Q: Is The Stargem Chronicles YA (Young Adult)?

A: No. Stargem Chronicles is an adult fantasy series. However, book one (City of Skies) does not have spice, and is light and hopeful in tone, so it may be suitable for age 16+. Book 2 (The Chosen Throne) contains spice as well as other mature content, and is intended for readers age 18+.

Q: Is The Stargem Chronicles “Romantasy”?

A: Think of this series as a romantasy + epic fantasy hybrid. The Stargem Chronicles is a high fantasy series with romance in it as an integral part of the plot. It won’t be quite what you’re used to in popular romantasy books as it’s not an enemies-to-lovers, the pacing is slower, the character arcs span over multiple books, and the world building, magic and plot are the main focus. However, the story also contains the familiar romance beats that romantasy readers love. Readers who loved Throne of Glass can expect a similar story.

Q: Is The Stargem Chronicles cozy?

A: I would not call is cozy, but it is much lighter in tone compared to popular grimdark fantasy series (i.e. A Song of Ice and Fire) or popular dark romance books. Cozy fantasy is technically defined as low stakes, with plots like winning a baking contest or planting a garden. Legends and Lattes or The Spellshop are great cozy fantasies. The Stargem Chronicles is comforting, whimsical and hopeful, yet with high stakes. It’s a story about kind hearted characters in a dark, brutal world.

Q: What are the romance tropes? Is it enemies to lovers?

A: This is NOT an enemies to lovers story. There are so many good ones out there already! The Stargem Chronicles is a second chance / friends-to-lovers romance filled with yearning, angst, and banter. The MMC is “green flag” Dorian / Aragorn coded, not morally grey at all. Other tropes include slow burn, forced proximity, fake dating, touch her and die, hot springs, one horse, and “it’s always been you”. Readers who love Rebecca Ross’s books with lots of yearning and sweet romance will enjoy this.

Q: Is there spice?

A: It’s a slow burn, so there’s no spice in book one. There is spice in book two, The Chosen Throne (about 2-2.5 chilli peppers).

Q: How many books will be in The Stargem Chronicles series?

A: It will be a five book series.

Q: Which fantasy authors inspired you?

A: Growing up, my favourite fantasy books were The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein, and anything by Patricia A. McKillip. Now, I love The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson, When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, The Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen, and Tears of the Wolf by Elisabeth Wheatley.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I can’t remember a time I wasn’t writing. As a kid I had a vivid imagination and loved to play pretend. Then in high school I wrote a lot of fanfiction, and was in the creative writing club. I chose to study music as my university major, but always kept up with lots of reading, journaling and blogging. During the pandemic, I had the idea for City of Skies. Then while on maternity leave in 2022, I wrote the first draft in about six weeks. From there I joined critique groups, worked with beta readers, and worked on editing for three years. I also wrote first drafts forsook 2, 3 and 4. My dream is to follow in my dad’s footsteps as a speculative fiction writer.