Today's Read Contributor Emerging fantasy author Emily Grey is stepping into the literary spotlight with her debut novel, Merchant’s Book, a richly imagined fantasy tale that explores the intricacies of identity, resistance, and connection. Published by Wicked Ink Publishing, the novel is already generating buzz among readers and critics alike for its emotional depth and carefully crafted world. In a recent exclusive interview, Grey opens up about her writing journey, her inspirations, and what it means to debut in a genre long populated by established voices.
At the heart of Merchant’s Book is Owyn Kellobyn, a magical merchant whose life is upended when the Council—once protectors of freedom and now agents of control—confiscates her essential life-source, known as a pyx. This inciting event forces Owyn into a perilous quest across the magical realm of Gerennt to recover illegal faerie eggs that could restore her power. Accompanied by a reluctant guard named Pax, Owyn faces both natural and magical dangers, from sabre-tooth tigers to territorial dragons. But the physical threats are only part of the journey. As she travels, Owyn begins to unravel truths not just about her world, but about her place in it, learning that survival means more than self-preservation—it means fighting for justice and envisioning a world in which freedom and equality are not myths, but real possibilities.
Grey explains that this narrative is deeply personal, rooted in her long-standing fascination with folklore and her lived experience of being an outsider. Raised near Toronto, she describes how the alternating solitude of Canadian winters and the social energy of summers gave her space to reflect and imagine. These rhythms found their way into her creative process, shaping not just the tone of her writing but the emotional journeys of her characters. Folklore, especially from Northern and Eastern European traditions, also plays a critical role in her storytelling, offering archetypes and symbols that she adapts into her own moral and magical frameworks.
The author describes Merchant’s Book as a “romantasy”—a blend of romantic storytelling and fantasy adventure. But beyond genre labels, she sees her work as an emotional exploration of what it means to belong. Grey’s characters frequently grapple with displacement, fear, and societal rejection, mirroring real-world dynamics around power, exclusion, and the search for identity. She notes that fantasy allows for a kind of imaginative truth-telling that realistic fiction sometimes struggles to capture. Through magic, mythical creatures, and invented histories, Grey says she can more effectively explore complex emotional and ethical landscapes that are deeply relevant to contemporary readers.
Her approach to world-building is meticulous yet intuitive. Grey combines traditional techniques like hand-drawn maps and coded notebooks with more modern tools like spreadsheets and digital concept boards. But despite the systems in place, she embraces the creative chaos that often comes with writing epic narratives. She compares it to weaving a tapestry—knowing that some threads will only reveal their full meaning once the whole picture is complete. For Grey, the details of the world must serve the characters, not the other way around. Every law, species, or spell must contribute to a broader emotional and philosophical arc.
Getting to this point, however, was not easy. Grey is candid about the struggles she faced breaking into a genre dominated by titans and tropes. The fantasy market is saturated with long-running series, beloved characters, and die-hard fanbases, making it a daunting space for newcomers. She recalls feeling overwhelmed at the start, uncertain whether her voice would stand out or even be heard. But instead of chasing trends, Grey focused on writing the kind of story she wanted to read—one grounded in emotion, driven by character, and unafraid to ask big questions about systems, belief, and personal agency.
The journey to publication was filled with learning curves. Grey had to navigate everything from contract negotiations to editorial feedback, often while still doubting her own capabilities. She credits her success to a combination of perseverance, mentorship, and community. Beta readers, critique partners, and fellow emerging writers provided essential support and accountability. Her partnership with Wicked Ink Publishing offered the editorial rigor and creative freedom she needed to refine her manuscript without compromising her vision.
For aspiring writers, Grey offers several pieces of advice. First and foremost, she stresses the importance of persistence. Writing, she says, is often about showing up—even on the days when inspiration is absent. She also urges new authors to find their unique lens, the perspective only they can bring to a story. Authenticity, according to Grey, resonates more than mimicry. She believes that if a writer is genuinely invested in their work, readers will feel that sincerity and respond to it. She also emphasizes the value of reading widely and deeply—not just within one’s genre of choice, but across disciplines and styles.
Looking ahead, Grey has ambitious plans. She envisions Merchant’s Book as the beginning of a multi-book series, with story arcs already mapped through four or five potential installments. She is also developing ideas for an urban fantasy novel and a darker project with horror elements, though those are still in their conceptual stages. Regardless of genre or setting, she remains committed to exploring the emotional core of her characters and telling stories that reflect the complexities of human (and inhuman) identity.
Grey’s debut marks more than just the release of a new novel—it signals the arrival of a thoughtful and fearless voice in fantasy fiction. With Merchant’s Book, she invites readers into a world where power is questioned, alliances are tested, and the search for belonging drives every choice. Her story may be set in a magical land, but its emotional truth is unmistakably real. For those who love imaginative fiction with heart, depth, and a sharp moral compass, Emily Grey is a name to watch.
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