Today we’re spotlighting author Lena Jeong’s debut novel And Break the Pretty Kings. This is a Korean folklore inspired fantasy that will be out June 20, 2023! Check it out.
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And Break the Pretty Kings by Lena Jeong
Mirae was meant to save her queendom, but the ceremony before her coronation ends in terror and death; a strange new power is unlocked within her, along with the return of a monster even the gods fear. Using unprecedented magic, Mirae must defeat this enemy and stop the future only she can see. 📚 First in Series 👾 Monsters 🎲 Plot Twists 🪄 Unique Magic
Interview with Lena Jeong
Amanda: What are you most proud of about And Break the Pretty Kings?
Lena Jeong: That the book even exists! When I first had dreams of becoming a writer back in high school, I would have never believed that a YA fantasy inspired by my Korean heritage would be picked up by a publisher, let alone find its readers. The stories I had in my head over the years featured all-white characters in eurocentric worlds because I just didn’t see many other kinds of heroes, villains, or settings in media at the time or in the YA reading lists I devoured. Even while studying literature in college and in my MFA program, British and American authors were held up as the literary standard. They were predominately recognized as the most aspirational, high-quality writers around the world and across all time. So, for many years, I believed that for a book to be well-written, it had to be modeled after the acclaimed works of western writers—not the storytelling traditions of my Asian heritage.
Now, however, non-western fantasies are starting to get the attention they deserve. With the rise of the #ownvoices movement a few years ago, I finally realized, after earning two degrees in my field, that “good” books are not for a single group of biased academics to decide (#DecolonizeYourBookshelf). This cultural movement opened new doors within my imagination, resulting in the creation of And Break the Pretty Kings, which is exactly the kind of book I needed as a marginalized teen. I’m immensely grateful for those who paved the way for my debut to be written and published, and I’m so proud of the fact that diverse stories like mine are much more visible in libraries and bookstores worldwide.
Amanda: What is the most important thing you hope readers get from this story?
Lena: Throughout Mirae’s journey, I tried to explore the concept of Truth being elusive and rarely complete, particularly when presented as an absolute by those who stand to gain from our unquestioned belief. It’s often healthy and necessary to interrogate what we are told by friends, parents, educators, politicians, or even religious leaders. Mirae, my main character, discovers that at times she cannot even rely on herself—her own gut instincts—until she deconstructs her flawed belief system, which was passed down to guide (or poison) her eventual reign.
Likewise, I hope readers are inspired to sincerely ponder why they esteem or revile various things and where those feelings come from (e.g., “Why do I have disdain for X lifestyle, or consider mine the best or only way to live?”). When met with pushback by authority figures, as Mirae is, or told to get back in line, I hope my readers also allow themselves to wonder why that is. I believe it’s important to have these kinds of internal conversations because, as Mirae finds out, naive bandwagoning often creates tyrants (winners making the rules) and the oppression of the marginalized (i.e., those denied the right to live freely according to their own beliefs). I think that books are the perfect vehicle through which readers can absorb diverse views and, when appropriate, rewire their inherited way of thinking in favor of something they’ve vetted and intentionally adopted for themselves. It’s also important to continuously adapt our perspectives as new information comes in, like Mirae does while unearthing more and more family secrets.
Hopefully Mirae’s fearless quest for truth and fairness will encourage readers to ask themselves difficult questions, too, like: Is everything I’ve been taught about X group of people true? How do I find out? If not, how is my ignorance harming others, and what will I do about it?
Amanda: What are some themes you worked to tackle in this story?
Lena: And Break the Pretty Kings is a Korean-inspired story about familial love but also the price of destiny. I’ve always been fascinated by the mysticality of fate, and I generally enjoy stories that ask questions like: Is the future unavoidable? Do we choose our own destiny or merely succumb to what has been preordained? If there is a higher power, how much does it actually care about, or orchestrate the things that happen down here? Is walking our so-called destined path the “best,” or only way to live?
The concept of agency versus destiny and what that relationship portends is intriguing to me, especially when a value system is placed on it (i.e., following your destiny is either “right” or “wrong”). Being who you were always meant to be, whether that means a pop star or a crown princess, hits differently when that role is decided and influenced by a meddling pantheon. In And Break the Pretty Kings and the rest of the Sacred Bone series, I tackle themes like the ambiguity of predestination and what happens when we put our trust in anthropomorphic gods who have their own agendas.
More concretely speaking, And Break the Pretty Kings is also a story about the oldest daughters who are raised to be their mothers’ right hand. They are expected to lead, protect, and nurture with very little life experience. The things they are taught are often tailored to their duties, meaning room for “normal” teenage experiences like mischief-making, hanging out with friends, and finding romance isn’t readily available or encouraged. Mirae experiences this firsthand. With an entire queendom’s fate resting on her shoulders, she has no time or energy for anything except embracing her role as heir to the throne, as is her birthright. Through Mirae’s predicament, I explored themes like what “good” daughterhood is and the expectations and limits that come with positions of power or authority extended to women.
Amanda: Are you a part of any writing groups or communities? How have they helped you in your writing and in your publishing journey?
Lena: Sadly, all the writing groups I’ve been involved with have fallen apart over the years (hopefully not because I’m cursed or something), so if any of my fellow traditionally published authors have any openings in their inner circles, please reach out! I have, however, had a few incredible WOC mentors who’ve helped me make my way through this industry; I absolutely would not be here without them. You ladies know who you are, and I thank you for your continued support, guidance, and wisdom from the bottom of my heart.
