The following is an interview with author Jade Presley on the recent release of the romantasy novel, The Kings’ List, through Red Tower Books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Presley about returning to the world and characters of The Never List series, the conversations that she hopes the story may inspire among readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of The Kings’ List! As the second book in The Never List series, where will readers find themselves in Rylee’s journey, and, for new readers, how would you describe the series’ overall premise?
Jade Presley: Thank you so much! Readers will find Rylee right in the thick of her new immortality and the trials that come with earning the crown. There are unexpected obstacles and higher stakes, but her relationship with the Legends of Chaos continues to deepen and grow. I would describe the overall premise as a female empowering journey backed by growth, self-worth, and emotional connection.
BD: In having lived with these characters for so long, do you find that you have a creative “shorthand” in being easily able to embody their voices to write each new installment?
JP: Yes! Before starting any book, I spend a great deal of time with the characters working on their voice and backstories. So much of the prep I do during character sketches actually never makes it on the pages of the published book (like knowing Axl would reach for Fruity Pebbles while Kal would grab Protein Cheerios lol), but those little details help me find their unique voices. It makes it so much easier diving into their POV while writing. I’m almost done with edits on the third and final book, and it’s so bitter-sweet because I’m going to miss these characters so much.
BD: You are likely already hard at work on the next book in the series, The Queens’ List, which is slated to release next year. What are you most excited for readers to engage with in the next chapter?
JP: I’m deep into edits on The Queen’s List and I think I’m most excited for readers to see this journey come full circle for our main characters. There are scenes in this final installment that I drafted while writing The Never List, knowing that I’d need them for the last book. I can’t wait for readers to experience the final journey and uncover secrets I’ve kept since the first book came out
BD: At Fanbase Press, we love when stories evoke conversation and discussion amongst readers. What, if any, conversations do you hope that The Kings’ List might inspire with readers?
JP: I’ve had several readers bring up how Rylee’s ownership of her self-worth, her desires, and her dreams has inspired them in their own lives, and I hope that continues. I love that about books and the characters we love—they can give us a safe space to explore the unknown and inspiration to chase our dreams or stand up for ourselves in a way that would make those characters proud.
BD: Are there any projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
JP: If readers need another “why choose romantasy” to tide them over while I’m hard at work polishing The Queen’s List! I have a completed series starting with Her Villains. It’s a spicy why choose romantasy where one woman must marry her enemies in order to save her people and it has Marvel-inspired characters.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about The Kings’ List and your other work?
JP: I try to be highly active on Instagram and Tiktok, but you can check out my website and sign up for my newsletter (where all the first information drops) at www.jadepresley.com.
Thank you so much for having me!
