The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead

The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Pages: 432
Series: Age of X #2
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Vampire Academy and Bloodline series returns with the second installment in her acclaimed Age of X series.

Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.

Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.

Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.

My Thoughts:
I can easily say that The Immortal Crown is even better than the first book, Gameboard of the Gods, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. Gameboard is a great book, but it had the huge task of introducing readers to a new world. Richelle Mead did a great job with that, but this book was still more enjoyable because of how easy it was to fall back into the world, already knowing how everything worked and how it was all set up.

I feel like the first thing about this book that I have to mention is the major UST (unresolved sexual tension!) continuing between Mae and Justin. I just adore how close they became in this book. There’s sexual chemistry dancing around the edges, sure, but it’s so much more. Them together is just this natural thing, and seeing how much they began to care for one another? So. much. swoon.

The Immortal Crown features even more influence from the gods. There are so many things changing and going on in regards to them. There’s definitely more pressure toward Justin and Mae from deities to commit and work with them. Another huge aspect of this book is the diplomatic mission to Arcadia. Senator Darling has a campaign for peace talks and to work out agreements, but of course many other things happen because of this.

There really is something for everyone in this series and in this book. There’s action, there’s serious romance-y feelings and affection, there’s mysterious things happening with the gods, and there’s a CRAZY TWIST. Seriously, that ending? Oh my word. I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger, per se, but it’s a definite twist. It’s something I didn’t see coming, even though there were some hints. It was a gasp out loud moment, and it totally changes everything -- or at least a lot of things.

Basically I just think this series is flawless. It is filled with amazinggggg characters who you care about, and it takes place in a very interesting society that Richelle has build up. Absolutely recommended.

The Cover:
Good but not great? Hmm..

Rating:
[5/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Chapters-Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Armchair BEA 2013: YA Recommendations

This post is part of my week-long participation in Armchair BEA 2013.

YA Recommendations

I am, in fact, one of those people in my mid-20s who still reads YA. There may be so many reasons for that, but it can mostly be boiled down to the fact that YA is good! I love that YA is very character-focused, in that the books are about character journeys, whether it's about letting go of a toxic friendship, or fighting your way through ancient prophecies to protect your kingdom. As I touched upon in my Genre Fiction post, I love that there are so many different types of YA available.

I decided to be quite specific in my YA recommendations, to show how almost any type of reader can be satisfied reading YA. All of these recommendations are books that I gave 5 stars to:

If you're looking for a cute and romantic contemp that goes deeper than the typical rom-com, consider Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins or Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson.

If you want an incredibly smart girl-power book, check out The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart.

If you're looking for a contemp with a slower-paced plot (but which still contains fabulous characters and a swoony love interest), I absolutely recommend Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta and The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson.


If high fantasy with kick-ass princesses is more your scene, perhaps The Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy by Rae Carson or The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima will be to your liking.

If something stylistic is what you're after, you might enjoy the dialect writing in the post-apocalyptic Blood Red Road by Moira Young or the quiet but lyrical fantasy writing in The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.

If you want a historical filled with political intrigue and the fantastical, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers may be the one for you (oh and did I mention the assassin nuns?).

If you'd like to try a mixture of sci-fi lite and fairy tale retellings, Cinder and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer will be great for you (ok, this is a pretty specific want, but trust me that these elements are a perfect pairing!).

If you're itching to read romantic tales that take place over 24 hours, look no further than Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley and Where She Went by Gayle Forman. Both of these books feature wonderful romances, but they're also about so much more.

If you think you hate vampires but want to check out a paranormal YA series, then I seriously think you should consider the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. These are vampire books for people who don't like vampires, I swear. Perhaps my spoiler-free series spotlight will convince you?

I seriously hope that you've found something to your liking in these recommendations, and I look forward to seeing which YA titles might be recommended to me in your posts today!

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Pages: 464
Series: Age of X #1
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

My Thoughts:
‘Gameboard of the Gods’ is Richelle Mead’s latest adult release, but I’ve also seen it categorized as New Adult. It’s definitely an adult novel, but it does have appeal factors of New Adult and even YA. Justin is thirty-something, Mae is a bit younger, and then there’s also a focus on 16 year old Tessa. I think if you can handle mature YA with some adult content (read: sex between consenting adults), then it definitely works for all of those age categories.

