Interview + Giveaway: Thea Harrison

Next week one of my favourite books of 2011 is being released. Today we have Thea Harison here with us answering a few questions about Dragon Bound.

What can you tell us about Dragon Bound?

Dragon Bound is the story of what happens when you get two people with opposing philosophies together. Pia, the heroine, ascribes to that old adage from Charles Schultz’s Peanut characters: there is no problem so big you can’t run away from it. On the other hand, Dragos believes there is no problem so small, no theft so minor, that he can’t track it down. It’s sort of their version of the unstoppable force meeting the immoveable object. Through the course of the story Dragos discovers he might enjoy being surprised by Pia, and Pia realizes there are some problems she doesn’t actually want to run away from.

The main characters are Wyr (or at least half Wyr). What exactly is a Wyr? Do they all have similar abilities or does it depend on the type of Wyr they are?

Wyr are, in essence, two-natured creatures, or shape shifters. All Wyr have a few abilities that are similar. They have a human form and some kind of animal or “other” form (such as gargoyles or harpies), the ability to shift between the two, enhanced healing capabilities, and they mate for life. Wyr have plenty of differences as well. There are three main different classifications of Wyr. Immortal Wyr came into being at the Earth’s formation. Normal Wyr can be any kind of animal species with a lifespan of around two hundred years old. Unique Wyr have animal forms that do not appear in mundane species, and they may have lifespans that differ from the usual. Individual difference also occur in the Wyr.

Let’s talk about the Elder Races. How long have they existed? What kind of creatures or societies are considered part of the Elder Races?

The Elder Races are essentially any creature or society that existed before the proliferation of humankind civilization. The Elder Races are often long-lived and magical in nature and they tend to cluster in or near to Other lands. There are the Wyrkind and the Elves, the Light and Dark Fae, the Nightkind, and Demonkind. Like the Wyrkind classification, there are many types of creatures labeled Nightkind and Demonkind. Because they have Power and are not mundane, human witches are also considered part of the Elder Races.

In the continental U.S. there are seven Elder Races demesnes. The seat of the Wyrkind demesne is based in New York City. The seat of Elven demesne is based in Charleston, South Carolina. The Dark Fae’s demesne is centered in Chicago, and the Light Fae demesne is based in Los Angeles. The Nightkind, which includes all forms of Vampyres, controls the San Francisco/Bay area and the Pacific Northwest, while the human witches, considered part of the Elder Races due to their command of magical Power, are based in Louisville, Kentucky. Demonkind, like the Wyr and the Vampyres, consist of several different types that included goblins and Djinn, and their seat is based in Houston.

In the world you’ve created the Elder Races and the humans live openly among each other. Was there some sort of revelation in the past or have humans always known about them? Are there any races that remain secret?

Well, secrets and machinations abound in the Elder Races, so you never know! But mostly in this universe humans have always known about the Elder Races. For example, in ancient Egypt and Greece, people of the Elder Races were often considered gods by humans. At some point I think it would be very interesting do more world-building and write about those alternative histories. For now I content myself with telling those histories in bits and pieces as background for the main stories.

The main villains in the story are the Dark Fae. What started the animosity between them and the Wyr? Is there any other type of Fae that is not dark? What are the differences between them if they exist?

There are two types of Fae, the Light Fae and the Dark Fae. Ireland has two demesnes, a Light Fae and a Dark Fae, where the kingdoms are seated in Other lands. In the United States, the Dark Fae are based in Chicago but they have mostly been sequestered in their Other land named Adriyel. The Light Fae are based in Los Angeles.

Aside from geographical and political differences, the Dark Fae and the Light Fae are also different in coloring and in manifestations of Power. The Light Fae is a blond, charismatic race, with either blue or green eyes, and they have an aversion to iron. The Dark Fae are black-haired, with pale skin and gray eyes, and they often have a gift for metallurgy.

What are you working on right now? Do you plan to write a story that doesn’t have any Wyr as main characters? I find Quentin to be a very interesting character ... any hopes on him getting his own story?

Ah, yes, Quentin. His story might well be coming up soon (hint hint). Right now I am working on book four in the series, currently titled Oracle’s Moon. This is my first foray into main characters that are not Wyr. The story is set in the human witches’ demesne of Louisville, Kentucky. Demonkind are also involved. I’m quite excited! There are so many possibilities to explore in the Elder Races universe. In fact, I’m making early plans for a story about Elves soon!

