J.R. Ward Interview: Crown of War and Shadow and Writing Romantasy
In this episode of the She Reads Romance Books Podcast, Iโm joined by one of the OGs of the romance genre, J.R. Ward, to talk about her new romantasy, Crown of War and Shadow, a sweeping romance that kicks off the new Kingdoms of the Compass series! We also chat about:
- How she sat on this idea for over 20 years!
- What it’s like to craft a romantasy series,
- Why youโll love Sorell and Merc, her strong heroine and the alpha male who protects her,
- Her favorite scene in the book, and so much more!
If you love romantasy books that read like a complete story with compelling characters, then you donโt want to miss this episode. Listen below or on your favorite podcast platform, or watch the video on YouTube!
Episode 138: Interview with J.R. Ward Talking About Crown of War and Shadow & Writing Romantasy
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

About Crown of War and Shadow:
In the deep, dark, dead of night, passions rise, empires fallโฆand a queen must awaken. Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.
The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world. No one is safe. Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to surviveโฆand find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed. She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.
Well aware sheโs no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage. But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.
Check out my book review of Crown of War and Shadow.
About J.R. Ward:

J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Wardโs novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.
After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.
Follow J.R.:
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