Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems, too. Original.
My Thoughts :
Christina Henry's Madeline Black series was one of the most refreshing new Urban Paranormals to be released in the last few years. At some point the new releases are just a hash-up of the usual plots, clichés and supernatural elements and it is wonderful when an author gets an original idea and goes with it. This series is one of those little gems and I was eager to see where this third book would take the story.
I needed a little time to get myself back into the world of Madeline Black. This is where Lucifer is a frequent visitor and big yucky spiders spring up to leave their goo all over the place. Once I had got my bearings I found myself engrossed in what was another unique plot and fantastic story. While some of the ideas seemed a little 'out there' it made for great reading and I loved following the events that led to Madeline once again saving the day.
Madeline is however on the verge of turning into one of those leading ladies who keeps acquiring magical abilities with each book. I hope this isn't a look at things to come. Especially with that amazing cliffhanger ending that could see Madeline getting more powers. However one could argue that being related to Lucifer comes with all the powers available. A nice idea but I hope it doesn't go to Madeline's head.
The gang of misfits that Madeline hangs out with are actually pretty cool. I love the little hungry gargoyle Beezle who usually wants some kind of sweet treat for his valuable information. Samiel would be more enjoyable if anyone really paid attention to him. Yes he can't speak but he only seems to be noticed when they need an extra person to fight off all the badies that keep coming out of the woodwork.
This third book is quite an emotional roller coaster ride for Madeline and all things considered she holds up very well. As mentioned, the ending was pretty cool, but I was expecting it. I really am looking forward to seeing how that plays out. I have to say I appreciated the author not going into explicit details when Madeline finally made it to bed with someone. I am seriously fed up of the long and extravagant sex scenes and it was nice to not have pages wasted in this book. We know how the birds and bees work and don't really need more info than that. Thank you Christina for sparing us.
All in all this was a super third book in the series and a lot happened. However it wasn't my favourite in the series so far. Lots of action, depth and humour but it was maybe just too much. I do expect that the fourth book will be my favourite. I seriously can't wait for that one and really hope that the author delivers us a nice new aspect to the series.
Worth checking out if you love Jeaniene Frost, Jaye Wells or Jenna Black. Definitely give this cool new series a go. You won't be disappointed.
There have been a few new releases out this week that I had on pre-order. One of them is Black Howl by Christina Henry.
The series so far has impressed me a lot and I can't wait to delve back into the life of Madeline Black.
If you have already had the joy of reading this series or haven't come across it yet, I hope you enjoy this interview with the author and will take the time to enter this weeks contest.
Black Howl is the third book in the series and I can only recommend you try the series sometime soon!
Enjoy!
----------
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 third book in the Madeline Black series, Black Howl?
Christina - Ghosts are popping up all over Chicago, and these ghosts have not had their deaths foreseen by the Agency. That means that they are outside of the natural order, and something big and bad is lurking around. As an added complication, Maddy's friend Wade (the alpha of the werewolf pack from BLACK NIGHT) has been kidnapped and Jude's asked Maddy to help find him. Oh, and Lucifer has been hanging around trying to trap Maddy into becoming the heir to his kingdom, which Maddy is definitely not interested in.
Amber - How did you come up with the idea for Black Howl?
Christina - In BLACK NIGHT we spent a lot of time away from Chicago in Amarantha's faerie court. I wanted more of the third book to take place in the city and for readers to feel more connected to the Agency again. The fae and the fallen are still a large part of BLACK HOWL, of course - once Maddy takes on a problem she has a lot of trouble getting rid of it!
Amber - Was it easier to write the third book or has it become harder as things progress?
Christina - In a certain sense it does get easier. You start to know the characters and the world, and you can better predict how a character would respond in certain situations. In another sense it's harder because you want to keep things fresh for the reader.
Amber - If the series was going to be made into a TV series or Film, who would you like to see playing the lead characters?
Christina - Michael Fassbender has always been Gabriel in my head, and I would love Richard Armitage for J.B. I'm not sure who would play Maddy, though. An unknown actress would probably be better for her. That way you would be able to see Maddy for herself and not as a character you'd seen in another film.
Amber - How do you pick the names for your characters? Do they have any special meanings?
Christina - No, I just pick names that I like. I'm boring that way :)
Amber - Will there be more books in the series? How long would you like to see things continue for Madeline?
Christina - There will be at least six books in the series. After that we will see how much more story there is to tell.
Amber - How much say do you have in the book publishing process? Eg. Do you get to pick the cover? The Title?
Christina - I do pick the title for each book. For the cover, my editor and I discuss some ideas and then we see what the cover artist comes up with. I think Kris Keller has done an incredible job on the covers!
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?
Christina - It takes a few months for me to write the first draft. I usually have a rough idea of what I want to happen in the book, but since I write chronologically the books do tend to take surprise turns on me. I start with the first scene and then just seen how things unfold.
Amber - Are you working on any other projects you can tell us about? Any plans to do the YA thing?
Christina - I have a couple of ideas for another series, but I need to find time to write it! I'm supposed to write two BLACK WINGS books this year and that is taking up a lot of time.
I don't plan on writing for young adults at this time. I think it takes an amazing talent to write good YA and I don't think I have that ability.
Amber - Are you a full time writer or do you have a day job? If yes, How do you divide your time?
Christina - I am a full time writer - at least when my son is at school. When he's home I'm a full-time mom. So I try to get a lot of writing done during the school day!
Amber - What have you been listening, reading and watching lately? Any recommendations?
Christina - The last movie I saw and loved was DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME, a Chinese fantasy-mystery starring Andy Lau. I'm currently reading Bill Bryson's AT HOME, which is just full of fascinating trivia about human history.
I have several episodes of GRIMM and ONCE UPON A TIME sitting in my DVR right now. Someday soon I'll get caught up!
Amber - Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
Christina - J.R.R. Tolkien who was the first author who inspired me to write. I read THE LORD OF THE RINGS when I was twelve and decided to be a writer then and there.
Amber - If you could live anywhere in the world. Where would you live?
Christina - I live in Chicago, and I love it here. I wouldn't pass up living in Italy, though!
Win one of Christina's books. Winners choice! Want to start the series? Need the new book? You win, you choose!
How To Enter
What is the last film you watched?
No Answer = No Entry
'Please enter me' posts will NOT be counted as an entry
Earn more entries for each link you place about this contest on the net. You can post on Facebook, Twitter & MySpace but make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries! However please do not make individual postings for each entry. Please post all your entries in one post.
Advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog on your site and get an extra entry for this and every other contest!
Have you 'Liked' Amberkatze's Book Blog on Facebook?
You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.
Make sure you post your links here so I can confirm your entries.
Keep the contests going by using the Bookdepository.com and Amazon.com links/Banners below and around the site.
The contest will stay open until 4pm on Sunday 11th March (Central European Time) 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.
