1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
When I was 12, my best friend told me I was too old to play with action figures and it wasn’t “cool” anymore. I had some pretty elaborate action figure-based stories underway I didn’t want to lose track of, so I started writing them down. That’s how it all started and it’s never stopped.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve wanted to write a fun fantasy adventure novel since I was 12. It’s the genre I started with and loved the most. So this new novel is really an ode to pocketbook fantasy adventures that I grew up reading and enjoying.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
In so many ways this book is about courage: the courage to keep going, the courage to set boundaries, the courage to forgive. It’s also about the journey, it’s the adventure itself that matters, less so the outcome.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve been drawn to fantasy all my life, it’s pure escapist magic but also founded in great truths about the human experience. I think through fantasy you can have a flashy, fun rollicking adventure and also say things about life in a way that’s far simpler and more impactful because of the fantastic setting. That appeals to me.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I’d sit down with Ruddlefunt and ask him to tell me the entire history of Roan and everything packed into his mechanical head. We only get shades of it in the story, and the characters are too darned caught up in their own dramas to realize he’s the treasure.
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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram, likely. In all honesty, I’m not great at social media. I try to keep it alive as best I can but it’s not my strength, never has been.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Just write. Enjoy the craft. Enjoy the process. Have fun with it even when you’re not. And when you’re not, take a break, then get back to it.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan is due out August 15th. I’m also starting edits on a full-length epic cosmic horror novel now … should see the light of day in a year or two…
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About the Author
Joel McKay is an award-winning author, journalist and executive from Northern British Columbia. His fiction includes the horror comedy novella Wolf at the Door, the anthology It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations and a host of short stories published in various anthologies and online.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A brewing war threatens to tear the realm apart as one man must find a way of repairing the veil between the human world and the magical one in author J.M. Shaw’s “Forsaken Souls”, the fourth book in the Callum Walker series.
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The Synopsis
Driven south by their brethren in the Northern Kingdom, the Der’geron have bided their time for nearly two centuries, nursing hatred and plotting vengeance since their defeat in the great elven war. As a new conflict draws ever closer, Queen Jobella struggles to assert her authority over her northern domain—battling civil unrest, sabotage, and misinformation while attempting to mend fractured alliances.
Meanwhile, Callum and Jax set out on a perilous journey to repair the veil separating the magical realm from the human world. Unbeknownst to them, their path leads directly into the heart of danger, where they are captured by the Der’geron. Imprisoned in the hellish grotto beneath the subterranean city of Elfarian, Callum and Jax are forced to work or die at their enemy’s command.
However, danger turns to horror when Callum learns of the Der’geron King’s plans for the Northern Kingdom and the rest of the realm. What is to come will be a reckoning, not a war. It will be a battle for the ages, where both lives and souls are at stake, and death is not the worst outcome.
Imperilled by violence, assailed by evil energy, and tempted by dark magic, Callum must stand against the rising darkness, but first, he needs to find the strength to face his buried anguish, even at the risk of fracturing what remains of his sanity. Yet, there is hope for a happy ending, if only Callum can summon the courage to accept it.
The Review
This was such a gripping and memorable entry into the Callum Walker series. The mesh of world-building and expansion upon the mythos of this magical world was perfectly executed, allowing the reader to fall deeper and deeper into the world the author has created. The conflict the story explores between the Northern Kingdom and the Der’geron, and the dark magic’s impact on those attempting to wield it, are perfectly captured and elevate the action significantly as the story progresses.
This story’s most significant impact is through the character progression, especially for the protagonist Callum Walker. Between his relationship with his brother Jax, the new allies he makes, and his struggle with past trauma, the readers form an emotional and heartfelt connection with this character, one that keeps the reader engaged thoroughly throughout the story.
