Only One Side Can Win: Announcing Red and Black by Nancy O’Toole Meservier

It’s always a joy to highlight a friend’s debut novel. Today, we’re honored to announce the release of Red and Black, the first book in a new urban fantasy series by Speculative Chic contributor Nancy O’Toole Meservier. I’ve known Nancy for years now, since the days when she and I were both book bloggers on Live Journal. It’s an absolute treat to see her publishing her first novel, and I can’t wait to read what J.L. Gribble promises is “a great, fun read that will appeal to adult and young adult readers alike, with just enough superhero antics to make you feel like you’re in the movie theater with the bonus of a longer narrative and way more interesting things than can be packed into a two-hour time span.”

Come take a look at the premise, and then check out a brief interview with Nancy below!

The Book:

Red and Black (2018)
Written by: Nancy O’Toole Meservier
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

The Premise:

Dawn Takahashi knows a thing or two about superheroes, from the fictional ones that populate her favorite comic books, to the real-life vigilantes who keep people safe. When she’s granted an impressive set of powers of her own, she dives right in, eager to prove herself as Bailey City’s first legitimate superhero. Dressed in red and black, Dawn spends her nights jumping from rooftop to rooftop, apprehending criminals with a smile. But by day, she finds her interactions marred by crippling social awkwardness.

Alex Gage is used to life giving him the short end of the stick, from his working-class upbringing, to the recent death of his mother. He works hard to support his younger sisters, hiding his anger and frustration behind laid back charm. It’s this charm that first draws Alex and Dawn together, but their secrets may tear them apart. Because while Dawn protects the city against threats, Alex unknowingly undermines her efforts by working as a henchman for Calypso, a mysterious woman who can make anyone loyal to her with a single touch of her hand.

It’s the classic story of boy meets girl. And hero versus villain. Where only one side can win.

Red and Black is the first book in a series.

Nancy, I’ve known you as a writer for about as long as I’ve known you as a book reviewer. Tell me, what was it about Red and Black that made you sure it was “The One” you wanted to send out into the world?

That’s a tricky question, because I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and in the past ten years have finished several books. But while those rejected books may hold a special place in my heart, they weren’t necessarily of a publishable quality. I was comfortable sending them out to my friends, but I see now that they weren’t ready for the wider world. With Red and Black, I feel as if I’ve finally leveled up as a writer and have begun to tackle my short comings, such as with character voice. Also, as a superhero novel it’s the kind of book that I love to read, but don’t see as often as I’d like to. You can find these types of characters everywhere in movies, comics and TV, but not so much in fiction. I’m hoping that other readers feel the same way I do and will be willing to give my book a chance.

Self-publishing has been revolutionized thanks to e-books. What made you decide that was the right venue for Red and Black?

There are a few reasons behind that. Traditional publishing is an avenue that comes with so many benefits, but in exchange you do have to give up a certain amount of control, and I’m very fond of being in control of the situation!

In addition, the superhero genre isn’t considered hugely marketable when it comes to books. It’s one thing when you’re a big-name author-such as Brandon Sanderson’s Steelheart series, or Marissa Meyer’s Renegades — or are writing in an established universe, such as the DC Icon novels — but I felt like my book would be a very hard sell as a new writer. With self-publishing, there’s less of an overhead, meaning that there’s not as much pressure to make a splash with my debut, and more of a chance to build an audience over time.

Superheroes and urban fantasy: this seems like the most obvious mash-up ever! What inspired you to do so?

Probably because I’ve always wanted to write both?

But seriously, they’re already pretty closely related, so it was natural to take the structure and some of the relationship aspects of urban fantasy and bring in masks and costumes.

Makes sense to me! One last question: the premise states Red and Black is the first in a series, but for readers who are hesitant to start a new series, can this be read as a stand-alone?

It depends on what you mean by stand alone! If you’re asking if the immediate conflict is dealt with then yes, it is a stand alone. But there are several more character focused plotlines that are left to develop over the course of multiple books.

Okay, I lied: one more question: how many books are you planning?

I’m almost embarrassed to admit it because it’s rather ambitious! I’d love to pull a Harry Potter (or a Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and release seven volumes. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how things end up turning out!

At the very least, there’ll be three.

Sounds great! Are you ready to start reading? I know I am. Red and Black is already waiting impatiently on my Kindle! Go get your copy at Amazon, or if you want to learn more, read some of the reviews on Goodreads!