Magic in Fantasy — The First Q&A Features on Supernatural Underground: AK Wilder & CROWN OF BONES
On January 5, Crown of Bones (Amassia #1) was published by Entangled Teen — and I was pleased to interview the author, Kim Falconer writing as AK Wilder, on the Supernatural Underground.
The interview is the first instalment in the Magic Systems in Fantasy series that is my theme for 2021 on the Supernatural Underground. As noted here on Monday, wherever possible I hope to not just feature a book that’s grabbed my interest in magic system terms, but to e-chat with the author to gain their insight into the magic within a book and/or world. As you may quite correctly surmise, this points to a focus on still-living authors for this year’s series. đ
I hope this will prove to be as interesting for readers as it for me. đ I’m also really pleased that timing meant Kim could take the first Q&A spot, because the path to publication for this book has encountered several delays, including a year for production reasons, and publication being pushed back again for Covid-related reasons. Now, though, it’s here at last — and a quick look at GoodReads indicates that the advance review response is very positive.
So I would love it if readers here would consider supporting Kim by reading the Q&A, and if that sparks your interest, by purchasing the book or requesting it to read at your local library. First up, though, here’s a taste of what Kim has to say:
“HL: Â As one of the lucky advance readers for Crown Of Bones, one of the aspects of the book that I really loved was the magic system, especially the twinned concepts of âthrowing the bonesâ and âraising your phantom.â Can you tell readers a little more about what these terms mean and how theyâre integral to the magic in the book?
AKW:Â You are right. These two concepts are cornerstones in the story world, really what all else is built on. âThrowing the bonesâ is a phrase used by all the peoples of Amassia, but only a select few, the black-robe Bone Throwers, learn this art of divination and utilise it. And these bones they throw are no ordinary charms. Every piece is carved into a whistle and etched with one of the 108 steps to Anâawntia, the highest state a person can reach along the Path â the way to their perfected state of being. When played, they make up the song or story in the cast, revealing the message therein. …”
To read the full interview — and see more of the lovely art generated for this book — go to:
Magic Systems in Fantasy: AK Wilder Talks Crown Of Bones with Helen Lowe on the Supernatural Underground
See you there! đ