Author Kendare Blake Interviewing Reed, an Aristene initiate from CHAMPION OF FATE

September 19, 2023 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

Author Kendare Blake Interviewing Reed, an Aristene initiate from CHAMPION OF FATE

About CHAMPTION OF FATE

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake is back with an epic duology starter that follows a young woman training to join a fabled order as she attempts to lead a hero to his critical first victory. A must-read for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Victoria Aveyard.

Aristene are an order of mythical female warriors. Though heroes might be immortalized in legends, it’s the Aristene who guide their paths to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Raised by the order after being orphaned, Reed grew up surrounded by her future sisters-in-arms and the incredible stories of their quests. She’s been counting the days until her initiation, and now one final test stands in her way: shepherding her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and her place in the order is secured. Fail, and she’ll be cast out of the only home she’s ever known.

But Reed didn’t count on Hestion, her assigned hero, being both infuriating and intriguing. When their strategic alliance turns into something more, it forces Reed to question the cost of becoming an Aristene. As battle looms and fate hangs in the balance, Reed must make an impossible choice: her hero or her order.

This interview was conducted in the Aristene city of Atropa. To get there the author was required to travel through something called The Veil, which is basically a black portal vortex that’s terrifying and really sucks to go through.

Reed: Welcome to Atropa.

Author: Thank you. I think I’m going to vomit. Yep, here goes.

Reed: The way back is easier.

Author: Really?

Reed: No. But that’s what we usually tell people.

The author took a moment here, to clean herself up, and take in the views of the city. It looks ancient and timeless, white buildings and idyllic green hillsides. Mountains. Sea. The city itself is capped by a massive white fortress topped by an almost equally massive gold dome.

Author: Shit, that thing is blinding! Do we get to go in there?

Reed: Only the Aristene and the acolytes are allowed inside the Citadel.

Author: But I can show you my press pass. No? Fine. This place is nice. Warm. Sunny. I almost don’t mind being covered in vomit. So this is where the Aristene reside, when they’re not out in the world guiding heroes to glory. And it’s all, safe and cozy and impenetrable and stuff.

Reed, looks uncomfortable: Was that a question?

Author: Not really. Give me a minute; I’m still nauseous. *Points to a gray horse next to Reed* I thought your horse was black?

Reed: This is my mentor’s horse: Rabbit.

Author: Is she one of those Areion things? The immortal horses of the order who can talk? *waves* Hi, Rabbit.

Rabbit: says nothing

Author: Am I supposed to bow?

Reed: It’s said that the Areion can talk. But few have heard them speak.

Author: Oh-kay. So on to the interview. What is the single most important thing that drives you to become and Aristene? To join this…mystical order?

Reed: To aid heroes and serve glory is a great honor. *pauses* Also the magic. And the power. And the immortality. *pats Rabbit* The crafty immortal horses aren’t so bad either.

Author: But you have to give up a lot to get all that, don’t you?

Reed: Every initiate must make the choice.

Author: And you have until the end of your Hero’s Trial to make up your mind. Pass the test, make your choice.

Reed: My mind is already made.

Author: Oh-kay. But you know, lots of stuff can happen between now and then. Just, live in the now, is what I’m saying.

Reed: Who are you?

Author: I’m no one. I’m your scribe, I just want the best for you. Tell me about this first hero of yours. I hear he’s quite the beefcake. Are you blushing? Men are horrible creatures, honey. They will ruin your life, mark my words.

Reed: ???

Author: I’m just kidding; that’s a quote from Steel Magnolias. It was one of my mom’s favorite movies.

Reed: My mother was killed by raiders when I was a child.

Here the author paused uncomfortably and commented on the weather to change the subject.

Author: So can I see your sword?

Reed unsheathes it.

Author: Cool, can I touch it?

Reed puts it back.

Reed: I think you should leave. You’re troublesome.

Author: Me? YOU’RE troublesome. Do you know how many battles you made me write? Battles are hard, you know. Just as hard as love scenes. And don’t think I didn’t see it when you and that beefcake—

Here the interview ended, when the author was promptly kicked back through the Veil. It was not, as Reed had promised, easier on the way home. She vomited. Again.

BUY HERE

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Kendare Blake is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series. She holds an MA in creative writing from Middlesex University in northern London. She is also the author of Anna Dressed in Blood, a Cybils Awards finalist; Girl of Nightmares; Antigoddess; Mortal Gods; and Ungodly. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, have been featured on multiple best-of-year lists, and have received many regional and librarian awards. Kendare lives and writes in Gig Harbor, Washington. Visit her online at www.kendareblake.com.