'I get to be an adventurer': Graci Kim on Royalslinger

Fifteen-year-old Aria is about to start her second year of magical training at the Royal League of Dreamslingers. She and her bloom dragon, Rio, must pass the final exam to become fully fledged Fellows. But before training can begin, the king of Royal Hanguk gives Aria and the other novices a mission. They are to help the League reclaim the Touch of Death, a powerful ancient relic stolen from the kingdom — by Aria’s own mother.

Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger duology where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life.

Kete is pretty excited to speak with Graci!

Kia ora Graci, thank you for talking to us about Royalslinger! Dreamslinger was described as ‘a glittering adventure’ by Rachael King, and Royalslinger also looks very beautiful – shimmering gold silk gowns, sunlight images, pink dragon cover. Does writing these books bring joy? 


Writing for me is such a labour of love, and a love of the labour. When I get a new idea for a world, and the protagonist takes shape in my mind, it’s like a portal opens up to a different universe. I get to be an adventurer, and it feels like time loses all meaning. There really is no greater joy than getting lost in the wilderness of my imagination.

Does that mean it’s all sunshine and rainbows? Unfortunately not! Like on any adventure, there are perils and pitfalls the explorer must overcome. Sometimes you go the wrong way and you have to trek back through the mud to find your way back on the path.

Writing Dreamslinger and Royalslinger was no different. Over the multiple drafts, there were many plotlines, characters, locations, and worldbuilding details that got chopped and changed. Sometimes it felt like I’d never make my way out of the mud! But it was precisely that challenge that made the journey worthwhile. Because working hard for something truly is an act of joy.

How does publishing a sequel feel different to the first in a series?

I love sequels in a series. The first book is always a much harder task for me, because I have to seed enough scope and background for future books to feel natural and earned. A sequel on the other hand, is a natural progression for that protagonist and their world, as a result of the actions they took (or didn’t take) in the previous book. That makes it a fun puzzle to fit the pieces together into a satisfying and rewarding ending. 



Are you out and about visiting schools for Children’s Book Week, talking about Royalslinger? What does that involve?

During school visits, I do love to share about my books, including Royalslinger, and my love of reading. But I mostly do so in a roundabout way by first sharing the story of how I became an author. I have worn many hats in the past, including that of New Zealand diplomat, cooking show host, tech entrepreneur, and even plushie maker, most to little success. In fact, anyone’s who’s ever heard my talk will attest that my superpower is failing! But the thing is, if you 'fail forward' with creativity, resilience, and a growth mindset, you too can become the hero of your own life story.

(I’m also tempted to ask if you wear gold!)

Interestingly, my last name Kim actually means gold! So even when I’m not wearing gold, I feel I embody it by nature of my very name :) 



What is your favourite New Zealand book?

This is an impossible question to answer. I have too many favourites! But I will say when I was little, my favourite NZ books were The Day After Forever by Erin Skiffington (the first book that made me cry), and anything by Sherryl Jordan (the first books that got me into fantasy).  


My favourite last question – and one I imagine your many fans ask regularly – what are you writing next? What’s on your horizon?

Ahhhh I wish I could do a deep dive on this and reveal all. But alas, as of Aug 2026, I’m not currently allowed to do that… What I can do, however, is tell you that I hope my next middle grade series will be inspired by my previous life as a diplomat. And perhaps I could also let slip that it may bend genres—mixing my beloved fantasy with the classic spy novel… Watch this space!

Royalslinger is available in all good bookstores now.