Sable Sorensen Discusses the Success of Their Debut Novel 'Dire Bound'

The story centers on Meryn Cooper, a determined young woman who joins the elite group known as the Bonded after her sisters are kidnapped. The Bonded are notable for their unique bond with direwolves, who act as both mounts and partners in battle.

Meryn's quest to rescue her sister, who has been taken beyond the front lines, leads her to form a bond with a direwolf that initially seems uncooperative. With her sister’s life at risk, Meryn must navigate dangerous trials while managing increasingly complex romantic feelings.

Sable Sorensen is a pen name for authors Eliza Phillips and Annie Paige-Stone, who describe themselves as lifelong fans of fantasy literature. They explained that the novel's concept emerged during the U.S. election season, a period when they were reflecting on themes of authoritarianism and misogyny. They aimed to create a narrative featuring an imperfect heroine tackling these pressing issues.

Phillips and Paige-Stone highlight that 'Dire Bound' addresses themes of feminine rage in a way that is both cathartic and entertaining, emphasizing the importance of harnessing anger constructively and the power of female collaboration.

The authors noted their love for the romantasy genre, citing inspirations like Philip Pullman’s 'His Dark Materials' and Anne McCaffrey. They excitedly observed a resurgence in animal bonding stories, particularly with the popularity of titles like 'Fourth Wing.' In creating 'Dire Bound,' they sought to blend familiar elements with fresh storylines, particularly in their unique portrayal of direwolves.

Initially self-published, 'Dire Bound' quickly garnered attention, leading to a transition to traditional publishing. The authors initially valued the control that self-publishing provided but were surprised by the book's swift success and the challenges that followed.

The transition to traditional publishing has allowed them to pursue their creative goals while collaborating closely with the experienced team at Requited. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have 'Dire Bound' as the inaugural release for the imprint and look forward to the upcoming titles.

The collaboration between Phillips and Paige-Stone has proven beneficial; both authors have found that working together has strengthened their writing process. They share writing responsibilities and communicate extensively, ensuring a unified vision for their series.

'Requited' first released 'Dire Bound' as an eBook, followed by a trade paperback in August. A deluxe hardcover edition is set for release in May 2026, accompanied by the next volume in the series, 'Fury Bound.' This sequel will directly continue Meryn's journey and address unresolved questions from the first book.