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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!




Yesterday I was working on one of my holiday greetings made with books. It was going to be simple still photo - books poured from a champagne bottle to create "2012." My lovely daughter was helping me so we decided to try a bit of stop animation. Admittedly, it's not that well done. One of the problems is that my video software does not allow me make the images move faster. So I'm stuck with .31 or so per frame. This makes it look a bit jerky. Time for better video software!

I would not have been able to create this little video without the help of my daughter who tirelessly moved books while I stood perfectly still perched above. Thank you to her.

And Happy New Year to all of you! Wishing you a 2012 filled with joy, health, success, and lots of good books.


No books were harmed in the making of this video. My daughter, however, has a backache.

Friday, December 30, 2011

January 2012 Book Releases

As far as books go, 2012 is starting off very well. Here is The Qwillery's list of books being published in January 2012. If there is something that I've missed, please leave a comment below. Any genre mistakes are mine. Leave a comment below if you feel that the genre is wrong. Also note that this list is always under revision. Publication dates change. I try to keep this as accurate as possible. The most accurate lists can be found for each week in The View From Monday posts.


January 1, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Midnight Reckoning Kendra Leigh Castle PNR - Dark Dynasties 2
The Lure of Song and Magic Patricia Rice PNR
Silver-Tongued Devil Jaye Wells UF - Sabina Kane 4
A Demon Does It Better Linda Wisdom PNR - Demon 2



January 3, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Serengeti Sins Vivi Andrews PNR - Serengeti Shifters 5
Labyrinth Alex Archer UF - Rogue Angel 34
Immortal Hope Claire Ashgrove PNR - Curse of the Templars 1
Wild Cat Jennifer Ashley RUF - Unbound 3
Haven's Blight James Axler SF - Deathlands 102
Whispers in the Dark Maya Banks RS w/PE - KGI 4
Halo: Primordium Greg Bear SF - Forerunner Saga 2
The Daemon Prism Carol Berg F - Collegia Magica 3
The Soul Mirror (tp2mm) Carol Berg F - Collegia Magica 2
City of the Lost (d) Stephen Blackmoore UFN
It Takes a Witch Heather Blake PM - Wishcraft 1
Blueprints of the Afterlife Ryan Boudinot SF
Power Play Ben Bova SF
Dust of the Damned Peter Brandvoid SW
Iron Kissed (mm2h) Patricia Briggs UF -Mercy Thompson 3
The Iron Duke (tp2mm) Meljean Brook SPR - Iron Seas 1
Deep Indigo Cathryn Cade SFR - Orion 4
Ancient Images (ri) Ramsey Campbell H
Dark Companions (ri) Ramsey Campbell H
The Hungry Moon (ri) Ramsey Campbell H
Obsession (ri) Ramsey Campbell H
The Seven Days of Cain (ri) Ramsey Campbell H
Flashfire Deborah Cooke PNR - Dragonfire 7
The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller Cleo CoylePM - Haunted Bookshop Mystery 6
Wild Wild Death Casey Daniels PM - Pepper Martin Mystery 8
Voyage Across the Stars David Drake SF
Grantville Gazette VI Eric Flint (ed) SF- Grantville Gazette 6
All That Bleeds Kimberly Frost PNR - Etherlin 1
Seven Princes (d) John R. Fultz EF - Books of the Shaper 1
Wolf's Edge W. D. Gagliani H - Nick Lupo 4
The Broken Land W. Michael Gear F - People of the Longhouse
Templar One Tony Gonzales SF - EVE 3
The Bride Wore Black Leather Simon R. Green UF - Nightside 12
Sixth Column (ri) Robert A. Heinlein SF
Between Their Worlds Barb Hendee UF - Noble Dead 10
Of Truth and Beasts (h2mm) Barb Hendee UF - Noble Dead 9
Sisterhood of Dune Brian Herbert
Kevin J. Anderson
SF - Dune
The Brownie of Bodsbeck and Other Tales (ri) James Hogg F
Blood of the Volcano Imogen Howson FR
The Rise of the Iron Moon (h2mm) Stephen Hunt SPF - Jackelian 3
Raven Cursed Faith Hunter UF - Jane Yellowrock 4
Gift of Magic Lynn Kurland F - Nine Kingdoms: Ruith and Sarah 3
Up Against It (h2mm) M.J. Locke SF
Faith (d) John Love SF
Haunted Warrior Allie Mackay PNR
King of the Isles Debbie Mazzuca PHR - Lord of the Isles 3
The Zero Dog War Keith Melton UF
To Walk the Night (d) E.S. Moore UF -Kat Redding 1
Dead of Winter Brian Moreland H
All the Lives He Led (h2mm) Frederik Pohl SF
Running with the Pack Beverly Rae PER - Cannon Pack 3
Born of Ashes Caris Roane PNR - Guardians of Ascension 4
Hold Me If You Can Stephanie Rowe PNR - Soulfire 3
Sins of the Demon Diana Rowland UF - Kara Gillian 4
Tribulations Ken Shufeldt SF
Sacrament (ri) Susan Squires PNR - Companion Vampires 1
Dancing With Bears Michael Swanwick F - Darger and Surplus 1
Leaves of Flame Benjamin Tate F
The Departed Shiloh Walker PNR
One Thousand Kisses Jody Wallace F - Fey Realm 2
Among Others (h2tp) Jo Walton F
House Name (h2mm) Michelle West F - House War 3
Skirmish Michelle West F - House War 4
Cobra Gamble Timothy Zahn SF - Cobra War 3



