Book Birthday and Author Interview: The Unicorn Quest, Secret in the Stone by Kamilla Benko

Kamilla Benko’s second book in THE UNICORN QUEST series, SECRET IN THE STONE, releases today! To celebrate, Kamilla has dropped by to chat. Before we begin, let’s take a look at the publisher’s description of her new story:

Claire Martinson and her sister Sophie have decided to stay in Arden–the magical land they discovered by climbing up a chimney in their great-aunt’s manor. If what they’ve learned is true, the sisters are the last descendants of the royal family, and only a true heir of Arden–with magic in her blood–can awaken the unicorns.

Since Sophie has does not have magic, the land’s last hope rests on Claire. The sisters journey to Stonehaven, a famed Gemmer school high in the mountains of Arden, so Claire can train in the magic of stone. As Claire struggles through classes, Sophie uncovers dangerous secrets about the people they thought they could trust. With Arden on the brink of crumbling, can Claire prove she is the prophesied heir and unlock the magic of the unicorns before it’s too late?

Kamilla, welcome to the Winged Pen! This story sounds like a lot of fun and a great follow-up to the first book. What is your favorite part of writing the UNICORN QUEST series?

I love writing the bond between Sophie and Claire. Sisterhood is a complex beast, and I love sinking into the emotion and feelings that come along with it.

What books did you find inspirational?

So many! The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale; Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo; The Sun is Also a Star by Niccola Yoon; The Serpent’s Secret by Sayatani DasGupta; The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty – all of these women are master world builders and plotters. And while these books span generes and audience, all of them have two things in common: beautiful words and a world/setting that is itself a major character. 

What were your favorite books as a middle grade reader?

I adored A Wrinkle in Time. I was a somewhat angry and lonely kid for a few years, and I felt like I found a kindred spirit in Meg Murray, and though I wasn’t able to articulate it at the time, it meant a lot to me that her raging emotions—her biggest flaw—was actually her greatest strength. I also loved Tamora Pierce’s Tortall and Circle of Magic series. Both center strong female characters in an unlimited world. I think it’s because of her books that I love fantasy worlds so much. And finally Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine. It’s a less known than Ella Enchanted but equally fantastic with an emotional core that made an adult-me sob.

Who are your favorite fictional unicorns?

What an excellent question! I have so many (Lightfoot, Sunchaser, Gaudior, Jewel, Amalthea, the nameless one from The Little White Horse), but lets go with my first unicorn.

The very first series I read all by myself was a chapter book series called The Jewel Kingdom by Jahnna N. Malcolm. It was about four princess-sisters who ruled a kingdom together, and they each had a magical creature advisor. There was a dragon, a butterfly, a white fox . . .and a unicorn. The unicorn’s name was Arden. And yes, I did name the magical land of unicorns that Sophie and Claire discover after this unicorn! 

– What are you looking forward to most in books 2 and 3? Sharing the sisters’ and Arden’s secrets! There are so many of them, and I can’t wait to be able to discuss them with readers. I’m also looking forward to when all three books are out, so that people can read them in one go, because together, they are going to tell a very complete story.

Kamilla, thanks for dropping by!

Kamilla Benko spent most of her childhood climbing into wardrobes, trying to step through mirrors, and plotting to run away to an art museum. Now, she visits other worlds as a children’s book editor. Originally from Indiana, she currently lives in New York with her bookshelves, teapot, and hiking boots.

Posted by: Jessica Vitalis

Jessica Vitalis is a middle grade author and active member of the literary community. In addition to coordinating Letters for Kids, she volunteers as a Pitch Wars mentor, with the We Need Diverse Books campaign, and contributes to The Winged Pen. When she’s not pursuing her literary interests, Jessica can be found chasing her two precocious daughters around Ontario and changing the batteries in her heated socks. Represented by Saba Sulaiman at Talcott Notch

One thought on “Book Birthday and Author Interview: The Unicorn Quest, Secret in the Stone by Kamilla Benko

  1. I loved reading this book and I loved it so much I decided to use it for my novel study. There is just one thing I am trying to figure out, who are the four main characters. I have Claire, Sophie, and Scholar Terra, but I need one more, can anyone help me please

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