Black Heart Loa – Spotlight & Review
Black Heart Loa by Adrian Phoenix
Format:Mass Market Paperbound
Dimensions:432 Pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN – 10:1439167923
ISBN – 13:9781439167922
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Book Description:
“An eye for an eye is never enough.”
Kallie Rivière, a Cajun hoodoo apprentice with a bent for trouble, learned the meaning of those ominous words when hoodoo bogeyman Doctor Heron targeted her family for revenge. Now, while searching for her still-missing bayou pirate cousin, Kallie finds out the hard way that someone is undoing powerful gris gris, which means that working magic has become as unpredictable as rolling a handful of dice.
The wards woven to protect the Gulf coast are unraveling, leaving New Orleans and the surrounding bayous vulnerable just as an unnatural storm-the deadliest in a century-is born. As the hurricane powers toward the heart of all she loves, Kallie desperately searches for the cause of the disturbing randomness, only to learn a deeply unsettling truth: the culprit may be herself. To protect her family and friends, including the sexy nomad Layne Vallin, Kallie steps into the jaws of danger . . . and finds a loup garou designed to steal her heart-literally.”
My Thoughts:
Black Heart Loa, the second book in Phoenix’s HooDoo Series, continues the story right from where Black Dust Mambo left off. Once again, I was blown away and totally caught up in Kallie’s story. Adrian has a way of writing very earthy characters and it always feels like you’re right there in the thick of it with them. Layne, well, what can I say about him? I want my very own Layne! 😛 But I also want my very own Dante, Lucien or Von from Adrian’s Makers Song series too, lol. Adrian has a way of writing the male leads in such a way that they just get under your skin and stay with you long after you’ve finished reading the book. Seriously, can I put at least one of them on my Christmas Wish List? Please? (I know that the female characters are written just as well and I love the relationships between them & other characters as well as their personalities, but I don’t lust after them so… lol )
If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that Adrian Phoenix was born and raised in the Bayou’s of Louisiana! She captures the atmosphere and the language so well with her writing. Adrian is a true master at her craft and skillfully weaves intricate stories so “life-like” that you almost believe that it could really be happening to these characters. I’m dying to read the next book in this series! I want to know more about what happens next to Kallie, Layne, Belladonna, Divinity, Jackson and all the characters. I loved the introduction of the Were’s into the series. Ahhh I need to know more, lol. Adrian, do you need a beta reader? Can you write faster? 😀 As Adrians’ writing always does, she took me on a super awesome, crazy roller coaster ride along with the characters, the circumstances, the emotions, the danger, the suspense, the supernatural elements and the romantic entanglement. I loved every minute of it!
Find out more about Adrian Phoenix and her books at her website.
Buy Black Heart Loa at:
Black Dust Mambo – Spotlight & Review
Black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix
Book Description:
“FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
“There will be times, girl, when all your magic ain’t going to be enough, times when it will seem to dry up like mud under the noonday sun, or even make matters worse. . . .” Kallie Rivière, a fiery Cajun hoodoo apprentice with a talent for trouble, finds herself smack-dab in the middle of one of those times her mentor warned her about when she visits New Orleans to attend the Hecatean Alliance’s annual carnival: her hard-bodied conjurer hookup ends up dead in her blood-drenched bed. And he was killed by something that Kallie would never dream of touching—the darkest of dark juju, soul-eating juju—a black dust hex that may have been meant to kill her.
Now Kallie has to use every bit of hoodoo knowledge and bayou-bred mojo she possesses to clear her own name and find the killer—even as that dark sorcerer hunts Kallie and her friends. But Kallie’s search for the truth soon leads her in a direction she never anticipated—back home to Bayou Cyprés Noir, and to Gabrielle LaRue, Kallie’s aunt, protector, and hoodoo mentor . . . who is looking more and more like she just might be the one who wants Kallie dead.”
My Thoughts:
Adrian Phoenix hits another ball out of the park with Black Dust Mambo! 🙂 I was completely engrossed by the characters, the story, the rich atmosphere and the fast pace.
This book is the first in a new series by Adrian Phoenix, author of The Makers Song series, and I am completely hooked. Kallie is a wonderful character who I was rooting for all the way. Layne, well… can I say I want one just like him? *Grins* Anyone who’s been following my blog for a while knows that I am a huge fan of Adrian’s writing and of the lady herself. She has an affinity for creating a world on paper that is so richly detailed that you feel like you are there with the characters, watching things go down like it’s a movie.
Fast paced, wonderful plot, danger, excitement, romance, mystery and a few deaths mixed in with the paranormal, hoodoo, voodoo and a super sexy Nomad, well… alls I can say is I WANT MORE! (And when does the next book come out?) I highly recommend this book to fans of both Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance with some New Orleans’/Louisiana spice.
Pre-Order Black Dust Mambo at:
Chapters, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders
Find out more about, (stalk) 😀 , Adrian Phoenix, her writing, cool merchandise and other fun stuff at her Website!
My last interview with Adrian.