Personally I was fascinated by all the little details that Mead snuck into this book, and how she world-built. It was super interesting to see genetic mixing and bi-racialism as the ideal, and to be in a world where genetic improvements and implants were commonplace for the elite soldiers. On the one hand you have these huge technological improvements and a highly tech based society, and yet there were also the “backwards” nations with low tech and lots of crime. Interestingly the “backwards” nations were the ones who hadn’t eradicated religion, whereas in RUNA (Republic of United North America) traditional religion is outlawed, and other types of religion are regulated. I was completely enthralled with all of these concepts coming up in the book; they’re all quite controversial subjects, and are related to things being talked about today (e.g. chipping people, messing with DNA, etc).

‘Gameboard of the Gods’ features interesting characters that got my attention right away. Justin is a playboy and an addict; he’s also charming and extremely intelligent. Mae is a super badass fighter who’s also vulnerable; she never wants to feel like someone's possession. Let me say that there is a hugeeee amount of chemistry between Justin and Mae. Justin can’t be with Mae because of a prophecy of sorts (so spoilers, it's talked about pretty upfront), which means the book has lots and lots of delicious UST. Tessa, the previously mentioned teenager, is Justin's ward and is trying to settle in to a school where most everyone sees her as backwards.

I’m sure you can tell from my thoughts that this book is very detailed with technology and how things work in every part of the country. I’m not the kind of person who normally enjoys this, but in this book it kept my attention well. Richelle Mead seems to be good at providing lots of information without making it seem too infodump-y. I also loved the contrast of the story: it takes place in a country that disparages religion, and yet the book is full of mysticism and gods/goddesses. There’s a great murder mystery aspect to the story with Justin trying to debunk real supernatural involvement, but this turns out to be difficult. The way it was all presented seemed like a natural progression for certain characters to start believing in more than just scientific fact.

It may seem like this book is ambitious and too busy with so many themes and concepts (murder, genetics, religion, secret sects, as well as issues of nationality versus culture and class structure), yet somehow it all worked for me. ‘Gameboard of the Gods’ is a sci-fi paranormal/fantasy set in a future that seems plausible. I found this book to be very enjoyable and interesting, and I can't wait to see where things go in book two.

The Cover:
Like it!

Rating:
[Strong 4/5]

Find Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Game. Set. Match. by Jennifer Iacopelli

Game. Set. Match. by Jennifer Iacopelli
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Coliloquy
Pages: my epub is 218 pages
Series: Outer Banks Tennis Academy #1
Review Source: Bought eBook

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Nestled along the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks Tennis Academy is the world's most elite training facility. In this pressure-cooker environment, futures are forged in blood and sweat, and dreams are shattered in an instant.

Penny Harrison, a rising female star, is determined to win the French Open and beat her archrival, Zina Lutrova. But when her coach imports British bad boy Alex Russell as her new training partner, will Penny be able to keep her laser-like focus?

Tennis is all Jasmine Randazzo has ever known. The daughter of two Grand Slam champions, she's hell-bent on extending her family’s legacy and writing her own happily-ever-after...until her chosen Prince Charming gives her the just-friends speech right before the biggest junior tournament of the year, the Outer Banks Classic.

With a powerful serve and killer forehand, newcomer Indiana Gaffney is turning heads. She’s thrilled by all of the attention, especially from Jack Harrison, Penny’s agent and hot older brother, except he keeps backing off every time things start heating up.

With so much at stake, dreams—and hearts—are bound to break. Welcome to OBX: Where LOVE is a four-letter word, on and off the court.

My Thoughts:
'Game. Set. Match.' was a fabulous contemporary read that straddles the line between Young Adult and New Adult. Most of the characters are 18+, with some being in their early and mid-twenties, but you also have a 17 year old and characters who are finishing up high school. 'Game. Set. Match.' definitely fits as New Adult because of the older characters, because of the unique independent setting, and because of the adult decisions younger characters are making (go pro in tennis? go to college? etc). However, 'Game. Set. Match' could also fit comfortably under a YA imprint, so it may be a good book for YA fans just testing out the New Adult waters.

