Interview with Danielle L. Jensen for Dark Skies

Dark Skies (Dark Shores #2)

by Danielle L. Jensen

Publisher: Tor Teen

Release Date: May 5th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

A RUNAWAY WITH A HIDDEN PAST

Lydia is a scholar, but books are her downfall when she meddles in the plots of the most powerful man in the Celendor Empire. Her life in danger, she flees west to the far side of the Endless Seas and finds herself entangled in a foreign war where her burgeoning powers are sought by both sides.

A COMMANDER IN DISGRACE

Killian is Marked by the God of War, but his gifts fail him when the realm under the dominion of the Corrupter invades Mudamora. Disgraced, he swears his sword to the kingdom’s only hope: the crown princess. But the choice sees him caught up in a web of political intrigue that will put his oath – and his heart – to the test.

A KINGDOM UNDER SIEGE

With Mudamora falling beneath the armies of the Corrupter, Lydia and Killian strike a bargain to save those they love most—but it is a bargain with unintended and disastrous consequences. Truths are revealed, birthrights claimed, and loyalties questioned—all while a menace deadlier and more far-reaching than they realize sweeps across the world.

Can you briefly describe the DARK SHORES series, its characters and what’s going to happen in DARK SKIES? 

The series takes place in a world divided by fantastical seas, each half of the world unaware of the other’s existence. When that secret is revealed, the Dark Shores of the West comes under siege from both supernatural and human forces that each seek to conquer for their own gain. In DARK SHORES, Teriana and Marcus are forced to lead the Empire’s armies across the seas in search of conquest neither of them wants, but in DARK SKIES, Lydia and Killian join together to fight back against the incursion of a dark god’s armies into their homeland. I make all four characters face impossible choices as they fight to protect those they love most, each novel raising the stakes and bringing readers closer to an epic collision of good and evil. Expect a huge world with a large cast, plus lots of action, political intrigue, and romance! 

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why? 

As a writer, Marcus is my favorite, because he has a deep backstory that impacts the plot of the book in so many different ways. I also love his moral ambiguity, as it makes his actions less predictable. But teen me would’ve had a huge crush on Killian, would’ve been friends with Lydia (we are both bookish), and would’ve envied Teriana’s adaptability and ability to make friends with new people. All four protagonists are very different from one another, and I love seeing who readers connect with most! 

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere? 

I’ve been working on this series since 2007, and it has been through so many rewrites and plot changes that very little of my original inspiration remains! I take a lot of inspiration from historical time periods that interest me, like Ancient Rome, but I also take a lot from television and movies. I really like cinematic action, so I try to replicate that feel when I’m writing. 

If you could choose one song to describe your books in the series, which ones would it be? 

I’m the rare author who doesn’t listen to music when she writes! But I DO listen to music, primarily soundtrack music, when I’m brainstorming. For this series, I listen to Pirates of the Caribbean, ROME (HBO), Spartacus, and the Tudors soundtracks. But the one song that really ties to DARK SKIES for me is Requiem for Tower, especially for the battle scenes toward the end of the novel. 

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters? 

Young, attractive, interesting people who aren’t yet famous! I think new talent is the best for YA adaptations. 

What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date? 

I think the best place to read my books is on a beach or next to a pool with a yummy frozen drink in hand! 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish DARK SKIES? 

I’d recommend THE WINNER’S KISS (Marie Rutkoski), DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING (Tricia Levenseller), AN EMBER IN THE ASHES (Sabaa Tahir), TO KILL A KINGDOM (Alexandra Christo), SEAFIRE (Natalie C. Parker), or TRUTHWITCH (Susan Dennard). 

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book? 

For me, it’s not allowing my frustration and self-doubt to get in the way. I often have a really strong idea in my head for how I want a scene to go or how I want the reader to feel, and when I can’t translate the mental image to words on the page, I feel like a failure. And when I’m in that sort of negative headspace, I have a hard time writing anything at all. 

What’s next for you? 

I am currently working on the third book in the Dark Shores series, which is titled GILDED SERPENT! The first draft is already written and I’m working through the editorial comments. It has all four point of characters in it and more plot lines than I care to count, so it’s been a huge project for me! But I love it! I’m also working on the third book in my Bridge Kingdom series, so my head is full of the voices of many characters right now.

Danielle L. Jensen is the USA Today bestselling author of The Malediction Trilogy (Angry Robot), the Dark Shores series (Tor Teen), and The Bridge Kingdom series (Audible Originals). She lives in Calgary, Alberta with her family.

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Interview with Joanna Hathaway

Dark of the West (Glass Alliance #1)

by Joanna Hathaway
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: February 5th 2019
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

He was raised in revolution. She was raised in a palace. Can their love stop a war? Code Name Verity meets The Winner's Cursein Joanna Hathaway's Dark of the West, a breathtaking YA fantasy debut.

