Ivy Keating’s intense, provocative fantasy novel Sarana and the Dark King (Champagne Book Group) centers on a white-haired baby girl who is proclaimed cursed due to both her unusual appearance and the prejudices of her father, the king. Innocent baby Sarana, destined for royalty, instead undergoes a series of trials and traumas that leave her forced to fend for herself. (Read our review here.)
With a richly imagined setting, long-suffering but tenacious heroine, and bold tackling of mature themes, this book is overflowing with things to discuss. We were able to get to do that with Keating herself, and the author sheds some light on the rationale behind the dark topics, her similarities with her protagonist, and the natural wonder that inspired her story.
Q: What inspired you to write this novel?
A: Sarana and the Dark King was inspired by the image of the Great Lakes, the five connected bodies of water in North America. When I look at them on a map, I can visualize how, in an ancient fantasy world, empires could settle around them. They were created around 20,000 years ago when the climate warmed and the ice sheet melted. The history of their creation, and the fact that they are all connected on their way to the Atlantic Ocean, conjures up the setting for an epic tale. At least it does in my mind.
Q: Your novel deals with heavy themes like abuse and sexual assault. What do you want the reader to understand before delving into this title and what do you hope to communicate to them?
A: I want the reader to immerse themselves in a story rich in psychological detail. Some of the subject matter is serious, like abuse. The characters that are abusive are multi-dimensional. However, as in reality, nothing excuses abhorrent behavior. Readers should know that the sex and violence in this novel are not gratuitous. The tribulations of all the characters are grounded in the players’ developments and the evolution of the plot. While sexual abuse may be punished differently in the fantasy world created in this novel, the moral repercussions are consistent with our time. I hope the reader experiences a range of emotions and is thoroughly intrigued as the subplots that address serious matters unfold.
Q: If Sarana was a modern woman, what do you think she would do for work? Would she have children?
A: I love this question because it’s fun to think of this lead character in a life outside of her medieval role. I think Sarana would be in law enforcement, maybe doing undercover work. She’s smart, strong, and all about what’s just. Sarana is also shy and does not like the spotlight; doing something physical where she would have to rely on herself and only a select group of undercover co-officers would suit her. I could see her with one child. She believed she was an only child, and she loved the family she was raised in.
Q: Which of Sarana’s qualities do you relate to most?
A: This question is hard to answer because, on the surface, I am not as tough as she is. My life challenges are not as severe. But, deep inside, I believe we are both strong in our own convictions. Sarana was forced to hide her white hair because some people would believe she was cursed. Psychologically, she had to learn to accept and love herself while covering up who she is. As she got older, she cared less and less about what others thought. Women in her time were not trained for battle, but she wanted to be a warrior anyway. Most of the people in her empire were farmers, but she trained to be a messenger. I feel that I know who I am and stay true to myself, just like Sarana.
Q: What was your greatest challenge in writing this book?
A: The original story was not written in chronological order. It went back and forth in time until I was told by my editor that the story would read better with a linear timeline. This required an extensive rewrite of the first half of the book; more than one flashback scene needed to be written so that all the necessary background information was included. Another challenge was the sexual content. I questioned if including the abuse was necessary, and I wondered if the romantic and loving scenes were overshadowed. I believe I found the proper balance, but it was something I gave a lot of thought to.
Q: What is the next step in Sarana’s journey?
A: Sarana is committed to protecting her kingdom. If she feels that the people of Attaveer are in danger, she would engage in battle. In fact, she would not be at peace if any of the kingdoms were threatened. There are sought-after maps that lead to powerful natural resources. If they fall into the wrong hands, no one will be safe; I’m concerned that those maps are poised to cause trouble.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
A: I want readers to know that we gain strength from within. Embrace what makes you unique and be proud of your achievements. In Sarana and the Dark King, there are many characters who possess different and unique strengths. I hope readers learn which forces wield the most power and why.
Trigger warning: This novel includes some sexual content and scenes of physical abuse.
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About Ivy Keating:
Motivated by nature’s mysteries and the complexity of human behavior, Ivy Keating writes science fiction and fantasy novels that explore the relationship between mankind and the natural world. A master’s degree in social work helps her understand the nature of her characters as they struggle with the repercussions of their actions. Her first novel, Camouflage, was inspired by the landscape and natural beauty of New England. Sarana and the Dark King was imagined from a mental picture of the Great Lakes. The proximity of these bodies of water and the land that surrounds them conjured the images of separate kingdoms — at least they did in her mind. Ivy believes that her challenge as a writer is to take a setting that intrigues her and create a plot that is both clever and surprising. Ivy’s blog offers writing and publishing advice with an encouraging, self-help twist.
