When you think of The 100, the Emmy-nominated dystopian series that was on the CW Network from 2014 to 2020. But did you know it all began with a book of the same title? It was written by NYT best-selling author Kass Morgan in 2013. Three sequels followed. While much of the books’ content differed greatly from the show, some elements remained. The four main characters- Bellamy, Clarke, Octavia, and Wells- were craftily ingrained into the series with slight differences.
Her other works include the sci-fi lit Light Years and the supernatural The Ravens duo series. These were published from 2018 to 2022, respectively.
Now, under her birth name of Mallory Kass, she has recently published a brand new book with a brand new genre. Titled Save the Date, it follows a bride and her bridal party during a chaotic wedding weekend. Indeed, it’s filled with secrets, drama, and hidden passions among the characters. As a result, this creates a fun and hilarious take on what is supposed to be the most romantic weekend in a bride’s life.
But weddings can also be filled with unity and connections, just not in a way that Kass wrote for Save The Date. Yet, that’s what makes it stand out and an enjoyable read. Additionally, it’s formatted in the same aesthetic as The 100, with the characters sharing their own unique perspectives.
With the book’s launch, Grounders Source has been honored to interview Kass. During our email conversation, she revealed her writing process, the Bellarke connection, and the spiciness in Save The Date.
Our exclusive interview with Mallory Kass AKA Kass Morgan, author of The 100 and Save The Da.te
GS: What made you decide to transition from dystopian science fiction to adult romance?
Kass: “During the pandemic, I found myself missing weddings, which was surprising to me because in my 20s and 30s, I went to SO MANY WEDDINGS solo. You’d think I would’ve been glad to get a break from the expense and general awkwardness of attending alone. However, I found that I missed dancing with my friends, getting dressed up, and just generally having a reason to gather… with an open bar. I realized that weddings aren’t just a way to celebrate the couple—they’re a celebration of friendship, family, and all the bonds that hold a community together.
I’m also intrigued by the fact that everyone brings main character energy to weddings, from mothers-of-the-bride to groomsmen to bridesmaids to guests. We all have our own hopes, expectations, and anxieties. I realized how fun it’d be to explore that dynamic from multiple angles.”
GS: Eliza Taylor said in her now-viral Instagram Reel that one of the couples has a very The 100 Bellamy-and-Clarke vibe. How does it make you feel that the Bellarke legacy is still very much recognized and loved after you created it in 2013?
Kass: “It’s the ultimate honor! There’s nothing more satisfying to an author than having people connect with your characters. In addition, watching “Bellarke” resonate with such a large audience gave me the confidence to try my hand at the romance genre.”
GS: Do you have a favorite highlight in Save the Date?
Kass: “The book takes place off the coast of Maine, and I had so much fun bringing that setting to life. One of my favorite scenes is when two of the characters, Olivia and Zack, get stranded in a small boat at sea and end up having a massive fight that’s interrupted by a whale that gets a bit too close for comfort. So, of course, they must take shelter in an abandoned cottage on a deserted island, as one does. And is there only one bed? Naturally.”
GS: I love how you incorporated comedy into Save the Date. It feels like it is loosening the chaos and stress of the wedding season. Was there a real-life event that inspired you to navigate in this direction for the book?
Kass: “There’s always humor baked into weddings. People wear ridiculous clothes, get into ridiculous fights, spend a ridiculous amount of money, and have meltdowns for ridiculous reasons. It’s the perfect recipe for chaos.”
GS: Lastly, what advice could you give to new brides or the wedding party to help relieve their anxious moments?
Kass: “Lean into the humor and remember that it’s a party, not the biggest day of your life. No one will notice or care if the napkins are the wrong color or if your cousin is passed out in the corner. (Okay, they might notice that one, but they won’t judge you for it). Therefore, it’s all fodder for fun memories and great stories.
And if you want to avoid the pain and suffering the women in my book endure, here’s some advice:
- Don’t fly to another country to “run a quick errand” the day before your wedding.
- Don’t agree to be the maid-of-honor if you’re secretly in love with the groom.
- Don’t get drunk before your toast, and don’t make a “funny joke” about how the bride doesn’t like wearing underwear.”
Save The Date, The 100 book set, Light Years, and The Ravens are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target.
Check out The 100 as a show on Pluto TV for free or Apple TV or Prime for a price, with singular episodes starting at $1.99.
Mallory Kass, also known by the pen name Kass Morgan, is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous young adult novels, including the series The 100, which has been translated into over twenty languages and was adapted into a critically acclaimed hit television series, produced in alignment with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television.
Give her a much-needed follow on Instagram at kassmorganbooks.
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