Adrian Phoenix – Winner
Sorry it’s late! I’ve been holed up in my bat cave with a black towel wrapped around my head for two days thanks to a lovely migraine. Random.org picked #73, so Kate L, Congrats!! 😀 Please email me with your snail mail addy and which book you’d like at sidhevicious(at)shaw(dot)ca so we can get your book sent out to you.
Thanks to everyone who entered! I loved reading your comments. 🙂 If I don’t hear back from the winner in 7 days, a new winner will be picked from among the eligible entrants.
Adrian Phoenix – Interview & Giveaway
Today I have Urban Fantasy author Adrian Phoenix here for an interview to celebrate the latest release in her Makers Song series, Beneath The Skin! Read through the awesome interview and Adrian is giving away a signed copy of one of her books. 🙂
Sidhe – Hi Adrian! It’s great to have you back here at SVR. 🙂
Adrian – Hey, Judi! It’s a pleasure to be back! I wish it wasn’t so long between visits. 🙂
Sidhe – Me too and you know you are welcome anytime in my virtual “house”. The third book in your The Makers Song series, Beneath The Skin, was just released on Dec 29th. Can you tell us a bit about it?
Adrian – Sure. The story picks up right where In the Blood left off, with Dante doped and unconscious and Heather, Von, Annie, and Caterina seeking shelter from the dawn. Not only are they being hunted by the Shadow Branch and the FBI, the Fallen now know that a Maker exists in the mortal world and they are determined to find him. Dante not only needs to find away to keep himself and those he cares about out of enemy hands, but his past has been awakened and is slicing into his present. As he struggles to find balance and keep sane, his control over his Maker abilities continues to slip.
Sidhe – How do you keep track of all the goings on in this wonderfully rich and complex world you’ve created?
Adrian – Most of it I keep in my head (getting very crowded), but lately I’ve been keeping notes that I can refer to quickly while writing. I’m finding notes on who did what or who said what and when more necessary with each book I write.
Sidhe – I can imagine it would get to be a bit much to memorize after a few books. You’ve had a busy year with starting a new series as well as writing your Makers Song series! Can you tell us how you keep your writing discipline going strong when you aren’t hearing your muse?
Adrian – I’ve been fortunate in that my muse is quite loud and impossible to ignore. The problem for me comes down to time, since I still have my full time day job. It’s essential to write every day, so I write in the evenings after work and all day on weekends. I figure out a daily word total so I have a goal to shoot for every day. When I’m tired, I remind myself that writing is my dream and what I am working toward doing full time. In order to achieve that, I MUST plant my butt in my chair and get busy. It’s my job, my livelihood, my dream. Plus, if I’m really good – I get to have a treat! LOL.
Sidhe – I have so much respect for all authors as it takes such dedication and will power to continue to put out amazing works and on deadlines to boot! How many more books can we look forward to in the Makers Song series?
Adrian – Book 4, Etched in Bone will be out the end of December 2010. At this point, that’s all I’m contracted to do, but I have every reason to believe that Pocket will buy more (I gave them a proposal also) so that I can continue with the series. I have plenty of plans for more books.
Sidhe – Whew, that’s good news indeed! (Pocket, can you hear me? We need more books in The Makers Song series!) You have an affinity for writing about several REALLY sexy men. Do you have a harem of them hiding in your house? (Grins) Really… can you spare a couple to help a girl out?
Adrian – Hah. Thank you! I think you’ll also very much enjoy Layne Valin from Black Dust Mambo. Oh, I *wish* I had a harem of sexy men hanging out at my house, but then I’d probably never get any work done. LOL. As it is, they hang out in my head, which is almost as bad/good.
Sidhe – I’m thinking that inside your head is a “place” we’d all like to be if all those hot men are kickin around in there, lol. And bring on Layne, I’m ready to meet him! (Hurry up June). How much of the backgrounds of your supernatural characters are based on research and how much comes from your wickedly creative mind?
Adrian – Most of the backgrounds come from my imagination. I’ve done research on mythos for world-building for the Fallen and nightkind and for nomad society, but as for the character backgrounds go, that’s me. Now, on the Fallen characters – Gabriel, the Morningstar, Loki, etc., I *have* done research on angels and gods, which I then stir it into the subconscious kettle to simmer. I take the characters in a direction of my design.
Sidhe – Out of curiosity, I’m wondering about how many rough drafts of a novel you write before you send it off to your editor for the first time. (The wanna-be writer in me wants to know) =)
Adrian – Generally one draft. I think the most a person should do is two. I’ve never done more than two. It’s too easy to over-polish and smooth away a story’s raw and vital edge, to strip away its soul. Do your first draft, send it out to first-readers you trust, make any changes that they suggest AND that you agree with, then send it out. Then dash off to the next project. 🙂
Sidhe – How long did it take you to go from a germ of an idea to finished revisions that you turned into your editor for either A Rush Of Wings, or the first book in your new series, Black Dust Mambo?
