the night.

Catriona Macgregor hasn’t stopped running since the night her parents died. Her divine gift that allows her to see immediate glimpses of the future has kept her alive, but now her past is catching up to her. If she doesn’t stand up to Baron Caldwell, the man who ordered her parents’ deaths, all her sacrifices will be in vain.

Lani too experienced a glimpse of the future in her cancer diagnosis. Her heart bleeds on the page in this action-packed, emotional read.

Mesoamerican mythology meets The Bachelor in this tale of a brave young woman who must defy tradition to follow her convictions.

The sun is dying, and the next apocalypse is near.

Thrust into the position of emperor, Ahkin struggles to keep the sun rising and setting each day with his failing blood magic. But before he can ascend the throne, he must marry. Water manipulator Mayana has never been able to perform the important religious custom of animal sacrifice. When she is chosen as one of six possible brides, she must hide her heretical beliefs in order to win Ahkin’s heart—because the girls who aren’t chosen will become human sacrifices.

Mayana and Ahkin survived their fall into the underworld. Now they must escape Xibalba before the end of the calendar year to prevent the oncoming apocalypse.

Betrayed and confused, Mayana and Ahkin travel through the layers of the underworld, facing both physical and mental dangers that test their fragile love. In the world above, Mayana’s friend Yemania falls for an enemy of the empire she has sworn to serve. But the empress made a dangerous alliance that might bring her people to ruin.

Mayana and Ahkin survived their fall into the underworld. Now they must escape Xibalba before the end of the calendar year to prevent the oncoming apocalypse.

Betrayed and confused, Mayana and Ahkin travel through the layers of the underworld, facing both physical and mental dangers that test their fragile love. In the world above, Mayana’s friend Yemania falls for an enemy of the empire she has sworn to serve. But the empress made a dangerous alliance that might bring her people to ruin.

Lani’s spirit shines on in The Sun Still Rises, a young adult fantasy anthology that celebrates the light found in dark places. All profits from the anthology go to her family. As editor-in-chief, I witnessed the outpouring of love as people offered their services and donated their time to remember her legacy. Even after her death, Lani brought people together, particularly in the relationships formed between the anthology authors.

Lani Forbes was a truly remarkable woman whose faith and fire inspired everyone she came into contact with, particularly those of us who had the privilege of calling her “friend.” She blazed brightly in the darkest of circumstances and never gave up hope, even when all seemed lost. Although her story has ended, her legacy will continue on in her books, her children, and the many lives she impacted.

The post Remembering Lani Forbes appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover just a few of our YA picks and let us know in the comments if you will be reading any of them!

Together We Rot by Skyla Arndt
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A teen girl looking for the truth about her missing mother forms a reluctant alliance with her former best friend…in exchange for hiding him from his cult-leading family.

Actually Super by Adi Alsaid
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A globetrotting novel that takes a determined teen from Japan to Australia and to Argentina and Mexico on a quest to prove that humanity is more good than bad from the author of Let’s Get Lost and Before Takeoff.

Damned if You Do by Alex Brown
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Queer Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Filipino folklore in this horror comedy about a high school stage manager who accidentally sells her soul to a demon.

Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim
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From the New York Times bestselling author of SIX CRIMSON CRANES comes a tale of two sisters—one as beautiful as the other is monstrous—who must fight to save each other when a betrothal contest gone wrong unleashes an evil that could sever their bond forever.

Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott
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From the New York Times bestselling coauthor of Five Feet Apart and She Gets the Girl comes a fresh and inventive sapphic romantic comedy that’s What If It’s Us meets Bridgerton.

Face the Night by Lani Forbes
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

On a harsh frontier where good and evil contend for people’s minds, a young woman must fight for her true identity in this scintillating YA fantasy from the author of the award-winning Age of the Seventh Sun trilogy.

Unnecessary Drama by Nina Kenwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From the award-winning author of It Sounded Better in My Head comes a deliciously entertaining enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about two high school nemeses who end up sharing a house together their first year of college

Forgive Me Not by Jennifer Baker
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In this searing indictment of the juvenile justice system, one incarcerated teen weighs what she is willing to endure for forgiveness.

A Tall Dark Trouble by Vanessa Montalban
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Perfect for fans of Shea Ernshaw, Nina Moreno, and Elizabeth Acevedo, Vanessa Montalban’s YA debut is a dazzling Latine twist on Practical Magic that follows a family of Cuban American brujas entangled in love, magic, and murder.

Who Could Love You, Astor Price? by Amy Jane Lehan
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Set in a small Australian town and promising moments of heartache and hope, Who Could Love You, Astor Price? is the debut novel from Amy Jane Lehan.

I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me by Jamison Shea
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Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Tilly in Technicolor is Mazey Eddings’s sparkling YA debut about two neurodivergent teens who form a connection over the course of a summer.

My Father, The Panda Killer by Jamie Jo Hoang
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A poignant coming-of-age story told in two alternating voices: a California teenager railing against the Vietnamese culture, juxtaposed with her father as an eleven-year-old boat person on a harrowing and traumatic refugee journey from Vietnam to the United States.

Rook by William Ritter
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

This standalone adventure set in the world of the  New York Times  bestselling Jackaby series brims with humor, heart, and—of course—a hefty dose of supernatural mayhem.

The Boy You Always Wanted by Michelle Quach
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

From Not Here to Be Liked author Michelle Quach comes a smartly funny, heartfelt story told in dual POV about a young woman roping in her childhood crush to act as an honorary male heir to fulfill her grandfather’s dying wish. A story about first love, familial duties, and finding yourself—perfect for fans of Emiko Jean and Loan Le.

