ABOUT THE BOOK

The Duchess of Kokora, Phera Ylir Mdana, has entered the marriage games of the neighboring kingdom of Ryene. But she’s not there to woo the dashing Prince Dominic. Her true objective? To win back one of the other contestants, Lady Rocelle Virae—Phera’s true love and ex-fiancee.

Love proves to be a game unlike any other when Phera must not only mend matters with her childhood sweetheart, but conceal her true intentions in order to earn votes and stay in the competition.

And as long-brewing political tensions simmer beneath the surface, the playful veneer of the competition begins to crack. In the end, Phera, Dominic, and Rocelle find themselves united in a desperate bid to prevent a duel that threatens the integrity of the kingdom, the stability of the continent, and any hope for a happily ever after.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nikhil Prabala has always been passionate about storytelling – from being the Dungeon Master in Dungeons and Dragons to crafting fantasy novels, he finds joy in exploring worlds both epic and cozy. The Duchess of Kokora is his first published novel.

Nikhil was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and graduated from Stanford in 2019. He currently hangs his hat in the Bay Area. When not writing, you can find Nikhil ballroom dancing, singing, playing the guitar, enjoying tabletop games, or spending quality time with friends and family. Learn more at nikhilprabala.com.

TALKING POINTS

• What inspired Nikhil to write The Duchess of Kokora 
• How Nikhil’s background in Dungeons and Dragons helped him create the setting
• How Nikhil crafted the love triangle to have no real animosity between the characters
• Why the core story is a lesbian love story, and how Nikhil approached writing a women-centric romance as a man
• The inspiration for Phera Ylir Mdana, described by one reviewer as “Most Likely to Stab You and Look Fabulous Doing It” (Dr. Priya, themedschoolbookfairy)

TIMELY TIE-INS

November

• National Novel Writing Month
• National Authors Day – 1
• National Family Literacy Day – 1
• Book Lovers Day – 4 
• National Young Readers Day (2024) – 12

December

• Read a New Book Month