Interview + Giveaway: The Darkest Minds Blog Tour

Today, I have the unique opportunity to interview the artist behind the cover for The Darkest Minds. Marci Senders is the Lead Designer for Disney-Hyperion, and is here to answer some of my questions. I've never done an interview with a cover designer before, and I really enjoyed learning more about the process. I hope you do to! And stick around, there's a giveaway at the end of the post.

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Sara: Do you read the novels you design for beforehand, or are you given a sort of primer to work with?

Marci: Yes, I read the novels before I get started. We also get an Art Form from the editors that include a summary, character descriptions, comparative titles, etc.

Sara: Do you plan your cover designs beforehand, or do you wing it?

Marci: The best covers are the ones that are well thought out. I do sketch and collect inspiration before I get started. I also look for illustrators and freelancers who can create the perfect artwork for the project. Working with outside artists helps us keep our covers unique.

Sara: Can you describe your design process? What are the steps you normally take when designing a cover?

Marci: First I read the book. Second, I do research and look for inspiration. Then I discuss and brainstorm with the editor. From there I either sit down and get started and work with an illustrator. For The Darkest Minds, I worked with freelance designer/photo-illustrator Sammy Yuen who I know could give us that intense cover we were looking for.

Sara: Is there a certain genre you like to design for more than others? Is there a certain genre you find harder to design for?

Marci: I think designers are natural problem solvers so I like to work on all genres. I would get bored to always work on the same type of books.

Sara: The cover of The Darkest Minds is very striking in its simplicity. Was this the direction you wanted to take from the beginning, or were there other designs before the cover was chosen?

Marci: Our very first comps had the Psi symbol... they were pretty and more colorful. We also tried showing figures and more conceptual directions. Ultimately, we went back to the Psi symbol but in a much grittier way.

Sara: Did you find the cover for The Darkest Minds to be easier or more difficult than your average design?

Marci: It did take a lot of elbow grease to get this just right. There is a lot going on in this story and so many directions we could have gone in. Sometimes you have to try a bunch of things to find the right combination. This is also a popular genre so it had the added challenge of making it stand out from some tough competition.

Sara: What is your favorite thing to design outside of book covers?

Marci: Stuffed animals

Sara: What are your artistic influences?

Marci: I think I will always be an art history buff at heart.

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Thanks Marci for stopping by and giving us all a look into what goes into making a gorgeous cover! Now, for the giveaway. Thanks to Disney-Hyperion and Authors on the Web, I have one (1) copy of The Darkest Minds to give away to one lucky reader.

To enter, just comment on this post and tell us what you think of the cover for The Darkest Minds.

The giveaway is open to the US only and will run through 11:59pm on Friday February 1st. The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced shortly after.

About The Darkest Minds

When Ruby awakened on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." Because Ruby might have survived the mysterious disease that's killed most of America's children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby knows that she is one of the dangerous ones and, when the truth comes out, she barely escapes Thurmond with her life. On the run and desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her, Ruby joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what she did to her parents.

When they arrive at the safe haven, East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work too, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. And soon Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

The heart-pounding first book a near-future dystopian series, Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds will leave you begging for the next installment.

Alexandra Bracken was born and raised in Arizona, but moved east to study at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. She recently relocated to New York City, where she works in publishing and lives in a charming apartment overflowing with books. You can visit her online at www.alexandrabracken.com or on Twitter (@alexbracken).

The Darkest Minds Blog Tour Schedule

January 6th: TheSkipKids.com
January 7th: Mundie Moms
January 8th: Laura’s Review Bookshelf
January 9th: The Book Smugglers
January 10th: Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
January 11th: The Book Muncher
January 14th: The Compulsive Reader
January 15th: Anna Reads
January 16th: Emily's Reading Room
January 17th: *Headdesk*
January 18th: BlookGirl
January 21st: Once Upon a Twilight
January 22nd: Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog
January 23rd: Good Choice Reading
January 24th: Novel Novice
January 25th: Tynga's Reviews

Review + Giveaway: Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson

Title: Sealed with a Curse
Author: Cecy Robson
Series: Weird Girls #1
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 12/31/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls -- with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird...

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region -- until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy -- or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

Plot: 4 Stars
The powers that the four Wird sisters received through a curse are very interesting. I really liked how they were able to work together with their different abilities when fighting bad guys. I really enjoyed the fresh, new take on vampires and werewolves that the author brought to the table. And the bloodlust plaguing the vampire community kept everyone, including me, on their toes. Over and over, the sisters' found themselves in tight situations that I didn't think they'd find a way out of. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat for most of the novel.

Pace: 4 Stars
This novel started out with a bang as the sisters were dragged into vampire court to defend themselves. From there, it was a non-stop journey as they dealt with the vampire bloodlust. One of the things that made the novel really flow for me was how the sisters went to work at the hospital in between the fight scenes. And sometimes the danger met them at the hospital. There was never a dull moment as the sisters ran into danger at every turn as they tried to help Misha and his vampires, along with Aric and the werewolves.

Characters: 5 Stars
The Wird girls are some of the best characters I have read. All four of them were strong in their own ways with their own powers. No one overshadowed everyone else. This book was balanced between the four of them in a way I haven't read before. Most series that involve larger groups of main characters focus on a different character in each book. Although Celia narrated this novel, she never overshadowed the Taran, Shayna, or Emme. All four sisters had a moment in which I said to myself, "She's my favorite!" I'll have to read the next novel to figure out which one is actually my favorite because right now they're all tied. I wish we could've seen more of Bren and Danny because I really enjoyed their interactions with the sisters. Although I thought the some of the relationships with the wolves seemed a bit rushed at first, but soon grew to enjoy the wolves and their protective instincts.

Cover: 4 Stars
There are many details to this cover that I really enjoy. I like how the color is kinda purple and kinda blue because it reminds me of twilight (the time of day, not the book). I really enjoy the swirls on the title. I like the full moon showing through the branches in the background. I like the claw marks on the cover model, and I think she's a great interpretation of Celia. I think the only thing keeping this cover from being great to me is the fact that I'm missing the other three sisters. I realize there isn't room on a cover for four people, but I enjoyed all four sisters and would've really liked for them to be represented.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this novel from via Netgalley and also purchased a finished copy with a GC I received as a gift.

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Now, for the giveaway! Cecy has offered up an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Sealed with a Curse to one lucky winner. To enter just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address. For extra entries, you can follow Cecy on Twitter or Facebook. The giveaway will be open until 11:59pm on Monday 01/21. I will choose a winner using random.org.

Review + Giveaway: The Weird Girls by Cecy Robson

Title: The Weird Girls
Author: Cecy Robson
Series: Weird Girls #0.5
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 12/04/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:
Summary:

Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls -- with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, a little weird...

The Wird sisters are different from every race on earth -- human and supernatural. When human society is no longer an option for them, they move in among the resident vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region. Could this be the true home they’ve longed for? Um, not quite. After the sisters accidentally strip a witch of her powers in a bar brawl, they soon realize the mistake will cost them. Because to take on a witch means to take on her coven. And losing the battle isn’t an option.

Review: This novella was the perfect introduction to Celia and her sisters' world. I can't wait to read Sealed with a Curse because I want to learn more about the sisters and their curse. Each sister had such a unique personality and they worked together very well. The plot of this novella was excellent. The witch coven had a number of things up their sleeves that I wasn't expecting, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The cover was nice and simple, while tying into the cover for book #1. I really liked that it was purple because that color just seems to fit the sisters. Anyone that likes magic and curses and interesting takes on the paranormal should pick this novella up immediately!

Plot: 4.5 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Cover: 4 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novella from the author.

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Now, for the giveaway! Cecy has offered up a lovely water bottle, dragon fruit lip balm, and official (well, not really) SEALED WITH A CURSE magnets to one lucky winners. To enter just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address. For extra entries, you can follow Cecy on Twitter or Facebook. The giveaway will be open until 11:59pm on Monday 12/10. I will chose a winner using random.org.

Author Interview + Giveaway: Suzanne Johnson

Today, I would like to welcome Suzanne Johnson to Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog. Her latest book, River Road, released yesterday. She is here today to answer some questions, and if you stick around until the end, there's details about the blog tour giveaway.

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Sara: How would you describe River Road, for readers who haven’t heard of it before?

Suzanne: It’s the second book in the Sentinels of New Orleans series, after Royal Street, but it can stand alone. It’s the story of a wizard, DJ, whose job it is to police the borders between the modern world and the world Beyond. Humans aren’t aware of magic in this world, and after Hurricane Katrina opens the preternatural floodgates, she has her hands full! In River Road, she has to deal with feuding merpeople, someone poisoning the Mississippi River, and the attentions of the undead pirate Jean Lafitte.

Sara In three words, how would you describe your main characters?

Suzanne: Snarky chaos magnet.

Sara: Do you have a favorite character to write? Is there a character that’s a bit harder than the rest to write?

Suzanne: My favorite character to write -- and also the most challenging -- is the pirate Jean Lafitte. In real life, he was a famous, very powerful French-born pirate who ruled the Gulf in early 19th-century New Orleans. In my world he’s given physical immortality through the magic of human memory. So Jean is forever up to his neck in whatever chaos is going on. The fun (and challenging) thing about Jean Lafitte is to stick to the nature of the historic figure, to some degree anyway, and make him morally ambiguous as he was in life -- but also sexy and likeable. He’s like cheesecake to my heroine DJ -- addictive, sweet, and very, very bad for you in large doses.

Sara: What sets River Road apart from other urban fantasy?

Suzanne: I think it’s depth of the world-building -- not only the world of magic and the different species, but also how the characters are grounded in the culture and history of South Louisiana. You couldn’t pick up the story in River Road, set it in any other place on earth, and have it make sense whatsoever. The mermen are Cajun aquatic shapeshifters who work in the South Louisiana fishing industry, for example. (And a portion of author royalties from this book goes to the Greater New Orleans Foundation for its oil spill relief fund, by the way, to help the people of Southeast Louisiana who continue to be impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.)

Sara: Where did the idea for the series come from? Is it something you have always wanted to write or did it sneak up on you?

Suzanne: The whole idea for the series came from my own experiences as a New Orleanian during Hurricane Katrina. I’ve spent my career in editing and feature writing for magazines, and hadn’t really thought about writing fiction until the storm. Afterward, I needed some way to exorcise my own demons, and that’s how it all started. It was all built around the what-if: What if, when Hurricane Katrina pushed the waters of Lake Pontchartrain into New Orleans, the storm also tore down the “metaphysical levees” between the modern world and the world Beyond?

Sara: Hurricane Katrina played a big role in the first novel of this series, Royal Street. Is there a significant event that River Road is based around?

Suzanne: Not really. Much of River Road is set in Plaquemines Parish, which lies just southeast of metro New Orleans. Plaquemines was badly impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010 (then took another hard hit from Hurricane Isaac this year), but the first draft of River Road had already been written when the spill occurred. My editor and I debated whether to change the timeline of the book to reflect the disaster, but decided not to. So it’s really coincidental. Plaquemines, which is about half wetlands and tied to the Mississippi River more than any other Louisiana parish other than perhaps Orleans, is an area I love and find interesting.

Sara: Tell us a little about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Suzanne: I’m definitely a plotter. I have a full-time day job at a university, and do a lot of blogging in addition to writing a couple of series, so I have to maximize my limited writing time. I usually write from about 7:30-11 p.m. every evening, and pretty much all day on Sunday.

Sara: Are there any genres you would like to branch out to in the future?

Suzanne: I think historical fantasy would be fun to write, but I’d have to find a historical event or era that fascinated me enough to immerse myself in all the research that would be required. But it could happen...

Sara: What are your influences both in and out of urban fantasy?

Suzanne: Outside of urban fantasy, I’m a big fan of the nonfiction writing of Rick Bragg, especially his memoirs All Over But the Shouting and Eva’s Man. He knows how to tell a story in such evocative (and funny) language that you forget you’re reading nonfiction. In urban fantasy, I love Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series and Kim Harrison’s Hollows. Both funny, sharp series that have kept it fresh even after a lot of books.

Sara: What are you currently reading?

Suzanne: I’m reading Cynthia Eden’s new Angel in Chains, a paranormal romance, and am on book five, Wolves of the Calla, of an online read of Stephen King’s entire Dark Tower series that I’m leading for tor.com. We started about a year and a half ago!

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Thanks Suzanne for stopping by! Now, for the giveaway details. Suzanne is offering two $25 gift cards to an online bookseller of choice to two commenters throughout the River Road blog tour. Plus, a mystery book from her stash will be awarded at each stop. Suzanne will be choosing the gift card winners at the end of the blog tour, and I will announce the winner of the mystery book on Saturday November 24th. To enter, just leave a valid e-mail address and answer the following question in the comments:

What is you favorite type of paranormal character and why?

This giveaway is open internationally and will close at midnight Friday November 23rd.

Title: River Road
Author: Suzanne Johnson
Summary:

Hurricane Katrina is long gone, but the preternatural storm rages on in New Orleans. New species from the Beyond moved into Louisiana after the hurricane destroyed the borders between worlds, and it falls to wizard sentinel Drusilla Jaco and her partner, Alex Warin, to keep the preternaturals peaceful and the humans unaware. But a war is brewing between two clans of Cajun merpeople in Plaquemines Parish, and down in the swamp, DJ learns, there’s more stirring than angry mermen and the threat of a were-gator.

Wizards are dying, and something -- or someone -- from the Beyond is poisoning the waters of the mighty Mississippi, threatening the humans who live and work along the river. DJ and Alex must figure out what unearthly source is contaminating the water and who -- or what -- is killing the wizards. Is it a malcontented merman, the naughty nymph, or some other critter altogether? After all, DJ’s undead suitor, the pirate Jean Lafitte, knows his way around a body or two.

It’s anything but smooth sailing on the bayou as the Sentinels of New Orleans series continues.

Guest Blog + Giveaway: Daniel Waters

Today, I would like to welcome Daniel Waters to Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog. His latest book, Break My Heart 1,000 Times, released yesterday. He is here today to talk about his writing process, and if you stick around until the end, there's a giveaway.

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On the writing process

I am a process junkie. I'll read every word I can find from individual writers and their various processes, even if I don't particularly like the writer's work. I'll also read about artists and their creative processes; also musicians, cartoonists, chefs, architects -- if you create something, I want to know about how you do it.

Possibly all that reading on process has led me to alter my own processes dozens of times. Sometimes I write my first draft in longhand on a legal pad. Sometimes a spiral bound. I've written a first draft on a laptop, an iPad, a desktop computer and an Alpha Smart Neo. Sometimes I invest certain pens with totemic significance. I will occasionally outline extensively before writing but sometimes I don't see the structure until I write fifty pages or so. I've begun editing my first drafts immediately after typing "The End" and others I've edited after they sat in a drawer for months. I sometimes don't finish what I start, I sometimes blow up what I've started. I've rewritten a single chapter 13 times and once I wrote one that I did not change a single word of (my editor was not as impressed as I was). I've written in a caffeine fueled passion at 2 a.m. and I've taken an hour to write one sentence when first sitting down at my desk. I like to write in my home office, but I've done decent work in fast food restaurants, libraries, the allergists', and especially airports and airplanes.

With so much of my process in flux, I realize that only two things remain constant:

1. Discipline: I write every day. I'll do it wherever, whenever, and however I can. I'd rather write than do almost anything, so that helps me be disciplined. It doesn't matter if what I'm writing at the time is unusable garbage, what matters is the writing itself, the process.

2. Love: I love writing. I love the scratch of pen on paper, the tap of my fingers on keys (I can't type; I'm sort of a two finger, one thumb writer. My fingers strike the keys with force, like I'm trying to stab out an infestation particularly chitinous bugs), and I love story. I'm a writer who loves both writing and having written. This isn't to say that every single moment is pure ecstasy; writing can be frustrating. It can break your heart, 1000 times and more.

But love is like that.

(Note: For the fellow process junkies out there, I wrote Break My Heart 1,000 Times in longhand, with a blue fine line pen of totemic significance. Much of it was written in airports and airplanes while drinking iced coffee and listening to a playlist called "Blast" on my iPod. Then I wrote an outline, and then I typed the second, more structurally sound draft, which went into the desktop computer in the sunroom office at my last house. Then it sat in a drawer. For a loooong time. When I printed it out I also made a cover for it, which is something I do for all my manuscripts-in-progress. The cover, for no discernible reason, was a photograph of a pheasant running through my backyard. Pheasants are not native to Southeastern Connecticut, I'm told, so this one was likely released in time for hunting season from a breeding farm a good twenty miles away. You can see the photo if you look in the archives of my website, www.danielwaters.com. I had exceptional editorial guidance first from my agent, Al Zuckerman, and then my editor Catherine Onder. Hayley Wagreich helped me with final touches and helped me fix some continuity errors I'd made. I did my last edit pass with purple ink, but the pen I used had no totemic significance. It was just a cool pen. It is my most fervent wish that this note will help you in your own artistic endeavors, but I don't see how it possibly could).

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Thanks Daniel for stopping by! Now, for the giveaway. Thanks to Authors on the Web, I have one (1) copy of Break My Heart 1,000 Times to to give away to one lucky winner. The giveaway is open to US/Canada. I'm going to try Rafflecopter out for the first time, so please you the following Rafflecopter form to enter the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Break My Heart 1,000 Times
Author: Daniel Waters
Summary:

Living in the aftermath of the Event means that seeing the dead is now a part of life, but Veronica wishes that the ghosts would just move on. Instead, the ghosts aren’t disappearing -- they’re gaining power.

When Veronica and her friend, Kirk, decide to investigate why, they stumble upon a more sinister plot than they ever could have imagined. One of Veronica’s high school teachers is crippled by the fact that his dead daughter has never returned as a ghost, and he’s haunted by the possibility that she’s waiting to reappear within a fresh body. Veronica seems like the perfect host. And even if he’s wrong, what’s the harm in creating one more ghost?

From critically acclaimed Generation Dead author Daniel Waters, comes a delectably creepy and suspenseful thriller. Break My Heart 1,000 Times will leave readers with the chills. Or is that a ghost reading over the page?

[http://www.gendead.com/][http://www.danielwaters.com/][http://mysocalledundeath.blogspot.com/]

Guest Blog + Giveaway: Merrie Destefano

Today, I would like to welcome Merrie Destefano to Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog. Her latest book, Fathom, released on October 1st. She is here today to talk about how speculative fiction is categorized, and if you stick around until the end, there's a giveaway.

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Is it Paranormal or Is it Fantasy?
By Merrie Destefano


“What genre is this book?”

This is a question that authors ask themselves frequently while writing. Agents ask it when considering representation. Editors ask it when acquiring. Marketing departments ask it while trying to promote the book. Bookstore staff members ask it when trying to categorize the book and when speaking to customers. Readers ask it before buying the book and when telling their friends about the book.

Phew.

The problem is, when you’re writing speculative fiction, all the boundaries seem to blur until you feel like you’re cross-eyed. To give you a brief example, when I wrote my first novel, Afterlife, I saw it as science fiction. When my editor acquired it, however, she asked for a few changes -- not many -- and the book was then marketed as an urban fantasy. To me, that book will always be sci-fi. But to many readers, it’s urban fantasy.

My current novel, Fathom, probably falls into the category of paranormal romance. But to me, it’s fantasy. I never saw the paranormal romance elements when I was writing the book. They’re probably there, but to me it was like a math equation:

Overarching coming of age theme + legendary creatures + mythological elements = FANTASY.

But then, I’m just the writer. Writers don’t usually get to decide what category their novels fall into. They just write the best book they can and try not to worry about things like markets or categories or the dreaded Latest Hot Topic.

So, just for fun, I put together a little Cheat Sheet for helping to define what category the book you’re currently reading might fall into. Now, these are just suggestions, not hard, fast rules. Here goes...

CATEGORIES OVERVIEW:

FANTASY: May take place in another world and often contains magic or supernatural elements. Does not contain scientific themes (otherwise, it would be science fiction.) Usually has a battle of good versus evil. May or may not have romance.
Books: The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones.

HORROR: Can contains supernatural themes; meant to scare, startle or terrify. Sometimes rooted in folklore. May have vampires, werewolves, etc. Also may have a gothic tone. Sometimes written very beautifully, despite horrific subject matter.
Books: The Shining, Dracula, The Haunting.

PARANORMAL ROMANCE: May blend elements of science fiction, fantasy and horror. Takes place in our world, but often has otherworldly creatures, like vampires, ghosts, shape shifters, etc. A sub-category of fantasy and/or a sub-category of romance that contains experiences outside the normal or supernatural aspects.
Books: Highlander, Twilight, The Vampire Diaries.

URBAN FANTASY: Usually has a contemporary urban setting -- although the urban setting can be in another time period. Set in our world, which is often populated by otherworldly creatures or immortals. May or may not have romance. Is usually written in first person, and is often graphic, gritty and/or noir in tone. Considered a sub-genre of fantasy.
Books: Small Favor, Moon Called, Dead Until Dark.

SIMPLIFIED VERSION:
FANTASY: The creature lives in another world and is beautiful.
HORROR: The creature is scary and wants to kill you.
PARANORMAL ROMANCE: The creature is a little scary, but wants to kiss you.
URBAN FANTASY: The creature is horrid, and you need to hunt/kill/destroy it.

SUPER SIMPLIFIED VERSION:
FANTASY: Creature—yay!
HORROR: Creature—boo!
PARANORMAL ROMANCE: Creature—smooch!
URBAN FANTASY: Creature—thwack!

So, just out of curiosity, what are you reading right now and what category does it fall into? I’ll answer first: I’m currently reading Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick and the category is horror.

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Thanks Merrie! I really enjoyed the super simplified version. And for those wondering, I'm currently reading The Undead in My Bed by Katie MacAlister, Molly Harper, and Jessica Sims and the category is paranormal romance.

Merrie has generously donated two (2) ebook copies of Fathom to two lucky readers. Just answer the question asked at the end of the guest blog and leave a valid e-mail address. The giveaway is open to the US only and will end on Thursday 10/18 at midnight (winners announced Friday 10/19).

Title: Fathom
Author: Merrie Destefano
Summary:

Everything is changing...

Turning sixteen can be hell, especially if everyone in town thinks your mother killed herself and your sister. All Kira Callahan wants to do is swim, hang out with her best friend, Sean, and ignore the kids who torment her at school. That is, until one day when she gets invited to a party. For three minutes her life is wonderful -- she even kisses Sean. Then somebody spikes her drink and some girls from out of town lure her into the ocean and hold her underwater.

Kira soon discovers that the group of wild teenagers who have come to visit Crescent Moon Bay are not as innocent as they seem. In fact, nothing is as it seems -- not the mysterious deaths of her sister or her mother, not her heritage, not even her best friend. And everything seems to hinge on the ancient Celtic legends that her mother used to tell her as a child.

About Merrie Destefano:
With twenty years’ experience in publishing, Merrie Destefano left a 9-to-5 desk job as the editor of Victorian Homes magazine to become a full-time novelist. Her first two novels, Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles and Feast: Harvest of Dreams were published by HarperVoyager. Fathom is both her first YA novel and her first indie published novel. When not writing, she loves to camp in the mountains, walk on the beach, watch old movies and listen to alternative music -- although rarely all at the same time. Born in the Midwest, she now lives in Southern California with her husband, their two German shepherds and a Siamese cat.

[Fathom excerpt][Author website][Author blog][Twitter][Facebook]

Author Interview + Giveaway: Delilah S. Dawson

Today, I'd like to welcome Delilah S. Dawson back to the Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog! This past Tuesday, she celebrated the release of The Mysterious Madam Morpho a novella that should keep readers satisfied until Wicked as She Wants comes out next spring.

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Sara: Could you describe The Mysterious Madam Morpho in your own words, for readers who haven’t heard of it before?

Delilah: It’s the best 130-page novella you’ll ever read about a sexy butterfly circus! Ahem. Just kidding. The Mysterious Madam Morpho is set in the Sang world of my Blud series from Pocket. Taking place after Wicked as They Come, it follows a magical new act in Criminy’s caravan, a stranger from London with a dark past who meets the artificer responsible for the clockworks. Fun and circus-type sexytimes ensue.

Sara: In three words, how would you describe your main characters?

Delilah: Imogen: Blunt, damaged, brave.
Henry: Creative, reclusive, smoldering.

Sara: Are there bludbunnies in The Mysterious Madam Morpho?

Delilah: The little monsters are unavoidable! But they’re not the thing that goes for Imogen. All of my stories include at least one exciting encounter with Sangish creatures, and this one is... kinda funny, kinda terrifying.

Sara: What inspired the creation of Sangland?

Delilah: The entire world sprung from a scene in a dream -- the one in which Tish meets Criminy in Wicked as They Come. I knew Criminy was a blood drinker but not a vampire, so I had to figure out exactly what a Bludman was. The rest of the world-building involved following logical (and slightly magical!) conclusions from that point. Other big influences include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tim Burton, Alice in Wonderland, and the album Like Vines by The Hush Sound.

Sara: Can you give us a little taste of Wicked as She Wants to hold us over until April?

Delilah: If you haven’t read Wicked as They Come, Wicked as She Wants is a steamy adventure involving a vicious, blood-drinking princess and a passionate piano player knocking heads and boots as they race across the country in an airship brothel. If you have read book 1, this is my attempt to make Casper Sterling the sexiest man ever.

Sara: Are there any genres you would like to branch out to in the future?

Delilah: Several! My first YA, a creepy paranormal about natural disasters, demons, and Savannah called SERVANTS OF THE STORM, will be out in spring 2014 with Simon Pulse. I also have a clockwork Robin Hood romance in the works, not to mention some more YA. If it’s fast-paced and involves first kisses, I’ll write it. >

Sara: What are you currently reading?

Delilah: Redshirts by John Scalzi, Blood and Silver by James K. Tuck, and The Taker by Alma Katsu. I keep them strategically placed around the house and car so there’s always something available. And I just finished Enclave by the marvelous Ann Aguirre, so I can’t wait to pick up the sequel, Outpost.

Thanks so very, very much for having me! <3

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Thanks for stopping by, Delilah! Now, for the giveaway! Because I love the world that Delilah has created in this series, I am giving away two (2) copies of The Mysterious Madam Morpho to two lucky Kindle readers! (If B&N has made an option for gifting Nook books and someone can explain it to me, they can also be Nook copies. I'm still relatively lost when it comes to ereaders and stuff...)

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment and your e-mail address! The giveaway will run through Monday 10/15 at midnight, and the winners will be chosen and emailed on Tuesday 10/16.

Title: The Mysterious Madam Morpho
Author: Delilah S. Dawson
Series: Blud #1.5
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Steampunk
Release Date: 10/02/12
Summary:

Taking place after Wicked as They Come, this original eBook features a mysterious lady and a reclusive mechanical genius who find love and danger in a traveling circus.

An elusive woman arrives at Criminy’s doorstep with a steamer trunk, begging for a position in the caravan to perform her unique new act. She opens her trunk to reveal a menagerie of brilliantly colored butterflies. The woman, who calls herself Madam Morpho, is on the run from a dark past in London, where she was forced to leave her equipment behind and abscond with only her tiny performers. Playing a hunch, Criminy hires Madam Morpho on the spot. Taking her down to meet Mr. Murdoch, the reclusive talented engineer who keeps the carnival’s clockworks running, Criminy instructs them to work together to design and build a groundbreaking new circus for the butterflies. Amid the magical ambiance of the circus and the hint of danger from Madam Morpho’s pursuers, she and Mr. Murdoch soon find that their scientific collaboration has produced chemistry of a more romantic kind.

Excerpt + Giveaway: Gini Koch

I would like to welcome Gini Koch to Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog to promote her new self-published book The Night Beat, Book #1 in the Necropolis Enforcement Files. Today, I have an excerpt from The Night Beat, and stick around to the end because there will be a giveaway!



Thanks for stopping by on the Necropolis Enforcement Blog Tour of 2012! If you haven’t read the first chapter of The Night Beat, hit Deathless Prose over at my website (http://www.ginikoch.com/deathlessprose.htm) and check it out. Then, hit each stop along the way to get more of the story. Missed a stop? Check the website for the Tour Page http://www.ginikoch.com/blogtour.htm and get caught up.

And don’t forget to get entered to win a copy of The Night Beat at EVERY blog tour stop along the way! Plus, follow the Tour ‘til the end and get entered for a mega-prize! So, grab your badge -- it’s time to join Necropolis Enforcement!

Title: The Night Beat
Author Gini Koch
Series: Necropolis Enforcement Files #1
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 06/08/12
Blurb:

The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place -- Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness.

Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. But it’s Victoria who has to face the Adversary and figure out what intricate plan Lucifer has up his wings before everyone she cares about is destroyed.

In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat.

Excerpt:

I went over to watch Ken work and Jack came with me. Ken had one hand on a dead hooker’s head, thumb and forefinger on the temples, with the other on the heart. He was concentrating.

“What’s he doing?” Jack whispered to me.

“Seeing if they’re worth reviving.” Ken had a perfect track record so far -- he’d never brought back a potential minion.

“But they’re dead.”

“Yeah, well, there are ways. I mean, they won’t come back as human, but being a zombie’s not as bad as it’s cracked up to be. And there are other options. Hookers usually come back as succubae. It’s typecasting, but it works.”

“What do the junkies and bums come back as?”

“Bums usually opt for zombie. Junkies…well, junkies rarely come back.”

“Why so?”

“They’re already too close to the Prince.” This was true. There were so many sins out there, and everyone indulged in at least one of them, even if they thought they didn’t. But junkies were among the most willful, more so than alcoholics, adulterers, or murderers. Pedophiles, rapists and junkies rarely got a second shot at life from us. We had standards and we also had history to back up our decisions.

“Who’s the Prince?” Jack asked as Ken shook his head and moved on to the next body.

“The Prince of Darkness.”

“Oh. The Devil. Or is that Count Dracula?”

“Neither.” I struggled to put the right words around what the Prince really was.

“Count Dracula gets a bad rap for no good reason,” Ken offered. “He’s one of the main reasons the Prince hasn’t taken over.”

“And the Devil’s really Yahweh’s servant,” Maurice added as he joined us.

“Yahweh?” Jack sounded confused.

“The entity most humans call God’s real name.” I was very fond of Yahweh, some because he was strong and righteous, mostly because he was the strongest god fighting against the Prince and it paid to support your boss.

“God has a lot of names, but --”

Ken interrupted Jack. “Yes, he does. But there are also more gods out there than you can count. And they all have a variety of names. But each prefers the name he or she feels is truly theirs. The one you’re talking about is named Yahweh. He likes his name used, by the way, though not in vain.”

“So, what does he do when someone says ‘God damn it’?” Jack sounded ready to sign up for H.P.’s Gods and Monsters for Beginners class at Necropolis U. I was getting worried.

“He laughs,” Maurice replied. “If he even hears it. ‘God’ is a general term. Now, if you cursed using his real name, then he’d be taking an interest. But when someone goes, ‘Oh God, oh God’ and then orgasms, it’s just a general statement, sort of like ‘the sky is blue’ or ‘demon kind are scary’.”

“So, the Prince isn’t Count Dracula and he isn’t the Devil,” Jack said. “So, what is he?”

My wrist-com came to life as the Count calmly answered. “Evil incarnate.”

Authors Bio:
Gini Koch lives in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ), works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people. She writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series for Musa Publishing. As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series for Night Shade Books. She also writes under a variety of other pen names (including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch), listens to rock music 24/7, and is a proud comics geek-girl willing to discuss at any time why Wolverine is the best superhero ever (even if Deadpool does get all the best lines). She speaks frequently on what it takes to become a successful author and other aspects of writing and the publishing business. She can be reached through her website at www.ginikoch.com.

Buy Links:
[Amazon] [Amazon Paperback] [Smashwords] [Barnes and Nobles]

And now for the giveaway! Gini has graciously offered one ebook to one lucky reader. To enter, just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address. The giveaway is open internationally and will last through midnight EST on Saturday, September 29th. Winners will be chosen using random.org on Sunday, September 30th.

Author Interview + Giveaway: Justin Gustainis

Today, I’d like to welcome Justin Gustainis back to the blog. He's here to to promote the recent release of the second book in his Occult Crime Unit Investigation series, Evil Dark, which came out on April 24th. You can read my review of Hard Spell here and Evil Dark here. Justin has been kind enough to give answer some questions about Evil Dark and offer up a copy to giveaway.

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Sara: How would you describe Evil Dark, for readers who haven’t heard of them before?

Justin: Evil Dark is the second book in what I call my “Haunted Scranton” series; it’s a sequel to Hard Spell, which appeared last year. The books are set in an “alternate” universe where the supernatural exists, and everybody knows it. Supernatural creatures (or “supes”) are accepted (more or less) by human society. But in Scranton, when there’s a crime involving supes, either as suspects or victims, the guy who usually gets the call is Sgt. Stan Markowski of the Police Department’s Occult Crimes Unit. He gets valuable assistance from (among others) his partner, Karl Renfer, Rachel Procter (the police department’s “consulting witch”), and his daughter, Christine, who knows quite a bit about the supernatural herself.

In Evil Dark, Stan has two nasty cases on his hands. One involves a bizarre kind of “snuff film” that has surfaced, with a Scranton connection. In each of these videos, two men are seen bound to chairs. Off-screen, the voice of a wizard summons a demon to “possess” one of the men. Once the possession takes place, the possessed man is released and commits gross atrocities on the other man, until he dies.

In the other case, someone has been kidnapping witches and burning them alive. Both perpetrator and motive are unknown, but three women are dead and Stan is determined that there won’t be a fourth –- not in his town.

Sara: Do you have a favorite character to write? Is there a character that’s a bit harder than the rest to write?

Justin: My favorite character has got to be Stan Markowski. There’s some of me in Stan –- but only a certain amount. However, since Stan is the first-person narrator of the series, I get to say and do stuff through him that I could never get away with in real life. Stan’s also quicker with a witty comeback than I am.

I suppose the hardest characters to portray in this book are the members of the Homo Sapien Resistance –- a group of thugs who think all supes are subhuman. In Stan’s world, they’re the equivalent of our neo-Nazi skinhead racists. Not only do I have trouble expressing their point of view, it’s hard to write about them without turning them into caricatures.

Sara: Will we meet any new characters in Evil Dark?

Justin: A whole bunch of them. Let’s see... there’s Sharkey, a dhampire (half-vampire, half human) hit man who’s known as “walking death.” Give Sharkey a job and he never quits –- never. Then you have Patton Wilson, shadowy head of a radical religious sect that appears to have more than prayer and preaching on its mind. There are a couple of FBI agents visiting Scranton from the Behavioral Science Unit at Quantico, who may be more than what they seem. And there are several guys dressed in black running around who have apparently seen too many Chuck Norris movies.

Sara: Can we look forward to more books after Evil Dark? Do you have a set amount of books planned for the series?

Justin: I have one more book under contract for the “Haunted Scranton” series. It’s called Known Devil and concerns (among other things) a war that has erupted in the streets of Scranton between two criminal gangs, who happen to be made up of vampires. After that, it depends on whether the publisher wants more books. If the first three have sold well, he probably will. So Stan’s future is in your hands, gentle readers. The books make great graduation or Father’s Day gifts, IMHO.

Sara: Do you have any other projects in the works? Are there any genres you’d like to branch out to in the future?

Justin: I’ve also been writing a series for another publisher, Solaris, about occult investigator Quincey Morris and his partner, white witch Libby Chastain. The last of the three novels I contracted for, Sympathy for the Devil, appeared last year. Solaris has now asked me to write two Morris and Chastain novellas (of about 50,000 words each). They will be sold separately in digital format, and collected between covers for a print edition. The first one of these, Play with Fire, should be out next fall.

Sara: What are you currently reading?

Justin: I just finished reading the new edition of Kim Newman’s The Bloody Red Baron, second book in his “Anno Dracula” series. Both the book, and the series, are terrific. Now I’m going back to Stephen King’s 11/22/63, about a guy who goes back in time to try stopping the Kennedy assassination. I had started it last fall, but had to put it aside when real life intervened. I hate it when that happens.

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Thanks again for stopping by! Now for the giveaway. Justin has generously offered up one (1) copy of Evil Dark to one (1) lucky reader, their choice of a signed print copy or a digital copy. To be entered, just answer the following question:
This series is the only one I've read that was based in an alternate Scranton. Is there a city or town you would like to see showcased in an Urban Fantasy series?

Giveaway Rules:
1. Signed print copy option open to US only. Digital copy open internationally.
2. Must answer question and leave valid e-mail address.
3. Giveaway ends at 11:59PM Monday June 11th.
4. Winner will be announced on Tuesday June 12th.

Title: Evil Dark
Author: Justin Gustainis
Series: Occult Crime Unit Investigation #2
Summary:

My name's Markowski. I carry a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

A series of seemingly motiveless murders of supernatural creatures points to a vigilante targeting the supe community. Markowski wouldn't normally have much of a problem with that, but his daughter may be next on the killer's list...

File Under: Urban Fantasy [ Unnatural Law | Thicker Than Water | The Bite Stuff | Duty Calls ]

Excerpt + Giveaway: Jennifer Estep

Today, I’d like to welcome Jennifer Estep back to the blog. She’s stopping by of the blog tour for the third book in her Mythos Academy series, Dark Frost, which came out yesterday. You can read my review of Touch of Frost here and Kiss of Frost here. Today, Jennifer has been kind enough to give a sneak peak of Dark Frost with an excerpt and offer up a copy to giveaway.

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DARK FROST EXCERPT:

We scrambled up onto the dais and around to the far side. Daphne took up a position between the knight and the centurion, looking like another proud figure standing there, the golden arrow nocked and ready in the onyx bow. Carson moved to her left, while I stood on her right, the two of us flanking and protecting our archer, just like Coach Ajax had taught us to during all the mock fights we’d had in gym class. Across the room, Logan slid behind the wax Viking.

“We’ll be okay, right?” Carson said, fear making his eyes seem more black than brown behind his glasses.

“Of course, we will,” I said, trying to make my voice light. “Just think how jealous all the other kids will be when they hear that we took on a group of Reapers—and won.”

Carson tried to smile at my lame pep talk, but his lips twisted into a grimace instead. I knew how he felt. After what I’d just seen, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to smile again. There would be no winning. Not today. Not with the other kids outside injured.

Not with so many dead.

Beside us, Daphne remained silent, although pink sparks snapped all around her now, cracking like fireworks, letting Carson and me know she was just as scared as we were. The Valkyrie stared at me a moment, then at the band geek, before turning her attention to the open doorway. Carson gripped his staff and pushed his glasses up his nose, while I tightened my hold on Vic.

I looked at Logan. Even from across the room, I could see the anticipation in his face. The emotion made his eyes glitter like ice. The Spartan was ready for the Reapers, ready to put his fighting skills to the test. Logan gave me a thumbs-up. His certainty in himself, in us and in what we were about to do, made my stomach unclench the tiniest bit.

We hunkered down and waited for the Reapers to come.

WHY I WROTE THIS SCENE:
This scene takes place fairly early on in Dark Frost, when Gwen and her friends find themselves having to battle some Reapers of Chaos, the bad guys in my books. I love writing action and fight scenes, but in this case, Gwen and the other characters are scrambling to get ready for the fight. I think –- or at least hope –- that it adds some tension and will make the reader keep turning to pages to see what happens in the battle.

BIO INFO:
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times bestselling author. Jennifer writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington. Dark Frost, the third book, was released on May 29. Touch of Frost and Kiss of Frost are the other books in the series. Visit www.jenniferestep.com for excerpts and more information about her books.

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Thanks again for stopping by! Now for the giveaway. Jennifer has generously offered up one (1) print copy of Dark Frost to one (1) lucky reader. To be entered, just answer the following question:
If you went to Mythos Academy, what type of warrior whiz kid would you be?

Giveaway Rules:
1. Open to US only.
2. Must answer question and leave valid e-mail address.
3. Giveaway ends at 11:59PM Saturday June 9th.
4. Winner will be announced on Sunday June 10th

Title: Dark Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Mythos Academy #3
Summary:

I've seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I'm supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I'm just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me -- again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects -- and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I'm also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can't use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me -- and I'm in for the fight of my life.

Giveaway: Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire

Today, I'm giving away a copy of Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire. When I went by the bookstore to pick up a copy today, I decided to grab a second one in hopes of putting some good book karma into the world. Why do you ask? Well, I don't want to get into a lot of detail, but there was a bit of drama involving the book shipping early. The books that were shipped early will not count against week one sales, which could possibly jeopardize future books in the series. Plus, the author received horrible e-mails and was called dispicable names because the e-book wasn't also being released early. All of this negativity needed to be balanced out, and I figured what better way than giving away a copy!

To enter, all you need to do is answer the following question: Do you pre-order, or hit the bookstores every Tuesday? (I personally love taking my weekly trip to the bookstore. It helps me de-stress after work!)

Normally, I don't do extra entries, but I feel like mixing things up.
+1 for following the blog (new or old)
+1 for following me on Twitter (@sara_UFblog)
+2 for following the author (@seananmcguire)
+2 for tweeting about the giveaway (please leave a link)

Giveaway Rules:
1. Must include a valid e-mail address.
2. Open to US and Canada only.
3. Giveaway ends Friday March 16th.
4. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

Title: Discount Armageddon
Author: Seanan McGuire
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: InCryptid #1
Release Date: 03/06/12
Summary:

Ghoulies. Ghosties. Long-legged beasties. Things that go bump in the night... The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity -- and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and is spending a year in Manhattan while she pursues her career in professional ballroom dance. Sounds pretty simple, right? It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George. When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed. To complicate matters further, local cryptids are disappearing, strange lizard-men are appearing in the sewers, and someone's spreading rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city...

Leap Day Giveaway!

I don't really know why, but I really love Leap Day. Since I had a couple books sitting around for a future giveaway, I figured what better day than Leap Day! The two Paranormal Romance novels are duplicates that I ended up with, and the Paranormal Young Adult is an ARC I rescued from a local used bookstore's bargain bin that I already own a copy of. The two PNRs are brand new, although Ascension's spine was damaged during printing or shipping. The Paranormal YA has obviously been read given where I found it, but is in great condition.

So without further ado, here are the books up for grabs:



There will be two winners:
1. First Place: Blood of the Wicked by Karina Cooper and Ascension by Sable Grace
2. Second Place: Legacies by Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill (ARC)

To enter the giveaway, just answer the following question: What March release are you most excited for?

Giveaway Rules:
1. To enter, you must answer the question and include a valid e-mail address.
2. If you do not want to be entered for both prizes, please let me know. Anyone who doesn't specify will be entered into both.
3. Open to the US only.
4. Giveaway ends at midnight on Wednesday 03/14 (Pi Day! Another day I love!)
5. Winners will be chosen via Random.org.

Title: Blood of the Wicked
Author: Karina Cooper
Summary:

When the world went straight to hell, humanity needed a scapegoat to judge, to blame... to burn.

As an independent witch living off the grid, Jessie Leigh has spent her life running, trying to blend in among the faceless drudges in the rebuilt city. She thought she was finally safe, but now she's been found in a New Seattle strip club -- by a hard-eyed man on a mission to destroy her kind.

A soldier of the Holy Order, Silas Smith believes in the cause: trawling the fringes of society for the murderous witches who threaten what's left of the world. Forced into a twisting web of half-truths and lies, he has to stay close to the most sensuous and electrifying woman he has ever seen and manipulate her into leading him to the witch he has to kill: her brother. Silas doesn't know that Jessie's his enemy, only that he wants her, needs her, even as he lies to her... and must protect her until his final breath.

Title: Ascension
Author: Sable Grace
Summary:

The gates of hell have opened, and one woman will stand in the crossfire as the Dark Breed -- vampyre, demons, shape shifters—and mankind fight their last battle for survival.

Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen... and the last of her kind. Determined, dangerous, and damned, she has no love for the mortals who have imprisoned and misused her. But when the Order of Ancients entrusts her with a mission -- to find the key that will send the Dark Breed back into Hell for eternity -- Kyana has no choice but to accept.

She is furious to learn her assignment comes with an escort... Ryker, a demigod and fierce warrior who long ago found a way under her skin and stayed there. In a shaky alliance, they discover an ancient cult with dangerous motive and a god who seeks to destroy all others. And as Kyana begins to feel the heat that threatens to bind her to Ryker, she knows she has to resist. For it could only mean the undoing of them both...

Title: Legacies
Author: Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill
Summary:

Who -- or what -- is stalking the students at Oakhurst Academy?

In the wake of the accident that killed her family, Spirit White is spirited away to Oakhurst Academy, a combination school and orphanage in the middle of Montana. There she learns she is a legacy -- not only to the school, which her parents also attended, but to magic.

All the students at Oakhurst have magical powers, and although Spirit’s hasn’t manifested itself yet, the administrators insist she has one. Spirit isn’t sure she cares. Devastated by the loss of her family, she finds comfort with a group of friends: Burke Hallows, Lachlann Spears, Muirin Shae, and Adelaide Lake.

But something strange is going on at Oakhurst. Students start disappearing under mysterious circumstances, and the school seems to be trying to cover it up. Spirit and her friends must find out what’s happening -- before one of them becomes the next victim...

Author Interview + Giveaway: Christina Henry

Today I'd like to welcome back Christina Henry, author of the Madeline Black Urban Fantasy series from Ace. I absolutely loved the first two books in this series, and can't wait for the third, Black Howl, which comes out next Tuesday (02/28).

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Sara: How would you describe Black Howl, for readers who haven’t heard of it before?

Christina: Maddy's life is getting really complicated in this book. Ghosts of the dead are popping up all over Chicago, and their deaths haven't been foreseen by the Agency, which means they're outside the natural order. And if deaths are occurring outside the natural order then that means something big and bad is hanging around.

Plus, Wade, the alpha of the werewolf pack that befriended Maddy in Black Night, has been kidnapped and Maddy's got to find him. On top of everything else, Gabriel is her thrall now, so if you thought their relationship was difficult before you haven't seen anything yet.

Sara: Do you have a favorite character to write? Is there a character that’s a bit harder than the rest to write?

Christina: Beezle is my favorite character to write. He gets the best lines and he gets to eat all the junk food, which is pretty much my dream job (after writing, of course).

Nathaniel is probably the most difficult character for me to write, because nothing about him is simple.

Sara: Will we meet any new characters in Black Howl?

Christina: Yes, there are a few new characters, but not too many. If there are too many characters it gets hard to write. I don’t know how some writers do it. I’m always impressed by these giant books that have a cast of thousands.

Sara: Last time, you said you were working on book four. How many books are planned for the series?

Christina: Right now there are at least six books planned for the series.

Sara: If Beezle could work team up with any Urban Fantasy sidekick, who would you want him to work with?

Christina: Bob from Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series. They could wreak havoc on the streets of Chicago!

Sara: Tell us a little about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Christina: A pantser! I’ve now written four books and every one of them turned out differently than I’d thought they would. I write chronologically, so I just kind of let things unfold as I go.

Sara: What are you currently reading?

Christina: Bill Bryson’s At Home. It’s full of amazing facts. I want to read whole sections of it to anyone who will listen.

Thank you so much for having me here, Sara!

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Thanks to Ace, I have one (1) print copy of Black Howl to giveaway to a lucky commenter. Just answer the following question: Which Urban Fantasy sidekick would you, the reader, want Beezle to team up with?

Giveaway Rules:
1. Must include a valid e-mail address.
2. Open to US and Canada only.
3. Giveaway ends Saturday March 3rd.
4. Winners will be chosen via Random.org.

Title: Black Howl
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Madeline Black #3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 02/28/12
Summary:

Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiance Nathaniel is out of the picture -- or so she thinks...

Review + Giveaway: Unleashed by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

Title: Unleashed
Author: Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Series: Wolf Springs Chronicles #1
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 11/22/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night -- welcome to Wolf Springs.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
There was a cloud of mystery surrounding this entire novel that gave it a fantastically creepy feel. Wolf Springs itself was a pretty mysterious and creepy place filled with mysterious and creepy people. The setting really gave a lot to the rest of the novel, and allowed for some storylines that may not have worked in a more urban setting. Although I figured out pretty early what the paranormal creature in this novel was, it was still interesting to follow Katelyn as she figured it out. And I was definitely surprised by who was and wasn’t said paranormal creature. There were many twists and turns in this novel, many of which I didn’t expect. I really liked how some of the mystery was figured out, but other parts have been left to explore more in future books. It really makes me antsy in anticipation for the next novel. This is definitely a great addition to Paranormal Young Adult.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
This was a fast-paced novel that I read in only a few sitting. What sucked me in so quickly was the weirdness of Wolf Springs and its residents. I wanted to know what was going on and why everyone was so strange. Katelyn’s grandfather’s strict rules about not going in to the woods after dark only furthered my curiosity. Just when things seemed to be getting a bit more normal with schoolwork and parties, something crazy would happen to suck me right back in. Although the novel didn’t end with a cliffhanger exactly, it did end right as Kat had a revelation that could definitely change things. And it left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next novel in this series to come out.

Characters: 4.5 Stars
In a small town like Wolf Springs, everyone knows everyone, so it was the talk of the town when Katelyn showed up after her mother’s death to live with her grandfather. She had a lot of her plate: dealing with her grief, leaving her home and best friend, starting at a new school, and trying to make new friends. I think she dealt with everything pretty well, especially when thrown into weird positions. I would have liked to learn a bit more about her late parents and best friend, Kimi, and hope more information about them appears in future books. I also don’t feel like I learned that much about her grandfather, considering Kat was living with him. But the air of mystery surrounding him made him an interesting character. Trick was Kat’s ride to school, and kind of a weird dude (in a good way). He didn’t always make sense and didn’t get along with some of the other kids, but he was a great character. Cordelia, on the other hand, was a very frustrating character. Her moods flip-flopped constantly and she was always very vague when answering questions. She was hiding a big secret, but sometimes it was too frustrating. And her family was all kinds of dysfunctional.

Cover: 4 Stars
The top half of the cover works a lot better than the bottom half. I like the full moon in the woods. It gives the cover a mysterious feel that really fits Wolfs Springs. It also hints at the paranormal aspect of the novel. The bottom half comes across very over-dramatic vampire movie to me. The hands gripping the cover model’s head, along with the way she leans her head back to expose her neck, just screams vampires instead of werewolves. There’s also a bit of dead space around the cover model and the mysterious arms. But I absolutely love the font chosen for the title, and really like when the series title is included. The way the title splits the cover in half is very unique, and really draws the eye. The navy blue color chosen for the cover is a great choice because it really fits the mood of the novel.

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for review from the publisher.



Giveaway:
I have three (3) copies of Unleashed to giveaway! To enter, just answer the following question: Would you rather live in a tight-knit small town, or a large urban city?

Giveaway Rules:
1. Must leave a comment answering the question.
2. Must leave a valid e-mail address.
3. Giveaway is open to the US only.
4. Giveaway is open until midnight on Wednesday 12/14.
5. Winners will be chosen on Thursday 12/15 using random.org.