January 10, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Nameless (d) Kyle Chais F
The Fat Years Koonchung Chan SF
The Liminal People Ayize Jama-Everett SFT
Tempting the Gods: The Selected Stories of Tanith Lee Volume 1 Tanith Lee F
Catacombs Anne McCaffrey,
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
SF - Barque Cats 2
Three Science Fiction Novellas: From Prehistory to the End of Mankind J.-H. Rosny SF - Early Classics of Science Fiction
The Chalice of Death: Three Novels of Mystery in Space Robert Silverberg SF - Collection



January 11, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
The Rook (d) Daniel O'Malley UF



January 12, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Come In and Cover Me Gin Phillips F/H



January 16, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
The Therapist's Cat Stephanie Sorrell F



January 17, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Shadows in Flight Orson Scott Card SF - Ender's Shadow 5
A Path to Coldness of Heart Glen Cook EF - Dread Empire 8
In the Lion's Mouth Michael Flynn SF
The Thorn and the Blossom: A Two-Sided Love Story Theodora Goss PNR
Taft 2012 (d) Jason Heller F/TT/AH
The Desert of Souls (h2tp) Howard Andrew Jones F - Dabir and Asim 1
Dark Victory Michele Lang HF - Lady Lazarus 2
Graveminder (h2tp) Melissa Marr DF
Something Wikkid This Way Comes (e) Nicole Peeler UF - Jane True Novella
A Monster's Notes Laurie Sheck H
Everything is Broken John Shirley SF
The Serpent Sea Martha Wells EF - Cloud Roads 2
Home Fires (h2tp) Gene Wolfe SF



January 24, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Darker After Midnight Lara Adrian PNR - Midnight Breed 10
Resurrection (ri) Arwen Elys Dayton SF
The Man in the High Castle Philip K. Dick SF
Against the Light Dave Duncan  EF
Expedition to the Mountains of the Moon Mark Hodder SP/F - Burton and Swinburne 3
Claimed by a Vampire Rachel Lee PNR - Claiming 2
Horizon Sophie Littlefield SF - Aftertime 3
Three Messages and a Warning: Contemporary Mexican Short Stories of the Fantastic Eduardo Jiménez Mayo Chris. N. Brown,
editors
SF/F - Anthology
A Warrior's Desire Pamela Palmer PNR - Esri 3
Boneyards Kristine Kathryn Rusch SF - Diving Universe 3
Swords & Dark Magic (tp2mm) Jonathan Strahan (ed)
Lou Anders (ed)
F - Anthology



January 28, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Closed Horizon Peter Lantos SF



January 31, 2012
TITLEAUTHORSERIES
The Faceless Simon Bestwick H
The Witch's Daughter (h2tp) Paula Brackston F
River Marked (h2mm) Patricia Briggs UF - Mercy Thompson 6
Control Point (d) Myke Cole MSF - Shadow Ops 1
All Things Wicked Karina Cooper PNR - Dark Mission 3
Deception William C. Dietz SF - Mass Effect 4
The Sacred Band (h2mm) David Anthony Durham EF - Acacia Trilogy 3
The Plain Man (h2mm) Steve Englehart F - Max August 3
High Bloods John Farris UF
Lair of the Lion (ri) Christine Feehan PNR
The Crucible of Empire Eric Flint SF - Jao 2
Undone Deeds Mark Del Franco UF - Connor Grey 6
A Devil Named Desire Terri Garey PNR - Devil's Bargain 2
Darkest Highlander Donna Grant PNR - Dark Sword 6
Third Grave Dead Ahead Darynda Jones UF - Charley Davidson 3
Intensity (ri) Dean Koontz H
Shadows West Joe R. Lansdale H - Story Collection
Earthblood & Other Stories Keith Laumer SF
Carousel Tides (ri) Sharon Lee UF
Burned J. F. Lewis UF - Void City 4
A Little Night Magic Lucy March PNR
His Dark Bond Anne Marsh PNR - Fallen Angel 2
Greatshadow James Maxey EF - Dragon Apocalypse 1
The Questing Road (h2mm) Lyn McConchie EF - Questing Road 1
Wrong Side of Dead Kelly Meding UF - Dreg City 4
Embassytown (h2tp) China Mieville SF
Kings of the North (h2mm) Elizabeth Moon EF - Paladin's Legacy 2
The Unremembered (h2mm) Peter Orullian F - Vault of Heaven 1
The Quantum Thief (h2mm) Hannu Rajaniemi SF - Quantum Thief 1
Sadie Walker Is Stranded Madeleine Roux H
Cryptonomicon Neal Stephenson SF
Heir of Novron Michael J. Sullivan EF - Riyria Revelations
(omnibus)
Percepliquis Michael J. Sullivan EF - Riyria Revelations 6
Giant Thief (d) David Tallerman EF - Tales of Easie Damasco 1
The Great Game Lavie Tidhar SPT - Bookman Histories 3
After the Golden Age (h2mm) Carrie Vaughn UF
In Fire Forged David Weber SF - Worlds of Honor 5