Adrian – Okay, let’s look first at A Rush of Wings. It took me 8 months to write it (my first novel), then almost a year to sell it. After it sold in June 2006, I had to wait for the contract (October 2006 – it hasn’t taken that long with any of my other books), then the revisions request from my editor – which I believe I received in January of 2007. The book was published the end of December 2007 (January 2008 officially), so you’re looking at almost 3 years all told. The process for all books since has been much, much quicker.
The process was much shorter with Black Dust Mambo. I came up with the idea for Black Dust Mambo in October 2008 and sent my editor a proposal for it and four more books in the series. She called my agent in February of 2009 and bought the series. I finished writing the book in November of 2009 (I started it in July after finishing all the work on Beneath the Skin), finished revisions on BDM in December 2009. The book will be released the end of June 2010. So – Black Dust Mambo sold February 2009 and will be published June 2010. So figure 16-18 months from sale to publication. Sometimes it’s sooner – especially if you have a finished manuscript – which is the only thing new writers should offer editors. I sold the project on a proposal, so I had to hurriedly write the thing too. LOL.
Sidhe – Talk about working under pressure, but you seem to handle it well. I know that you are a huge Nine Inch Nails fan and that they are a big inspiration while you write. Any other bands that feed the muse?
Adrian – I also love (ironically or poetically, your choice) Muse, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, AFI, Stabbing Westward, Rammstein, Saints of Ruin, Chevelle, and movie scores like: Batman Begins (perfect for Lucien), all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Gladiator, The Last Samurai, Wanted, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Last of the Mohicans . . .
Sidhe – I also like to listen to movie scores sometimes. It makes for great ambiance minus the distractions of a catchy chorus of singing. I know you’ll probably tell me to stuff it and wait like the rest have to, but can you give us a hint of what’s to come for Dante, Heather, Von and Lucien? Please? (Blinks innocently)
Adrian – How can I refuse when you blink so innocently, Judi? 😉
Nebulous teasers . . . Annie finds herself in a situation she could never have predicted, one that will see her lose all control of her life; the Fallen statues will arrive in Alexandria and into the wrong hands; someone will descend into the cave at Damascus and discover just what is singing “Holy, holy, holy,” in the darkness, Dante repairs the damage to the cemetery (think about that); Heather fights for Dante’s sanity and a life for them together and one for herself AND she has to face the fact that she just might have to share Dante with another person, the second bonding partner; war is brewing between the SB and the FBI, among all the levels of the Fallen, including the half-mortal nephilim, and between the vampire orders – in a fight over control of Dante. And Dante will be betrayed.
Sidhe – Awesome, I can’t wait! Can you give us a little preview of what Black Dust Mambo, the new series, is all about?
Adrian – You bet! I’d be happy too!
Black Dust Mambo begins the story of Kallie Riviere, a hoodoo apprentice learning the art from her aunt (who may or may not be who she seems) in Bayou Cypres Noir, Louisiana. Even though this series is lighter and more humorous, dark secrets still ripple throughout. Kallie’s been scarred both physically and emotionally by a violent moment in her family’s past, a moment she is seeking answers for but only finds deeper mysteries. Nothing is what it seems. The series also features her best friend, Belladonna Brown, a voodooienne in training to be a mambo (priestess) and who believes in the gospel according to Web Md. Another key character is Layne Valin, a nomad with the Fox clan, who also happens to be a Vessel for the dead. The dead can slip into his body like a suit and use him to say their final goodbyes or whatever it is they need.
Here’s a small bit from the book from Kallie’s POV as she learns what Layne is:
A Vessel didn’t need ritual or séance or linked energy from the living to call to the dead or to open doors between the mortal and spirit worlds. A Vessel was a living, breathing spirit cabinet. And most Vessels spiraled into madness by their late teens, usually ending their lives in messy and desperate ways. Very few Vessels lasted into their twenties.
Kallie stared at Layne, wondering if he was actually younger than he looked and wondering how much time he had left before his mind and soul twisted in on themselves.
The story involves, magic, murder, mystery, possession, a wet boxers contest, voodoo poppets, loup garou, and nomad society.
Sidhe – Woo, I can’t wait to get started reading BDM! 😀 Any truth to the rumours that Disney is looking to make the Makers Song series into a movie or movies?
Adrian – So far, there’s nothing I can officially say on the rumours. My agent and his people have been in touch with Disney and Disney has registered domain names that seem to apply to The Maker’s Song. As soon as I have official news, I will pass it along. 🙂
Sidhe – Anything else that you’d like to share with the readers here at SVR?
Adrian – I’d like to let your readers know that I’m also planning stand alone books for Von (NOMAD) and Lucien (NIGHTBRINGER). My editor has proposals, so fingers crossed! I’d also like to thank everyone for their support and to welcome new readers to the series.
Sidhe – I am now praying to the publishing gods that Von & Lucien’s books will happen. Thanks so much for coming by again Adrian! It’s always a pleasure. 🙂
Adrian – Thank you for having me, Judi! I really love visiting with you and your readers!
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Giveaway Details:
Adrian has graciously offered up a signed copy of one of her books to one lucky commentor, winners choice! Giveaway is open to everyone, internationally.