The Verdict
Entertaining, thrilling, and haunting in its delivery, author J.M. Shaw’s “Forsaken Souls” is a must-read dark fantasy and genre fiction read with hints of horror and magical realism at the same time. The twists and turns this story takes and the story elements that end with an open-ended note leave a promising and hopeful note for the future of Callum Walker and the character’s series moving forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A Queen must decide where her allegiances reside and how to bring peace to two realms in author Tricia Copeland’s “To Be a Fae”, the final book in the Realm Chronicles series.
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The Synopsis
Evil lurks in unexpected places.
Poised to usher in a new era of unity for all fae, Queen Titania grasps for a solution for her people. With chaos in the human realm and her own, she’s stretched to make progress in either.
She finds she can’t turn her back on the witches when they’re so close to finding the key to ending Sonia’s reign of terror, but Titania worries for her fae and their need for continuity.
Both realms are on a collision course with chaos, and Titania must choose whether her people will be best served by aiding in the battle the witches wage against Sonia or by stabilizing warring forces in the fae realm.
One fateful day turns the tide, leaving Titania questioning all her allies.
How do you stop evil when it resides within everyone?
To be a Fae is the final book in the Realm Chronicles series and a harrowing, twisted tale of a fae queen’s attempts to secure the realms of Middle and Upper Earth.
Read To be a Fae to embolden Titania as she fights for peace today!
This was a gripping, powerful, and engaging finale to a thrilling fantasy series. The staggering heights the author’s world-building reached in this narrative were nothing short of incredible, and the emotional payoff for so many characters and their arcs throughout this series was breathtaking to witness. The first-person perspective readers get through Queen Titania’s eyes throughout the narrative shows how hands-on she is as a protagonist and leader to her people, getting into the thick of the battles being waged against this mad archangel and the forces pitted against them.
The powerful themes and emotional character developments are what made this book, and the series overall, so compelling to begin with. The theme of betrayal ran deep throughout this book, turning this fantasy story into a politically charged and personal story of the sting betrayal brings and the questions it raises as a leader to others in that same process. The protagonist’s decisions show the duality of her nature as a ruler, her duty to her own heart, and the sacrifices she must make for both.
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and memorable, author Tricia Copeland’s “To be a Fae” is a strong finish to the Realm Chronicles series and a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The shocking twists and turns of the story, as well as the emotional payoffs it provides and the balance between the protagonist’s resilience in the face of betrayal and her brushes with politics and war, will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on July 29th, 2025 or preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Young adult fiction author Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She believes magic infuses every aspect of our lives and each of us create our own brand of magic. Whether transforming hearts, lives, numbers, ideas, art, music, or simply enjoying nature, we discover magic every day. She aims to write stories that show what is possible when one commits to finding their own version of magic. With urban fantasy and paranormal young adult titles, you’re sure to find a magical character and story line to love within her books.
Whether you’re looking for a fun romance, inspiring story of strength, fantasy, paranormal, or a dystopian sci-fi, you’ve come to the right place. Award-winning author Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now calls Colorado home. If she’s not on the trail you can find her creating magical stories at www.triciacopeland.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The 41st volume of the acclaimed sci-fi and fantasy anthology series L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future is now available!
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The Synopsis
Step into the extraordinary with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41—an anthology that promises the unexpected, the thought-provoking, and the unforgettable. Celebrating the best new voices in speculative fiction, this collection offers gripping tales of science fiction, fantasy, and beyond.
Discover Distant Worlds
Explore alien landscapes, futuristic technologies, and hidden realms. From time-traveling adventures to battles for survival in dystopian societies, these stories transport you far beyond the limits of imagination.
Meet Extraordinary Heroes
Follow protagonists who face impossible odds—from a young constable on a harsh alien frontier to a reclusive writer sharing a ride with a sentient car. These characters redefine courage, resilience, and what it means to be human.
Experience Visual Wonder
Every story is brought to life with breathtaking original illustrations. These commissioned works add depth, color, and vibrancy to the collection, making it a visual and literary masterpiece.
Learn from the Legends
Gain inspiration from essays by L. Ron Hubbard, Robert J. Sawyer, and Tom Wood, offering rare insights into storytelling and creative mastery.
