Check out the tour for the Black Dawn Series by Mallory McCartney (Tour Launch & #Giveaway) #fantasybooks #yafantasy #blackdawnseries @prismbooktours

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Author Interview

What inspired you to write this series?

Thanks for having me! I feel like this story and world was always in me, and my passion for writing and reading really inspired me to want to put my own to paper.

What do you love the most about each of these first two books in the series?

I love the character development, especially in Adair and Emory. I also love writing a high stakes story with lots of action so both Heir of Lies and Queen to Ashes were a high adrenaline experience to write.

What challenged you about writing the series?

The biggest challenge for me was writing Adair’s origin story, because I want the readers to see both sides of him. As a villain he has done horrific things, but he also went through a lot of personal trauma as a teen, which was hard to write.

Which character do you most relate to and why?

I feel like with every character I have poured a little bit of myself into them, but throughout the series I relate to Nyx the most. She wears her heart on her sleeve and would do anything for her friends and loved ones.

What was the process like to re-release the series?

The process to re-release the series was a busy one, but also satisfying. I did fresh content edits and copy edits for both Heir of Lies and Queen to Ashes. I worked with my cover artist, Cora Graphics to do fresh covers. Then after the edits (which took about eight months) then I got each book formatted by Dark Wish Designs. Then I upload the files to Ingramspark and it is distributed online for pre orders. Next comes planning book launch and marketing goals which for me is a never-ending goal to continue to reach new readers.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing?

I enjoy drawing, walking my dachshunds, and of course trying to make a dent in my never ending tbr pile. I also really enjoy swimming in the summer.

Heir of Lies
(Black Dawn #1)
By Mallory McCartney
Young Adult, New Adult Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 456 Pages
April 21, 2020

"Hope was a dangerous thing. It could consume every dream and make them take flight, becoming wild daydreams in one's heart and mind. Or hope could incinerate everything you thought you knew, burning you down to your core, leaving you raw and exposed for the world."

Emory Fae has only known one thing--life at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. Following in her parents' footsteps, the pressure to uphold their dream falls on her and one of her best friends--Adair Stratton. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. With whispers of dark magic spreading across Kiero, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.

An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher, sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath, for the first time in years, they demand the Faes listen to their proposition for a new treaty. Caught in the middle of politics, Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing that matters the most--the truth.

Their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made, and war ravages Kiero. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic, and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision. Will he fight or bow to the darkness within?

But, Adair's decision will change the course of Kiero forever, setting in motion irreversible destinies for everyone at The Academy as Emory Fae rises as heir.

Heir of Lies is the first book in the bestselling Black Dawn series.

(Affiliate links included.)

Queen to Ashes
(Black Dawn #2)
By Mallory McCartney
Young Adult, New Adult Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 350 Pages
April 21, 2020

"You lived your entire life feeling like half of you was missing. Fight for the missing part. Fight for this."

Emory Fae has abandoned everything she thought she knew about her previous life on Earth. Stepping up to her role as Queen of Kiero she makes a startling sacrifice- feigning her allegiances to Adair Stratton, the man who murdered her parents and casted Kiero into ruin. Emory's memories slowly piece together, and she soon realizes the Mad King may not be all he seems-- and the man who was once best friend, may be fighting beneath the surface.

With the King's attention on her, can she buy Black Dawn Rebellion enough time to recuperate their forces? And when the times comes, will she be able to kill Adair, ending his tyranny and rising herself as the rightful Queen? Fighting to hide her secret, Emory navigates the brutal trials of the Mad King, trying not to lose herself in the process.

Sequel to Heir of Lies, now a bestselling series, the sparks are ignited, as Emory learns the cost of freedom, and her heritage. Will the rebels unite in time? A sinister force has spread across the land, stripping everyone bare- their betrayals, their secrets, their intentions. But above all, what will their decisions cost? By refusing to give in to the darkness, will Emory rise as Queen?

(Affiliate links included.)

Tour Schedule

June 14th:
June 15th:
June 16th:
June 17th:
June 18th:

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author


Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed copy of Kingdom of Broken Iron, book three in the series releasing this October (open internationally)

Ends June 23, 2021

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