The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Four brothers. Two missions. One explosive read. Jennifer Lynn Barnes returns to the world of her #1 bestselling Inheritance Games trilogy, and the stakes have never been higher.  

What August YA releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post August 2023 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Seventh Sun faces destruction as Mayana and Ahkin race to save their world in the finale to this “compulsively readable” series (Rachel A. Marks, author of Fire and Bone).

To the Chicome people, an eclipse is a time of terror. When darkness falls, the barrier separating the heavens and the earth becomes unstable. Then come the ravening Tzitzimime—the star demons who thirst for human blood. Mayana and Ahkin know the full extent of the coming danger, but they must gather support or the Chicome Empire is doomed.

As the eclipse nears, many maneuver for power in this deadly game of worlds ending.

Metzi, Ahkin’s treacherous sister, has seized control of the empire with the aid of the malevolent goddess known as the Obsidian Butterfly. But Metzi has no idea what the goddess has in store …

Yemania and Ochix face the wrath of both their peoples. Their forbidden liaison may draw ancient enemies together … or rip the young lovers apart forever.

And the princesses who battled fiercely for Ahkin’s heart in The Seventh Sun meet again—but this time, they must join forces in order to survive.

As for Ahkin and Mayana, the entire empire seems to want to keep them apart. Can their love endure the end of the world?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lani Forbes is the daughter of a librarian and an ex–drug smuggling surfer (which explains her passionate love of the ocean and books). A former teacher turned trauma counselor, her passion is showing readers the transformative and encouraging power of story on the human experience. A California native whose parents live in Mexico, Lani now resides in the Pacific Northwest where she stubbornly wears flip flops no matter how cold it gets. She is a proud nerd, Gryffindor, and member of Romance Writers of America and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

The post Exclusive Cover Reveal & Excerpt: The Obsidian Butterfly by Lani Forbes appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We had the pleasure of chatting to author Lani Forbes about her sequel, book recommendations, and more!

You can find Lani on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and also at her website.

Hi, Lani! Tell our readers a bit about yourself!

I’m the daughter of an ex-drug smuggling surfer and a librarian (which explains my passionate love for the ocean and books). A former math and science teacher, I am currently finishing my masters degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis on trauma. I am passionate about showing readers the transformative power of story on the human experience. I’m also a proud nerd and Gryffindor!

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 – good or bad – you can’t stop thinking about!

The first books I remember reading as child were The Story of Ferdinand and Runaway Bunny. I love reading those with my own children now. The books that inspired me to become an author would probably be the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series. I was in high school and college during the peak of the fandom years and was fully into both of them. One book that I can’t stop thinking about is probably A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. I think the book’s romance is fantastic, but its portrayal of PTSD was incredibly realistic and powerful.

When did you first discover your love for writing?

It was definitely in fourth grade. We did a class creative writing contest and we had to write a short story about a bird name Petey that fell out of his cage. I remember ending my story with Petey complaining that his cage had been “cheap cheap” and the whole class laughed. I won the contest and my teacher wrote on my report card that year that I excelled at creative writing. It was the first time I ever experienced someone enjoying words that I wrote!

The Jade Bones is the follow-up to your debut novel, The Seventh Sun, and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Dark, intense, romantic, and hard choices

Now tell us a little more! What can readers expect?

The events of The Jade Bones immediately follow the (literal?) cliff-hanger ending of book one. Ahkin and Mayana find themselves trapped in the terrifying underworld with a deadline to escape or they will be stuck there forever. In addition, the Mother Goddess has given them a task to complete and a warning that one of them may not survive the journey. In addition to Mayana and Ahkin’s POVs, we also get to enjoy the POV of Yemania, Mayana’s close friend who is left reeling from the events of the conclusion of book one. She finds herself in a precarious position with the new empress and a forbidden love interest from an enemy empire!

What challenges did you face while writing the sequel and how did you overcome them?

There is so much pressure that goes along with writing a second book because there are now expectations from the first book. Readers are already familiar with your characters and invested in them, so I think it is so important to keep characters consistent in terms of who they were in the first book. That doesn’t mean they can’t change, but the change has to be consistent with who the character is on a deeper level. Another challenge for me was that such a huge part of book one was the big twist at the end and I wanted to make sure that I delivered that same kind of surprising twist at the end of book two. Brainstorming with my agent and my beta readers gave me some great ideas to keep book two just as exciting as book one! 

If it’s not too spoilery, was there a certain part of the book that you really enjoyed writing?

I really enjoyed writing Yemania’s POV. I loved her storyline of political intrigue, romance, and self-growth. There is one scene at the end of her storyline in book two that actually made me cry. It’s a scene where she finally decides that she isn’t going to let anyone else define her worth.

Can you give us a little tease as to what’s to come in the final instalment of the The Age of the Seventh Sun trilogy?

The third book will involve the potential “end of the world” that we have been fearing since the red comet first appeared in the sky in book one! We meet a deadly goddess in book two that has been working behind the scenes until now with a plan to unleash star demons upon the earth to devour humanity! I’m also really excited about all the princesses coming back and kicking butt together!

What’s next for you?

I’ve already finished book three and we are going to begin edits on it soon, so that is a major next step for me. I’m really excited to have finished a trilogy that I am really proud of. I am also excited to work on some new ideas including a fantasy-western standalone and some new fantasy series based on various ancient mythologies!

Lastly, are you currently reading anything and do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

I am currently reading the last book in the Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir. If you love historical fantasy based on ancient cultures with steamy romance thrown in, this is absolutely a series you want to check out!

