I was honoured to interview Gabrielle Davis recently for her launch of Pirates & Courtiers, the second book in her fantasyseries, at Avid Reader in Brisbane. The story follows on from Road to Freedom. In book one, main character Issanka is pulled from her home to the city of Ewele, in the company of the new king’s army on their victory lap of the country. Because of her mysterious past, she is quickly embroiled in the citizens’ dramas.

Road to Freedom ends with a new civil war beginning in Issanka’s world, and Pirates & Courtiers explores what happens next. I absolutely love the magic system in this series. It’s based on sound and light. As a former physics teacher, it’s lovely the way that Gabrielle plays with the science of how these work to craft a unique magic system for her world.

Pirates and Courtiers by Gabrielle Davis: delicious world-building

Speaking of worlds, the setting of this series is so fresh. It is filled with hot, azure-blue skies and seas, brightly coloured costuming and furnishing. It has a rich, deep-history feel that makes the world feel real.

The caste system gives a strong framework for the ingrained hierarchy of the world, adding complexity. The series is one of those YA stories which has just as much appeal for adult readers. With a clean romance subplot and a vibrant cast of adult characters embroiled in politics, war and control, this is a series that any fantasy reader will enjoy.

The story will continue with one more to round out the trilogy. Pirates & Courtiers is the book where everything deepens. The deep thread of ‘can’t trust anyone’ keeps you unsettled.

You can buy Pirates & Courtiers here and book 1 of the series, Road to Freedom, here. And check out more photos from Gabrielle’s launch here!