Mary Weber Embraces the Awesomeness of Teens and Teen Fiction and Owns It Like Nobody’s Business

Mary Weber's newest novel, SIREN'S FURY released June 2. SIREN'S FURY is the second in the young adult Storm Siren Trilogy, and Pasha Carlisle, Fresh Fiction's new columnist for Young Adult Musings, discusses teens, embracing our inner Elemental, and what's in store for Mary's fans!

Pasha: In addition to writing for teens, you also work with teens in your community. How has this experience helped you shape your teenage heroine, Nym, into a relatable character

Mary: *laughs* Oh man, if you visit my house on any given weekend, you’ll find teens (including my own) have taken over. I love working and spending time with them and I definitely hope their awesomeness has rubbed off on my characters! I think more than anything, it’s the openness and vulnerability teens have when you’re willing to listen without judging. I’ve learned a lot from it and I think it’s something that comes through in Nym. That and her strong personal values and compassion for the underdog.

Pasha: SIREN'S FURY is set against a more metallic backdrop than the first book in the series, STORM SIREN. Why did you choose to contrast the natural power of Nym with the industrial landscape of the Bron kingdom?

Mary: I love contrast and I find analyzing the pros and cons of one way of life versus another fascinating. In the case of Nym and her Faelen people, they have beauty and natural resources that result in a sort of majestic, earthy power and homey atmosphere. Pitt those against a stark, metallic land whose resources and artistic approach are on the low side – yet they’ve made up for it with a different kind of power. A mental power that makes them incredibly advanced when it comes to engineering and war.

Beyond that, I wanted Nym in the position where she’s not only stripped of her powers but also truly FEELS it in every way – even in the atmosphere and surroundings that she’d normally pull from. How would she handle such a situation? How would she cope when internally and externally everything is foreign?

Pasha: Nym is an Elemental and must learn to embrace her individuality in the face of danger. Can you share with us a bit about what it means for readers to embrace our inner Elemental?

Mary: I very much believe we each have unique elements that make up who we are on a soul level – parts of our personality, our strength, our weaknesses, our creative expression, our desires and dreams, our values. Sure, those things grow and change over time, but they are still at the core of who we are. However, I think sometimes we look at those and dismiss them, or despise them even, because they might not look like others, or like what society “prefers”. So rather than embracing our inner selves and the individuality and beauty therein, we end up losing out to pressure and expectations. Which is why I encourage the teens I work with (and myself for that matter) to explore what makes them unique – and then to own that awesomeness like nobody’s business. Because the world doesn’t need more people who look and act just like everybody else. The world needs beautiful souls who have come alive through the embracing of struggles and self – and can influence their surroundings because of it.

Pasha: We are so excited for SIREN'S FURY, and we can’t wait to read more of your stories soon. Can you give us any hints on what’s next for you, writing-wise?

Mary: Aww yay! And thanks. Okay, so I’m currently editing book 3 in the trilogy. Buuuuut after that I have a duology in the works. Which may or may not have sci-fi elements. ;0)

Pasha: Thank you for being our guest today, and we have one more question for you: What is on your to-read list?

Mary: Love love love this question and there are so many must-haves right now! To name a few – I’m not-so-patiently awaiting Marissa Meyer’s fabulous WINTER (final installment in The Lunar Chronicles), along with Marie Rutkoski’s WINNER’S KISS (already swooning), Mary Pearson’s HEART OF BETRAYAL, Sharon Cameron’s ROOK, Rae Carson’s WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER, and any type of scrap paper, grocery list, or future book Maggie Stiefvater decides to write.

Thank you for having me!!!!!!

About Mary Weber

Mary Weber is a ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives. In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings 80’s hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean.

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About SIREN'S FURY

“I thrust my hand toward the sky as my voice begs the Elemental inside me to waken and rise. But it’s no use. The curse I’ve spent my entire life abhorring—the thing I trained so hard to control —no longer exists.”

Nym risked her life to save Faelen, her homeland, from a losing war, only to discover that the shapeshifter Draewulf has stolen everything she holds dear. But when the repulsive monster robs Nym of her storm- summoning abilities as well, the beautiful Elemental realizes her war is only just beginning.

Now powerless to control the elements that once emboldened her, Nym stows away on an airship traveling to the metallic kingdom of Bron. She must stop Draewulf. But the horrors he’s brought to life and the secrets of Bron are more than Nym bargained for. Then the disturbing Lord Myles tempts her with new powers that could destroy the monster, and Nym must decide whether she can compromise in the name of good even if it costs her very soul.

As she navigates the stark industrial cityscape of Bron, Nym is faced with an impossible choice: change the future with one slice of a blade . . . or sacrifice the entire kingdom for the one thing her heart just can’t let go.