Cursed Lands Q & A - Kim Cresswell & M.K. Chester

1. Tell us a little about your story 

Icehaven is an enthralling NA post‑apocalyptic dystopian adventure with a paranormal twist set in the distant future. Here’s the blurb:

The end has come. She could be humanity’s best hope for survival.
In the near future, after her father’s global warming experiment goes terribly wrong, twenty-two-year-old environmental studies student, August Madison, finds herself resurrected in a frozen wasteland.
With most of the world’s population and food sources annihilated, depraved nomadic gangs patrol the lawless landscape as outlasters claw for survival. Even old friends become unrecognizable.
Amid the chaos, Greyson Marx, iron-fisted leader of the domed settlement Liberty, emerges from the catastrophic event with his own agenda—collecting only those who exhibit unexplained abilities.
When August crosses his path, he sees an opportunity he must exploit. She sees an evil she must destroy.
In a treacherous new world where anyone could be saviors or savages, August discovers her true purpose. And only the strongest will endure.

2. Is this part of a series or a standalone?
 
I’m thrilled to be writing with M.K Chester. It’s the first time either of us have co-authored, but we love it and plan to make this a series, with Icehaven being the first book in the Sum of all Tears Series.

3. What do you think are your MC's strengths?
 
August is smart and stubborn and has a great capacity to be hopeful and loving. She’s driven to find what may remain of her family and friends as well as support those in Icehaven who have helped her and now need her help.
 
Her romantic interest, Brandon Church, is the quintessential “American Hero”. He’s serving in the military when the event unleashes its wrath and leads his team through tragedy without a second thought. He’s a loyal, stand-up guy that August can count on.

4. What are their weaknesses?
 
The same things that make them strong also make them weak. August cares too much, sometimes, and her affinity for her family and friends means it’s difficult for her to see their flaws. Brandon, when faced with the disruption of the system in which he’s lived his life, struggles to find his meaning.

5. What is the central theme of your book?
 
I feel like there are a couple themes. First perseverance. When faced with obstacles from weather to the plot of our villain, they have to find the strength within themselves and their new community to push ahead and overcome. Adaptation is also a theme, because they have to think on their feet and use ingenious means to meet their goals.

6. Where can we find out more about you and your books? 
 
You can find out more at
​ www.cursedlandsboxedset.com,
www.mkchester.com,
https://kimberleycresswell.wordpress.com/.