Morgan Rhodes Author Interview ~ JeanBookNerd

Book Nerd Interview

Morgan Rhodes lives in Ontario, Canada. As a child, she always wanted to be a princess -- the kind that knows how to wield a sharp sword to help save both kingdoms and princes from fire-breathing dragons and dark wizards. Instead, she became a writer, which is just as good and much less dangerous. Along with writing, Morgan enjoys photography, travel, reality TV, and is an extremely picky, yet voracious reader of all kinds of books. Under another pen name, she’s a national bestselling author of many paranormal novels. Falling Kingdoms is her first high fantasy.

Social Media

Website

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?

I’ve received so much amazing advice from authors over the years, both those I know personally and those I just read about. The one piece of advice that sticks best is “protect the work” from Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Lots of writers get bogged down in things that take their attention away from the writing… procrastination, reading reviews (and letting the bad ones bother you), volunteering for professional organizations, etc. If it takes away from your main goal (and this can be applied to any goal, not just writing), then it’s a problem.

In your new book; Falling Kingdoms, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?

Sure! Falling Kingdoms is a YA high fantasy novel, the first in a new series, about three kingdoms battling for power—and four very different characters whose lives become interwoven in a dangerous time of war and magic. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and filled with political intrigue and romance. Need an escape from the everyday world? Take a trip to Mytica. :)

For those who are unfamiliar with Cleo, how would you introduce her?

Cleo is a princess who has grown up in the most prosperous kingdom, second in line to the throne, without any real responsibilities in her sixteen years of life other than looking pretty. But her world is challenged and everyone she loves is at risk—forging her quickly into a girl who has far more strength than even she realized.

What part of Magnus did you enjoy writing the most?

Prince Magnus, the son of a very sadistic, cruel king, has a very specific way of seeing the world that is fun to explore. I enjoyed writing him since how he appears on the surface and what he says is completely different from his inner monologue and inner desires.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?

Don’t give up. Perseverance is so important. The important things in life take a lot of work and a lot of time to achieve and too many people give up on their dreams because of the level of commitment required. Don’t do it! Stick with it and you can achieve your dreams – writing a book, learning to play the piano, losing fifty pounds, or running a marathon!

What is the one, single food that you would never give up?

Coffee the way I like it! I refuse to give up my morning coffee with cream and sugar.

Where can readers stalk you?

I’m on Twitter @morganrhodesya; Facebook: facebook.com/morganrhodesbooks and facebook.com/fallingkingdoms; Tumblr: morgan-rhodes.tumblr.com. If you want general info about FALLING KINGDOMS, check out the website at www.fallingkingdoms.com!

The New York Times bestseller

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

Morgan Rhodes’ Falling Kingdoms is the compelling fantasy world story of four young people from different kingdoms whose fates will collide during the infusing war between the lands. Readers are introduced to four ambitious young people who have very different upbringings. Tough as nails Magnus comes to realization that the heart may be the greatest weapon of all. The lovely princess Cleo is intrigued of a lost and forgotten magic that treks her to harsh enemy lands. Lucia uncovers her true self and learns of her supernatural abilities. Lastly, Jonas is appointed the leader of a revolution that targets the oppression that has plagued the lands.

There are three neighboring kingdoms that have a strong history of hatred for each other. The Auranos and Limeros reside on the outside while Paelsia sits in between. Although the hatred is passed onto generations in all three kingdoms, peace continues to be maintained throughout the lands. That all changes when a young nobleman from Auranos gets away with killing a man from Paelsia and the King of Limeros makes it his opportunity to finally extinguish a hated opposing king.

War stories can tend to be overly detailed within the pages but author Morgan does a spectacular job of providing it without taking up full chapters. What readers will appreciate about this book is how it does not focus on one perspective. The multiple point-of-views allow for the four characters to have their own spotlight and have a prominence role in the story. Readers are able to get an up close and personal experience with each of them. The characters’ level of growth is appreciated as the book progresses. Looking through with their eyes allow readers to have an insight from their country.

Morgan’s writing style offers an immensely intriguing political story of three kingdoms. Usually, there is a clear choice to side with but Morgan cleverly interweaves a story that is difficult to decipher which side is the right one, or to even choose one. Falling Kingdoms follows an adrenaline-rushing path at a breathtaking pace. This is the stuff made for fantasy stories.

You can purchase Falling Kingdoms at the following Retailers: