Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

ISBN: 9781407132105

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 455

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

I had heard much about The Hunger Games series, and had read the previous two books (& really enjoyed reading them), but unfortunately I didn’t enjoy reading Mockingjay as much. Katniss was such a strong, determined character in the previous two books, but in this one she struggles to cope with not only being manipulated by the Capitol but also by those organising the revolution. Although Katniss was my favourite character, I personally felt that she chose the wrong person at the end of Mockingjay. I was also quite sad to see that her fierce nature had faded near the end of the book. I liked the cover of Mockingjay, it represented Katniss’ last act of rebellion well, without giving too much away.

Available at Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk.

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

ISBN: 9781408820186

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Pages: 341

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

Whilst I did like reading Tempest Rising, it wasn’t what I expected and as a result, I was left quite disappointed. I was really excited about reading Tempest Rising due to the beautiful, underwater covers but instead of the fun, light-hearted, under-the-sea tale I was expecting to read, I ended up with, (to be quite honest) a gloomy, land-based story with the occasional underwater trip! I also found the mermaid parts of the book to be quite dull, compared to some of the other mermaid books I have read before. Some of the events previous to the book overshadowed what was actually happening at the present time in the story, which meant at times I longed to read more about the events in question, rather than the main story itself in Tempest Rising.

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Promotion: The Tower by Jade Varden

The Tower
By Jade Varden


The Tower is the second book in the Deck Of Lies series.


Death brings some families closer, but it’s ripped mine apart. I wanted to convince the police that they had the wrong suspect...but I never expected them to start suspecting me. Now, I have no choice but to keep searching for the truth, even if all my relationships fall to pieces around me.

Someone is trying to make me look guilty. I never thought my mission to prove my own innocence would lead me to more family secrets. I thought I had already discovered the truth about myself. But every answer raises more questions, and everything I think I know is about to change...again.

I have to find the truth, no matter how much it hurts -- before I get charged with murder.


Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Promotion: Justice by Jade Varden

Justice
By Jade Varden


Justice is the first book in the Deck Of Lies series.

A House of Cards...

When you build an entire life on a foundation of lies, it only takes one truth for the whole thing to come crashing down. I never invited the truth in. I never went searching for it. I never had any reason to suspect that the two people I loved most were dishonest with me every second of every day. 

I made one bad decision, and in a single day my entire world changed. If I'm ever going to discover the truth about myself and my parents, I have to trace all the lies back to their source. I have to try to find the truth that they're hiding. 

The more I discover about myself, and my past, the more I realize that lies really are better than the truth. But now that I know the lies are all around me, I can't stop until I've discovered them all. I'll pull each lie away, one by one, and examine it to see what's underneath…until this house of cards crumbles into dust at my feet. 

I just hope I can survive the crash.


Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Author Interview: Jade Varden

Jade Varden has written the Deck Of Lies series.


1. What is your name and where do you call home?
I’m Jade Varden, and I live in Louisville, Kentucky. 

2. Do you have a pen name?
Yep! 

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
I’m putting the final touches on Death (Deck of Lies, #3). This book, third in my Deck of Lies series, brings together the scattered puzzle pieces from books 1 and 2. 

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Yes and yes. I have finished roughing out the outline for Judgment (Deck of Lies, #4), which will conclude the entire series. 

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I was inspired to write by reading books, which I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. I was attempting to write as young as 11, but it’s an ongoing learning process. I like to believe I’ve improved in my grammar and spelling since then. 

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
Yes, a lot. 

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?
Well I knew right away I wanted to use a Tarot card for the cover, because each book of the Deck of Lies series is named for a Tarot card that serves as the overall theme for what’s going on in the story. All the covers have been and will be designed by Meagan Lampton, a very talented graphic artist who’s local to me. 

8. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?
So far, I like the cover for The Tower (Deck of Lies, #2) best. 

9. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?
Yes! I wish I had all the covers before I ever started writing the books. Waiting for them to be finished is a little nerve-wracking. 

10. Would you have different book covers for different countries?
Interesting question. I hadn’t considered it before, but yes. They’d be much friendlier if they were printed in the home language for each country where they’re sold, wouldn’t they? 

