Mallory McCartney Author Interview

Photo Content from Mallory McCartney

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

        

  

Heir of Lies (Black Dawn #1) by Mallory McCartney 

Publication Date: April 21, 2020
Hardcover: 456 pages

Publisher: MM Books (April 21, 2020)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1999254716

ISBN-13: 978-1999254711

“Hope was a dangerous thing. It could consume every dream and make them take flight, becoming wild daydreams in one’s heart and mind. Or hope could incinerate everything you thought you knew, burning you down to your core, leaving you raw and exposed for the world.”

Tell us your latest news.
Thanks for having me today! My latest news would be the release of Heir of Lies (Black Dawn Series Book One) and Queen to Ashes (Black Dawn Series Book Two) which were released on April 21 2020. The third book in the series, Kingdom of Broken Iron is currently with my first editor so I’m really excited to work towards getting it released.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
I love this question! I have found this changes for me as I grow up. Five years ago when I first started writing seriously, working toward my career, some of my biggest inspirations were Tamora Pierce, Sarah J Maas, and JK Rowling. Now, I have found a huge inspiration in Stephen King, Morgan Rhodes and Laini Taylor. Writing is a continuously growth in learning the craft and finding your voice. Starting out I thought I would write strictly YA Fantasy, but now I love adding in horror elements as well as writing adult fantasy and moving away from young adult.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Publishing in itself has been a huge reward. The fact the my stories that have been such a dream to get out into the world has found a fan base- is amazing (thank you readers!)

What do you hope for readers to be thinking when they read your novel?
Well, some of my biggest inspirations being Stephen King and Morgan Rhodes- I hope my readers feel excited and maybe a little shocked when they read my books. That they may think everything is not as it seems at first.

In your new book; HEIR OF LIES, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it.
Absolutely! In Heir of Lies, the story introduces a unlikely group of best friends that live at the Academy, a school for people with supernatural abilities. Emory Fae and Adair Stratton are the children of the founders of the school, and when a unexpected visit from the King from the Shattered Isles happens, they must uncover the truth from the lies within their own lives, and also within the Academy.

What was the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?
The worst distraction honestly was myself sometimes. As all authors can relate, imposter syndrome is a hard thing to work through, the doubt can be a distraction from writing. But writing is my passion, and focusing on that and putting in the work every day to bring my story to life I push past it.

What part of Adair and Emory did you enjoy writing the most?
I adore writing Adair. I love villains and morally grey villains at that. So as hard as Adair’s story is to write at some points in Heir of Lies, how he falls into the role of the Mad King was a story I knew I needed to have in the first book. Emory’s character growth in Heir of Lies and the series is my favorite aspect to write from her point of view.

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
One of my most recent reads has been Shadowed by Despair by Candace Robinson. I would love Brokk to meet Tavarra, and they could relate and talk about being shifters. I would hope Brokk could find a friend in Tavarra.

What’s the most ridiculous fact you know?
Cashews come from a fruit.

What according to you is your most treasured possession?
My wedding ring 😊

Best date you've ever had?
My husband and I have had a lot of awesome dates over the course of eight years. We always try new restaurants, go to music festivals, and he has brought me to my local bookstore to buy me books many a time. (I’m lucky <3)

If you wrote a journal entry today, what would it say?
It would say,

Dear Journal,

I’m reading the new Hunger Games book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and I am LOVING IT. Also I had Hawaiian pizza for lunch and that always makes a great day.

Mal

What event in your life would make a good movie?
Hmm, that is a hard question. Probably being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I was really sick for years and finally a doctor connected the dots back to being bit by a tick in 2017. It’s been a really crazy and hard experience and there is not a lot of general knowledge around the disease.

Which incident in your life that totally changed the way you think today?
One hundred percent the experience above. Going through the experience of being so sick I couldn’t even get out bed, has changed my way of thinking. I’m so appreciative now of the things I am able to do, no matter how small. The act of even writing my books or reading which I couldn’t do for a year and that ripped me apart. I will always appreciate being able to simple day to day activities.

What is one unique thing are you afraid of?
I don’t think it’s unique but I am terrified of heights.

What was the best memory you ever had as a writer?
One of my best memories as a writer is the acknowledgement my series has gotten. From being a finalist in the Readers Favorite Contest in epic fantasy category to being included in Book Riots article 30+ of your Favorite Under the Radar Fantasy Books. Also connecting with readers about my books is so amazing to me!!!!

Emory Fae has only known one thing—life at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. Following in her parents’ footsteps, the pressure to uphold their dream falls on her and one of her best friends—Adair Stratton. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. With whispers of dark magic spreading across Kiero, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.

An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher, sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath, for the first time in years, they demand the Faes listen to their proposition for a new treaty. Caught in the middle of politics, Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing that matters the most—the truth.

Their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made, and war ravages Kiero. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic, and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision. Will he fight or bow to the darkness within?

But, Adair’s decision will change the course of Kiero forever, setting in motion irreversible destinies for everyone at The Academy as Emory Fae rises as heir.

Heir of Lies is the first book in the bestselling Black Dawn series.

You can purchase Heir of Lies (Black Dawn #1) at the following Retailers:

        

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