(This interview was conducted by Angelica Elie, a character from The Cartographer’s War series. For reasons that weren’t provided, Allison opted out of having this conversation with Axel…though, that may be for the best.)
Angelica Elie: Hello, Axel. I get to be the one to interview you! Sweet Gaia, isn’t that exciting?
Mighty Axel: Good morning, Angelica. Have you graduated from gossip to inquisitor now? I thought Allison was supposed to be conducting this bloody interrogation. Or has she decided she’d rather pass more of her work off to you?
Angelica: I still write my very informational newsletter, thank you very much. No, considering how much you don’t want to talk to her right now, Allison asked me to carry out the interview in her place.
Axel: mumbles something that sounds suspiciously like “Coward.”
Angelica: Now, we’re supposed to be talking about Son of Steel releasing on April 21st—at least, that’s when Allison told me it was releasing. Does your calendar have an April? Ours doesn’t.
Axel: No, but we’ve been counting down, nonetheless.
Angelica: Excellent. I’ve been one of very few to get their hands on Son of Steel but for those who will be introduced to the story for the first time, how would you describe your story? Or at least the first two books?
Axel: If you’re the kind who likes to sit at your grandmother’s knee to hear stories of benevolent kings, noble princes, and naïve princesses, you’d best look elsewhere. While Allison did a decent job keeping the story tame for squeamish stomachs and tender hearts, there are few heroes and fewer happy endings. If you’re like me and you enjoy stories of men facing impossible odds, bonds of brotherhood sealed on the fields of battle, and magic beyond the scope of the imagination, then take a look. While I may not be overly enthusiastic about Allison’s choices at the moment, I know a good story when I see one. But I can’t claim to be unbiased.
Angelica: And how are you feeling about this release? Aren’t you excited for everyone to get to read this next portion of your story? I’m sure both you and Pet have been absolutely giddy.
Axel: snorts Wōden’s eye, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Pet “giddy” about anything besides maybe a new throwing ax. But rest assured, we’re looking forward to the release. Especially because it means we’re one step closer to the end of this bloody war.
Angelica: I understand that completely. What are you most looking forward to readers gaining from the events of Son of Steel?
Axel: I think the point of stories like this is to remember that every person—whether they be heroes, villains, kings or laymen—is made up of both good and bad. That we all experience moments of heartache in our lives, and it’s the decisions we make after those moments that define us. It’s our choices, not our origins, that create our story.
Angelica: If we asked Pet the same question, would her answer mirror yours?
Axel: She would say she doesn’t care what anyone thinks and that they should mind their own bloody business.
Angelica: Which is probably why Allison decided you should be the one to answer for the both of you.
Axel: Probably.
Angelica: For my last question I want to know if you’re going to forgive Allison for the events at the end of this book.
Axel: Not rocking likely. I hope Hel has saved a nice, warm spot for Allison when the Valkyries come for her soul.
Want to know more about Son of Steel?
The truths they feared have risen from the ashes—and the bond between them may be the only thing strong enough to survive the fire.
The world Axel Ashersson believed in has shattered. After rescuing Petra from the High King of Åldras and being sent to retrieve Lady Idalia from the clutches of the Sidans, he’s left choking on the bitter truth that the war he’s sold his soul for was built on nothing but lies. And finally confessing the depth of his feelings for Petra—praise the Allfather—has only driven her farther from him. Now they are trapped aboard the same bloody ship, bound for Sida on a mission to steal back a woman who wants nothing to do with her brutal husband.
Petra Mallorysdottir would rather let a draugr bite her again than go with Axel and the crew to Sida. The lies she used to shield herself have been ripped away, leaving her raw, exposed, and burning with magic she can’t control. The way Axel continues to watch her certainly isn’t helping. Their kiss and the confessions she’d unburied from the ashes of her home have ruined everything and there’s no hope of ever returning to the life she’d so carefully built.
But the fragile truths uncovered in Åldras have not ended the conflict—they’ve only exposed deeper fractures. If Axel and Petra can’t navigate the widening chasm between them, reclaim Lady Idalia, and keep the kingdoms from plunging back into war, everything they have left to lose will be taken from them.
Allison Anderson returns with a sweeping epic romantasy where love is forged in battle, truth is a weapon, and destiny is written in fire. Son of Steel delivers emotional stakes, crackling magic, and a breathtaking world inspired by the raw power of Norse myth.
Meet Allison Anderson:
Allison Anderson lives her best life as a wife, a mom, a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and a fantasy writer. As a life long fantasy nerd, she finds it natural to create stories of her own and you can often find her jotting down new story ideas or talking about dragons. She’s spent most of her life across the southwestern United States.
You can find her on her website, as well as Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, TikTok, Threads, and X. To stay up to date with all that’s going on with Allison, join her newsletter here.
