An Interview with Susannah Sandlin + Giveaway

We had Suzanne Johnson drop by with a cool piece of Flash Fiction not long ago. Today she drops by again, so we could interview her as Susannah Sandlin, the penname she uses for her awesome Paranormal Romances.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Susannah.
Could you tell a bit about yourself and your books for those people who don’t know you yet?

Sure! I write both urban fantasy with a touch of romance and paranormal romance with a dose of urban fantasy. I’ve been writing fiction for only the last five years; all of my career has been spent in university publishing (which I still do). I currently live in Alabama, but consider my longtime city of New Orleans to be my hometown.

The Penton Legacy series, beginning with Redemption last June, was my first foray into paranormal romance—it’s a series set in a world in which the blood of humans who’ve been vaccinated for a pandemic is suddenly turned poisonous to vampires. So vampires are starving and on the verge of civil war. The war comes to the small Alabama town of Penton, where a group of peaceful vampires has established a kind of closed-society utopia in this little ghost town. Each book follows one of the vampire leaders and his own journey to love and forgiveness...while all hell breaks loose around them! In June, a very loose spinoff (different characters) called Storm Force was released that featured a special ops team of Army Rangers and shapeshifters working cases of domestic terrorism.

You had Storm Force released as a serial and was still writing on it when the first part released. Did this influence your writing or did you have the whole story already planned?

Writing a serial novel was a wild, wild ride! I did keep up with what comments were being made about the book by readers as each of the nine “episodes” came out (basically four chapters per episode), and I might have changed directions if everyone had hated the hero, for example, or one of the other characters. But that didn’t happen. I had mapped out the story in outline form before I started writing and, as always, I did change things as I wrote. But the general flow of the story didn’t change from my original vision for it. Everything just got ramped up really fast because of the serial schedule!

What is the future for the Penton series and its spin-off?

I’m working on a fourth Penton book and hope my publisher is interested in putting it out; if not, I’ll release it on my own because there were some things that happened in Omega, the third Penton book, that I want to explore further—the character of Cage Reynolds, for example, who was a psychiatrist for the British Army before being turned vampire. And the Native American child vampire everyone calls Hannah—I want to tell her story. I have a proposal in for another book featuring the counter-terrorism team from Storm Force, focusing on the eagle shapeshifter named, inappropriately, Robin. So...we’ll wait and see how it all comes out.

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

Not really—the people I know aren’t neurotic enough to be one of my characters! Okay, there was one. The only character I’ve come close to basing on a real person was Krystal Harris, the heroine of Redemption. But my lips are sealed as to who it was based on!

Are there any other projects you’re working on under this penname or thinking about starting in the near future?

Besides working on Deliverance/Penton 4, I am in the “playing around and researching” phase with a story that I’m really excited about. It might go in any of several directions—paranormal, romantic suspense, or thriller, but it involves a washed-up salvage diver, a desperate woman, evil powermongers, and the Knights Templar. What’s not to like? LOL.


Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Unfortunately, it’s usually at my day job, which owns me from 7:30 each morning until about 6 each evening. So most of my writing is done nights and weekends.

What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

My first book was an urban fantasy, Royal Street, written under the name Suzanne Johnson. It launched in New Orleans, where the series is set, so a bunch of friends (we call ourselves the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Snark”) came in from as far as New York City and we all converged on New Orleans for the launch at a local bookshop, then went with some of my good friends from NOLA to a dinner at Commander’s Palace. Beautiful memories!

When Redemption came out, my first book as Susannah Sandlin. I was working the day job and spent the evening frantically writing on the second Penton book!

What is the best thing about being a published author?

It’s still a new thing for me. It’s been only a year and a half since my first book came out—what a crazy year and a half! I think the best thing is being able to meet people in person or online who’ve actually read my books (which still surprises me) and want to talk about them. I also enjoy talking shop with other authors; there’s a great online community of authors who write similar genres or live in close proximity, and I’ve made great new friends, both in person and online.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Probably the most influential author on me long-term is Stephen King. I grew up reading his books, and his mammoth novel The Stand is still my favorite book of all time. I actually finished reading an amazing book recently that wasn’t for research! It is called Wisp of a Thing, and was written by my friend Alex Bledsoe. The book is a follow-up to The Hum and the Shiver, which was hands-down my favorite read of 2012. It’s a paranormal fantasy set in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, and is just beautifully written and a mysterious story well-told.

Will there be zombies or pigs in any of your future books?

Ha! Hm.... I can’t see me writing zombies. Pigs, however...I hereby promise to put a pig in the fourth Penton book, at least in a cameo appearance! My favorite recent pig story....I was driving down the length of Florida last fall, zipping down I-75 between Ft. Myers and Naples...and there was a freaking wild pig trotting down the side of the highway! He was huge. I know I can work that into a story somewhere....

I'll be keeping an eye out for the pig :-)
Thanks for dropping by.

Thanks for having me here today!



About Storm Force:

As leader of the elite counter-terrorism team Omega Force, former army ranger Jack “Kell” Kellison is always focused on getting the job done. So when a Houston high-rise is bombed and the governor killed or missing, Kell’s mission is clear: infiltrate the group suspected of the bombing and neutralize the threat by any means necessary. But once Kell meets beautiful chief suspect Mori Chastaine, he realizes there’s more to this case than meets the eye. And more to Mori than any man—any human man—could imagine.

