New Books Network Maria Ingrande Mora, "A Wild Radiance" (Peachtree Teen, 2026)
May 13, 2026
Maria Ingrande Mora, author of queer YA fiction, chats about her 2026 fantasy romance A Wild Radiance. She explores an industrial-era world with electricity-like magic, a protagonist unlearning indoctrination, and an unconventional queer triad. Conversation touches on worldbuilding, research into Tesla and the World's Fair, and themes of community, protest, and queer platonic bonds.
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Book Idea Born On A Rocky Mountain Trip
- Mora conceived the book while traveling in Rocky Mountain National Park and bought a notebook in Denver to jot ideas.
- The contrast between preserved public lands and urban industrial settings sparked the core tension of preservation versus progress.
Protagonist Is Made By Indoctrination
- Josephine starts deeply indoctrinated by the House of Industry, emotionally repressed and media-illiterate, which the plot forces her to unlearn.
- Mora uses Josephine's ADHD-linked impulsivity and forbidden human contact to dramatize the need for community.
Queer Platonic Love Is Central
- Mora intentionally leaves modern identity labels out of the world while depicting fluid queer identities and nonsexual queer platonic relationships.
- Julian, Josephine, and Ezra form an unconventional poly triad where queer platonic bonds are life-sustaining.