11. How did you come up with the title for your book?
The idea of using Tarot cards came to me early, because it’s a reference to one of the characters in the books (who appears early). But the books are ultimately about trying to find the truth behind a lot of secrets and deception. So to marry the two ideas together, I decided to call the series Deck of Lies. 

12. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?
Yes I’ve made three so far, and my thoughts on trailers is that they’re pretty hard to make! It’s a time-consuming process. 

13. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?
I prefer e-books and paperbacks. I find hardcovers a little unmanageable, and audiobooks don’t really appeal to me. 

14. Are you a self-published / Indie author?
Yes I am. 

15. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
I read books I like again and again. There are many books I’ve read a dozen times or more. My favorite book is Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell. 

16. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version)
No. 

17. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover?
Yes, quite frequently. In most cases, in fact. 

18. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?
Absolutely. I saw a really horrible cover just recently, where the word placement was very oddly done, but the blurb was extremely enticing. I sat and debated on whether I wanted to read that book for five minutes because the cover was so off-putting. 

19. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I’m reading the e-version of The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer, a children’s/young adult novel by Lisa Orchard. I plan to review the book for Amazon and my blog. It’s quite well-written, so far. 

20. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
I would advise other indie authors to get involved with the indie community. Join forums, follow blogs, interact on Twitter. The best advice I’ve ever been given is to read my own work. 

21. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: http://jadevarden.blogspot.com/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jade-Varden/300695563318891

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5414964.Jade_Varden

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JadeVarden

Other: http://www.wix.com/jadevarden/jv

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B006QD4LUA_sr?sort=relevance&search-alias=books&field-author=Jade+Varden

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JadeVarden

Other: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/jade-varden

Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Promotion: Taken By Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Taken By Storm
By Jennifer Lynn Barnes


Taken By Storm is the third book in the Raised By Wolves series.

Bryn knows first-hand that being the alpha of a werewolf pack means making hard decisions, and that being human makes things a thousand times worse. She's prepared to give up her humanity, but the wolf who promised to Change her is waiting - though for what, Bryn doesn't know. Still human, she must take her place in the werewolf Senate, the precarious democracy that rules the North American packs. Standing side by side with werewolves who were ancient long before she was ever born is enough of a challenge, but Bryn soon learns that the Senate has been called to deal with a problem: the kind of problem that involves human bodies, a Rabid werewolf, and memories that Bryn, Chase, and the rest of their pack would rather forget. With bodies stacking up and political pressure closing in from all sides, Bryn and her pack are going to have to turn to old enemies and even older friends for help - especially when it starts to look like this time, the monster might be one of their own.


Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Author Interview: Joanne Brothwell

Joanne Brothwell has written Stealing Breath and Vicarious.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Joanne Brothwell, and I live in the country on the Canadian prairie, where my stories are inspired by the dead things that appear at my doorstep on a daily basis!

2. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Yes, Stealing Breath is the first in a series. So far, the second book, called Silencing Breath, is currently with the editorial department with my publisher. I will be starting on the third shortly!

3. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I’ve always had an overactive imagination, but three and a half years ago a story started brewing in my mind, and I just couldn’t shake it. I allowed these characters to speak to me, and as a result, their voices grew in volume. Finally, their problems became so compelling they began to haunt my dreams at night. I couldn’t escape the constant barrage of Sarah and Evan's voices, and in February, 2008, I placed my hands on the keyboard for the first time, to exorcise those voices from my head.

4. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?

Yes – ebooks only.

5. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

The cover art was designed by Liliana Sanches. I had some input into the cover art, basically offering ideas and suggestions for things I’d hoped for. I wanted it to have an eerie feel, with a moody forest to highlight the paranormal elements. I’m absolutely thrilled with the cover, it’s so beautiful!

6. How did you come up with the title for your book?

It was really hard. I’m a little superstitious, and I find that I get “clues” from things in my environment, almost like my intuition is telling me to notice things that will lead me to answers. One day, the lyrics of a Duran Duran song stuck in my head, playing over and over, like it was on repeat. The lyrics said, “Mine, immaculate dream
made breath and skin I've been waiting for you.” Isn’t it sexy? I felt like that one line summed up the feel of my book – kind of creepy and sexy all at once.