Discover Tomorrow’s Stars
This volume continues the legacy of Writers of the Future, the competition that has launched myriad bestselling authors. These rising talents are reshaping speculative fiction as we know it.
Whether you love heart-pounding action, thought-provoking “what ifs,” or stories that blur the line between science and magic, Volume 41 is your gateway to new dimensions. With tales and illustrations that linger long after the final page, this anthology invites you to take the leap into worlds uncharted.
Push Beyond the Ordinary. Explore the Extraordinary.
Grab your copy of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41 and discover the next generation of visionary storytellers and artists.
The Review
Another intense and captivating collection of artwork and stories, this collection perfectly balances rich storytelling with engaging action and world-building. Each author found a means of bringing their unique voice and mythos to their respective worlds, and the range of artwork for each story, from classic fantasy art to more realistic sci-fi depictions, made these worlds feel alive and vibrant on their respective pages.
A standout story for me was The Rune Witch by Jefferson Snow. The dark fantasy tale tells the story of a rune witch and new mother, who must keep a demon barricaded behind a magical barrier while trying to raise her daughter for the same task someday. The story played a lot of themes well into the narrative, from the lengths a parent will go to to give their child a better life, to the responsibilities a person has to family versus their responsibilities to the world, and so much more. The emotional depth of these characters and their rich world reflected the overall grand nature of this anthology and how inviting these stories became.
The Verdict
Between an entertaining assortment of stories, beautiful artwork, and even powerful and moving essays and insights from people like artist Tom Wood, this anthology collection of science fiction and fantasy is a must-read book. The twists and turns each story takes, and the fantastic pacing keeping readers invested in each tale, made this one collection readers will refuse to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I have been an avid writer for over thirty years, ever since my mom bought me a typewriter—yes, I’m that old. Exercising my creative muscles has become more than a hobby; it has grown into a passion that, at times, borders on obsession. Fortunately, writing is decidedly cheaper than therapy.
In 2019, I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. This was a surprise, but rather than viewing my neurodiversity as a hindrance, I choose to see it as a gift. It offers me a unique lens through which to see the world and infuses my creative works with distinctiveness and depth.
Over the years, I have filled several hard drives with poems, short stories, and full-length novels, yet there are still countless ideas rattling around in my head, just waiting to be unleashed.
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What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve always been a “what if” kind of person, and my muse for this series was sparked by the question: “What if fairy tales were more than stories, and monsters were flesh and blood?”
As someone who believes in good triumphing over evil, I started my series with the idea that my protagonist would strive to do good in the world—whether they wanted to or not. Along the way, I drew inspiration from the Arthurian legends, particularly the tales of Merlin, whose power and wisdom have fascinated me.
In many ways, my protagonist became my vision of a young Merlin, brimming with potential, longing for a normal life, but burdened by magical gifts that make such a life impossible.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The overarching theme in my series is being true to oneself despite life’s challenges, trusting those we love to have our backs, and finding a sense of belonging. I enjoy tackling mental health issues—such as guilt, despair, and loneliness—and demonstrating how my characters overcome their adversity in an adventure setting. I also routinely incorporate wholesome messages that give my readers something to think about.
In my latest novel, Forsaken Souls, my protagonist’s metaphysical and magical abilities continue to grow, bordering on uncontrollable, which is both worrying and dangerous. At the same time, Callum is traumatized from the events of the first three novels—particularly those of the third book—which have tainted his outlook and self-concept. Instead of facing his fears, he avoids them, which only deepens his pain. Only by trusting in those he loves, leaning on their strength, and confronting his past can he begin to heal.
Callum’s journey is ultimately one of identity, trust, and connection, a reminder that family and friends are invaluable. I hope readers take to heart the message that emotional pain after trauma is a normal part of life, but the strength to overcome our torment is found through the bonds we forge with our loved ones.
What drew you into this particular genre?
