Caitlin Starling’s novella The Oblivion Bride (Neon Hemlock, 2025) follows Lorelei, an obscure member of the wealthy Steddart family, who suddenly finds herself sole heir after her family begins to fall, relentlessly, to a mysterious curse. In a last-ditch effort to save her family, Lorelei’s uncle marries her off to Nephele Corisande, the city state’s best War Alchemist, an intimidating soldier who is also Lorelei’s best chance at survival. But what begins as a marriage of convenience, quickly becomes something much more. In this interview, Starling describes the influences of horror and fanfiction on her new romance novella. She discusses the roles of aesthetic, magic, and technology in designing the world and plot of her fantasy mystery. We also chat about arranged marriage tropes and the role of class and power in relationships. The Oblivion Bride is an engaging and moving story and it was so much fun discussing it with the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/fantasy