The post Q&A: Lani Forbes, Author of ‘The Jade Bones’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover the gorgeous cover, along with the official synopsis and an excerpt!

SYNOPSIS
Cast into the underworld after an act of shattering betrayal, Mayana and Ahkin must overcome unimaginable odds if they are to return home and reclaim the throne of the Chicome. A river of blood and demons disguised as children are only two of the challenges standing in their way. Fortunately, they are not unequipped. Mayana’s royal blood controls the power of water, and Prince Ahkin wields the power of the sun itself. Ometeotl, the Mother goddess, provides them with other gifts—and an ominous warning that one of them may not survive. But can the goddess be trusted?

Back in the lands above, Mayana’s best friend Yemania has survived the empress selection ritual—but her next challenge may be more than she can bear. The new empress of the Chicome Empire demands she become High Healer. Yemania has no interest in serving in the palace; she wants to use her healing ability to help the common people. More than that, her heart is no longer her own. She has met an enchanting stranger—Ochix, one of the feared Miquitz people who are ancient enemies of the Chicome.

As Mayana and Ahkin move ever closer to confronting the lords of the dead, Yemania and Ochix must hide their forbidden romance or face the wrath of both their empires. Meanwhile, the new empress has made a dangerous alliance that might destroy everything they hold dear.

Based on the legends and history of the Maya and Aztec peoples, The Jade Bones is a compelling and romantic adventure that builds to a heart-stopping climax.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lani Forbes is the daughter of a librarian and an ex-drug-smuggling surfer, which explains her passionate love of the ocean and books. A California native whose parents live in Mexico, she now resides in the Pacific Northwest, where she stubbornly wears flip-flops no matter how cold it gets. She teaches middle school math and science and proudly calls herself a nerd and a Gryffindor. She is also an award-winning member of the Romance Writers of America and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

The post Exclusive: ‘The Jade Bones’ by Lani Forbes Cover Reveal + Excerpt appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Themes of kingdoms and battles for the throne are so common in Young Adult literature right now! Why do you think we (as writers and readers) are so attracted to these kinds of stories? 

SHEENA: The whole idea of happily ever after is often ingrained in us from childhood through a history of mothers whispering those bedtime stories as we fall asleep. It becomes part of our understanding of how the world is supposed to work. But it’s fascinating to follow the ways that idea changes as we grow older. Teens are learning the difference between fairy tales and reality, but there is something so appealing about finding a place for real people with real flaws inside the magic of living the life we thought was promised.

LANI: Absolutely! I think the idea of living in castles and finding your prince or princess is so ingrained into our society from childhood that these stories almost become nostalgic. They remind us of simpler times when we thought we could storm the castle and defeat the dragon, when love might have been as simple as finding a glass slipper. I also think we are fascinated with this other way of life that seems like it would be so much more glamorous or exciting. We are attracted to the idea of success, of absolute power, and fantasize about what that would be like for us to live.

How do you take the nostalgia of royalty stories and put a fresh spin on it?

LANI: That’s such a challenge because you want it to be new and exciting enough that it’s fresh, but you also want to make sure you stay true to the elements that make us love these stories in the first place. For me, I really tried to draw on history for inspiration. In studying the structure of ancient Mesoamerican societies, a common theme is the idea of independent city-states that are conquered and united into a single powerful empire. The Chicome Empire in The Seventh Sun is entirely fictional, but I designed it using that same historical structure. Each of the families of the individual city-states are their own royal family in a way, but still underneath the emperor. I also included that the royalty are descended from the gods and their blood contains the power of the gods, which adds an interesting power dynamic beyond a crown.

SHEENA: I really wanted to show how easily royalty could topple. It’s that time after a kingdom falls and there’s this vacuum of power and people rushing to try to claim it that’s the most fascinating to me. Glitch Kingdom started as a YA fantasy world first, with magic spun from ghosts and pious clerics of the Savak who can see the future by drinking from seer water, and a prince who betrayed the kingdom for a very good reason he doesn’t quite understand. Then came the idea that this fantasy world was actually a fantasy video game that was breaking down with the characters stuck inside it. It made approaching the traditional structure a little more meta, so I could play with the rules of magic by giving it a logic even the reader can’t deny. Also the main character Dagney is the daughter of an executioner whose first kill is supposed to be the traitorous prince who once made fun of her at a royal ball. She hates him, and now she’s in the position to decide whether or not she can kill him. I often find the most interesting people inside royalty stories are the ones who don’t wear the crown, but the common people who move the crowns like chess pieces.

How are the princes and princesses in your stories different from the traditional “prince charming” and “damsel in distress” characters?

SHEENA: My handsome prince, Prince Ryo is a goofball who’d rather be playing a prank with his best friend, but at his heart he’s just a kid who has lost his parents and who can’t understand why he feels so invincible. He’s trying to cope with grief while also trying actively not to die. There’s not a princess in Glitch Kingdom. Dagney is the plus-sized daughter of an executioner who approaches problems with both hands holding an axe, McKenna is an assassin queen who doesn’t know the players she thinks she is tagging out of the game actually die, and the most badass character in my book is a disabled hacker named Bluebird_ofdeath who breaks into the game in order to save the boy she loves. Her weapon is her heart and her brilliance and her laptop.