I’m drawn to those genres that offer me creative freedom, and fantasy adventure gives me exactly that. I’m also partial to sci-fi, supernatural, paranormal, thrillers, and horror. Basically, any genre that allows me to explore outlandish concepts while weaving adventure and action into my novels is appealing. Although each genre requires a unique frame of mind, and with the latter two, I must leave the lights on while I write to avoid nightmares.
Oddly enough, I never set out to write an epic fantasy adventure; it just happened naturally. And while I’m committed to finishing my Callum Walker Series, I will eventually branch into other genres.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Honestly, I already know everything there is to know about my characters—their histories, desires, fears, and the choices they’ll make. So rather than asking them a question, I think I’d sit with them. Maybe offer a moment of peace, or even a heartfelt “thank you” for letting me tell their story.
If I had to ask something, it might be this: “Do you forgive me for everything I’ve put you through?”
Because, as any author knows, there is no story without conflict, and we aren’t always kind to our characters.
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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram and Facebook are my preferred platforms for building readership. Their visual nature allows me to showcase my novels, share behind-the-scenes content, and connect more personally with fans and fellow authors. That said, nothing compares to the impact of face-to-face interactions. Author events and book signings are, without a doubt, my most effective tool—those who take the time to stop and chat often feel a stronger connection to both me and my work. From there, word of mouth takes over, which I’ve found to be the most powerful and lasting form of promotion.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Perseverance, especially in the face of criticism, is essential for any writer. You can’t please everyone, and there will always be those who dislike your work. But writing is a passion—untamed and unscripted—it is about personal expression rather than pleasing the masses. You must hold tightly to your reason for writing or risk losing sight of your passion as you pursue everyone else’s expectations. Otherwise, your art will become emotionless and void of authenticity. Thusly, every time I sit down to write, I remind myself that whatever I create must come from the heart. After all, that is where the magic lives.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m currently working my way through the fifth novel in my Callum Walker Series, with the sixth already in development. Beyond that, I’m toying with the idea of writing a standalone or a novel set outside my current series—something more sci-fi than fantasy, fresh and creatively liberating.
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About the Author
J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Twins Tyler and Tess must navigate perilous worlds within 12 mazes and stop a wicked queen and a nefarious wizard before finding a way home in the novels “The Magic Maze Trilogy” by authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor.
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The Synopsis
THE MAGIC MAZE TRILOGY is about eleven-year old fraternal twins, Tyler and Tess Porter, who accidentally get sucked up into the bizarre world of the Magic Maze. Geared to appeal to children from seven to thirteen and older fantasy fans as well, the story propels the twins into an “Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz” world. In order to return home, they must get through twelve separate parts of the maze. Each is its own world with strange rules, riddles and puzzles that the twins must solve using their wits, knowledge and athletic prowess. Tyler and Tess learn how much they mean to each other as they evade the evil QUEEN ZEBRA and her ZENTAURIAN GUARD of two-faced POLINERDS, and a duplicitous wizard, SIMON PERCIVAL. They form alliances with the rebel TRIDGETS (tiny trolls with Mohawk hairdos) led by the feisty BELKIN, and an assortment of other bizarre and funny characters. At the end, they must track down and put back together three parts of a MAGIC AMULET before they can be finally transported home, safe and sound.
The Review
What a powerful and memorable trilogy of middle-grade, fantasy-driven novels. Each novel’s pacing was superb, instantly capturing the reader’s attention with magic and action while delivering relatable, engaging character development from the two protagonists. The world-building and mythology the authors brought to life in these books were a unique blend of magical realism and sword and sorcery style fantasy storytelling, complete with magical beings such as the Tridgets and an evil queen who pits a full-blown rebellion against her nefarious ways.
At the heart of this story is the bond and understanding each of the two protagonists holds for one another. The series starts with Tess and Tyler on opposite ends of the spectrum from one another. Yet as the series progresses, their shared bond and ability to see one another instill a sense of understanding and connection between the reader and the characters. The imagery and atmosphere of each book create a sense of wonder and awe that draws younger readers into the magic of that world, and the variety in the different mazes and worlds shows the creativity and depth of world-building that the authors brought to this series.
