Kelsey Rae Barthel Author Interview

Beyond the Code follows Aurora who is a skilled knight in an action packed story where the hunter quickly becomes the hunted as she struggles to avenge her masters death. What was your inspiration for the setup to this thrilling novel?

The first seed of inspiration for the character of Luna actually came from a crescent moon necklace I bought a long time ago. I started getting the idea for her character and the world she would live in then I went to my friends and had then pick a super power and fighting style. From that, I made some of the characters and stories that are in the book now.

The relationship between Aurora and Ranger is complex and has a compelling build up. What were the themes you wanted to capture while writing their relationship?

I was trying to present a theme of future hope in their relationship. Ranger sees Luna as the one who can bring about a better future and Aurora sees Ranger as a strong mentor that pulled her through the darkest time in her life. Their relationship is built on mutual faith and respect for each other and that makes it a touching and strong aspect to the book.

This book is full of action that is told in vivid detail. What was the process for you like in writing the action scenes?

There are two very important rules I use when writing action scenes. First, plan out every move. How the character attacks, the reaction to that attack, everything. You have to carefully plot out every step like in a movie. And secondly, you have to keep it interesting. Change up the moves, keep it off the wall and really use the terrain and items around them. Repetitive moves will kill the attention of your reader.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I’m currently working on Beyond the Code’s sequel. My working title for it is Beyond the Masquerade. If all goes well, I plan on having it, at the very least, in the publishing process within 18 months of Beyond the Codes release.

Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads

To the common world, Aurora Falon is merely the pampered daughter of a rich and influential family. But to the secret world of The Order, she is Luna, the powerful and formidable warrior knight, under the rule of her master, Cole Iver. Together, they strive to bring down Damon Lexus, a wicked master who uses her knights in cowardly and dishonourable ways for her own selfish desires. But when they obtain evidence that may bring Damon Lexus under the judgement of The Order’s ruling power, The Hand Council, Damon makes a rash decision and orders the assassination of Cole Iver.

By pure coincidence, Luna catches Damon’s knight in the act but is too late to save her master and kills the assassin in a moment of grief stricken rage. Luna knows the one with her master’s blood on her hands is not the one she killed, she seeks the assassin’s master. But after a failed attempt at revenge, Luna is pulled from the depths of her dark anger and put on a better path by the Hunter who was ordered to kill her. Together, they will work to break away from being mere tools for the powerful and become heroes.