I think what I loved the most about 'Game. Set. Match.' is that it features three main characters, and I was interested in all three stories. So often books with multiple narrators can feel too busy, or you end up liking one character and dreading the other POVs. Thankfully that was not at all the case here. I loved Penny's drive and determination, and seeing her train and compete as someone the whole tennis world is looking toward to win. Indy was another favourite of mine; she's the "regular girl" coming into this competitive world and taking it by storm. Even Jasmine, who has her unlikable moments, is someone I could empathize with. She wants to win so badly, always trying to live up to her Olympian parents' reputations.

Another thing I appreciated from this book is that it was so different from all other New Adult books out there, or even the majority of YA. The sports aspect was a huge element, of course, with the characters training and working toward major tennis events and their future careers. Personally I'm not much of a sports person. I suck at playing sports, and the only one I watch and enjoy is hockey. I've never been interested in tennis, unless the Wii is involved, but that didn't stop me from loving this book. There's something about the themes of sports stories that really appeal to me: the hard work, the striving for greatness, and the jubilation and despair that come from winning or losing.

'Game. Set. Match.' has almost everything you could hope for in a contemporary book, but it didn't feel busy at all. There are family issues danced around, especially with Indy's complicated relationship with her Dad, and Jasmine trying to live up to her parents' greatness. There's also a romance element for two of the girls, with the third having an unrequited crush. There's kissing and sexiness and serious swoonage without having full-on adult content, so it's perfect if you want to read NA while still having a relatively clean read. There's also some great representations of friendship. I just loved how the girls related to one another. Penny and Indy have an automatic bond, while Indy and Jasmine have what is, to say the least, a very complicated relationship (one which I really loved, particularly toward the end).

Basically? I loved this book! If you're into well rounded contemps and are looking for a New Adult story that breaks the mold, then 'Game. Set. Match.' may be the perfect read for you. I went into this book with high expectations, and Jennifer Iacopelli rose to met them all. I'll definitely be waiting with bated breath for the next book to release.

The Cover:
I prefer non-kissy covers, but I do still like it, especially the colours!

Rating:
[5/5]

Add Game. Set. Match. by Jennifer Iacopelli on Goodreads, and buy from B&N or Amazon.

The Mapmaker's War: Excerpt & Giveaway

The Mapmaker's War: A Legend by Ronlyn Domingue
March 5, 2013
240 pages
Atria Books

Add The Mapmaker's War on Goodreads.

Chapter One

You the mapmaker traveled three long years and charted a fraction of the kingdom. The King wished for faster results, but he knew you and your crew gave him more than he had expected. He himself walked some of the maps on his own and encountered no missed marks or wrong turns. Despite your wish to work through that fourth winter as well, the King summoned you home for a long respite. You had earned it and, you knew, others had insisted.

How strange it was to return home, a woman of twenty. You had been away for so long. The first step over the threshold, and you fell under a familiar spell.You slept in your girlhood bed, under your father's roof and your mother's care, above neglected cobwebs, things that go bump in the night, and maps to hidden worlds.

At each daybreak, you sat on a stool long after you'd slipped on your boots. You remembered where you were again. Your mother always thought you were a lazy riser. You were listening to see if he was gone. You listened for signs of your inconsistently indulgent father with a mean streak. No, he never whipped you with a switch or belt. No, you saw him do that to Ciaran. He'd slap you across the mouth, the face. Unpredictable. You were slapped for saying you didn't like runny eggs. Another time for telling your mother you didn't wish to wear a particular frock to a banquet. You weren't a bratty child.You didn't much complain. What did your mother do? It's for your own good. Serves you right, stop that crying, what a lucky child you are to have that food, that dress.

Home again, you wished to see friends, but all had married and moved throughout the kingdom. Your brother Ciaran was far off and weeks away from a visit. Prince Wyl had been sent to another kingdom for a courtly purpose. Then he suddenly returned to his castle rooms unannounced. You availed yourself of his royal requests. Wyl had become a collector of dubious maps. He wanted your expert opinion, but you avoided him otherwise. You knew your place. He had forgotten his.

One sunny morning, you ventured to the forest in a dark green hooded cloak and brown boots lined with fur.You found a favorite boulder, not yet warmed by the sun, and sat with your back against it to see what might come. The winter was not yet so harsh, the animals not yet too thin. Winter is a dream time, you thought. All that is imagined to be lost returns when we wake up.You looked to the sky with closed lids and open ears.