d - Debut
e - Ebook
h2mm - Hardcover to Mass Market Paperback
h2tp - Hardcover to Trade Paperback
ri - Reissue
tp2mm - Trade Paperback to Mass Market Paperback

AH - Alternative History
DF - Dark Fantasy
EF - Epic Fantasy
F - Fantasy
FR - Fantasy Romance
H - Horror
HT - Historical Thriller
MSF - Military Science Fiction
PE - Paranormal Elements
PER - Paranormal Erotic Romance
PHR - Paranormal Historical Romance
PM - Paranormal Mystery
PNR - Paranormal Romance
RS - Romantic Suspense
RUF - Romantic Urban Fantasy
SF - Science Fiction
SFR - Science Fiction Romance
SFT - Science Fiction Thriller
SPF - Steampunk Fantasy
SPR - Steampunk Romance
SW - Supernatural Western
TT - Time Travel
UF - Urban Fantasy
UFN - Urban Fantasy Noir

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Interview with Dianne Duvall and Giveaway - December 29, 2011

Please welcome Dianne Duvall to The Qwillery. Dianne's debut novel, Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians 1) was published on February 1, 2011. Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians 2) was published on December 6, 2011.


TQ:  Welcome back to The Qwillery!

Dianne:  Thank you, Sally! I’m thrilled to be here!

TQ:  Please tell us about Night Reigns, the second novel in your Immortal Guardians series.

Dianne:  Immortal Guardian Marcus Grayden recently lost the woman he has loved for eight centuries. Grieving, he now only feels alive when he is risking all in battle against the hordes of maddened vampires who prey upon humans. When his actions grow reckless enough to concern Seth, the leader of the Immortal Guardians, Marcus is assigned a new Second (mortal assistant) -- Ami. Though the last thing Marcus wants is a Second, he simply can’t deny Ami’s appeal, succumbing more and more to her wit and intelligence and beauty as they’re thrown together.

Ami has suffered greatly in recent years. So much so that, at times, she questions her sanity. When Seth assigns her to serve as Marcus’s Second, taking care of business for him during the day when he must shun the sun and backing him in battle when he needs it at night, she could not be more shocked. But she rises to the occasion. Again and again she conquers the fear instilled in her by the monsters who tortured her and fights valiantly by Marcus’s side, swiftly losing her heart to him as the bonds of friendship they find deepen into love.

TQ:  Which character has surprised you the most in the Immortal Guardians series?

Dianne:  So far, Ami has. She endured such torture before Seth and David rescued her. The fear instilled in her continues to overwhelm her at times, but she has made amazing progress in her attempts to conquer that fear. The strength and determination, coupled with vulnerability, that she exhibits in Night Reigns makes her one of my favorite characters in the series. That and her goodness. Her trials haven’t left her bitter. She really is just the sweetest person . . . and a surprisingly powerful fighter, shocking Marcus with her ability to defeat vampires who are far faster and stronger than she is.

TQ:  Barring paranormality, which character in the series is most like you?

Dianne:  I would have to say Sarah, the heroine from Darkness Dawns. I took many years of piano lessons and share the same love of music that drove Sarah to become a music theory professor. I also share her pragmatic approach to life and her sense of humor. I like to think I would react to the situations she finds herself in the same way she does, too: Take care of business despite being afraid, even if that means rescuing the hero from vampires’ minions or standing up to vampires herself, then shake like a leaf afterwards. :-)

TQ:   You're active in the independent film industry. Are there any similarities between making a movie and writing a novel?

Dianne:  There are. In fact, my experiences on the set have helped me with my writing. Watching the director add seemingly minor or even minuscule details to a scene to make it more vivid or real or more surreal taught me to do the same with the scenes I write. Something as simple as moonlight reflecting off of rain-slick pavement or flies buzzing around a scene of death can help evoke a mood. And, of course, the story arc in a book is similar to the story arc of a film. Many writers read Christopher Vogler’s The Writers Journey and use it as a guideline even though it is geared toward screenwriters.

TQ:  What do you wish you'd known when the 1st book came out that you know now?

