Twisted Magic Playlist

I really love music that connects with books, even ones that I didn’t write.

Two Steps from Hell made up the majority of the background music while writing all seven books in the Twisted Magic series. Most of that was El Dorado.

Freedom Fighters and Fire Nation aided in the creation of the Dark Lands during book four, Twisted Legends. Fun fact: the Dark Lands was never part of the original series arc! I don’t know how that could even be now.

There were three particular songs not from Two Steps from Hell that remained on the playlist as I pruned off the tracks that weren’t meshing with the story.

The first is from My Indigo, which is a passion project from my most favorite singer of all time, Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation. I think this song encapsulates Randall’s relationship with Safiya throughout the series. He stands by her through so many challenges even knowing she may never allow herself to love him back the way he does her.

“I call what we have indigo
Unclear what we are
Or what we know

And though you never take my hand even when I raise
Your shipwreck from the sand
And though you never count the cost
Of the innocence you’ve lost and what it meant

You don’t have to love me
There’s one thing you should know
My love will not unravel
It’s unconditional, my indigo”

The next one is a song just about everyone has heard: Elastic Heart by Sia. The song can fit so many relationships, but for Twisted Magic, it resonated with Safiya’s relationship with, well, someone. No spoilers. They come face to face in book seven, Twisted Destiny.

“You did not break me
I’m still fighting for peace”

Last, The Whole World is Watching by Within Temptation. This was the ‘wrap up’ song for the closing scenes of Twisted Destiny. It’s such a great song of triumph and overcoming, and it seemed to fit with the conclusion of Safiya’s journey, both external and internal.

“You build your walls then break them away ’cause that is what it takes.
You saved yourself. You found who you are. That never goes away.

And I know you wish for more, and I know you try
And I hope you realize, you know the time is right

The whole world is watching when you rise
The whole world is beating for you right now
Your whole life is flashing for your eyes
It’s all in this moment that changes all”