Author Interviews (Pt. 2): Lina C. Amarego
Happy (Belated) Cover Reveal Day to Lina C. Amarego’s newsest book This Eclipsed Crown! The release date is June 21, 2024. Keep reading for the stunningly gorgeous cover and the description…
Three hearts. Two Kingdoms. One dark vow.
NO ONE TOLD Thera of Erebus how heavy her late father’s crown would be. But the newly appointed Shadow King feels its weight as she fights a war on two sides; against the Shadowborne, the vicious race of monsters terrorizing her people–and the vast, resourceful Luxian Empire. To end the bloodshed, the former ‘soul eater’ lays down her sword and forges a deal, offering to marry the Prince of Lux and settle the ages-long conflict once and for all– as long as she can keep her dark, shadowed past a secret.
No one told Prince Caelum Borealis how to lead. Cast in his father’s long, impressive shadow, he has lived his days studying the texts of his people without ever seeing the action, his illness keeping him caged in his own body. But when the new King of Erebus offers him a proposition--his hand in marriage for the promise of her dark power—Caelum has the opportunity to carve his own name into the history books and finally make his late mother proud.
No one told Aurora Bellatore the true price of a life. Since she swore her oath as the youngest Captain of the Guard in Luxian history, she would gladly give her life for the kingdom of Lux-- and for her beloved Prince Caelum. But when tasked to discreetly kill the new King of Erebus, she must decide which she’d rather sacrifice; her position, or her honor.
As Kingdoms eclipse and bonds shatter, as truths come to light and betrayals are exposed, Thera, Aurora, and Caelum must make the choice to either fill the roles they’ve been given, or to let their hearts lead; and risk breaking them.
For fans of Iron Widow and Game of Thrones.
A Bit About Lina C. Amarego…
A Fantasy savant, Amarego is preparing to publish her fifth book in the genre, though her first in the Adult Fantasy genre. You can find This Eclipsed Crown and her other books (Daughter of the Deep, Sister of the Stars, Mother of the Moon, and Wind Flowers) on Amazon, at Barnes & Nobles, and at all major book retailers. You can also find Of Fate and Fury, A Deadly Sins Anthology at all major book retailers.
You can connect with her on her Instagram (@lina_amarego_writes).
What has been the biggest struggle that you have faced with this project?
This was my first attempt at adult fantasy, and the complexity and tone were an exciting but challenging endeavor for me.
In what ways has this project changed you?
This project required me to really look at some of the darker parts of myself, and in allowing my characters to sometimes make bad choices and not be likable, it really helped me feel more confident in my own flaws.
What is your number one piece of advice for other writers?
Write what you want. There are too many rules that self-proclaimed gurus will try and sell you, and it inhibits the creative spirit.
How do you prioritize your mental health when writing?
As a therapist, this is so essential for me. I do a lot of my own therapy, spend time with my wonderful partner, and try to maintain good boundaries with work and rest.
What media (film, t.v., literature, etc.) has inspired you? In this project and/or in others?
For this Eclipsed Crown, I was heavily inspired by Game of Thrones and Dune, but I wanted similarly large worlds written by women for women. I also pulled a lot of influence from shows like Tokyo Ghoul and Castlevania for the dark vibes and political intrigue.
What is your favorite part about the writing process and why?
Characters are the building blocks for relationships and for the worlds we write, so finding a character’s voice and point of view is always my favorite part. This Eclipsed Crown was no exception; Thera, Rory, and Caelum were some of the most fun to discover.
How have past successes and failures influenced how you approached your upcoming novel?
I have been wonderfully blessed that The Children of Lyr series has been generally well received, and I’ve learned so much since then thanks to my debut books. I feel like I know my pacing better, I have more knowledge of the craft, and I am better organized in my approach to plotting and executing a novel. Which was all absolutely necessary for TEC, as it’s my most complicated world yet.
Final Words:
Thank you so much to Lina C. Amarego for allowing me to interview her and go preorder This Eclipsed Crown now!