Thanks so much for being here today, Thea!

Thanks so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure to visit with you, and to share some of the Elder Races universe with readers!

You can find out more about Thea and her books on her site.
You can also check out my review of Dragon Bound here.


Giveaway
I have one copy of Dragon Bound to giveaway.
US/Canada only / Ends May 5th.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

Giveaway: Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh

Today you can win a copy of the latest book of one of my favourite series, Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

The giveaway ends on January 30th.
US/Canada Only

Extra entries:
+2 Old GFC follower
+1 New GFC follower
+1 Comment on my review of Archangel's Consort.
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Giveaway: $40 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

Today you can win a $40 CSN Stores gift certificate that you can use in one of their 200 + stores to buy all sorts of modern furniture like bookcases, suitcases, tables, lamps, desks and many other things.

The only thing you have to do is fill out the form.

US/Canada Only
Ends on February 1st.

Extra Entries:
+2 Old GFC follower
+1 New GFC follower
+1 Tweet

* Winner will be chosen through random.org

Interview + Giveaway: Faith Hunter

Mercy Blade, the 3rd Jane Yellowrock book by Faith Hunter, is being released today. Faith is here with us answering some questions about the series and her latest book.

Things are heating up in the Big Easy. Weres have announced their existence tot he world, and revived the bitter tensions that run between them and their old enemies: vampires. As a trusted employee of Leo Pellissier, Blood Master of the City, Jane finds herself caught in the cross fire.

When Jane is attacked by a pack of marauding were-wolves, she is thankful for the help of a mysterious stranger named Girrard. He explains that he used to be Leo’s “Mercy Blade,” a sacred position charged with killing vampires who have gone insane. What Jane doesn’t know is why this powerful assassin left New Orleans − or, more troubling, why he’s now returned. It’s definitely not to make Jane’s life easier...

Which of all your books did you have more fun writing?
Hmmm. That’s like asking a mother which baby was easiest to birth. Hard to answer, because it’s all hard work! But, I suppose, Skinwalker was the most pure fun. There is something exhilarating about creating a world, where it’s all new and fresh and full of discovery. Learning the way that Jane and Beast live was like journey into the darks of their minds.

What are you working on right now?
Raven Cursed, book four of the Jane Yellowrock series.
Rogue Mage, the role playing game / world book for the Rogue Mage series. Five short stories, 2 set in Jane’s world, 2 in Thorn St. Croix’s world, and one just for fun! Whew! I’m busy!

What can you tell us about Mercy Blade?
Kirsten Nolan a reviewer for bookseriesreviews.blogspot.com came up with a great blurb for it. Hope you don’t mind me posting it here… It’s way better than any I came up with!

Jane Yellowrock, Rogue Vampire Hunter, is working for the vampires. That means delivering unwelcome messages to snarly supernaturals, and overseeing security for parties and balls, amongst other things. And it means she's got to work closely with Bruiser, which makes Jane uncomfortable and Beast very happy. When the werewolves and werecats come out of the closet on international television Jane begins to learn that there is still a lot of Vampire and Supernatural history she hasn't learned. Unfortunately, not knowing what happened 100 years ago can mean the difference in understanding current events and being totally out of the loop. Jane doesn't deal well with being out of the loop, but between an absent boyfriend and pieces of history she doesn't understand -- she has to survive as best she can.

How much control and/or influence does Beast have over Jane?
A lot more than Jane thinks she does. And Beast is amused that Jane thinks she is alpha and Beast is beta. Not always so. They have a love-hate relationship, made very difficult because their two souls share the same body. And … they keep secrets from one another. Sometimes big secrets!

At this point, how many people know Jane is a skinwalker and how many suspect?
Hmmm. (thinking) Knows: By the end of Mercy Blade, Molly, Big Evan, and Angie Baby. The vamp priestess, Sabina. The Mercy Blade. Those who suspect: Leo. All the vamps have always known she isn’t human, because she smells so different. Bruiser suspects something, but isn’t sure what. The weres suspect. Bethany suspects. Derek Lee and his soldiers. Evangelina knows something, but not what.

One of the things I've been wondering about is: what happened with the sliver of the cross?
The item from vamp history that was featured in BloodCross comes back into play for a brief moment in Mercy Blade. And also maybe in book five (as yet untitled). However, just for you I’ll say, Sabina gets it back.