Dianne:  I wish I would have been more proficient at blogging and using the various social networking sites. I’m still learning my way on some of those, but have thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow romance lovers through them. I wish I would have found facebook, in particular, sooner. The readers and writers I’ve met there have been so supportive and such fun to know. Even on bad days, they make me smile. :-)

I also wish I would’ve known how early a new author should begin to promote a book’s release and how much time she must spend doing the promoting. I had no idea before getting published that it takes at least as much time to promote a book as it does to write and edit one. Finding a balance that enabled me to promote the first book while going over the copyedits and proofs of the second book and writing the third has been quite a challenge. :-)

TQ:  Are there any other genres in which you would like to write in addition to paranormal romance?

Dianne:  Before writing Darkness Dawns, I wrote a medieval romance manuscript with paranormal elements and a time travel romance manuscript and enjoyed both thoroughly, so I would be interested in writing in either of those genres. I suspect any genre I wrote, however, would include paranormal elements. I just love the twists such put on ordinary situations, the unique challenges they force characters to face, and would be unable to resist. :-)

TQ:   What's next?

DiannePhantom Shadows, Book 3 in my Immortal Guardians series, will be released in October 2012. In it, the enemy immortals face continues to change and evolve, growing ever more dangerous and threatening them in ways they could never have anticipated. Some surprising new allies will arise. New friendships will form. A certain villain will become a hero and fall in love as he struggles to find his place in the Immortal Guardians' world. And readers will be given glimpses into the new lives of the heroes and heroines of the first two books.

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.

Dianne:  Thank you so much for having me and for helping me celebrate the release of Night Reigns!


About the Immortal Guardians

Night Reigns
Immortal Guardians 2
Zebra (December 6, 2011)
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages

Dianne Duvall portrays a world of temptation, loyalty, and heartbreak…a world where danger and desire walk hand in hand…

Ami isn’t much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she’s no coward, and she’s no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn’t hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into…

Marcus Grayden has been an Immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and he’s not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can’t deny that she’s strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she’s also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can’t bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets—how can she defeat death itself?


Darkness Dawns
Immortal Guardians 1
Zebra (February 1, 2011)
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages

In this dazzling, sensual novel, Dianne Duvall beckons readers into a world of vampires, immortals, and humans with extraordinary gifts…where passion can last forever, if you’re willing to pay the price…

Once, Sarah Bingham’s biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she’s landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control…

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible—when it means forfeiting the world she’s always known, and the life he would do anything to protect…


About Dianne

Dianne Duvall has won several awards as a romance writer. Her debut paranormal romance novel Darkness Dawns was declared a Top Pick in a 5-star review by The Romance Reviews, a Best Book in a 5+ star review by Long and Short Reviews and was given the Top Bite Award by Bitten by Paranormal Romance. It also received a 4 1/2 star review by RT Book Reviews and was chosen as Best of the Best in the Romance Writers of America Indiana Golden Opportunity contest. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and once even appeared onscreen as a machete-wielding maniac not unlike the vampires she so loves to create in her novels.


Dianne's Links:

Website
Blog - The Immortal Realm
Facebook
Twitter
Dianne's 2 Kindle Contest


The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a signed copy of Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians 2) from Dianne!

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

Who is one of your favorite heroes or heroines from a book you've read in 2011?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1)   Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2)   Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3)   Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When:  The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Thursday, January 5, 2011. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Interview with Dani Harper and Giveaway - December 28, 2011

Please welcome Dani Harper to The Qwillery as part of the 2011 Debut Author Challenge Interviews. Dani's debut novel, Changeling Moon (Changeling 1), was published in May 2011 by Kensington Brava. Changeling Dream (Changeling 2) was published in June and Changeling Dawn (Changeling 3) was published yesterday, December 27, 2011.


TQ:  What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Dani:  I talk to myself. A lot. And I often don’t realize I’m doing it. I don’t know how interesting it is – my husband thinks it’s amusing, and strangers just give me odd looks.

Also, I must have peace, quiet, no distractions and nothing on my household to-do list in order to write. Bahahahahahahaha - snort! Okay, I just THINK I need that, as I’m struggling to get focused. Once I’m in the zone, however, Martians could land in the front yard and I wouldn’t notice a thing.

TQ:  Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Dani:  I’m a big fan of JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood and Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series. Kevin Hearne writes the amazing Iron Druid Chronicles and I love Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. Patricia Briggs’ shapeshifter stories rock and I will stop everything to read Karen Chance.

Of all writers, I probably admire Stephen King the most. King’s ability to get inside his characters’ heads – and take you with him – is simply stunning. By the end of the story, you’re half certain everything happened to YOU.

TQ:  Tell us about your Changeling series? Are your shifters a new breed?

Dani:  My main characters are werewolves, but don’t call them that. They prefer the term Changelings, and they live right here among us. Your boss could be a Changeling. So could the gal that does your pedicure. The coach of your company baseball team or even the cop that gives you a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt again could have furry tendencies. Your BFF could run on four feet at night and you wouldn’t know. Changelings hide in plain sight and live very human lives most of the time.

Love, however, complicates their lives wildly.

My Changeling series revolves around the Macleod family of shapeshifters. Each book focuses on one of the siblings - four brothers and two sisters. However, characters from earlier books are never gone completely and pop up to support (or annoy) members of the family and the Pack.