LANI: I love that! I think so often we only think of “strong women” as ones that can wield a deadly weapon (WHICH IS STILL AWESOME BY THE WAY), but strength can take many forms, including strength of your heart and strength of your conviction. I really wanted Mayana to be a character that is strong because of her empathy and her ability to stand up for what she believes in no matter the consequences. Ahkin is definitely not your traditional “prince charming” either. I kind of imagine him to be a little surly, a little grumpy, but in an endearing way. He struggles with insecurity and wants to maintain an image of control, but underneath he really fears that he doesn’t have what it takes to lead his empire. He hopes that by interpreting the stars or gaining knowledge that he can prepare, but life doesn’t always work out that way. The concept of duality is huge in ancient Mesoamerican thought, and I really wanted Ahkin and Mayana to be dualities of each other, dualities of heart and mind. The beautiful thing about duality is finding balance, and I think Mayana and Ahkin have a lot to learn from each other.

What message are you hoping to send to your readers through your story?

SHEENA: Both Dagney and Bluebird choose their ingame bodies to reflect who they are outside the game, and that to me is the ultimate act of rebellion against the idea that women should only look a certain way. They could choose the standard princess image, but instead they chose themselves. I hope my readers take away the message that no matter their size, and no matter their health, they are enough. And I hope I can echo that message now by recommending SICK KIDS IN LOVE by Hannah Moskowitz, and UNBROKEN edited by Marieke Nijakamp. Disabled voices tell disabled stories best, and I’m well aware of the privilege that let me tell Bluebird’s story of hope and happiness while also silencing and rejecting stories by disabled writers unless they stick to stories of pain. Disabled stories matter, and I’m here to lift and amplify your voices any way I can.

LANI: The biggest message I want readers to take away from The Seventh Sun is the importance of following your heart. I think so many times we don’t share what we think or we don’t stand up for what we believe in because we are afraid of the consequences. We are afraid of being true to who we really are. But as Mayana learns in the book, “if you ignore the heart for too long, when it finally does grab your attention, it often screams and demands that you listen.”

What are some of your favorite royalty stories?

LANI: I am a huge fan of Sarah J. Maas, and I especially love her Throne of Glass series. I love Aelin as a strong female character with a ton of personality. I enjoy watching how she comes into her own power and fights to take back the throne she’s lost. I love the political dynamics of the different kingdoms. I think the details she puts in to bring these very distinct worlds to life is incredible. I also really enjoyed the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black and how she explores the darker side of politics and power against the backdrop of a fantasy faerie realm.

SHEENA: I have to recommend WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT by Isabel Ibanez which is an extraordinary Bolivian Fantasy with an evil king, told with authenticity and love and a side of salteñas. I also adored THE MERCIFUL CROW by Margaret Owens, which is a masterclass of worldbuilding and approaching prejudice and privilege, while also following around an angry girl and two dumb royal boys. And I’m super excited for A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A Brown which is an own voice West- African inspired fantasy about a princess and a refugee trying to save their families which comes out in June.

You can find Lani on  Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, along with at her website.

You can find Sheena on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, along with at her website.

The post Authors In Conversation: Lani Forbes & Sheena Boekweg appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A. K. Larkwood’s The Unspoken Name is a stunning debut fantasy about an orc priestess turned wizard’s assassin.

The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rich in imagination and romance, and based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Maya people, The Seventh Sun brings to vivid life a world on the edge of apocalyptic disaster.

The Ninth Sorceress by Bonnie Wynne
Goodreads | Amazon

The Ninth Sorceress is the breathtaking first instalment of The Price of Magic, a sweeping fantasy saga full of rich storytelling and tangible magic.

Finna by Nino Cipri
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nino Cipri’s Finna is a rambunctious, touching story that blends all the horrors the multiverse has to offer with the everyday awfulness of low-wage work. It explores queer relationships and queer feelings, capitalism and accountability, labour and love, all with a bouncing sense of humour and a commitment to the strange.

Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Upright Women Wanted, award-winning author Sarah Gailey reinvents the pulp Western with an explicitly antifascist, near-future story of queer identity.

The Wolf of Oren-Yaro by K.S. Villoso
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A queen of a divided land must unite her people, even if they hate her, even if it means stopping a ruin that she helped create. A debut epic fantasy from an exciting new voice.

Mazes of Power by Juliette Wade
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This debut work of sociological science fiction follows a deadly battle for succession, where brother is pitted against brother in a singular chance to win power and influence for their family.

The Sisters Grimm by Menna van Praag
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The critically acclaimed author of The House at the End of Hope Street combines love, mystery, and magic with her first foray into bewitching fantasy with a dark edge evocative of V.E. Schwab and Neil Gaiman.

A Witch in Time by Constance Sayers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An epic tale of greed and ambition, cruelty and love, this deeply immersive novel is about bowing to traditions and burning them down.

The Golden Key by Marian Womack
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An extraordinary, page-turning Gothic mystery set in the wilds of the Norfolk Fens from the BSFA-shortlisted author.

The Hidden Girl and Other Stories by Ken Liu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ken Liu is one of the most lauded short story writers of our time. This collection includes a selection of his science fiction and fantasy stories from the last five years—sixteen of his best—plus a new novelette.

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

The post February 2020 Fantasy + Sci-Fi Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Young adult science fiction and fantasy author, Lani Forbes, introduces readers to a world ripe with political and cultural intrigue in The Seventh Sun. Released by Blackstone Publishing, Lani Forbes’ compelling debut for 2020 is most definitely a standout, creating a lot of promise for its upcoming publication.

Having the privilege of receiving an ARC, I was excited to ask some questions and learn more about Lani Forbes and her novel!

You can find Lani on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and also at her website.

