Trigger Warning: This article and the books discussed within it reference or depict abuse, violence, war, and grief. Please exercise care while reading.
Mads Rafferty’s already made quite a name for herself with her debut series. Heirs of a Broken Fate chronicles Delilah Covington’s quest to free herself from the legacy of suffering she’s meant to inherit from her cruel father, king of the realm. Fleeing the human world, she meets Knox, a Fae king who gets under her skin in more ways than one — and may be the one to help her overthrow her father’s regime.
The series’ latest addition, Heir of Broken Souls, follows Delilah and Knox as they wrestle with the fallout of the previous book, Heir of Broken Kingdom. Mads was gracious enough to take us through the difficult emotional reckoning the two have ahead of them, the evolution of her writing process, and what readers should keep an eye on as the series unfolds.
About the Author
Never in a million years would I have thought my life would look like what it does today.
If I told my younger self that I not only love to read but that I write books for a living… well, let’s just say we would be attending her funeral. Books will forever hold a special place in my heart.
At the age of 19, I immersed myself in the world of fiction and was lucky enough to be dragged out of a dark abyss. Books have been there for me through thick and thin, helping shape the person I am today, and I hope for some, my books will do the same. In whatever capacity that may be.
At 26, I’ve published four books, three being a part of a romantic fantasy, one a paranormal thriller, and soon to follow in August will be my contemporary sports romance debut. I write my books with my best friend beside me, Lola, who happens to be an adorable 11-year-old yellow Labrador that loves to nudge me at 4:30 pm to take her for a walk along the beach where we live in Gold Coast, Australia.
Thanks for joining us, Mads! Let’s get started.
For readers unfamiliar with the Heir of Broken Fate series, could you give a brief introduction to Delilah Covington and some of the trials she’s faced in the first three books?
Delilah Covington faces the horrendous challenges of having an abusive father who rules his kingdom with an iron fist in not only politics but also behind closed doors. Delilah seeks harmony and peace while continuously being thrown into despair, grief, and the utter horror her enemies throw her into.
How does Heir of Broken Souls expand the world and broaden the horizons of the characters that readers have come to love?
Heir of Broken Souls shows how grief can impact everyone individually — the fragments of everyday life and how dynamics that have been around for years can change on a dime. The character growth from not only the main characters but side characters in this series is beautiful to watch unfold.
In this book, there are strong themes of revenge, reckoning, and ruin. What made you want to explore these themes in particular with your main characters?
I feel as if everyone has unfortunately experienced betrayal and heartbreak in their waking life, and I wanted to capture those emotions through Heir of Broken Souls. One thing I adore about books is how you can pick one up and feel seen. I hope my books do that for some.
Delilah and Knox’s bond continues to evolve in this installment. Can you share how their relationship deepens and what challenges they face together?
Knox is the rock in everyone’s waking life. Forever steady and grounded, but without Delilah, that wouldn’t be possible. They are the yin to each other’s yang and complement each other endlessly. They are the definition of how soulmates should go through life, having one another’s backs while life tries to drown you.
With Heir of Broken Souls being the third book in the series, how has your writing process evolved since the first installment? Do you feel more comfortable in the world you’ve created?
I absolutely feel more comfortable. The world is so solidified in my mind, I find it hard to leave once I write “the end.” I’ve got my writing process down to a T. I spend three months writing the first draft, take a few weeks away from the manuscript, and then dive into edits for up to six months.
What moments would you advise readers to pay extra attention to that might hint at what is to come in the next book?
The riddles. They will answer all your questions if you look closely enough! Also, pay attention to the dreams and visions; they are always important and not at all random.
You mentioned in your website bio that books helped shape who you are. What was the book or book series that made you fall in love with reading?
I fell in love with reading through Natasha Preston’s books. They got me through the darkest times of my life, and I will forever be grateful that I took the path of picking up her books because it not only changed the trajectory of my life but saved it.
Thanks again to Mads for speaking with us! Keep up with her work through her website, Instagram, and TikTok; follow her on YouTube and Pinterest — and don’t forget to check out Heir of Broken Souls!
Click here to read our interview with romantasy author Gabi Burton.
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