About the Book

Book: Chromatic

Author: Ashley Bustamante

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: May 7, 2024

Light is Found in Every Hue.

Magus is dying from the inside out, and only the destruction of the barrier can save it. Even color magic can’t defend against earthquakes, strange weather patterns, and erratic wildlife behavior.

After discovering hundreds of captive Yellow magic-users, Ava and Elm fight to set them free. However, new dangers and unexpected enemies await at every turn, forcing them to face their greatest challenges yet. The calamities inside the barrier slowly manifest in the outside world as well, pulling citizens from both sides of the battle into the fray. In this new war, they may not all make it out alive.

Elm and Ava must confront the growing darkness and create a future in a world that has been all but stripped of hope. Can Magus be restored, or is it already too late?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Ashley Bustamante has created stories from the moment she could scribble and staple sheets of paper together. She simply cannot recall a time when writing was not a force in her life. When not running through lines of dialogue in her mind, she enjoys taking photographs and spending time with her husband, three children, and any furry, feathered, or scaly creature she can find. She currently works at Arizona State University.

Author Interview with Ashley

Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?

Ashley: The first draft took about 6 months, and then a few more to polish it up before turning in the manuscript. I’m definitely not one of those authors who churns out a new novel every month!

Q: Do any of the novel’s characters hold a special place in your heart?

Ashley: I just love Ava and Elm so much. I love them together and individually. Writing their relationship has been a joy.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Ashley: I’m grateful for all the readers who stuck with me through the whole trilogy! I hope they’ll come away from the last page feeling content and satisfied with the conclusion. I put a lot of heart into it and had my readers in mind.

Q: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Ashley: Life is so busy that when I’m not writing or working, I just try to soak up time with my family, especially my kids. They bring me joy and time moves so fast! I love seeing the world through their eyes.

Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Ashley: I’m fairly active on Instagram at @authorashleybustamante. I love to connect with readers there and that’s probably the best place to check for updates. Readers can also find more info at ashleybustamante.com.

More from Ashley

Sitting down to write the final installment of the Color Theory series was an emotional experience. I wanted to do well by my readers and do well by God. And of course, I wanted to stay true to the story I set out to write in the beginning.

One of the difficult things about writing this book is that I knew the characters were going to have to face higher stakes and deeper pain than ever before. Given the situation they are in, it had to be that way. But, in spite of what Ava, Elm, and crew will face in Chromatic, this is ultimately a story of hope and triumph.

As I’ve watched the struggles of the world right now and seen what so many readers are going through, I knew I wanted to tell a tale of perseverance. No matter how bleak our circumstances may be, we can still find the light.

I hope you enjoy Chromatic!