Sharon Stevenson's Blog, page 4
August 23, 2013
Fun 5 - 'Son of a Mermaid' by Katie O'Sullivan
Today Katie O'Sullivan is answering my Fun 5 questions on her book 'Son of a Mermaid'.
Son of a Mermaid
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one-sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
In SON OF A MERMAID, fifteen-year-old Shea MacNamara searches for his missing mother and in the process discovers that both his roots and his destiny lay far beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
First of all, the YA paranormal genre is filled with vampires, werewolves, angels and demons… but not too many mermaid books. Second, where most mermaid books are about, you know, mermaids, SON OF A MERMAID is unique in that the main protagonist of the story is a boy, and much is told from his point of view as he realizes that a secret world lays hidden beneath the ocean’s waves.
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
The main bad guy in the story is Prince Demyan of the Adluo clan, a merman of exceeding ambition, cunning, cruelty, and skill as a warrior. He has no compassion, and little use for others except in how they can help further his own agendas. He is brutally evil, but the worst of his atrocities are committed “off-screen” or in the past.
The Adluos reside in the harsher climate of the Southern Ocean, and envy the easy bounty of the more temperate Atlantic. Demyan is of the royal family, but not in line for succession until the former king and queen meet untimely deaths under shady circumstances, leaving their six-year-old son as the new king and Demyan as his regent and protector. The reader can tell as soon as they meet Demyan that the only thing he will be protecting is his own selfish interests.
What is your main character’s main redeeming quality?
Shea MacNamara believes in the power of doing what is right, but doesn’t like it when people try to bully others to get their way. That’s not to say he doesn’t question authority, especially if he feels the rules are unjust in some way, but he will stand by his friends and always stick up for what he believes in.
What’s next for your characters?
The sequel to SON OF A MERMAID is already contracted and in the editing process. The story picks up a few weeks after the end of book one, with Demyan still on the loose and Shea still adjusting to what it means to be the son of a mermaid princess. The blurb reads:
At fifteen, Shea McNamara discovered his mother’s a mermaid and he’s heir to an undersea kingdom. And even more important, he fell in love…with a mermaid. Big life changers for a former farmboy from Oklahoma.
Seventeen-year-old Zan commands powerful magick, and owes his allegiance to Prince Demyan. Kidnapping the heir’s girlfriend is just another step in Demyan’s twisted plans for world domination. But Zan has never met anyone like the beautiful mermaid Kae. She makes him feel things that he never thought he deserved, and he makes promises that put both their lives at risk.
Kae is torn between two mermen battling not only for her affections, but also for the future of the undersea world they inhabit. In the clashes between good and evil, the lines are not always clearly drawn. Especially when love is involved.
Son of a Mermaid
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one-sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
In SON OF A MERMAID, fifteen-year-old Shea MacNamara searches for his missing mother and in the process discovers that both his roots and his destiny lay far beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
First of all, the YA paranormal genre is filled with vampires, werewolves, angels and demons… but not too many mermaid books. Second, where most mermaid books are about, you know, mermaids, SON OF A MERMAID is unique in that the main protagonist of the story is a boy, and much is told from his point of view as he realizes that a secret world lays hidden beneath the ocean’s waves.
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
The main bad guy in the story is Prince Demyan of the Adluo clan, a merman of exceeding ambition, cunning, cruelty, and skill as a warrior. He has no compassion, and little use for others except in how they can help further his own agendas. He is brutally evil, but the worst of his atrocities are committed “off-screen” or in the past.
The Adluos reside in the harsher climate of the Southern Ocean, and envy the easy bounty of the more temperate Atlantic. Demyan is of the royal family, but not in line for succession until the former king and queen meet untimely deaths under shady circumstances, leaving their six-year-old son as the new king and Demyan as his regent and protector. The reader can tell as soon as they meet Demyan that the only thing he will be protecting is his own selfish interests.
What is your main character’s main redeeming quality?
Shea MacNamara believes in the power of doing what is right, but doesn’t like it when people try to bully others to get their way. That’s not to say he doesn’t question authority, especially if he feels the rules are unjust in some way, but he will stand by his friends and always stick up for what he believes in.
What’s next for your characters?
The sequel to SON OF A MERMAID is already contracted and in the editing process. The story picks up a few weeks after the end of book one, with Demyan still on the loose and Shea still adjusting to what it means to be the son of a mermaid princess. The blurb reads:
At fifteen, Shea McNamara discovered his mother’s a mermaid and he’s heir to an undersea kingdom. And even more important, he fell in love…with a mermaid. Big life changers for a former farmboy from Oklahoma.
Seventeen-year-old Zan commands powerful magick, and owes his allegiance to Prince Demyan. Kidnapping the heir’s girlfriend is just another step in Demyan’s twisted plans for world domination. But Zan has never met anyone like the beautiful mermaid Kae. She makes him feel things that he never thought he deserved, and he makes promises that put both their lives at risk.