There came a sudden scuffle of hooves and wheezy breath. You rolled your eyes to watch the deer leap over the boulder, over your head, and stumble into the trees. There was blood on your hands. You kept to your seat when you heard the noise of running

footsteps and harsh gasps.You turned only your gaze to see who it could be. You watched Wyl and his brother Raef vie for a lead as they raced ahead. The two brothers resembled each other at rest as much as in motion. The similarity ended there.

Through no fault of his own, Raef was born after Wyl. He didn't receive the same attention, esteem, or respect. By nature or neglect, he was also not as charming or amiable. He seemed desperate to prove himself. In the forest, at least, he could compete with his brother on equal terms.

You peeked through the brush and met the glint of a blade. Wyl grabbed the antlers of the great stag. You clasped your mouth. Raef drew a dagger against the stag's throat. Three arrows jutted from his body. You saw a thick scar on his shoulder. You had seen the ancient creature many times since your childhood. You had drawn him on your maps.

There was some chase left in the old man, said Raef.

Though it was not his season, you said.

The young men startled at your approach.You knelt at the stag's side.

It's the season for boars, you said.

So it is, but we found none today, said Wyl.

She believes she has surely seen them, hiding as she was, said Raef.

You narrowed your eyes at the younger prince. He smiled as he wiped the dagger in his shadow on the beast's fur. You pushed to your heels, wrapped deep into your cloak, and left without a reply. Soon Wyl's footsteps fell in rhythm with yours. He tried to explain the reason for the hunt, the choice of quarry.You had little use for the older brother's defense of the younger.

Be careful of your brother, Wyl. I know this wasn't your doing, you said.

I wanted to hunt today as well, said he.

Raef hunts what secretly reminds him of himself.

He isn't so swift and strong.

That's not what I meant.

Say what you mean, then.

He is cold and weak.

Wyl took hold of your cloak and halted your steps.

What am I? asked he.

A man of good intention, nature, and cheer.

What are you?

A mapmaker, and a subject.

He took your hands and smeared the blood. He found no wound but touched something carnal and raw between the two of you.

What could be, if it were, would come to a dark end, you said. | spoke it into being then, didn't you? |

Aoife, even you can't see that far in the distance, said he.

You turned your head when you heard Raef call out. His bloody hands hovered at his sides. Wyl waved to him, and Raef stood in wait. Wyl took your stained hand and pressed it to his chest. Your palm filled with the heat of the chase, his shirt, your will. All of it pulled away from your grasp as he left to join his brother.

The above is an excerpt from the book The Mapmaker's War: A Legend by Ronlyn Domingue. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

Copyright © 2013 Ronlyn Domingue, author of The Mapmaker's War: A Legend

Author Bio
Ronlyn Domingue is the author of The Mapmaker's War: A Legend (Atria Books; March 5, 2013). Its epic sequel is scheduled for 2014. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Mercy of Thin Air, was published in ten languages. Her writing has appeared in The Beautiful Anthology (TNB Books), New England Review, Clackamas Literary Review, New Delta Review, The Independent(UK), and Shambhala Sun, as well as on mindful.org and The Nervous Breakdown. Born and raised in the Deep South, she lives there still with her partner, Todd Bourque, and their cats.

For more information please visit http://www.ronlyndomingue.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY

1 physical copy available to US addresses only. Giveaway ends 4/19/13 at 12:01 am. Winner will be contacted by email. I am not responsible for shipping or arrival of book.

Fill out THIS FORM to enter the giveaway. Comments and tweets appreciated.

Series Spotlight: Shifters by Rachel Vincent

The Shifters series by Rachel Vincent

Goodreads Links:

1. Stray

2. Rogue

3. Pride

4. Prey

5. Shift

6. Alpha

(Extremely Short) Series Synopsis (from Rachel Vincent's website):
Rachel’s Shifters series follows Faythe Sanders, the world’s only female werecat enforcer, as she fights to define her own role in her family and to claim a place in her Pride. The revolution is coming, and Faythe will be leading the charge. Are you ready to meet the new Alpha?

Synopsis for 'Stray' (from Goodreads):
There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . . And I'm one of them.

I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.

Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .

My (Relatively Spoiler Free) Thoughts:
Faythe is a very strong and stubborn character. She can be frustrating, but as a reader you love her for how she grows as a character throughout the series. You also admire how much she loves her family and her pride, and how she stands up for her fellow tabbies and for what she believes is right.