Hi Lani! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a nerdy science teacher from the beaches of California trying to survive in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I miss the beach every single day, but at least the snow forces me to stay inside and write. I’m also a certified scuba diver and an avid Harry Potter fan.

Your debut novel, The Seventh Sun, releases on February 18th! If you could only describe your novel in five words, what would they be?

Vivid, tense, romantic, magical, and surprising!

The Seventh Sun is a novel highly influenced by Aztec and Maya mythological heritage, not only in culture but in geography and architecture as well. What inspired your use of these ancient civilizations in your novel? 

My stepfather lived in Mexico for many years, and while I was growing up, he would always share stories with us. I’ve always been fascinated with history and ancient civilizations, so when my parents moved back to Mexico, I knew I wanted to write a fantasy based on the diverse ancient populations of Mesoamerica. I’m a total research nerd (my mom is a research librarian and has trained me well), so I started researching original sources, watching any documentary I could find, reading textbooks from classes on Mesoamerican history. For book two, I even traveled to central American to tour ruins and hike into a cave that the Maya believed was the entrance to the underworld. The more I researched, the more the idea for the story started to come together.

Readers learn shortly into the novel that those who possess the blood of deceased gods can only procure their powers through drawing forth their own blood — an attribute that is scarce in this genre. How come you decided to limit the use of magic in such a way? 

Complex magic systems are my favorite part of fantasy! I get bored when magic becomes a deus ex machina that can solve any problem at any time. If there are no limits to magic, it takes tension and conflict away from the story. A story without tension is dead. I love when the limits of a magic system work with the plot to create as many problems as it fixes. For The Seventh Sun, I drew on the cultural significance of blood to the ancient Maya and Aztecs. Blood contained immense power—they believed the sun depended on it to rise! It made sense for blood to be the source of magic as well. And for the Aztecs or Maya to offer it, it had to be spilled. Hence the limitation that naturally arose from that. I wanted to be careful too though, because I do not want to encourage self-mutilation, but I also want to honor the historical and cultural significance of the daily bloodletting rituals. That’s also why I put a historical note at the end of the novel to explain that particular choice.

The Chicome Empire presents readers with a particularly intriguing backstory of the six previous apocalypses (products of water, storm, fire, famine, sickness and beasts) that transpired at the downfall of the sun. Why was the sun chosen to represent the coming of an apocalypse?

This is another example of where I drew from the original mythology for inspiration. The Aztec myth of “The Five Suns” explains how the sun had been created and destroyed by different cataclysmic events. Each time, the sun was destroyed, and a god had to sacrifice themselves to create a new sun. Mythology states that we are living in the age of the fifth sun and that this current sun will eventually be destroyed by earthquakes. This myth is key to why the civilizations felt so indebted to the gods, and also why they feared another coming apocalypse. Each of these ages is referred to as a “sun”, so my story takes place during the age of the “seventh” sun.

In the abundance of characters that readers become acquainted with, there are still some that remain enigmas. Can readers expect to learn more about side characters personalities and backstories in future novels, such as Yoli? 

The hardest part of the editing process was cutting out chapters from the perspectives of the other princesses. But fear not! One of the other princesses gets her own POV in book two, and we will definitely see MUCH more of the other princesses in later books. I have detailed backstories for each of them and I can’t wait for everyone, including Mayana, to get to know them better!

Throughout the duration of The Seventh Sun, ritual sacrifice is prominent as a way for mortals to atone for the sacrifice of their gods to prevent the individual apocalypses. In writing about this, you have addressed the strong moral dilemma that still plagues contemporary society in regards to sacrificial offerings. Was this your intended purpose?

Absolutely. I myself am a spiritual person and wrestle daily with moral and theological questions. I don’t think religion is ever as cut and dry as we sometimes want it to be. I think there can be a lot of grey, a lot of unknowns that can cause serious divisions. I really wanted my characters to wrestle with difficult questions and face the pressure that asking those questions can cause. I think many teens can relate to that as much as I can.

With such a selection of characters, which one would be your favourite, especially in the writing phase? 

My favorite character to write was Yoli, hands down. Her voice was so clear in my head. I loved the dark, almost gothic aspect of her personality coupled with her dry humor and utter fierceness. I promise she will be back!

As one of your greatest loves is the ocean, was this the reason for electing Mayana’s elemental ability to be water? 

YES. Coming from a family of surfers, we believe in the soul-healing power of water. I’ve always felt a connection to the element that is cunning enough to change its path when trapped but also powerful and persistent enough to break through rock. I would legitimately be a mermaid if I could.

The novel follows the third-person narration of Prince Ahkin of Chicome and Mayana of Atl, where did your inspiration come from for these characters? How were you inspired to develop their relationship?  

The concept of “duality” is huge in Mesoamerican thought, the idea of opposites coming together to find balance. I wanted Ahkin and Mayana to be dualities if each other, a balance of head and heart. Mayana’s character very much draws on my own. I wanted a character whose strength came from the strength of her heart and her courage to follow it no matter what it cost her. Sensitivity and empathy can be just as powerful as a sword. But always following your heart and ignoring what you know can also have dire consequences. Ahkin, on the other hand, tries to silence his heart to follow what his head tells him. He wants to trust in rituals and things he can control and predict, but he can’t ignore his heart for long, no matter how hard he tries. I think that’s what initially attracts him to Mayana. She allows him to get in touch with this part of himself he always tries to deny. He wants to seem sullen and intellectual, but his heart is crying out and Mayana is there to answer.

When writing The Seventh Sun, what was your writing process like?

