Marilena Mexi is a Fantasy Illustrator and author friend of mine and has recently published her third novel, Deerward.

I prepared an interview with her, which you see here, followed by a book review:

What was the main difference on the process of illustrating Antara and Ninemia and your latest Novel Deerward? Which one was most difficult and why?

The most difficult part was when I was working on Antara's illustrations, because it was going to be an illustrated novel. So, I had to devote much more time for this book compared to Deerward. That one had no interior illustrations, and the story was more clear in my head. Overall, Deerward took me around 3 months, while Antara took me around 2 years.

Why did you decide to make Deerward a non-illustrated work? Do you plan to make more illustrated books in the future?

I'd love to make Deerward an illustrated novel too, but then it would it be even more difficult for me to find an agent, since no one accepts illustrated adult fantasy novels. Therefore, unfortunately my next books won't be illustrated either.

Did the experience of publishing your third novel work change something within you? Do you see yourself as more experienced, for example?

I don't feel too experienced yet; maybe that's because of the fact that I was forced to self-publish my third book again, so I don't think that procedure taught me something more than I already knew.

Why do you write YA/New Adult works? Which other genres do you like and plan to write?

In general I prefer fantasy themes, so I'd like to focus on that. I write new/young adult because the hero/main character's age is a bit restraining, so the character's age plays a key role in defining the book's category.

Where do you take inspiration for the names of your characters? Why do you think it is important to give them a unique/proper name?

I give names that would fit to the personality of the characters. I spent a lot of time in searching names for both novels; I think that plays an important role in the overall mood of the story, and adds an extra layer of interest.

Do you see any difference in the publishing market from the time you published your first novel and today?

I think that the trend leans toward to sci-fi more nowadays, but I believe that classic fantasy will make a comeback in a few years.

Can you tell us about your current writings? Are you already writing your next book or scribbling new ideas for future novels?

I was going to start a new fantasy novel last summer, but that got delayed due to personal issues and a lack of inspiration. I found out that the "winter" mood is much more inspiring for me and I tend to be more creative during the winter, so I hope I'll start the new novel this winter.

Any message you would like to communicate to your readers?

I'm going to sound a bit cliché, but I'd like to encourage everyone to keep on dreaming and pursue their dreams, no matter how distant or impossible they may seem.

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BOOK REVIEW - DEERWARD

5 out of 5 stars!

I have read Marilena’s first book, Antara and I immediately realized she was a natural born storyteller. Marilena writes from the heart and it reflects in the way she builds her characters.

In her third book, Deerward, I noticed her writing skills are sharper than ever: her characters have very distinct personalities and back-stories, her scenarios are more complex and her plot full of surprises in a fast tempo.

Deerward is not one story, but many. It tells of the hero’s home and birthplace, the story of his life, of his one great love, of different battles against evil, and last: his legacy.

Deerward is a great read for those who like dragons, magic and other epic elements. It is also very exciting, full of action, adventure, love and even twists of sorrow. Alcander, the main character, is good, brave, curious and has a tough decision to make by the end of the book, which is also my favorite part as it reveals more of his personality and internal values.

This is an original story, great for bedtime for those who have a warrior soul… And for those who love a classic epic read!