Fire

Review Time! Recently Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore was released and that got me thinking about how much I enjoyed Graceling yet I haven't read Fire! SO I dropped everything on my review pile and decided to pick up Fire and actually read it instead of just looking at the cover. Probably one of the smartest things I've ever done. Fire was amazing. Read on for a full review!

(Goodreads) It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there’s more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren’t afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

The Short Story? - This is high fantasy at it's best! Fire was breathtakingly amazing. What a phenomenal novel! I loved Graceling but it's got nothing on Fire! The plot was brilliant, it was unpredictable, filled with twists and turns and jaw-dropping curveballs that kept you entertained. Fire was an amazing character, brave, smart, kind and very likeable. I practically devoured the book. This is definitely one of those books that grips onto you and doesn't let go. You might lose sleep!

The Long Story? - What you need to know is that Graceling and Fire are companion novels. In fact Fire has nothing to do with Graceling besides that they're set in the same world. Fire is set like years before Graceling so in a way it's kinda like a prequel. I didn't think it was possible for me to enjoy Fire anymore than I enjoyed Graceling but I did! The plot was very complex, clearly Cashore has planned it because everything weaves nicely together. Cashore has this very sneaky way of pitching curveballs at readers just as we are getting comfortable with the story. So many secrets were dropped during this novel, each bigger and better than the previous. I love how unpredictable Fire is! I love how it draw so many emotions out of me, I cried, I laughed, I got angry, I got sad - a truly magnificent roller coaster ride! The romance was also  an appealing factor because it wasn't the main focus but a nice little tagline.

The characterisation was just amazing! Fire is probably one of my favourite heroines to have encountered in YA fiction. She's brave, kind-hearted, smart and easy to connect with. She's constantly fighting with her own conscious and her ability to invade other people's minds. She's scared that she will become her father and her troubles just seem so real and readers can connect with Fire through them. I also like how Cashore is very open about Fire's beauty. It's not one of those novels where characters are referred to as "causally attractive" or something. Fire is a great beauty and her looks are one of her weapons. Archer, I grew really close to Archer through this novel and I was sad to see that Fire and Archer didn't end up together. He's protectiveness was really cute and his personality was so sweet. Brigan, initially I didn't think much of him but over the course of the novel, he really grew on me - he ended up being one of my favourite characters of the novel. There are so many great characters in Fire and I wish I could discuss them all but I can't - just now it's an amazing cast of characters that you will grow very fond of.

Fire isn't a recent release but for those of you who haven't read it - it's definitely worth going back and reading this absolutely amazing jewel. Probably one of those few books that I've ever read that were completely satisfying. I can't find fault in this novel. Cashore work is flawless and I highly commend her story-telling abilities. This is one of those novels that you are sure to love. You don't want to miss out! TRUST ME!

What's it Worth - BREAK OUT THE PIGGYBANK ( Buy your mum a copy too!)


Badass Bookie xx

Disharmony

Review Time! Disharmony by Leah Giarratano is an Australian 2012 YA Debut. Released on the 23rd of May, the novel is available for purchase at Fishpond | The Nile |  Booktopia! If anyone is looking for an fantastic Aussie YA - definitely check out Disharmony! Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) A psychopath... an empath... a genius. 

Three siblings who will save the world – or destroy it.
They know nothing of each other. They know nothing of the Telling. 
But they’ll need to learn fast if they’re going to survive...

A gripping new series about a collision of worlds, the power of destiny, and the darkness in us all...

The Short Story? - A novel that will satisfy both male and female readers of all ages! Giarratano has brought back YA fiction without the heavy romance tag-a-long. A very appealing plot and a solid ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this "out of the ordinary" debut! Told from alternative perspectives, the novel gives a brilliant insight into two very different lifestyles and craftily intertwines the lives of two very different teenagers. If you're looking for a supernatural read with unique approach Disharmony will please!

The Long Story? - I went into the novel not known what to expect and I finished the novel feeling really satisfied with what I've read. Giarratano's YA debut is definitely something different and unique. The plot is quite complex and really weaves the supernatural with the ordinary. The whole story revolves around these three siblings the Psychopath, the Empath and the Genius. These sibling save the power to change the world for the better and the worse. The novel was quite slow moving, a little too much world-building and character-building I think. It's good that Giarratano's put so much effort into settling readers comfortably into this world of fiction she's created but the pace was just slightly too slow. There wasn't much action for the majority but it finished really strong. I loved the ending and especially the cliff hanger it kind of finished upon. Definitely one I can recommend to both male and female readers because romance is far from the storyline. I enjoyed it, there was room for improvement but overall a solid debut!

The characterisation was very well done. Maybe a little too well done with the slow pace but nevertheless the novel offered plenty of opportunities to connect with the characters. Disharmony is told from alternating perspectives of the Psychopath - Luke and the Empath - Samantha who are twins that were separated from birth. The twins knew nothing of each other until 3/4 of the way through the book and they lived very different lifestyles. I loved how Giarratano has built up this wonderful gypsy world for Sam to grow up in and this harsh, brutal Juvenile Detention centre upbringing for Luke. It really fits their whole Psychopath and Empath take. Luke doesn't seem like a Psychopath to me, he has high tolerance of bullying and pain but to me he seems like a slightly disturbed nice kid. I'm keen to see where Giarratano takes him in the sequel. Sam is lovely, very compassionate and she holds her family and friends close. We didn't meet the Genius until the very end and he still remains a mystery but from what I can see, Giarratano will undoubtedly develop his characters very well as well!

All in all, it was a very strong debut. There were aspects such as the pace that I didn't like but the majority of the novel was fantastic. I loved the world-building, I loved the unique plot and I love the characters. Giarratano has debuted into the YA market with a remarkable novel that's bother original and compelling. Even slow pace I found it very hard to put the novel down! One to put on your radar - Disharmony will appeal to readers of all ages and sexes.

What's it Worth? - Squeeze Into Your Budget/ Hand Over Your Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #48

It's that time of the week! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents of our mailbox with the rest of the bookish blogosphere! I mentioned two weeks ago that I'm not getting involved in all this drama and since Kristi formally apologised this week - I've put the whole thing WAY WAY WAY behind me!

Two Week Hurl ( Since I only participate every Fortnight!)

For Review - 

ARC Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff 

Changeling by Philippa Gregory

The Friendship Matchmaker Goes Undercover by Randa Abdel Rattah

Fated by Alyson Noel ( Finished Copy - Swap?)

Sirenz Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman + Swag + Chocolate Coins ( which I ate)

Thanks to Jay, Simon and Schuster, Scholastic, Pan Macmillan and Charlotte! <3 <3 <3

Gifted/Won -

In Honor by Jesse Kirby

One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons + Postcards!

Thanks to Em @ Sash and Em, Sarah ( my awesome motherly figure who think I'm beautiful) @Saz101 and Kristen Simmons ( who is just THAT lovely!)

I also got - 

AN AWESOME GOODIE BACK FROM HACHETTE AUSTRALIA

It contains -

ARC Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin 

Some Pretty Awesome Swag

An Adorkable Tote Bah

Thank-you Hachette <3 You truly SPOIL me <3


Link me!

Badass Bookie xx

The Hunger ( But Mainly Death) Game

Review Time! I normally don't accept review requests because of all the unsolicited review copies I receive and my out-of-control review pile but I could never reject a parody. The Hunger ( But Mainly Death) Games by Bratniss Everclean is a parody of the bestselling The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Thank-you to the authors for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Mockstrich season has begun. Welcome to "The Hunger But Mainly Death Games," the hilarious Hunger Games parody, and the only book brave enough to suggest that Suzanne Collins's epic trilogy was way more about death than food.
Or at least this is what Bratniss Everclean discovers, when she leaves the comforts of Slum 12, Pandumb’s garbage dump, to shortsightedly volunteer for a teenage death tournament. But she soon realizes there are fates worse than death…like weirdly having to date her fellow competitor, and lifelong stalker, Pita Malarkey. Okay, okay, it’s not worse than DEATH, but it’s still pretty annoying.
Still, with help from her agent Oofie Triptrip and her mentor, Hagridmitch, who’s pretty sure he can guide Bratniss to victory in the Tri-Wizard Cup, maybe Bratniss will somehow survive this book that she’s the narrator of. 

