Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Zilla: I’m a big fan of dark fantasy—particularly starring nuanced, dangerous women. L. N. Holmes delivers exactly that in her latest novel, The Floating Castle. L.N., can you describe the story for our readers?

L.N.: To secure her position as the emperor’s favorite daughter, Princess Fu Liling sails across a monster-infested sea to marry and subdue Elias of House Zartisval, crown prince of a rival kingdom. When she meets Elias, however, he unexpectedly refuses to marry her. At risk of being cut off from the imperial family, Liling tries to force the wedding, only to discover that Elias is a murderer and she is his disposable hostage. 

 Liling resolves to expose this betrayal to her father and plots an escape, relying on a reluctant guard and a rebel witch to aid in her flight. Elias, who’d rather see them all dead than free, gives chase. The ensuing battle may cause the Floating Castle to literally fall, and Liling must decide: surrender and die to keep the peace or dishonor her father in exchange for her own life and liberty. The repercussions of her choice will ripple across a continent. 

Fans of Game of Thrones and The Witcher will appreciate this epic fantasy for its morally gray women, dangerous political intrigue, and sinister magic. 

Zilla: I love everything about this—you could have written this book for me. Who did you write this book for?

L.N.: When I was a young woman, I needed stories about women who could survive despite the extreme adversity they were facing. Thankfully, I stumbled upon stories like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Hunger Games, but I struggled to find the stories that I needed in epic fantasy, especially ones that didn’t center a romance. I became so frustrated with the lack of those stories that I decided to write one instead. That’s how The Floating Castle came to be. I hope it will find its way into the hands of women who need to see other women surviving.

Right now, mostly other writers (horror and fantasy writers) are reading my book. I hope to reach more readers at festivals and other in-person events coming up this year.

Zilla: You have a really personal reason for writing this book. What’s the reason you write overall?

L.N.: Stories are one of our most powerful and effective ways to communicate with one another. I’m not a gifted speaker, but if I have time to think about and refine my ideas, I feel like I can communicate at least somewhat well with my writing. I ultimately just long to connect with other people, to love and understand those who are different (or even the same) as me.

Zilla: What’s your next writing project?

L.N.: Besides finishing The Dragon Gate series? I have two horror stories haunting my brain, demanding attention.

Zilla: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

L.N.: You can find The Floating Castle in six independent bookstores: The Crafty Bookstore, The Cozy Book Nook, The Bookworm (Omaha), Amethyst and Ink Books, Snapdragon Books & Gifts, and The Floating Bookshop. I would encourage you to buy from them first. The purchase links are on my website.