Kae is torn between two mermen battling not only for her affections, but also for the future of the undersea world they inhabit. In the clashes between good and evil, the lines are not always clearly drawn. Especially when love is involved.
August 21, 2013
Spotlight on 'Appendix Z' by R.M. DuChene & Dasia Marques
This father daughter collaboration is a new release in the zombie horror genre, and having read and reviewed it I can assure you it contains a very interesting twist! A YA zombie novella and the start of an exciting new series, ‘Appendix Z’ is an entertaining read and something a bit different…
Appendix Z
Synopsis:
A Collaborative effort between R.M. DuChene and his daughter, Dasia Marques; Appendix Z takes the sub genre of Zombie Apocalypse to a whole new place. If you think you’ve read all of the possible scenarios, Appendix Z is the novella for you. It’s a short, fun read that will leave you wanting more. In this first installment of a continuing series, Appendix Z begins with a young basic training Soldier and follows his experiences through the beginning stages of humanity’s downfall.
“You won’t see the twist until it’s too late!” Goodreads 5* Review
Extract:
“A base plan is an all-hazard plan that outlines each step to take during an emergency situation,” he said. “The base plans don’t cover everything, just the basic steps that are involved in every situation, like fuel the vehicles, pack the trucks, grab the food; get me?”
I nodded.
“Well for specific things like tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, and riots… you create little plans and focus on those areas. These small plans are called an appendix.”
He turned and looked out the window again, lit another cigarette, and blew the smoke out through the small opening.
“I’ve seen an appendix for every situation you can possibly imagine… but not this. For all the movies, books, campfire stories, you’d think that someone woulda said; hey… what if… I guess I can’t complain too much. It’s not like I said it either.”
“We’re going to need weapons,” I said. “We can’t take on hordes of the undead with broom handles and chemical lights.”
When he turned back from the window to look at me Staff Sergeant O’Neil was smiling.
“Got that covered my young friend,” he said. “There’s a vault down in the basement, just over flowing with more than we’ll possibly need.”
Q & A:
Who or what gave you the idea to collaborate on this book?
It was the first anniversary of the first novella that I’d written for Dasia’s twelfth birthday. I wanted to write another one for her this year, but thought that a collaboration would be even better. I think it worked out pretty good.
Can you tell us a bit about the process it took to get from idea to completed novella?
The book was written in the same manner that all of my works are done – purely situational. We didn’t know what was going to happen in the next segment before we began to write it. We just let each new part evolve naturally from the last.
Any hints to what’s coming next in the story?
Each new instalment will take place in a new town, with new monsters and challenges. Some of the open-ended questions will be answered along the way. The ultimate antagonists in these stories, are the sinister presence behind the outbreak. That’s all I know until we actually start writing again.
Who would play your characters in a movie version of this book/series?
I have great affection for unknown writers, artists, and singers, so I would really like to see unknown actors casted to play the roles (if by some miracle it actually became a live action feature).
Do you think people should be more prepared for zombie attacks?
I think that people should be more prepared for any type of emergency. Whether one believes in zombies, aliens, or that the economy will one day fold like a taco and send millions of starving, desperate people into the streets, being prepared should be a top priority. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” – Alan Lakein
What is it about zombies that you find most horrifying?
I actually pondered this while watching a popular zombie television show. Zombies look disgusting, putrid, and I imagine that they don’t smell much better. That stuff isn’t terrifying in and of itself. Zombies look like us for the most part. When a protagonist has to kill one, they can’t just pretend it’s an insect. These monsters are human beings (or were) and they still look like us. Could you kill one? What if you knew them?
What is your favourite zombie book?
I haven’t really read too many zombie books (In the books I enjoy, people are the monsters), but of the few that I did, Cell was on top. I know that rating-wise it didn’t do too great. But, I found that Stephen King’s fresh take on the Zombie phenomenon was quite breath-taking. It was a heavy influence on the few zombie stories that I have completed.
Appendix Z
Synopsis:
A Collaborative effort between R.M. DuChene and his daughter, Dasia Marques; Appendix Z takes the sub genre of Zombie Apocalypse to a whole new place. If you think you’ve read all of the possible scenarios, Appendix Z is the novella for you. It’s a short, fun read that will leave you wanting more. In this first installment of a continuing series, Appendix Z begins with a young basic training Soldier and follows his experiences through the beginning stages of humanity’s downfall.
“You won’t see the twist until it’s too late!” Goodreads 5* Review
Extract:
“A base plan is an all-hazard plan that outlines each step to take during an emergency situation,” he said. “The base plans don’t cover everything, just the basic steps that are involved in every situation, like fuel the vehicles, pack the trucks, grab the food; get me?”
I nodded.
“Well for specific things like tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, and riots… you create little plans and focus on those areas. These small plans are called an appendix.”
He turned and looked out the window again, lit another cigarette, and blew the smoke out through the small opening.