Mori Chastaine is running out of options. Suspected for a crime she didn’t commit, forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, she sees no escape—until Kell walks through her door. A lifetime hiding her true nature warns her Kell might not be who he seems. But he could be the only one able to help save more innocent humans from becoming pawns in an ancient paranormal power play. If Mori reveals her secret, will Kell join her fight? Or will she become his next target?

Buy Storm Force from Amazon
This week Storm Force is just $0.99 for US readers.

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Giveaway:

Susannah kindly offered a copy of any of her 4 books (winner's choice) + swag to one reader of my blog.

The winner is Kristia

A winner will be picked at random on October 21st.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.


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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

An Interview with Darynda Jones + Giveaway

Today Darynda Jones visits our blog for an interview. Darynda writes the Charley Davidson series for adults and the Darklight series for Young Adults.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Darynda.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

Absolutely! My name is Darynda Jones and I write the Charley Davidson series, a paranormal mystery/urban fantasy story about a female private investigator who was born the grim reaper. Like my heroine Charley, I live in New Mexico. I’ve been writing for many years and sold my debut book, First Grave on the Right in 2009. First Grave also won some pretty big awards, including a Golden Heart, a RITA, and a Dahpne du Maurier. I also have a young adult series out called the Darklight Trilogy. In 2012, I hit the NY Times best sellers list for the first time. It was very exciting.

You have two series: the Charley Davidson series for Adults and Darklight for Young Adults. Are the two series connected or they set in different settings/worlds?

Confession time: I wrote Death and the Girl Next Door, the first in the YA trilogy, several years ago and, figuring it would never sell, I stole a lot of the storyline and put it in the Charley Davidson series. Yes, I cannibalized my own work. So, Charley was very much a byproduct of Lorelei with a little more sass thrown in for good measure.

While they are not connected, they are a little alike. They are both contemporary paranormals set in New Mexico, but in completely different towns. But they are probably a lot alike because of my cannibalism. When DGND sold, I had to go back and rewrite the foundation of the story. Fortunately, the main story didn’t change much, just the underneath stuff.

How many books will there be in both series?

My editor wants to keep the Charley Davidson series ongoing, so there’s just no telling. I would love it to continue for quite a while longer. I adore writing about Charley and her antics. 6-8 in that series recently sold, so I know for sure there will be three more. The Darklight series will be a trilogy: Death and the Girl Next Door, Death, Doom and Detention, and Death and the Girl he Loves which will be out in October.

Have you ever been tempted to use people who’d been rude to you in real life as victims in your books? Or have there been other people you used as characters in your books?

I can say that I was so mad at the creator of the TV series Sons of Anarchy after he killed off my favorite character, that I was going to name all of my bad guys after him. But I figured people would catch on pretty quickly to who the bad guy was if I named them all Kurt Sutter. I do use a lot of my friends’ and family’s names, but they are usually quite different in the books than they are in real life.

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

I have so many projects started, I was having a hard time keeping them all straight, so I created a spreadsheet and listed them all. Right now I am actively writing on 27 different projects, so yes. :) I’m a fast writer, but I wish I were faster. I have a solid, writable new idea every week.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

I had a launch party in my hometown with the release of First Grave. A lot of family and friends came. It was so special and I was very honored.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

I can work in my pajamas.

And what do you like the least about being a published author?

There is so much more to being a published author than just writing, and sometimes I try to do too much. I am learning to say no, but so much of being published is promotion, blogging, and social networking. Finding a balance is the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to accomplish.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

I always try to read. I think that reading is a big part of an author’s job. If we aren’t reading, we aren’t learning. We aren’t staying up with our field and our colleagues. I just read a great paranormal by a friend of mine, Robyn Peterman, that comes out in September, I believe. I absolutely loved it. Now I’m reading Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison. I’ve been dying to read it. I finally started it last night and OMG! It is so so so so good! I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

As far as influences, I have so many. I read everyone from JR Ward and Jacquelyn Frank to Jim Butcher and Stephen Hunter. I just love books in all geners. My earliest influences were Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and Stephen King. An odd combination, but there you have it.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

Ha! As much as I love pigs, I don’t have any as of yet, but I do have a middle-grade series that features a kind of creature that could be considered a zombie of sorts. (Is that vague enough for you?) I love zombie stores! I can’t wait to write that story. I’m about one-fourth the way into it. One day I’ll finish it.

I'll have to keep an eye out for that story. Thanks for dropping by!

Thank you so much for having me!



About First Grave on the Right:

A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

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Giveaway:

Darynda kindly offered a signed copy of one of her Charley Davidson's books (winner's choice) for a reader of my blog.

The winner is Bube

A winner will be picked at random on October 19th.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

------------------

Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

100 Days in Deadland - Book Review

100 Days in Deadland (Deadland, #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The world ended on a Thursday.

In one day, the world succumbed to a pestilence that decimated the living. In its place rose a new species: vicious, gruesome, wandering monsters with an insatiable hunger for the living. There is no government, no shelter.