Aurelia Isendare is a princess of a small kingdom in the North, raised in privilege but shielded from politics as her brother prepares to step up to the throne. Halfway around the world, Athan Dakar, the youngest son of a ruthless general, is a fighter pilot longing for a life away from the front lines. When Athan’s mother is shot and killed, his father is convinced it’s the work of his old rival, the Queen of Etania—Aurelia’s mother. Determined to avenge his wife’s murder, he devises a plot to overthrow the Queen, a plot which sends Athan undercover to Etania to gain intel from her children.

Athan’s mission becomes complicated when he finds himself falling for the girl he’s been tasked with spying upon. Aurelia feels the same attraction, all the while desperately seeking to stop the war threatening to break between the Southern territory and the old Northern kingdoms that control it—a war in which Athan’s father is determined to play a role. As diplomatic ties manage to just barely hold, the two teens struggle to remain loyal to their families and each other as they learn that war is not as black and white as they’ve been raised to believe.

Can you briefly describe the world in Dark of the West and their main characters?

Sure! Dark of the West takes place in a fantasy world that feels a lot like ours, specifically during the time of the world wars. The geopolitics parallel the build-up of the First World War, while the technology and battle campaigns are inspired by the Second World War. In the midst of these shifting politics and rising tensions, we have two young people — Athan, a fighter pilot, and Aurelia, a princess— from families on opposite sides of the brewing conflict, and their meeting sparks newfound love along with a lot of tough questions about loyalty to family, nation, and self.

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

Oh, that’s a tough one! I suppose I’d say a certain best friend with a heart of gold. If you read the book, you’ll know who I’m talking about. He tends to win a lot of fans, and many readers beg me to confirm if he gets a good fate at the end of the series. I adore him, too! But I can’t make promises about any of the characters in this book… War plays no favourites.

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

Most of this story was inspired by a youth spent devouring history books. That’s all I read—the stories of real people from around the world, confronting and enduring incredible events, their bravery making them my personal heroes. I was fascinated by both the will to survive and also the flame of hope that kept burning even in the most horrific circumstances. Thus, when I sat down to write the story that would become Dark of the West, it was important to me that this book contained a diverse and complicated world that reflected our own (while never being an exact mirror), as seen through the eyes of two idealistic young narrators who are fighting for good even when the odds are against them.

What’s your favourite quote from the book?

There’s an expression that comes up a few times — “Eyes on the horizon”—and I love the many layers to it. In some ways, it can be seen as a bit escapist, since if you’re only looking ahead, you’re not focused on what’s right in front of you. And we need to be present and passionate in our lives, working through the tough stuff. That’s a lesson Athan has to learn (as I have). But, it’s also a good reminder that when things seem overwhelming and too big, you can’t allow yourself to get completely mired in the moment. There is something worth working towards, worth fighting for, and we’ll get there. Don’t lose sight of the good.

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

Hmm! I usually have playlists for various sections while I’m drafting, which is often more about the tone of the song than the actual words. They get me into the “feel” of the scene. But recently I discovered Here with Me by Susie Suh and wow, I think it’s utterly perfect for the Glass Alliance series. Such a beautiful song!

If the book was a movie/TV show, who would you imagine representing your characters?

I have to be honest — I still don’t have an answer for this popular question. But I did watch the Free Rein Christmas special over the holidays (I needed something fun and happy to curl up with!) and Manpreet Bambra reminded me of Aurelia, especially since she was riding horses. 

Since it is still cold outside, what hot drink do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

Oh, I think you should pick whatever suits your tastes! I’m a big tea drinker and so is Aurelia. But Athan would definitely go for a strong coffee.

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish Dark of the West?

Definitely! If you haven’t read The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski, you’ll want to try that. I actually hadn’t read it until after I finished Dark of the West, and early readers were saying “Have you read this series? Because you need to!” — and they were right. It’s a great low fantasy filled with politics and romance. For historical YA, I recommend Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein and Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. Branching out to general historical fiction, I love Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa and Girl at War by Sara Novic. I think stories are such a great way to learn more about the world around us (especially ones written by women). 

What’s next for you?

Currently, I’m hard at work polishing off the sequel. I’m very excited for readers who enjoyed Dark of the West to pick it up next year! Things get ever more complicated and romantic. I’ve found it a super compelling process, expanding the personal journeys for both Athan and Aurelia, getting them closer to who they are in the prologue, and I hope everyone else will feel the same.

Joanna was born in Montréal and is an avid storyteller who was inspired to write after reading her great-grandfather’s memoirs of the First World War. A lifelong history buff, she now has shelves filled with biographies and historical accounts, and perhaps one too many books about pilots. She can often be found reading, traveling, or riding horses.

Her debut novel, DARK OF THE WEST (Tor Teen, February 5th, 2019), is the first in a WWII-infused fantasy series of forbidden love and deadly revenge.

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FFBC: Welcome to the club, Zero (Zero) by Morgan Dark

Zero (Zero)
by Morgan Dark
Publisher: Rubiños, 1860
Release Date: June 28th 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis:

A baffling robber.

A mystery hidden for years.

And an elite boarding school where no one is who they say they are.

