Check out our interview with Danielle L. Jensen about "Scorched Earth," the final book in the Dark Shores series.
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
My most recent novel, "Scorched Earth," is the fourth and final book in the Dark Shores series. The series was inspired by my love of ancient history — particularly Rome — and the idea of what might happen if two vastly different civilizations were separated by geography and belief, only to be violently thrust together. But my greatest inspiration came from a dissatisfaction with the stereotypical evil-for-evil’s-sake villain that dominated the fantasy series I read in my youth. I wanted to step behind the scenes to understand why and how the villain rose to power, as well as to explore how we use fantasy as a metaphor for darker aspects of the real world.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
For me, Reading Rainbow is an active choice to ensure the content that I consume — not just books, but movies, television, and music — includes positive representation from the LGBTQ community. That could be choosing to read and support an LGBTQ author or selecting a novel where LGBTQ characters, themes, and stories are focused upon.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
The written word has the unique capacity to transport a reader into the mind of someone different than they are. It gives us understanding and empathy for the lived experiences of others, and I believe that reading diversely makes an individual more educated, worldly, and companionate to those who are different, feel different, or see the world differently from the reader. As a writer, my duty is to do everything in my power to try to authentically represent individuals who are different than me with that same care and compassion. I want my characters to feel real to my readers, and that requires me to step into their shoes during the process of creation.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
The heart of the Dark Shores series was my desire to explore how we use fantasy novels to process real world issues, specifically the desire to use dark deities and monsters as stand-ins for human evil. The series has two parallel plotlines, one focused on the conquests of an Ancient Rome-inspired empire set on taking over the world and the other on a magical blight that is consuming everything it touches. As we step into the finale, it will become very apparent that these dark forces are two sides of the same coin, and our heroes will have to decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice, to defeat them.
What can fans expect from your book?
If you’re diving into my Dark Shores series, prepare for an adventure filled with danger, betrayal, and a touch of forbidden romance. The story begins with Teriana, the daughter of a ship captain who is sworn to protect the secret of what lies across the Endless Seas, and Marcus, a ruthless legion commander with everything to lose. When dark plots throw them together, they’re forced into a fragile alliance that will test their loyalties, beliefs, and hearts.
This series is packed with political intrigue, dark magic, and morally gray areas that leave no character unscathed.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
This has been a year for finales for me, as I have three series concluding this year. I will be switching gears to the release of the last instalment of my adult fantasy romance Bridge Kingdom series, as well as working on a new fantasy romance project in the adult space.