Still in her twenties, Cash has watched her friends die, only to walk again. An office worker with few survival skills, she joins up with Clutch, a grizzled Army veteran with PTSD. Together, they flee the city and struggle through the nine circles of hell, with nothing but Clutch’s military experience and Cash’s determination to live. As they fight to survive in the zombie inferno, they quickly discover that nowhere is safe from the undead… or the living.

This is the beginning after the end.

(100 Days in Deadland is a modern remake of Dante's Inferno, the classic tale on the horrors of hell... zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
I love zombie retellings of classics, so this modern zombie remake of Dante's Inferno was right up my alley.

And it's so good!

There's lots of cool zombie action, an intense story and characters you can really love.

Even though this book is filled with (subtle) references to Dante's Inferno I will confess that I didn't really take note of them, because the story is so good I was totally engrossed in it. Cash and Clutch are both awesome characters and I rooted for them to survive the ruthless zombie attacks and the even more vile attempts of other people to take away what little they have.

The story follows the descend into hell and with each new circle a new emotion gets introduced to the story. It makes for really intense reading as the sins and emotions that get thrown into the mix are getting gradually worse. There are some really gruesome scenes in this book and they fit the intensity of the story in my opinion. I kept cheering Cash and Clutch on, even as things seemed to go from bad to worse. At times Aukes gave Cash and Clutch some much needed reprieve from their trials and I rejoiced with them whenever things went well for them.

I can't give away too much about the ending without being too spoilery, but I can tell you I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series, because I need more!!

All in all this is a totally awesome post apocalyptic read that I can advice to anyone who loves a good zombie story. That it's a remake of Dante's Inferno is a bonus, but believe me: you don't need to have read it to enjoy and love this book.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Post Apocalyptic read with lots of zombies.


Find buy links here

An Interview with Jamie Quaid + Giveaway

Today I'm interviewing Jamie Quaid, author of the Saturn’s Daughter series.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Jamie.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I’m the nerd who watched the popular kids pair up for proms, then brought the college guys as my date because the high school dorks were obviously too stupid to see past my braces. I got a BS degree (love that acronym), married, had two kids, and now watch flowers grow for fun. Just kidding. The squirrels and deer eat the flowers too fast to see them grow. So I write for a living. I like my frustration to be profitable.

How would you describe the Saturn’s Daughter series?

Humorous urban fantasy? Insanity on a stick? Or...ahem...a literary allegory for our current justice system. Take your pick.

How many books will there be?

Oh no, that’s going too far! Plan? Plot? Nah, ain’t happening. Have your readers tell me when the story should end—when Tina chooses a love interest? Or owns the world?

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

Not per se. I’ve always been a people watcher (see nerd above). People fascinate me. So their foibles and quirks inevitably appear in my characters, but in a piece meal fashion because my characters are seriously insane. Or chemically addled.

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Wellll, since you ask… I do have a project simmering in my computer about a cop who can smell evil. How does that work for you?

Oh, sounds cool.
Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Right at this moment—packing boxes. We’re moving to the west coast! Ocean, here we come!!!! Then I’ll get out my bike and we’ll decide what’s next.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

Write another. Honestly, the writing process just doesn’t end. By the time this book hits the shelf, I’ll be in the middle of revisions on the third and plotting the promotion. The best I can do is say “I’m going to Hawaii this year” and make it happen.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Oh, that’s easy—not have to commute any further than the next bedroom. Just think about that—I get up, fix my tea, shuffle to the computer in my slippers, check my e-mail, sip my tea, and I’m at work. Want to ask what the worst thing is? My characters are worse to tangle with than rush hour traffic.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

I am ALWAYS reading. But I read all genres and go back and re-read old favorites and there’s no organizing what I’m reading at any given time because I have a book for every mood. In urban fantasy, I worship Patricia Briggs and adore Darynda Jones, to show the extremes of my admiration in just one genre. I just finished reading Carl Hiaasen and Grace Burrows and Adriana Trigiani. I love good writing, period.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

Zombies and pigs? Pig zombies perhaps? Actually, I have zombies in that book sitting in my computer, and there may even be a pig. Have you been hacking my cloud? But DAMN HIM TO HELL is restrained and dignified and limits itself to murderous chimps, a blueberry doughboy, and confused frogs.
And no, I haven’t been drinking.

Thank you for having me by and I hope I didn’t mess up your keyboard with that tea!

Thanks for dropping by and I'm sure we'll get the keyboard working again...


About Damn Him to Hell:

Justice is blind. Justine isn’t. Book two in the Saturn's Daughter series, in which Tina Clancy is gifted with the power to dispense justice...for good or evil.

Tina Clancy is adapting to her new life as one of Saturn’s Daughters while living in the toxic part of Baltimore known as The Zone, and occasionally acting as a champion of the downtrodden, the weird, the innocent...and the sometimes not-so-innocent.

Just when she finally lands a real law job, the Zone is blasted by poisonous gas and her sometimes-boyfriend starts receiving visitors from Hell. He’s none too pleased about that, or in Tina having sent his granny to Hell in his place. For that matter, neither is granny…

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Giveaway:

Jamie kindly offered a copy of Damn Him to Hell, book 2 in the Saturn's Daughter series for two readers of my blog.