The Verdict
A story of magic, adventure, and family, authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor’s “The Magic Maze Trilogy” is a must-read children’s and middle grade fantasy read. The twists and turns this series takes, and the open-ended nature of the final chapter of this trilogy, will stay with readers. As someone with a close bond with his sister, I find this book an excellent way of bringing siblings together and showing the importance of that bond in a magical way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Samuel Warren Joseph – is a writer whose credits include DuckTales, Batman, Beast Wars, and the film Off Your Rocker. His plays and musicals, including Window of Opportunity, Campaign, and God Help Us!, have earned critical acclaim. He co-authored Ed Asner’s autobiography and teaches college English and Creative Writing.
Phil Proctor – is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Firesign Theatre and a veteran actor with voice credits in Rugrats, Assassin’s Creed, Dr. Dolittle, and Pixar films. He has performed on stage, screen, and in video games, earning numerous theater awards. Phil co-wrote the political comedy God Help Us! and several books, including his autobiography Where’s My Fortune Cookie?
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
My writing journey began with penning a fictionalized account of my experience with and recovery from anorexia as a young adult. The process of creating that series catapulted me into the world of writing and publishing and I quickly jumped into my first love, the fantasy genre.
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What inspired you to write your book?
I was inspired to write To be a Fae Queen after seeing an invitation to submit short stories to an anthology with the theme of fantasy character with mental health challenges. The invitation included an image of a fairy hunched in a meadow with an anxious expression on her face. I began to brainstorm reasons she would be anxious, what her world was like, who she was, and where a story could lead her and the first ideas for To be a Fae Queen were born.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Each of my books in the Realm Chronicles series have different themes. In To be a Fae Queen I hope that readers will find themselves examining their trust in their inner compass.
What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve loved the fantasy genre from a young age. The first books I remember binge reading were Frank L. Baum’s Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz series books. I like believing that there is a layer of magic just beyond our sight or comprehension that sometimes we get to experience.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
If I could sit down with any character in my book, I would sit down with the antagonist in this series and ask them why, why they are so focused on hunting vampires, and anyone who would stand in the way of their quest to destroy all those thought to be created by the fallen angels.
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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I love interacting with readers and other authors on social media. My favorites are YouTube and Instagram.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
My advice to aspiring or new authors is to decide what your goals in writing and publishing are and to surround yourself with people who help you achieve those goals.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
My next release is the finale to the Realm Chronicles series, To be a Fae. This book will release July 29, 2025, and completes not only the Realm Chronicles series but the crossover Kingdom Journals series.
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About the Author
Tricia Copelandis the critically acclaimed andaward-winning author of Kingdom of Embers, To be Fae Queen,Lovelock Ones, and Azreya, Aztec Priestess, as well as dozens of other titles. She is the host of the Finding the Magic Book Podcast who weaves magical stories about love, courage, and finding your passion.
Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, seeing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles including contemporary romance, now penned under Maria Jane, young adult fantasy, and dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
When my daughter was younger, I was her girl scout leader. I noticed most of the girls read, but they were reading books with male protagonists and I wanted to create a book with a female hero. Now there are quite a few books with girl hero’s.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
What inspired me to write Transgression of Magic, book 2 in the Town Magician series? Book 1. Seriously, this book couldn’t have been written without book 1 being before it.
I originally wanted to write a short story about wizards and magic for a local Wizarding World fest at Kent State. That grew into the Town Magician series. the first story started about 7,500 words and now I have 4 books planned and several short stories.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
For book 2, Transgression of Magic, its about kids dealing with their parents mistakes. Even parents mess up and don’t make the right choice at times, and Samual has had to deal with that. It was something I thought about after book 1, Embracing the Magic, and needed to figure out what happened between Samual and his father after he became Town Magician.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve always loved fantasy and read fantasy. It was a natural fit for me and I can picture wizards fighting goblins and dire wolves better than I can picture a murder mystery or action thriller.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Maybe Toby, the Grand Wizard. It’s a bit bumbling, like a cross between Fizban from Dragonlance and Merlin from Disney’s Sword in the Stone. If not Toby, Cat. There is a lot more to Cat than we know, but its been hinted at. What is really going on with this animal? Hard to say.