What type of supernatural being is your favourite? Are you still loving vampires, or have you crossed over to shifters, fallen angels, demons, witches, mages or fae? What is it that you love so much about your favourite?
Adrian may also be popping by for the next day or two to reply to comments, so if you have any burning questions for her, feel free to ask away.
For one entry: Please leave a comment with the answer to the question. (+1 entry)
For extra entries:
– Subscribe to my blog, Sidhe Vicious Reviews, through the links at the top right hand side of the blog, and let me know in your comment. Be sure you verify your subscription through the email you’ll receive or it won’t count. (+1 entry)
– If you’re already subscribed, you’ll receive an extra entry, but be sure to let me know in the comments. (+2 entries)
– Post a link to this contest on your Twitter, FaceBook, MySpace, GoodReads, LibraryThing, or on your blog and send me the link either in the comments or by email and you’ll get an extra entry for each place you add a link to. (+? entries, insert however many links you’ve done)
Contest is open Internationally and will run through February 10th until 11:59pm. The winners will be posted here on Feb 11th. Please leave your email addy in your comment for me to contact you if you’ve won. If I haven’t heard back from the winner in 7 days, a new winner will be drawn from the eligible comments. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator. Good Luck everyone! 🙂
(I should also mention that if you’re leaving me a bunch of links in your comment, do not panic if it doesn’t show up right away. It just automatically gets held for me to moderate, which I will as soon as I’m online. 😀 )
Beneath The Skin – Spotlight & Review
Beneath The Skin by Adrian Phoenix
Book 3 of The Maker’s Song series
Book Description:
“CHAOS CONTROLS HIS FUTURE. ONE MORTAL WOMAN COULD BE HIS SALVATION. THE COUNTDOWN TO ANNIHILATION WILL BEGIN WITH DANTE’S CHOICE….
THE FATE OF THREE WORLDS…The dark pieces of vampire rock star Dante Baptiste’s past are violently emerging, and it is only a matter of time before the Fallen discover he is the creawdwr they have sought for thousands of years. The destruction he left behind in Oregon threatens to reveal his identity as Fallen Maker and True Blood, exposing the young nightkind to shadowy predators — mortal and supernatural — who will do whatever it takes to win his favor…or destroy him.
RESTS IN DANTE’S HANDS.When beautiful FBI special agent Heather Wallace went AWOL on assignment, she chose irresistible Dante over the shady government forces that now stalk them both. Heather has her own secrets of the past to uncover, but she is also the only one who can hold her nightkind lover together when his dangerous quest for the truth threatens to send him over the edge. And as she and Dante fight for their survival, she realizes they must work together to protect their future — before his mysterious destiny tears them apart…. ”
My Thoughts:
This series just keeps getting better and better. This book just blew me away! I am already dying for the next book in the series, which I’m happy to say is in the works and I believe is called Etched In Bone. Heather, Dante, Von, Lucien, Annie and the whole cast of characters continue their journey in a spectacular explosion of vivid story-telling.
BTS starts off right where ITB left off and the suspense, action, danger and excitement never lets up! If I were in a movie theater watching this all unfold onscreen, I’d be on the edge of my seat, clutching the arm rests the whole time. Phoenix seamlessly integrates the supernatural into a realistic, gritty thriller of a novel and I can’t get enough. The characters are so life-like, including the Elohim, the Cercle de Druide, the Nightkind, and the Llygad as well as the humans. The Makers Song series is a hell of a roller coaster ride that you never want to stop. Simply put… Riveting.
Buy Beneath The Skin at:
Find out more about Adrian Phoenix and her books at her WEBSITE
Read my review of A Rush Of Wings
Read my review of In The Blood
Winner – Night’s Pleasure & Releases
Late again, that’s me! Sorry, the day got away from me. Without further delay… the random number generator picked #1, Crystal B! Please send me your snail mail addy at sidhevicious@shaw.ca so I can forward it to Amanda Ashley.
I’d like to thank Amanda Ashley for supplying the signed copy of her book, Night’s Pleasure, to the winner. 🙂 Also, a huge thanks to all the entrants. If I don’t hear back from the winner in 5 days, I’ll be drawing a new winner.
In other news, a few books came out today that I want to mention. (I’m wayyyy behind on posting releases.)
Adrian Phoenix’s, A Rush Of Wings is now available in mass market, so now you have no excuses to go out and buy a copy! It’s the first book in The Maker’s Song series.
Anton Strout’s, Deader Still was released yesterday. Simon Canderous’s adventures continue in this, the second book in the series.
Mark Henry’s, Road Trip Of The Living Dead is also now on the shelves. Amanda Feral continues her tale in this second installment of the series.
Kim Harrison’s – White Witch, Black Curse has finally hit the shelves! Rachel Morgan’s adventures in The Hollows continue in this, the 7th book in the series.
In The Blood – Spotlight & Review
In The Blood by Adrian Phoenix
(From Back Cover)
“DANTE LIVES.