The winners are Mel S. and Stephanie F.

2 winners will be picked at random on October 17th.
Open internationally to everyone who lives somewhere the bookdepository ships to and who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

------------------

Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Rory - Book Review

Rory (The Ghosts of Palladino #1)
by Ciye Cho

What is it about:
Far beyond heaven, earth and hell is a city known as Palladino, a place ruled by ghosts and filled with demons, magic, and all sorts of darkly beautiful things. A city where no one can ever escape.

Eighteen-year-old Rory is a cake decorator who makes stunning confections. But no amount of frosting or miracles can save her when a demon kidnaps her—and carries her to Palladino. Here, Rory ends up in a deadly charm school where young women are forced to become companions for the Ghost Lords. And for her to survive, Rory must become everything that she isn’t: graceful, elegant... and perfect.

But nothing is what it seems in Palladino. Not the magic. Not the ghosts. And definitely not Martin Marius, the bizarre Ghost Lord-slash-inventor who is drawn to Rory. For amid a thousand machines and a hundred cats, Martin holds a secret that could change everything. A secret that could either free Rory... or destroy her.

What did I think of it:
I will confess I have a weak spot for boarding school stories. I blame Enid Blyton and her St. Clare's series.

So when I was asked if I wanted to read and review Rory and saw the mention of a Charm School I jumped at the chance.

And even though large parts of this book don't take place in the mentioned Charm school, this is a very enjoyable read.

I really liked Rory. Apart from the strange upbringing she had, Rory could be your next door neighbor. When she's abducted she has only her wits to get her through the trials she has to face,

The school and the weird lessons Rory has to take are very intriguing and that part of the story could have been twice as long without me getting tired of it.

And then there's Martin Marius. He's mysterious, weird and Dutch! I liked him from the start and loved reading about his weird contraptions and the house filled with cats. The growing friendship between him and Rory was fun to read.

The overall storyline was suspenseful and although sometimes character development slowed down the action, it never got boring. There were some things I wondered about, but for most part I enjoyed the story and the characters that peopled the world of Palladino.

I think I'll keep an eye out for book 2 in this series to see what happens next for Rory and to see if some of my questions about this world will be answered.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun YA Fantasy read.


Find buy links here

An Interview with Kathleen Peacock + Giveaway

Today an interview with Kathleen Peacock. Her Young Adult book Hemlock is one of the better werewolf books I've read this year. The second book in the Hemlock series, Thornhill, has just been released in the US, and the UK version, Deadly Thorns, will release in November.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Kathleen.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

IN DAYDREAMS: I’m TOTALLY a kickass (albeit chubby) vampire slayer who travels through time and space in a flying blue box and dates Han Solo. IN REALITY: I live in Atlantic Canada, spend too much time thinking about Doctor Who, and write books about ghosts and werewolves. LIKES: Converse All Stars, anime, bagels, The Princess Bride, 80s teen movies. DISLIKES: People who change lanes without signaling, book snobbery, waiting rooms.

How would you describe the Hemlock series?

I’m going to cheat a bit and reference the RT Book Reviews review for Hemlock. They said, “With a realistic feel, you’ll be left questioning everything you thought you knew about paranormal novels.” I tend to think of Hemlock as a werewolf novel that’s not really about werewolves. It’s really a story about trust and love and betrayal—how the people in your life might not always be the people you want (or need) them to be. In Hemlock, Mac is searching for the werewolf who killed her best friend and uncovers secrets that leave her wondering how well she knows anyone—including her former best friend.

Have you ever been tempted to use people who’d been rude to you in real life as victims in your books? Or have there been other people you used as characters in your books?

I've never been tempted to base victims on real people. I have occasionally daydreamed about including people who have been mean to me in the acknowledgements (because, really, proving people wrong can be highly motivating).

I've never based characters off of real people; my characters just show up on the page with their own quirks and histories.


What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Anne Rice, Stephen King, and Douglas Adams were all huge influences on my writing when I was a teen, and I think the ripple of those years and influences touches most of the things I write now. Anne Rice’s early Vampire Chronicles books left me with the desire to tell stories about “monsters” who seemed to spend as much time thinking about humanity as lurking in the shadows; Stephen King had me looking for mysteries and darkness in even the smallest of towns; and Douglas Adams taught me how important a sense of humor could be.

Let’s see. I’m answering these a bit early. I recently read The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle and the sequel, The Outside, should just have come out when this is posted, so let’s go with The Hallowed Ones.

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Right now, I’m working on the third Hemlock book (book two, Thornhill, was just release in the US and Canada). I have a few other ideas kicking around for post-Hemlock projects, but nothing I can share at the moment.

But thanks for asking me! And thanks for the interview! :)

Thanks for dropping by!



About Thornhill:

Mac can’t lose another friend. Even if he doesn’t want to be found.