The Short Story? - This wasn't my cup of tea. I love a good humorous read but this is not my type of humour. The authors have the right idea but honestly I found I'm a little too old for toilet and hygiene sense humour. The novel wasn't badly written but with it wasn't easy to connect with the characters especially when I couldn't take them seriously. Honestly - it's a no go for me :(

The Long Story? - I really wanted to like this book but I didn't. There were parts that I did like but overall I wasn't impressed! The plot is didn't appeal to me, I know it's meant to be funny and stupid ( it's a parody after all!) but I didn't like it. Maybe I'm too serious for this kind of book? I love my parodies but maybe I like the Hunger Games too much to truly appreciate this? The plot was just more silly than funny and the writing was hard to slip into. This could because there were multiple authors or whatnot but it was so hard to connect with Bratniss and I understand connection isn't what the authors are looking for but I've read so many great YA books, humorous ones and this one just didn't seem polished enough. I just found it a little....lacking and maybe even a little childish? I was expecting it to be a more developed plot and it didn't measure up! Characterisation was much of the same as the plot. I didn't really feel for the characters. Bratniss wasn't a well developed character and I found that was more or less the same with the other characters in the novel.

The novel JUST wasn't my cup of tea. I've looked at other reviews of the book and there are many people who enjoyed it! Lots of people found it hilarious but I guess I just wasn't one of them :( It's not my cup of tea but it might be yours!


What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget


Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About The Vicious Deep + Giveaway ( Int'l)

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Book Profile

Name - The Vicious Deep (Goodreads)
Author - Zoraida Cordova
Genre - Uran Fantasy
Release Date - 1st May 2012
Available - The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. 

Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.

Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back. 

 

The Insider's Scoop

A Little about the Setting of The Vicious Deep. 

Coney Island : A Background

~Giveaway~

Zoraida is giving away a Swag Pack ( including Stickers, a TVD pin, a Coney Island key chain, and some bookmarks )

Rule of Entry -

- International
- Ends 24th of June
- Must be 13 or older
- Optional Entries :
  * Leaving comment on either of Zoraida's posts +1 each
  * Follow Me on Twitter +1
  * Follow Zoraida on Twitter +1
  * Tweeting Giveaway +1
  * Follow Badass Bookie +2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Zoraida Cordova ( The Vicious Deep)

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Debutante Profile

Name - Zoraida Cordova
Debut - The Vicious Deep
Genre - Urban Fantasy
Website - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she learned to speak English by watching Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker on repeat. Her favorite things are sparkly like merdudes, Christmas, and New York City at night.

Dream Debutante Dress -  My debutante dress is going to be this Elie Saab dress. Mermaid inspired! 

Notes from a YA Debutante

7 Truths and 3 Lies with Zoraida....

- My middle name is Aracely.

- I own a pillow with Orlando Bloom's face from Pirates of the Carribean. 

- My favorite flower is the orchid.

- I broke my nose during a bar fight. 

- I'm 24.

- I work at a stripclub.

- I have a dog named Arthur

- My favorite colors are blue, pink, and glitter anything. 

- I used to live in Tennessee .

- I love whiskey. 

( Which ones are the truths? And which ones are the lies? O_O)

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Bookie's Note: Ourrrrrr second debutante for May is Zoraida Cordova ( Not going to lie - I had to check just then to see if I got the spelling right...) This 7 truths and 3 lies thingie is so much. My guess is that you you've never lived in Tennessee, you're NOT 24 ( pffft - obviously you're only 21) and you don't work in a strip club ( the last one just seems too out there!). WHAT ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE O_O? BTW, come back tomorrow for the second half of Z's feature + a giveaway!

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Gilt + Giveaway ( Int'l)

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Book Profile

Name - Gilt  (Goodreads)
Author - Katherine Longshore
Genre - Historical
Release Date - 15th May 2012
Available - The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile

In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free--and love comes at the highest price of all. 

