The following is an interview with award-winning author Cecy Robson on the upcoming release of the romantasy novel, Bloodguard, through Red Tower Books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Robson about her creative approach to bringing the high-stakes story to life on the page, what she hopes that readers may find with the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Bloodguard! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this story?
Cecy Robson: Thank you! And thank you for hosting me. Bloodguard is the title of Arrow’s greatest warrior. Initially developed to have the best lead the royal army, the arena games have now turned bloody and become a sick form of entertainment. Bets are placed. Gladiators fight. And the win goes to the one person (magical or not) who survives. Bloodguard is barbaric and sexy in all the best ways possible. One hundred wins grants you the title of Bloodguard and gives you riches beyond your imagination. So, the poor of Old Erth come to Arrow for the chance to win, and to have a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Except like most gambling situations, the house intends to win.
BD: This story deftly weaves together the high-stakes action of gladiator combat with magic and emotionally resonating characters. How would you describe your creative approach in weaving these genres and depth of character into your narrative?
CR: Thank you, and great question. I’m both blessed (and cursed) with an overactive imagination. I love action, but action doesn’t mean anything if the story isn’t character-driven. I put Leith (and Maeve) through hell. And because I do, I want the reader to agonize over their torment, gasp with fear for those characters, and beg Leith (and Maeve) to rise, even when they themselves come close to giving up. I want readers to walk away and not forget this story, or the characters.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that this story may connect with and impact today’s readers?
CR: I hate admitting this because I think the subject matter may be misconstrued, but Bloodguard centers around immigration—the need to live somewhere where you have a chance to become someone—to have and be better. It’s an opportunity for yourself and those you love, regardless of the sacrifice.
BD: What makes Red Tower Books the perfect home for this story?
CR: I can’t imagine Bloodguard anywhere else. There is so much talent in the Red Tower community. The marketing strategies are genius. The PR is exceptional, and the support from staff and editors is phenomenal. Everyone at Red Tower is committed to making Bloodguard and other titles in the line a success. And honestly, readers trust and are enlivened by Red Tower Books.
BD: Are there any other projects that you would like to highlight for our readers?
CR: I would love to sing like a canary about the second book, but I’m not in a position to give anything away at this time. Just know that all those good feels, as well as the “oh, no” ones, will continue in the next installment.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Bloodguard and your other work?
CR: The best place is my website (www.cecyrobson.com). Readers can dive into the Weird Girls series, the contemporary fantasy series that launched my career. It’s about four sisters who are different from any race of human, vampire, were, and witch on earth, and what happens when the supernatural community becomes aware of who they are and what they can do. But if new adult is more to your liking, check out my Shattered Past series, or my contemporary romances, the Carolina Beach and the O’Brien Family novels (told from dual perspectives).