Chaotic. Seriously, I don’t know how I got this book finished sometimes. I suffered from SEVERE postpartum depression when my daughter was born, so when I had my son, I knew I had to do something different. I decided to use writing as a way to fight the depression. I was always writing stories, but they had always been for myself, never for anyone else. My husband practically kicked me out the door to my first writing conference when my son was two months old (I had to keep running to the bathroom to pump haha!). I met other authors, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged somewhere. I threw myself into writing and researching whenever I had a spare moment. I was working full-time as a science teacher, so I actually wrote most of the book on my phone in the middle of the night with a newborn asleep on my chest. I was too afraid to move and wake him up, so I’d pull out my phone and write. I joined a writing group I met at that first conference and they helped me learn even more as I wrote. The Seventh Sun wouldn’t exist without the help of those other writers teaching and encouraging me. I signed with my agent right after my son’s first birthday, and the rest is (ancient) history!

What’s next for you?

I’ve already finished book two in the Age of the Seventh Sun series and I am working on book three right now. After, I have several other historical fantasies I’m dying to work on. I would love to create worlds inspired by other ancient cultures, such as Greece and Egypt. I even have a fantasy western I’m drafting roughly based on Mission-era California.

Last question, do you have any advice for aspiring authors both in writing and in publishing? 

Find a tribe. Writing sometimes seems like such a solitary endeavor, but is doesn’t have to be. Find a writing group or a professional organization to get involved with. It is so inspiring to meet other like-minded authors that don’t laugh at you for hearing other people’s voices in your head. I also HIGHLY recommend reading. Read the books you want to write. Read advice and articles written by other authors. Read craft books that teach you how to sharpen your skills. Read! Read! Read!

Will you be picking up The Seventh Sun? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Lani Forbes, Author of ‘The Seventh Sun’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We are thrilled to be releasing an exclusive excerpt of The Seventh Sun, which is Lani Forbes’ upcoming debut novel! This new YA fantasy is set to release on February 18th from Blackstone Publishing, so be sure to add it to your Goodreads!

Synopsis:
The sun of the Chicome people has been destroyed six times. First by water, then by storm, fire, famine, sickness, and beasts. After each apocalypse, the creator goddess allowed one of her divine children to sacrifice themselves to save civilization. The gods paid their blood as the price for the lives of the people, and the people owed them blood in return.

Mayana is a noble descendant of the water goddess and can control water whenever her blood is spilled. She has always despised the brutal rituals of her people — especially sacrifices. She can’t even make it through a routine animal sacrifice without embarrassing her family. Prince Ahkin has always known he would be emperor, but he didn’t expect his father to die so suddenly. Now he must raise the sun in the sky each day and read the signs in the stars. But the stars now hint at impending chaos and the sun has begun setting earlier each evening. Ahkin fears he might not be strong enough to save his people from another apocalypse. And to add to his list of worries, he can’t truly become emperor until he selects a wife.

Mayana and six other noble daughters are sent to the palace to compete for Ahkin’s hand. She must prove she is a true daughter of water and face the others who have their own magical gifts from wielding the elements to the control of animals, plants and healing. And in a society centered on rigid rituals, Mayana must conceal her traitorous beliefs because if she doesn’t make Ahkin love her, she will become a ceremonial sacrifice to bless his marriage. But darker forces are at play and it won’t matter if Mayana loses if the world ends first…

EXCERPT

“Seriously, Mayana. I know you want to make Father proud more than anything, and you know the best way to do that is to just do the sacrifice.”

Mayana grimaced and turned to walk away. “Of course I want to make him proud. But forgive me if I don’t enjoy butchering animals because some ancient ritual says it protects us from—”

Chimalli grabbed her by the upper arm and pulled her back rather roughly.

“Chimalli!”

“Don’t ever let Father hear you say that. You have a tender heart, but you need to learn to silence it and do your duty to your people.”

Mayana yanked her arm back, her cheeks burning again. “I know. Believe me, Father’s already made his thoughts on the matter clear.”

“So why won’t you just do your duty without such a fight?”

Something hot and angry writhed in her gut. “I am doing my duty. I am leading the prayers, the dances …”

“And you will lead tonight’s sacrifice to appease the gods.”

“Why don’t you go jump off the temple, Chimalli?”

Her brother gave her a long warning glare before wiggling his eyebrows and disappearing after a group of giggling merchant daughters. She crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue at his retreating form.

The anticipation of the evening’s coming events soured her against any kind of frivolity. Her twin brothers, Achto and Aquin, each twenty cycles old, tried to get her to pole fly with them—a request she quickly rejected. Dressed as birds, with ropes tied around their feet, her brothers jumped from the top of the high pole and swung in circles around it, suspended by their ankles. Exactly fifty-four revolutions in honor of the calendar stone. She shook her head with a shudder, imagining the pounding in their skulls from being upside down for so long. All the gold in the capital would not be enough to make her join them. At fourteen cycles old, her other brother, Mati, should be busy playing with his friends or older brothers too. But Mayana guessed he was probably busy lurking around the temple reading and memorizing any codex sheet he could get his curious little hands on.

By the time the sun began to set and the shell horns signaled the return to the palace, she had followed the rituals exactly as the holy texts instructed. Her relief, however, was temporary. The real test of her conviction would take place before the feast.

“Mayana,” the lord of Atl greeted her when she took her seat on a cushion beside him. “How did today go?”

She could hear his hidden meaning: Did you follow the codex?

“I did my duty.” Mayana looked down at her knees.

“Your duties are not yet finished.” He dipped his chin and fixed her with a meaningful glare.

Her stomach churned. I have to do it, she told herself. It will be over soon.

