Elise Kova is a fantasy novelist whose rise from online serial writer to international bestseller has made her one of the defining voices in modern fantasy. She began writing young, producing her first novella in sixth grade, and later returned to storytelling in earnest when she started Air Awakens in 2012 as a hobby, posting chapters online and building an early community of devoted readers. After querying the book without success, she chose to publish it independently in 2015, a decision that gave her full creative control and transformed her career.

Within a year she had become a full-time author, and soon afterwards her work began appearing on bestseller lists, from USA Today to the New York Times. Since then, her novels have reached readers around the world, selling millions of copies and spawning a string of beloved fantasy series, including the Loom Saga, Married to Magic, Dragon Cursed and Arcana Academy. Next, she returns to that world with Prince of Swords, one of her most eagerly awaited books yet, publishing in July 2026.

Elise Kova – Website & Books: 

Elise Kova's official website 

Elise Kova – About & FAQ 

Prince of Swords – Elise Kova's website 

Prince of Swords – Penguin Random House

The Games:

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Final Fantasy X

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

Persona 3

Bloodborne

Music mentioned: 

Zedd – Clarity (Spotify)

Simon's books & projects: 

Trial of the Space Invaders: The Case that Changed Video Games

Look for the Light: The Last of Us Anthology – Tune & Fairweather (pre-order) 

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