“She glared deep into his azure eyes, bestowing him with a silent promise. He may very well be responsible for her undoing. But she would be his end.” 

Author Sara Flanagan worked with us to create scents for her wickedly thrilling Aladdin-inspired dark fantasy romance: Wish. She was kind enough to speak with our team about her stories, writing villains, being an indie author, and so much more! 

Sara Flanagan is a dark fantasy romance author who lives in Atlantic Canada with her wonderful husband, Adrien, and their adorable cat, Kiwi. She writes dark, twisted, feminine-rage-fueled stories full of tension and trauma, with flawed, morally grey characters, swoon-worthy romance, and villains so monstrous you’ll wish you could crawl into the book and end them yourself. When she isn’t writing or reading, you can find her painting, playing guitar, gaming or wandering the woods.

Her debut novel, Wish, book 1 in the Onyx Mist Series, is a little bit of Aladdin meets the Plated Prisoner series, only the wishes are granted with a deadly twist. Mora and Zadriel can’t wait to meet you.

What was the inspiration behind Wish and the Onyx Mist Series? 

The Onyx Mist Series was inspired by a dream that sank its teeth in and refused to let go. My husband and I were talking about the live action Aladdin the night before, so I definitely had genie-like curses and princesses who didn’t want to marry for the sake of politics on my mind. Mora came to me, near the end of Wish, and shared a glimpse of her story. I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone who’s met her when I say she demanded I tell it. Am I ever glad I did.

What made you want to be an author?

Writing has always been part of my soul. When I was a kid, I would write short stories and poetry and always loved exploring darker themes (sorry mom lol). When I got into freelance work, creating blogs and digital content, I felt so fortunate to write and create every day, but still had stories in my heart that I longed to tell. When Mora, the fmc of Wish, found me in a dream she demanded I write hers, and here we are. I couldn't be more grateful.

What is your process around creating a villain? 

I write villains that are absolute monsters who haunt the pages (sometimes literally), and I am hating them right alongside you. But one thing I try to do is humanize them in some way. Dother wants to free the Halflings, Andras has spent his life living in the shadow of a dead man, Elodie (who you’ll meet in Revolt) longs for connection and freedom. There’s something about meeting a character who is so incredibly evil yet having these moments where you find yourself agreeing with one of their ideas or sympathizing with them, even as you detest them, because they cannot be redeemed. And while there is absolutely violence in my stories, it’s the emotional invasion that, in my opinion, packs the hardest punch. Dother, the series main antagonist, is dead, but he has his fingers in everything and, as promised, will never let the fmc go. Weaving that emotional impact makes him feel so present, even when he isn’t there.

What is some advice that you’d give to aspiring authors who are thinking about indie publishing?

There is no one right way to write your story. Do what feels best for you; whatever allows the words to flow and your world to come to life is perfect.

What are your favorite tropes to write?

Morally grey... everyone. There are no heroes in my stories - I love exploring deeply flawed characters who don't make all the right decisions and aren't always interested in being righteous. This is also why I love writing feminine rage; we support women's wrongs in this house!

Fated mates will forever have a hold on my heart, and I love to weave it into the plot, but with a tragic twist. Exploring that pull, the yearning and the implications of being bonded when it feels like the Fates are against them might crush my soul at times, but it's so exciting to write. And makes every moment the mcs have together hit so much harder.

And I enjoy exploring non-linear narratives, where the past and the present collide to create a richer world and deepen the mystery. I love the added tension and emotion, and the way everything comes together once all is revealed.

What do you enjoy the most about writing fantasy? 

Even when the world and the themes are dark, fantasy comes with a magic and wonder that is so unique to the genre. I love stories that make you feel deeply, but I also love rich lore along with realms and creatures that inspire awe. The escapism that fantasy creates makes it easier, in my opinion, to explore difficult topics, and even when the stakes are high, the magical elements always add a glimmer hope.

What is the best way to support you as an indie author?

One of the best ways to support myself or any indie author you adore is to squee about our books! If you devoured Wish and you're pumped about it, tell the people; posting about and reviewing the books you love goes a long way and is so appreciated!

What do you have coming next that we need to keep on our radars?

Revolt, book 2 in the Onyx Mist Series, will be out on August 4th. The crown has fallen, the Enchanter king is dead, and Mora finds herself at the center of a revolt. But what will rise from the ashes? And do monsters ever really die...?

Click here to shop the Onyx Mist collection today!

Available through July 13, 2026