Exclusive Cover Reveal + Q&A: Julie Johnson’s Debut Romantasy The Wind Weaver

By Lacy Baugher Milas  |  July 9, 2024 | 10:00am
Books Features Romantasy
Exclusive Cover Reveal + Q&A: Julie Johnson’s Debut Romantasy The Wind Weaver

As everyone is probably well aware, romantasy is all the rage right now in publishing—among readers and authors alike. Featuring stories that blend the rich world-building of high fantasy with swoon-worthy romance to create something new and distinct, this is a genre that treats character dynamics and relationship arcs with as much care as it does its complex lore-building and magical quests. And with more authors than ever stepping into the world of romantasy, it doesn’t seem to be a trend that’s letting up any time soon. 

Author Julie Johnson is the latest author set to dip her proverbial toe into the world of romantasy. Primarily known for her contemporary romances, the first installment of her debut romantasy series is slated to arrive next year. Titled The Wind Weaver, it follows the story of a halfling who reignites the embers of an ancient prophecy, unleashing a storm that could save her realm or doom them all. Inspired by Welsh mythology, the book is described as perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas, and those who love the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, 

Here’s how the publisher describes the story.

Fear of maegic plagues war-torn Anwyvn. Halflings like Rhya Fleetwood are killed on sight. But Rhya’s execution is interrupted by an unexpected savior—one far more terrifying than her would-be killers: the mysterious and mercenary Commander Scythe. In the clutches of this new enemy, Rhya finds herself fighting for her life in the barren reaches of the Northlands. Yet the farther she gets from home, the more she learns that nothing is as it seems—not her fearsome captor, not the blight that ravages her dying realm, not even herself.

For Rhya is no ordinary halfling. The strange birthmark on her chest and the wind she instinctively calls forth means she is a Remnant, one of four souls scattered across Anwyvn, fated to restore the balance of maegic…or die trying.

But mastering the power inside her is only the beginning. Desire for the Commander—a man she can never trust, a man with plans of his own—burns just as fiercely as the tempests beating against her rib cage for release. Rhya must choose: smother the flames…or let them consume her.

The Wind Weaver won’t be released until April 8, 2025, but we’re thrilled to give you a first look at its (absolutely gorgeous!) cover right now. 

The Wind Weaver cover

We also had the chance to sit down with Johnson herself to talk about what readers can expect from the story, her decision to try her hand at writing romantasy, and more.

Paste Magazine: Tell us a little bit about The Wind Weaver! What can readers expect from this story? 

Julie Johnson: Come for the magic and monsters, stay for the slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. The Wind Weaver is perfect for fans of epic fantasy stories that raise the stakes without ever losing sight of the characters. It incorporates some of my favorite tropes, from found family to forced proximity. You can expect battles—some fought with swords, others within the mind (and heart) of Rhya, our heroine, as everything she thinks she knows about her realm is flipped on its head… 

Paste: Where did the idea for The Wind Weaver come from? Fantasy like this seems like an exciting sort of new swerve for you as an author, what made you want to try writing romantasy as a genre? 

Johnson: Exciting is an understatement! I’m thrilled to finally be writing in this genre. I’ve been a fantasy fan since I first saw Aragorn throw open the doors at Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (if you know, you know) way back in 2002, and my appreciation only grew as I got older. 

While my backlist is primarily contemporary romance, to me it was always a question of “when” not “if” I would eventually write a fantasy of my own. There were a few false starts and shelved attempts over the years… But then, I sat down one morning in late 2021 and wrote the first chapter of The Wind Weaver in a mad rush of words. That’s when I knew it was time to dive in headfirst. 

Paste: Speaking of romantasy, it’s a publishing trend that’s everywhere right now. What do you think is so appealing about these kinds of stories for readers? (Or for the authors who write them?) 

Johnson: Believe it or not, there was a time romantasy was hard to find on the shelves! It’s amazing to see the genre exploding on e-readers and in bookstores all over the world, getting the recognition it deserves. 

As a longtime fantasy reader, I spent YEARS searching for books that would offer a smidge of romance along with those epic battles and mythical worlds. This blended genre truly is a “have your cake and eat it too” situation, combining the captivating elements I so adore with addictive love stories. I also admit, there’s an undeniable element of escapism when you crack open a fantasy story. Sometimes, it’s simply nice to take a mental vacation from our world and lose yourself in a fantastical one between the pages for an afternoon. 

Paste This book is at least somewhat inspired by Welsh mythology, particularly the goddess Rhiannon. What drew you to legend in particular and made you want to incorporate it here? 

Johnson: My initial inspiration for The Wind Weaver actually came from Stevie Nicks, who wrote the song “Rhiannon” about the Welsh goddess of the same name. I was singing along one day (very off-key, I might add) and found myself lost in the lyrics, curious about “a woman taken by the wind” and the story behind the song. 

That curiosity led me down a rabbit hole of mythology and Welsh lore. I was captivated by those ancient legends and characters. Not long after, I sat down and started writing a story about a woman who embodies the element of wind. And so, The Wind Weaver was born. The dedication page reads: “To Stevie Nicks, for writing the song ‘Rhiannon.’ Without its inspiration, Rhya Fleetwood—this book’s main character—would not exist.” 

Paste: What element of this book excited you the most while you were writing it? Do you have a particular moment (or character) from this story that you can’t wait for readers to experience? 

Johnson: Page one drops the reader right into the action, as Rhya is about to be executed. She has no idea what is in store for her, and neither will the reader. I loved slowly unfurling this huge, war-torn world through her eyes as she comes into her power and learns the truth about her dying realm. 

Without spoiling too much, I will say there are several character reveals throughout the story that will make readers gasp. (And a few twists and turns that might make them toss their e-readers at the wall!) My favorite element—no pun intended—of this story is the elements themselves. I adored crafting characters who fully embody air or fire or water, from the way they move to the cadence of their voices to the manifestation of their magic. Playing with their complementary—and sometimes contradictory—personalities and power dynamics… Well, like fire and air… it’s combustible!

The Wind Weaver will be released on April 8, 2025, but you can pre-order it now. 

Lacy Baugher Milas is the Books Editor at Paste Magazine, but loves nerding out about all sorts of pop culture. You can find her on Twitter @LacyMB

 
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