The Borealis Queen follows a resilient young woman marked by a mysterious prophecy who embarks on a perilous journey that intertwines survival, destiny, and the forging of unexpected bonds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The setup came from wanting to tell a story that felt ancient but emotionally intimate; something that would resonate across time. I was drawn to the idea of a young girl facing the collapse of everything she knows and being forced to survive, not because she’s chosen, but because she’s clever, resourceful, and refuses to break. The prophecy element isn’t about fate in the traditional sense: it’s more about how people interpret strength, especially when it threatens the established order. (A future installment—told as a prequel—will reveal the true origin of the prophecy.)

I wanted to explore how myths form around ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Nin’s journey is perilous, yes, but at its heart, it’s about a girl learning who she is in a world that tries to define her. The bonds she forms (with animals, with her memories, even with silence) came from my belief that survival isn’t just physical. It’s also emotional. And sometimes, it’s the unexpected relationships, even with wild creatures, that save us.

I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?

The inspiration for the setting of The Borealis Queen came from a mix of bedtime storytelling, my fascination with prehistory, and a desire to build a world that feels both ancient and mythic—but still grounded in nature and human emotion. I used to tell stories to my kids at night, creating episodes on the fly, and over time, these tales evolved into the foundation of this world. I wanted a setting that didn’t rely on magic or modern tropes, but still felt epic, dangerous, and full of wonder.

The Ice Age gave me that—a time when humans lived closer to the edge when survival depended on wits, instincts, and bonds with animals. The world itself became a character. As I wrote, the setting changed from a backdrop into something almost primal. The wilderness sharpened Nin’s growth, and the creatures—like the Urbaraks and Shadow—took on symbolic weight. It started as a harsh world, but over time, I began to see its beauty and subtle order, just as Nin does. That shift really deepened the emotional core of the story.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

ANSWER: I wanted to explore what happens when a person is pushed to the brink—how survival, identity, and resilience take shape in a world that feels hostile, ancient, and raw. One of the most important themes for me was the power of connection—not just between people, but between humans and nature, especially the bond between Nin and the animals she encounters. I was also interested in legacy and mythmaking: how stories about a person can become larger than life, and how that shapes not only how others see them but how they see themselves. Another key theme is agency—Nin is not waiting to be rescued or chosen. She’s crafting her path, sometimes painfully, sometimes defiantly, in a world that would rather crush her than acknowledge her power.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

I’m already writing the sequel. The theme is actually hinted at in the final paragraph of Chapter 24, at the end of the book:
‘Word of the tale of the girl slave adorned with beautiful marks on her skin, who rose to become a queen, spread like the fastest birds, soaring across the land and beyond. It traveled all the way to the distant Australis lands, where it caught the attention of an ambitious young king, driven by dreams of world domination…’

That final line opens the door to a larger world and deeper conflicts. It shifts the story from one girl’s survival and rises to something even more expansive—how her legend begins to echo far beyond her homeland, drawing the attention of powers she doesn’t even know exist yet. The theme of how myth and reputation can reshape history is something I’m really excited to keep exploring.

I expect to finish it by early next year. The sequel builds on everything that came before, but with a much wider lens: new lands, new rulers, and greater threats. It explores how one girl’s rise can spark fear, admiration, and ambition across distant lands. I’m enjoying the challenge of expanding the scope while staying true to the emotional core of the first book.

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She was never meant to survive. Nin is the last of her people—captured, scarred, and dragged across the frozen wilds by brutal enemies. But in a land where beasts are dreaded and winter never forgives, she discovers that survival is more than endurance—it’s transformation.

With nothing but a sling, her instincts, and the loyalty of a mysterious saber-toothed Smilodon, Nin must carve a path through ice, blood, and betrayal. As legends rise and clans clash, she becomes more than a girl on the run—she becomes the storm they cannot contain.

The Borealis Queen is a sweeping Ice Age survival fantasy about resilience, instinct, and the powerful bonds between humans and the wild. Perfect for fans of character-driven epics, elemental worldbuilding, and heroines who don’t just fight—but endure.

If you’re seeking a bold, action-packed epic fantasy with emotional depth and cinematic storytelling, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.