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

The Insider's Scoop

1.     GILT was originally titled CAT’S SHADOW. This was the most exciting title I could think of. Give me 80,000 words and I'm good, but 1 to 5? No way. My brilliant agent thought of GILT, which suits the book perfectly.

2.     I cut two characters, fifty pages and two years of history from my first draft. That brought total page count down to 450. Then I revised. A lot.  I tend to write long and kill my darlings later.

3.     One of the characters in the book is based on an ex-boyfriend.

4.     I knew from the beginning that the two Catherines in the book would be called Cat and Kitty. Their nicknames suited their characters, and I loved the idea that they were drawn to each other because they had so much in common.  Like, a name.

5.     I love throwing little historical nods and asides into my books. They’re a bit obscure, but make me laugh.

~Giveaway~

Katherine is giving away a Signed ( and Personalised) Finished copy of Gilt

Rule of Entry -

- International 

- Ends 22nd of June

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

   * Leaving comment on either of Katherine's posts +1 each

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1

   * Follow Katherine on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie +2

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Katherine Longshore (Gilt)

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Debutante Profile

Name - Katherine Longshore
Debut - Gilt
Genre - Historical
Website - HERE

Blog - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Katherine Longshore grew up on the northern California coast.  At university, she created her own major in Cross-Cultural Studies and Communications, planning to travel and write.  Forever.  Four years, six continents and countless pairs of shoes later, she went to England for two weeks, stayed five years and discovered history.  She now lives in California with her husband, two children and a sun-worshiping dog.

Dream Debutante Dress -  I don't have one, more's the pity!

Notes from a YA Debutante

Facts About Katherine-

·      I've circumnavigated the world. Twice. Once on board a ship.

·      I'm a trained and certified Montessori preschool teacher.

·      My first historical love is Richard the III.

·      I have the worst of the direction of anyone I've ever met. No, scratch that, I have two friends who are        worse than me. But I can't go anywhere new without having to make at least one U-turn.

·      I dream in colour.

·      I'm a horrible coffee snob.  I blame it on working at an Italian-style espresso bar while in college.

·      When I'm having a bad day, I watch Grey's Anatomy. Compared to that, every day is a good day.

·      I love to talk to other writers about their writing. There's nothing more fun than watching someone get lit up by their own creation.

·      My favorite day of the week is Thursday.

·      I haven’t watched The Tudors.

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Bookie's Note: I apologize for having to push Debut of the Month back a week, the last few weeks have been pretty hectic, I had nine exams in four days and then all the study leading up to exams... Anyway! Our first Debutant of May Katherine Longshore just celebrated her book launch on Saturday night! Katherine, I'm very jealous about your circumnavigation adventures - you must tell me about them one day! AND YOU DREAM IN COLOUR? O_O I *think* I do too except I can't really remember, no I think I do...haha! Guys, the lovely Katherine is stopping by again tomorrow for the insider's scoop and a giveaway! 

Badass Bookie xx

Team Human

Review Time! It's good to be back to regular blogging schedule, I have a whole bunch books I need to read and review! AND I'm THREE books behind on my Goodreads challenge which makes me really really sad :'( Anyway, Team Human is the most recent novel written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC! Purchase your copy at Fishpond!

(Goodreads) When a vampire shows up at Mel’s high school, it’s up to Mel to keep her best friend from falling in love with him. Add a mysterious disappearance, a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and poignant.

The Short Story? - Team Human is a highly original YA novel! Two of the most brilliant YA authors have come together to write one heck of a novel! A brilliant plot that antagonises vampires ( hey! that's different!), a romance tagline that's completely adorable and a feisty protagonist that really grows on you with her lack of grace and fierce loyalty. Team Human is the ultimate juxtaposition to YA paranormal mainstream. Brennan and Larbalestier are bringing back the human glory!

The Long Story? - The novel and I got off to a rough start but everything smoothed over about 80 pages into the novel. Team Human is a wonderfully unique idea and Brennan and Larbalestier are two very brilliant authors. The writing style took some time to get used to, mainly because of the different writing styles due to two authors. However over the course of the novel you get used to it! The plot  started off a little too fast and too slow at the same time. There was this massive rush of events in the first 20 pages and then it slowed considerably and kind of pondered along until about 80 pages in. The thing I liked the most about the plot was definitely originality. In YA we have no shortage of books supporting to paranormal but to get a novel that's Team Human is quite something. I enjoyed the book but I had higher expectations, some events were a little too predictable and others a little frustrating. However the idea was unique, I loved the romance tagline and the mystery element about Anna's missing dad was good! Overall, it was enjoyable!

I had some problems with the characters. Some people might describe Mel as feisty but to me, she came off as irritating and rude. I really felt like she lacked manners and some of the things that came out of her mouth should have been left unsaid. She grows onto you as you progress through the book and her intentions are good and her fierce loyalty is something truly admirable, she's just a really "explosive" character and that kinda clashes with my own personality. Cathy really annoyed me. I felt she was really 2D and she was too nice and ignorant. She was all lovesick over Francis ( which is kind of the point) but it just got a little too extreme sometimes, I felt the urge to shake her and say "GET A GRIP AND MAN UP!". Francis had noooo appeal so I didn't see the attraction and he was under developed. However I really liked Kit ( and the story behind his name) as well as Camille! Characterisation wasn't a highlight for the novel but the characters kinda fitted with the novel as a whole.

Team Human wasn't perfect but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. It was a rough start but I ended really loving the book, so much that I stayed up late to read it and woke up early to finish. Even with our clashing personalities, Mel was a good protagonist for Team Human, without such a strong-willed and fiery character, Team Human definitely would have lost to Team Vampire :D Overall, good writing, great plot, loved the romance and a solid cast. Thumbs up for Team Human!

What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Interview with M.J. Hearle + Giveaway ( Int'l)

Does everyone remember M.J. Hearle? I featured him as my VERY FIRST Bachelor of the Month last year with the release of his paranormal YA Debut - Winter's Shadow! May marks the release date of the highly anticipated sequel - Winter's Light! You can check out my review - HERE. Today I have M on the blog here with me for an interview and an AWESOME giveaway! 

Interview with M. J. Hearle

Quickies - 

Skittles or M&Ms?  M&Ms all the way 

Black or white? Black. Stylish and slimming. 

Coffee or Tea? Coffee, the stronger the better.

Print copies or e-books? Print copies. I need to hear the rustle of the pages turn, feel the paper beneath my fingers. 

Dog-ear or Bookmark? Bookmark. Dog-earing is abusive. When I see a dog-earred book I feel sad and want to slap the owner on the wrist. 

Cats or Dogs? Dogs. Especially fat Labs or mischievous Pugs. ( I LOVE PUGS O_O)

Reading or Writing? Reading is more pleasurable; writing is necessary if I wish to keep my sanity.

Vampires or werewolves? Vampires. Werewolves leave hair on the carpet and constantly have to buy new pants. 

Have you watched Vampire Diaries? Yeah, I dig it. I've got a crush on Nina Dobrev. 

Favourite Harry Potter Novel? Goblet of Fire. When Cedric died, things got real for Harry and co. 

Book you most want to see turned into a Movie? Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. Hopefully, Henry Selick (Coraline) will take a stab at it. 

Favourite day of the week? Friday I'm in love. 

Your perfect breakfast consists of - A blueberry muffin, cappuccino, glass of orange juice, yogurt and muesli, and a Tim Tam. Maybe two Tim Tams. 
 
Five things that make a book "good"  - ( ie fight, strong heroine, good-looking boys, high speed car chase, happy endings)  

Only five things? Tricky. A sympathetic and/or fascinating lead character; a fresh twist or point of view; clear, stylish prose; crackling dialogue, chapters that leave you wanting more. 

and... 

Team Edward or Team Jacob? Edward's scarily controlling, and Jacob's whiny. I'm Team Alice. At least she has a sense of humour. And she's a babe. ( I give you my respect!)

Long Questions - 

1) Describe Winter's Light in three words?  

Thrilling, melancholy, surprising  

2) How did you come up with the storyline for Winter's story?

I start with a single scene and work from there. In the first book, the image of a girl taking a photograph of a mysterious stranger in a cemetery inspired the story. I started thinking about the girl and the boy – who were they? Why were they in the cemetery – and began to build up the story in my head. The characters come first and then I let the plot evolve around them rather than force a situation. Sometimes I have ideas about where the story is going; sometimes my characters surprise me by taking me some place completely unexpected. In Winter's Light, I pictured Winter on the beach with the lodestone and it beginning to glow. I didn't know what this meant, but felt like it was a way in. It turned out I was right. This event kickstarts Winter's journey, a journey I followed rather than created. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had as a writer because I was discovering the story as I went. It was more like archeology than writing. The story was already there; I just had to dig it up and clean it off. The supernatural aspects of the novel were inspired by boredom. I was so bored with reading about vampires and werewolves and angels and the same old creatures over and over again. I wanted something new; so I created it.   

3) Why did you choose to write YA Paranormal?  

I didn't really have a choice. The story that occurred to me was about a teenage girl who falls in love with a man who isn't human. I've always loved supernatural fiction; Stephen King is the man that inspired me to tell stories in the first place, so it makes sense that I would write something with a paranormal flavour. Also, I wanted to write about teenagers on the cusp of adulthood because it's an incredibly dramatic time in one's life. All emotions are heightened; everything's intense. However, I didn't really know I was writing a YA Paranormal until my publisher told me that's how they were going to market it. 

4) Character you feel you can relate best to? Why?  

Well, I spend the most time in Winter's head, however I probably identify with Jasmine more than anyone else. Despite being frequently terrified by the situations Winter leads her into, she sticks by her friend. That sense of loyalty is one I'd like to think I share.      

5) Is there a story behind the names of characters?  

Actually there is. Originally, Winter Adams was Elodie Winters (my homage to Buffy Summers) and the book wasn't called Winter's Shadow but, Shade. It wasn't until the final draft that my publisher told me I couldn't use the title Shade because another YA paranormal had already laid claim to it. So, I started racking my brains for an alternative title and struck upon Winter's Shadow. It was my publisher who suggested using Elodie's surname as her first name as it would make more sense with the new title. At first I was a little hesitant, but after some consideration decided I kind of liked 'Winter'. It reminded me of 'Scarlett O'Hara' and seemed to suit the melancholy tone of the story. Blake was always Blake – named after the poet William Blake.  

6) Ar you planning to write any other books outside the series? 

Absolutely. Once I wrap up the Winter stories, I'd like to write a children's fantasy novel and a straightforward adult horror novel set in Australia. The sort of career I'd like to emulate is Neil Gaiman's. He moves from adult material to children's books with impressive grace. 

7) Who would play the characters in a movie adaption?  

In a movie adaptation, I'd cast Saoirse Ronan as Winter. She's a talented actress and has a beautifully unique look. For Blake, I wish I could go back in time and cast a young Jeremy Sisto. Or if I have a time machine, maybe Montgomery Clift. If I'm stuck in this reality, then I'm not sure? Most actors currently on TV or in the movies are too blandly handsome. There's no fire or threat of danger about them. Maybe Jared Padalecki could do a good job. Continuing with the Supernatural-casting theme Jensen Ackles would make a great Sam. Ashley Greene would make a suitably beautiful and frightening Claudette. For Winter's Light, I'd cast Helen Mirren as Magdalene. She's extraordinary. in fact, she could probably play a convincing Winter as well. Olga Kurylenko could play Elena.   

8) Can you tell us anything about what to expect in Book #3? 

The scope of the story is epic – think the difference between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings for an indication. Most of the novel will take place in the Dead Lands. The Malfaerie will feature heavily. There will be a massive battle scene towards the end. Lives will be lost and saved. I can't promise a happy ending, but it will be satisfying to those who've taken the journey with Winter over the past two novels. 

~Giveaway~

Pan Macmillan has kindly donated (1) ONE Signed Copy of Winter's Light and Signed Poster for a giveaway! Since I'll be sending the prize to the winner I'm going to make the giveaway INTERNATIONAL because as Jay Kristoff kindly put it - "it's not like a couple of extra bucks postage is going to bankrupt anyone". So come one! Come all! If you live here or there or no where - enter away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx