Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance.
To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin, two seventeen-year-old girls, are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly. And yet the two girls' destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever.
The exciting adventure prequel to Malinda Lo's highly acclaimed novelAsh is overflowing with lush Chinese influences and details inspired by theI Ching, and is filled with action and romance (quoted from Goodreads).
In five words or less, how would you describe Huntress?
Not your father's epic fantasy!
How did you decide on the title?
I have to admit I did not come up with the title — my agent did. We batted around some other titles with my editor, but ultimately I liked Huntress best.
What do you admire the most about your main characters?
In Huntress, I admire Kaede's self-awareness and her loyalty to the people she loves. I admire Taisin's courage in being willing to try things that she doesn't know if she can do.
In ASH, I admire Ash's resilience. I admire Kaisa's superb social skills. :)
What inspires you as an author?
The specifics are different with every book, but in general, I'm inspired by big themes: love, faith, trust, power. Who are we as human beings? How do relationships change us? What do we believe in? Those kinds of big questions.
What other author has influenced you the most?
Robin McKinley. I've read her books since I was a kid, many of them several times. I even wrote her a fan letter when I was 12, and she wrote back! That was one of the most inspiring things to happen to me as a fledgling writer.
Monday, 4/18 – Naughty Book Kitties
Tuesday, 4/19 – Manga Maniac Cafe
Wednesday, 4/20 – Mundie Moms
Thursday, 4/21 – Steph Su Reads
Friday, 4/22 – Ellz Readz
Monday, 4/25 – Bibliophilic Book Blog
Tuesday, 4/26 – Reading in Color
Sounds like a great book, I cannot wait!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I loved ASH and can't wait to read HUNTRESS.
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