“I’ve seen an appendix for every situation you can possibly imagine… but not this. For all the movies, books, campfire stories, you’d think that someone woulda said; hey… what if… I guess I can’t complain too much. It’s not like I said it either.”
“We’re going to need weapons,” I said. “We can’t take on hordes of the undead with broom handles and chemical lights.”
When he turned back from the window to look at me Staff Sergeant O’Neil was smiling.
“Got that covered my young friend,” he said. “There’s a vault down in the basement, just over flowing with more than we’ll possibly need.”
Q & A:
Who or what gave you the idea to collaborate on this book?
It was the first anniversary of the first novella that I’d written for Dasia’s twelfth birthday. I wanted to write another one for her this year, but thought that a collaboration would be even better. I think it worked out pretty good.
Can you tell us a bit about the process it took to get from idea to completed novella?
The book was written in the same manner that all of my works are done – purely situational. We didn’t know what was going to happen in the next segment before we began to write it. We just let each new part evolve naturally from the last.
Any hints to what’s coming next in the story?
Each new instalment will take place in a new town, with new monsters and challenges. Some of the open-ended questions will be answered along the way. The ultimate antagonists in these stories, are the sinister presence behind the outbreak. That’s all I know until we actually start writing again.
Who would play your characters in a movie version of this book/series?
I have great affection for unknown writers, artists, and singers, so I would really like to see unknown actors casted to play the roles (if by some miracle it actually became a live action feature).
Do you think people should be more prepared for zombie attacks?
I think that people should be more prepared for any type of emergency. Whether one believes in zombies, aliens, or that the economy will one day fold like a taco and send millions of starving, desperate people into the streets, being prepared should be a top priority. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” – Alan Lakein
What is it about zombies that you find most horrifying?
I actually pondered this while watching a popular zombie television show. Zombies look disgusting, putrid, and I imagine that they don’t smell much better. That stuff isn’t terrifying in and of itself. Zombies look like us for the most part. When a protagonist has to kill one, they can’t just pretend it’s an insect. These monsters are human beings (or were) and they still look like us. Could you kill one? What if you knew them?
What is your favourite zombie book?
I haven’t really read too many zombie books (In the books I enjoy, people are the monsters), but of the few that I did, Cell was on top. I know that rating-wise it didn’t do too great. But, I found that Stephen King’s fresh take on the Zombie phenomenon was quite breath-taking. It was a heavy influence on the few zombie stories that I have completed.
August 20, 2013
Fun 5 - 'Magician, Man & Beast' by Daniel Williamson
Today Daniel Williamson is answering my Fun 5 questions on his book 'Magician, Man & Beast'.
Magician, Man and Beast: The Hero Within
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
An epic horror adventure set in a world besieged with conflict, intrigue and magic
If you could make up your own genre for this book what would it be?
Magician, Man and Beast is a sepulchral melodrama traversing the ages.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
The Magician, Man and Beast series explores the ultimate existential mystery, taking the reader on a perilous journey that will lead them beyond the last frontier.
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
The main antagonist in this series is the Sage King, also referred to by Newlanders as the corpse king. This ancient parasitic ghoul, lurking in the ether is resurrected after Charon becomes an unwilling participant in a magical summoning. After assuming human form, the Sage King quickly asserts his grip upon the world, beginning his reign of horror.
What message lies at the heart of your stories?
The Magician, Man and Beast series explores the mythology surrounding life and death. This gothic saga is separated into three philosophical parts to represent the trinity of life: youth, middle age and old age. As a spiritual journey, it represents birth, death and rebirth. In the first book Man: The Hero Within, we meet the main character in the prime of his youth, that unique mix of innocence and arrogance. Foolhardy and ambitious, he is yet to learn about consequence and ultimately, the true joys of love. The world around him reflects his innocence; it is yet to be marred by the horror of war. The second book Beast: Psychic Odyssey is about facing your own mortality, going back to the source, the existential prime. The third book Magician: Charnel War is the reconciliation of the dualistic nature of man to supersede his inborn limitations.
Magician, Man and Beast: The Hero Within
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
An epic horror adventure set in a world besieged with conflict, intrigue and magic
If you could make up your own genre for this book what would it be?
Magician, Man and Beast is a sepulchral melodrama traversing the ages.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
The Magician, Man and Beast series explores the ultimate existential mystery, taking the reader on a perilous journey that will lead them beyond the last frontier.
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
The main antagonist in this series is the Sage King, also referred to by Newlanders as the corpse king. This ancient parasitic ghoul, lurking in the ether is resurrected after Charon becomes an unwilling participant in a magical summoning. After assuming human form, the Sage King quickly asserts his grip upon the world, beginning his reign of horror.
What message lies at the heart of your stories?
The Magician, Man and Beast series explores the mythology surrounding life and death. This gothic saga is separated into three philosophical parts to represent the trinity of life: youth, middle age and old age. As a spiritual journey, it represents birth, death and rebirth. In the first book Man: The Hero Within, we meet the main character in the prime of his youth, that unique mix of innocence and arrogance. Foolhardy and ambitious, he is yet to learn about consequence and ultimately, the true joys of love. The world around him reflects his innocence; it is yet to be marred by the horror of war. The second book Beast: Psychic Odyssey is about facing your own mortality, going back to the source, the existential prime. The third book Magician: Charnel War is the reconciliation of the dualistic nature of man to supersede his inborn limitations.
August 16, 2013
Fun 5 - 'The City of the Mirage' by Jerome Brooke
Today Jerome Brooke is answering my Fun 5 questions on his book 'The City of the Mirage'.
City of the Mirage
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
Astarte is the ruler of a vast empire of the stars, and wars against rebels of her own Elder Race.
If you could make up your own genre for this book what would it be?
The genre would be the Divine Queen books.
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
The bad guy is the brother of Astarte. Like all of his race he is amoral, and full of pride.
Can you give us an extract that sums up your main character’s personality?
Astarte is immortal, jaded and amoral.
Tell us five things your main character loves?
Astarte loves power. She loves the Warrior, who is like the brave men she knew long ago. She is vain, and loves attention and the love of her subjects. She lives in a grand palace, and loves the tribute of her subjects. she loves history, and seeks to preserve the past traditions.
City of the Mirage
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
Astarte is the ruler of a vast empire of the stars, and wars against rebels of her own Elder Race.
If you could make up your own genre for this book what would it be?
The genre would be the Divine Queen books.
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
The bad guy is the brother of Astarte. Like all of his race he is amoral, and full of pride.
Can you give us an extract that sums up your main character’s personality?
Astarte is immortal, jaded and amoral.
Tell us five things your main character loves?
Astarte loves power. She loves the Warrior, who is like the brave men she knew long ago. She is vain, and loves attention and the love of her subjects. She lives in a grand palace, and loves the tribute of her subjects. she loves history, and seeks to preserve the past traditions.
August 12, 2013
Fun 5 - 'Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island' by Michael Phillip Cash
Today Michael Phillip Cash is answering my Fun 5 questions on his book 'Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island'.
Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island
Fun 5 Q&A:
In ten words or less, what is your book about?
Widower struggles to free his wife’s soul from a demon.
What do you want your readers to get out of the book?
This is a book about the timelessness and eternity of love.
What message lies at the heart of your story?
Once a person finds their soul mate , they are linked together forever. When a person loves somebody, they are willing to do anything for them.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
This is a book about real people and grief, and learning to live with lose. While ghosts play a role it’s also a story about sacrifice, loyalty and love.
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
Throughout the book, there is a demon tormenting Paul Russo. His logical side is telling him he’s imagining it or perhaps losing his mind. And his heart is telling him that his wife’s soul is in danger.
Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island
Fun 5 Q&A:
In ten words or less, what is your book about?
Widower struggles to free his wife’s soul from a demon.
What do you want your readers to get out of the book?
This is a book about the timelessness and eternity of love.
What message lies at the heart of your story?
Once a person finds their soul mate , they are linked together forever. When a person loves somebody, they are willing to do anything for them.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
This is a book about real people and grief, and learning to live with lose. While ghosts play a role it’s also a story about sacrifice, loyalty and love.
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
Throughout the book, there is a demon tormenting Paul Russo. His logical side is telling him he’s imagining it or perhaps losing his mind. And his heart is telling him that his wife’s soul is in danger.
August 11, 2013
Author Interview - Heather Heffner
This week I interviewed Heather Heffner, author of ‘The Changeling Sisters’ which is an awesome Urban Fantasy series with two books out now. Main character Citlalli was cool enough to make my Top 5 Kick-Ass Females in Fantasy Fiction and she’s just one reason I highly recommend these books.
Heather Heffner
Hi Heather, thanks so much for speaking with me today!
Can you tell us 5 random things about yourself?
1. I’ve outran a bear.
2. My drink of choice is a salted caramel mocha or a nice pinot noir.
3. I’ve been accused of stealing in a Barnes and Noble. Apparently, there was a Nook thief who looked like me, and the security guard got us mixed up. She got away; I got surrounded at the exit with a “Stop where you are!” and everything. Don’t mess with Barnes and Noble.
4. When I was young, I wrote my friends stories for their birthdays that starred them as the main character. My parents are so awesome that to this day, they’ll insist on a birthday story instead of a “real” gift.
5. I’ve never broken a bone. Knock on wood.
You’ve written two books in ‘The Changeling Sisters’ series so far. What is it that motivated you to write this series, and what are your plans for it?
I’m a long-time fantasy/sci fi reader, but after a while, there’s only so much you can read about Tolkien-inspired elves, dwarves, dragons, ect. Mad props to the king, but there are a lot of different cultures and mythologies that are underrepresented in the mainstream fantasy genre. My friends have complained that often, if a protagonist is non-white, then the story becomes about a political agenda. All of this was swirling around in my head when I worked abroad in South Korea.
I was instantly enchanted with the local lore and the warm welcome my co-workers extended to me, the foreigner. In America, there isn’t a huge emphasis placed on learning other languages, but starting from grade school in South Korea, learning English is a big one. I was pretty humbled by how hard my co-workers and students worked, and how much time they invested to make me feel at home. My students and I were watching a video about a popular Korean legend, “The Sun and the Moon,” in which a tiger tries to trick two children to let it into their home so it can eat them, and the children outsmart it. Of course, me with my overactive imagination started thinking…what if that tiger was something more sinister? What if the tiger was merely symbolic of a darker demon that fed on its own kind, which led to it being cursed? Throw in a foreigner family struggling to make a living abroad and a mysterious spirit world that the demon held in thrall, and the foundation of the Changeling Sisters Series was formed.
I have a lot of plans for the series! The first major plotline wraps up pretty well in Book II: Year of the Tiger, but I can definitely see Citlalli and the gang growing heavily invested in the future of Eve and South Korea. Eventually, I hope to bring them back to Mexico where some old family secrets are buried.
Read more at: http://sharonstevensonauthor.com/auth...
Heather Heffner
Hi Heather, thanks so much for speaking with me today!
Can you tell us 5 random things about yourself?
1. I’ve outran a bear.
2. My drink of choice is a salted caramel mocha or a nice pinot noir.
3. I’ve been accused of stealing in a Barnes and Noble. Apparently, there was a Nook thief who looked like me, and the security guard got us mixed up. She got away; I got surrounded at the exit with a “Stop where you are!” and everything. Don’t mess with Barnes and Noble.
4. When I was young, I wrote my friends stories for their birthdays that starred them as the main character. My parents are so awesome that to this day, they’ll insist on a birthday story instead of a “real” gift.
5. I’ve never broken a bone. Knock on wood.
You’ve written two books in ‘The Changeling Sisters’ series so far. What is it that motivated you to write this series, and what are your plans for it?
I’m a long-time fantasy/sci fi reader, but after a while, there’s only so much you can read about Tolkien-inspired elves, dwarves, dragons, ect. Mad props to the king, but there are a lot of different cultures and mythologies that are underrepresented in the mainstream fantasy genre. My friends have complained that often, if a protagonist is non-white, then the story becomes about a political agenda. All of this was swirling around in my head when I worked abroad in South Korea.
I was instantly enchanted with the local lore and the warm welcome my co-workers extended to me, the foreigner. In America, there isn’t a huge emphasis placed on learning other languages, but starting from grade school in South Korea, learning English is a big one. I was pretty humbled by how hard my co-workers and students worked, and how much time they invested to make me feel at home. My students and I were watching a video about a popular Korean legend, “The Sun and the Moon,” in which a tiger tries to trick two children to let it into their home so it can eat them, and the children outsmart it. Of course, me with my overactive imagination started thinking…what if that tiger was something more sinister? What if the tiger was merely symbolic of a darker demon that fed on its own kind, which led to it being cursed? Throw in a foreigner family struggling to make a living abroad and a mysterious spirit world that the demon held in thrall, and the foundation of the Changeling Sisters Series was formed.
I have a lot of plans for the series! The first major plotline wraps up pretty well in Book II: Year of the Tiger, but I can definitely see Citlalli and the gang growing heavily invested in the future of Eve and South Korea. Eventually, I hope to bring them back to Mexico where some old family secrets are buried.
Read more at: http://sharonstevensonauthor.com/auth...
August 9, 2013
Fun 5 'Buan: The Perfect Mortals' by Reece Bridger
Today Reece Bridger is answering my Fun 5 questions on his book 'Buan: The Perfect Mortals'.
Buan: The Perfect Mortals
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
‘The Perfect Mortals’ is the story of family, magic, and the acceptance of divine
responsibility and the stresses that come with it.
Is there a song that perfectly describes a moment in the book?
Nilos’ part of chapter 12 can be described by ‘Curse My Name’ by Blind
Guardian
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
Demons and Crowmen appear in the book, but the world in which it is set is
inhabited by a myriad of others.
Which actors would you choose to play your main characters in a movie?
Alexander Harmon: Off the top of my head, Daniel Radcliffe
Aurelia Harmon: Emily Browning
Fantasia Harmon: Chloë Grace Moretz
Weylyn Harmon: Logan Lerman
Orion Decasse: David Tennant (slightly older-looking, of course)
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
Compared to most villains, Carceroz is around 8/9, the level of sacrificing
children and using infants in rituals. Compared to what else I have in store for
the series and subsequent villains, about a 6.
Buan: The Perfect Mortals
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
‘The Perfect Mortals’ is the story of family, magic, and the acceptance of divine
responsibility and the stresses that come with it.
Is there a song that perfectly describes a moment in the book?
Nilos’ part of chapter 12 can be described by ‘Curse My Name’ by Blind
Guardian
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
Demons and Crowmen appear in the book, but the world in which it is set is
inhabited by a myriad of others.
Which actors would you choose to play your main characters in a movie?
Alexander Harmon: Off the top of my head, Daniel Radcliffe
Aurelia Harmon: Emily Browning
Fantasia Harmon: Chloë Grace Moretz
Weylyn Harmon: Logan Lerman
Orion Decasse: David Tennant (slightly older-looking, of course)
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
Compared to most villains, Carceroz is around 8/9, the level of sacrificing
children and using infants in rituals. Compared to what else I have in store for
the series and subsequent villains, about a 6.
August 5, 2013
Fun 5 - 'The Cottage by the Lake' by Amanda Brenner
Today Amanda Brenner is answering my Fun 5 questions on her book 'The Cottage by the Lake'.
The Cottage by the Lake: A Sid Langdon Mystery
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
A wealthy man hires a detective to investigate mysterious occurrences at his parents’ lakeside estate, which he considers the work of pranksters trading on a local legend of a Confederate officer whose ghost prowls the surrounding woods.
What do you want your readers to get out of the book?
A sense of the deep impression a perceived wrong can leave on generations of people, causing them to ultimately act against their own best interests.
What message lies at the heart of your story?
The destructive power of outrage when it is fed and allowed to fester, and how it can emotionally cripple those it touches.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
I see my detective, Sid Langdon, as a self-doubting magnet for offbeat clients and hapless scenarios. He arrives at his results by roundabout, haphazard methods that often amount to little more than grasping at straws. But it works.
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
If mildly fiendish is zero and brutally evil is ten, I would say he is an eight, but only because he is operating with a single focus in a limited environment. He is following a diabolical plan with a clear purpose, and he is relentless in his determination to accomplish his goal.
The Cottage by the Lake: A Sid Langdon Mystery
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
A wealthy man hires a detective to investigate mysterious occurrences at his parents’ lakeside estate, which he considers the work of pranksters trading on a local legend of a Confederate officer whose ghost prowls the surrounding woods.
What do you want your readers to get out of the book?
A sense of the deep impression a perceived wrong can leave on generations of people, causing them to ultimately act against their own best interests.
What message lies at the heart of your story?
The destructive power of outrage when it is fed and allowed to fester, and how it can emotionally cripple those it touches.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
I see my detective, Sid Langdon, as a self-doubting magnet for offbeat clients and hapless scenarios. He arrives at his results by roundabout, haphazard methods that often amount to little more than grasping at straws. But it works.
How bad is your bad guy, on a scale of mildly fiendish to brutally evil?
If mildly fiendish is zero and brutally evil is ten, I would say he is an eight, but only because he is operating with a single focus in a limited environment. He is following a diabolical plan with a clear purpose, and he is relentless in his determination to accomplish his goal.
August 4, 2013
Top 5 Kick-Ass Females in Fantasy Fiction
As you may know, I read a ton of books and one thing I’ve realised about my reading taste recently is that I never get bored of strong female characters that totally kick ass! I even wrote my very own kick-ass female in Sarah Gallows. So, I gave it some thought and came up with my all-time top 5! It was tough to narrow them down but here are the fantastic females who stood out for me:
5. Jace Valchek
Dying Bites
Books: Bloodhound Series by D.D. Barant
All about Jace:
Profession: FBI Profiler
Species: Human
Setting: An parallel universe with a largely supernatural population
The Story: Jace is brought to an parallel universe where Werewolves, Vampires & Golems exist and humans account for only 1% of the population. Her kidnapper’s reason? They were faced with a serial killer and needed someone who could figure out how to catch him. Her reaction? Shoot her captor point blank. Thing is, bullets don’t kill Vampires… Jace is tasked with solving the murder in order to get home.
Kick-Ass Cred: Jace’s fighting spirit can’t be contained. While she agrees grudgingly to help, she does so on her own terms and never loses sight of her goal.
4. Citlalli Alvarez
Year of the Wolf
Books: The Changeling Sisters Series by Heather Heffner
All about Citlalli:
Profession: Server in her mother’s restaurant
Species: Werewolf
Setting: South Korea / the spirit realm of Eve
The Story: Citlalli’s older sister goes missing under strange circumstances, so years later when her younger sister Raina is taken by the same monsters, Citlalli has to face up to the truth that deadly creatures once thought to be myths really do exist. Citlalli must go into the spirit realm of Eve and fight for her family. She throws herself into this mission with reckless abandon, caring only about saving her sisters.
Kick-Ass Cred: She’s sarcastic, she’s got fighting spirit and she’s 100% determined to get her sisters back. Citlalli risks nothing less than her life to rescue her family.
3. Sevy
Thief
Books: The Sevy Series by Sarah-Jane Lehoux
All about Sevy:
Profession: Thief
Species: Human
Setting: The fantasy realm of Eloria
The Story: Sevy is an orphaned girl stealing to get by. When her only friend betrays her trust she goes on the run. She’s strong-willed and sticks to her guns throughout. She’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants, but will that ultimately be her undoing?
Kick-Ass Cred: Sevy has taken care of herself her whole life. Her unwavering determination is what develops her physical fighting skills. She fights wholeheartedly for those she cares deeply for.
2. Suzie Shooter
Something from the Nightside
Books: The Nightside Series by Simon R. Green
All About Suzie:
Profession: Bounty Hunter
Species: Human
Setting: The dangerous fictional world of The Nightside (under London proper)
The Story: The Nightside is a dangerous place to visit, much less live. Suzie has been there a long time, carving out a name for herself as a shoot-first, ask-questions-later bounty hunter. Suzie’s not the main star of this series but she does make a big impression and features more as the series goes on. Her backstory when it is uncovered is harrowing and the hard outer shell she’s developed serves the purpose of keeping people at a distance. She’s a deeply flawed character and she totally kicks ass.
Kick-Ass Cred: Losing an eye and not having the damage repaired – battle-scar proud Suzie wouldn’t have it any other way. A truly tough-as-nails female character.
1. Rachel Morgan
Dead Witch Walking
Books: The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison
All about Rachel:
Profession: Supernatural Detective
Species: Witch
Setting: Cincinnati
The Story: Rachel is a witch sharing a church with troubled living-vampire Ivy and hilarious pixy Jenks. After being kicked out of what is basically a supernatural division of the police, she forms her own detective agency alongside Ivy & Jenks. She is constantly fighting for herself and her friends. Her selflessness leads to a lot of dangerous situations where her skills are tested to the limits. She cares deeply about her friends and would do anything for them.
Kick-Ass Cred: Fighting demons and beating them – it doesn’t get much more badass than that!
Obviously these are my own personal favourites and I tend towards the urban fantasy genre. Two of the entries are new – just discovered this year – and the top two have been favourites of mine for years. A few other awesome females who came close to being included and are definitely worth checking out:
Karrin Murphy (Human Cop) from Jim Butchers Dresden Files
Mira (Vampire) from Jocelynn Drake’s Dark Days novels
Elena Michaels (Werewolf) from Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series
Who’s your favourite Kick-Ass Female?
5. Jace Valchek
Dying Bites
Books: Bloodhound Series by D.D. Barant
All about Jace:
Profession: FBI Profiler
Species: Human
Setting: An parallel universe with a largely supernatural population
The Story: Jace is brought to an parallel universe where Werewolves, Vampires & Golems exist and humans account for only 1% of the population. Her kidnapper’s reason? They were faced with a serial killer and needed someone who could figure out how to catch him. Her reaction? Shoot her captor point blank. Thing is, bullets don’t kill Vampires… Jace is tasked with solving the murder in order to get home.
Kick-Ass Cred: Jace’s fighting spirit can’t be contained. While she agrees grudgingly to help, she does so on her own terms and never loses sight of her goal.
4. Citlalli Alvarez
Year of the Wolf
Books: The Changeling Sisters Series by Heather Heffner
All about Citlalli:
Profession: Server in her mother’s restaurant
Species: Werewolf
Setting: South Korea / the spirit realm of Eve
The Story: Citlalli’s older sister goes missing under strange circumstances, so years later when her younger sister Raina is taken by the same monsters, Citlalli has to face up to the truth that deadly creatures once thought to be myths really do exist. Citlalli must go into the spirit realm of Eve and fight for her family. She throws herself into this mission with reckless abandon, caring only about saving her sisters.
Kick-Ass Cred: She’s sarcastic, she’s got fighting spirit and she’s 100% determined to get her sisters back. Citlalli risks nothing less than her life to rescue her family.
3. Sevy
Thief
Books: The Sevy Series by Sarah-Jane Lehoux
All about Sevy:
Profession: Thief
Species: Human
Setting: The fantasy realm of Eloria
The Story: Sevy is an orphaned girl stealing to get by. When her only friend betrays her trust she goes on the run. She’s strong-willed and sticks to her guns throughout. She’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants, but will that ultimately be her undoing?
Kick-Ass Cred: Sevy has taken care of herself her whole life. Her unwavering determination is what develops her physical fighting skills. She fights wholeheartedly for those she cares deeply for.
2. Suzie Shooter
Something from the Nightside
Books: The Nightside Series by Simon R. Green
All About Suzie:
Profession: Bounty Hunter
Species: Human
Setting: The dangerous fictional world of The Nightside (under London proper)
The Story: The Nightside is a dangerous place to visit, much less live. Suzie has been there a long time, carving out a name for herself as a shoot-first, ask-questions-later bounty hunter. Suzie’s not the main star of this series but she does make a big impression and features more as the series goes on. Her backstory when it is uncovered is harrowing and the hard outer shell she’s developed serves the purpose of keeping people at a distance. She’s a deeply flawed character and she totally kicks ass.
Kick-Ass Cred: Losing an eye and not having the damage repaired – battle-scar proud Suzie wouldn’t have it any other way. A truly tough-as-nails female character.
1. Rachel Morgan
Dead Witch Walking
Books: The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison
All about Rachel:
Profession: Supernatural Detective
Species: Witch
Setting: Cincinnati
The Story: Rachel is a witch sharing a church with troubled living-vampire Ivy and hilarious pixy Jenks. After being kicked out of what is basically a supernatural division of the police, she forms her own detective agency alongside Ivy & Jenks. She is constantly fighting for herself and her friends. Her selflessness leads to a lot of dangerous situations where her skills are tested to the limits. She cares deeply about her friends and would do anything for them.
Kick-Ass Cred: Fighting demons and beating them – it doesn’t get much more badass than that!
Obviously these are my own personal favourites and I tend towards the urban fantasy genre. Two of the entries are new – just discovered this year – and the top two have been favourites of mine for years. A few other awesome females who came close to being included and are definitely worth checking out:
Karrin Murphy (Human Cop) from Jim Butchers Dresden Files
Mira (Vampire) from Jocelynn Drake’s Dark Days novels
Elena Michaels (Werewolf) from Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series
Who’s your favourite Kick-Ass Female?
August 2, 2013
Fun 5 - 'Dead Heads' by Ross Young
Today Ross Young is answering my Fun 5 questions on his book 'Dead Heads'.
Dead Heads
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
A malcontent detective is charged with finding the Grim Reaper’s head in Gloomwood, a city that proves there are worse things than dying.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
Truthfully I can’t think of a great many books that are set in the afterlife, or that exist in an afterlife, though there are a few, so I’d like to think that sets it apart in the first place. Having said that it is a detective story at heart and with plenty of twists and turns on the way. Gloomwood is a strange place filled with oddities that can only exist in a world where everybody has already died, add that to a miserable detective who hasn’t exactly been cheered up by his recent death and you’re in for a fun ride. It’s a dark story but there are plenty of laughs to be had along the way.
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
We’ve got dead people, normal people that is, then dead gods and demi-gods who’re an odd bunch, there are dead hopes and dreams who were never alive in the first place, then we’ve got the children of Gloomwood who...let’s just say they aren’t that well adjusted. We can’t forget the Grim Reaper of course, he’s not what you might expect, though he might not be entirely himself given that he’s lost his head.
What is your main character’s main redeeming quality?
Determination, he’s Blunt by name and nature with more flaws than redeeming qualities. An old school detective who thinks little of the people he meets and even less of himself. You can count on Blunt to get the job done but he isn’t going to make many people’s christmas lists, if there is a Christmas in Gloomwood that is.
What’s next for your characters?
Well the second book in the series is on its way and Blunt’s back to his usual tricks of bludgeoning his way through a case. It takes the focus off him a bit and has a closer look at our peripheral characters. Particularly Petal, a demi-god with a dark past who finds it hard to move beyond his appearance as a brute, we meet him in Dead Heads and I couldn’t resist telling more of his story. There’s also Ted, he’s the title character, you’ll meet him in Dead Heads but he’s only got a very small part, oh it's called Get Ted Dead.
Dead Heads
Fun 5 Q&A:
Can you give us a one sentence synopsis that sums up your story?
A malcontent detective is charged with finding the Grim Reaper’s head in Gloomwood, a city that proves there are worse things than dying.
What makes this book different from others in the genre?
Truthfully I can’t think of a great many books that are set in the afterlife, or that exist in an afterlife, though there are a few, so I’d like to think that sets it apart in the first place. Having said that it is a detective story at heart and with plenty of twists and turns on the way. Gloomwood is a strange place filled with oddities that can only exist in a world where everybody has already died, add that to a miserable detective who hasn’t exactly been cheered up by his recent death and you’re in for a fun ride. It’s a dark story but there are plenty of laughs to be had along the way.
Which paranormal/fantasy creatures inhabit this book?
We’ve got dead people, normal people that is, then dead gods and demi-gods who’re an odd bunch, there are dead hopes and dreams who were never alive in the first place, then we’ve got the children of Gloomwood who...let’s just say they aren’t that well adjusted. We can’t forget the Grim Reaper of course, he’s not what you might expect, though he might not be entirely himself given that he’s lost his head.
What is your main character’s main redeeming quality?
Determination, he’s Blunt by name and nature with more flaws than redeeming qualities. An old school detective who thinks little of the people he meets and even less of himself. You can count on Blunt to get the job done but he isn’t going to make many people’s christmas lists, if there is a Christmas in Gloomwood that is.
What’s next for your characters?
Well the second book in the series is on its way and Blunt’s back to his usual tricks of bludgeoning his way through a case. It takes the focus off him a bit and has a closer look at our peripheral characters. Particularly Petal, a demi-god with a dark past who finds it hard to move beyond his appearance as a brute, we meet him in Dead Heads and I couldn’t resist telling more of his story. There’s also Ted, he’s the title character, you’ll meet him in Dead Heads but he’s only got a very small part, oh it's called Get Ted Dead.