It seems like right now Leo is in grieving mode. How has he been doing? Is that going to change anytime soon? Does he still blame Jane?
One major plot line in Mercy Blade is all about Leo, and why he is so out of control, and how he might be better. By the end of Mercy Blade, Leo is well on the road to working through his grief. I’m not finished with Raven Cursed yet, but it feels as if he will be over his grief by the book’s end and ready to move forward. In lots of ways! Leo is a survivor. He sees the long-view, meaning that he isn’t bothered by the short term setbacks of life. If he doesn’t get what he wants today, he’ll simply play a waiting game and get it tomorrow. Jane hasn’t figured that out yet!

Can you tell us a bit more about how the witches work? Also, are we ever going to see where Jane lives?
Second question first. Mercy Blade opens in Jane’s apartment in the Appalachian Mountains. Raven Cursed takes place in the Appalachian Mountains. But Jane is growing and changing, and is a woman without a true home, for now. When she finds her home, her true home, then I can share with everyone. Right now, I’m in the dark too!
Witches are going to explained a lot better in Raven Cursed, and we get to see the working of a full coven, which is always at least five witches. There can be fewer witches in a working group, as long the non-witches have some gift, or awareness of power. Such people can be used as power sinks or to funnel power through to but for a big working, you always need five. And for the biggest workings and the best strongest covens, one needs one witch of each major power: water, air, stone (mineral), earth, moon are the most common, but there are also a few fire witches, and a very few rare others.

Bruiser and Rick are both love interests for Jane. Is the choice she made at the end of Blood Cross final? Is there still hope for the other guy?
As Beast says, “Big cats do not mate for life.”
Jane is never going to be an easy woman to love or to live with. I think she will always have rocky relationships. Hope for another guy? Heck yes! And her Beast reeeeeally likes Bruiser and Leo.

Is there yet a release date for the 4th book, Raven Cursed?
Nothing is written in stone yet. I hope for an early release. Keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks so much for being here today, Faith.
It was and is my pleasure!

You can learn more about Faith on her site.

Giveaway
I have one copy of Mercy Blade to giveaway.
US only / Ends January 11th.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

Interview + Giveaway: Linda Robertson

Arcane Circle, the 4th Persephone Alcmedi books will be released on the 28th of this months. Today we have the author is here answering some questions.

After facing down the forces of Fairy in mortal combat, Persephone Alcmedi still must deal with the aftermath. Not only does Seph now possess deadly secrets she must hide from the arcane and mundane world alike, but the dozens of magical creatures who’ve taken up residence behind her cornfield need food and shelter, and there’s still her foster daughter Beverly’s tenth birthday party to plan.

And that’s not all. . . . Seph’s boyfriend Johnny has revealed himself as the wærewolf Domn Lup, and the ruler of the wære world is en route from Romania to make sure Johnny really is the “king” he claims to be. But Johnny’s hiding a dangerous secret: his magic is locked in his mysterious tattoos. He and Seph must find a way for him to reclaim it—fast—despite those who have no intention of letting Johnny gain his full powers. Seph knows that, in the arcane world, strength is always a necessity and power must be constantly proven, but how far is she willing to go to succeed . . . and at what cost?

How many hours a day do you dedicate to writing? Do you write in a specific place?
It depends on the day. If its a snow day and the boys are home from school (we just had 2 in a row...sigh) I got zero hours of writing in. When they get to ride the big yellow bus, however, I write at least 3 hours a day but usually more like 6 hours, and then I pick up an hour or two in the evening once dinner and the homework checking is complete.

Do you have any new projects in the works?
I am working on book five of the Persephone Alcmedi series. I reworked an old manuscript in between books four and five, but I'm still not sure its ready for others to see it. :-)

If you could hang out with one of your characters, which one would you pick?

Johnny. Wait, maybe Menessos. I could say Nana, but she's so much like my mom and my aunts that I feel like I hang out with her anyway.

What can you tell us about Arcane Circle?

Sometimes, searching for the past leaves a head-slap on the present.

We know that Persephone is the Lustrata. What exactly does that mean? How long has it been since there was one?

Well, everyone thinks they know. The witches have their idea. The waeres have theirs. Even the vampires have a take on that legend. Persephone's going to find out first hand and, if you keep reading, you will too. In the mythos, the last Lustrata lived a about two thousand and thirty-some years ago.

It seems like little by little Persephone has to deal with more and more problems. Is this going to escalate as more people find out she's the Lustrata? How many people know?
Oh yes. (Mwahahahahaha!) The big-wigs of the witches, waeres and vamps all know, but aren't sure what to do, if anything should be done, etc. That starts unfolding more in book five.

After the events of Fatal Circle, do the witches hold a grudge? Is persephone going to have any allies there?
Some do and some don't. To say more would point to spoilers I have planned for future books.

In Arcane Circle we finally get to meet some powerful werewolves. How do they feel about Johnny being the Domn Lup?
Alpha's don't like to share power. Some out of nowhere wannabe-rockstar suddenly appearing and claiming to be the Domn Lup and take a big piece of their pie? Yeah, they are NOT happy.

After everything we've learn about Menessos, he still feels like a big mystery. Are there going to be any surprises in that front? Can you tell us anything new about him?
Behind the vampires is a mystery that Persephone will have to unravel slowly. As for Menessos...well, he might be dead. Hee hee.

One on the things I liked the most about Fatal Circle was the introduction of the elementals. What is going to happen to them? Can you give us any kind of information about them?

They play a big role in the theme of Arcane Circle. There's a lot of construction, a lot of change going on at the farmhouse in order for Seph to keep them safely. They'll be around a while; they have much to do as her destiny unfolds.

Thanks so much for being here today, Linda.

Aww, my pleasure! Thank you for having me!

You can learn more about the author on her site.

Linda is also giving away a signed copy of Arcane Circle.
International
Ends on December 31st.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

Extra entries:
+ 1 Comment
+3 Old followers
+2 New followers
+1 Tweet
+1 Facebook/Twitter Follower
+3 Blog post

Giveaway: $50 CSN Stores Gift Card

Today you can win a $50 CSN Stores gift certificate that you can use in one of their 200 + stores to buy all sorts of things like a bookcase, a suitcase, tables, lamps, desks and many other things.

The only thing you have to do is fill out the form.

US/Canada Only
Ends on November 25th.

Extra Entries:
+2 Old follower
+1 New follower
+1 Tweet

* Winner will be chosen through random.org

Review + Giveaway: Play of Passion by Nalini Singh

Title: Play of Passion
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy/Changeling #9
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:

In his position as tracker for the SnowDancer pack, it’s up to Drew Kincaid to rein in rogue changelings who have lost control of their animal halves—even if it means killing those who have gone too far. But nothing in his life has prepared him for the battle he must now wage to win the heart of a woman who makes his body ignite…and who threatens to enslave his wolf.

Lieutenant Indigo Riviere doesn’t easily allow skin privileges, especially of the sensual kind—and the last person she expects to find herself craving is the most wickedly playful male in the den. Everything she knows tells her to pull back before the flames burn them both to ash…but she hasn’t counted on Drew’s will.

Now, two of SnowDancer’s most stubborn wolves find themselves playing a hot, sexy game even as lethal danger stalks the very place they call home…

In the latest installment of the Psy/Changeling series we have the story of two members of the Snowdancer pack: Indigo and Andrew. Most of the book happens in the wolf pack territory and we finally get to meet most of the lieutenants and see how their hierarchy works.

As for the main couple, the thing I liked the most was how none of them were perfect, they both made mistakes. It was interesting seeing the dynamics between the two of them, especially since Indigo is a very strong dominant female and Andrew works outside the pack hierarchy plus almost nobody takes him seriously. These two make a very entertaining pair, and even though they go through some rough patches, at the end all of it was worth it.

We get some updates on other characters like Judd and Brenna (whose book is still my favourite of the whole series) and more importantly Sienna and Hawke. It was great reading the interactions between Sienna and Andrew, you can really see a new side of both characters and Andrew was really sweet. As for Hawke, I don't even know where to start with him but I think everyone who reads this book will see that his patience is at an end.

This is definitely a lighter book than the previous ones where we also find out some great new information like what happens when you finally find your mate but then you realize she/he already has a significant other.

This was a great addition to the series that gets you hooked from page one. Now I can't wait to read Hawke's book, I think almost everyone who has read this series is waiting for his book!


Memorable Lines:

"Is that leopard boy ... what's his name" - Andrew pretended to think - "that's right, Kit. Is Kit treating you right?" He murmured the question at a volume Hawke was certain to overhear, knowing full well he was throwing the cat among the pigeons.
"Drew," Sienna pulled back, fisting a hand on his chest. Her eyes sparked fire at him, and for an instant he could almost see through the dark brown of her contact lenses and to the night-sky eyes beyond. White stars on a spread of black velvet, it was said that the eyes of a cardinal Psy reflected the stark, sprawling beauty of the PsyNet.
Leaning down, he kissed her other cheek and - dropping his voice low enough that it would skate under even his alpha's acute hearing - said, "Give him hell, sweetheart. Then come tell me about it."

Previous Books:
1. Slave to Sensation
2. Visions of Heat
3. Caressed by Ice
4. Mine to Possess
5. Hostage to Pleasure
6. Branded by Fire
7. Blaze of Memory
8. Bonds of Justice - Review

Next Book:
10. Kiss of Snow (June 2011)

Rating:

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.


Giveaway:

To win a copy of Play of Passion all you have to do is fill out the form.
US/Canada Only
Ends on November 8th.

Extra Entries:
+1 New follower
+2 Old follower
+1 Comment on this review
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Giveaway: $45 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

Today you can win a $45 CSN Stores gift certificate that you can use in one of they're 200 + stores to buy all sorts of things like a bookcase, a drop leaf table, lamps, desks and many other things.

The only thing you have to do is fill out the FORM.

US/Canada Only
Ends on October 27th.

* Winner will be chosen through random.org

Guest Author + Giveaway: Jennifer Estep

First, I want to thank Jennifer Estep for being today in the blog. Her next release, Venom, goes out the 28th and you can read my review of the book here.
Also, check out the end of the post for an international giveaway of Venom.

Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to say thanks to Arantza for having me on the blog today. Thanks, Arantza!

Some of you might know me as the author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals - Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.

The first two books in the series are Spider’s Bite and Web of Lies. Venom, the third book, is coming out on Sept. 28. Tangled Threads, the fourth book, will be published in May 2011, while the fifth book (untitled) will be released in October 2011.

I’ve also sold a young adult urban fantasy series called Mythos Academy. The first book is called Touch of Frost and will be out in August 2011. The books focus on Gwen Frost, a Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen finds herself shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendents of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, and more.

So today I thought I would talk a little bit about where I get the ideas for my books. It’s always a popular question with readers. The truth? I get my ideas from just about everywhere.

Books, movies, TV shows, real life, my own overactive imagination. News stories, sound bites, songs, the way someone talks or walks or laughs. They all can spark an idea. For example, many times when I’m watching a TV show or movie, I’ll put myself in the place of one of the characters - or imagine what would happen if a completely new character was introduced. How would the other characters react? How would the relationships change? How would the hero defeat the bad guy - or not?

I call this kind of brainstorming the “what if” game. What if this happened? What if that happened? How would the rest of the story play out? I think “what if” is one of the most inspiring thoughts that a writer can have. To write a book, I think you have to wonder “what if …”

So where did I get the idea for my Elemental Assassin series? Well, I’ve always loved reading about assassin characters, especially in fantasy books. But I started noticing that a lot of the assassins that I would come across in books were, well, whiny. And angsty. And extremely conflicted about being an assassin. It always seemed to me like there was a simple solution to this problem - to just quit being an assassin. But of course, the characters that I read about didn’t seem to consider this - they just kept on being whiny and angsty and conflicted.

So one day, I thought “what if …” there was an assassin who wasn’t so whiny and angsty? What if there was a heroine who was okay with all the bloody, violent things she had to do to survive? What if there was a heroine who was actually one of the good guys in her own dark and twisted way? With that idea, Gin Blanco and the city of Ashland were born.

I’m three books into the Elemental Assassin series now, with two more on the way, and the ideas for several more rattling around in my brain. So I think it was a pretty cool “what if” moment to have. ;-)

What about you guys? Where do you get your inspirations from? What are some of your favorite urban fantasy and paranormal romance books right now?

You can find out more about Jennifer at her site.


Giveaway:

You can win a copy of Venom by Jennifer Estep.
All you have to do is answer Jennifer's question and fill out the form.
Following is optional.
Open Internationally.
Ends September 30th.

Extra entries:

+4 Old follower
+2 New follower
+1 Tweet
+1 Facebook fan
+1 NetworkedBlogs follower
+1 Twitter follower
+1 Any other way you spread the word (Max. 4)

Giveaway Last Call: $50 CSN Stores Gift Card

You only have a few hours left to enter the $50 CSN Stores giftcard giveaway.
Remember, you get an extra entry if you're a follower.
Fill out the form here.

Giveaway: Another $50 CSN Stores GC

So, after the previous success of the gift certificate giveaway, I was offered the oportunity of doing another one, and of course I accepted.
As you know, CSN has more than 200 stores in which you can buy many different things like bookcases, desks, kitchen tables, lamps, etc.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is fill out the form.


US/Canada Only
Followers get an extra entry.
Ends on September 15th.




You can also fill it out here.

* Winner will be chosen through random.org

Giveaway: $50 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

Today I have a great giveaway for you.
CSN , that has more than 200 stores, is offering a $50 gift certificate for one lucky winner, so he/she can buy anything they want from their site: desks, bookcases, table lamps, bikes and many other things.


The only thing you have to do is fill out the FORM.

US/Canada Only
Ends on July 28th.

* Winner will be chosen through random.org

Review + Giveaway: Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

Title: Bonds of Justice
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy/Changeling #8
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: July 6, 2010
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner…


Nalini Singh is one of my favourite authors, so I was very happy when I got the opportunity to review this book. I was a little hesitant when I heard that the main couple was going to be a human/psy pairing, but Nalini makes it work beautifully.

We met Max in Mine to Possess, where he helped Tally and Clay find the missing Forgotten children. He's a cop with the special "ability" of having a shield psy can't penetrate, which means they can't influence him.
He ends up working a case with Sophia Russo, a Justice psy who is very close to breaking Silence, and being rehabilitated permanently.

Sophia is a very interesting character. With her, we learn a lot more about Psy society and some very well kept secrets. She's very brave, and while she knows she doesn't have a lot of time left, she's convinced to make the best of it, especially when she meets Max. Her ability reminded me of Faith's one, the Forseer, and some of the consequences of their abilities, such as having nightmares, are the same in both of them.
Max is a clever, competent cop with a firm sense of justice. He has some issues with his past which makes it difficult for him to get close to anyone. Sophia gets under his defences and he tries to deal with the feelings she evoques in him plus all the problems those feelings can bring up. I really liked the way their relationship developed and how they took thier time with each other.

A few loved characters come back in this book. Sasha & Lucas have to deal with Nikita plus we learn more about Sasha's abilities. We see a little bit of Faith, Clay and Tally, while they try to help Max & Sophia and I know there are a lot of Kaleb fans out there, so all I'll say about him is that after I read the book, I had a lot more questions than before. I wished I could have seen more of the wolves, but I guess I'll have to wait for Indigo's book for that.

The plot moved along nicely. It was interesting seeing the inside of Nikita's bussiness operations while trying to figure out who was targeting her people. The world the author created is fascinating as usual and I love how in each new book we find out a little more about it. The plot arc kept advancing in this book and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds in the next 2 books.

All in all, this was a great entry of the Psy/Changeling series with a great romance and an interesting mystery, and while some parts of the end seemed a little too convenient, I really enjoyed this book. Now I can't wait to get my hands on Indigo's book, 6 months seems like such a long time!


Memorable Lines:

"Do you think," he said, slamming the door on those memories, "that Sasha is flawed?"

"It doesn't matter what I think, only what Councilor Duncan believes."

"You didn't strike me as a coward, Sophia."

Utter stillness. "What is it you want from me?" It was an outwardly calm question, but he was certain he heard a bewildered vulnerability beneath the surface.

It made him feel like a bastard. "I'm just trying to know who you are." And why she spoke to a part of him that had gone quiet a long, long time ago.

"Nobody," she said, her tone so flat, he could've imagined the soft-voiced woman who'd told him his nightmares would pass. "I'm nobody."


Next Book:
Play of Passion - Psy/Changeling #9 - November 2, 2010.


Rating: 1/2



* Thanks so much to the publisher and Nalini's publicist for providing me with a review copy plus one copy for the giveaway.

Giveaway

I have one copy of Bonds of Justice to giveaway to a lucky winner.
To enter all you have to do is fill out this FORM and answer this question in the comments: Which one of Nalini's books or couples is your favourite? Why? And if you haven't read any of her books yet, which of all her books sounds best to you?
US/Canada Only
Ends on July 6th.

Interview: Chloe Neill + Giveaway

Today, Fiction Kingdom is having it's first interview. Our first guest is Chloe Neill.

Hi Chloe, thanks for being here today.

Hi, Arantza! Thanks for having me!

- Do you have a specific time & place for writing?

I have a day job, so I usually write in the evenings before bed, usually in bed with my laptop while the dogs settle
down.

- What do you do when you need to disconnect from writing the books?

I stop writing altogether! After I've finished a deadline, I'll usually spend a month or two not writing at all. I find I
really need the time to do something else--return to the world, I guess.

- What project are you working on right now? Can you give us a few details?

I'm about to start editing HEXBOUND, the second book in my Dark Elite series. It's a really fun novel with a lot of fun "DIY" magic, and it will be released in January 2011. I'm also writing the fourth book in my Chicagoland Vampires series, which will probably be released in July 2011.

- Since Merit was changed into a vampire in Book 1 her friendship with Mallory has seen a few rocky moments. How is that going to affect their friendship? Are they going to have more problems now that Merit is living with the vampires?

I think all the character are learning to evolve and adapt because of their circumstances. Becoming a vampire--and one of Ethan's vampires--has definitely been a big change for Merit. Mallory has her magic to deal with, as well as Catcher, who's a handful on his own. I certainly hope that they can learn to work through the big changes in their lives and maintain their relationship.

- One of my favourite characters has always been Jeff. Are we going to find out more about him in Book 3?

Thanks! I love Jeff, as well. We might, possibly, meet Jeff's love interest in TWICE BITTEN. But that's all I'm saying! :)

- In the first 2 books shapeshifters were only mention (apart from Jeff). Is that because vampires and shapeshifters don't get along? Or maybe the vampires don't care about them?

Vamps and shifters didn't get along, due to some events in their past. But they also have very different attitudes about the world; vamps are very political, and shifters don't like politics. Vampires think shifters are lazy, and shifters think vampires are drama queens. But changing circumstances sometimes require enemies to rethink their positions.

- What can you tell is about Gabriel Keene, the shapeshifter leader?

He's tall, handsome, devoted to his wife, and very much an alpha male. :)

- There is a big difference between Merit's grandfather and the rest of her family. Is there a familial conflict in the horizon?

Where Chuck and Joshua Merit are concerned, there's always a conflict on the horizon. But as events escalate in Chicago, I think we'll definitely see them come to a head.

- After reading the books, everyone seems to choose a favourite between Catcher and Ethan (I personally prefer Jeff). Why do you think they're so popular?

Personally, I like Catcher because he's very confident in who and what he is, and while he definitely has a sense of humor, he's not going to change himself for anyone. Ethan, although he's sometimes an insensitive lout, has a very strong sense of protection for his vampires. He must learn, of course, how to deal with his affections for one particular vampire. We'll see if he can rise to the challenge.

- Is Celina going to give trouble soon?

Absolutely. We spend a lot of time in TWICE BITTEN learning about shifters, but trouble is definitely on the horizon, and Celina's right in the middle of it.

- Have we seen the end of Merit's relationship with Morgan? Is he going to fight for her?

Oooh, definitely can't answer that one. Folks will have to read TWICE BITTEN to find out!

Thanks so much for having me today!


Thanks again to Chloe for being here today.

Twice Bitten it's the 3rd book of the Chicagonland Vampires series and will be released on July 6th.

She's also giving away a swag pack of Twice Bitten to a commenter.
All you have to do is comment on this post.
Want an extra entry? Then follow this blog and/or tweet about the interview (leave a link on your comment).

I'll announce the winner this sunday, June 13th.
US/ Canada Only

International Contest Sunday

Book Love Affair is having a 250 follower giveaway. If you win you can choose a book from her 10 most creative reviewed books.
Ends on 8th May.
Enter here.



Book Faery is having a 140 follower giveaway. You could win a signed copy of Skinwalker and Blood Cross by Faith Hunter + a book of choice. The second winner gets a book from her list.
Ends on 14th May.
Enter here.




In Which A Girl Reads is having a 600 followers giveaway. One winner will get Willow by Julie Hoban and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.
Ends on 17th April.
Enter here.



I Was A Teenage Book Geek is having a 300 follower contest. You can win three books from her list.
Ends in 6th April.
Enter here.



The Bookologist is having a YA box contest. One winner will get to choose a box that includes 4 ARCs.
This ends on April 26th.
Enter here.



Stories & Sweeties is having a 75 followers giveaway. One winner gets to pick 2 books from the 3 available that are The Reckoning, Whisper and The Clearing and a 2nd winner gets the remaining title.
Ends on April 20th.
Enter here.



Escape In A Book is having a 300 followers contest. One winner will get The Body Finder and another winner will get Rising Shadow.
Ends on April 30th.
Enter here.



Spellbound by Books is having a almost 100 followers giveaway. One winner will get Gone by Lisa McMann and another winner will get Hunger bt Michael Grant.
This ends on April 8th.
Enter here.



21 Pages is having a giveaway in which the 1st winner gets to choose 3 books from her 30+ book list, the second 2 and the third 1.
Ends on May 1st.
Enter here.



The Undercover Book Lover is having a pick your publisher contest. There are 7 prize packs, one for each publisher, and in each of them there are 3 ARCs. One winner will get to pick the pack he/she wants.
This ends on April 22nd.
Enter here.



In Bed With Books is having a blogiversary contest. The winner will get The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams by Rhonda Hayter (ARC), Hex Hall (ARC) + some swag.
Ends on April 19th.
Enter here.



Obsessed! is having a 21 book giveaway. 3 winners will get 7 books each from her list. The more you comment on her blog, the more chances to win.
This ends on June 15th.
Enter here.



Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm is having a "can I be your fairy" contest. One winner gets to pick 12 books from her list (Shade, White Cat, Mistwood...).
Ends on April 25th.
Enter here.



Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick is having a 113 follower giveaway. One winner will get Boys That Bite, Stake That! and Girls That Growl by Mari Mancusi + some swag and another winner will get Undead And Unwelcome by MaryJanice Davidson + some swag.
Ends on April 25th.
Enter here.



Writen Word Review is giving away a signed copy of Heist Society by Ally Carter.
This ends on April 12th.
Enter here.




Confessions of a Wandering Heart is giving away a copy of Hourglass by Claudia Gray.
This ends on April 15th.
Enter here.



Steph Su Reads is giving away The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez + some swag for 4 other winners.
Ends on April 23rd.
Enter here.



Mysteries and My Musings is giving away a copy of Maids Of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke.
Ends on April 8th.
Enter here.





Asamum Reads is giving away 4 ARC's: The Bad Tuesday's Blood Alchemy, Dead In The Family, Philippa Fisher And The Stone Fairys Promise and The Incredible Luck Of Alfie Puck.
This ends on April 11th.
Enter here.




Katie's Book Blog is giving away an ARC of Linger and some random swag.
This ends on April 30th.
Enter here.



Jojo's Book Corner is having a 200 blog follower giveaway. You could win a book of your choice as long as it's under 8$.
Ends on April 21st.
Enter here.

More International Giveaways

Here are a few international giveaways:


Midnight Glance is having a 50 followers contest. She's giving away your choice out of 10 books.
It ends on April 1st.
Enter here.



Pure Imagination is giving away a copy of Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles.
This ends on April 13th, which is the date of the US release of the book.
Enter here.



Tales of the Ravenous Reader is having a March Madness book contest. You could win Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson or The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan.
This ends on March 31st.
Enter here.



Urban Fantasy Blog is giving away a choice of Shadowglass, The Body Finder or Warriors.
This ends on March 28th.
Enter here.



Hey! Teenager is having a massive book giveaway. You can pick 2 books from her list plus win some swag.
It ends on April 30th.
Enter here.



The Raving Readers are giving away 3 copies of Demonkeepers by Jessica Andersen.
This ends on April 1st.
Enter here.




Parajunkie's View is having a 666 followers contest. You can win 2 books from her list (all of the books have demons in them) or instead a 10$ amazon giftcard.
Ends on April 20th.
Enter here.


The Book Junkie's Bookshelf is giving away the New Moon DVD and The Blind Side DVD.
This contest ends on April 1st.
Enter here.



Book Blab is having a 300 follower contest. She's giving away a 50$ credit for The Book Depository, a copy of the super secret YA novel and a book from her book pile.
This ends on May 4th.
Enter here.



Juiciliciousss Reviews is having a Random Big Giveaway. There will be 2 winners and each will get a box full of YA novels (they'll receive around 8 or 9 books).
This contest ends on April 21st.
Enter here.