Author Spotlight: Monique Morgan

I was lucky enough to be able to ask Monique Morgan, author of Pursuer a few questions! 

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Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Sure! I am married with three children, two girls and one little boy. I have always been an avid reader since I learned how to read, commonly referred to as a bookworm, never anywhere without a book in hand. I use to write stories when I was younger, even attempting to write a book in my late teens, but I never finished it. An interesting tidbit is that the main character’s name in that book was Zanas.

Life went on, I had my girls, went to college and the only books I had time to read were textbooks. It wasn’t until I had my son, and became a stay at home mom, that I began to read and eventually began to write again.

What inspired you to write the Alwahi series? 

I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas (love love love it) and I was reading all these awesome books, Divergent, The Hunger Games, Matched, and I kept thinking “Wow, I love these worlds!” But they all had one thing in common, a great world that is then torn down. I was also reading the Mysterious Island and Dr. Monroe’s Island. These combined made me start thinking of the Alwahi Series, a mystical world where the characters embrace the culture and make it their own.

Can you tell us if we'll see Zanas (& Dressdon) in Dreamer? 

Yes, they will be seen in Dreamer and Alchemist as well, the main story involves all three of the clans. However, the point of view will not be from them, but from each of the unique characters. There was actually an epilogue to Pursuer that I cut out, because it made it seem as though their story was finished, and in reality, it will continue through the eyes of others. The second book, Dreamer, is told from the point of view of Asenya and her experiences in the clan of Dreamers. The third book will be about another female character, who at this time is a secretJ After all, the Alchemists are a secretive clan, and we will have to wait an learn their secrets.

If you could spend one day with any literary character who would it be and why? 

Right now, I would have to say Beatrice Prior from Divergent. I loved this book, and her courageous character. Although I hope the factions stabilize and we get to see more of the Dauntless.

What clan would you belong to if you landed on the island with Zanas and her sister?

It would be a tossup between Pursuer and Dreamer. I love the wild thrill of the Pursuers, but I also like the raw power of the Dreamers.

Thanks so much Monique! Can't wait for Dreamer!
Thanks for having me! I loved your questions.

Pursuer by Monique Morgan: Review

When her plane crashes into the ocean, Zanas is dropped into a brutal world of survival. She soon learns that this is no ordinary place, as the land mutates all that live within its borders. Her sister is kidnapped and taken beneath, thrusting Zanas into the middle of a primitive society, where she will find her death, or her destiny. (from Goodreads)

The first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. It is arresting, to say the least. It caught my attention and I found myself wondering why does the girl have blood on her lips? What are those marks around her eyes? I knew I HAD to read this book, if only to find out the answers to those questions. 

Pursuer is the first book in the Alwahi series by Monique Morgan. I found this book on the IndieARCs page on facebook & big thanks to Michelle Warren, (creator of the IndieARCs page), because I really enjoyed it! Monique Morgan offers up a completely unique idea with some amazing characters to bring it to life. I was very glad to learn that this is the first in a series. 

We see the story unfold from our main character, Zanas' perspective; direct and concise the story is very exciting. The attention to detail is astounding and really helps pull everything together for the reader. There's lots of action , intrigue and even a little romance mixed in there. I was riveted through the whole book. This is the type of book where you never really know what's going to happen next and you love every minute of it. There is no lull in the action and conflict is everywhere Zanas turns. The conflict is really what moves the plot along at hyper speed.

Zanas is my very favorite part of this book. She is unlike any character I've ever read before; strong and capable and not afraid to show it. Her whole world has been flipped upside down and she stays strong and true to who she really is. It is very easy to admire her and her absolute determination to follow her destiny, regardless of where it leads her.

Pursuer is a great, fast read; a unique idea very well executed, I highly recommend it.