Iridescent Fury is the first book in a quartet of the Iridescent Fury series. I am lucky enough to interview Zachary James, the author. Before we get into the interview though here’s the plot!!
When Ariadae Vox’s father tries to murder her after returning from the darkened forest she has been banished from all her life, the sixteen-year-old takes it upon herself to delve into the seemingly wicked expanse of trees.
On her hunt for knowledge that can help her save her kingdom from the cursed king, she discovers magic, monsters, and secrets that tie her to a world she has never known. Ariadae learns the truth of her mother’s untimely fate, the lies hidden in the shadowed libraries of a ruthless Fae Queen, and the intentions behind each of her companions’ reasons for joining her on this quest for answers that becomes a fight for survival.
Q1. How did you come up with the idea for Iridescent Fury?
Zachary James: I came up with the idea of Iridescent Fury from a dream I had when I was 15. I was in the middle of a hiatus from writing when I dreamt about a red haired princess in a dark wood with horrifying monsters. It was magical and inspiring and writing became my escape! I wrote the book when I was only 15 and self-published it under a different title in 2017, but in 2019 I wanted to rewrite my debut story because I knew I could do it better! So that was essentially how I came up with the idea of Iridescent Fury.
Q2. Which authors inspire you?
Zachary James: Sarah J. Maas, Victoria Aveyard, Kerri Maniscalco, Tahereh Mafi and Sabaa Tahir.
Q3. What was your favourite read of last year?
Zachary James: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon!
Q4. Who would you cast as the characters if your book became a movie?
Zachary James: This sounds awful, but I really don’t have a fan cast for my book! I know it’s like every author’s dream to have their book become a movie and have a wonderful cast, but I’m not sure who would be able to play my babies. But if I had to pick, I know there is only TWO characters I could cast. Tyler Hoechlin would play Lunan and Charlize Theron would play High Lady Evaflora.
Q5. What are your favourite T.V. shows?
Zachary James: The Office, The Office and The Office.
Q6. Which Hogwarts houses would you sort your characters into?
Zachary James: Ariadae is definitely a Slytherin. She wants to be selfless but is selfish in her actions! She doesn’t know any better. Jeremiah and Zube are Hufflepuff! They’re too funny to be anywhere else. I’d say Jax is a Gryffindor because he is always courageous and strong and brave for Ariadae’s sake. He’s a little selfless, the opposite of our fiery-haired princess. And lastly, I think Fayla is a Ravenclaw. I know it seems like a strange choice right now, but as the series progresses you will see why I think that!
Q7. What 2020 book release are you excited for?
Zachary James: Since House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas has already been released, I think the 2020 releases that I’m most excited for are, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, Burn Your Bodies Down by Rory Power, Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi and Aurora Burning by Jay Kristoff and Amy Kaufman. I can’t pick just one.
Q8. What advice do you have for aspiring authors out there?
Zachary James: Some advice that I’d give to aspiring authors is do not get caught up in the editing or anything else until your story is done! Just write, write, and write some more and have fun doing it!!!
Q9. Can you tease any upcoming projects?
Zachary James: I can’t talk too much about my upcoming projects, but Cerulean Dawn – the sequel to Iridescent Fury – is in the works right now and coming along beautifully! And I may also have some other projects I’m working on that may or may not be moving to the traditional publishing route…
Iridescent Fury is available NOW!! You can buy it anywhere online!! To keep up to date with Zachary’s journey follow him on Instagram.
This interview was conducted by J.J. Fryer, a fantasy author and a strong supporter of indie writing. You can follow him on Instagram, read more of his blog posts or buy his books from our online store.
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