Interview with Caelin Darkriver, Author of Bond of the Blood Moon (The Cursed Moon Chronicles Book 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Bond of the Blood Moon (The Cursed Moon Chronicles Book 1)?

The idea for Bond of the Blood Moon came to me in a dream—two figures standing under a blood moon, a werewolf on the edge of losing control and a woman who refused to back down. That image stayed with me, and I knew there was a story to tell about love, trust, and redemption. I’ve always been fascinated by duality—light and dark, strength and vulnerability—and werewolves capture that perfectly. Writing this book let me explore what it means to embrace who you are, even when it scares you, and how love can grow stronger in the face of fear and sacrifice. At its heart, it’s a story about fighting for connection, no matter the odds.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Bond of the Blood Moon (The Cursed Moon Chronicles Book 1), what would they be?

Oh, this is such a fun question! For Kaelen, I’d pick “Animal I Have Become” by Three Days Grace. It captures his internal struggle with his werewolf side and the battle to stay in control while still being true to himself. Plus, it’s got that raw, gritty energy that’s so him.

For Eira, I’d go with “Warrior” by Demi Lovato. She’s got this quiet but fierce strength, and that song reflects her resilience and determination to protect the people she loves—even when she’s scared or facing impossible odds.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’ve always been drawn to stories with a touch of magic or the supernatural—urban fantasy, paranormal romance, anything that takes the ordinary and layers in something extraordinary. There’s something so captivating about exploring the “what ifs” of a world just like ours but with hidden depths and secrets. It definitely lines up with my favorite genre to write. I love weaving supernatural elements into my stories, especially when they intersect with raw, human emotions like love, fear, and hope. There’s so much room for imagination and for creating characters who feel both larger-than-life and deeply relatable. That balance between the fantastical and the human is where I feel most at home, both as a reader and a writer.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Oh, my TBR pile is towering! Right now, I’ve got Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas queued up—it’s impossible to resist her mix of intricate worlds and deep character emotions. I’m also itching to dive into The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab; I’ve heard so much about its gorgeous prose and unique premise. On the darker side, The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward is calling my name—I love a good psychological twist with a bit of eerie atmosphere. And for something lighter, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is in the mix because sometimes you just need a warm, fuzzy romance to balance things out. It’s a mix of genres, but that’s how I like it—something for every mood!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter 7: Secrets of the Shadowlands was one of my favorite scenes to write because it’s such a turning point for Kaelen and Eira. For the first time, Kaelen opens up about his painful exile and the toll of the curse, revealing a deeply vulnerable side beneath his stoic exterior. It was powerful to show him sharing this burden and for Eira to see the man behind the beast, softening her resolve and sparking a growing connection between them. The Blackthorn Ruins, with their desolation and haunting beauty, mirrored Kaelen’s inner struggle perfectly, making this moment feel raw, intimate, and deeply transformative for both characters.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Absolutely! I can’t write without a big mug of tea by my side—it’s my go-to for staying focused and inspired. I have a favorite blend, a smoky Earl Grey, that feels especially fitting when writing dark and atmospheric scenes. I also like to light a candle with a woodsy or musky scent to set the tone—it helps me feel like I’m stepping into the world I’m creating. And if I’m really stuck on a scene, I’ll take a walk outside; something about fresh air always gets the ideas flowing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Absolutely—one of my favorite mottos is: “Embrace the shadows; they make the light brighter.” It’s a reminder that life, much like the stories I write, is made up of contrasts. The challenges and darker moments shape us, and they make the triumphs and joys all the more meaningful. It’s a philosophy I carry into my writing and my life—finding beauty and strength in every part of the journey, even the hard ones.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If there’s one thing I’d love readers to take away, it’s the idea that love—whether romantic, platonic, or self-love—has the power to heal even the deepest wounds. Kaelen and Eira’s journey is full of struggles, but at its heart, it’s about finding strength in connection and embracing the parts of ourselves we’re most afraid of. If readers walk away feeling inspired to face their own challenges with a little more courage and compassion, then I’ve done my job as a storyteller.

Caelin Darkriver is the author of the new book Bond of the Blood Moon (The Cursed Moon Chronicles Book 1)

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