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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I’m on Facebook mostly and reach out to parents and teachers. I also have an Instagram and YouTube and am working on more videos for parents and teachers. While I write middle grade, I try to offer information and educational aids to the teachers and home school parents.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Write. Tomorrow, write. Then write some more. Make up stories and get them on paper or some online document or even dictated in audio. Just tell stories. Forget about spelling and grammar. That stuff will come and you can work on it once you’ve written. But we don’t have our kids really write stories much. We teach them spelling and grammar and sentence diagrams and what a verb and noun are, and then we move on. we never have them write much and it’s backwards. They would get so much more out of the lessons if they already had experienced some writing. Forget that stuff until 4th or 5th grade. Just get the younger ones telling stories.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Well, book 3 is planned out and being worked on. More exciting is my Oddish Questor series about a group of sibling investigators that explore Bigfoot and other cryptids. Think Scooby-Doo meets the X-files.
I’m finishing up my video game series also that focuses on video game storytelling.
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About the Author
S.A. Schneider has a wolf, so of course he writes middle grade fantasy, wouldn’t you? Since his Lego and action figure days, he’s crafted worlds and stories within those worlds. This pursuit continues into his middle grade fantasies.
He doesn’t stop with inspiring kids to write linear stories. Oh no, no. S.A. shows kids how storytelling in video games work and how they can learn to write those . He wants others to join him and delve into creating fantastical worlds.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve been writing since grade school! At first, I was inspired by television—I thought, I can be funny too. One year, I won a storytelling contest, and that’s when I realized I loved writing stories, but not presenting them. I’ve been writing ever since, always choosing college and university programs that helped me hone my craft and taught me how to take a punch (figuratively speaking). I declared The Wise One my MFA thesis, and that became the first official book I published.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
This is a hard one to answer. I’ve always loved all things witchy and magical. I grew up a huge Harry Potter and Charmed fan! One day, I imagined a witch who didn’t understand who she was and felt disconnected from everyone around her. Then I saw her journeying through the British Isles to find her birth mother—and herself—while learning she’s the key to both saving the natural world, at the cost of billions of souls, and destroying it (I love a good moral dilemma). That gave me the perfect excuse to visit Ireland and Scotland and breathe as much life into the pages as possible, tying in its folklore and natural beauty. So, I guess it was really a culmination of many things…
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
My first ever reviewer put it so perfectly that at the time, it brought me to tears: “Don’t be a bully, love is love, protect our beautiful planet, accept your faults, family comes first and love your friends unconditionally.” –Sarah Bell, ARC reviewer.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve always loved the idea that magic can be found in the real world. There’s something timeless about the young adult journey—finding yourself, pushing past what you thought were your limits, and surprising yourself along the way. And honestly…who doesn’t love a good prophecy?
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Even though I feel like I’ve already asked my protagonist, Mckenna, everything I need to, I’d still want to say: What on earth were you thinking, taking off with a stranger to Ireland? Sometimes even the author can’t fully explain her character’s wild choices!
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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I’m not much of a social media person, but Instagram has connected me with some truly wonderful readers and fellow authors. It’s become a place where I can share my world and meet others who love it too.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just-starting authors out there?
Savour the romantic phase of writing, when you’re falling in love with your story and everything feels possible. And when that honeymoon phase ends (because it always does), remember: it’s all about process over perfectionism. Keep going.
8) What does the future hold for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
The final instalment of TheScottish Scrolls trilogy is heading to my editor at the end of this month, with a release planned for 2025! After that…of course, there are more stories waiting. Writers never really stop imagining what comes next.
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About the Author
Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.
K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.
