There are so many expectations we have when we open a book—before we open a book. I am sure that is no different with Lion Heart Princess. Actually I know that it is no different with Lion Heart Princess. These are some of the things I have heard about my own book that people expected but what the reality really is, is not exactly what you’d think.
Expectation 1: Soft fairytale romance
Reality: Makeddah finds identity in herself in book 1. Even by the end she is still figuring it out. But she does not find identity in romance. In fact, romance is a small part of the overall story.
I think it is important to teach our teens that, yes, romance is fun and special, but it is not our anchor. Family, faith, friends should be our anchors and that means that romance does not have to be the central theme in EVERY story.
Expectation 2: Complete worldbuilding in Book 1
Reality: Makeddah knows nothing about the outside world. And when she dives into it in chapter 3 there are multiple instances where she expresses that.
In the Lion Heart Series, the world will continue to build as Makeddah goes on. In book 2, you will see so much more about life not only in Korzon, but the magic system, the other kingdoms, and Witch Centers. But it expounds even more in Book 3 where a more complete picture will be shown.
I love books where the world is so immersive and the worldbuilding is complete in book one but also feel there is a space for a series to keep growing as it does.
Expectation 3: Perfect Faith
Reality: Faith is something that takes work. It is not a perfect display of our love to God but instead an amazing show of his mercy toward us.
The faith is imperfect but God loves us anyway.
Expectation 4: A magic system that shows good vs. bad
Reality: While the magic system shows there is good use of magic and bad use of magic, it also shows that not everything is good or bad. It is what you do with it that counts.
Sorcery is bad, but the people who wield it can still be redeemed. They still can fight the magic (sin) and be redeemed to meet their Creator in loving faith one day.
Expectation 5: Spicy Romance and Cursing
Reality: I do not curse, I am very uncomfortable with cursing, so I wouldn’t want it in my books. It is geared toward YA’s which live in the world and the world is full of foul language and provocative videos and sites, but my work will always be a safe space.
So flirting, and little kisses here and there yes. No spicy romance and no explicit language.
Our expectations sometimes lead us into a book but the reality is what makes us love or hate them. For Lion Heart Princess, I hope for it to be one you end up loving.