Interview with Author A.S.R. Gelpi

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

This book emerged from an exploration of a character in another story. Several beta readers had expressed curiosity about Kharis's "lost years." In the original The Dandelion Tree, the narrative begins with Kharis at 14 during the inciting incident, then skips ahead to her at 20. The feedback I received often asked, "Who was Kharis as a child, and what shaped the events that followed?" This book aims to delve into those formative years and provide the answers readers sought.

 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

Twelve-year-old Princess Kharis is the latest Djinnshirukh, a human vessel for a fearsome fire demon’s soul. But unlike those before her, who were adults choosing this role, Kharis was born into it. Her only joy is her adopted sister, Saya, the Sorukhipa, whose power keeps Kharis’ wild magic in check—until the day when even that may not be enough.

As her brother and uncle vie for control of Kharis’s immense power, Kharis must battle her terrifying fate: madness or execution. When Prince Rawiri becomes their tutor, the sisters dare to dream of a life on their terms. Still, fate is cruel, threatening Kharis, who now must survive by picking up the pieces of her broken life.

This coming-of-age dark epic combines intricate world-building with heart-stopping magic, palace intrigue, and the fierce bond between two sisters fighting for their freedom in a fantastical world where fate weaves a dangerous web.

This is a Frozen meets Game of Thrones story, “A Land of Shadows and Moss” invites readers into an exotic world of a powerful heroine, treacherous foes, and a love that transcends fate.

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

I want readers to be taken by this story and enjoy an epic fantasy that is not like other epic fantasy or romantasy. Here are a few things that I hope readers get out of this book:

·  A Complex Protagonist: I want them to see how Kharis navigates the immense pressure of being the Djinnshirukh, especially as a child forced into this role. Her emotional journey—balancing vulnerability and resilience—should intrigue them. I want them eager to witness her growth and how she defines herself beyond her terrifying fate.

·  The Sisterly Bond: The dynamic between Kharis and Saya promises to be powerful and heartwarming. Readers would want to see how their relationship evolves, especially under the strain of external threats and their intertwined magical roles. Sisterly love is a rare focus in fantasy, and I hope readers are up for it.

·  Palace Intrigue and Tension: The premise hints at a tangled web of power struggles involving Kharis’s brother and uncle. Readers would want to unravel their schemes, witness the political maneuvering, and feel the suspense of Kharis being a pawn in this dangerous game.

·  Unique Magic System: The idea of the Djinnshirukh and Sorukhipa is fascinating. I want readers interested in learning about the history and mechanics of this magic and how Kharis and Saya use it.

·  World-Building: Readers should be transported into this fantastical world, vividly experiencing its landscapes, cultures, and histories. I hope they find it lush and detailed, with a sense of wonder balanced by the dark, gritty elements.

·  Themes of Fate vs. Freedom: The struggle against destiny is a theme they would be drawn to, and they would be eager to see how Kharis fights for autonomy in a world determined to control her. Stories that explore moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices should resonate deeply with these readers.

·  Emotional Impact: I want readers to laugh, cry, and hold their breath. A story like this can potentially leave a lasting impression.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

Deciding on my title is based on important themes and imagery in the books. “Moss” is connected to the Iluna Forest and their caretakers, the Forest Kin, which will play an important role in all the books. “Shadows” refer to the past but also the curse, which, like a shadow, haunts Kharis.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

Some are cliché-ish. (1) Never give up. (2) Write, write, write to hone on the art of writing. (3) Read in your genre and read outside your genre. Reading is one of the best ways to learn about the art of writing. Read great books. Read awful books. (4) Find actual beta readers (family members and friends don’t count, sorry!) who will give you objective feedback to improve your story. I also recommend finding individuals who read in the genre you write.

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? 

One of my biggest concerns is the trad publishers’ cookie-cutter approach to epic fantasy to sell books. I understand the need to provide readers with what they want, but when everyone writes the same thing, it’s hard for readers to ascertain what they want. This is where indie authors come in. We break the status quo to create unique stories that meet the conditions for epic fantasy.

 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? 

 I’ve traveled extensively and met a diverse community. These experiences, as well as the individuals I met, have fueled my world-building and character development. My career has also exposed me to a variety of individuals from all runs of life.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

I’ve been told that my writing is immersive and vivid, that my characters are complex (3D, I guess), and that my storytelling is unique and refreshing. I don’t know what writers would be similar to me, but here are some of the authors who influenced my writing: Ursula Le Guin, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Mark Twain, Pio Baroja, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Jorge Luis Borges, Tolkien, Robin Hobb, Terry Pratchett, Robert Jordan, Neil Gaiman, and the list goes on.

 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

There is so much I had to learn that I don’t even know where to start. I have to learn everything from pacing and background setting to emulating emotions on the page and formatting books to meet US publishing standards. My writing was amateurish when I started, but I didn’t give up. I got great mentors to direct my writing and took classes to learn how to write.

 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

If people could choose just one book, A Land of Shadows and Moss should be that book because it offers something rare and unforgettable: a deeply immersive story that balances epic stakes with profoundly human emotions.

A Unique Protagonist: Kharis is not your typical heroine. Her role as the Djinnshirukh—a child burdened with immense, destructive power—sets her apart. Her struggle for freedom and identity in a world determined to define her will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by expectations or circumstances.

Powerful Relationships: At its heart, this is a story about the fierce bond between two sisters, Kharis and Saya. Their love, loyalty, and sacrifices are deeply moving, providing the emotional anchor in a narrative full of danger and intrigue.

Intricate World-Building: The richly imagined setting, filled with breathtaking magic, palace politics, and otherworldly beings, transports readers to a realm that feels both fantastical and grounded. Every detail invites readers to lose themselves in this exotic and dangerous world.

Themes That Matter: The book delves into universal themes like fate versus free will, the cost of power, and the resilience of the human spirit. These themes are not just entertaining—they’re thought-provoking and deeply relatable.

An Emotional Rollercoaster: With heart-pounding magic, gut-wrenching betrayals, and moments of quiet hope, this book delivers an emotional experience that lingers long after the final page. It’s the story that will make readers laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters’ victories.

For Fans of Frozen Meets Game of Thrones: Combining the familial love and self-discovery of Frozen with the intrigue, complexity, and danger of Game of Thrones, this story appeals to a broad range of readers. It’s both accessible and sophisticated—a rare balance.

A Heroine Worth Rooting For: Readers will connect deeply with Kharis’s courage and vulnerability as she navigates impossible odds. She’s an inspiring figure for anyone who has ever struggled to take control of their own destiny.

A Love That Transcends Fate: Amid the darkness, the story hints at a powerful, heartbreaking romance. This element adds depth and hope, making the story feel as vast as it is intimate.

Perfect Blend of Magic, Intrigue, and Emotion: Few books manage to weave action, political scheming, and heartfelt character moments so seamlessly. A Land of Shadows and Moss delivers on all fronts, making it a must-read for epic fantasy fans.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum