Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 36
December 16, 2013
Book Review: Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown
Synopsis:
Freak. Witch. Crazy. Schizo.
Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.
When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.
Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.
About the Author: 
Stacey Marie Brown by day is an Interior/Set Designer, by night a writer of Paranormal Fantasy, Adventure, and Literary Fiction. She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. Even before she could write, she was creating stories and making up intricate fantasies. Writing came as easy as breathing. She later turned that passion into acting, living and traveling abroad, and designing. Though she had never stopped writing, moving back to San Francisco seemed to have brought it back to the forefront and this time it would not be ignored.
When she’s not writing she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.
Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter
My Review:
I must admit that I didn’t realise that this book was Indie. I saw a publisher down and thought it was a traditional. Reading it still kept that thought alive, however it was only when I looked into the publisher that I realised that the publishing company is the author. It did make me feel a little misled about the books origins, but it didn’t take away from the fact that this is an interesting read.
First off, the whole paranormal world that the characters live in is shrouded in doubt and its only at the very end that you realise what the protagonist actually is and why she’s in the mess she’s in. To me this was a refreshing change and really could have blown up in the author’s face – so was a courageous thing to do.
Ember as a character was well rounded with a dry sense of humour – which is really appreciated in YA literature, as it’s all too easy to have a whiny teen you want to slap, as your lead.
From a writer’s perspective, the plot was steady but there were a few easy to guess parts – although a whole Agatha Christie style mystery book can be very weary, so I presume this was on purpose to ensure that the reader felt vindicated at certain points for their deductive skills. The YA go-to troupes were still out in force – the love triangle, the bad boy, the uncertainty, the best friends. But this is what teen readers want – so I can’t really criticise (hell, I’ve done that too myself!)
The front cover is very pretty, it doesn’t give much away but draws the eye and is the kind of book you’d like to carry round with you.
Overall I’d give Darkness of Light 4 out of 5 stars. An enjoyable teen read I’d thoroughly recommend.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Darkness of Light, Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown, Stacey Marie Brown, Teen reads, xpresso book tours, YA fiction
December 14, 2013
Book Review: Eternal Flame by Valerie Twombly
Synopsis:
A woman he cannot have, a man who is only a dream…
When guardian Marcus Dagotto, discovers the Gods have gifted him with a mate, he is pissed. He has no room for love and even less for a human who has no idea he exists.
Cassandra Jensen, has a shattered heart and has given up on men. Only one man can set her body on fire, but he is a fantasy that haunts her sleep.
Two worlds, one desire.
When the two collide, fate will rip them apart and test their resolve. Will darkness and evil prevail? Or, will love conquer all?
About the Author:
As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.
Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.
Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.
Website: http://www.valerietwombly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FangedFantasy
Twitter https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy
Publisher: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/1.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Twombly/e/B00BOXA8ZE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1381061037&sr=8-1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/vtwombly
My Review:
Okay, I really liked this book. It was well written and the story itself was a good one that didn’t just rely on steamy sex scenes and a destined romance – however I really feel like the title lets it down. Eternal Flame is the name of a very famous Bangles’ song that has been covered several times and can be heard in wind chime format in lifts all over the world – not to mention hold music. By giving it a title that can never truly belong to the book lightens its impact. I know there are many books out there that have similar/ the same title as other books, movies and songs – it can’t be helped; but in my opinion the really famous ones should be avoided like the literary plague.
As characters go, I think we can all relate to Cassandra and her ‘unlucky in love’ scenario. Although a little cliché, it does speak to most of us ladies who perhaps are our own worst enemies on the love front. It’s all too easy to imagine gorgeous men who treat you like a queen and be disappointed when life doesn’t work out like that – fortunately for Cassandra she actually does get a pretty decent hero (still, probably not who she was expecting!) As an author myself I tend to feel a certain obligation to reward my own characters with soul mates of their own, so I appreciated the effort that Valerie went to craft the romance between Marcus and Cassandra.
The world building and flow were excellent and there was a massive supporting cast of other interesting characters introduced that, I’m assuming, go on to star in their own books.
From a writer’s perspective, some of the dialogue was a little unrealistic to me. Although not all the time, but sometimes they would dip into ‘oldey worldy’ speak which comes across both tired and wrong. One of the most important things in a paranormal/ urban fantasy setting is to make everything else around your supernatural elements as real as you can – thus making the unbelievable that much more believable.
The front cover is a little cartoony for my liking and, to be fair I almost didn’t read the book at all on this weakness. I know it’s wrong to judge a book by its cover, but hey that’s just how it is. I think it would do the book more justice if it were both characters on the front in a more artistic format.
Overall I’d give Eternal Flame 4 out of 5 stars. If you’re dying to get your teeth into a new paranormal romance series, then chomp, chomp this way.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: dragons, Etneral Flame, Paranormal Cravings Book Tours, Shifters, Valerie Twombly
December 13, 2013
Book Review: Path Unchosen by Kim Cleary
Synopsis:
When eighteen-year-old Judy Hudson discovers she’s a necromancer and sees first-hand the pain her powers can cause the dead, she just wants to deny who she is. The zombie plague is long over. She wants to find a more normal life, but that’s a challenge when a beautiful otherworldly man, who claims to be her guardian, saves her life.
Judy tries to set right the harm she inflicted on a spirit she raised, but new zombies attack—zombies raised from among the long-time dead. Someone else just like her is out there, and he’s not trying to set anything right. To save her own life, and protect the innocent inhabitants of the nearby town who’ve become her friends, Judy has to figure out who’s raising the dead and why. She must also learn to control the darkness inside her—a seductive darkness that promises her power beyond her wildest dreams.
About the Author: 
Kim writes urban fantasy for anyone who longs to discover they are extraordinary. She writes about hopefulness and determination, and about heroes who push through extraordinary situations and obstacles, one step at a time. Magical friends and gorgeous guys help, or hinder, in one adventure after another.
When not writing, revising, or thinking about writing, Kim gardens, plays with her dog, chats on social media, catches up with friends or cooks an Indian feast. She is a member of Writers Victoria, Romance Writers of Australia, The Alliance of Independent Authors, and a certified chocoholic.
Kim grew up in Birmingham, UK, studied medieval history and psychology at Adelaide University in South Australia and has worked all over Australia and in London. She now lives with her husband and an adorable Cocker Spaniel in Melbourne, Australia.
Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter
My Review:
With soooo many zombie books about nowadays it’s hard to find a good angle that hasn’t already been flogged to death, risen and been shot in the head. But Kim Cleary has actually managed this with Path Unchosen. To have your main character as a necromancer in the zombie invasion is a brilliant concept!
It kind of reminded me of ‘The Forest of Hands and Teeth’ where, although its set in the future, it very much feels like we’re with the characters in the past. The beginning of the book was a little slow to get cooking, the orphanage was very binding to the protagonist, Judy (as it should be) so I was chomping at the bit to see her spread her wings – which was probably what the author wanted. Sadly, even when Judy is free she doesn’t develop much as a character, and comes across still very child-like, even though she is supposed to be 18 – maybe because she had a sheltered life?
From a writer’s perspective, it was very well written with some lovely turns of phrase that really impressed me. The flow wasn’t overly steady though, and the plot seemed jerky at times. There were also a few grammatical errors – but hey you can probably find some here too of you look hard enough ;)
The front cover is nice, but doesn’t stand out to me. I think if it were to have Judy on the front and perhaps a more dystopian feel to it, it would be more attractive and represent the book much better.
Overall I’d give Path Unchosen 3 out of 5 stars. My hat is off to Kim Cleary for the whole concept and it’s a promising start to a new series.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Dark Fantasy, Daughter of Ravenswood #1, Kim Cleary, New Adult, paranormal, Path Unchosen, Urban Fantasy, xpresso book tours
December 12, 2013
Book Review: Crystal Fire by Jordan Dane
Synopsis:
Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.
A storm is brewing on the streets of LA, one that has intensified since a tragic and deadly confrontation claimed an innocent life.
While Gabriel Stewart trains his army of teen psychics to stop Alexander Reese–the obsessed leader of the Believers–the fanatical church becomes more bent on the annihilation of all Indigo and Crystal children. They’re silencing the voices of the telepathic hive, one soul at a time, with frightening experiments cruelly executed on vulnerable minds.
When the Believers torture a mysterious homeless boy, Oliver Blue, they brainwash him into betraying his own. The boy becomes a deadly pawn to take Gabriel down. As the fires of chaos burn around him, Gabe is running out of time. He’ll need to confront his past–and the man who made him–before the hope of peace for the future is silenced forever.
About the Author: 
Avon/HarperCollins launched Jordan Dane’s debut suspense novels in a back to back publishing event in Spring 2008 after buying the 3-book series in auction. Pursuing publication since 2003, Jordan had received awards in 33 national writing competitions and was an energy sales manager in the oil and gas industry prior to selling. Now she is following her passion and writes full time.
Ripped from the headlines, Jordan’s gritty plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. She loves challenging a reader’s moral barometer with the borderline ethics of her characters and their flawed personalities—dark, angst-ridden antiheroes pitted against unforgettable villains. Publishers Weekly compared her intense pacing to Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, and Tami Hoag—”romantic suspense that crosses over into plain thriller country with tight plotting and exceptional male characters, both bad guys and good.”
Jordan and her husband share their residence with two cats of highborn lineage and the spirit of an intelligent canine who is impossible to forget.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/940521.Jordan_Dane
https://twitter.com/jordandane
https://www.facebook.com/JordanDaneAuthor
My Review:
Crystal Fire is the second in a series, and you really do need to read them in order. Fortunately I was kindly given access to both ARCs, so I didn’t miss out on essential plot points.
I’ve not read much YA recently and I must admit that I found myself missing the innocence and teen angst that it usually brings. Crystal Fire does cover both of these facets nicely but, unfortunately does fall into the harsh female teen stereotype all too quickly. Rayne gets a bit annoying in book 1, but does bounce back somewhat in book 2. I guess it starts the whole ‘Bella’ debate off again. Twilight was hugely popular – there’s no denying it. I actually really enjoyed the books, but I hated Bella as the protagonist. She was just so annoyingly wet! And Rayne does echo that.
From a writer’s perspective, the POV jumped around a lot. I actually don’t like this in books (just my personal opinion) I have a massively small attention span and if I have to concentrate too hard on keeping up with too many character stories, I tend to get bored. A good book should focus on what needs to be said and scenes that move the characters and themes forward without the reader being conscious of the push. I felt it might have been better to limit the POV to just two characters and tell it first person – thus making you feel more for them and their situation.
The front covers are very pretty – I was instantly drawn to them. However they don’t say much about the inside of the books and so let down the overall storyline, which I thought was actually very inventive.
Overall I’d give Crystal Fire 3 out of 5 stars. A decent teen read that ticks all the boxes.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Crystal Fire, Harlequin Teen, Jordan Dane, The Hunted Series, YA Bound Book Tours, YA fiction
December 11, 2013
Interview with Laura Lam
Tell us about your publishing journey…
I sent off my first barely-finished manuscript and, to my surprise and bemusement, I had a revision request and, once I revised, I had a publishing deal and an agent. But before that, I studied creative writing at university, focusing mostly on short fiction and poetry.
What do you love about being an author?
That first buzz of getting a new idea, when you have that tingle in your fingers that means it’s an idea that will possibly turn into a novel, rather than a passing fancy. Getting a really nice review or a piece of reader mail. Finishing a book and holding the final, final copy in your hands for the first time.
What part do you dislike about being an author?
The stress, the difficulty in making a living wage, the uncertainty, and negative reviews.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Just write.
If you could have dinner with a literary character – who would it be and what would you eat?
Tyrion Lannister. It would be an amusing meal. We’d eat a meat pie and swig beer. 
What was the last book you read and what were your thoughts on it?
Mapping the mind by Rita Carter – a nonfiction book about neuroscience. Absolutely fascinating and accessible to a layperson like me.
You have a time machine, which era do you go back to and why?
I’d like to visit the time that’s almost my present, like the early 80s or late 70s. Think it would be interesting.
If you were to cast your book, who would play the leads?
Micah – Saoirse Rionan or Sterling Knight
Drystan – Alex Pettyfer (in looks, at least. Not seen him act in anything)
Cyan – Ziyi Zhang
Maske – Ralph Fiennes
What’s your favourite TV show, and why?
For pure escapism and unwinding – Masterchef. It’s the perfect thing to watch after a long day of work, writing, and the gym.
What has been the best Xmas present you’ve ever received?
My childhood cat, when I was 7.
What’s the best part of Xmas for you?
Time off work!
Are you on Santa’s nice or naughty list this year?
I’d say I’ve been fairly nice this year.
Are there plans for another novel in the series?
I’m hoping it’ll be a trilogy, but at the moment the third book has not been commissioned.
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution in mind for 2014?
Be kinder to myself.
If your characters could give your readers a Xmas message, what would it be?
“What’s Christmas?”
Where can fans find you online?
Website: http://www.lauralam.co.uk
Twitter: @LR_Lam
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lauralamauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/micahgrey
Tumblr: http://lauraroselam.tumblr.com/
Bio and photo can be found here: http://staticsplit.wordpress.com/about/
Filed under: Get your Christmas on! Christmas 2013 posts, Interviews with other authors Tagged: Laura Lam, Pantomime, Shadowplay, Strange Chemistry, Urban Fantasy, Xmas author interview, YA fiction 
December 10, 2013
Book Review: The Awakening: Britton by Abby Niles
Synopsis:
“I would lick that man up one side and down the other.”
Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun, has listened to women gush over the Don Juan of the precinct for the last four years. Yeah, Detective Britton Townsend is hot and has stunning blue eyes, but that foul mouth he saves only for her? What a waste of good looks. And no way does Val want that mouth anywhere near hers.
When the shifter community is threatened, Val is assigned to the case…and fails. So the High Council turns to the rogue shifter they’d sentenced to twenty years as a human–that same obnoxiously sexy Detective Townsend. And sends the two arch-enemies deep into the North Carolina Mountains-—together, and alone.
Being stuck in a tiny honeymoon cabin with Miss Castration and only one bed is definitely not Britton’s idea of a good time. But the High Council doesn’t take no for an answer. After his shifter abilities are restored, Brit is once again susceptible to the dreaded, irreversible bonding instinct, the Drall. Thankfully, all he’s ever felt for Val is intense loathing, no reason to worry. Right? All he has to do is solve this case pronto, and he can go back to his footloose Casanova ways. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. Or worse…fall in love.
About the Author: 
Ever since Abby Niles picked up her first Sweet Valley High book in sixth grade and fell in love with Elizabeth and Todd, she’s been hooked on romance. By the time she reached high school, she was devouring meatier romances with pirates, cowboys and knights. She never imagined that those years of reading would one day lead to her becoming a published author.
In her late twenties, after having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. Next thing she knew, she was actually submitting to publishing houses. And was immediately rejected. That didn’t stop her though. She found some kickass critique partners, honed her craft, and continued submitting.
And eventually sold.
Today, she juggles work, being a single mom, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?
Abby is the author of the contemporary MMA romance, Extreme Love, the first book in her Love to the Extreme series. Fighting Love is scheduled to release in December of 2013 and Winning Love isscheduled for 2014. She is also the author of the dark paranormal romance series The Awakening: Aidanand the The Awakening: Liam. The Awakening: Britton is scheduled to release in November 2013.Both series are with Entangled Publishing. She also has a geeky romantic comedy, Defying Convention, with Carina Press.
Website: http://www.abbynilesauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abbyniles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbynilesauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/AbbyNiles
Newsletter: http://goo.gl/wQZyKi
My Review:
Okay, so I’ve said before how the whole ‘soul mate’ thing in shifter books can be a bit of an easy option for authors – I mean, there’s no real hard graft to get your two main characters together – they’re instantly in love. And to be fair the ‘Awakening’ series is all about when a shifter finds their true love and what happens, so I was briefed on this before reading the book. What I didn’t expect though was for it to really work! There are so many twists and turns that the author has you guessing and I was just blown away by the way it came together.
To begin with the characters hate one another – although deep down they have that animal pull going on. To me, I adore a snarky love connection. To be all soppy with one another is not only unbelievable but also incredibly boring. To have a few verbal battles makes for a much more interesting dynamic for destined lovers.
From a writer’s perspective, the plot behind the romance was just as engaging as the romance itself. I often read a paranormal romance where the plot line drawing the lovers in is insipid and often quickly forgotten in favour of spicy scenes and a relationship that seems to develop out of nowhere – this wasn’t the case here. To be fair, the plot could have easily been seen in an urban fantasy style book where it’s that very facet that has to hook the reader – rather than the relationship in romance books.
The front cover is okay, to be honest it doesn’t really help to sell the book and does look vaguely similar to Abby Niles’ other books. I can see that there’s a certain branding going on and can certainly appreciate that (just like the parade of six packs!) but I’d have liked more of a shifter vibe from them and perhaps the female leads taking their turn in the spotlight.
Overall I’d Give The Awakening: Britton 5 out 5 stars – An intriguing plot wrapped in a passionate romance, what more could you want?
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Abby Niles, Bewitching book tours, Entangled Publishing, The Awakening: Britton
December 9, 2013
Book Review: Black Widow by Paula Altenberg
Synopsis:
Passionate and headstrong, half-demon Raven is nearly executed on the orders of her fundamentalist stepfather. She escapes from the burning stake using the gifts of her otherworldly heritage and the help of a mortal stranger named Blade. Now she’s set on revenge, and only quiet, intense Blade stands in her way.
A retired assassin weary of the weight of his past, Blade has crossed the desert to seek out a new life. His journey is interrupted when his conscience demands he help Raven find an old friend who can help her. Saving her from her need for revenge and delivering her into the hands of loved ones means he’s one step closer to redemption.
But as Blade’s sense of duty becomes something more and threats, both mortal and immortal, stalk the woman he can’t abandon, he could very well fall back into the life he’s trying so hard to escape.
About the Author:
Paula Altenburg lives in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and two sons. Once a manager in the aerospace industry, she now enjoys the freedom of working from home and writing fulltime. Paula currently writes paranormal romance and category romance for Entangled Publishing. Visit her at
http://www.paulaaltenburg.com/blog/
Twitter: @PaulaAltenburg
https://www.facebook.com/PaulaAltenburgAuthor
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5809064.Paula_Altenburg
My Review:
What a great concept! I truly believe that to have a wonderful book on your hands you need a great idea and solid writing style – this series has them both in spades.
I adored the idea of setting a paranormal romance in an alternative old west and to pit Goddesses against Demons was awesome.
This is book 2 in the series, and I must admit that I read both – just in case they followed on. They do, and they don’t. They have the same characters, just each book as an emphasis on a different pair. So you could read them out of order if you’d prefer – just do read them both!
From a writer’s perspective, the story lines are solid and the world built throughout both books is intriguing and feels real. The main aspect though, that really set the Demon Outlaw books apart for me, is that they are more than just the romance aspect. There really is a decent urban fantasy vibe going on. I’ve read a lot of books recently that are really just romances with a dash of paranormal, and although a decent read in their own right. I really appreciate the effort that went into both books to create a storyline. My only criticism is that I’d have liked to have seen the two original characters, Hunter and Airie have more of a role in the second book. They are referred to, but never appear, which is a shame as I liked both of them as protagonists.
The front cover is okay, a six pack never goes amiss – but I’d really have liked to have seen Raven on there too, as she’s just as much of a part of the book as Blade.
Overall I’d give both books in the series 5 out 5 stars – a great paranormal romance read that you won’t want to see heading into the sunset too soon.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bewitching book tours, Demon Outlaws, Entangled Publishing, paranormal romance, Paula Altenburg
December 8, 2013
Interview with Amalie Howard
Tell us about your publishing journey.
My publishing journey is an interesting one. My first novel, Bloodspell, published in 2011 by an independent small press, received eight offers from agents in two days. It was thrilling and awesome and overwhelming. I chose one, who for various reasons wasn’t able to sell the book. We separated and I went out on my own sans agent. My first book wasn’t the major deal I’d been expecting, but it was a start. After about a year, I wrote another book and went out to four carefully selected agents. I signed with The Liza Royce Agency, and continued writing, finishing two more books. In December 2012, my phenomenal agent sold all three of my books within a three-week span—a two-book deal to Harlequin Teen (Waterfell Nov 2013 and Oceanborn Aug 2014), a two-book deal to Strange Chemistry (The Almost Girl Jan 2014), and a standalone to Sky Pony Press (Alpha Goddess Mar 2014). All in all, it’s been quite a journey. And I’m grateful for every grueling, heart-pounding, cushion-throwing, chocolate-snarfing second of it!
What do you love about being an author?
I love being able to share my stories with the world, and also hearing back from readers. I love that my books make people feel something, and I especially enjoy when people get passionate about my characters or plot direction or anything writing-related.
What part do you dislike about being an author?
The rule of thumb is to never respond to negative reviews, but that doesn’t mean those reviews don’t hurt. We live in a technological age where everyone has a voice, and not all of those voices are constructive. Imagine walking naked into the most famous building where you live and just standing there, asking people to judge you. It’s kind of a little like that. Not everyone’s going to be gentle.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t give up.
If you could have dinner with a literary character – who would it be and what would you eat?
I would love to have dinner with Hermione, and we would eat in the great hall at Hogwarts. I literally salivated every time those scenes came on during the Harry Potter movies.
What was the last book you read and what were your thoughts on it?
The last book I read was Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and it was one of the best contemporary books I’ve read recently. Beautifully written with characters that just leapt off the page. I devoured it in one sitting.
You have a time machine, which era do you go back to and why?
Since I’m a huge fan of Regency romance, I’d choose to go back to the early nineteenth century where I would live as a young countess in Europe. Notwithstanding the corsets, I’d really like to experience the haute ton with all the balls and all the decadence. And if I met a handsome duke, I wouldn’t mind that either.
If you were to cast your book, who would play the leads? 
Ooh, I love this question! I would cast Astrid Berges-Frisbey or Imogen Poots as Riven, and Brenton Thwaites or Nicholas Hoult as Caden. Which one out of each would you choose?
What’s your favourite TV show, and why?
My current favorite TV show is The Walking Dead. I am addicted, and I don’t even like zombies. That said, it isn’t just a show about zombies. It’s about survival and relationships, and choices you would make when faced with worst-case scenarios. You become so invested in these characters fighting for their lives every second of every day—struggling to maintain their humanity and empathy. It’s very compelling television.
What has been the best Xmas present you’ve ever received?
My Harley Nightster motorcycle last year!
What’s the best part of Xmas for you?
Watching my children’s faces on Christmas morning. My heart just feels so incredibly full.
Are you on Santa’s nice or naughty list this year?
I’m so on the nice list! I am, check it again. You must have skipped my name. It’s there, I swear.
Are there plans for another novel in the series?
Yes, there’s a sequel in the works to THE ALMOST GIRL, which I am currently writing! Riven is on the hunt for her father, but things don’t always work out the way we expect. To save her world, she’s going to have to do the impossible and the one thing she loathes the most—align forces with her worst enemy.
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution in mind for 2014?
The usual—get healthy, spend more quality time with family, help those in need, write more books, give more, worry less, be thankful, and be happy.
If your characters could give your readers a Xmas message, what would it be?
The spirit of Christmas isn’t a one-day thing—it should be an everyday thing. If I could give just one message, I’d say choose to be kind. You will be happier for it.
Filed under: Get your Christmas on! Christmas 2013 posts, Interviews with other authors Tagged: 12 books of Xmas, Amalie Howard, Angrey Robot, Bloodspell, Harlequin Teen, ocean born, Waterfell, writing advice, Xmas author interview
December 7, 2013
Book Review: Immortal Revenge by Mary Abshire
Synopsis:
Grief stricken Katie Dillinger is on a mission to claim revenge for the death of her lover. In a race against time to find the murderer, Katie reaches out to Riker, a man listed as her boyfriend’s emergency contact. The cold-hearted man comes to Katie’s aid, but she doesn’t completely trust him. To keep her friends safe, she insists they leave town immediately. But her efforts come too late. A friend disappears and a clear message is left in the wake: surrender or more people will die.
Katie’s world is turned upside down when she discovers Riker has vowed to protect her. She’s involved in a prophecy, one which her lover had been preparing her for before his murder. All the combat training he gave her suddenly makes sense, and as Katie fights to keep her friends alive, she’s forced to prioritize. Revenge now, saving mankind next.
About the Author:
Mary lives in Indiana and is a lifetime lover of the paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy. When she’s not slaving away at her government job, she is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author. She creates fantastical worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. Dive into her books and find action, a dash of mystery, and seductive men with passionate hearts.
Website: http://www.mary-abshire.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.abshire
Twitter: http://twitter.com/maryabshire
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/maryabshire
My Review:
I do love a good revenge story! And I loved the premise of this book.
The start was a bit slow though, there were a lot of people having conversations about action rather than actually having it – but I can see how that would have been true to the grief process – and its what I always say, the more truth you can put into a supernatural tale – the more real it becomes.
Poor old Katie! You really do feel for her as a character – the scene at the start (I won’t ruin it by going into too much detail) really does ally her with the reader from the outset. A good decision by the author – if she had started with the happy relationship it would have meandered a little too much.
From a writer’s perspective, the only gripe I had with this book is that Riker is a bit of an asshat. I found it hard to warm to him and really didn’t want to see him anywhere near Katie. I realise that, as characters, the vampires needed a certain aloof quality, but he could have had at least one redeeming feature or the reader.
The front cover is great, although could have done with perhaps a hint of vampire. With a title like ‘Immortal Revenge’ it could have been about anything from shifters to demons.
Overall I’d give the book 4 our of 5 stars – a promising start to a cool new series.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Immortal Revenge, Immortal Revenge by Mary Abshire, Mary Abshire, Paranormal Cravings Book Tours, paranormal romance, Urban Fantasy, vampire fiction
December 6, 2013
Interview with Cassandra Clare
Tell us about your publishing journey…
I’ve always loved to write stories, but I didn’t start taking it seriously as a career option until after I finished graduate school. At that point I began writing short stories and sending them off to publications, and I also started work on a novel—The Mad Scientist’s Daughter. It was a couple of years before I was ready to take the plunge and send it out to agents. It didn’t catch anyone’s eye agent-wise, but I did send it to Angry Robot’s first Open Door month. They picked it up, and my thus my career began!
What do you love about being an author?
Well, it’s basically my dream job! I love that I’m paid to make up stories and be creative, and I love that I get to set my own hours and work from home. It really is everything I could want in a career.
What part do you dislike about being an author?
I feel like I’m not very good at the marketing side of things—I’m very shy, and I sometimes get anxious posting things on the Internet. But getting published has helped me over some of that, actually.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
This was framed as writing advice, but honestly I think it’s good life advice in general: learn to distinguish between goals and dreams. A goal is something that you can do completely on your own, without depending on luck or other people (for example, write a thousand words a day). A dream is something that’s ultimately out of your control to achieve (for example, get published). By acheiving your goals, you’re able to work toward your dream.
If you could have dinner with a literary character – who would it be and what would you eat?
For some reason, my initial response to this question was Hannibal Lecter, which is a horrific answer. But I think the reason I thought of him is because dinner with Lecter would be a grand, gourmet affair, assuming you insisted on going full vegetarian. But after thinking about it for a few minutes, I realized I could get the grandness without the horror by eating a meal at Hogwarts. I think of all the Harry Potter characters I’d most liked to eat with Remus Lupin, so if Dumbledore could arrange for the two of us to chow down in the Great Hall, eating roast chicken and butterbeers and sticky toffee pudding, that would be excellent.
What was the last book you read and what were your thoughts on it?
I recently finished Marisha Pessl’s Special Topics in Calamity Physics and I loved it! I read Night Film, her most recent book, about a month ago and it completely sucked me in, so I was excited to read Special Topics, which is her first book. I just adored the characters, the language, and the way the plot compels you forward.
You have a time machine, which era do you go back to and why?
Probably the late 1950s/early 1960s, because I love the clothes, art, architecture, and music of that time period, particularly that of the counterculture. Plus I have reeeeeeally bad vision, so I’d definitely want to go back to a time when I could at least get glasses.
If you were to cast your book, who would play the leads?
For young Cat, I’d like to see Kara Hayward cast—she played Suzy in Moonrise Kingdom. For old Cat, I’d love someone like Kate Winslet, who always does a wonderful job with complex, layered characters. Finn was always the hardest for me to cast. I wrote a blog post about this very question when Mad Scientist’s Daughter first came out, and I named Danny Pudi as my choice for Finn. I still think he’d be great, but I’m also curious to hear what others who have read the book would think!
What’s your favourite TV show, and why?
This is a very difficult question for me because I love television (movies too, but in recent years TV has really been trouncing movies in terms of originality and watchablity and really general quality). There are several TV shows that I’ll always return to, like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Mad Men, but there are also several more recent shows that I’ve gotten obsessed with. I think my favorite of those would be American Horror Story: Coven. On one hand it’s full of random campy horror tropes, but on the other hand the story focuses on several fairly complex female characters and tends to deal with women’s issues. Also, Jessica Lange is a flawless queen.
What has been the best Xmas present you’ve ever received?
I grew up in South Texas, which has extremely mild winters. As a kid, I used to ask Santa for a white Christmas every year, but of course it didn’t happen, the typical late-December meteorological conditions of Texas being what they are. However, when I was in college, a freak snowstorm blew across south Texas on Christmas Eve. I was living in Houston at the time but was in my hometown of Victoria for Christmas; Victoria received eleven inches of snow overnight, one of the few places in Texas to receive that much snowfall. So when I woke up on Christmas day my neighborhood looked exactly like the end of a Christmas movie. It was perfect.
What’s the best part of Xmas for you?
I love so much about Christmas—putting up lights and decorations, shopping for and wrapping gifts, even Christmas music (I know, I know). But I think my very favorite thing is experiencing the traditions that have built up over the years. What food you eat, where you go and on what day, how the presents are opened, all of it. And it’s interesting to see how things vary from family to family. For example, in my dad’s family, gifts are opened in a frenzy of flying ribbons and paper, with people shouting thank you across the room, just on the off-chance the giver hears it. In my mom’s family, gifts are opened in a neat, orderly fashion, one person at a time while everyone snaps photos. I love the contrast.
As a kid every year my Christmases were the exact same. Now that I’m adult those childhood traditions don’t fit anymore, and every year I find myself creating new ones. It’s exciting!
Are you on Santa’s nice or naughty list this year?
Hmmn, good question.
Are there plans for another novel in the series?
The Mad Scientist’s Daughter is a stand-alone novel, but I am working on a couple of new novels that are similar in style and theme.
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution in mind for 2014?
I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, but I do have a set of writing goals for the year: revise and complete two YA novels and at least one adult novel.
If your characters could give your readers a Xmas message, what would it be?
Cat: Happy holidays! Hope you get all the presents you want.
Finn: May this time of year be full of happiness for you.
Where can fans find you online?
I’m on Twitter at @mitchondrial (https://twitter.com/mitochondrial), on Facebook as Cassandra Rose Clarke (https://www.facebook.com/authorcassandraroseclarke) , and of course I have a website at cassandraroseclarke.com.
Filed under: Get your Christmas on! Christmas 2013 posts, Interviews with other authors Tagged: Angry Robot, author interviews, Cassandra Clare, Strange Chemistry, writing advice, Xmas interviews
