AJ Larington Launches Highly Anticipated Sequel in The Wynera Kingdom Series

McCOOK, Neb. – Fantasy enthusiasts are celebrating as AJ Larington releases the second installment of her captivating series, The Wynera Kingdom, titled Song of Sin and Orchids. Following the success of her debut novel, Land of Shadow and Wolves, which made the Barnes & Noble bestsellers list shortly after its release last October, Larington's latest work has generated significant buzz, culminating in a sold-out hardcover edition at last night’s early release party.

Just five days before the launch, Larington shared her excitement on social media: “I am so excited, nervous, sad, and all of the things today! This has been a long time coming, and I cannot wait for you all to dive back into the world of Rysban. Fun fact: I actually had book two completely written in two months... even before I released book one. How crazy is that?! The Song of Sin and Orchids is very near and dear to my heart, and the main characters constantly fill my head with thoughts and ideas for the remainder of this series and even beyond. Vale Serion has been brewing in my mind for years, as has Khaos. Khayn is a bit different; as you know, she only goes by that name after the events of book one. So buckle up—book two is romantic, tragic, comedic, and will leave you saying, ‘WTF.’”

The launch event drew excited fans, many of whom eagerly lined up for signed copies. Reflecting on her experience as a debut author, Larington candidly spoke about her struggles with imposter syndrome, stating, “It’s very insane. I love writing, but there are times when I think, ‘I hate this. Nobody likes my stuff.’” Despite these challenges, the overwhelming support from her community fuels her passion.

Larington's journey to completing Song of Sin and Orchids wasn't without hurdles. She recounted a particularly stressful editing phase during which she lost the manuscript halfway through. “I had to redo everything,” she explained. “It took a long time, and I thought I would have to push back my release date.” Fortunately, her perseverance paid off, allowing her to connect with readers again.

At the launch, fans expressed admiration for Larington's characters, especially Khaos, whom one reader described as relatable and humorous. Larington revealed that Khaos is particularly special to her, saying, “She was the very first character I came up with. It’s funny because sometimes I feel like I have to parent her.”

The author also shared insights into her creative process, mentioning several new book ideas swirling in her mind. “I’ve got at least five more ideas... some characters are always talking, while others might take a little longer to develop,” Larington said, revealing a military romance concept born from a vivid dream.

On the marketing side, Larington described the rollercoaster of being an independent author, navigating the challenges of social media promotion alongside her writing. “The ups and downs are absolutely nuts,” she said. “Some days, I’ll have 17 orders, and other times, none.” Her husband often reminds her to take breaks and to embrace the freedom that comes with being an indie author.

A highlight of the evening was Larington’s reading of a spicier excerpt from *Song of Sin and Orchids*, which elicited laughter and blushing from the audience, including her dad. “When I write those scenes, my face turns red so easily,” she admitted. To address varying comfort levels with romance in her writing, Larington introduced a “dicktionary”—a playful glossary within the book to guide readers through its more intimate content.

Larington has upcoming appearances in Des Moines and Kansas City, but first, she will return to Barnes & Noble at South Point, in Lincoln, where she praised the staff: “They just take care of everything. They're amazing. They said, ‘Yes, we’ll have everything there for you.’ The only concern was whether they could get my second book in time since it released today. They asked if I had any leftovers from the launch party or if I could bring extra copies.”

When asked how her out-of-town appearances differ from those in McCook, she said, “I grew up here, so people know me; they've known me my whole life, or since high school. Here, there’s a personal connection to the community. Going out of town feels like an out-of-body experience because I’m just acting as the author. People want to know about the author and the book, not about my personal life. It’s a lot of fun.”

As fans continue to embrace her work, Larington's journey as an author unfolds, marked by dedication, vulnerability, and a deep connection to her readers. With plans for future releases, including standalone projects and sequels, the literary world eagerly awaits what’s next for this rising star.