Former teacher turned author, Melissa Landers writes young adult science fiction and fantasy novels. Her newest novel, The Half King, is a romantic new adult fantasy that readers are falling in love with. Her complex characters and immersive worlds pull readers into a land fraught with conniving courts, mystical seers, and dangerously beautiful kings. As we celebrate all things romantasy, we’re thrilled to chat with her about The Half King and what all went into its creation.

Tell us about The Half King.

I would love to! Here’s a one-sentence pitch: In a world where fate is determined by birth order, a failed oracle must leave her temple to serve a mysterious young ruler who turns to shadow at sunset, and in doing so, unravels a thousand years of secrets, curses, and lies. The Half King is a “new adult” romantic fantasy that’s perfect for readers who love mystery, twists, adventure, and a steamy, slow-burn romance. And the deluxe edition is positively stunning, with sprayed, stenciled edges, bejeweled foiling, artistic endpapers, and a custom map. The art and design team outdid themselves!

What made you want to explore the enemies to lovers trope in The Half King?

I wouldn’t describe the relationship between Cerise and Kian as enemies-to-lovers, exactly, more like “getting a rough start-to-lovers.” I didn’t plan it that way. Their dynamic was an organic result of their different goals and values. Cerise has lived a sheltered life in service to her goddess…the same goddess who cursed Kian and his ancestors with eternal darkness. So, based on that alone, the two of them are bound to clash.

How did you develop the complex political dynamics in the story?

The political and social dynamics in The Half King unfolded naturally from an event that took place a thousand years before the story begins. Essentially, the four noble dynasties conspired (unsuccessfully) to kill their creator, a goddess who embodies both good and evil, and as punishment, she cursed their firstborn descendants in accordance with each dynasty’s role in the Great Betrayal. These unique curses shaped society for the next thousand years.

If you could give one piece of advice to your heroine, what would it be?

Oof, this is tough, because Cerise should be giving me advice, not the other way around. Her journey of personal discovery was inspired by my own experiences growing up in a high-control, cult-like religion that taught me a lot of problematic things. It took me decades to deconstruct, unlike Cerise, who boldly questioned her teachings, battled her indoctrination, and deprogrammed over the course of a single book. Her journey was cathartic to write, and probably a form of wish fulfillment, too. Cerise is the heroine I wish I had been.

If you could step into the world of The Half King, what role would you play?

Oh, what a fun question! As tempted as I am to choose Cerise, she has a long and painful journey ahead of her. I think it would be more fun to step into the goddess’s role–looking down at my creations, nudging them in the right direction, occasionally throwing obstacles in their way for my own amusement. That sounds a lot like my life as an author!

What got you into the romantsy genre?

My first love was science fiction. I published several light, romantic sci-fi adventures for teens, (my personal favorite is Starflight), but the market for science fiction has never been particularly strong, so I decided to pivot to fantasy. And I’m glad that I did! Building my own fantasy world is more challenging than working within the existing boundaries of science, but it’s also rewarding in a whole new way.

What comes first for you, the fantasy world or the romance?

I’ve published fourteen novels, and the creative process has been different for each of them. The first spark of inspiration for The Half King was the idea of a man who turns to shadow at sunset and a failed oracle who falls in love with him. From there, I asked myself why? Why does he turn to shadow? Why does she live in a temple, and why can’t she see the future? I kept asking questions until the details came together, and then I discovered the rest during the writing (and re-writing) process.

Which character in your latest novel was the most fun to write?

That would be a tie between Daerick Calatris, Cerise’s brilliant best friend and the book’s comic relief, and Lord Blue Solon, aka: “Blue,” Cerise’s cherished pup who’s the very best boy in all the realm…even if he is an ugly mutant half-breed.

What are you working on next?

Right now, I’m hard at work on the sequel (and conclusion) to The Half King. The sequel doesn’t have an official name yet, but stay tuned for a title and cover reveal. I have no doubt that the talented design team at Red Tower Books will create a follow-up edition as stunning as the first!

The Half King by Melissa Landers

After the four noble houses of the Allied Realm tried to overthrow their goddess mother, she cursed each of their first born children. One is doomed to turn to shadow every night, but once he turns twenty-one, he will fade into the darkness, never to return. His only hope is Cerise, the second-born daughter of the Allied Realm who has been working her whole life to become a Seer and serve their goddess. But, unknown to the other members of the court, she has no prophetic powers. Cerise must navigate this new the world of preying eyes and the captivating King Kian Hannibal Mortara. Everyone is looking for her weakness and holding their breath to see if she will be able to save their dying king before he turns to shadow forever.

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