Dear readers,
Summer has come early to Austin. As I write this newsletter, it’s a sweltering 90 degrees and my iced tea has already melted. I’m heading to DC this weekend for AwesomeCon, so I’m in for a bit of a whiplash. What do you mean it’s not warm and sunny everywhere?!
But I come bearing news other than Texas weather. Namely, I have exciting panels and signings at AwesomeCon in Washington D.C. this weekend. I’ve made a fancy little graphic below listing all my appearances. If you are planning to come to the Con, or are in the area, please don’t be a stranger. I’d love to see you, sign your copies, and remember the humans I’m editing Book 2 for.
Speaking of Book 2, I’m on target to have Part 1 submitted to my editor by April 14. Book 2 (as of now) is split into four parts. I tend to write with a four or five-act structure, as it allows me to delve deeply into the characters while also weaving various plot threads together. Someone asked me in the Ravence Discord (which, if you haven’t joined yet, you should. It’s a lovely little community) if the characters of The Phoenix King came to me first, or the plot of the story. The characters came first. Yassen, Elena, Samson, and then Leo. I’ve written many books and short stories (mainly unpublished), but The Phoenix King was the first in which the characters appeared before, and I think that’s what made the difference.
Book 2 is set to release in August 2025. I know, I know, but I believe that the wait will be worth it. In many ways, Book 2 is an evolution: in themes, characters, plot, and consequences. We travel to different kingdoms of Sayon, meeting new characters and creating new adversaries. And I’m excited. Not just for you to see the evolution of Elena and [SPOILER]’s characters, but to also grapple with the complicated questions of war and solidarity that they struggle with. In war, to whom do you owe your loyalty? Yourself? Your people? The victims in another country? If the nation(s) you’re trying to protect are imperfect themselves, are they worth saving or reforming?
In an interview with The Stanford Daily, I was asked to describe Book 2 in three words. I don’t remember my answer save for one — manipulation.
Book 2 is a darker installment than The Phoenix King. It has teeth and claws that refuse to let you go until the ending, and even then, the bruises linger.
Book Events
I’m attending my very first AwesomeCon this year and I’m so excited to share panels with some lovely authors and host signings. Here’s my schedule:
Special Edition
In case you missed it in my last newsletter, The Phoenix King is getting an amazing special edition with AcryliPics Book Box!
This will be a paperback special edition and will feature:
✨ 3-Sided Full-Color Printed Page Edges
✨ Re-imagined Foiled Soft-Touch Dust Jacket
✨ Eight Translucent Page Overlays
Preorders will open March 30th. The AcryliPics team has shared a few previews of the new cover + art page overlays and they are gorgeous. We plan on sharing more sneak peeks and the box’s behind-the-scenes process on their TikTok page.
More news
If you haven’t read The Phoenix King yet, the Kindle version will be on sale at $2.99 on March 8th for one day only. Snag it while you can.
The Spanish edition will be released the day prior on March 7th. I’ve yet to hold the physical copy myself, but a few Spanish readers have already received gifted copies and it’s been a delight to see them on Instagram. Thank you for sharing.
Alright friends, I’m off. Back to the editing cave.
Keep a fire burning,
Aparna
August 2025 is SO FAR. But I am a patient woman. And I know it will be worth the wait! Any chance of a hardcover special edition one day?