When invading Gyndilians tear through the kingdom of Klinhun and murder her sister, Adelaide mounts a peasant rebellion against the king who failed to protect them. Accompanied by her hawk Cyr, Adelaide sets out across Klinhun to secretly gather as many rebels as she can. Unfortunately, she’s soon joined by a traveling companion who refuses to leave her side–and he just so happens to be the crown prince.
Prince Elias has a mission of his own: to convince the people of Klinhun to join forces with the legendary dragons they’ve long regarded as enemies, before both races are destroyed. He’s certain that fierce, stubborn Adelaide is exactly the ally he needs…if he can only gain her trust in time.
I’ve had the pleasure of journeying alongside fantasy author Rachel Greco over the last few years as she wrote, edited, and found a publishing home for her debut novel, The Gift of Dragons. Gift released last month from Atmosphere Press, and I’m celebrating here with an author interview! Come pull up a chair with Rachel and me as we talk about characters, inspiration, and perseverance.
Let’s talk about dragons! What sparked your interest in these winged beasts?
That’s a great question! I don’t remember what first interested me in dragons, but I do recall reading Jessica Day George’s Dragon Slippers series and Christopher Paolini’s Eragon in middle school and high school. I loved the idea of these magnificent, mighty creatures, and that frail little humans could have a relationship with them—even ride them! I always thought it would be neat to have a dragon for a friend. No more walking for me.
What were some of the other inspirations behind The Gift of Dragons?
I wanted to tell a story of the persistent love of a man for a woman who continually refused him, much like God’s love for humankind.
The idea of dragons came after the initial story idea, but I’m glad I included it, because I now can’t imagine the story without that element.
If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would you choose and why?
Probably Prince Elias because he is such a kind man. He would also have some great stories to share about his past and what it’s like to be the Prince of Klinhun. I love his poetry and songs and could listen to him sing all day long.
The friendship between Adelaide and her hawk, Cyr, is one of my favorite parts of your story. How did a hawk wing his way into your plot?
Honestly, I have no idea where Cyr came from; he’s sneaky that way. I always pictured Adelaide with a hawk because it fits her fierce personality so well. I also wanted her to have someone to process things with as she journeys through Klinhun to overthrow its rulers, and an animal seemed the best way to do that.
Do you have a favorite minor character within this story?
Cyr, of course! But since he doesn’t talk much, I’ll say Gunter. My heart bleeds for this friend of Adelaide’s, because like her, he wants the best for his country. But circumstances deal him a rough hand, and he soon finds himself in a very difficult situation. He wants to be brave like Adelaide, but struggles with the best way to do that and find his way back to her.
He develops so much in the sequel through difficult circumstances, and I just enjoy watching him grow but ache for him at the same time.
The Gift of Dragons is your debut novel. What advice would you give to other writers who want to get a book of their own out into the world?
Be patient and persistent. With all the various ways to launch a book into the world these days, the process looks vastly different for each person—and they’re all viable options. Your journey to publication won’t be the same as anyone else’s, and that’s okay. It might take five months, five years, or fifty, but none of those are wrong.
Just keep writing through the rejections and disappointment, and also through the good news and celebrations. Keep pitching your story and researching and trying. You never know when you’ll hit upon a story that a publisher or reader loves. In the meantime, research other parts of the publishing/business part, because it’s vastly different than writing.
Tell us about some of the books and authors that have most impacted your own writing and imagination.
I grew up reading Shannon Hale’s books, which I adored (and still do), especially Princess Academy and the Books of Bayern series. Her mastery of words and her poetic way of writing made me want to play with words in the same way.
(I highly recommend Shannon Hale’s Bayern series, as well. Click here and here to read my reviews!)
I also loved the fairy-tale like worlds of Gail Carson Levine in Ella Enchanted and The Two Sisters of Bamarre. Her stories could always draw me in like a butterfly to a wildflower, and the characters were so real. I always strive for these elements in my writing.
More recently, I’ve been enamored with Brandon Sanderson’s world building and magic systems. Mine will probably never be as complex as his, but it’s definitely something worth striving for!
What’s next for you?
The Gift of Dragons has a sequel (which is the final book), so editing that is my priority. But if I only edit one novel over and over again, I go crazy. So I’m also taking breaks to edit a standalone futuristic YA sci-fi novel. This book is about vampires who drink thoughts instead of blood. While I’m eager to finish Adelaide’s story and not leave readers hanging, I’m also enjoying being immersed in a completely different world of the standalone sci-fi novel. I’m hoping to publish the latter traditionally, but we shall see!
You can learn more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelagreco.com, or on Facebook and Instagram: @rachelgrecoauthor. For more updates, deleted scenes, and sneak peeks of Rachel’s books, subscribe to her monthly newsletter!
This was a great interview! I haven’t read any books about dragons in…too long! That vampire one sounds really cool too, I hope it goes well for you!