The ripple effect caused by Mac’s best friend Amy’s murder has driven Mac’s new love, Kyle, to leave Hemlock and disappear from her life forever. But Mac knows that Kyle plans to enroll in a rehabilitation camp, where he can live with other werewolves. She refuses to accept his decision, especially since the camps are rumored to be tortuous. So she sets out in search of Kyle with a barely sober Jason—and Amy’s all-seeing ghost—in tow.

Clues lead Mac to find Kyle in a werewolf den in Colorado—but their reunion is cut short by a Tracker raid. Now Mac and Kyle are trapped inside the electric fences of Thornhill, a camp for young werewolves. As she devises an escape plan, Mac uncovers dangerous secrets buried within the walls of Thornhill—and realizes that the risk to the people she loves is greater than ever before.

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Giveaway:


Kathleen has kindly offered some cool swag for one reader of my blog.

The winner is Audrey!

A winner will be picked at random on October 15th.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

------------------

Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

The Outside - Book Review

The Outside (The Hallowed Ones #2)
by Laura Bickle

What is it about:
One girl. One road. One chance to save what remains…

After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s up to one Amish girl to save her family, her community, and the boy she loves . . . but what will she be asked to leave behind in return?

What did I think of it:
I will confess: I'm a total fan piggy when it comes to Laura Bickle. Her books are among my absolute favorites and The Hallowed Ones topped my Top Pearls list of 2012.

That being said: How can one not be totally in love with books as good as The Hallowed Ones, no matter who wrote it? So I can safely say The Outside was one of the most anticipated releases of 2013 for me. I've been counting the months ever since reading The Hallowed Ones for the first time.

And it was totally worth the wait!

The Outside is amazing!

It's full of heartbreak, danger, doubt, love and hope. I feared for Katie, cried with her and for her, and her struggles to stay alive and to stay true to herself kept me up way past my bedtime.

I love how Laura Bickle shows the harsh reality of staying alive in a world filled with darkness. Katie has to make some difficult choices and this doesn't come easy. She knows that whatever choice she makes will have consequences that she will have to live with for the rest of her life, how ever long or short that might be.

I also like how the subject of faith is handled in this book. Faith is an important factor in Katie's life, still Laura manages to keep this book from turning into a sermon, she balances Katie's faith with Alex's more practical approach of things. I loved the relationship between Alex and Katie: it's not the instalove that is common in many YA books, but it's believable and sweet.

So yeah: I totally adore and love this book and it will be reread and treasured. I'm sad this is already the last book in this series, but I'm looking forward to reading lots more stories by Laura Bickle, because I'm certain each one will be a winner.

Why should you read it:
It's an utterly beautiful and intense post apocalyptic YA read.

An Interview with Donna Augustine + Giveaway

Today I'm interviewing Donna Augustine, author of the Alchemy series, which is a very cool Urban Fantasy series I've been told. I have the books high on my TBR pile.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Donna.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I'm internally shy but outwardly friendly. I love science, fantasy, romance and mystery. I think because of this, I have a hard time staying completely true to one genre when writing. I'm the absolute worst at talking about myself.

Could you tell a bit about your books?

I'd consider my Keeper books primarily urban fantasy but with a slow moving romantic subplot throughout the series. This is a spoiler but a happy ending is a slam dunk with me. It might take several books to get it but I like everything to work out in the end.

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

I haven't used actual people but I will use interesting facets of their personality. I did model Abby in Keepers and Killers after my sister's dog who hates being groomed.

If you could meet any characters in your book, who would it be and why?

Cormac. He might be morally challenged but he's very sexy. I'd also like to meet Burrom but for very different reasons. He's got a very interesting story and lots of secrets.

If you could, would you change places with any of your characters?

Never! They've got a rough road ahead of them. The series is going to progress into post apocalyptic and I don't even camp well.


Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Lately, I don't think I'm ever not writing. I even write on vacation. If I'm not writing, I'm daydreaming about what I'm going to write.

What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

I went out to dinner and then started The Keepers the next day. I had started to think of it about halfway through Obsidian Souls and it plagued my brain.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

There's been a lot of influences but my biggest would be Karen Moning. I just love the way she writes. Almost ever line is packed with the flavor of the characters. I've recently discovered Anne Bishop's Written in Red which was a really fantastic read. If you like post apocalyptic, I'd also recommend Susan Ee's Angelfall.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

There aren't zombies but I do have a creature coming out soon that might pass for a distant cousin.



About The Keepers:

Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of things floating around her.

One day ago, Jo's sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.

Today, Cormac ordered her shot. If he's real lucky, she won't die. Because if she does, all hope is lost.

Buy from Amazon here.

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Giveaway:


Donna kindly offered a digital copy of The Keepers and some bookmarks (see picture) for 2 readers of my blog.

The winners are Mary P. and Michelle W.

2 winners will be picked at random on October 13th.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Elysian Fields - Book Review

Elysian Fields (Sentinels of New Orleans #3)
by Suzanne Johnson

What is it about:
An undead serial killer comes for DJ in this thrilling third installment of Suzanne Johnson’s Sentinels of New Orleans series

The mer feud has been settled, but life in South Louisiana still has more twists and turns than the muddy Mississippi.