Every member of the royal family, both immediate and extended, filled the central botanical garden of the palace. Mayana’s five brothers sat circled around her and her father, while her aunts, uncles, and cousins branched out in rings like those on the sacred calendar stone. The empty space beside her father drew her attention for the briefest moment and her throat tightened—Mayana didn’t want to think about her mother.

“Did you see the red comet in the sky?” a voice whispered close by. She turned to find the source of the comment, but with so many voices chattering, she couldn’t tell who had spoken. Goosebumps rose on her arms.

Royal guests from other city-states lounged on Atl’s finest cushions, sprinkled among the crowd like the drops of her blood on the sacrificial papers. Ceremonial feasts were as much a political event as they were religious—a chance to show her family’s power and prestige. A man from the city of Ocelotl lounged nearby, the skin of a jaguar draped across his expansive shoulders.

Her palms grew moist, so she wiped them on the fabric of her skirt.

Servants meandered through the loud, sweaty crowd carrying small bowls of pulque, a fermented drink made from the sap of a maguey plant. Those too young for the pulque received a drink made of cacao. The codex dictated exactly what and when the Chicome could eat and drink during the ceremonies. The rest of the food would not be brought out until … well, until she fulfilled the next ritual.

Her father stood, and the babbling voices around them quieted. He spread his arms wide, embracing the crowd. His many ornaments rattled into the sudden silence. Mayana could smell the roasted meat and corn cakes waiting just out of view and her mouth watered in anticipation.

“My family and honored guests.” He nodded to the man from Ocelotl and several others. Mayana took a sip of her cacao drink and tried to stop her hands from trembling. “We are safe from floods and drought for another three months.” The room exploded into excited yells and exclamations before the lord of Atl hushed them.

“Let us now honor the Mother Ometeotl and the sacrifice her divine children made with a sacrifice of our own to bless the food we are about to eat. The great city of Ocelotl has brought to us a beast in honor of the month of the bird.”

Mayana’s father gestured to the visitor with the jaguar pelt. The man rose gracefully to his feet before gouging his palm with an obsidian blade much larger than Mayana’s tiny knife. He waved his bleeding hand in a great arc, and a flock of birds erupted through an open window. This did not surprise Mayana in the slightest. Royal naguals from the city-state of Ocelotl used their divine blood to possess and control the spirits of animals.

Birds swirled around the courtyard like a black-and-yellow raincloud, singing their hauntingly beautiful melodies. Their music stirred something deep within her heart. Tears pricked behind her eyes, but she held them back, knowing they would accomplish nothing. The crowd clapped and squealed in delight. Her little brother jumped to his feet and batted at the birds with his hands, but one look from their father quelled his excitement. He quickly returned to his cushion, head bowed in respect.

Lord Atl slowly paced toward the burning pit sunk into the center of the courtyard and motioned for Mayana to follow. She rose—still shaking slightly—and tightly gripped the wooden handle of her obsidian dagger. Holding onto something solid gave her strength. Saying a silent prayer to the Mother goddess, Mayana begged to be spared from the ritual, from causing a scene and disappointing her father again.

With the flick of the royal nagual’s finger, a single black-and-yellow bird broke away from the flock, landing delicately on her wrist. Mayana cupped the tiny creature in her other hand. The bird stared up at her with a glassy black eye, tilting its head as though asking a question. Her stomach dropped. She couldn’t do this.

Mayana looked at her father, tears building despite her best effort, and silently pleaded for him to stop her.

“Mayana.” The lord of Atl barely moved his lips. “You must.”

“Father—” Her voice broke. “Please.”

“If you do not, you risk the safety and well-being of the entire Chicome Empire,” he growled through gritted teeth.

“I did everything else. I did it all perfectly, Father.”

“We are not doing this again. You will do your duty this time, or so help me Mayana …”

She sucked in a breath. She hated sacrificing animals even more than sacrificing her own blood. At least her hand would be healed … unlike the bird’s throat. Her empathy toward the small creature was overwhelming, especially when she thought of her dog Ona and what her father had done to him. But she couldn’t refuse. Her mother wasn’t here to save her anymore.

This was her duty, no matter how hard her heart screamed in protest. Her father would force her hands to do it, just like he had last time. Hot tears slid down her cheeks, but she slowly lifted the blade of her knife toward the bird’s neck. She hated this ritual. Hated it.

At that moment, a man burst through the woven tapestry covering the main entrance. Mayana dropped the hand with the blade to her side, exhaling the breath she was holding. The newcomer was dressed in a white cotton cloak that glittered with golden thread. The flaps of his loincloth hung to his knees and jingled with tiny bells. Upon his dark hair sat a headband of small yellow feathers, reminding Mayana of a cockatoo with yellow plumage.

Everyone in the room recognized the colors at once. This man was from Tollan, the golden capital born from the first darkness—the City of the Sun.

He gripped the stone frame of the doorway, leaning against it and panting hard. The crowd waited, the silence in the room thicker than corn cakes. A feeling like cold water rose in Mayana’s chest. She felt as though she was drowning.

Whatever news he held, it would not be good.

Will you be picking up The Seventh Sun? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Exclusive Excerpt: ‘The Seventh Sun’ by Lani Forbes appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Seventh Sun follows two equally lost souls, conflicted in a world where one minuscule transgression might mean perpetual damnation. Inspired by ancient Aztec, Maya, and Inca civilisations and cultures, the novel is situated in the Chicome Empire, a land that has been devastated by six individual apocalypses; by water, storm, fire, famine, sickness, and beasts. It is because of this that the Chicome people endeavour to uphold the sacred sacraments of the creator goddess, either through blood or sacrifice. This fresh perspective on religion was refreshing, adding a new dimension to Forbes’ world-building, however, I did find the followers unsettling to the say the least—almost reminding me of the Ku Klux Klan because of the pathological devotement instilled into the society from birth.

