Author Kenley Davidson is back, talking about her newly finished Legends of Abreia series, her upcoming book, and fun holiday stuff! Let’s jump right in!
Hi Kenley! I’m so happy to have you on the blog today. It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since the last time we did this! You were just starting Legends of Abreia then. How does it feel to finish the series?
Thanks so much for having me! Has it really been three years!?? I’m actually a little embarrassed that it took me three years to finish this series, but now that it’s done… I have some mixed feelings. Happy that the story is complete and I love how it all ended, but sad because I’m going to miss the characters. Three years is a long time to hang out with the same fictional friends. 😅
Now that the series is complete, I would love to know which main couple really stole your heart as you were writing. I know we’re not supposed to pick favorites…but if you had a favorite, who would it be?
Can I get a referee to throw a flag on this question? 😂 I really do love all three couples in different ways. Leisa and Kyrion for their unwavering faith in each other, Danric and Evaraine for the way they heal each other’s wounds and share their burdens, and Vaniell and Karreya just for being ridiculously adorable. And maybe it’s because I just finished writing them, but at least right now, Vaniell and Karreya are probably my favorite. I love the ways they trust each other’s strengths and decisions even when they don’t understand what’s happening. I love how they put each other’s broken pieces back together. And I love that Vaniell’s attempts to flirt always ALWAYS fail spectacularly.
What were a few of your favorite scenes from the series? (This answer contains mild spoilers, so read with caution if you haven’t read the series yet!)
And I thought the last question was hard! I think my favorite from Faceless Mage was when Leisa serves tea to the Raven. I loved Evaraine and Danric’s “finally” kiss. And Vaniell’s reunion with his brother in Sundered Blade. I won’t give details because spoilers, but I cried a little at that scene on every single edit and read through.
You have another series set in the Abreia world. Can you tell us about that one?
Of course! After Unseen Heir, I had a lot of requests for more about the world of the night elves, so I decided to write a series of standalone romances set in Dunmaren. Right now, I have three planned, and they can be read in any order. Book 1, In Darkness Forged, is a grumpy/sunshine romance about a stubborn human and an outcast night elf—a delta hero and total cinnamon roll beneath his unforgiving scowl. He also travels with a huggable furry sidekick who I absolutely adore. (Small warning for those who don’t love creepy crawlies: there are, um, spiders in this book. A LOT of spiders 😂)
Now that this series is over, what’s next? Do you have any projects on your schedule?
So many fun things coming up! My next project is going to be Book 2 in Night Elves of Abreia. It’s titled By Blood Oath Bound, and I love the characters already. There’s going to be a lot of snarky, enemies-to-lovers banter, found family vibes, and SO much more that I can’t wait to dive into. And after that, I’m planning to write my next urban fantasy trilogy, featuring a certain dragon prince and a lot of other familiar faces.
Let’s say you could write anything you want, what different genre do you think you’d enjoy?
Oooh, dangerous question!! 😂 I think a lot of my readers have already figured out that I LOVE exploring new genres, though I’m trying pretty hard to stick to the same ones. Every so often I daydream about trying out regency romance, romcoms, and even cozy mystery. (Don’t worry, these are daydreams only.) But in truth, I think I would most want to go back and write more romantic sci fi. It’s a genre I love reading, but often struggle to find books I enjoy… and it is SO MUCH FUN to write.
I hope now that your final book is out in the world, you’ll get a chance to rest and enjoy the holidays. Do you have any family traditions you look forward to every year?
I did take this week off before diving into Blood Oath next week, and that’s been lovely! I think my favorite family tradition has to be our adopted Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod— the “Yule Book Flood.” On Christmas Eve, everyone gets a new book and we stay up late in front of the fire, wrapped in cozy blankets, reading and drinking hot chocolate!
What about holiday movies? Do you have a favorite?
The best Christmas movie now and forever is Muppet Christmas Carol. It doesn’t even feel like the holidays until I’ve gotten to sing along with “One More Sleep Till Christmas.”
And last, a question about pie, because pie is important. What is your favorite holiday pie?
Does it have to be “holiday pie”? That’s a pretty restrictive list when there’s a whole wonderful world of pies out there. And (don’t be mad!) I’ve never been a big fan of either pumpkin or pecan. If I was choosing my own pies for post-Thanksgiving dinner enjoyment, it would be marionberry and coconut cream. 🤤
Thank you so much for joining us today! If readers want to connect with you, were can they find you?
The best place to stay connected is my newsletter, which you can find here: https://signup.kenleydavidson.com/ This is where I announce new releases, sales, cover reveals, book recs, and more! You can also check out my Facebook group, where I share news and chat with readers: https://m.facebook.com/groups/167374780586953/
Right now, Kenley is running a holiday weekend sale on the first book in her Legends of Abreia series. Check it out below!
Shari L. Tapscott 