YA Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Date Published: 03-25-2025
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
In the shadowed aftermath of global destruction, humanity’s hope
takes flight on the wings of the Evol-humans. River Shaw, secluded in his
high-altitude sanctuary, seeks solace after a life scarred by loss. His
quiet existence is disrupted when Delene Fairborne, fleeing captivity and a
dark past, crashes into his world. Together, they find strength in their
unique abilities, resisting the sinister forces that hunt them for a cure
only their blood can provide. As love blossoms amidst the chaos, they face a
ruthless scientist hell-bent on harnessing their power. Shadowed Skies is a
tale of survival, sacrifice, and soaring hope, where two souls, bound by
destiny, fight for a world on the brink. Dive into a world where love flies
against insurmountable odds.
Interview
Tell us about your current release
Shadowed Skies is a YA dystopian fantasy romance about rebellion, resilience, and forbidden love in a fractured world. It follows Delene, a young winged Hybrid (Evol-human) woman caught between the ruins of a crumbling society and the mystery of her past, as she joins forces with River, a guarded, fellow Evol-human survivor with secrets of his own. Together, they navigate betrayal, love, and the fight for a future that’s worth living for. If you enjoy The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner series, you’ll love this.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been telling stories since I could hold a pencil. I started writing short stories when I was eight, and even though life took me in other directions for a while—including the military—I always came back to writing. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my first child that I finally committed to writing an entire book. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Have you published any previous books?
Yes! I’ve published several books across different genres, including Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet, which was a bestseller with Cedar Fort and won a 2024 Silver Quill Award. A series readers might want to check out on my backlist is the Oceanstone Initiative Series, a sci-fi space opera that also won some awards. I also have published romance and speculative fiction titles under a pen name, and I love the challenge of working in multiple genres.
What can we expect to see from you in the future—any books on the backburner?
Absolutely. I always have books on deck! I’m currently working on a few different titles, one is a contemporary fiction about a man who wakes up in the throes of amnesia and decides to completely change his previous life, and there’s also a sequel in the works for Shadowed Skies which takes place in the same universe—so if you fall in love with the world, you won’t have to say goodbye for long.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Spending time with my family is number one. I’m also a huge fan of live theater, sporting events, and discovering new restaurants. I love anything that brings people together and sparks good conversation.
Did you learn anything from writing your book? What was it?
Writing Shadowed Skies reminded me how powerful vulnerability is. I wrote most of it during school pick-up in the carpool lane, dictating into my phone with no outline—just instinct and raw emotion. It taught me that sometimes the most honest stories come when you let go of perfection and just tell the truth.
Some writers have something playing in the background—do you, and what?
Definitely! I build playlists for each project. Shadowed Skies has a cinematic vibe, so I leaned into moody instrumental tracks, haunting vocals, and a lot of Florence + the Machine, Imagine Dragons, and soulful tunes. Music really helps me get into the emotional headspace of the characters. You can
check out the playlist here.
Tell us a little about yourself. Perhaps something not many people know?
I’m a disabled Army veteran who has lived all over Europe, and I met my British husband while stationed in Heidelberg, Germany twenty-three years ago—he’s my real-life book boyfriend, ha ha! Also, I once narrated one of my own books,
Adulting: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet, which was a wild but rewarding experience.
What do you hope your writing brings to your readers?
I hope readers walk away feeling seen, empowered, and just a little braver. Whether I’m writing romance, dystopian adventure, or contemporary drama, I want people to feel that they’re not alone—that hope is always worth fighting for, love is worth risking, and that their voice matters.
About the Author
Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She is a multiple
award-winning and best-selling author and the two-time recipient of the
League of Utah Writers Silver Quill Award in 2020 and 2024. Haley is an
alumna of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive
into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the
United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when
she’s not writing. She loves to hear from her readers and encourages
you to contact her via her website and social media.
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