I really loved the increasing political aspect in the later books of this series, with inter-pride rules and a very evil/power hungry alpha of another territory. There is also such a great community of characters to these books. You can really feel the family connection and the love between the enforcers and other pride members.

For me, personally, the romance aspect to these books was lacking. I really didn’t like Marc as a character or as a love interest. A lot of times I did think Faythe should have treated him a lot better than she actually did, but I still didn’t think he was all that great. He was far too angry of a character for my liking, especially because physical violence came along with his temper. It felt like we never got to know Marc as a character besides his protective element and how sexy he was. Now if we want to talk about how much I adored Jace and how I thought that storyline should have gone, well that’s a whole different story.

Overall I did enjoy this series because I got really attached to the characters. There are emotional moments that will break your heart, especially in the last couple of books, but there is also a humourous aspect to them. This is a series that gets stronger as it goes, and I can definitely see why so many people are fans of it.

The Covers:
They're okay. I like the various colours and the font treatment for the series.

Series Rating:
[Low 4/5]

Check out Rachel Vincent's website for more information and purchase links.

(This was released as an adult series, but I could see it falling into the 'new adult' category, as the books start with Faythe as a grad student. There is mild sexual content, but I can definitely see this being a crossover series for older YA readers.)

Your Thoughts on Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

A DYING LAND
The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever.

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST
The hunters of Shima’s imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger—a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL
Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.

But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff seems to have taken the book blogging world by storm. It's being released in North America as an adult title, but it's definitely one of those crossover books.

I haven't had a chance to finish 'Stormdancer', so I thought I would take a look at what some of my fellow bloggers have been saying about the book:

Yukkiko can definitely give any strong female character a run for their money. The girl is strong, resilient, beautiful, and can wield a weapon like no one else. Love her. ... This is one of those fast paced books that kept me up late to finish reading it. So freaking great! Stunning novel. I am in awe of the world Jay Kristoff built. A must-read y’all seriously.

-- Giselle from Book Nerd (Giselle also has a giveaway running until the 17th)

Kristoff’s writing is very descriptive with a lot of adjectives. It is very easy to picture the world created by the author. Stormdancer is not the sort of book you should expect to tear through, but the type of book one savors and takes time with. If you are an impatient reader, straight up you will not like this book. ... If you like sophisticated storytelling, tough as nails main characters, revolutions and Eastern based fantasy, Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff is worth a few days of your reading time.

-- April from Good Books & Good Wine

Jay Kristoff's writing is Whedonesque. This is one of the highest compliments I can pay because I think Joss Whedon is absolutely brilliant. He writes beautifully complex female characters living in gorgeously imagined worlds where no one is safe and anything can happen. And you know what? Jay Kristoff does, too.

-- Jenn from Tynga's Reviews

Unfortunately for this book, I did find the beginning rather slow to start. It stemmed from the combination of elaborate description and establishing the setting and its residents, customs, and culture. Once the book got into the main story, the main plot, it moved along at a much faster pace. ... Even though the book was slow to start and rather heavy with world-building backstory, I believe that fans of epic fantasy will enjoy it, especially those looking for an Asian twist on the standard epic fantasy that often has British roots.

-- Lindsay from Me On Books

Be sure to check out the kind of epic and definitely hilarious book trailer as well:



Stormdancer will be released on September 18 (this Tuesday!), and is already released in Australia and the UK.

Interview with Heather Beck + Giveaway

I'm happy to be hosting fellow Canadian, Heather Beck, on Book Labyrinth today. Heather's newest book, Whispers in the Shadows, was released in January, and it features volumes 5-9 of her Legends Unleashed series.

Heather was lovely enough to answer some questions of mine, as well as offer up some eBooks to give away.

Fall in love, if you dare…

Inside these pages are jilted ghosts who seek revenge, a sexy tour guide with deadly secrets, cunning mermen who emerge from the ocean, a magical forest where love truly can last for eternity, and a new breed of men who are too good to be true.

Filled with chills, twists and boundless passion, Whispers In The Shadows explores the beauty of love along with its darker side.

Interview

Besides writing novels, you are also a screenwriter. Do you prefer one over the other, and what are their similarities and differences?

I love writing novels and screenplays equally. Both writing mediums must have a solid story, well-developed characters and great dialogue, but that’s where the similarities end. With novels, a writer can be much more descriptive and delve deep into character’s thoughts. However, with screenwriting, you must “show, not tell” so a writer has many more limitations. Also, formatting is very different; scripts definitely have a stricter format to follow.

What is your favourite genre to write?

That’s a tough question because I write many genres for several age groups. I’m probably best known for writing scary stories for kids such as The Horror Diaries series. I’ve been writing these creepy, imaginative and suspenseful stories for ten years now and am flabbergasted by the positive response from readers and television producers (it’s in development for a TV series). I also write a lot of contemporary coming-of-age stories for young adults. Lately, I’ve been making my young adult books more literary in an attempt to push the boundaries of genre expectation. This is best exemplified by my work in the Syren Signature Series. Additionally, I write paranormal romances for adults. These stories, found in the Legends Unleashed series, are concerned with emotional and physical emancipation – essentially transcending the ordinary to find a beautiful life. The protagonist is always a strong woman who finds romance with an extraordinary man. Legends Unleashed is definitely an escapist series inspired by imagination and boundless possibilities. So, to finally answer your question, I can’t choose just one favourite genre!

Do you have a favourite character that you've written?

My favourite characters I’ve created are Forrester and Ariel from my TV series, Harbor Boys. Forrester is undoubtedly flawed but strives very hard to overcome the less than stellar circumstances he was born into. He is strong, both physically and mentally, ruggedly handsome and possesses a rational foresight that aids him when he’s inevitably put into difficult situations. I admire these traits and find Forrester to be an extremely multifaceted and interesting character to develop and write. Since he’s an avid outdoorsman, his hobbies include hiking and fishing – he’s definitely a manly man! As for Ariel, she’s a very strong character who knows what she wants and won’t settle for anything else. This attitude extends to everything in her life, so she’s an extremely passionate person. Additionally, I liken Ariel to a siren because she is a natural beauty who has a seductive essence. Forrester and Ariel are lovers whose relationship is constantly being tested by external forces such as other people and difficult situations. As I continue to develop Ariel throughout the series, I want to show a side of her which isn’t so pretty. Then I want to uncover the truth of how that came to be. Also, I want Forrester to become less shielded with his feelings.

What has self-publishing been like? Do you have any tips or advice for writers looking to self-publish?

I’ve actually found publishing my books under my businesses, Treasure Cove Books, Syren Books and Diamond Dust Books to be very fulfilling and successful. It’s great to have complete creative control over every aspect of your book, but it requires a lot of effort and hard work. Besides producing an industry-standard book in various formats, self-publishers have to know about distribution, marketing and a multitude of legal requirements such as obtaining an ISBN, CIP or ASIN and filing taxes as a business entity (if publishing under an imprint). To be honest, my first eight books were published by small but traditional presses, and if it wasn’t for my experiences working with them as well as a few other publishers, I doubt my business ventures would have been this successful. I get a lot of e-mails from aspiring authors who want advice on self-publishing and my answer is always the same – thoroughly research the publishing industry and then send query letters for your polished manuscript to legit agents and publishers.

What are 3 random facts about you that you’d like to share?

- I have an affinity with animals. I’ve even trained some chipmunks at my cottage to do cute tricks!
- One of my goals is to swim with dolphins in the wild.
- I’m seriously addicted to the outdoors. I love the woods and beaches.

What are some of your favourite recent YA novels?

I have a ton of projects, both books and screenplays, in various stages of development so, unfortunately, I don’t have the time for recreational reading at the moment. However, as a huge fan of paranormal romances, there are many books being published right now that I’d love to read, especially anything involving mermaids. Also, I love Pretty Little Liars. All the characters are so well-developed and the plot seems intriguingly endless. I admit I’ve only seen the TV series, but it’s very addictive!

GIVEAWAY

1 winner will win PDF copies of each of the following books (please note that these are some of Heather's paranormal romance titles, and are not YA):

- Sir Tristan's Estate

- Blue Water

- Where Feelings Go To Die

- Hot Egyptian Nights

I'm keeping things simple for this one: please fill out this form to enter the giveaway.

- Open internationally
- Giveaway runs until September 5 at midnight
- Winner will be chosen using random.org & their email address will be given to Heather who will provide the eBooks

Thanks so much for stopping by, Heather! It's awesome how many genres you've written in, and I love how in depth your answers were. =)