We are so excited that Part Two of Ivy Cliffwater's stunning romantasy duology is released today - The Storm Weaver!
Lizzy was a huge fan of the first book in the Broken Sword, The Shadow Weaver, and can't wait to return to the world of blacksmiths and love triangles. We loved getting to ask Ivy all our burning questions about book two, and find out more about her writing process and inspiration! Read on to see our interview with her.
What inspired the world and magic system in The Storm Weaver?
I was heavily inspired at the time by Game of Thrones and A Knight's Tale was also a big influence, but actually I just sat down at the dining table with my daughter and just bounced ideas off her and I came up with an entire magic system and names for all the different weavers. It all came very organically, but I knew I wanted it to be medieval and gritty.
The magic system involving the elements and storms is so vivid. Did it evolve as you were writing the series?
The whole book did come from a scene that I wrote about grief and this idea that it manifests into something. There's actually a really small flashback scene with Caris where she loses her father and it's the first time she loses control of her powers, and it's a shadowy, destructive power that comes out. I found that scene again and wanted to know who this girl was, why she could do this, and the whole book just came from that one little idea I had in my head.
What was the most exciting part of returning to Caris and Torgrin’s story?
I think it was getting to right another point of view, and including Torgrin's point of view. The found family aspect of Atlas and a few of the other characters. I just really enjoyed expanding on the magic, and the world, and the characters themselves.
Was there a scene or character you especially loved writing in this book? (spoiler free)
You won't know who he is but Theon is one of my favourite characters, and second, Atlas.
What do you hope readers take away from The Storm Weaver?
Maybe, with great power comes great responsibility.
For those of us who have loved getting lost in your series, what would you suggest we read next? Do you have any authors you look up to in terms of your own writing?
I've just finished reading The Second Death of Locke and for the main character, Gray, I kept thinking as I was reading it she reminds me of someone and I realized she reminds me of Caris. I think if you really loved Caris as a character in the Storm Weaver and The Shadow Weaver, then I would go for The Second Death of Locke.
Creating immersive characters and worlds is a huge skill of yours, what do you to fill your own creative cup and stay inspired?
I read a lot, and I love - okay this is a bit strange - but I was a bit obsessed with Sword and Sorcery movies from the 80s when I was a kid and I will go an revisit them. I am also SO excited for the new Highlander movie coming out with Henry Cavil.
Is there anything you wish you were asked about The Storm Weaver?
Maybe what kind of research I did! I had to contact somebody about horses because I knew absolutely nothing about horses and Nightmare was such an important character to my book that I needed to get it right. And a blacksmith! I actually contacted a local blacksmith here in Auckland and sent him some of my scenes, thankfully I did because he definitely corrected me on a few things.
We also put Ivy through a round of quick fire questions:
Watch the video to hear her answers, and discover whether she's a tea or coffee drinker, and whether she would choose the bad boy or the golden retriever!
You’ll love this if you like:
- Strong (like, really strong) female characters
- Stories with found family at their heart
- Intricate worldbuilding and beautiful magic systems
- Exhilarating battle scenes
Ivy visited us on the day before her beautiful book's release, and we're so grateful for her taking the time amongst a busy calendar!
Signed copies of The Storm Weaver are available now at Book Hero.