TQ:  What inspired you to write the Changeling series?

Dani:  As far as I’ve been able to figure out, my new Changeling series was probably inspired by REAL wolves! One bright sunny morning when I lived on my little farm in northern Canada, I was stunned to see a pack of wolves – about 7 or 8 – lope leisurely across the yard not far from the house. They were amazingly beautiful creatures, but what struck me most was the feeling I had that they were happy together. It remains one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

However, I really didn’t sit down and plan the Changeling series. I started writing a story one day and the entire Macleod family turned up in my head. What a noisy, demanding bunch they were too! And then they all turned into wolves. I told them not to, but my characters never listen.

TQ:  What sort of research did you do for the Changeling series?

Dani:  I’m always, always, always doing research as I write. I’m a closet geek to start with because I love science and history, and my newspaper background makes me a fanatic for details and facts. What I write about Changelings may be fiction, but I want every word I write about real wolves to be absolutely true.

TQ:  Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Dani:  Both. I start as a plotter, then the characters run off in a completely different direction and I’m left to try and catch up. No matter how much I try to plan, my characters have their own notions of how the story is supposed to go. We argue a lot.

TQ:  In the first 2 books, Changeling Moon and Changeling Dream, who was the easiest character to write and why? Hardest and why?

Dani:  Birkie Peterson is probably my favorite character to write, in the sense that she steps right up and says what’s on her mind, and it’s always just the right thing. I love that about her.

The hardest character to write? Any of them when they’re not talking to me!!! Sometimes I have a scene I need to get done and the characters are conspicuously absent. I don’t know where they go or what they’re doing – hang gliding, playing video games, scarfing down fries at Mickey D’s or what. All I know is that I can threaten, coax, yell, cry and beg but until my characters are good and ready to talk, I get nothing. That’s usually when I go write a blog or an article instead, sort of a writing-while-I’m-waiting-to-write kind of thing.

TQ:  Describe Changeling Dawn (Changeling 3) in 140 characters or less.

Dani:  Never judge a man by his species. Love, danger and archeology combine as human Josh and werewolf Kenzie work to rescue a shapeshifter child.

TQ:  Without giving anything away, what is your favorite scene in Changeling Dawn?

Dani:  I have a lot of favorite scenes in that book – like when the hero, Josh Talarkoteen, blackmails Kenzie Macleod into a date. And later in the book, when Birkie Peterson finally takes off the gloves, it’s a heckuva surprise and very satisfying.

TQ:  Which character in the series has surprised you the most?

Dani:  I get LOTS of surprises from my characters – they always have their own ideas about where the story should go. There are things in Changeling Moon that still surprise me, and I may never recover from one of the revelations in Changeling Dream.

The character who consistently surprises me is Culley Macleod. I never know what he’s going to do or say, and I never, ever, know when he’s going to show up. Or not. He’s like a wild card – or a bad penny.

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.


About the Changeling series

Changeling Dawn
Changeling 3
Kensington Brave (December 27, 2011)
Trade Paperback, 368 pages

Run

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet, the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster—those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

Hunt

Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

Mate

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a shadowy research facility—as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own…


Changeling Dream
Changeling 2
Kensington Brave (June 28, 2011)
Trade Paperback, 368 pages

In times of stress Jillian Descharme has always found calm in her dream of a great white wolf with haunting blue eyes. But she is startled when the visions return and this time seem so real. Late at night he comes to her, speaks to her, touches her. It’s almost as if he’s alive…

Thirty years ago James Macleod lost his wife and unborn child to a killer bent on destroying the Changelings. Though he longed for death, his animal instinct fought for survival and James has been a wolf ever since. Yet now a woman has reawakened the man in him, taming wild instincts but arousing still wilder needs. With his ancient enemy hunting the legendary white wolf, James must fight for new life, new hope, new love.


Changeling Moon
Changeling 1
Kensington Brave (May 31, 2011)
Trade Paperback, 368 pages

He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything—until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf's vicious attack.

As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Connor can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw. . .and ultimate evil.


About Dani

Dani Harper is a newspaper editor turned paranormal author. There isn’t anything she likes better than exploring the supernatural — unless it’s writing sizzling and suspenseful romance. Of course, all of her stories have at least one foot in the netherworld.

A Canadian who spent many years in northern Alberta, Dani now lives on an island in Alaska! She and her husband operate a commercial fishing boat and her stories are written on land or at sea, with the help of her executive secretary, Fiona the Pug.

Dani currently has a hot new shapeshifter series from Kensington Brava. CHANGELING MOON and CHANGELING DREAM are available now in trade paperback and ebook. Her latest novel, CHANGELING DAWN, was just released yesterday, December 27th.


Dani's Links:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog



The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a signed copy of Dani’s new release, Changeling Dawn, plus a Dani Harper tote bag from Dani!  US and Canadian Mailing Addresses Only.

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question posed by Dani:

Who is your favorite shapeshifter character from a book, movie or TV series? 

