My author guest this week is the wonderful Linda Wisdom!
Linda stopped by to answer my questions about her latest book, her witchy characters and what the future holds! Have you checked out the interview yet?
When you get to the bottom of the interview make sure you a) order some of Linda's delicious books and b) enter the contest to win a copy of her latest release, A Demon Does It Better!
The contest is open till Sunday so you still have a few days left to enter!
Post about this giveaway somewhere on the internet eg. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter etc. Make sure you post the link here so I can confirm your extra entry.
Email your friends about this giveaway. Make sure you add my email address so I also get a copy and can confirm your entry. Amberkatzes_Book_Blog@gmx.eu
You can’t move forward until you deal with the past…
Starting over is nothing new to diplomat’s daughter Lindsey Yi. She’s grown up changing schools the way other girls change clothes. Still, moving to Lincoln, Connecticut, is different. Although she’s still reeling from the loss of her parents in an accident, Lindsey is finally in a place that feels like home. Because here, Lindsey’s ability to read other people’s thoughts doesn’t make her weird. It makes her one of the Mystyx.
When Dylan Murphy—hot, popular and a senior—starts to notice her, things get serious, fast. But even as she’s figuring out how she really feels, the Mystyx realize that they’re not the only supernaturals in town. There are other gifted teens who have different motives. And they are hoping to get close enough to the Mystyx to convert them—and the world—to Darkness…
My Review :
Mesmerize is the fourth book in the Mystyx series, a series I have been following from the beginning and one I have been enjoying a lot. I quickly got back into the feel of this series although it did take me a while to get used to seeing things from another perspective again. You see in this series each installment is told from another point of view, another member of the Mystyx.
This time we meet Lindsey and find out what her story is about. It is becomes pretty clear from the beginning what powers she has and what her 'problem' is. Each Mystyx has a different power/ability and they also all have some kind of problem at home or in their life that they are trying to deal with. Lindsey seems to have dealt with hers already but it is on her mind a lot as the story unfolds.
The ongoing story is easy to keep up with and each book has a story arc that adds to the main events. I did enjoy this one but I have to admit that I didn't think it was the best yet. I definitely enjoyed the previous books more but maybe it was just Lindsey and the whole Dylan thing. The whole lovey dovey boyfriend thing is not my cup of tea in a Young Adult and while I admit the story needed it, I didn't like it very much.
One thing that bothered me a lot with this book is the cover. It is pretty, doesn't give much away and it looks cool but it doesn't look like Lindsey. She constantly reminds us throughout the book that she looks Korean and there are even some people who point this out. However the girl on the cover doesn't look Korean at all.
All in all this is a very solid series that is still building up to the end show. There are obviously a few more books in there before the bad guys are defeated and I am going to be there to watch the show. I love the unique twist to this series and the abilities are pretty cool. A bit like the X-men but with weather and mystery this is definitely one you can get your teeth into. Try it!
Last week I had two author guests of the male variety! It made for a change in the mainly female run of things and it was nice to have the guys here on the blog. A huge thank you to to James R. Tuck and J.F. Lewis!
They also came bearing gifts! You had the chance to win a copy of their books and hopefully you took the opportunity and entered the contests. Both are now closed and it is time to see who won!
Didn't win this time? Enter the new contest (see the sidebar --->) and make sure you check back in to enter the Monthly Giveaway which will be starting soon!
Also make sure you check out the books from both authors!
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How to claim your prize!
Please contact me via email - Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot eu within the next 7 days to claim your prize. Your claim will go quicker if you send me your address. If you won a contest where you can choose your prize, then please make sure you state in your email which book you would like. This will help things go alot quicker! If you won an e-book please make sure you send me the email address you would like the book sent to!
If you email me and don't get a reply within 48 hours please post on the blog letting me know. Some email gets eaten by my spam filter. However please don't send me more than one email unless you really don't get an answer within 3 days. I am not online 24/7 ;) Sometimes it takes a little longer to reply.
If a prize isn't claimed after 7 days I will, if the author agrees, pick another winner.
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Author Linda Wisdom is practically a regular guest here on Amberkatze's Book Blog. So when I got to read an advance copy of her new release I couldn't resist asking her back on to the blog.
A Demon does it Better is, like all Linda's witchy books, a super read. I can only highly recommend Linda's books and hope that you will give them a go. Actually why not check out this interview and get a feel for the author and the books. Maybe even win a copy of the new release?
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Amber - Welcome back to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you here again as a guest! Could you start things off by telling us a little about your second book in the Demon Series, A Demon Does It Better?
Linda – Readers met Lili in wallmails in previous books. It was time for her story. With her being a doctor I wanted to show what the medical field would be like for pretenaturals. From the beginning I knew the asylum would be a part of it. I would have loved to have input more of the medical part, but with a romance you have to concentrate on the main characters. Who knows, maybe a novella will come out of it.
Amber - How did you come up with the idea for A Demon Does It Better? Was it a long process or did it just come to you?
Linda – One of my favorite movies is Boris Karloff’s Bedlam. A sign of my demented mind. I always thought using an old hospital in a book would be interesting. Lili’s story worked perfectly for it. I wanted to show an asylum of the past mingled with a hospital of the present. Also an alternate plain where the supernaturals had their own community. And a hint of mystery to go with it. I can’t say it all clicked in my head, but it settled in scene by scene.
Amber - I like how you keep visiting or mentioning the characters from your previous demon/witch books. Will any of them ever come back into the limelight again?
Linda – Yes and not just flash fiction on my blog. I hope to write some novellas for them and who knows, maybe even another book if the right idea comes to mind.
Amber - There were a few new characters in A Demon Does It Better. Will we see any of them again in future books?
Linda – Oh yes. I love bringing characters back in ‘cameo’ roles. Plus it gives the readers a glimpse into what they’re doing now.
Amber - Cleo was a hoot! Is it hard to come up with new fun sidekicks for your witches?
Linda – Sometimes I think that’s the easiest part. Perhaps because I’m such a critter person. You have to admit that Cleo is no clichéd witch’s familiar. Nor would I even suggest it to her. She has attitude like Fluff and Puff.
Amber - A Demon does it Better had some medical and magical aspects to it. Do you research these areas or use your imagination?
Linda – It was a combination of research and my imagination. I researched Bedlam for the asylum and tried to mix modern and the old togethere.
Amber - Will there be more books in the series? Which witch will lead the next book?
Linda – Absolutely! Do you think the witches will let me stop now? I will be putting Thea’s book titled Guns ‘N Hexes up myself and Jazz and Nick will have an e-novella, Hotel Hex.
Amber - Are you working on any other projects? Do you want to try writing Young Adult like so many other authors?
Linda – I have written a YA urban fantasy. While the editors loved it, sadly, they didn’t love it enough, so I’ll be putting the book up myself. I’ve put up some of my backlist books as ebooks and more will be going up on a weekly basis. They’re found on Amazon, BN and Smashwords along with www.joyridebooks.com
Amber - How do you pick the names for your characters? Do they have any special meanings?
Linda – Sometimes I think they name themselves. The hardest part is coming up with their birth name. Then I look for the name and meaning that fits their personality.
Amber - How do you come up with the titles for your books? Do you always go with the first title or is it hard to come up with the right one?
Linda – Actually, my publisher comes up with the titles.
Amber - How long on average does it take you to write a book? Do you have a process you follow? Or do you just start at page one and see what happens?
Linda – I’ve always been a pantser writer. I start at page one but many times I might be a third of the way through the book and know how the ending has to be, so I’ll write it then.
Amber - Are you a full time writer or do you have a day job? If yes, how do you divide your time?
Linda – I’ve been a full time writer since 1980. My boss fired me when I sold my first two books. Talk about incentive to keep on writing!
Amber - What have you been reading, watching and listening to lately? Any recommendations?
Linda – I’m reading Faith Hunter’s Raven Crossed and then on to Yasmine Galenorn’s. My latest TV addiction is The Big Bang Theory. I can’t imagine I haven’t watched it all this time! Love the show and even have a Soft Kitty t-shirt. Plus I enjoy Grimm and Once Upon A Time for new shows. I’m always looking for new Celtic and Zydeco music. Both tend to spice my imagination.
Amber - Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
Linda – I would say my mom. She was always a cheerleader. Funny story. When I first sold I was telling everyone “I’m an author.” Mom told me I need to be careful, that it could be considered bragging. A few years later we were having lunch out and Mom looked across the restaurant. She saw a woman reading my book and next thing I knew she was out of her chair and telling the woman “My daughter wrote that book. Do you want her to sign it?” Obviously, it’s okay for moms to brag. :} A Demon Does it Better is dedicated to her memory and a longtime friend, Beverly Barton.
Amber - If you could live anywhere in the world. Where would you live?
Linda – Hm, that’s a toughie since there’s a few places I’d love to go to. My Irish roots seem to call to me more and more, so I think Ireland.
Amber - Thanks for stopping by again!
Linda - Thank you for having me! It’s always fun here.
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A DEMON DOES IT BETTER BY LINDA WISDOM – IN STORES JANUARY 2012
A madhouse is not place for a curious witch…
After more than a century, Doctor Lili Carter, witch healer extraordinaire, has returned to San Francisco and taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, where something peculiar and wicked I shappening. Patients are disappearing, and Lili wants to know why.
And double dangerous for a demon…
Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all—a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What’s behind the gorgeous chameleon demon’s late-night escapades?
Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other—and creating a whole new kind of magic.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for RT Book Reviews awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California. For more information, please visit her website.
There are 2 copies of A Demon Does It Better up for grabs! 2 winners, 1 international winner and 1 US/Canada only winner (Please add US/CAN or EURO to your entry!)
How To Enter
Who is your favourite witch? TV, Film or book?
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The contest will stay open until Sunday 5th of February 2012 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.
My name is Peter Grant and until January I was just probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service (as the Filth to everybody else). My only concerns in life were how to avoid a transfer to the Case Progression Unit - we do paperwork so real coppers don't have to - and finding a way to climb into the panties of the outrageously perky WPC Leslie May. Then one night, in pursuance of a murder inquiry, I tried to take a witness statement from someone who was dead but disturbingly voluable, and that brought me to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the last wizard in England.
Now I'm a Detective Constable and a trainee wizard, the first apprentice in fifty years, and my world has become somewhat more complicated: nests of vampires in Purley, negotiating a truce between the warring god and goddess of the Thames, and digging up graves in Covent Garden . . . and there's something festering at the heart of the city I love, a malicious vengeful spirit that takes ordinary Londoners and twists them into grotesque mannequins to act out its drama of violence and despair.
The spirit of riot and rebellion has awakened in the city, and it's falling to me to bring order out of chaos - or die trying. Which, I don't mind telling you, would involve a hell of a lot of paperwork.
My Thoughts :
This book has been on my wishlist for a while. I was extremely unsure about it and once or twice I know I had a copy in my hand and ended up not buying it. Now I wish I had. I finally got a copy through Audible and couldn 't wait to start listening to it. At first the narrator annoyed me but different headphones made his voice easier to hear and understand. Despite this little technical problem I have to admit that this story had me hooked within minutes and had me laughing out loud on the street. I haven't had this much fun with a book for a long time.
Maybe it was the complete and utter Britishness that had me addicted to Rivers of London. I am from the UK and understood all the little quips, jokes and strange remarks made about the police and the British in general. It made me feel a little homesick and at the same time make me thankful for not living there anymore but it made for bloody good entertainment in conjunction with this unique story.
Paranormal Fantasy with a huge dollop of mystery awaits the reader in this fabulous start to a new series. I couldn't stop listening to this one and found myself not bothering with any other books all week. Actutally I think this audiobook was listened to quicker than any audiobook I have had so far and before even getting halfway through I downloaded the sequel.
The style may just be a little too British, hectic and unusual for some people but I just found it witty, entertaining and well thought out. The story had lots of surprises and twists which meant I never knew what was going to happen next or how it may end. The characters were a lot of fun to get to know and read about and I am looking forward to getting to know them better. They definitely have some more secrets to tell.
What more can I say? I loved this book! Unusual, unique and a riot! I plan on listening to the next book straight away. I have to know what comes next and what else the author has up his sleeve!
The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.
But the next scream might be for Kaylee.
Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.
But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.
Anything.
My Thoughts :
Soul Screamers number five and I was wondering if the series was going to keep me interested and excited. I liked the last couple of books but they didn't wow me as much as the first two. I did want to buy If I Die as soon as it was released but with so many books to read I decided to add it to my wishlist and hope for it to be under the Christmas Tree. Seems I was good because Santa did bring me this one and it didn't take me long to find a day to read this in.
Well that is a little lie. I nearly finished this book in one day, it was that good, however Sunday run out and Monday came along and was followed by a very long week. This evening I finally sat down and read the last 30 pages and wished I had had time sometime during the week to find out how things ended. It was a spectacular ending to a very emotional and wonderful story.
Knowing you are going to die in a few days must be hard and I can't even start to imagine what runs through ones mind when you know the end is coming. Kaylee handles it surprising well and goes about stopping a nasty paranormal from killing young girls while she is waiting for the inevitable. This isn't to say that she doesn't take her impending death seriously. She manages to make some decisions I didn't see coming and her actions are definitely those of a person who knows that time is running out.
The whole tale was written with the fantastic engaging style that I have come to love and enjoy. Rachel Vincent has an excellent talent and I love what she has done with this series. This book really went above my expectations and I am really excited about the next book. Things are seriously going to get interesting now.
If you haven't tried Rachel Vincent's work and like Young Adult then you really need to give this series a go. It is unique, fresh and well written. If you aren't in to Young Adult but really want a good paranormal read then you need to go look for Rachel's other books. She has some great stories to tell and I love reading them.
It is guy time here on Amberkatze's Book Blog! This week I have two author guests and both of them are male authors!
The Paranormal Urban Fantasy genre boasts a lot of female writers but there are also a few men out there! So make sure you check out the interviews and enter the contests! But most of all try the books!!!
You have till Sunday to enter the contests so don't delay and enter today ;)
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For more chances to win -
Post about this giveaway somewhere on the internet eg. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter etc. Make sure you post the link here so I can confirm your extra entry.
Email your friends about this giveaway. Make sure you add my email address so I also get a copy and can confirm your entry. Amberkatzes_Book_Blog@gmx.eu
