Rosaria Munda on shaping the dragons in Fireborne
Dragons are obviously a big part of fantasy novels, and Rosaria Munda is here to chat why and how she shaped the dragons in Fireborne.
The Aurelian Cycle trilogy is out in the US already but DK Books is finally bringing the series to the UK and Ireland. To celebrate the release of Fireborne, we sat down with Rosaria Munda to chat the inspirations behind the dragons, and what it is like seeing the books all published.
The series follows Annie and Lee, who were just children when a brutal revolution changed their world, giving everyone–even the lowborn–a chance to test into the governing class of dragonriders.
Let’s start simple — can you share with us your favourite dragon characters from animes, books, shows etc?
I’d have to say Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon—hands down! I love how he’s both a fearsome companion and a bit like a cat. I also love how the dragons in Game of Thrones rebalance power in their feudal society. In Fireborne, Flamefall and Furysong, the titles that make up The Aurelian Cycle trilogy, I wanted to combine these elements.
Why do you think dragons are a staple of fantasy literature? In fact, why did you pick dragons and how did you shape the dragons in Fireborne?
I think dragons are popular because they’re so versatile. They can add a power politics element à la Game of Thrones, but they can also be tricksters, like Smaug, or wise advisors, like Tairn. And in the subgenre I write in, dragonriding fiction, their relationship with their favorite human takes center stage.
In the case of The Aurelian Cycle trilogy, I wanted a society shaped by dragonriding to take the daring step after a revolution of letting its dragons bond, not with its aristocratic sons, but with kids from varied backgrounds who tested into a leadership training program—and then explore the tensions that created.
Aside from the dragons, there are also world building, political intrigue and a romance subplot in the book. What came first when you started plotting the book?
Can I say I think the flying came first! I was first inspired by an audiobook about the Blitz and I’ve always had a particular fascination with flying. I wanted to write about young people in the air making big decisions and under a lot of stress… and of course, I wanted that stress to involve an angsty, slowburn romance as my favorite stories do!
We know that you studied political theory previously — that must be why the political system is our favourite bit. Please tell us how your previous studies helped this aspect of the writing!
I think it trained me to think in terms of who has power, where it comes from, and what they’ll do to keep it. It also has made me aware of when in our history we developed which ideas, so I am conscious of avoiding anachronism in the thoughts of my characters, who live in a premodern world and therefore (I feel) should have a premodern sense of self and society. At the same time, they feel injustice and passions just like us.
The character development is wonderful as well, especially since so many of them are morally grey. Was it difficult to keep the balance consistent throughout?
Thank you. I try not to think of any characters as “bad” even if they are antagonists or antiheroes. They have beliefs and motivations shaped by what’s happened to them, as we all do—even if their definition of good might be warped beyond recognition. At the same time, I wanted my protagonists to grapple with the unintended consequences of good intentions.
The whole Aurelian Cycle is out already. How does it feel engaging with new readers who are just starting the journey, especially since you know exactly how everything unfolds?
Oh my goodness, it’s SO much nicer this time! When you’re a debut author with sequels to write, you have so much to be scared of—strangers reading your work is intimidating enough, and you’re stressed about deadlines to boot. Now I’m used to my books being out there, and I know this trilogy has found people it resonates with. I’m excited to hear from new readers and I love that Fireborne, and the rest of the trilogy, get a snazzy new cover!
Fireborne by Rosaria Munda is out now. (DK Books UK) Get your copy here.
We are now giving 3 of you a chance to win a copy + a pin! To enter, simply follow the instructions below:
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