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1)   Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2)   Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3)   Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When:  The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a US or Canadian mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Sunday, January 15, 2011. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Release Day Review - Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis - 5 Qwills

Shadow City
AuthorDiana Pharaoh Francis
Series:  Horngate Witches
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books (December 27, 2011)
Price: $7.99
Language: English
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
ISBN:  9781451613858
Review Copy:  Provided by Publisher

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the covenstead from the earth.

Max finds herself in the Shadow City, a place of mysteries and magic, where she must battle for her freedom or become a slave to creatures of dreadful greed and power. Back in Horngate, Alexander must swallow his anger and pride if he hopes to defeat the Fury, a creature that no one has ever successfully fought before.

In the end, it will be courage, friendship, faith and loyalty that win the day. Or else so one will live to see tomorrow.

My thoughts:

While I have had the first 2 books in the Horngate Witches series in my TBR since they were each released, I did not get around to reading them until I received the 3rd book in the series, Shadow City. I must say that I wish I had not waited. The Horngate Witches series is exceptional. Diana Pharaoh Francis has created a fascinating and wondrous world for what is now one of my favorite Urban Fantasy heroines, Max.

Max is the Shadowblade Prime for Giselle, who is a witch and leader of the Horngate covenstead. Max is full of snark, incredible power, and a sense of right that makes her one of the best Urban Fantasy characters that I have read in quite some time. Despite the fact that she is a major badass, she is extremely likable. She takes care of her own and does the right thing without thought of personal physical (and emotional) consequences. Fortunately as a Shadowblade (think 'magically created and enhanced super warrior') she's hard to kill. In Shadow City, Max grows both in her abilities and in emotion. She can do things that no other Shadowblade can do. She also has major trust issues.  However, she finally is starting to let her feelings for another Shadowblade show. They make a great couple. While the focus of Shadow City is certainly not their relationship, the relationship enhances the story. 

In Shadow City, Max is not at Horngate. She's in the 'Shadow City' of the title. The story switches from what is happening with her there and what is happening in Horngate until everyone is brought back together for the rousing end of the book. This is not confusing to the reader and is really well done.  Diana Pharaoh Francis can write fight scenes. They are exciting and fun to read despite the egregious injuries that some receive. Shadow City is full of a wonderful ensemble of characters. You feel the strong camaraderie of Max with the Shadowblades that she leads and get to know each of them as well as other interesting beings. While the story is sometimes dark there are balancing moments of levity. There's just so much to like about Shadow City - terrific writing, an absorbing fast-paced plot, interesting worlds, and truly engaging characters. I will eagerly await the next book in the series.

I give Shadow City 5 Qwills.



While it is not necessary to read the first two books in the series to understand and enjoy Shadow City, I recommend that you do because of the deeper background it will give you into Shadow City and because they are terrific novels.

Prior Books in the Horngate Witches series:


Read my interview with Diana Pharaoh Francis and enter to win all three books in the Horngate Witches series here.

Interview with Diana Pharaoh Francis and Giveaway - December 27, 2011

Please welcome Diana Pharaoh Francis to The Qwillery. Diana is the author of the Horngate Witches series, the Crosspointe Chronicles, and the Path series.  Diana's most recent novel is Shadow City, the 3rd book in the Horngate Witches series. Shadow City is published today by Pocket Books.


TQ:  Welcome to The Qwillery and Happy Release Day for Shadow City!

Diana:  Hello and thanks for inviting me to play in the sandbox with you!

TQ:  What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Diana:  Hmmm. A quirk. Well, you know how people at home will shout at the people on the TV expecting them to listen? Like when the person on Wheel of Fortune should know the puzzle but doesn’t? I do that at the characters on my computer. I will yell at them and tease them and generally abuse them. Out loud. And pretend like I have no control over what they do. I mean, I OWN the delete button, right?

TQ:  Are you a plotter or a panster?

Diana:  Honestly, it depends on the story. I like to have some things planned out and the more the better. But a lot of times it takes me writing the story to discover what will happen. So even if I plan, I often end up pantsing. But sometimes when I plan, I will actually follow it. And sometimes I start with a voice or an image or a scene and just chase it down to see where it’s going to end up.

TQ:  What inspired you to write the Horngate Witches series, Bitter Night, Crimson Wind and Shadow City?

Diana:  I was noticing that all sorts of things were happening all over the world. Bridges collapsing, the mud volcano in Jakarta, hurricanes, tornadoes, famines, floods, disease . . . Pretty apocalyptic stuff. And I started wondering, what if someone was behind all of it? That it was purposeful? Then I started wondering who and why and the answers evolved into the Horngate books. I also had this face in my head of a girl I’d seen on a bus in Ames, Iowa a number of years ago. I never forgot her or her expression and walked into my questions and started tearing up the place and became Max.

TQ:  What sort of research did you do to create the world of the Horngate Witches?

