A lot of writers have put unique spins on the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.
But in her new romantic fantasy novel A River Of Golden Bones (hardcover, Kindle, audiobook), author A.K. Mulford started with a “what if?” question about the titular slumbering lady that wasn’t about the fable itself.
To learn what that question was, and what else inspired and influenced this story, check out the following email interview.
To start, what is A River Of Golden Bones about, and when and where is it set?
A River Of Golden Bones is set in a high fantasy world with wolf shifters, monsters, and humans.
The story follows Calla, who is the secret twin of the last Gold Wolf princess. When a sorceress returns and casts a sleeping spell on her twin, Calla is forced on a quest to save her and discovers unlikely allies and new truths about herself along the way.
Where did you get the idea for A River Of Golden Bones?
The idea started with the question: What if Sleeping Beauty had a secret twin and it was their job to save the day?
I knew I wanted this to be a story about gender discovery, too, and I thought wolf shifters would be an interesting way to explore the idea of genderfluidity and changing forms.
So, is there a significance to Calla and Briar being twins as opposed to just sisters or cousins or BFFs? Oooh, what about twinsies?
Calla always looks at Briar to have a sense of herself. They are two sides of the same coin in that way. I wanted there to be that duality and closeness so that when Calla first strikes out on her own, she feels rudderless without her sister to bounce off of.
I also think trying to find your own unique identity is even more challenging as a twin.
Also, when you say, “wolf shifters,” does that mean they’re werewolves?
They are werewolves, but with the ability to change at will between human and wolf form. I thought the rigidity of a pack structure would make it a bigger obstacle for Calla to break ranks and go against their leader. There’s such a fierce loyalty to the group that Calla has to wonder: what about the loyalty to myself?
As you said, A River Of Golden Bones is set in a high fantasy world. But is the story a high fantasy one?
I would classify it as “romantasy” or “romantic fantasy.” I think both the fantasy plot with the epic questing, dark magic, monster battles, etc. weighs equal to the more intimate romantic plot. The story really needs both to succeed.
Now, as someone who’s dead inside, I have to ask: How romantic? And why was that the right amount of romance for this story?
As the action in their quest heightens, so too does the romance. It was important to create that intimacy and that Calla feel seen and valued for who they truly are by Grae. I think those quiet moments of belonging, being vulnerable and accepting love from someone were hugely important for Calla’s growth throughout the story.
I also love to have spicy scenes in my stories, not only because they’re fun, but also because it’s about characters finding strength through connection. Sometimes letting someone love you takes more bravery than fighting an army.
A River Of Golden Bones is your fifth novel after the four in The Five Crowns Of Okrith series, which also includes four novellas. Are there any writers, or specific stories, that had a big influence on A River Of Golden Bones but not on anything else you’ve written?
I didn’t have any inspiration for this story specifically besides the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. I wanted to put little nods to the fairytale into this story, but everything I read influences all of my writing. I love reading stories with interesting magic systems, beautiful descriptions, and unique author voices. That really lights up my own creativity.
What about non-literary influences; was A River Of Golden Bones influenced by any movies, TV shows, or games?
I was watching the first season of The Witcher as I was writing A River Of Golden Bones, and I ended up going back and adding a few more monster battles into the story because I wanted more action after watching the show.
Now, A River Of Golden Bones is the first book of a trilogy called The Golden Court. What was it about this story that made you realize it had to be told in three parts as opposed to just one or, conversely, two or four or 37?
There were three characters who I wanted to have the opportunity to be point of view characters: Calla, Sadie, and Briar. Each book keeps the point of view character from the previous book and adds another, hopefully lending to a larger, more epic scale as the series goes on.
And do you know yet what the other books will be called and when they’ll be out?
The second book in The Golden Court trilogy will be called A Sky Of Emerald Stars, and it will follow both Calla and Sadie through the realm on new adventures.
It will be coming out towards the end of 2024, and the third and final book (which I’m still trying to decide between two titles for) in 2025.
Upon hearing that A River Of Golden Bones is the first book of a trilogy, some people will hold off reading it until all three books are out, and some will decide to also read them all mback-to-back. But is there any reason why you think people shouldn’t wait? Or that they should but then not binge the trilogy?
I didn’t leave readers hanging at the end of A River Of Golden Bones, so people don’t need to fear waiting another year! I think they’ll get a full and satisfying story that they will hopefully want to dive back into when A Sky Of Emerald Stars comes out for new adventures around the realm.
Earlier I asked if A River Of Golden Bones had been influenced by any movies, TV shows, or games. But to flip things around, do you think A River Of Golden Bones could work as a movie, or a TV show, or a game?
I think it would make for a great TV show because I think the chapters are quite episodic and could be easily divided that way. A movie would be harder to get the full scope of the story within the normal run time. I also like the format because episodes draw people in and have inherent binge-ability that I think is very similar to the way avid readers can binge a book.
And if someone wanted to adapt A River Of Golden Bones into a TV show, who would you want them to cast as Calla, Briar, Prince Grae, and the other main characters?
I promise I’m not attempting to evade the question, but I honestly really love when shows cast lesser-known actors into these sorts of fantastical roles. When it’s someone famous, they already have certain expectations placed upon them. I didn’t really have any celebrities in mind when dreaming up these characters.
So, is there anything else people need to know about A River Of Golden Bones?
Only that if you like magic, found family, steamy romance and a healthy dose of adventure, you might want to give this one a try.
Also the cover is really gorgeous, and I will not be offended in the slightest if people buy it just because it’s really pretty.
Finally, if someone enjoys A River Of Golden Bones, what similar kind of fantasy by someone else would you suggest they read while waiting for A Sky Of Emerald Stars to come out?
The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks, The Serpent And The Wings Of Night by Carissa Broadbent, Malice by Heather Walter, The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L Jensen…I could go on and on. So many great stories out there.
