Today, I’m thrilled to host this Q&A with the author of Storm From The East (the 2nd book in the Glass Alliance series). To celebrate her upcoming book release, Joanna Hathaway made me the honor to answer a few questions about her writing and her creative process.
Her young adult fantasy novel is set to be released on February 11, 2020. Published by Tor Teen, this Q&A is part of her Blog Tour hosted by FFBC Tour.
Now, let me introduce you to Joanna Hathaway.
Joanna Hathaway, Author of Storm from the East (Glass Alliance series #2) – Q&A
What inspired you to write this series?
I was inspired by both history and my love of airplanes. As a teen, I loved stories of royalty (huge Anne Boleyn fan here!) and stories of war, particularly the memoirs of fighter pilots in WWII.
Thus, the Glass Alliance series is definitely a reflection of both sides of me. Princess and pilot. 🙂
Is there a character that you found challenging to write? Why?
Writing Athan’s oldest brother, Arrin, is a challenge for me, because he has a questionable record from the frontlines and I always want to make sure he isn’t “let off the hook” for that.
At the same time, I also believe he is somewhat a product of his environment and I can’t imagine being raised with a father like the General and essentially being forced into war as a child soldier. It’s a tricky balance to write him with empathy while also holding him to account for his individual choices.
How does a typical writing day look like for you?
I’m not sure there is much of a “typical” day for me! Each day is a bit different as I try to fit my writing in around my day job and other commitments. I often write early in the morning, before work, or on the weekends. A big cup of tea is usually involved. And, of course, a good playlist cued up with songs that put me in the right zone for writing.
What is your current read?
I am currently reading Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente and very much enjoying it. It mixes magic and fantasy with Russian history, and I love the blend.
Is there something you can share with us that is not on the blurb?
Well, this has been a bit of a secret, but I’m excited to share that the “prologue” for the second book actually takes us backwards in time, to see a certain general and a certain queen when they were much younger and fighting on the same side…
I know there are a lot of readers who would love to know more about Dakar and Sinora, so I’m excited to share a little glimpse of that in Storm.
They have their own story unfolding alongside Ali and Athan!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, JOANNA HATHAWAY, FOR ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS!
Storm From The East – Synopsis
Battles, revolution, and romance collide in Joanna Hathaway’s stunning, World Wars-inspired sequel to Dark of the West
Part war drama, part romance, Storm from the East is the second novel in Joanna Hathaway’s immersive, upmarket YA fantasy series that will appeal to readers of Sabaa Tahir, Marie Rutkoski, and Evelyn Skye.
War has begun, and the days of Athan’s and Aurelia’s secret, summer romance feel a world away. Led by Athan’s father, the revolutionary Safire have launched a secret assault upon the last royal kingdom in the South, hoping to depose the king and seize a powerful foothold on the continent. Athan proves a star pilot among their ranks, struggling to justify the violence his family has unleashed as he fights his way to the capital—where, unbeknownst to him, Aurelia has lived since the war’s onset. Determined to save the kingdom Athan has been ordered to destroy, she partners with a local journalist to inflame anti-Safire sentiment, all while learning this conflict might be far darker and more complex than she ever imagined.
When the two reunite at last, Athan longing to shake the nightmare of combat and Aurelia reeling from the discovery of a long-buried family truth come to light, they’ll find the shadow of war stretches well beyond the battlefield. Each of them longs to rekindle the love they once shared . . . but each has a secret they’re desperate to hide.
BOOK DETAILS
- Author: Joanna Hathaway
- Publisher: Tor Teen
- Release Date: February 11, 2020
- Book Length: 496 pages
- Genre: YA Fantasy
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Book Excerpt – Storm From The East
Book-Excerpt-Storm-From-The-EastAbout the Author – Joanna Hathaway
JOANNA HATHAWAY was born in Montréal and is an avid storyteller who was inspired to write after reading her great-grandfather’s memoirs of the First World War. A lifelong history buff, she now has shelves filled with biographies and historical accounts, and perhaps one too many books about pilots. She can often be found reading, traveling, or riding horses.
Her debut novel DARK OF THE WEST is the first in a World Wars-infused fantasy series of forbidden love and deadly revenge. STORM FROM THE EAST will hit shelves on February 11, 2020.
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US GIVEAWAY
PRIZE: Win (1) of (3) copies of STORM FROM THE EAST by Joanna Hathaway (US Only)
STARTS: 21st January 2020 – ENDS: 4th February 2020
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