Blog Tour: Interview with Morgan Rhodes, author of Fallling Kingdoms

Today I have a very special treat you for all - as the first stop on the new YA fantasy Falling Kingdoms blog tour I've got an interview with the author herself, Morgan Rhodes. I've read the book and it's a lot of fun (my review will be out tomorrow), so lets get to know the person behind the words...

First of all welcome to Mel's Random reviews - it's great having you here and I’m very excited to be the first stop on your blog tour for Falling Kingdoms!

Thanks so much for hosting me today… it’s great to be here!

First tell us a little about yourself...

I’m a full-time writer who spends the majority of her days wading through imaginary worlds. I’m a movie and TV addict and a super-picky but passionate reader. I’ve written two dozen paranormal and urban fantasy novels under another pen name… but Falling Kingdoms is my first YA high fantasy and the first written as Morgan Rhodes, and I couldn’t be more excited about it!

Falling Kingdoms is the first book in a new fantasy series - how would you describe it to potential readers?

I’d tell them it’s a tapestry of betrayal, angst, and treachery, friendship and family, enemies and soul mates, following the lives of four very different teens characters from three neighbouring lands as they begin to intertwine during a time of war and magic.

There are many great characters in these books – do you have a favourite to write for and why?

Thank you so much! While I enjoy writing all the characters, I must admit to a bit of favouritism toward Prince Magnus. I think I could write an entire book just in his point of view. He’s not a simple to understand character – he has a bunch of layers like an onion, as each one peels back he shows me more about who he is and what he wants, even if he doesn’t know it fully himself yet. Plus, he’s just really dark and sarcastic, which is the best way to my heart! ;)

Do you plan in advance or to you start not knowing where the story will end?

I need to have a very solid outline before I am comfortable writing a book. I’ve tried to write the other way, with no outline, but that’s never worked out very well! Over the years, I’ve learned my process and, while a bit messy and complicated, it works for me.

Why do you think fantasy remains such a popular genre?

I think fantasy has a timeless quality to it that appeals to all age groups—high fantasy and urban fantasy. It’s not a fad, it’s here to stay. There’s so much room to explore within the broad borders of the genre that it never gets boring.

There are hints of magic in Falling Kingdoms - have you ever had a magical/supernatural experience?

I honestly can’t say that I have – outside of card tricks and magic shows in Las Vegas. Too bad, since that would be really cool.

What have you got coming up next?

I am currently working on the sequel to Falling Kingdoms. Book #2 is called Rebel Spring, and it will be out next Fall. It picks up where Falling Kingdoms ends. I’ve already seen the preliminary cover art and it’s absolutely gorgeous – can’t wait to share!

Finally a 60 second, quick question quiz

- Favourite book you’ve read? This honestly could change depending on the day and my mood, but the first thing that came to mind today is the Harry Potter series, especially The Prisoner of Azkaban.

- Favourite food?  Key Lime Pie.

- Favourite film? Gone with the Wind

- Favourite music? Madonna.

- Favourite authors? Richelle Mead, Karen Marie Moning, J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins…to name just a few.

- Favourite saying/quote? “Fairytales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” –G.K. Chesterton

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!

You’re so very welcome! Happy reading!

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Falling Kingdoms is available in Print on 3rd January 2013: Buy from Amazon.co.uk here
Available in E-Copy from 11th December: Buy from Amazon.co.uk here

Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Blog tour over the next two weeks - loads of snippets from the books and the chance to win a copy!