M.A. Carrick, the collaborative pen name of Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms, has released a new historical fantasy novel titled The Eye of Leviathan. This book is the first in their upcoming duology, The Sea Beyond, following their acclaimed Rook & Rose trilogy. In a recent interview, the authors shared insights into their writing process and the themes explored in their latest work.
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Alyc Helms described The Eye of Leviathan as set in Golden Age Spain, focusing on a faerie changeling named Estevan who infiltrates the halls of power to uncover magic used to map the Otherworld. His counterpart is the Hungry Girl, a mortal trying to return to safety.
Marie Brennan elaborated on the book's depth, addressing themes such as colonialism, gender dynamics, and religion, while incorporating elements of humor to balance the heavier topics. The authors noted that their previous experience with Rook & Rose laid the groundwork for their collaborative writing approach, which includes methods like scene tagging and color-coded spreadsheets to organize their narrative.
They shared that The Eye of Leviathan originated from a pitch they made that was deemed too niche by their editor. This led them to brainstorm ideas that fit popular genres, ultimately deciding on a historical fantasy based on specific cultural references.
When asked about the challenges of incorporating real historical elements into their narrative, Brennan acknowledged the complexities of blending factual research with creative storytelling. Helms mentioned his firsthand exploration of Spain’s settings to enhance their worldbuilding.
The authors also discussed the intricate magic systems they developed, emphasizing that they aim for complexity and authenticity by drawing inspiration from various mythologies.
As for character development, both authors acknowledged that aspects of themselves can be found in their characters, noting the messy and multifaceted nature of identity showcased in Estevan and the Hungry Girl.
The duology's structure was intentionally designed to complement the duality of its protagonists and their respective worlds. While they are currently working on the second book, The Horns of Behemoth, they remain open to future projects, including potential new series.
Both authors expressed excitement about their upcoming works and collaborative efforts, maintaining an engaging narrative style that continues to resonate with their reader base.