Vampire. Rock star. Begotten son of the fallen angel Lucien. Dante Baptiste still struggles with nightmares and seizures, searching for the truth about his past. It is a quest as seductive as his kiss, as uncontrollable as his thirst, and as unforgiving as his determination to protect one mortal woman at any cost.
KNOWLEDGE KILLS.
FBI Special Agent Heather Wallace now knows the extent of the Bureau corruption that surrounds her, but worries she is losing the battle. And when Dante and his band Inferno come to Seattle on tour, Heather can’t help but be drawn back to the beautiful, dangerous nightkind. But what Heather and Dante don’t know is that new enemies lurk in the shadows, closer than they think…and even deadlier than they fear.
DESTINY UNFOLDS.
Shadowy government forces have pledged to eliminate all loose ends from Project Bad Seed — and Heather and Dante are at the top of the list. Elsewhere, the Fallen gather in Gehenna, intent on finding their long-awaited savior, the True Blood nightkind whom Lucien DeNoir would die to protect. And a damaged and desperate adversary, with powers as strange and perilous as Dante’s own, plots to use Dante as a pawn in a violent scheme for revenge. But only one of these lethal forces holds the key to Dante’s past — a key that could finally unlock the secret of his birth and the truth of his existence…or destroy him completely.”
This book blew my mind and rocked my socks off… to put it lightly! I wasn’t envying Ms. Phoenix to have to come up with an even better book than the first in this series, A Rush Of Wings, but she did it in spades. The second book in The Maker’s Song series, In The Blood, carries on with Heather and Dante’s story. It’s even more intricate story-weaving, compelling plot and edge of your seat intensity kept me flipping the pages long into the night.
The characters are so vivid, the danger is truly of the evil variety and the passion between Heather and Dante practically melts the pages. The writing just oozes atmosphere and pulls you in like a gravitational force. I can hardly stand the wait for the next novel, Beneath The Skin!!
See my review of the first book, A Rush Of Wings HERE
Read my interview with Adrian HERE
Read Dante’s Guest Blog HERE (Please note that the contest is over from Dante’s Guest Blog)
News Around The UF/PR Community
Jennifer Rardin’s fourth book in the Jaz Parks series, BITTEN TO DEATH was released yesterday ( August 12th ). If you’ve had your head in the sand and somehow haven’t managed to come across this series, I highly recommend them. Here’s a blurb from this book… ( From The Publisher)
“Jaz Parks here. My latest mission has taken me to the ancient Greek city of Patras; but instead of soaking up its splendor, I’m here to infiltrate a Vampere Trust. Only two vamps have ever escaped the tightly bound communities and lived to tell the tale: Edward “The Raptor” Samos, the most reviled criminal mastermind in recent memory, and Vayl, the CIA’s number one assassin who also happens to be my boss.
The Raptor is trying to take over Vayl’s former Trust. Unfortunately the Trust’s new leader has her own plans.
This job is going to be the death of me.”
These books can be read as stand alone and you will have no problems following the story, but It’s also much more gratifying if you read from the first book because you’re that much more invested in the characters. That’s just my opinion though.
Here’s the awesome cover of Adrian Phoenix’s second book IN THE BLOOD, which is being released December 30th, 2008 according to Amazon and Chapters. Put it in your wishlist’s or pre-order it, I have!
I’m really looking forward to this book as it continues the story of Heather and Dante as well as all the great characters from the first book A RUSH OF WINGS. I’m not sure if the series has a name yet, but it is a series. I just heard recently that Adrian has been contracted to write books 3 and 4. A Huge big congrats to you Adrian!! I can’t wait to read them. 🙂
In other news, I’ve just heard that Kim Harrison, author of The Hollows/Rachel Morgan books, has a new Young Adult book coming out in May 2009 called ONCE DEAD, TWICE SHY. You can get a taste of it in the Prom Nights from Hell anthology. I can’t find a cover for it, but will keep you all updated as I find out more.
AMBERKATZE is having a contest to win a copy of Jocelyn Drake’s Nightwalker.
VAMPIRE WIRE is having a contest to win a copy of Carolyn Jewel’s My Wicked Enemy.
And last but not least, you have until Friday, Aug. 15th to ENTER my contest to win a signed copy of Rachel Caine’s Gale Force!
Guest Blogger – Dante & A Contest
Sidhe Vicious would like to welcome Dante, from Adrian Phoenix’s A Rush Of Wings! He’s been kind enough to join us as a guest blogger, so without further adieu, I’ll leave you in his, oh so capable *cough-sexy-cough*, hands…
For those of you who don’t know me, my name’s Dante. I’m frontman for Inferno, I live just outside New Orleans, and I accepted Judi’s offer to guest blog on her cool RAVES & RANTS site before me and the band hit the road on tour. She asked me if I’d do a bit on pet peeves, and I’m more than happy to oblige. Judi’s not only tres jolie and tres cool, she’s beaucoup honest.
(aww, I’m blushing now)
Ain’t nothing more solid than the truth.
So…pet peeves.
Pet peeve numero un is this question: What’s it like being vampire?
(Oh, btw, I’m nightkind.)
Merde. Beaucoup merde. Dunno. What’s it like being human? Being mortal? Care to wrap that up in a sweet one paragraph answer? After all, what do you have to compare it with?
My response is usually along the lines of: “Dunno. Tell me, what’s it like being an asshole?” C’mon, why not ask, “What’s it like being black? Asian? White? Male? Female?”
It’s all I know, so it feels pretty fucking normal. It’s who I am.
Another question that rates high on the pet peeve o’meter is: “Will you turn me?” Yeah. D’accord. So then the world will have not only another asshole, but an immortal asshole? Umm, no.
( I wonder if asking him to “bite me/nibble on my neck awhile” counts? Oh Shush… You know you were all thinking it too!) *grins*
In truth, that question’s no different than asking, “Wanna have a baby? One that you’ll have to raise alone?” Yeah…sign me up for that one.
But my pet peeves ain’t aimed at just mortals. Hell, no. Nightkind are often the biggest, loudest assholes of all. My personal fav? This one: “Lady Nose-in-the-Air/Lord Kiss-My-Boots requests a personal audience with you before/after the show.”
Just because they’re nightkind, they believe they should get special treatment – especially from other nightkind. Like me. (*snorts*) Yeeeaaaahhhhh…like that’s gonna happen. They can get in line for the meet and greet after the show like everyone else.
Do they? Nope. They usually stalk away, faces looking like they just sucked down a mouthful of cold blood, muttering promises regarding my future comeuppance(s). Hah. See my eyes rolling? Get a life.
But the grand poo-bah of all pet peeves are the assholes who prey on others by using their hopes and dreams, their aching hearts. Assholes who eat up their trust. Twist them. Scar them. Strip them of everything. For money. Out of envy. Or just because they can.
Hell, I guess that ain’t a pet peeve. It’s soulless something that edges right up against evil. Fuckers who shapeshift a person’s dreams into delusions and suck them dry of all hope.
And it usually starts with a lie.
Mortals and nightkind alike are guilty. Mortals and nightkind alike are also victims.
“A little white lie doesn’t hurt anyone. Sometimes it’s better than a painful truth.” Or how about this popular tune: “People lie. It’s just human (insert species here) nature.”
I’ve heard those words or variations of them over and over. And it’s pure top of the charts bullshit.
A lie is a lie is a lie. Hiding the truth is a kind of lie – a lie of omission, and just as harmful.
Sure, I expect someone who doesn’t like me or is fucking with me or whatever to lie to me. That’s all part of the you-suck routine.
But a friend? No. With people you like and trust, everything they say becomes a part of your foundation, a part of your reality. Because you believe them. And you build on it – your friendship, your love, your every-night life.
A lie is a termite in that foundation, devouring its integrity. It doesn’t matter why that termite’s in there chomping happily away – Oh, I didn’t want to hurt you or I was worried you’d get jealous or I thought you wouldn’t understand or even the classic, I had your best interests at heart – the fact remains that the termite is in there. And it ain’t coming out on its own and it ain’t coming out without doing damage.
I have a lot of trouble remembering things that happened the first fourteen years or so of my life, even things that I’ve done. But I’m gonna find out and learn my own truth. (Yeah, I could be wrong about the ‘fourteen years or so’, I suck at dates and time.)
So night by night, friend by friend, I’m building a foundation, a solid one I hope. A foundation to live my life by. And I’ll never lie – not to spare a friend’s feelings, not to ease a lover’s jealousy, and I’ll never believe a lie is in anyone’s best interest. Not even the teller’s.
I expect the same – no lies. No matter how painful it is, no matter how ugly, if I ask, give me the truth. The truth will never come between us, but a lie will.
I believe deep down, we all crave the truth – mortals and nightkind, yeah even assholes. I think sometimes we’re scared to ask for it. But we gotta, if we’re ever going to move ahead.
Wow. Pet peeves spiraled into a rant enorme. Hey, Judi, I just honored the theme of your site!
So tell me, ma chere, what’s it like being Canadian? 
LOL, don’t even get me started!! ( Still wildly fanning myself from the hotness that is Dante)
Let’s see… there are the un-educated who actually believe that people who live in Canada all live in Igloos and that there’s snow 24/7! NOT! I live in a very metropolitan city ,thank you, and have never even seen an Igloo except in pictures.
Then there are the people who actually think that everyone in Canada talks like that Bob and Doug McKenzie from some old comedy show (SCTV) that aired a zillion years ago, or that we say “Eh” all the time. That’s a negative! But I digress, see? I told you not to get me started, lol.
I would like to thank Dante for spending some time with us here at Raves and Rants and I’m sure my readers will agree with the sentiment that you are welcome to come back and visit anytime! *grins*
Adrian Phoenix has graciously agreed to sign and send a copy of Dante’s story in A Rush Of Wings to one lucky commenter, so get commenting people!
I will pick the winner on July 15th, and if you’d like an extra entry, then blog about this post & contest on your blog, MySpace, FaceBook, LiveJournal, BlogSpot, WordPress or spread the word in some form and send me the link.