Diana:  I read a lot about magic and folklore. Most all the critters in the books come from some kind of real stories from around the world. I have very little that I make up. There is such a rich story heritage out there and I want to take advantage of it. Who knew that Easter Island had its own peculiar brand of fairy? Or that Hags came in varieties? It makes writing very exciting.

I also research places. I want them accurate. I go there if I can, but Google World is my friend and so is the internet in general. And people. My goodness, but I’ve had some amazing help from kind strangers on the net who go visit places for me and report back, or they take pictures. I can’t tell you how important that has been.

TQ:  Describe Shadow City (Horngate Witches 3) in 140 characters or less.

Diana:  Max goes to war with Scooter and Horngate ends up with a magical nuclear bomb in the backyard. It gets very ugly.

TQ:  Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in Shadow City?

Diana:  Hmmm. Not giving anything away. That’s not hard or anything. I would say . . . there are several, but I can’t mention a couple. But I can mention: When Giselle gets to meet Holt and Valerie and has to ask them for help. I did like that scene. Oh, and when someone very important dies and someone very important goes off the deep end. And the Torchmarch. I love the Torchmarch.

TQ:  In the Horngate Witches series, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

Diana:  I think Scooter is the hardest to write because he is so enigmatic to everyone, even me, and I know a lot about him. Making him feel like a real person was tough. The easiest is probably Max. I know her so well now. And she’s so fun to write. I guess troublemakers are.

TQ:  Do you and Max have anything in common?

Diana:  She and I both like to eat a lot? Only she never gains weight, dang it. I like guns too. And I’m a bit snarky with my friends. Who are snarky back.

TQ:  How many books are planned for the series?

Diana:  Right now, four. I’d like to explore some other characters and some other places and have some ideas for those, but a lot depends on how well received these books are. So please! Go buy one for Christmas! Buy ten and give them a way!

TQ:  What's next?

Diana:  I’ve got a short story coming out in Demon Lover: Succubi, which will release very soon. I’m finishing up Blood Winter, which is the fourth Horngate book, and I’m working on some other things that I hope will see the light of day soon. And maybe sleeping. And probably shoveling snow. And doing laundry, dishes, and cleaning bathrooms . . . Ah, the glamorous life of a writer.

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.


About the Horngate Witches

Shadow City
Horngate Witches 3
Pocket Books, December 27, 2011
Mass Market, 384 pages

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the covenstead from the earth.

Max finds herself in the Shadow City, a place of mysteries and magic, where she must battle for her freedom or become a slave to creatures of dreadful greed and power. Back in Horngate, Alexander must swallow his anger and pride if he hopes to defeat the Fury, a creature that no one has ever successfully fought before.

In the end, it will be courage, friendship, faith and loyalty that win the day. Or else so one will live to see tomorrow.


Crimson Wind
Horngate Witches 2
Pocket Books, December 28, 2010
Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages

THERE ARE GOOD GUYS. THERE ARE BAD GUYS. AND THEN THERE'S MAX.

Max knows what trusting the wrong person can cost you. Her former friend Giselle, a powerful witch, enslaved Max years ago, turning her into a Shadowblade—a deadly warrior compelled to fight for Giselle. But there's more at stake now than Max's thirst for revenge. The Guardians, overseers of the magical world, have declared war on humanity and on any witches not standing with them. Max and Giselle have come to an uneasy truce in order to protect what's left of Horngate, their coven's home. Max would do anything for Horngate—even give herself over to a mysterious otherworldly creature in the nearby mountains in exchange for his help. But first, she intends to save the mortal family she left behind. And Alexander, the Shadowblade warrior who could be her closest ally or her deadliest enemy, is going with her.

On a road trip into the unknown, Max and Alexander face wild magic, desperate enemies, and battles that bruise both body and soul. But the greatest challenge will come from unexpected revelations that test everything Max believes about who she is—and where her loyalties lie. . . .

Bitter Night
Horngate Witches 3
Pocket Books, October 27, 2009
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. AND SOMETIMES, THEY CHOOSE YOU...

Once, Max dreamed of a career, a home, a loving family. Now all she wants is freedom...and revenge. A witch named Giselle transformed Max into a warrior with extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance. Bound by spellcraft, Max has no choice but to fight as Giselle's personal magic weapon -- a Shadowblade -- and she's lethally good at it. But her skills are about to be put to the test as they never have before....

The ancient Guardians of the earth are preparing to unleash widespread destruction on the mortal world, and they want the witches to help them. If the witches refuse, their covens will be destroyed, including Horngate, the place Max has grudgingly come to think of as home. Max thinks she can find a way to help Horngate stand against the Guardians, but doing so will mean forging dangerous alliances -- including one with a rival witch's Shadowblade, who is as drawn to Max as she is to him -- and standing with the witch she despises. Max will have to choose between the old life she still dreams of and the warrior she has become, and take her place on the side of right -- if she survives long enough to figure out which side that is....


About Diana

Diana Pharaoh Francis was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California. She spent much of her early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of her family). After much hijinks, adventures and near-death experiences, Francis began teaching English at the University of Montana-Western and started publishing books. She has written the Path trilogy, the Crosspointe Chronicles, and the Horngate Witches series.

