“The time for Kiero’s reign in prosperity is over.”  Six years before the Black Dawn Rebellion, Adair Stratton and Emory Fae are following in their parent’s footsteps and living at The Academy, a home for those who are gifted. The pressure to uphold the future of their parent’s dream falls on them. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. Even if Emory tries to make him see differently. An unexpected group of friends keep him there, but as whispers of unexplained disappearances start reaching from the capital, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.  An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath- for the first time in years, they demand the Fae’s listen to their proposition for a new treaty, holding the news of Nei’s father’s abrupt death over them. Caught in the middle of politics- Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis search for the one thing that matters most- finding out the truth.  In this gripping prequel to Black Dawn, their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made. War ravages through Kiero and is torn apart by acclaimed Kings. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision- to fight or to bow to the darkness within him. Goodreads | Amazon

OHB: Welcome Mallory! Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
Thanks for having me! I’m working on a couple different projects at the moment! Currently I’m finishing the third book in the Black Dawn series- Kingdom of Broken Iron. My side projects are a new YA fantasy series, I have pulled inspiration from Spawn and Sleeping Beauty, as well as a standalone YA contemporary/ fantasy book cross, that follows the story of my main character Harlow, who has to slay her anxiety in monster form to save her best friend.
OHB: I am so glad you stopped by. Woah. These sound bloody amazing.

OHB: Who are your books mostly dedicated to?  
A staple is always to my mom, dad and brother. Also my husband (and our dachshunds), and my cousin and best friend Jess. But as well, each book has dictated a dedication. Renegade, was for anyone was fights for love. Queen to Ashes is for anyone that has followed their own path. But always for my readers, who have supported me!
OHB: That is a neat idea - dedicating them to others who can relate to the message.

OHB: It is often believed that almost all writers have had their hearts broken at some point in time, does that remain true for you as well? 
The one thing about life is it’s unpredictable. Everyone will have their heart broken I think at one point. One of the things that is amazing about writing, is to pour emotion into your story, and characters. Have I had my heart broken? Absolutely. Do I use my life experiences to help carve and flesh out my characters? 100 percent.
OHB: Very well said. I, too, have found writing to be a great outlet for stress, not that I would ever be able to publish any of it, but still it helps.

OHB: Who is the most supportive of your writing in your family?
I’m extremely fortunate to have an amazing family, and everyone has been so supportive of my writing, that I can’t properly express my gratitude in words. I would be lost without them!
OHB: I completely understand and agree. The love of family leaves us speechless.

OHB: When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?
I dreamed of it. The world of Kiero was something I used to talk to my cousin about late into the night, and it was that- a fantasy world. But it was something I couldn’t shake- the stories or the characters, and ten years later here we are! Don’t ever give up on your dreams, you never know where the road will take you.
OHB: That is very inspiring to think of how the world was waiting on you to be created.

OHB: If given the opportunity to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?
This is a hard question- I feel as a writer you could rework a story into oblivion. But I’m a strong believer in you know when you are happiest with your work, but I wouldn’t change any of my books. The best thing about being a writer is growing your craft and learning. The books I have out capture my writing now, and I hope my craft grows and changes as I do.
OHB: Exactly. You are your biggest critic.

OHB: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Writing is one of the hardest things I have ever done. You pour your soul into your work, years of your life into a story. Of course I have had moments of exhaustion, of doubt, times where I had to step away from my work. But always, my passion is in writing, and as long as it brings me happiness, I won’t stop.
OHB: They say that if you are passionate about something then you will never actually work - I am not so sure I agree with that. Ha. 

OHB: Writers are often believed to have a Muse, your thoughts on that?
Yes absolutely! As all artists draw inspiration from, it depends what that is for the person I believe! For me, nature and music help get my creative thinking going and I can lose myself in both for hours.
OHB: Hmm. I guess my pillow would have to be my muse then. I always seem to think of a great story idea once I lie down.

OHB: Do you have a day job other than being a writer? And do you like it?
I do! ☺ My husband and I work as building managers by day- a job that I also love!!!! The company I work for is amazing and I have the most supportive coworkers in the world!

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops. Instagram | Twitter | Facebook