( Moved Over From My Original Blog )
24 Comments. ( Click here to view comments made at the old blog – This contest is still ongoing and you may leave a comment here as well to be entered. )
Interview With Adrian Phoenix, Author of A Rush Of Wings
Sidhe Vicious welcomes Urban Fantasy novelist, Adrian Phoenix! We’re looking forward to getting to know you and all about your novel, A Rush of Wings.
AP: Thanks so much for the warm welcome, Sidhe, and I’m very happy for the opportunity to meet your readers.
SV: Your debut urban fantasy novel, A Rush of Wings was released in January 2008 by Pocket Books. Can you tell us about it and the main characters, Heather, Dante, and Lucien?
AP: You bet. FBI agent Heather Wallace tracks a serial killer known as the Cross-Country Killer to New Orleans. The location of the latest victim’s body leads her to Club Hell and Dante, the young frontman of the band Inferno. She comes to believe that Dante is the killer’s next intended victim and does everything she can to keep him safe and alive.
What she learns in the next few fast-paced and heart-wrenching days is that not only do vampires – nightkind – exist, but Dante is nightkind and he is guarded by one of the Fallen, Lucien De Noir.
She also learns that the Cross-Country killer may not be working alone and he will stop at nothing to get his hands on Dante. The reason why is in the past Dante can’t remember, the source of his migraines and nosebleeds.
And Heather quickly learns that she can’t trust anyone – not the Bureau, not her mentor and supervisor, not even the New Orleans police – except Dante and those who are trying to protect him from his past, the Cross-Country killer, and his own destiny.
SV: Will we be seeing more of Heather, Dante, and Lucien in the future?
AP: Yes. The next book, In the Blood, will be released in January 2009. The story picks up three weeks after the events in A Rush of Wings. Two more books are planned for this particular story arc. And I have other stories planned for the characters.
SV: How did you get your start in writing? What, if anything, lit the “spark” to get you started and keep you motivated?
AP: Writing has always been my one true love. Well, that and reading. I wrote short stories for my sisters and friends all through school. I’d create characters and yearn to put them in situations and tell their stories. When I was raising my sons as a single mom, I didn’t have much time or energy for writing. I wrote and sold a handful of short stories, one of which received an honorable mention in The Year’s Best Horror and Fantasy, fourth edition.
Once I’d successfully raised the boys, I returned to writing. I’d never written a novel before because I believed I didn’t know how. I attended a workshop on story structure taught by Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch and learned that, yes, I could write a novel. There was no mystery behind the process at all. So, I sat down and wrote A Rush of Wings.
I wrote the book I wanted to read about characters I’d fallen in love with. Writing is a job and needs (I learned) to be approached like one. You need to sit down and write everyday. Even when you’re tired. Even when you don’t feel good. Even if it’s only a page a day, that’s still steady progress.
I keep motivated because this is what I’ve always wanted to do. Even if I hadn’t sold anything, I’d still be writing and hoping that I would. Each story I wrote would bring me that much closer to my goal.
I love writing. And I love hearing from readers who’ve connected with the story and the characters! Truly, it’s like a dream come true and I couldn’t be happier. (Well, okay, I’ll be even happier once I can give up the day job and just write.)
SV: What was the path to publication on this, your first urban fantasy novel, like? Highlights? Pitfalls?
AP: Research is part of that path. Know your markets, learn about agents and editors and who is buying what and from whom. The Publisher’s Marketplace is an excellent online resource. Agents and editors list their sales and deals and you can look up everyone listed. (It costs $20/month.)
I landed my agent first, Matt Bialer at Sanford J. Greenburger (Dan Brown’s agency) and he immediately sent the manuscript out to eight major houses. Pocket bought it and the unwritten sequel two days after I’d had a car accident. Believe me, I was so excited I pogoed around the house even though it hurt!
I haven’t really experienced any pitfalls, but I’ve heard horror stories from other writers, so I realize I’ve been very, very lucky. Have I mentioned how happy and grateful I am?
SV: Did you find it harder or easier to write the second novel in this series because of already having created this world?
AP: It was both. It was easier for the very reason you mentioned – I’d already created the world, the characters, and the driving force behind the story. It was also harder because, suddenly, I had to think about other people’s expectations while writing. The only person I’d worried about pleasing while writing A Rush of Wings was myself. Now, I was wondering what my editor expected, what the readers of RUSH expected, what I expected and it was a little daunting. Eventually, I had to shut out all these outside expectations and just continue with the story, being true to the characters and myself. In doing that, I also keep true to my readers. At least, I hope so!
SV: Do you have any funny writing quirks/habits that you do when you’re in the “zone” writing?
AP: In the zone – I love that place, writing in a white-hot heat. I start talking out loud as my fingers fly across the keyboard. “And then he turns, man, he’s so pissed off…” A constant little narrative to myself. I also eat red licorice vines. Bad, bad, bad, but so good.