New Orleanians are under attack from a copycat killer mimicking the crimes of a 1918 serial murderer known as the Axeman of New Orleans. Thanks to a tip from the undead pirate Jean Lafitte, DJ Jaco knows the attacks aren’t random—an unknown necromancer has resurrected the original Axeman of New Orleans, and his ultimate target is a certain blonde wizard. Namely, DJ.

Combatting an undead serial killer as troubles pile up around her isn’t easy. Jake Warin’s loup-garou nature is spiraling downward, enigmatic neighbor Quince Randolph is acting weirder than ever, the Elders are insisting on lessons in elven magic from the world’s most annoying wizard, and former partner Alex Warin just turned up on DJ’s to-do list. Not to mention big maneuvers are afoot in the halls of preternatural power.

Suddenly, moving to the Beyond as Jean Lafitte’s pirate wench could be DJ’s best option.

What did I think of it:
This series just keeps getting better and better with each book.

I thought River Road was an intense read, but Elysian Fields blew me away. DJ is taking hit after hit, with almost no time to catch her breath. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put this book down until I finished it. It's an intense and emotional read. Again there are plenty of twists and turns and this time it wasn't so easy to figure out what was going on and why.

I loved how things that happened in River Road and that made no sense to me at the time now suddenly started making sense and how things fell together. I also was happy to see Rene return. I absolutely love him and want a best friend like that! I'm hoping he will get even more screen time in the next couple of books.

DJ makes some choices in this book that have me worried about her future I can tell you, even though I can understand why she makes them. I know I'll be rereading this series while impatiently waiting for the next book to see if my fears will become reality.

Why should you read it:
It's a very intense Urban Fantasy read.

An Interview with Delilah S. Dawson

Today Delilah S. Dawson visits our blog. Voodoo Bride and I love Delilah's books about dashing bludmen and bloodthirsty bludbunnies.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Delilah.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I'm Delilah S. Dawson, author of whimsical and dark fiction. I write the BLUD series for Pocket, including WICKED AS THEY COME, WICKED AS SHE WANTS, two e-novellas, and a story in the CARNIEPUNK anthology called THE THREE LIVES OF LYDIA. I also have a short story called FOLLOW ME BOY out with Kindle Worlds on Amazon. My first YA is out with Simon Pulse in summer 2014, a creepy paranormal about Savannah, GA called SERVANTS OF THE STORM. I love adventures, horses, cake, and more cake and spend most of my time being ridiculous on Twitter.

How many books will there be in the Blud series?

There will be three books and three e-novellas in the BLUD series. The last book is out next January and is called WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT, and it's basically a Sangish take on Moulin Rouge. The last novella is called THE DAMSEL AND THE DAGGERMAN. I just turned in copy edits on it, and I was totally fanning myself. Forgot how hot it was!

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

Loosely, but more as inspirations. Casper was sparked by an intriguing stranger in one of my classes in college. The dandies at the end of WICKED AS SHE WANTS were inspired by two local steampunks I know who craft the most amazing costumes

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Definitely! I always have to be working on *something*. My editor and I sat down to lunch at the RWA Nationals in Atlanta and came up with the most amazing idea for a new series. And I loved writing FOLLOW ME BOY in the world of the SHADOWMAN comics so much that I'm now going to be in a comics anthology and am hungry for more. And Tiffany Reisz helped me come up with yet another exciting idea that I hope to work on one day, but it's going to need some hands-on research, if you know what I mean. I have more ideas than time!

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

At the cafe, writing. Or shuttling my kids around. Or in my bed, reading. Or going trail riding on my Tennessee Walker, Polly. My favorite place to be is the beach, but I don't get there often enough.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

I demanded my husband take me out to a wonderful restaurant called Canoe in Atlanta where I drank champagne and ate Carolina rabbit and blushed furiously. And I used a portion of my first advance to build wall-to-wall bookshelves.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Meeting readers and other authors! I've made so many amazing friends in the publishing business and at signings and cons. I always thought of myself as an introvert--until I discovered that having a shared passion can make anyone a potential friend.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Diana Gabaldon, Jean Auel, Sara Donati, and Richard Adams all figured prominently in my growth as a reader and a writer. My favorite books recently include the Original Sinners series by Tiffany Reisz, anything by Chuck Wendig, and both of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter series. My writing goes in cycles that include frantic work and frantic reading, and right now, I'm frantically reading. Today, I started and finished WALLBANGER by Alice Clayton, and I'm about to pick up SEND by Patty Blount.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

I actually wrote a YA zombie farce called ATTACK OF THE BATHS*T BIMBOS about a teen geek girl blogger fighting zombies made by diet soft drinks, but my agent didn't think it would sell. :) As for pigs, I'll have to put one in the next book just for you. There's a butcher in there, but I don't think that's the way to handle it. Thanks so much for having me, darling!

If the pig gets butchered I'm fine with no pigs in your books ;)
And thanks for dropping by!


About Wicked As They Come:

First in a steampunk-tinged paranormal romance series in which a woman is transported to a world filled with vampires and magic. When nurse Tish Everett forced open the pesky but lovely locket she found at an estate sale, she had no idea she was answering the call of Criminy Stain, from the far off land of Sang. He’d cast a spell for her, but when she’s transported right to him, she’s not so sure she’s ready to be under the spell of another man. (It didn’t go so well last time with controlling, abusive, domineering Jeff.) If only Criminy wasn’t so deliciously rakish….

