Happy release day to Emily Hayse and her latest release, BOLTON’S BOYS! It’s the second installment in the War Games trilogy, a Gladiator meets Remember the Titans meets Miracle epic series with themes of brotherhood, perseverance, loyalty, and following the underdogs fight against all odds.
I had the privilege to read the first book, THE DOGS OF WAR, in early January of this year. Click to here to read my review on Goodreads of that book. I was unable to finish the sequel in time for release day, but I am enjoying returning to this world and story. I love the aspects of brotherhood and relationships, especially in the unique setting that Emily has created for this series. It’s a very sports-heavy inspired series, with the “games” being a sort of capture the flag scenario, but with multiple rankings for the different players, and a level of sportsmanship—and sometimes danger and cruelty from the opposite teams—that makes it intriguing to read. A tale of underdogs fighting for glory, it’s for those who love a good tale of perseverance and courage, and of course, serious sports.
Check out the blurb for the second book below!
“Boys, no matter what else happens, we stick together. We don’t let anything come between us, hear?”
In the months following their victory over the Toros, the Iron City Wolves face fresh challenges, from young love and fatherhood to the ancient tradition of hostages drawn by lot. Despite injuries, empty stomachs, and crushing blows, Atlas Bolton and his team of underdogs meet each day with camaraderie and grit.
As the clock winds down to the final match, the Wolves go head-to-head with the best the Empire has to offer and Atlas comes under mounting pressure from the Guild. Dangerous old grudges and tempting new offers come into play, threatening to change the team forever. One thing is certain: their loyalty to each other must bear them through the storm or crack under the strain.
And now for the interview with the author herself!
- As a start, how would you introduce yourself to someone who’s never heard about you or your books before?
I’m a northern girl currently living out west, I love the outdoors, hot coffee, and baking. I specialize in grounded fantasy that reads like a classic adventure novel, but with a little twist. I have eleven books out currently, with four more on the docket, and few of them have won awards. If you like deep themes tucked into exciting plots and lovable characters, you might enjoy my books.
I highly recommend them all! My personal favorite is Yours, Constance, which is a 1920’s historical fantasy with a heavy focus on faerie. It’s basically what I wanted The Great Gatsby to be (and was sorely disappointed by).
- If you had to describe The War Games trilogy in an elevator pitch form, what would you say?
The trilogy is a sci-fi/fantasy sports drama about an underdog team trying to overcome the odds. Think Gladiator meets Remember the Titans.
There you have it, folks!
- Where did the idea for The War Games come from? And what are the main influences?
I have always been a big sports fan and I grew up rooting for a lot of underdogs. I’d written sports fantasy before (unpublished), but I knew something bigger was just a matter of time. I think the beginning of the idea started a few years ago when one of my teams went on a run for a championship against old rivals. It was absolutely electric, and it rekindled my love for my sports stories.
I’m so glad you gave it a try! While not my usual thing, I loved getting to see your take on the concept!
- What book out of the trilogy is your favorite?
Right now, I’m going to have to say Bolton’s Boys. There’s a lot of joy in this book. But we’ll see if some of the epic moments from book 3 steal the crown eventually.
Ooh, I’ll definitely look forward to reading more of it, then!
- As this is your second published series, are there things you’re doing differently this time around that you learned from publishing your fantasy western retelling of King Arthur in The Knights of Tin and Lead Trilogy?
This is a great question. I think the biggest thing is giving myself time and not panicking. KOTAL released on a much tighter schedule (9 months between the three release dates) and so I think I was much more worried about the timing of everything. This time around, I gave myself a lot more time to live in between the books.
That’s such a good thing for indies to do. I know there is a lot of pressure for rapid releases, but the best books are the ones that aren’t rushed.
6. What are some of your favorite things about Bolton’s Boys?
I love the camaraderie. In the first book, there’s a lot of fighting upwards and dealing with injustice, and while there’s some of that in this book, there’s definitely a lot more light, happy moments.
I can’t wait to read more of it!
- What is your favorite scene in Bolton’s Boys and why?
That’s a tough one, but I’m going to have to go with the late night dinner the boys in the barracks go to before their first match. There’s something special in that togetherness and feeling of destiny they have that just sets the tone for the rest of the book.
I think I just read this scene the other night, haha. It was such a fun one!
- Who is your favorite character in Bolton’s Boys and why?
Probably Atlas Bolton. He’s just such a rock. But I’m kind of fond of Remus too. He brings a lot of calm and sense to everything.
I think Atlas is my favorite too in many ways. He’s so steady.
- Do you have a regular writing routine or things you do that help the writing process? (Such as a favorite time of day to write or do you drink tea/coffee or have a favorite place to write)
I try to have as regular of a routine as possible, but it doesn’t always work that way. The closest thing I’ve got is there’s often a playlist and a cup of coffee involved. I often sit in the sunroom to write, as it gets me out of my room. And I’ve been doing a lot of evening drafting these days.
I often write best in the evening myself. Or at least the afternoon!
- Last but not least, what are you hoping for readers to get out of Bolton’s Boys?
I would love for people to leave this book feeling inspired and ennobled by the characters’ perseverance, brotherhood, and humanity. There’s something beautiful about people overcoming odds, and I hope people see that in this book.
I am sure they will! You do such an excellent job communicating themes across to the reader in all of your writing!
Thank you so much, Emily, for agreeing to this interview!
Do follow the author on Instagram at @songsofheroes and check out her books on Amazon or your preferred retailer. You can also find out more on her website.
In parting, here is one quote from the book to further intrigue your curiosity!
“Our joy is an act of war.”
~ Bolton’s Boys by Emily Hayse