Once I attended a week-long workshop learning how to write query letters and proposals. The writers had each been assigned a room (in one big house) with bed, bookshelves and a desk. I was at my desk working on my assignment with my earbuds in (I listen to music non-stop while writing) since I didn’t want to afflict my particular tastes (and volume preference on innocent ears). I finally realized someone was standing in my doorway. One of the other writers was looking at me with some concern, so I plucked out the earbuds. He asked me if I was all right. Puzzled, I assured him that I was. He told me that I’d been saying, “Goddammit! Goddammit! Goddammit!” over and over. Hysterical! I had no idea.
SV: Have you ever met a vampire or angel?
AP: I’ve certainly thought so in the bedroom! *winks* (In my dreams, that is!) I like to people watch, especially while sitting in a dark corner of a club nursing a drink, and I’ve seen a few that I thought could very well be beautiful vampires (or nightkind as Dante says) out playing games with unsuspecting mortals or maybe a vampire hoping to just have fun for the evening like anyone else.
And as for angels, look up, take a long look at the roofline of that tall building across the street. Is that silhouetted figure perched on the edge a shadowed gargoyle or something else altogether? Someone dark and brooding, whose wings unfurl behind in a rush of air…
SV: What supernatural power or creature would you most like to have or be?
AP: I’ve always thought it’d be incredible to teleport, go anywhere in an instant. I’ve also always coveted the gift of telepathy. To speak mind to mind, even in moments of intimacy, wow, imagine the connection. I’ve often wondered about being a vampire, so I’d probably pick that.
SV: Who’s your favorite author? TV show? Movie?
AP: I’ve always loved Stephen King’s work. He always inspired me. I enjoy Neil Gaiman’s work, as well – always beautiful and tragic and deeply, deeply moving. I so hate to admit that I haven’t read very much urban fantasy. I have tons of urban fantasy in my TBR pile, but…ack! I can’t wait until I discover the same writers that you and your readers have already discovered.
My favorite TV show is Supernatural, with Lost as a close second.
Ah, movies! I love, love, love movies! I think one of my all-time favorites is Moulin Rouge. And The Crow, that one always breaks my heart (hell, so does Moulin Rouge). I loved Aliens, The Last Samurai, Gladiator, The Last Mohican, Desperado, Casino Royale (when Bond tells Vesper, “You’ve stripped my armor from me…whatever is left of me is yours.” So moving!), all of the Bourne movies, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Underworld movies, Big Trouble in Little China… the list goes on!!
SV: Do you have any tips for aspiring speculative fiction writers?
AP: The most important one is to believe in yourself, always. No matter what anyone tells you! My father once told me not to pursue writing because it was so competitive and I was bound to fail. I believe he meant well, that he was hoping to spare me hurt, but I ignored his advice.
And write! Write every single day – even if it’s just a page or for only 30 minutes. Practice your craft. How can you expect to improve and grow if you don’t practice rigorously and with dedication? Look at musicians – if a violinist wants to become the best, they practice for hours every day, sometimes until their fingers bleed. I’m not saying you need to smear blood on your keyboards, but practice, study, read. Pursue your dreams and they will come true. But first and foremost, believe in yourself.
SV: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us at Raves & Rants and your readers?
AP: A cool place to visit if any of you visit New Orleans – in the Quarter, on Bourbon Street, there is a bar – Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, which was built sometime before 1772. The interior is lit only with candles just like it was back in the day. Stepping inside into the flickering orange light and long shadows was like stepping back in time. I loved it. It used to be a favorite hangout for the vampire crowd for that very reason. Just sign up for the vampire tour and a visit to the bar is included. The vampire tour was incredible fun and our guide was a master storyteller and managed to totally creep me out several times. I loved it!!
I want to thank everyone for their interest and support! I appreciate it very much. Please feel free to contact me via my website, I’d love to hear from you.
And, thank you, Sidhe for your time and for the interesting questions. Merci beaucoup!
Thank you for spending time with us Adrian! It was a pleasure. We’re looking forward to In The Blood and wish you every success in the future. Go to Adrian’s website www.adrianphoenix.com
( Moved over from my original blog )
4 Comments.
Posted by Louise:
Judi, this interview rocks and Adrian you are so cool!!!
Really enjoyed reading this.
Hugs to you both 🙂
xxxxxx
Posted by Pike stephenson:
Great interview! Adrian’s books is on my TBR hot list. I love hearing the writer’s process, what’s going on while they’re plugging away, and those little tidbits (chomping on red licorice) that reminds us that they’re just as quirky as we are.Posted by Amber:
Thanks for the interview!
Posted by Judi:
Thanks everyone, I had fun doing the interview with Adrian! She’s a great inspiration to me. 🙂
About Me
I read Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Light Fantasy, Young Adult and Graphic Novels in said genres. I’ve also been known to read the odd historical romance if they involve uber-sexy highlanders, vikings or knights & if they involve some time travel and a lot of humor. Heh! 😀 If any Authors, Publicists or Publishers would like their books reviewed or would like to schedule a Guest Blog or Giveaway please contact me at sidhevicious@gmail.com
Please see the BIOS page for more info on our reviewing style and for other info.
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