She has a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, crocheting and random facts. She likes spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and she has an odd sense of humor. She has a husband, two children, and two very spoiled corgis. Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact her real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.



Diana's Links:

Website
Blog
Twitter



The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a Bitter Night (Horngate Witches 1), Crimson Wind (Horngate Witches 2) and Shadow City (Horngate Witches 3) from The Qwillery.

How:  Leave a comment answering 1 of the following question:

Who is your favorite witch from literature or TV? 
or 
Who is your favorite female warrior from literature or TV?

You can list more than one if you have more than one favorite!

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1)   Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2)   Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3)   Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When:  The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

Monday, December 26, 2011

The View From Monday - December 26, 2011

Happy Last Monday of 2011. This year just flew by. I hope everyone received bookstore gift cards because there are a lot of books out tomorrow!

This week at The Qwillery:

Tuesday - Interview with Diana Pharaoh FrancisShadow City, the 3rd book in Diana's marvelous Horngate Witches series, will be published on December 27, 2011

Wednesday - 2011 Debut Author Challenge Interview with Dani Harper. Changeling Dawn, the 3rd book in Dani's Changeling series, will be published on December 27, 2011.

Thursday - Interview with Dianne Duvall. Night Reigns, the 2nd book in Dianne's Immortal Guardian series, was published on December 1, 2011.


A book shopping list in PDF format may be found by clicking here. Click "File" on the left and then "Print (PDF)."

December 27, 2011

TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Claws and Effect (e)
Amanda Arista PNR - Diaries of an Urban Panter
Archon (d)
Sabrina Benulis F - The Books of Raziel
Bestial
William D Carl H
Empire State (d)
Adam Christopher SFN
The Demon Lover
Juliet Dark PNR
Spirit Bound (h2mm)
Christine Feehan PNR - Sisters of the Heart 2
Hell Train
Christopher Fowler H
Shadow City
Diana Pharaoh Francis UF - Horngate Witches 3
Bedeviled
Sable Grace UF - Dark Breed 2
Ghost Walk
Heather Graham H
A Hard Day's Knight (h2mm)
Simon R. Green UF - Nightshade 11
A Discovery of Witches (h2tp)
Deborah Harkness F
Changeling Dawn
Dani Harper PNR - Changeling 3
'Salem's Lot (ri)
Stephen King H
77 Shadow Street
Dean Koontz H
In Too Deep (h2mm)
Jayne Ann Krentz PNR - Arcane Society, The Looking Glass Trilogy 1
Invasion
Mercedes Lackey
Steve Libbey
Dennis Lee
Cody Martin
SF - Secret World Chronicle 1
Ghoul Interrupted
Victoria Laurie PM - Ghost Hunter Mystery 6
The Mortal Bone
Marjorie M. Liu UF - Hunter Kiss 4
The Warlord's Legacy (h2mm)
Ari Marmell FA -Corvis Rebaine 2
Warrior's Redemption
Melissa Mayhue PHR - Warrior 1
No Limits (e)

Jenna McCormick SFER - Dark Breed 2
The Bitter Seed of Magic
Suzanne McLeod UF - Spellcrackers 3
Shadow Heir
Richelle Mead UF - Dark Swan 4
Winter
Rod Rees SF/SP - Demi-Monde 1
Heir of Danger
Alix Rickloff PNR - Heirs of Kilronan 3
Wicked Circle
Linda Robertson UF - Persephone Alcmedi 5
Illegal Alien
Robert J. Sawyer SF
Babylon Steel (d)
Gaie Sebold FA - Babylon Steel 1
Switchblade Goddess
Lucy A. Snyder UF - Spellbent 3
Back to the Moon
Travis S. Taylor
Les Johnson
SF
Deliverance Lost
Gav Thorpe SF - Horus Heresy 18
City of Light and Shadow
Ian Whates EF - City of a Hundred Rows 3



December 31, 2011

TITLEAUTHORSERIES
Hidden
Kelley Armstrong UF - Otherworld Illustrated Novella
Phases of Gravity (ri)
Dan Simmons SF
Gothic High-Tech
Bruce Sterling SF - Collection
The Ballad of Ballard and Sandrine
Peter Straub H - Novella
All About Emily
Connie Willis SF - Novelette



d - Debut
e - ebook
h2mm - Hardcover to Mass Market Paperback
h2tp - Hardcover to Trade Paperback
ri - Reissue

AH - Alternative History
EF - Epic Fantasy
F - Fantasy
FA - Fantasy Adventure
FAR - Fantasy Adventure Romance
FR - Fantasy Romance
H - Horror
HFR - Historical Fantasy Romance
PER - Paranormal Erotic Romance
PNR - Paranormal Romance
PP - Paranormal Parody
PT - Paranormal Thriller
SF - Science Fiction
SFN _ Science Fiction Noir
SP - Steampunk
UF - Urban Fantasy
W - Western