Defy the Sun
Jessika Fleck
(The Offering Series, #2)
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: March 10th 2020
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy, Young Adult
In this electrifying YA dystopian sequel to Beware the Night, Veda is captured and leveraged against her best friend, who fights for the opposing force.
Civil war has come to the island of Bellona. Veda Adeline believes in the Night. She’s joined the underground revolutionaries, led by Dorian Winters, and they’re determined to overthrow the ruling Imperi and find justice for her people.
Nico Denali, Veda’s childhood friend and maybe-something-more, is one of those ruling Imperi, and he’s just been named heir to the most powerful man above ground.
As the war intensifies, Veda and Nico are leveraged against each other: Veda is above as a hostage of the Imperi and Nico is below, taken by the Night. There’s no way Dorian is letting such a valuable hostage go.
The island will burn unless Veda and Nico can come together to rip everything apart. But Nico and Dorian will never trust each other, and Veda’s heart might be the biggest casualty.
Praise for Defy the Sun
“Jessika Fleck’s duology is a lyrical adventure with a twisting vein of romance throughout. I was both enchanted and haunted till the very end!” —Erin Beaty, author of the Traitor’s Trilogy
Beware the Night
“Jessika Fleck delights with a new fantasy novel set in a world where the Sun reigns supreme and the Night is your enemy—literally. Brims with secrets, betrayal, and a genuinely believable love triangle!” —Pintip Dunn, New York Times bestselling author of the Forget Tomorrow series
1. What inspired you to start writing?
I actually always viewed writing, other than poetry, as academic work because that had been my experience in school—writing papers and reports. However, some years ago, as a new mom with two young kids and very much starved for a creative outlet, writing sort of found me and I was instantly hooked.
2. How long have you been writing?
About thirteen years.
3. Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Not at all. As a child, I legit wanted to either be Cindi Lauper or one of the The Goonies. I went through several study changes in college (from art to business to health), but ended up with a degree in social studies. Like I mentioned, writing just sort of found me and it’s been pure magic ever since.
4. What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
I think one of the best things you can do is find a community of other writers who are at a similar place in their experience, goals, and desires. I’m not sure where I’d be without the support and help of my critique partners and beta readers. Also, try not to take rejection too personally because, even as a published author, it’s part of this profession and it’s also a very subjective business. Lastly, KEEP WRITING. You’ll only grow in your craft.
5. How do you handle writer’s block?
Honestly, deadlines help. A lot. 😉 But when I find myself stuck I listen to music, take a walk or a hike, cuddle with my dog (Opal—you’ll find lots of pics of her on my Insta feed), do something else creative like make novel aesthetics or create playlists, or brainstorm in notebooks. This is another area where that invaluable critique partner is key: mine has gotten me out of some really difficult writing/character/plot blocks.
6. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Voice is definitely number one. Each character has a unique voice all their own; one that not only draws you into their world but at the same time tells the reader so much with very little backstory. Next would be pacing—it’s a tough aspect to balance but so important. And finally, setting. I believe the setting should be a character in and of itself.
7. What comes first, the plot or characters?
Definitely the characters. Characters present themselves to me from the get go of a story—it’s usually how I first come up with my book ideas. I’ll get a vision or sort of a glimpse of a first line or scene and then everything unravels and evolves from there.
AUTHOR BIO:Jessika Fleck is an author, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. Her YA debut, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled TEEN), is now available. Her next YA novel, BEWARE THE NIGHT (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases March 12, 2019. More at www.jessikafleck.comAuthor links:
