We speak to Almost Midnight author C.C. Hunter about the collection’s debut in printed form, as well as the brand new story she wrote just for this tome.

You may have read four of C.C. Hunter’s previously released novellas taking place in the Shadow Falls world, but have you gotten your hands on the fifth installment, Fierce? Pick up Almost Midnight, and the story is yours!

About ‘Almost Midnight’

Hidden from the human world, Shadow Falls is a secret camp for teens with supernatural powers. But for four very different teens, it’s much more than just a camp — it’s where their destinies will unfold.

Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang didn’t believe in vampires…until she became one. Chase Tallman is the newest member of Shadow Falls, but what made him into the sexy, mysterious vampire he is today? And what led him to Della Tsang? For Miranda Kane, magic has always been something she’s struggled with — until she finally has a chance to prove herself a witch to be reckoned with. And for Fredericka Lakota, the one guy who challenges her the most will lead her to the life she’s always wanted.

C. C. Hunter’s New York Times bestselling Shadow Falls series captured hearts all over the world. Now available in print for the first time, these enchanting novellas will reveal a side of the camp that you’ve never seen before…and live in your heart forever.

Interview with C.C. Hunter

What can you tell us about the newest addition to this novella collection?

Fierce is Fredericka Lakota’s story. And I have to say, it might be my favorite novella of the bunch. Fredericka wasn’t a likely candidate for a novella, because let’s face it, she was Kylie Galen’s arch enemy. She was a trouble maker, and not very likable. We even enjoyed seeing her get some comeuppance in the series. But then Lucas, a werewolf, who grew up with her, always said she wasn’t totally bad. When my editor said they were putting the novellas together and she thought it would be nice to have something new in there, my mind went straight to Fredericka. So I started thinking about her. I knew she’d had a rough life and a really bad childhood. I wanted to show her overcoming the obstacles that prevented her from feeling as if she was a part of the Shadow Falls team. As her story started developing, I realized how much I liked her. I think the story points out that sometimes a person’s mistakes are due to things that happened to them in their past. And while it doesn’t make them blameless for those mistakes, it does make that person easier to forgive.

What was it like to dive back into this world with this story?

You say dive back in, but it doesn’t feel as if I’ve left it. Not yet. These characters feel like my friends. I started writing Shadow Falls in 2010. And I’ve written two Shadow Falls books a year since then. However, I do write other books under my real name, Christie Craig, and after finishing one of those and returning to the next Shadow Falls series, I realize how real these characters seem to me. I love this world. I love the relationships between everyone, I love how with each book you get a little more story about the secondary characters. In Fierce, you learn a little more about Burnett’s past. That said, I’m working now on what might be the last Shadow Falls book. I will never say I won’t return to this wonderful place, but I can tell you I’m going to miss this world and all the characters.

How do you feel the cover represents this collection?

I love the cover. My editor presented me the cover before she’d ever read Fierce. She said she felt the girl was Della. But I took one look and I knew it was Fredericka. She had that expression that said she had a journey to take, that she was working to overcome things. And Fredericka’s story was a big part about her facing her past, then moving past it, to find the future she deserved.

What sort of projects can we expect from you next?

I’m working on Miranda’s book now. Our dyslexic witch will finally come into her own. After that book, I’ll probably set out to write another series. I’m not sure right now if it will be paranormal or contemporary. Who knows where my imagination might lead me.

Almost Midnight is available now! Add it to your Goodreads list, or purchase it from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound.