Author Interview | Getting to Know O.R. Sykora

Today we welcome O.R. Sykora (Olivia) to our blog to talk about her new release. Son of the Mountain King out now.

Can you tell us something about you we may not know?

I spent my teenage years as a missionary kid in Romania. My parents had been asked to help direct a Bible school and run summer camps in western Romania, so they moved our family to a mountain village and jumped in with both feet. What an adjustment it was at the beginning, especially in regard to learning a new language! Looking back, I can see what a blessing it was, this adventure that forced me out of myself at a crucial age.

Can you tell us a little about your writing journey?

My earliest written records can be found in a small, puffed pink diary carefully closed with a frail heart lock, where I scrawled observations about the weather, young crushes, and other topics of note. Thankfully, my attempt at journaling soon morphed into what has become a lifelong love of scribbling poetry, articles, and stories. My dabbling in prose took a sharp turn in 2018, when I joined a worldwide challenge to write a novel draft in 30 days. It was a heady experience. I was hooked. The rough draft of Son of the Mountain King came into being the following year during my second writing challenge.

When you were a child, did you have a favourite book?

The Chronicles of Narnia captured my heart from the moment my mother started reading the series aloud to my sisters and me. A close second: The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy, all of which my father read aloud to us in the evenings. So much beauty and magic!

What inspired you to write Son of the Mountain King?

While I was reading my devotions one morning, the comparison of Christ’s love for His people being like that of a husband for his wife struck me in a new way. I thought, what if the entire story of the Bible were told as a simple love story, a fairytale that speaks the truth of the greatest love story ever? The seed of SOMK grew from there.

What process did you use to write this kind of story?

I had to “soak” in the ideas for a while before outlining the story. When it was time to draft, I first captured the story concept with minimal editing. Then, as the revision process began—which lasted around 2 years—details filled in as the core ideas developed. It was like building a formal garden: planning, yes, large elements for shape, yes, but then the beauty grows as the plants are carefully added.

What do you hope readers take home from this story?

In a word, hope itself. This story speaks of that which I believe to be the most important fact in the world: God loves us, every one of us. May a fragrance of that love and the hope stemming from it envelop every reader.

I love the trailer, and it does have that fantasy vibe, was it hard to create?

To be honest, I have no idea! My publisher created the trailer, and I absolutely love it.

Will there be more books in the series?

Yes! Book 2, Wrath of the Mountain King, will release in 2026, and the third book in the trilogy is currently in the works.

Finally, can you tell us about Son of the Mountain King. Where can we buy the book and where can we find you on the web?

You can buy paperback or ebook copies of Son of the Mountain King on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Pelican Book Group, and more.

SOMK back cover:

When an invasion threatens the land of the Mountain King, the fate of the people rests on the shoulders of young governor Judah. She has sworn to prove herself a skillful leader by protecting her kingdom from foes, but difficulty and danger surround her.

Then Judah’s life is saved by two different men who divide her loyalty. One, a fascinating healer, captures the hearts of Judah and her people. The other, a mysterious shepherd, forces Judah to question what she believes to be true.

When a conspiracy comes to light that could destroy Judah and her kingdom, a single choice might cost her people everything. Will the headstrong leader prove herself—or find herself trapped?

I love to connect with readers! Find me on my website, www.orsykora.com. I’m also active on Instagram (@orsykora) and Facebook (O.R. Sykora). Stay updated on insider info by subscribing to my newsletter at orsykora.substack.com . I’d be thrilled for you to join my book journey family!