When M.K. Lobb started writing the manuscript that would ultimately become her debut YA novel, she set out to write a book for herself. An Ode to the Horniest Sitcom Parents, the Belchers and the Wilkersons By Clare Martin April 11, 2023 | 10:40am Lobb: I love it, too! At least for me, it’s all about the tension. When two characters have a fraught relationship, I think it’s natural to want to know how they’re eventually going to overcome that. What are they going to learn about one another that changes their opinions? Where are they going to find common ground (or not)?

That said, writing Roz was definitely more of a cathartic experience for me. She has so much of the rage I felt as a teen, and the rage that sits inside me still. She also possesses a lot of qualities I think people are predisposed to dislike in female characters, whether they realize it or not, and yet she’s unapologetic about it. I found that really fun to write. Excitement ensues as Karina and Malik plot each other’s downfall, having no idea their own lives are at risk. This leaves the reader wondering how on earth a resolution will come about—especially given Karina and Malik’s growing connection. I had it in my head that I wanted to write a murder mystery, but I didn’t immediately know what that would look like. What I did know was that I wanted a darkly lush world, an enemies-to-lovers romance, a belief system I could work to unravel, and characters I could pour my whole self into. I always say that Roz is my rage, and Damian my regret—-that could not be more true, and writing them was almost cathartic for me. Matilda Briggs on The Secret of the Sul’Dam: Subtle Changes to the Way the One Power Works in The Wheel of Time TV Series 11 mins ago Damian leaned away from Leonzio’s body, repressing a shiver. The disciple’s bedroom was cold, and dim candlelight cast shadows on the gilded walls. Perhaps it was merely situational, but there was something oppressive about the darkness nipping at the edges of that orange glow. Something unnerving about the way Leonzio’s face was turned so as to reflect in the mirror across the room.

The Best Sitcoms on Netflix Right Now (October 2023) By Garrett Martin and Paste Staff October 20, 2023 | 12:00pm Paste Magazine: Tell us a bit about where the inspiration for Seven Faceless Saints came from. What made you want to tell this story?

Roz Lacertosa and Damian Venturi grew up as close friends–turned–young lovers until the war between rebel and national forces tore Damian away from home. Years later, the two are shells of their former selves and in vastly different social circles in Ombrazia.Lobb: I think Roz’s main issue is that she was already on the path to radicalization, and being forced to join what’s essentially the ruling class made everything so much worse. She’s seen how people without magic are treated, because she was one of them for most of her life. She knows what happened to her father, and how those like him are seen as disposable. Damian’s heart sank. If Giada didn’t know what had killed Leonzio, it would be more difficult to come up with a list of suspects. That said, it likely comes as no surprise that my debut novel Seven Faceless Saints contains the perspectives of both main characters as their paths converge after three long years apart. Of course, it’s far from a peaceful reconciliation, but that’s to be expected when one’s former beloved stood by as his father ruined one’s life. Oh, the perils of young love. A suicide?” Forte echoed the suggestion derisively, hands roving the dead man’s clothes and bedsheets for whatever they could tell him. Disciples of Grace had a connection to such things: It was what made them expert weavers, able to manipulate fabrics into anything from trousers to tapestries without touching a needle and thread. “How convenient that would be for you, Signor Venturi.”

You were at the Mercato.” Forte’s voice was bland as he echoed Damian’s statement. “Did you not make your rounds of the temples yesterday?” Convenient, isn’t it,” Damian said, “that Leonzio turned up poisoned mere days after you two argued over a new policy initiative.”Vanessa Armstrong Horror Film It Follows to Get a Sequel, Reasonably Titled They Follow 9 hours ago Thank you for coming. Enzo, can you head to Death’s temple? Tell the guild to send one of their disciples to the Palazzo. I don’t care who it is. I need a read on the body.” Giada swallowed a dry sob as she caught sight of Leonzio’s body. She was older than Damian—probably in her mid twenties—but was a slip of a thing, with dark hair and a darker gaze. “It’s true, then. He’s really dead.” She touched her eyelids, then her heart, in the sign of the patron saints. If there’s one thing I look for in YA fantasy, it’s a side of romantic tension. More specifically, the fraught, complicated kind. Whether the characters are rivals, mortal enemies, or simply two young people who can’t seem to get along, you can inject it into my veins. When building this kind of dynamic, I absolutely love dual-POV (point of view). As a reader, there’s something about knowing both of the main characters better than they know each other. You’re constantly on the edge of your seat, waiting for secrets to come to light or repressed feelings to burst forth. Only then can you let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding.

I loved Roz and Damian, and wow have they been through it. Roz is surly and tough as nails, while Damian is trying to find his place in the world and has a lot of heart… Great characters and an exciting plot make me very excited for the second book!” This question is the foundation of Seven Faceless Saints , the new YA dark fantasy mystery from M.K. Lobb.I specifically love dual-POV when the two characters have a shared past. Seeing how they remember one another, as well as how the dynamic between them has shifted over time, is one of my favourite methods of characterization. As such, I was a big fan of Onyx and Ivory. As Lane and Colton work to solve a series of mysteries at Godbole, their relationship becomes increasingly complex. Lane knows Colton is hiding something, and as the reader, so do we. Having access to both perspectives, it’s intriguing to watch the characters form misconceptions about one another as a romance blossoms and the tension builds to a head. Lane immediately assumes Colton hates her, but from Colton’s POV you learn that couldn’t be further from the truth. Meanwhile, they’re both constantly intrigued by one another. It’s a classic example of “Character A is down bad, while Character B has no idea.” Combine that with all the secrets primed to come to light, the reader is steeped in anticipation from the start, which makes the resolution all the more sweet—and painful. I knew from the beginning I’d love Rossana, her anger, her hatred of her power, and her determination. She was a character I knew from the premise alone that I would love. And I did… I cannot wait for the sequel because I may have screeched a bit at the end.”