Kyle Bradford is the envy of Drayton College, but everything takes a turn when a dangerous shadow, hidden in the darkness, starts to stalk him. From then on, his life falls apart. Unjustly accused of being the main suspect behind the robberies terrifying high society, he is forced to prove his innocence. And to do so, he has to find the real culprit: Zero, an infallible criminal who keeps his identity hidden under a silver mask. What Kyle does not know is that his enemy is keeping a secret. A secret he would sacrifice everything for.

A dizzying, heart-stopping thriller you won’t be able to put down.

Favorite Book? 

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.

Favorite TV show?

Right now, Outlander. 

Favorite movie? 

The Godfather.

Your Favorite Song?

Hurricane (Thirty Seconds to Mars)

Favorite Food?

Chocolate!!!!

Name 3 fictional places you would move to in a heartbeat.

Hogwarts (Harry Potter), Drayton (Zero) and Mytica (Falling Kingdoms)

Who is your perfect fictional boyfriend?

I have many perfect fictional boyfriends hahaha. Edward Cullen (Twilight), Rafee (Angelfall), Will Herondale (The Shadowhunters), Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice), Noah (The Notebook)… It would be hard to choose one of them.

Favorite Quote?

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” ― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever.

What do you find yourself “Fangirling” over?

Books. When I read a good book I find myself fangirling over it hopelessly.

If you could meet one author, dead or alive, who would it be?

Agatha Christie. I’ve loved her books since I was little.

Could you tell our Book Addicts a little bit about Zero?

Zero is all about Kyle, a wealthy kid who, out of the blue, gets accused of being the most dangerous thief of all-time. He’s sure of his innocence, but all of the evidence seems to indicate otherwise. He can’t understand how or why that is, so to prove his innocence, he has to find the true culprit, Zero, a dangerous criminal who hides his face behind a silver mask. This is not your typical plot. It has a little bit of all the genres and a heavy emphasis on mystery which is what makes the reader want to keep reading and never put it down. I like to think of the saga as a rollercoaster ride where nothing is as it seems.

How did you come up with the story? Did you find inspiration in any other story/movie/show and how has this affected your writing?

A few years ago, someone broke into my apartment. It was a very hard time for me until everything went back to normal. During this time, I thought a lot about the thief. What he might look like, why he did it… And all this led me to Zero. I stopped writing the book I was working on and started with Zero. Curiously, when the novel was already published one of the rings the thief stole from me appeared in my house inside a black envelope.

Tell us your favorite quote from Zero.

“Ghosts from the past always come back.” The phrase that is engraved on the edge of Zero’s silver coins. 

Is there a specific scene that you had the most fun to write?

I really enjoyed writing the Prologue. It’s not a funny scene per se, but I loved imagining the faces of the police when they see Zero for the first time up on the roof of the Los Angeles Opera, the Empress Diadem in hand.

If you had to pick one song to be the Theme Song for Zero – Which one would you pick? 

Diamonds (Rihanna)

Imagine that we get to see your book on the big screen (how awesome would that be?). Who would you pick to play your characters?

It would be awesome to see Zero up on the big screen!! I’d love to see the world and the characters I created transformed into real live people and places. It would be a great experience. 

Here are my suggestions for the cast:

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· Alex Pettyfer / Liam Hemsworth / Ian Somerhalder (Kyle)

· Mike He / Lee Hong Ki (Len)

· Victoria Justice (Miranda)

· Sean Penn / Hugh Laurie (Dimitri)

· Jesse McCartney (Mike)

· Miles Teller (Neal)

· Cameron Bright (Patrick)

· Emily Osment (Lauren)

· Kathy Bates (Aunt Jane)

· Gerard Butler (Adam Grossman)

· Morgan Freeman (Sebastian)

· Alexander Ludwig (Robert Griffith)

Is there any recommendations you could give your readers to be in the “perfect mood” to read Zero (specific music, snacks…)? 

The best way to start reading Zero is in a room with the door shut and the lights low to create an air of suspense… That’s how I read it the first time. Some music wouldn’t hurt either. I wrote a bunch of scenes while listening to Thirty Seconds to Mars, Imagine Dragons and Rihanna. The truth is that whatever that helps you get into Kyle’s head and live his experiences at Drayton will allow you to feel the story more intensely.

What’s next for you? 

Right now I am writing the third book of the Zero Trilogy. It will be the last one so I’m taking my time to wrap up the saga with a grand finale. I also have another project in mind that I am going to start as soon as I finish Zero 3, but I can’t say much about the new book at the moment.

Something to say to our Book Addicts?

First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude for the positive response Zero’s been receiving in the US. You guys are incredible. I’ll never get tired of saying it. I also want to encourage everyone who hasn’t read the book yet to give it a chance. You won’t be sorry! Promise! Zero will trap you in the world of Drayton and not let you out…. 

Thank you so much for everything, Morgan!

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Morgan Dark is one of the most original teenage literature writers. Always enveloped in suspense, as of yet no one knows her true identity. She began writing Zero after a hooded man robbed her in her New York apartment. Included amongst the stolen items was her favorite ring. Yet in exchange, she received a publishing contract for her new novel. After Zero became one of the most awaited teenage books in 2015, her ring showed up in her house again…in black envelope with no sender.

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