I kept the word “Breath” and then needed something to highlight other aspects of the book. Like the fact that the heroine’s soul was at risk of being devoured. Then something else weird happened, the movie Stealing Beauty kept popping into my head. I started to look at it, thinking about the way the two words looked so oddly enticing together.

And that’s when it hit me: Stealing Breath!

7. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

Twilight. I read it before becoming a writer and loved it, absolutely loved it. After I wrote my book, I got to know some other writers who absolutely hated it, tearing it apart for the poor writing. So I re-read it, with an eye on the writing. Guess what? I didn’t care if the writing had problems. I still loved it!

8. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones. I don’t know why, but that cover called to me.

9. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

Fifty Shades Free on my Kobo. I really don’t like reading on e-readers, but because of the content of this one, I didn’t want a physical copy of it in my house!

10. Where can your readers follow you?

Website: www.joannebrothwell.com

Blog: www.joannebrothwell.com/blog.html

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Joanne-Brothwell/577061211

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5769305.Joanne_Brothwell

Twitter: @JoanneBrothwell

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stealing-breath-joanne-brothwell/1109679498?ean=9781937254315

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Joanne%20Brothwell

Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Through My Letterbox! 24/05/12

What came Through My Letterbox this week:

This week myself and my mum (from JeanzBookReadNReview) were kindly sent 16 character cards and 4 signed postcards, as well as a lovely handwritten note from Dee Tenorio!

Today, we received a signed copy of Soul Beach by Kate Harrison, an ARC copy of Soul Fire by Kate Harrison, and an ARC of The Masque Of The Red Death by Bethany Griffin from Orion.
We also received an ARC copy of Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas from Bloomsbury.

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

ISBN: 9781447205715

Publisher: Tor

Pages: 326

What will she give up for those she loves?

Wendy Everly can barely remember what it was like to feel like a normal girl. She'd wished for her life to be different but everything is so much more complicated than she'd expected. And she certainly hadn't dreamt she'd be getting married at eighteen to a man she didn't love - all for the sake of duty.

As the big day approaches, Wendy can't stop thinking about two different men - and neither of them are her husband-to-be. Finn - quiet, strong and determined to do what's right, and Loki - dark and seductive, a sworn enemy who once saved her life. With all-out war just days away, Wendy needs to act quickly if she is to save her friends and family. But while her loyalties and duties are to her people, deeper passions are leading her elsewhere.

And as her worlds collide, Wendy must sacrifice everything she loves to save them. But will it be enough?

I received Ascend by Amanda Hocking from Macmillan for review. I loved reading Ascend! It was a fitting end to a fantastic trilogy! My favourite character was Elora, as despite her initial coldness towards Wendy she eventually warmed up to her Changeling daughter, to make the most of the time they had left together. I really like the cover of Ascend by Amanda Hocking! The contrasting colours on the cover are amazing, and the symbolism behind the cover image is quite subtle but lovely!

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Torn by Amanda Hocking

ISBN: 9781447205708

Publisher: Tor

Pages: 352

What happens when everything changes?

Acknowledging that she was different from everyone else wasn’t difficult for Wendy Everly – she’d always felt like an outsider. But a new world and new family is a hard for any girl to accept easily.

Leaving behind the mysterious country of her birth, she is determined to fit back into normal life. But the world she’s left behind won’t let her go that easily. Kidnapped and imprisoned by her true family’s enemies, Wendy soon learns that the lines between good and evil aren’t as defined as she thought. And those things she’d taken for granted may have been lies all along. With the help of the dangerously attractive Loki, she escapes back to the safety of Förening – only to be confronted by a new threat.

It’s time to make a choice – can she put aside her personal feelings for the sake of her country? Torn between duty and love she must make a choice that could destroy her one chance at true happiness.

I received Torn by Amanda Hocking from Macmillan for review. I really enjoyed reading the second book in the Trylle trilogy! My favourite character was Wendy because of her determination and stubbornness. I enjoyed reading Torn more than the previous book, Switched, as you learn more about the Trylle class system as well as their culture and history. I love the cover of Torn by Amanda Hocking! The greenish blue contrasts lovely with the bright orange of the falling leaves, that are signifying the changes taking places with this book.

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Author Interview: Richard Stephenson

Richard Stephenson has written Collapse.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?  

Richard Stephenson from Southeast Texas.

2. Do you have a pen name?  

Nope.

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?  
"Collapse"   Set in the year 2027, the book chronicles the downfall of America.

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?  

This is the first book in a series of four.

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?  

Riding out hurricanes and enduring the aftermath.  Been writing my current book for about six weeks.

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?  

Sure.

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?  

I designed and created it myself.  Wanted it to be simple and direct.

8. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?  

Just this one so far.

9. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?  

Not really.

10. Would you have different book covers for different countries?  

Nope.

11. How did you come up with the title for your book?

I wanted it to be one word.  Figured "Collapse" pretty much sums up the plot.

12. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?  

Not one thing.

13. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?  

Yes, it is on youtube and on my website. I think they are an excellent means of promotion.

14. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?  

Ebooks.

15. Are you a self-published / Indie author?  

Yes.

16. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?  

Yes. All of the harry potter books.

17. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version)  

Nope.

18. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover?  

I would say it is often the hook that pulls me in for a closer look.

19. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?  

Yes.

20. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?  

Kill Shot by Vince Flynn on my iPad.

21. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?  

Write what you know, tap into your own personal experiences.

22. Where can your readers follow you?

Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/collapsethenovel

Goodreads author page:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5626171.Richard_Stephenson

Twitter:  @collapsenovel

Other:  www.stephensonpowerspub.com

Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Author Interview: Shannon Duffy

Shannon Duffy has written Spectral.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Shannon Duffy and I live in Ontario, Canada with my husband and son.

2. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

The name of my most recent book is SPECTRAL. And the descriptor which happens to be in exactly 20 words, (phew), is, “Trapped in a sea of lies as a dark prophecy nears, can Jewel make it to her 17^th birthday alive?”

3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

My middle grade fantasy, GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA, comes out January 1^st/13. And right now I’m working on a YA Cyberpunk titled, DREAMSCAPE. SPECTRAL is a standalone book.

4. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I think my high school English teacher had a lot to do with it. (Insert Mr. Rowsell.) For some reason, I wanted to impress him and I remember trying really hard on creative writing pieces. After he graded them, he’d pick the best two to read aloud. (without saying who wrote them), and many times it was mine. Talk about an adrenaline rush! So, that kinda inspired me for sure. I’ve been writing for several years, but more seriously for about four years I’d say or around there.

5. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

I really wanted a specific cover for this novel and I worked with a fabulous cover artist. Her name is Claudia McKinney at Phatpuppyart.com I had a lot of input—the model, the pose, the color clothes, and the butterfly. Then Claudia pulled out her magic. She’s amazing! I’m really happy with the cover.

6. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?

Yes, I have a book trailer that was done by Vania at VLC photos. I like book trailers because they’re sorta like movie trailers and give teasers for your story in a real creative way. It’s fun to see your characters come to life in film or pictures.

7. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?

I like e-books, and either paperbacks or hardcovers. A lot of times, I’ll buy a book on my kindle first and then if I love it, I’ll buy it either in paperback or hardcover. I think hardcover is probably better than paperback, but I’m not too picky.

8. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?

Yes, it definitely can and that’s why I was so picky in getting the cover for Spectral in the way that I envisioned. I know covers can make a big difference.

9. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

Right now I’m reading Shatter me by Tahereh Mafi. It was a Christmas gift I received that I really like. I’m gonna soon start reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth on my kindle which I pre-ordered long ago. I’m really dying to read that one. The first in that series, Divergent was totally amazing.

10. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

I always say to write the story you love—the one that sticks in your head and excites you—as opposed to trying to follow a trend. Also, to read, read, read. Especially to read in the genre you are writing or plan to write. Another bit of good advice is to know the word count of the genre before you start writing it. That way, you’ll know what to aim for and won’t end up with a manuscript either too short, or way too long. The best advice I’ve received is to write a synopsis before starting. Not that you have to do that, and lots of writers don’t, but for me, it does help.

11. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: http://1fantasyfairy.blogspot.ca/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/shannon.duffy.56

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3873156.Shannon_Duffy

Twitter: @ShannonDuffyLit 

Other: http://www.shannonduffylit.com/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shannon-Duffy/e/B007S9AS44/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Slated by Teri Terry

ISBN: 9781408319468
Publisher: Orchard Books
Pages: 448

Can you know the truth if your mind has been wiped?

Kyla’s memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.

She’s been Slated.

The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla’s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Slated by Teri Terry! Slated reminded me a bit of Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver and The Academie by Amy Joy, (both of which I enjoyed reading as well!) Despite being unbelievably naive sometimes, Kyla was my favourite character. Kyla is different to all the other Slateds who are easily led and obedient, she thinks for herself and questions authority. I really like the subtle cover of Slated, it doesn't give away any of the content within, whilst still being inkeeping with the story.

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Through My Letterbox! 18/05/12

What came Through My Letterbox this week:

On the 14th of May, myself and my mum (from JeanzBookReadNReview) bought Slated by Teri Terry (which I read before I even had chance to take the photos for this post!), and The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda.

On the 15th of May, myself and my mum were kindly sent The Kissing List by Stephanie Reents, The Watch by Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya, The Dead Do Not Improve by Jay Caspian Kang and I Am Forbidden by Anouk Markovits from Hogarth. 

We also received a copy of The Glimpse from Claire Merle.

Switched by Amanda Hocking

ISBN: 9781447205692

Publisher: Tor

Pages: 335

What if your entire world was built on a lie?

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in...

She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why...

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Förening, the home of the Trylle.

I received this book from Macmillan for review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Switched by Amanda Hocking! It was great to read a book for once that didn't totally revolve around romance, with the paranormal aspects taking a backseat! I also loved reading about the Changelings! My favourite character was Willa, although she could easily have ignored Wendy, she decided to help her out with her "studies", as she knew what it was like, because she was a Changeling that had recently returned home to Förening. I love the cover of Switched! I love how the butterflies are bright and colourful, whilst the rest of the image is in black & white, representing the differences between the magical Trylle and the humans.

Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Author Interview: Brian Woods

Brian Woods has written the Tales Of Suruale series.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

Brian Woods, currently Birmingham Alabama but I've called many places home in my past.

 

2. Do you have a pen name?

Nope, just Brian Woods

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

Tales of Suruale: Cythe

Its about a small time boy who gets a chance at the big city world.

 

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

We, my co-writer Roy C. Booth and I, have several more books coming in this series.

 

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

Anne McCaffery told me, while she signed 3 books for me, that anyone could learn to write. And I followed her advice on it.

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?

I have several times before.

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

I knew I wanted a sword, and I spent hours on the phone with Erika Weirich and she came up with the idea, and we love it.

8. Which is your favourite cover of all the books you have written?

An out of print book of mine, Stories of Anduale. It was so good, the artist got a full scholarship to a large name university for it.

9. Is there anything you would change about your book covers?

Nothing. They fit the stories.

10. Would you have different book covers for different countries?

Yes, but only because the marketing is so different in other countries.

11. How did you come up with the title for your book?

It just came to me, while I was waking from a dream about dragons.

12. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?

Nothing, not one thing.

13. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?

I currently have one that we have been playing with but I think they are more for big time writers than the little guy.

14. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?

Audio is my favorite. I love riding down the road listening to them.

15. Are you a self-published / Indie author?

I have self published before, and have been small pressed published. A few stories of mine have been traditionally published.

 

16. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

I have read several books more than once, too many to name.

 

17. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version)

Nope. But like every reader, I have been lured by the cover alone.

18. Have you ever read a book just based on it’s cover?

Eragon. I picked it up because of the dragon the day it was released.

19. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?

Yes. Several books I never picked up because of the cover.

 

20. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

MockingJay, Kindle

21. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

Show, don't tell. Active, not passive voice.

22. Where can your readers follow you?

www.facebook.com/brwriting

Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!

Taken At Dusk by C.C. Hunter

ISBN: 9780312624699
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 400


Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better. 


I received a finished copy of this book for review. I really enjoyed reading Taken At Dusk! I liked reading about Kylie's hidden heritage and what it mean for her powers, however I would have liked the book to have carried on for a bit longer, as I felt that not enough really happened (until right at the end). My favourite character was Kylie, she was determined to discover the source of her powers, no matter what the cost! I really like the cover of Taken At Dusk as it is inkeeping with the two previous books, and once you have read the book, the meaning behind both the image and the title is apparent. 


Available at Amazon.co.uk.

Author Interview: Carol J. Hansen

Carol J. Hansen has written DarkStar.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Carol J. Hansen and I live in central Utah.

2. Do you have a pen name?

No

3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

My novel, DarkStar is a fun, paranormal fantasy. Hmmm…20 words or less….

Alec, a modern wizard defying ancient obligation, Amrie his mystical, romantic connection, a conflicting power struggle between two magical brothers

4. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Yes, DarkStar is the first book of my trilogy. I am currently writing the second, Wizard and the third will be, The Mysticryss.

5. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I decided to write a book because I realized that I was good at writing dialogue when I was writing skits for girl’s camp some years back. I’ve always liked writing poetry and in journals & such and have done a couple books for my family, but started my actual writing career when I began writing, DarkStar about five years ago.

6. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?

I have done, yes.

7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book?

My book was written around its name, DarkStar and a symbol, the moon and star, so when I designed my cover, I saw in my head what I wanted. I needed a magical, mystical setting for my story, so I chose Warwickshire, England and the beautiful, high mountain, Cache Valley in Utah. I found an amazing graphic artist, Liviu Peicu, and he was able to take the image from my mind and design my beautiful cover. It’s actually listed on the most breathtaking and most haunting covers on Goodreads.

8. How did you come up with the title for your book?

When I was a teenager, a good friend of mine gave me the nickname of DarkStar. I also had a symbol, the moon and star. I always thought it would make a great name for a novel. My friends nickname was, Wizard, so knowing, with a name like, DarkStar, my story needed to be a fantasy and it was only appropriate that it be about a wizard

9. Is there anything you would change about your book? And why?

The only thing I would change about my book is that I would have hired a professional editor. I didn’t and wish I had. I have received a lot of amazing reviews and feel good about my book but, I have, and am learning A LOT and my next book should definitely be called…”What NOT to do when writing a book”…lol. I do have an pro-editor lined up for Wizard

10. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?

I don’t have a trailer and I may have one made at some point, but right now, I am actually in the process of having music videos made for a couple of songs that were specifically written for DarkStar. I think they will be better than a trailer because they will introduce the story with amazing emotion. I hope everyone will check out my blog and follow my amazing venture with, Matt Lane, the amazing musician from Los Angeles who read, DarkStar, wrote and recorded my three songs. I am only about 2 weeks away from having the 3 song, DarkStar EP that I will be marketing with my novel and Matt and I have decided to record a full, DarkStar album. Keep an eye out!

12. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audiobooks?

I love having a book in hand, but e-books are amazing for traveling.

13. Are you a self-published / Indie author?

I am and Indie author and very happy with my decision to self publish

14. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

Yes. I love reading a book more than once because you pick up on things the second time that you missed the first, just like when you see a movie more than once. I have read many books more than once.

15. Have you ever bought a specific edition of a book because of it’s cover? (For example a UK, US or Canadian version)

No

16. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

No, but I like when a cover is appealing. An appealing cover makes you pick up a book and look at it. I won’t read any book with a cover that is offensive to me because if the cover is, the content probably will be also.

17. Has the quality of the cover of a book ever put you off of reading it?

No, because there are a lot of good stories inside some pretty gruffy looking covers.

18. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?  

I am actually on a reading diet right now until I get my second book finished. It’s hard…but I’m doing it. After reading seven books of Chris Stewarts, “The Great and the Terrible,” series on my kindle…one right after the other, I knew I needed a diet

19. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

Start! If you want to write…you have to start and don’t let anyone tell you that it’s silly.

Finish! Don’t let yourself get discouraged, because you will…just keep going.

Publish! There are a lot of avenues for writers that have never been available before, so there is no reason for you not to get your work published!!

Best advice to me: Get my second book finished

20. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: www.dscarol78.blogspot.com

Facebook page: Carol J. Hansen

Goodreads author page: Carol J. Hansen

Twitter: @DarkStarDreamer

Other: www.darkstarblog.com

Amazon: e-book and book available and also on my personal page; www.createspace.com/3538868

Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!