After defeating the Malborn and losing the person she loved most, Lianne escapes to Chase’s homeland. With her appearance forever marked by death, Lianne feels like a monster both on the outside and the inside. She retreats into herself, fearful of what she’s become.
But she can’t hide forever.
The Malborn, damaged but not broken, send a deadly message to Lianne. They are coming for her and now she’s brought danger to a peaceful land that believed they’d driven the Malborn from their shores forever. Lianne must force herself to trust again and make the ultimate sacrifice to save everyone she loves. In a world ruled by whoever harnesses the most powerful magic, no one can be trusted – no one is safe.
Interview with Megg Jensen
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into writing.
I’ve always loved writing. I remember penning my first story, at the age of seven, about a unicorn. I’d like to think it’s because I grew up on a farm and didn’t have any neighbor kids to play with and my siblings were much older than me. I spent a lot of time alone, daydreaming.
From unicorns to fantasy worlds and magic. What draws you to the fantasy genre?
I wish I knew. Many of my favorite books were fantasy when I was a kid. A Wrinkle in Time. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. It wasn’t until I went to college and read The Mists of Avalon that I knew my life had changed.
What research did you do for The Sundering?
Since I write fantasy, I don’t do a whole lot of research. I also have a BA in medieval history, so a lot of the setting comes naturally to me. Instead of researching times and places, I’ll spend hours filling up notebooks with my thoughts on the world I’m creating. World building isn’t easy, but I love it.
Lianne has gone through many challenges and is now marked by death, both inside and out. What went into the development of her character in The Sundering?
Lianne lost someone she loved at the end of Afterlife. I wanted to accurately portray a person who’d been beaten down so much that she wasn’t sure whether or not she was alive anymore. I had a lot of “talks” with Lianne (writing in the notebooks I mentioned in the last question) and delved deep into her state of mind.
Which character would you like to bring to life, and what would your relationship be?
I wouldn’t mind a night with Chase. 😉 My favorite character in my novels so far is Krissin (Oubliette and Severed). She was so much fun to write. I’d love to see her come to life. She’d be my best friend.
Where in Lianne’s world would you like to tour and why?
In Sleepers, Lianne had a secret grove she’d retreat to when the world was too much to handle. I’d love to spend a day there in solitude.
If you had access to magic, what would you do with it?
The burden would be so great. I’d obviously want to help people, but in the back of my mind I’d always wonder if helping one person would be hurting another. I suggest everyone take a few minutes to read The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs. It’s a frightening short story.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on a series of novelettes for my other pen name, Isobel Lucas. I’m hoping to have those out before the end of the year. Then it’s Megg’s turn again. I have a few fantasy worlds I’ve created. It’s just a matter of choosing which one I want to live in next. 😀
Megg has been a freelance parenting journalist since 2003 and began writing YA novels in 2009. She co-runs DarkSide Publishing, is a member of SCBWI, and blogs about writing while juggling freelancing, volunteering, and family life. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two kids, and miniature schnauzer, Ace.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
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