In the opening chapter, the reader is introduced to the plagued notion that Chicome might be on the threshold of another apocalypse, as the sun sets earlier with each passing day. This imposes a short timeframe for which the novel spans, with the events of the storyline occurring within a mere two weeks. Due to this, I found that some negatives did eventuate from this, namely the unrealistic relationship between the main characters that progressed from like to love in a matter of days. However, there were positives, for instance, the time pressure subjected a certain amount of weight to each respective action of the characters and provoked a sense of distress for the welfare of the Chicome Empire.

Although, because of this brief timeline, I felt a portion of the chapters were unnecessary and rather out of place. Case in point, the battle that transpired against the Miquitz (who were kidnapping outskirt villagers for their own sacrifices) appeared as a foolish ploy for Prince Ahkin to validate his worth as a soldier. Moreover, the battle ensued far too hastily, with little show for war room strategies and tactics upon the field, both of which are significant factors of war.

Moving on to the primary protagonists, the plot reflected the perspectives of Mayana of Atl and Prince Ahkin of Chicome, both of whom followed expected tropes of the genre. Mayana represented the cliche nice girl, someone who is delicate, beautiful, and sympathetic to all, with an innocence to be unparalleled. She is someone who can do no wrong. Whilst Mayana is somewhat weak-minded, she does show a significant amount of resolve in refusing the ritual sacrifices of animals, something that I can respect in her character. However, I find this to be the only thing I can really connect with her on and have difficulties not showing disappoint towards the typical company Mayana keeps.

Firstly, she is surrounded by mostly vague side characters, such as Yoli, someone who is alleged to appear badass, but because of limited development and scant information provided, it’s tough to regard her as anything more than a blank canvas. Secondly, the other princesses selected for the chance at empress from their respective regions portray stereotypical behaviours, where there is one that exists solely to despise Mayana, attempting by any means to destroy Mayana’s social upstanding. Then, there is the compliant, feeble one, the one that Mayana coddles and protects, and yet inevitably hurts in her pursuit of empress. Despite this, I found each individual princess fascinating for their unique ability to employ elemental magic through the drawing of blood — taking the use of magic to a whole other level.

Otherwise, in analysing Prince Ahkin, his temperament indicated that of a usual fictional prince, with his prowess asserted at any given chance. However, there was one deviation, where Ahkin was actually shown to be unsure, to be indecisive and fear failure, a trait that is rarely acknowledged. This made Akin very much understandable as everyone throughout their lifetime worries that they are not enough or that their ability is not enough. In other respects, I would have preferred to see more of Prince Ahkin in the political field and the politics both within Chicome and outside its borders as I felt the novel lacked in this area. Moreover, I felt Ahkin advisors were not well suited or rather inconsequential in the Prince’s decisions, having let Ahkin trust the word of Miquitz soldiers, which displays an obvious absence of expertise on part of the council members.

Apart from this, there also should have been a justification for the evident fear of servants whom surrounded Ahkin, as they always stumbled, mumbled, and stuttered in their speech, sweating even at the presence of their Prince. To me, this kind of dread should not be condoned, as it indicates the servants are used to some degree of hostile treatment and thus are anxious around their perpetrators. In summary, although, Prince Ahkin’s personal development is one of my more favoured aspects of the book, with appealing prospects for future novels in Ahkin’s religious, personal and political stances.

Overall, I would have loved more description within the writing, but this was balanced by the compelling attention to detail in the world-building. With the politics, the gods, the magic system, and the societal structure all instrumental in the orchestration of the plot. So if you are one for world-building, then this is the story for you. In conclusion, in spite of the flaws in this novel, I found myself up all night reading The Seventh Sun, with each chapter leaving me wanting to know more.

The Seventh Sun is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of February 18th 2020.

Will you be picking up The Seventh Sun? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

The sun of the Chicome people has been destroyed six times. First by water, then by storm, fire, famine, sickness, and beasts. After each apocalypse, the creator goddess allowed one of her divine children to sacrifice themselves to save civilization. The gods paid their blood as the price for the lives of the people, and the people owed them blood in return.

Mayana is a noble descendant of the water goddess and can control water whenever her blood is spilled. She has always despised the brutal rituals of her people — especially sacrifices. She can’t even make it through a routine animal sacrifice without embarrassing her family. Prince Ahkin has always known he would be emperor, but he didn’t expect his father to die so suddenly. Now he must raise the sun in the sky each day and read the signs in the stars. But the stars now hint at impending chaos and the sun has begun setting earlier each evening. Ahkin fears he might not be strong enough to save his people from another apocalypse. And to add to his list of worries, he can’t truly become emperor until he selects a wife.

Mayana and six other noble daughters are sent to the palace to compete for Ahkin’s hand. She must prove she is a true daughter of water and face the others who have their own magical gifts from wielding the elements to the control of animals, plants and healing. And in a society centered on rigid rituals, Mayana must conceal her traitorous beliefs because if she doesn’t make Ahkin love her, she will become a ceremonial sacrifice to bless his marriage. But darker forces are at play and it won’t matter if Mayana loses if the world ends first…

Rich in imagination and romance, and based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Mayan people, The Seventh Sun brings to vivid life a world on the edge of apocalyptic disaster.

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