Bestselling author Jean Kwok is set to embark on a new literary journey with her debut into the romantasy genre with her upcoming novel, “Dominion.” This marks the first instalment of her Silk and Iron trilogy and will be available in bookstores starting 14 July. Known for her previous works that blend literary finesse with suspense, Kwok is excited to explore this fresh narrative territory.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jean-kwok-dominion-071326-3942d1165dca480596651e0988a31bf9.jpg)
Kwok’s journey into the world of novels began long before she became an author. After emigrating from Hong Kong to New York City at the age of five, she was raised in a challenging environment, where her family struggled economically. Living in a cramped Brooklyn apartment with her parents, who worked in a garment factory, she often found solace in literature. Books provided an escape from the harsh realities of life, allowing her to immerse herself in different worlds and manage her experiences.
Her affection for books remained a constant throughout her education, where she studied at Harvard before obtaining an MFA from Columbia University. Growing up, she devoured fantasy novels, with series like “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” capturing her imagination. However, it was a severe personal crisis that nudged her towards writing, particularly in the romantasy genre. Following the unexpected dissolution of her long-term marriage, Kwok looked for new ways to process her emotions and experiences.
“In that moment, I realised I needed an escape, and I thought it would be fulfilling to write something joyful that could potentially bring solace to others,” Kwok shared. This epiphany led her to embrace romantasy, a delightful fusion of romance and fantasy, with the aim of weaving together an engaging narrative that resonates with readers seeking comfort.
“Dominion” follows the story of Rubi Morningtail, a ribbon dancer grappling with memory loss in a dystopian realm governed by feuding dominions. After a chance encounter with a battle tyger results in a dire situation, Rubi finds herself drawn into a compelling adventure alongside Blake Axefire, the leader of the Tyger Warriors, as they work together to thwart a demonic invasion.
Crafting this new genre has proved to be a unique challenge for Kwok. “Romantasy is a complex genre to navigate. It’s crucial to keep the narrative accessible while merging the expansive elements of both romance and fantasy,” she explained. This venture required learning how to build an intricate fantasy universe and develop believable character relationships, including an evolution in the level of intimacy portrayed, marking a departure from her previous works.
Kwok’s narrative style often reflects aspects of her own life experiences—her background as a ballroom dancer inspired her earlier novel, “Mambo in Chinatown,” while her brother’s untimely death influenced “Searching for Sylvie Lee.” With “Dominion,” she aims to infuse elements of her Chinese heritage into the fabric of the story, drawing on the mythologies that resonated with her during childhood. “Rather than elves and dragons, we have mythical creatures reflective of my culture, like fire sirens and telepathic tygers,” she elaborated.
Despite her newness to the romantasy genre, Kwok has found an encouraging network within the community, connecting with fellow authors like Ilona Andrews and Danielle L. Jensen. At literary conventions, she has experienced enthusiasm from readers who are eager for the release of “Dominion,” hoping to see cosplays inspired by her characters in the future. “The romantasy community is incredibly welcoming; it’s heartening to witness the diversity and creativity evolving within this genre,” she remarked.
With the anticipation generated by “Dominion,” Kwok is already working on the sequels that promise to continue the twists and turns of the story. She hinted at profound developments in the central romance, emphasising themes of destiny versus desire. “Where Rubi’s heart lands by the end of this series aligns with my own journey of self-discovery after my divorce,” she noted, reflecting on how personal experiences can inform and enrich her narratives.
Kwok believes that literature holds transformative power, offering an opportunity for readers to find refuge and rebuild their faith in happy endings. “I hope that my book can provide a sense of solace and inspire readers to believe that even if the path isn’t what we anticipated, we can still reach our own version of a happy ending,” she concluded.
“Dominion” is set for release by G.P. Putnam’s Sons and will be available wherever books are sold. Through her foray into romantasy, Jean Kwok aims not only to entertain but also to encourage readers to embrace their own unique journeys, no matter how twisty they may be.