Interview with Coco ma for Shadow Frost
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Synopsis:
IN THE KINGDOM OF AXARIA, a darkness rises.
Some call it a monster, laying waste to the villagers and their homes.
Some say it is an invulnerable demon summoned from the deepest abysses of the Immortal Realm.
Many soldiers from the royal guard are sent out to hunt it down.
Not one has ever returned.
When Asterin Faelenhart, Princess of Axaria and heir to the throne, discovers that she may hold the key to defeating the mysterious demon terrorizing her kingdom, she vows not to rest until the beast is slain. With the help of her friends and the powers she wields — though has yet to fully understand — Asterin sets out to complete a single task. The task that countless, trained soldiers have failed.
To kill it.
But as they hunt for the demon, they unearth a plot to assassinate the Princess herself instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves. With no one else to turn to, they are forced to decide just how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect the only world they have ever known.
That is, of course… if the demon doesn’t get to them first.
From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.
Can you briefly describe SHADOW FROST and its characters?
One task: killing a demon that cannot die. Nine magical powers based on the elements. Seven people willing to sacrifice anything to save the world as they know it. Some of them are secretly royals, but you’ll have to read the book to find out who!
Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?
I keep changing my favourite character every time I get asked this question, so my default answer from now on is going to be Lux. He’s a very temperamental horse with a mind of his own and I will always adore him.
How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?
I’ve always been enamored with fairy tales and fairy tale retellings, so I definitely think Shadow Frost (and subsequent books) are an homage to that love. The sequel is inspired by quite a few myths and tales, but Shadow Frost itself definitely gravitates to one in particular, with a few subtle nods here and there to other stories.
If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?
Wow, that’s such a hard question! I literally spent the last ten minutes scrolling through my Spotify playlists and couldn’t find a good answer. So I’m just going to go with bad guy, or all the good girls go to hell, or basically any other Billie Eilish song because I love her. WAIT, NO. GO THE DISTANCE FROM THE DISNEY HERCULES SOUNDTRACK. YES.
Fall is here, and we love to go out and find the perfect cosy spot. What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?
As a general aesthetic, spiced apple cider, afternoon walks in the forest once the leaves start falling so you can crush them under your feet, and warm fuzzy sweaters! ʕ □□□ ʔ *:･ﾟ✧Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish SHADOW FROST?
The first three books I’m going to be reading after I finish revising the sequel are Serpent & Dove, Gideon the Ninth, and The Priory of the Orange Tree! Not to sound like I don’t enjoy revising, but I cannot wait to read something that I did not write myself!!!What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?
Reworking plot points that you did not plan out properly or forgot existed, haha.
What’s next for you?
Sequel to Shadow Frost! Make sure to read all the way to the end of the book to catch a sneak peek! ;) I’m also heading to YALLFest in November, which I’m crazy excited about!
Coco Ma is a Canadian-Chinese author and pianist. She wrote her first novel, Shadow Frost, at the age of 15. Since she began playing the piano at the age of five and a half, she has also performed on some of the world's greatest concert stages and graduated with a pre-college diploma in piano performance from The Juilliard School in New York City. Currently, she studies at Yale University. When she isn't practicing piano, writing, or studying, you might find her bingeing Netflix or eating cake. Lots of cake.
Follow Coco on Twitter @shadowfrost2019 and Instagram @CakeForCoco or visit her website at Coco-Ma.com!
Blackstone Publishing is giving away to the first 150 entrants (1) signed bookplate, (1) Shadow Frost bookmark, (1) Shadow Frost button, and (1) Blackstone Publishing tote bag.
All you need to do is, pre-order Shadow Frost (links above) and fill out the form (click on this link).
Shadow Frost pre-order prize pack, sponsored by Blackstone Publishing, will open September 12th, 6 AM PST and close on October 1st 11:59 PM PST. The first 150 entrants will be selected and notified by email by October 22nd, 2019.
US and Canada residents only. Must be 13 years of age or older to enter. By entering the pre-order prize pack, you agree to sign up for the Blackstone Publishing Newsletter.
Blackstone Publishing is giving away to the first 150 entrants (1) signed bookplate, (1) Shadow Frost bookmark, (1) Shadow Frost button, and (1) Blackstone Publishing tote bag.
All you need to do is, pre-order Shadow Frost (links above) and fill out the form (click on this link).
Shadow Frost pre-order prize pack, sponsored by Blackstone Publishing, will open September 12th, 6 AM PST and close on October 1st 11:59 PM PST. The first 150 entrants will be selected and notified by email by October 22nd, 2019.
US and Canada residents only. Must be 13 years of age or older to enter. By entering the pre-order prize pack, you agree to sign up for the Blackstone Publishing Newsletter.
For more information go to Blackstone Publishing (https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/shadowfrost).
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