Necromantic
by Mourning Star
Released: Apr 20, 2026
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Why this book and why now?
Honestly, I was stuck working on something that just wasn’t going anywhere. My username on some platforms is “bonewizard” which is a joke based off of my profession. Someone asked if it was a necromancer joke and my mind went “ah ha! necromancer rom-com!”
And then I didn’t write a rom-com.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
The book was initially going to be a standalone, but I accidentally wrote one of Xandria’s internal thoughts beginning with “you” and realized I could connect it to my entire other world.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Probably. Artemis is lovely and the only rational character in my series. Xandria is a self-insert to some degree so we’d either get along or hate each other.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
In book, yes, in my day-to-day? No I thought they were pretty.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
The Mark of the Tethered King series (of which this is #1) is an allegorical vehicle for identity and sexual orientation struggles that I felt while coming into my own identity. Xandria’s story is one of feeling othered and maligned by society for just wanting to be herself.
Of course, not everyone will love her in the end, but she has her chosen family.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Ecstatic and also terrifying. This is my debut and I’m in love with it, just hope everyone else will be too!
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
Pay attention to names and events. Dates and times. I unfortunately spent TOO much time on my timelines. I also broke them a few times.
But it’ll all make sense in the end!
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
Artemis doesn’t use contractions! (either in her speech or thoughts) (and if she accidentally does then I missed it in editing 🤪)
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Xandria — Psych (She’d love Shawn’s zaniness)
Artemis — Criminal Minds (She’d scare herself, but 100% love it)
Kat — Always Sunny In Philadelphia (She’s a little messed up)
Frankie — Bridgerton (it’ll make sense)
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Xandria, she’s the irreverent part of me that doesn’t have to abide by societal whims.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
One towards the end that I think unlocked my ability to torture my characters. Before it I had such a hard time bullying them.
Now, though, I’ve been told my next books are nice and angsty.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Kat for sure. She’s chaotic in all the best ways. Hardest was Artemis in keeping her vocab eloquent but not verbose.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Artemis – Sophie Turner
Xandria – Jenna Ortega
Kat – Anne Hathaway
Frankie – Gwendoline Christie
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Artemis — least likely to get me killed.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Artemis drinks something SUPER sweet and strong. She’s a lightweight but loves her sugar.
If your book had an official mascot, what (or who) would it be?
A nogitsune (it’ll make sense later)
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
This was actually pantsed at first. It bit me in the butt, though, because draft 2 needed serious work.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
Somewhat of a non-traditional answer, but the Fallen Hero (interactive fiction) community were the folks who first influenced me to write. Before 2024, I’d never written a word of fiction.
