Nik Kirimizi (they/them) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about fantasy worldbuilding rooted in real-world history, mental illness representation, and how the only way out is through.

Nik Kirimizi (they/them) is the author of the fantasy novels Bounds of the Forest and Of Indomitable Desire as well as their forthcoming book Tales of the Tea Shop. You can find them on instagram @nikthemoonlightwriter

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

Indie author Luna Daye (she/her) interviews Noah Hawthorne (they/them) about crowdfunding their upcoming queer historical adventure novel The Voice of Wild Places—also known as “the gay we found along the way.”

Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: neshamapublishing.com

Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the epic fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website: lunadaye.com

Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong.

Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands.

Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart.

As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King.

Oak King Holly King is a gay romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a mortal clerk fated to save him.

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com