Author Interview: Steven Luna

Well guys, I am very happy to say that today on the blog I have a very special treat for you. You know that snarky vampire I love so much Joe Vampire? Well today I am happy to have the awesome creator and mad genius behind Joe on the blog today.....Steven Luna! And let me just tell you that Steven Luna is just as sarcastic and funny as the character he writes. I have had the fortune of getting to know him on Twitter and he is a pretty awesome guy!

And guess what? He subjected himself to my never ending bout of questioning, just. for. you! Want to know what I learned? Of course you do! So, without further ado, here is my interview with Steven Luna......

Writing

1) One of the things I love the most about Joe Vampire is his never ending bout of sarcasm. Is it difficult to come up with all his sarcastic banter or are you just naturally sarcastic?

Sarcasm is pretty natural for me, actually, though getting it to read properly in writing was a bit of a challenge to learn. And Joe’s version of it is pretty specific; he has a rhythm and a pattern that I have to fall into. After being away from him for a while, it takes a bit of wheel-spinning to get it going again. Once it happens? Good luck getting it to stop. I end up talking like him to everyone in real life. They hate it. I usually have a good time, though…someone should win in the deal.

*I have to say I would love to be in on one of those conversations.

2) Is it difficult writing with only one central character in mind?

I didn’t really notice until about two-thirds of the way through writing the first book that he was really mostly solitary throughout the majority of the story. And I knew from this that the other characters had to be distinctive when they appeared, because they get such little page time. In the second book, I knew he’d have to interact much more with the ancillary characters. It was a lot of fun giving him bigger scenes with his surrounding characters. But he still ends up being the sole main character; the whole story is on his shoulders. That can be challenging.

3) What was your original inspiration for writing your book as a blog? I love the idea by the way, in case I haven’t mentioned that! J 

Thank you very much! Joe started as an actual blog, sort of a multi-media art project using the character to create a blog in which he talks about being a vampire. It was going to have an advice column and Q&A, and grow organically with links to his music and other stuff. I was working on all of the extra content when I realized the posts were actually telling a story. Then I figured to use the blog to publish the story for free…but I got to post 9 and realized how much I liked it. So I left up the first three posts as a sample and started writing it as a novel, but kept the blog format. Joe’s blog is like his confessional, and I don’t know that his story could be told in another way.

4) Do you have a writing sanctuary or a special place that you write that really helps get the inspirational juices flowing?

Usually the inspiration comes when I’m in the middle of some left-brain activity…so as soon as I get to work in the morning. Not real opportune, so I jot down notes, and at night I go home and hole up in a spare bedroom I use as a writing office. Keeps me out of everyone’s way, what with my talking to myself and making hand gestures as I figure out the right words to use. And yeah…that really does happen.

*Hehe, ever think of videotaping it? For educational purposes of course? J

5) Do you have any other stories in the works?

Joe Vampire: The New Paranormal is being worked on…I’m about a third of the way through the first draft. That will probably be his final act, though I’m figuring out ways to expand the Joe universe. Behind that is Starstruck, the “memoir” of a rock star who gets abducted by aliens on the night of his big comeback concert. I’ve got a couple other ideas I’m pulling together as well.

*I can’t say enough how excited I am to get my hands on Joe Vampire: The New Paranormal. But I am sad to see him go! Can’t wait to see what you cook up for this rockstar.

Characters:

1) I love your take on the transition of becoming a vampire, graphic, but unique, where did this idea come from?

I really deconstructed what happens to a body when it dies. It didn’t seem so glamorous. And if you happen to still be alive afterward, well…you’d be able to talk about it all. And if you’re a smart-talkin’ dude who realizes how gross it all is? It all comes together in its own horrible little package. 

2) If Joe Vampire were ever made into a movie, who would you want to play Joe?

At first I saw no one…probably because the story is told in first person, so I was only seeing through Joe’s eyes. Then a friend suggested Edward Norton, which I thought was a great fit for a while. Then I saw Joseph Gordon-Levitt in “50/50” and he became the template for Joe: kind of an everyday, non-descript nice guy going through something big and trying not to lose his identity through it all. Now he’s who I picture when I write it.

*Absolutely love this choice!

3) I love how your book was written like a blog, in fact there were so many T-M-freaking-I moments that I can’t help but wonder….are you really Joe Vampire and are just posing as Steven Luna?

Ha! After my closest friends read the book, they told me it sounded like any conversation I would have had with them. It’s more likely that Joe is a character I can affect, who has something of my outlook on life, though he’s much more cynical than I am. But he’s much closer to the real me than the rock star character I’m writing. That guy is like nobody I know in real life.

*Then it is true….you are Joe!!! Ha! I knew it J

4) Are any of your characters based on people you know?

Many are, yes. And many of the office details in the first book – especially the Halloweener post – are based on real events, too. In THE AFTERLIFE, the characters of Jesse James Freeman, Marni Mann and Katherine Sears are actual people, and those are their real names. I wanted to incorporate my friends as a way to honor them. I have more like that coming in Joe3 and Starstruck.

5) Of course, if you don’t already know, I love characters! And for every book I review I pick one moment that is my favorite. That one moment that epitomizes everything about the character and why I love them. What is your favorite character moment from Joe Vampire and why?

My favorite character moments are the interactions, where Joe gets to bounce his crazy views off of others. In Joe Vampire, my favorites would probably be where Joe and Hube have their argument at the deli, because everything just comes spilling out – all the build-up of how horrible being a vampire is underneath Joe’s trying to make the most of it. I also like his moment at the coffee shop with Chloe, where he tells her how he feels about her. That’s another release kind-of moment for him. And in The Afterlife, I think I like Joe’s confrontation with Lazer…he gets to be a slightly different character in that scene, more commanding and less nice-guyish. He needed a moment like that after what he’s been through. 

Thank you Steven Luna for stopping by and putting up with all my questions! Can't wait to see what else is in store for Joe! 

And make sure you check out this awesome author and his work!

About the Author

Steven Luna was relatively quiet when he was born, but that all changed once he learned to speak. Now? Good luck getting him to shut up. He's not known for giving straight answers, but no one listens much to him anyway, so it all evens out. He's hard at work on his next big novel...but really, aren't we all?

Stalk Him: Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

                            
                                  Goodreads                                             Goodreads

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Feature and Follow #11

What is Feature and Follow you ask? Why it is this fabulous meme that connects bloggers to other bloggers all while increasing our following. Hosted by two very talented bloggers: Parajunkee and Alison Can Read make sure you join in on the fun and put your name in the linky!

For this weeks Feature and Follow we had a lovely little Activity! The assignment: Tell us about your favorite outdoor reading spot or take a picture.

Well friends I am sad to say that I don't have a favorite outdoor reading spot. :( *Hangs head* I know it really is a travesty and one that I really can't amend at the moment. You see I live in an apartment and well there really is no good place to go outside and read! But if I did you better believe it would have trees, and an awesome swing or hammock and lush grass to squish my toes in! 

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Review: The Darkest Lie by Angela Day

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads

Synopsis:

You'd think after being drugged, taken to a secret military facility, attacked by a flying red monkey, finding out one of your parents isn't human, being shot, imprisoned, thrown out of a collapsing building and shot again, that the thing Thane wouldn't be most afraid of was his high school chemistry teacher. But you'd be wrong.

15 year old Thane is invisible. At least he's worked really hard to be, and all he wants is to get through school unnoticed. Things were going well for him until Remi showed up. She's pretty, fun, outgoing, and she picked Thane for a friend. If only a temporary one. Being with Remi means everybody notices him too, even Cressida Rasmussen, the beautiful and possibly insane chemistry teacher who seems to be trying to kill him with science, and Brennan Tayler, the thirty-something man who only shows up when Thane is in trouble and who may or may not be a figment of Thane's stressed imagination.

When Ms. Rasmussen ensures that a science experiment goes horribly wrong, Thane is a suspect in an attempted murder where he's the one who should have died. Brennan offers Thane a way to escape-- enter Sanctum, a secret pseudo-military organization that's been tracking him. If Thane doesn't go, at best Ms. Rasmussen will try again and next time someone might die. But if he does the price might just be Thane's freedom, humanity, and self-control. The most powerful magic and the most advanced technology together won't save him, and neither will understanding the song and science of the universe. The only hope he has is to find a way to disbelieve a lie he's been told all his life, the darkest lie we're ever told, and find out what's true for himself.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website

*Received copy of book from author in exchange for an honest review.

My Review: 5 Must Devour

In The Darkest Lie, Thane is an average teenager just trying to get through life unnoticed by not only the school bullies, but by his family as well. With Thane trying to be invisible the appearance of Remi and her desire for friendship turn his world upside. Suddenly Thane can no longer just blend in. His Chemistry teacher is trying to kill him, he is at war with his father and strange things begin to happen to him as he is introduced to a world he never knew existed--the magic world. A world that is tracking him. As he seeks to find the truth of who is tracking him, he becomes a danger to everyone he knows and loves. Now forced to trust the same organization that is tracking him, Thane is sent to Sanctum, the only place that can answer his questions, the only place that can hopefully save him. And what Thane discovers will change his life forever. 

From the minute that Thane stepped onto the page I loved him. He was so real. His struggles and his pain bled off the page and attached themselves to my heart. Angela Day did such a good job at making his plight believable that I wanted to rescue him. So when things began to change for him I was both worried and excited. And when I say change I mean seriously change. It was like a chain reaction or domino's it started with one small incident and then just exploded to his entire life. But the changes were all necessary, all defining who Thane was and was to become. 

In The Darkest Lie we are introduced to a number of very interesting characters and creatures who all add to the story. I loved Angela Day's descriptions of the creatures that roamed Sanctum. With my favorite being Jaeger, the imp. He provided a lot of the comic relief in this book and I wanted to squeeze him. I loved Angela Day's spin on the shifter, her use of dragons, and the overall world of the Shae. 

The characters in The Darkest Lie were developed well and I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Angela Day took great care to give the reader an opportunity to get to know each character individually. And you could tell that every character in this story plays a role in the series. This definitely won't be the last time we see these characters. And that makes me so happy! Because I loved all of these characters and everything that they brought to the story. I can't wait to read The Sound at the Edge!!! 

I thought Angela Day's world was uniquely hers and kept me reading and wanting more. Her character development and ability to weave a story gripped me from the very beginning. She made Thane's story personal and it worked so well. 

I'm not gonna lie, I loved The Darkest Lie from the great characters and the interesting creatures, this story left me yearning for more and Angela Day did a great job leading me to The Sound at the Edge. Like a horse lead by a carrot Angela Day strung me along and played me like a fiddle! 

So, if you are looking for a story with real struggles, real pain, laughter, adventure, and action with the spin of  fantasy then look no further than The Darkest Lie! Interested yet? Read the first chapter here: The Darkest Lie: Chapter 1

Favorite Character Moment:

"I can't leave you behind. I can't go through the door until you do. It isn't that you aren't capable, it's that I'm not. I am not capable of leaving you in danger." (kindle, loc. 8825)

The reason I chose this moment is because I think it does a great job of showing just the kind of guy Thane is. Despite all the struggles and trials that he has been through he still manages to put others first. This is just one reason I love him!

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time." 

Top Ten Tuesday: Must Devour's of Spring and Summer 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is an incredibly awesome meme created by The Broke and the Bookish where bloggers and readers share their top ten's about all things bookish! Don't be shy......join the fun!

It has been a while since I have posted a Top Ten Tuesday, but I couldn't pass up this week's topic of Spring releases. There are so many amazing books coming out that I just couldn't limit myself to Spring. So my list will consist of books releasing between April 1st and June 30th.

Top Ten Tuesday: Spring and Summer Must Devours

In no particular order.......

Endure (Protector #4) by M.R. Merrick currently there is no release date for this book, but the good news is that we will have the conclusion to this epic series hopefully by summer! I can't wait to find out how author M.R. Merrick ends this series. Though I can be certain I will bawl like a baby at having to say goodbye to Chase and his friends! I know it will be an amazing ride!

The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott Releases April 2nd and I am absolutely dying to get my hands on Dante. I know most of the blogosphere has either read it or anxiously awaiting it! April can't get here fast enough!

Enchantment (Spellbound #3) by Nikki Jefford the release date for this book is not definite but author Nikki Jefford is looking for an April release! *Squee* this means I am going to get the conclusion of this series soon!

Aurora Sky (Northern Bites Vol. 2) by Nikki Jefford Releases June 27th! The first book in this series brought such a great twist to the vampire hunter story that I can't wait to get my hands on volume 2!

Wings of Nestor (Solus #3) by Devri Walls the release date for this is currently TBA, but I hope it will be soon. I really need to know what happens with Emane, Kiora and Alcander!

Ramphyr (Sagas of Di'Ghon #2) by J. Lawrence currently this book is set to release this April! Which is good new for me because author J. Lawrence left me with so many questions at the end of Inborn!

Inferno (Chronicles of Nick #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon Releases April 9th! I am so excited for this book! Nick Gautier is one of my favorite characters and I can't wait to see what's in store for him!

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa Releases April 30th! After the ending of The Immortal Rules this book is sure to be amazing!

Taken (Taken #1) by Erin Bowman Releases April 16th! I have to say that the story for this one has me intrigued to say the least!

Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1) by Wendy Higgins I know I am a little behind in this seems how this book is already released, but I just haven't gotten to it yet. I just need to buckle down and stop pushing reads like this one back! 

Well I have to say that this is looking like an amazing Spring and Summer! I know one thing for certain, with Devour's like these it is sure to be a HAWT season!!!

So, are there any books you can't wait to get your hands on? Or any books you want to read that are already out?

Cover Reveal: Wings of Nestor (Solus #3) by Devri Walls

*Peeks out from behind computer* Hey guys....guess what? Today is cover reveal day! Yup, that's right, but not just any cover. The cover for book 3 in the Solus series! I have loved all the covers in the series and I am happy to say that this cover is.......well how about I let you be the judge.

What I think:

Okay, my first reaction was WOW! And my second and third reaction was still wow! I just couldn't stop saying wow. But once I finally let the cover sink in I was able to REALLY take it in. And that's when it hit me. This cover oozes power and magic. I mean come on, the cover is dripping with it! One look at this cover and there is no mistaking that there is serious magic in this book. It's also dripping with hotness, just look at Alcander controlling that water. He not only manages to look amazing, but power and control just radiates off his body. Of course I still think it's wow and I can't wait to see the power that lies in between its pages!

Synopsis

Kiora needs answers. Who is the Shadow? Who is Jasmine? Are they connected? And even more pressing: how can she stop Shadow from using Kiora’s dreams as a map to find them? They have escaped three times, but are living on borrowed time—and everybody knows it.
 
 Her search for help will push her closer to Alcander, send her to the dragon mountain of Toopai, and straight back to Meros—where magic will finally return to the land of no magic. Answers will be uncovered and plans unearthed that have been waiting for thousands of years.

  But with the Shadow’s forces gathering, it looks like the land’s path is hurtling towards one outcome: war with the Shadow and death to all rebels. Armed with knowledge and hope, Kiora is determined to change that path. But will fate allow it? Or will it deal her a hard lesson about following ones own destiny?

 Release Date: Exact date is TBA, but look for a late Spring early Summer release!

About the Author

Devri Walls lives in Kuna ID with her husband, two kids and one very bouncy lab. After suffering from an abundance of creativity with not enough places to put it, she turned to writing. Which in the end, turned out to be exactly where she should have been putting it all along.

Stalk Her: Writing My Future | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

And make sure you check out the other awesome books in this series! 

                                      

                                  Wings of Arian Review       Wings of Tavea Review

Make sure you stop by Devri Walls website: Writing My Future for a little cover fun with some special behind the scenes footage!

So what do you think? Totally hot, right????

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Character Talk

If you are at all familiar with my blog then you already know that I love characters, all characters. Sure I love the story, but for me it is the characters that make that make the book. Without great characters carrying your story then for me there really is no story. 

Like every great product needs a salesman, every great book needs great characters. And really I don't ask for much. And there is no sure fire formula of characteristics that makes the perfect character. But here are some characteristics that certainly won't hurt any: humor, sensitivity, strength, determination, dedication, loyalty, forgiveness, personality, and depth. But most importantly your character needs to grow. Your character should definitely not be the same person at the end of the book that they were at the beginning of the book. Especially if you are going to put them through trials or tribulations at all. Everyone changes in the face of adversity!

Do you agree with this general list of characteristics? Are there any you would add? Take away?

But of course we all know that without a good story to back up these characters well we would just have great characters. So really the two work in tandem. You really can't have one without the other, well at least in my opinion. To be a Must Devour book, you definitely need to have both--characters and story.

I have liked many different characters over my years of reading, too many to count. And not all of them have been the hero/heroine. And that leads me to the next part of this little talk. 

When it comes to character love, do you prefer the hero/heroine or the villain?

Now I will say that usually my love goes to the hero/heroine. But there are those villains I love--villains I hold  a soft spot for. Usually that happens when the author gives me an insight into the villain and why they tick. When an author doesn't really give me that insight or doesn't hint that there is more to the villain than just being the villain then I have a hard time not wanting them dead. 

I love it when an author can make me love all their characters. This doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is like pure reading bliss. 

And how do you know you have found a character you love? Well sometimes it really is as simple as an emotional attachment. If I am left thinking about your character when the book is all read and done then chances are it's a great character. And if I will devour anything with that character and I find myself crying, cheering, laughing, or yelling at the character; chances are pretty good that I will love that character.

Now what do I do once I find a character I love? On my blog I have started this little thing called Character Time where I spotlight a character and why they are my favorite. 

So, what do you do once you find your favorite characters? Do you shout it from the rooftops or do you keep them all to yourselves?

No, there is no magic formula for the perfect character, but that won't stop authors from trying to create them, and that certainly won't stop me from devouring them in search of my next favorite character.

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Feature and Follow #10

What is Feature and Follow you ask? Why it is this fabulous meme that connects bloggers to other bloggers all while increasing our following. Hosted by two very talented bloggers: Parajunkee and Alison Can Read make sure you join in on the fun and put your name in the linky!

What is a book you didn't like that all your friends raved about or what book did you love that wasn't popular?

Before I begin I am just going to say that there are a lot of books out there that I didn't like, but everyone else did. I don't know why exactly, maybe it was the hype surrounding the books, but for whatever reason I just didn't get into them.

*Grabs helmet and ducks down behind desk*

First, there was Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzaane Collins. I loved The Hunger Games, but I was more than unimpressed with the two follow-ups in the series. Then there is Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Host by Stephanie Meyer and Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

While I honestly tried to like these books I just couldn't and all my friends looked at me like I had grown a second head. I think I am going to stop there before anyone throws something at me.

So are there any books that you didn't like that everyone else did? Or books that you loved and no one else did? Share it here!

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Review: Soulrazor (Blood Skies #3) by Steven Montano

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads

Synopsis

The war continues…

Eric Cross and his team of elite mercenaries are the bane of the Ebon Cities. Armed with the cutting-edge arcane weaponry of the Southern Claw, Cross and his crew – Black, Kane, Ronan, Maur, Grissom and Ash – have become a veritable thorn in the side of the vampire armies.

Now the team is tasked with halting vampire activity near the remote city-state of Fane, where the Ebon Cities have teamed up with a former Revenger in search of a deadly weapon called Soulrazor.

To make matters worse, something sinister has happened to Cross, and the key to his salvation is somehow directly tied to the Ebon Cities’ new soldiers: a host of necrotic angels who bear traces of divine power.

Cross and his team must travel across a blighted wilderness and do battle with a vile array of enemies as they race not only to save the city of Thornn from total annihilation, but to rescue Cross’ very soul from an enemy more powerful than he could ever imagine…

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website

*Received a free copy of book from author in exchange for an honest review.

My Review: 5 Must Devour

I fall more and more in love with the Blood Skies series with every book. Steven Montano has a way of silently ensnaring you in his world of dark fantasy. And the deeper into the series you get the deeper your connection with the story and the characters go. I know I for one am a huge fan of Eric Cross. 

Cross has not had an easy time working for the Southern Claw, as we know from the first two books Cross goes through some pretty hefty crap, but it is his deep rooted determination that keeps him going. But he no longer works for the Southern Claw. Instead he heads up a team of mercenaries that are contracted to do the dirty work for the Southern Claw. But their team is the best. No doubt about it. And so as the best they get the worst and most impossible jobs. In Soulrazor Cross and his team of mercenaries are on the mission to stop the Ebon Cities from getting their hands on the deadly weapon the Soulrazor. While on this mission something ominous happens to Cross that changes everything. In Soulrazor Cross is put through incredible tests that will challenge his ability as a soldier and as a mage, with the ultimate price being his soul.    

I love Cross. He is one of those characters that you like in the first book but by the time the second book is done you are completely attached. He is that guy that creeps up on you. He's the guy your mom always told you not to tease because when he grew up he was going to knock your socks off. Yeah, he's that guy. And it has been incredible to read his journey. And it has been one hellacious journey. 

Cross has been beaten, bruised, and tormented never quite getting his happy ending. Oh sure he survives, for the most part. But for Cross it is just one battle after another. And it just get's worse in Soulrazor. Cross is put through so many tests as a hero it amazes me that he hasn't broken yet. And every time I thought things were going to get better for Cross in Soulrazor I found myself yelling at Steven Montano as I was sorely disappointed. Granted it makes for one hell of a story, but come on give my guy a break! 

But Cross is not the only one who is tested in this series. You see no character escapes Steven Montano's creative wrath. Every character is put through trials that test all their abilities. And it is in these moments that we truly see the type of characters that they are. This is when Steven Montano separates the men or women from the boys. And in Soulrazor I was happy to see Danica in more of a starring role. I have to say that she is growing on me. There was a part of me that wanted Steven Montano to let Cross kill her in Black Scars, but now I am glad that he didn't. (Good thing I didn't have a say huh?!). 

In Soulrazor we get to see Danica take more of a leadership role as certain events caused her to be in charge. And I was surprised to see how remorseful she was for her past behaviors. I loved reading some of the chapters from Danica's perspective as it really allowed me to learn what made her tick. And I will just say that what I found out shocked the hell out of me. So well played on Steven Montano's part, I am now a Danica fan. 

Of course I was happy to see the return of Kane one of my favorite warriors. I love Kane's care free attitude and his ability to always crack a joke. He is fierce and is definitely not someone I would mess with. Because under that casual attitude is a scary dude who would certainly kick your ass if he had to. But there's more to Kane than just comedy and his superior fighting skills. Underneath all that he is a tender guy who had his heart broken. He is incredibly loyal to those he calls his friends, is trustworthy, and can forgive those that have wronged him. But I would love to see more of Kane. Soulrazor also introduces us to a slew of new characters that I am quickly falling for. Especially Maur the Gol, he is awesome. 

Steven Montano never ceases to amaze me as book after book he writes a more incredible adventure. I am so wrapped up in his world that I don't think I will ever look at vampires or magic the same way again. But I'm okay with that. Steven Montano has always had the ability to surprise me in the Blood Skies books, but I have to say that with Soulrazor the surprises literally took my breath away, leaving me completely flabbergasted. And knowing Steven Montano the surprises aren't over yet. I for one can't wait to see what he has in store for Cross, especially with the reintroduction of a certain character, as his story continues in Crown of Ash. I'm sure there will be more yelling involved, but I know that Cross can take it, he is just that kind of a guy! 

Soulrazor is an absolute action packed adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat, will take your breath away and will have you yelling at the skies. Put your imagination to the test and dive in to Steven Montano's epic fantasy and be swept up in a world of magic and vampires. A world that seems like a cross between a western and the future a world that will leave you reeling for days.

Favorite Character Moment:

"Cross was the glue that bound them together. He was the heart of the trio and the unquestioned leader of the team." (kindle, loc 4186).

I picked this moment because not only does it show the kind of person that Cross is, but it give's us a little insight into Danica. Because this line comes from her. This is just one of the reasons I no longer want her dead. I think she might see what I see in Cross, guess I will have to wait and see. 

 "Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Cover Reveal: The Liberator (Dante Walker #2) by Victoria Scott

Okay, now I have to say that I am so excited to be a part of such an awesome cover reveal. I am absolutely in love with Dante and I haven't even read The Collector yet. I have pre-ordered my copy and am dying for April 2, 2013 to get here already so I can finally get my hands on the hottest soul collector in book history! 

Releases: September 3, 2013

 Put it on your TBR: Goodreads

Right now there is no synopsis available but here is some information that is available on Goodreads:

The official book blurb will be revealed April 2013. In the meantime, here's a note from Author Victoria Scott: 

Hey guys! While I can't reveal many details yet, I will say this book was enormously emotional to write. More action, new characters, higher stakes, and a whole lot of sexy. I hope you enjoy reading the next chapter of Dante Walker's story!

By the way, Dante wants me to tell you..."Things only get darker from here, doll. Might want to hold my hand for this."

My Reaction: 

All I can say is that this is a total swoon worthy cover. As if the cover of The Collector wasn't already enough to make me drool Victoria Scott had to go and put together something that is hot, but leaves just the right amount to the imagination. This cover is just enough to make your heart race as your mind tries to imagine all the hotness that is Dante. First she teases us with an almost frontal view and now we are taunted by his sexy arms. Can it get any better than this?

I don't normally care for covers with people on the front, but I love how Victoria Scott doesn't completely reveal her image of Dante, but allows us to imagine him as each reader wants him to be. What she reveals in no way interferes with the readers idea of the character. So I guess you can say he really is every girls dream. All in all, it is the perfect cover!

He makes good girls...bad. 

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

So if you haven't already pre-ordered your copy of the first tale of Dante Walker then make sure you do that so we can drool together! You can do that here: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Totally swoon worthy right? So, do you want to read it yet?! 

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."