Half the inhabitants of Sang are Pinkies—human—and the other half are Bludmen, who in Tish’s world would be called vampires. But they don’t mess with any of the bat/coffin/no sunlight nonsense. They’re rather like you and me, just more fabulous, long living, and mostly indestructible. (They're also very good kissers.) But when the evil Mayor of Manchester (formerly Bludchester) redoubles his efforts to rid Sang of the Bludmen once and for all, stealing Tish’s locket in hopes of traveling back to her world himself for reinforcements, Criminy and Tish must battle ghosts, sea monsters, wayward submarines, a secret cabal, and thundering Bludmares to get the locket back and allow Tish to return home…but has she found love with Criminy? Could she stay in Sang forever?



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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

River Road - Book Review

River Road (Sentinels of New Orleans #2)
by Suzanne Johnson

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

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

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

What did I think of it:
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but it took me until the release of the third book in this series to continue reading it and to pick up the second book River Road.

And it's even better than Royal Street!

This book has it all: cool characters, fun situations, scary moments, intense emotions and lots of action. There were some things that I thought were easy to figure out, but mostly this is a suspenseful story with lots of twists and turns.

I loved the mermen, especially Rene, and it was cool to learn about them and other supernatural creatures. The men in DJ's life didn't make things easy for her in this book. Jake and Alex are both complex characters and each of them has his own agenda where it comes to DJ. Jean Lafitte is his usual rakish self, which includes trying to seduce DJ of course.

There were some events that didn't get a conclusion in this book, but hinted at things to come, but in a way that had me eager for the next book instead of annoying me.

All in all I devoured this book in practically one sitting and I was glad I had the next book Elysian Fields ready, because I wanted, no: needed more!

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Urban Fantasy read.

Interview with Jesse Petersen + Giveaway (US only)

Today I bring you an interview with Jesse Petersen, who writes awesome books about zombies and other monsters. The interview is also translated in French by Melliane for those fans of Jesse who read her books in French.


Photo Credit: imaginate photography

Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Jesse.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

Sure! My name is Jesse Petersen and I write snarky urban fantasy about zombies and monsters (but not together). I’m married to my high school sweetheart, we live in Arizona with our two cats. We’re huge geeks and spend our spare time running the “family business” (books) and having deep discussions about Star Wars. It’s a good life.

How would you describe the Monstrosity series and how many books will there be?

I think of the Club Monstrosity series as what would happen if monsters were real and needed therapy. I hope it’s fun, snarky and unexpected. At this point there will only be two books in the series, CLUB MONSTROSITY and THE MONSTERS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD (July 29).

The first three books in the Living With the Dead series were published by Orbit, but you self published The Zombie Whisperer. Was it difficult and what advice would you give authors who want to try self publishing?

Not really difficult in that I felt like Dave and Sarah still had some story left in them and Orbit wasn’t interested in doing a fourth book. It was easier for me in some ways, since I was already published and had an audience out there. Otherwise, it’s just a lot of work as far as promotion, promotion, promotion...


Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Right now, I am working on projects back in the romance world, but I would never completely rule out more urban fantasy if an idea struck my fancy.

If you could, would you change places with any of your characters?

Oh dear God, no. LOL All my characters are a little messed up and definitely dealing with some crazy stuff. It’s fun to write, but I think it would be stressful. I’ll just watch from the sideline, throwing things at them.

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Hopefully outside in the beautiful weather. Or hanging out with my cute nephews.

What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

I got a tattoo, actually. LOL

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

I come from a romance background, so a lot of my writing influences are from that genre. I am always inspired by geeky movies and television (Shaun of the Dead, Venture Brothers, Doctor Who, etc). And I have been really busy with writing lately, but I’ve read The Guernsey Literary Society lately and it was AWESOME.

Are there pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

No pigs so-far. But never say never...


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Pouvez-vous nous parler un peu de vous-même pour ceux qui ne vous connaissent pas encore ?

Bien sûr ! Mon nom est Jesse Petersen et j'écris de la fantasy urbaine sarcastique sur les zombies et des monstres (mais pas ensemble). Je suis mariée à mon amour qui remonte au lycée, nous vivons dans l'Arizona avec nos deux chats. Nous sommes de grands geeks et passons notre temps libre à gérer « l’entreprise familiale » (livres) et à discuter longuement sur Star Wars. C'est une bonne vie.

Comment décririez-vous la série Club Monstrosity et combien de livres comportera-t-elle ?

Quand je pense à la série Club Monstrosity, je pense à ce qui se passerait si les monstres étaient réels et qu’ils avaient besoin d’une thérapie. J'espère que c'est amusant, sarcastique et inattendu. A ce stade, il n'y aura que deux livres de la série : CLUB MONSTROSITY et THE MONSTERS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD (29 Juillet).

Les trois premiers livres de la série Zombie Thérapie ont été publiés par Orbit, mais vous avez autoédité The Zombie Whisperer. Etait-ce difficile et quels conseils donneriez-vous à des auteurs qui veulent essayer l'autoédition ?

