Exploring Identity, Belonging, and Fictional Crushes in Urban Fantasy Worlds
Allison Aldridge shares the inspiration behind her bestselling Dark Radiance series, the emotional heart of her characters, and her journey navigating challenges with dyslexia.
Allison Aldridge conjures the kind of magic that lingers long after the final page. An Amazon bestselling author originally from Arizona and now based in Georgia, she brings heart, depth, and a touch of the otherworldly to her storytelling. Known for her dynamic presence in the online book community, Allison is just as likely to be found discussing fictional crushes on social media as she is crafting fierce heroines and haunting mythologies. In this exclusive interview, Allison invites Reader’s House Magazine into the shadowy, spellbinding world of Dark Radiance—a young adult urban fantasy inspired by Scottish folklore, fallen angels, and the seven deadly sins. From the emotional core of her characters to the deeply personal themes of belonging and identity, Allison shares how her own experiences and challenges shaped the series’ rich narrative. Prepare to step into a gothic sanctuary like no other, where found family and supernatural secrets collide.
What inspired you to create the world of Dark Radiance, and how did you develop its unique mythology?
The first character who came to me was Claire Halloway, the town’s legendary ghost. She whispered in my ear about a small gothic town—a sanctuary for heaven’s outcasts, watched over by its most trusted troops. I’ve always been drawn to the supernatural and the mysteries of the unknown. When crafting the mythology and creatures of *Dark Radiance*, I knew I wanted to explore the seven deadly sins but had no interest in writing about vampires—after all, as my seventeen-year-old self once told her English teacher, “those are so out now.”
Growing up in a small town dominated by a single religion, I experienced firsthand what it was like to live under the watchful eyes of others. I channeled that into the misfit fallen angels and the elite council of *Idelwood*, who believe their control over the so-called “sinners” is justified. Mix in ghost stories, fallen angels wielding the power of the seven deadly sins, and you have *Dark Radiance* in a nutshell.
How do you approach writing complex characters like Lily, who grapple with their identity and destiny?
Liliana is, and always will be, the heart of this story. In just the first book, she rides an emotional rollercoaster as she struggles with the revelation that her entire life has been a lie. I love writing Lily because, despite living in a supernatural world, she reacts in a deeply human way—something I was very intentional about. Her emotions—grief, love, and everything in between—are ones we all experience at some point, and I wanted her to feel authentic in that journey. She loves fiercely, and her deep care for those around her is at the core of who she is.
My best advice for other writers? Step into your character’s mind and tap into their raw emotions. The more honestly you do this, the more those feelings will leap off the page for your readers.
Can you share any challenges you faced while writing Dark Radiance and how you overcame them?
I was diagnosed with dyslexia in my junior year of high school, which brought its fair share of challenges. Reading in a way that didn’t leave my brain exhausted and catching mistakes in my own writing became much more difficult. But over the past ten-plus years, I’ve discovered tools and techniques that make the process easier! Having a great editor and supportive alpha readers has also been a game-changer.
What role does the theme of family and belonging play in Lily’s journey throughout the series?
Found family is a core theme in this series. Lily and her group of outcast fallen angels have built a bond so strong they would do anything for each other. I love weaving this theme into my books for those who may not have a supportive family or have created one with people who aren’t tied to them by blood. For the first time in her life, Lily experiences a true sense of belonging with Asher and his friends after feeling completely alone for so long. I hope this gives readers a sense of hope—that their people are out there, waiting to be found.
How do you balance the elements of fantasy and romance within the story to keep readers engaged?
Balancing fantasy and romance can be tricky! I never want one to overshadow the other. I focus on making my stories flow naturally, allowing relationships to develop organically alongside the plot. This approach helps me weave in the lore while still giving readers those “kick your feet in glee” moments when the characters finally kiss.
My best advice for writers struggling with this balance? Let the story flow as it comes in the first draft. Don’t stress about getting it perfect—just get the words down. In the second draft, you can refine and develop the foundation you’ve built, adding depth where needed. Often, this is where you’ll notice if one element is overpowering the other and adjust accordingly.
Are there any authors or books that have influenced your writing style and storytelling approach?
So many authors have inspired and shaped me into the writer I am today. When it comes to the Dark Radiance series, I often think back to the books I devoured in middle and high school. Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and Fallen were some of my all-time favorite urban fantasy novels, sparking my love for the genre and my desire to write my own stories. Even TV shows like Supernatural and Teen Wolf played a big role in shaping the atmosphere and tone of the book as I wrote it!