Review: Wings of Tavea by Devri Walls

*Synopsis and Cover from Goodreads

Synopsis:

Kiora is rapidly learning that evil and lies come in shades of black and white and swirling greys, but nothing could have prepared her for the shock of leaving Meros.
Kiora and her protector Emane step through the pass into a world they never knew existed but were always meant to save, only to find it far worse than they could have ever imagined. Good has been forced into hiding for its own survival, while the rest of the land bows to the Shadow, a force that pushes any remaining thoughts of Dralazar from Kiora’s mind. This land is full of new creatures, each more dangerous than the last. Her visions have taken on a deadly twist, and magic, or what comes of it, was never so real. And then there is Alcander: a Tavean, their guide, and an entirely different kind of trouble.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website

My Review: 5 Must Devour

Picking up right where Wings of Arian left off we follow Kiora and Emane as they venture beyond the gates into a world they never knew existed, a world they were meant to save. And a world where good is hard to find. The Shadow haunts these lands forcing its residents to bow before it or die. Kiora and Emane quickly realize that this world is much more dangerous than they ever realized. As they try to determine what is safe in this strange new land they stumble upon a fierce warrior who offers his help. Forcing to trust their instincts and eager to find safe passage they accept the strangers offer of help, but can they trust this tall stranger? In an adventure like no other follow Emane and Kiora as they try to make sense of the world beyond the gates and try to save it and themselves from things yet seen.

I have to say that I absolutely loved this story! Devri Walls quickly swept me up with her great world building, vivid descriptions and wonderful magic. I fell even more in love with her world and her great characters. Of course in this book I had a lot of love hate going on with Kiora. Too many times I found myself shaking my head at her and hating her. At one point I wanted to reach in the book and squish her like a bug. Or as Drustan would say, "....eat her, using something with really large teeth" (kindle, loc. 3558). But despite my hate for her, I still love her and I admire her growth and her ability to love all. It was really great to see what Kiora was made of as I watched her grow from the young and innocent girl from the first book, to the strong, independent solus in Wings of Tavea.

Now I will admit despite my love of Emane there were times I wanted to choke him too, but not nearly as much as I wanted to choke Kiora. Once you read the book you will totally understand my torn feelings for Kiora. Emane despite being this incredibly strong, loyal and all around fierce protector--is a bit naive, pig-headed and jealous at times. And unfortunately this can get him into trouble. There were so many times in Wings of Tavea that I couldn't help but feel for Emane. In the first book I felt like he was rather inadequate as a protector, often frustrated that Kiora was more powerful than he was. But I found that despite what Emane lacks in power he more than makes up for in his will, strength, and ability to never back down from a fight. I deeply admire the way he fights for all innocents, even if he doesn't particularly care for them.

In Wings of Tavea Devri Walls not only brings back one of my other favorite characters from Wings of Arian, Drustan, but also introduces us to other amazing characters, like Alcander. This Tavean who is not only a powerful and fierce warrior, but just so happens to be a lot of trouble, again read and you will see why. I love him and I truly loved the back story that Devri Walls built him. Because underneath that warrior facade is a man who is hurting, caring and struggling with truths that he might have given up on long ago. Where Emane openly shows his feelings, Alcander buries them. I enjoyed getting to know this character and can't wait to get to know him more, but I will be watching him like a hawk.

Besides the incredible characters, Devri Walls builds yet another world that I can see vividly in my mind. A world that gives us creatures we know and creatures we don't. All with a unique spin that is entirely Devri Walls. Not only is the Wings of Tavea a tale of magic, adventure, and love; it is also a journey of finding one's inner truths. Each character in Wings of Tavea goes through trials. Some that make them stronger and others whose consequences remain to be seen. But with every trial these characters face, you feel like you are too. I know I did.

In Wings of Tavea you will laugh, you will yell, you will cheer and you will cry--there was this moment where I cursed Devri Walls for breaking my heart as silent tears fell down my face, but most of all you will be taken on a magical journey through unknown worlds with characters you will want to get to know. So if you haven't already started this fabulous series, then you should do it now!

Favorite Character Moment

"I do not wish to be reappraised," he snapped, looking down at Alcander. "My power does not change who I am" (kindle, loc. 1374). 

I chose this moment because I think it really demonstrates the kind of person that Emane is. No he is not the most powerful and he probably never will be. But he more than makes up for it with his actions and fierce dedication.

"Devouring worlds, one book and recipe at a time."