Cela n’a pas été vraiment difficile dans le sens où je sentais que Dave et Sarah avaient encore un peu d’histoire laissée en eux mais Orbit n'était pas intéressé à l’idée de publier un quatrième tome. Cela a été plus facile pour moi d'une certaine façon, comme j’étais déjà publiée et que j’avais des lecteurs là-bas. Sinon, c'est juste beaucoup de travail en ce qui concerne la promotion, la promotion, la promotion...


Y a-t-il d'autres projets sur lesquels vous travaillez ou envisagez de créer dans un avenir proche ?

En ce moment, je travaille sur des projets afin de retourner dans le monde de la romance, mais je n'éliminerais jamais complètement la fantasy urbaine si une idée frappait mon imagination.

Si vous le pouviez, changeriez-vous de place avec l'un de vos personnages ?

Oh mon Dieu, non. LOL Tous mes personnages sont un peu foirés et doivent gérer des trucs fous. C'est amusant à écrire, mais je pense que ce serait stressant. Je me contente juste de les regarder depuis la ligne de touche, en balançant des choses sur eux.

Où peut-on vous trouver lorsque vous n'êtes pas à votre bureau en train d’écrire ?

J’espère à l'extérieur, avec le beau temps. Ou sortir avec mes neveux qui sont mignons.

Qu'avez-vous fait pour célébrer la sortie de votre premier livre ?

Je me suis fait un tatouage, en fait. LOL

Quels autres auteurs vous ont influencé ? Avez-vous lu des livres récemment que vous souhaitez partager avec nous ou bien avez-vous été trop occupée avec l'écriture ?

J’ai un certain bagage en matière de romance donc beaucoup de mes influences d'écriture sont issues de ce genre. Je suis toujours inspirée par les films geeks et la télévision (Shaun of the Dead, Venture Brothers, Doctor Who, etc). Et j'ai été très occupée avec l’écriture ces derniers temps, mais j'ai lu récemment Le Cercle littéraire des amateurs d’épluchures de patates et il était génial.

Y a-t-il des porcs dans un de vos livres ou bien il y en aura-t-il dans les livres à venir ?

Aucun porc jusqu’ici. Mais ne jamais dire jamais...



About Club Monstrosity:

Natalie’s one of Frankenstein’s creations and works in a New York City morgue. So of course she needs therapy. She and her friends—er, fellow monsters—have formed the world’s most exclusive, most dysfunctional support group. What could go wrong?

Undetected in the modern world and under pressure to stay that way, Natalie Grey, Dracula, Bob the Blob, and others (including the fetching wolfman Alec) meet regularly to talk about the pressures of being infamous in the Big Apple. Topics include how long it’s been since their last sighting, how their “story” creates stereotypes they can’t fulfill, and—gasp—sometimes even their feelings. But when their pervy Invisible Man, Ellis, is killed in a manner reminiscent of the H.G. Wells novel, it’s clear someone’s discovered their existence and is down for some monster busting.

Led by Natalie—and definitely not helped by Hyde’s bloodthirsty tendencies—the members of Monstofelldosis Anonymous band together for security and a little sleuthing. And maybe—maybe—if they don’t end up dead, they’ll end up friends somewhere along the way.

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Giveaway:

Jesse kindly offered a digital copy of Club Monstrosity to one US reader of my blog.

The winner is erin f

A winner will be picked at random on October 9th.
This is a US only giveaway for people living in the US who are legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

------------------

Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Alex, the Pig - A piece of Flash Fiction by Suzanne Johnson

Today I have a special treat for you!

Suzanne Johnson wrote an original piece of Flash Fiction for me called Alex, the Pig. How cool is that!

So read on for a cool and funny story featuring a pig!


Suzanne Johnson the author of the Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series, set in post-Katrina New Orleans. Book 3 in the series, ELYSIAN FIELDS, released on August 13, 2013. Books four and five coming in 2014.

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Story removed

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About Elysian Fields:

An undead serial killer comes for DJ in this thrilling third installment of Suzanne Johnson’s Sentinels of New Orleans series

The mer feud has been settled, but life in South Louisiana still has more twists and turns than the muddy Mississippi.

New Orleanians are under attack from a copycat killer mimicking the crimes of a 1918 serial murderer known as the Axeman of New Orleans. Thanks to a tip from the undead pirate Jean Lafitte, DJ Jaco knows the attacks aren’t random—an unknown necromancer has resurrected the original Axeman of New Orleans, and his ultimate target is a certain blonde wizard. Namely, DJ.

Combatting an undead serial killer as troubles pile up around her isn’t easy. Jake Warin’s loup-garou nature is spiraling downward, enigmatic neighbor Quince Randolph is acting weirder than ever, the Elders are insisting on lessons in elven magic from the world’s most annoying wizard, and former partner Alex Warin just turned up on DJ’s to-do list. Not to mention big maneuvers are afoot in the halls of preternatural power.

Suddenly, moving to the Beyond as Jean Lafitte’s pirate wench could be DJ’s best option.



------------------

Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And keep posted: I will post reviews of River Road and Elysian Fields later this week

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.