In advance of her new novel, Ravenguard, which completes the Rvenfall series, we sat down to chat with author Kalyn Josephson.
BookishlyJewish: Hi Kalyn, it’s so great to talk with you again. I’m super looking forward to Ravenguard. Did you always know this would be a series of 4?
Kalyn Josephson: It’s great to chat with you again too, thanks for having me! I did not know the Ravenfall series would span four books when I wrote it. Ravenfall was originally a standalone YA fantasy that I ultimately trunked, so when we sold it in a two-book middle grade deal, I only knew the second book would focus on Anna’s relationship with her father, with a new magical mystery. But we got such a great reception to the series that my publisher asked for two more!
BookishlyJewish: I have bragged before about how much I love the physical copies of these books, because the covers are so stunning. My personal favorite is Hollowthorn. Do you have a favorite cover?
Kalyn Josephson: Ah, thank you! The artist, Ramona Kaulitzki, has done a stunning job with all of them. But I agree, Hollowthorn is my favorite too!
BookishlyJewish: One of the things I have loved about being on this journey with Anna and Colin is watching their personal growth. Particularly, we have seen Anna go from not feeling “Jewish enough” to embracing her heritage and even learning some Jewish magic. Will this line continue into the next book?
Kalyn Josephson: It definitely does. Throughout the series, Anna has grown so much in relation to her identity, and in Ravenguard, I finally get to let her sit comfortably in it, which was a nice change of pace. It’s much more Colin having the identity crises in book 4!
BookishlyJewish: How about Colin’s evolving thoughts on exactly when and how to use his powers? Does this theme recur?
Kalyn Josephson: It’s a core theme, in fact! How to be a Raven, what kind of Raven to be, how to help people and keep them safe—these questions have always been at the core of Colin’s journey, and Ravenguard is where he finally gets some answers. With everyone else’s help, of course.
BookishlyJewish: Any chance we learn more about Colin’s King of the Dead magic and the legends behind it?
Kalyn Josephson: It’s like you’re in my head! A big part of Colin’s arc in Ravenguard focuses on going back to his roots. We revisit both Fin and Faerie in RAVENGUARD, bringing the series full circle. I really enjoyed digging into this because it’s been such a continuous thread throughout the books for Colin!
BookishlyJewish: I am a sucker for a sentient house, and Ravenfall is a pretty awesome sentient house. I have, however, wondered how the house feels about Anna and Colin potentially heading to college one day.
Kalyn Josephson: I think you’d break its little heart asking it logical questions like that. Unless of course, that also meant that Max went to college too, in which case it would organize the going away party itself.
BookishlyJewish: Ravenfall always makes me think of Halloween, and Hanukkah has been featured as well. Do you have a favorite holiday, either secular or Jewish?
Kalyn Josephson: The Halloween season is by far my favorite, but I honestly just love holidays. I’ll take any excuse to get a bunch of friends together over some good food and fun traditions!
BookishlyJewish: Ending a series is a huge milestone, how are you feeling about this?
Kalyn Josephson: Very grateful to have been given the opportunity! Ravenfall is the longest series I’ve written, and will likely keep that title, as drafting a third and fourth book inspired challenges I hadn’t faced before. It’s very difficult to keep a story both familiar and fresh across so many books, and I’m in awe of the authors who do it!
BookishlyJewish: But also…what are you planning next?
Kalyn Josephson: I have two new series announced, including my next middle grade book, GRIMLORE MANOR, which I’m very seriously pitching as “what if Wednesday Addams and Eeyore had to team up to win The Inheritance Games.” I also have my adult fantasy debut, THE LIBRARY OF AMORLIN, releasing next spring, about a con artist who has to infiltrate a magical library.
BookishlyJewish: I always end by asking if you have a Jewish book you’d like to recommend to our readers.
Kalyn Josephson: TALES OF THE FLYING FOREST by RM Romero! Think Jewish Narnia.
Find the Books: