Monday 10 December 2012

Goddess of the Rose - Book Review

Goddess of the Rose – Book Review
P.C Cast
Romantic Fantasy
16+ readers
Synopsis:

It's not green fingers that have kept the Empousai family's roses blooming for centuries - it's the drops of blood that their women secretly sacrifice for their gardens. But Mikki would rather forget this family quirk and lead a normal life. Until the day she unwittingly performs a ritual and ends up in the strangely familiar Realm of the Rose. As its goddess, Hecate, reveals to her, Mikki has the blood of a high priestess running through her veins. And the realm has been waiting for her ...In a long ago flash of temper, Hecate cursed her Guardian beast with a slumber that only her priestess can undo - and Hecate is counting on Mikki to set things right. At first the beast terrifies Mikki - but soon he intrigues her more than any man ever has. But the only way he and the realm can be saved is for Mikki to sacrifice her life-giving blood - and herself ...
Review:
“This book is for everyone who fell in love with the Beast, and then was truly disappointed when he turned into a handsome prince.”
This is the dedication P.C Cast wrote at the beginning of this book and as soon as I read those words, I knew this would be a story I would love. While I haven’t read all the books in the Goddess Summoning series – I have read most, and without doubt Goddess of the Rose has definitely been my favourite so far!
When modern day women Mikado (Mikki) finds herself transported to the ancient realm of the Rose, she at once steps into her destined role as Hecate’s high priestess. But as she learns how to carry out her scared duties, Mikado cannot stop her ever increasing desire for the realms guardian beast. Imbued with the soul of man, he appears half animal/half God and under his ever watchful eyes, Mikado starts to discover more and more about the man that lies hidden within the beast. But the Guardian guards a deadly secret.
Even as his lonely heart yearns for someone to love him, he knows he must resist Mikado’s feminine charms at all costs, as the day is fast approaching when Mikado must truly fulfil her purpose as high priestess. Yet clueless as to what fate has in store for her, Mikado is relentless… and the beast finds himself tamed. But are they willing to pay the price their love will cost them…?
I must admit that while I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a couple of chapters to get into. But trust me when I say it is worth persevering. Not only does P.C Cast once again create a world that sparks the imagination, but her characters are rich with personality and full of life-like emotions.
Mikado is feisty and sarcastic, yet caring and unknowingly selfless. Her attraction to the guardian may begin on a purely primal level, but I like how she never once considers him as ‘just’ a beast.
As for the Guardian… he is simply heartbreaking. His desire to be accepted, to have someone just speak to him with neither fear or disgust is heart-wrenching. Cursed for his father’s crimes, the Guardian is certain that he is destined to spend eternity alone, never to know love or friendship – only duty. And I truly love how Mikado’s entrance to the realm of the rose truly shakes up his beliefs and – for lack of a better phrase – literally rocks his world! ;)
However while I found the pacing of the plot to be rather slow, it does give plenty of time for romance between Mikado and the Guardian to grow, moving from a slow simmer to a full on scorching burn.
Magical and full of fairytale goodness, Goddess of the Rose is a fantastic read and one I would recommend to anyone to anyone who loves happy-ever-after endings, Beauty and the Beast retellings, or just gushingly romantic stories. 4 stars!



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Monday 1 October 2012

Touch Of Power - Book Review

Touch Of Power – Book Review
Maria. V. Snyder
YA Fantasy

Synopsis:
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.


Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince and leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Review:

Ever since I read and fell in love with her Poison Study series, Maria V Snyder has remained a favourite author of mine. Just like the rest of her books, A touch of power was a brilliant, intriguing and intensely magical read that is the start of what promises to be yet another fantastical series.

The story follows Avry, a twenty year old girl who has spent the last three years living life on the run. Ever since the great plague spread through the land, those blessed with the gift of healing have been blamed and persecuted for the unstoppable disease. Now as the world’s last healer, Avry’s only goal is survival.

But when she is rescued from the guillotine by a band of rouges, she trades one death sentence for another when she is tasked with curing a Prince from the last ravages of the plague – A feat Avry knows that even with her magical powers, she will not survive. However with the nobility fighting for power, the fate of the fifteen realms remains uncertain and Avry must make a choice. Travel to the other side of the world, to save the man who brought about the demise of her people? Or live the rest of her life hunted for what she is? But with war looming, Avry must quickly learn just who, and what is worth dying for…

This book really is fantastic. A high fantasy novel, it blends together elements of drama, intrigue, magic and self-sacrifice. With vivid descriptions and unique characters, A touch of Power takes the reader on an epic adventure making it a truly riveting read that had me transfixed up until they very end.  

Avry is a great protagonist. Brave and kind hearted, she is also smart with a sharp and sarcastic wit. I loved the way she baits and undermines Kerrick. With his depth and dark edge, he hides been a cold mask of uncaring but I really enjoyed watching their feelings for each other develop. For me Maria V Snyder remains the queen of slow-burn romances and watching her characters fall reluctantly in love was simply delicious.

However the other characters were also unique individuals – each one bringing a new element or twist to the story. Flea and Belen were particular favourites of mine and I loved the close-family feeling the group formed on their journey.

The plot is gripping and holds some intriguing concepts and ideas such as the death and peace lilies, and I’m also curious as to the source of the Plague. I really can’t wait for the next book! What with the adventure of this story fully concluded, it left just enough questions unanswered and hinted at plenty of drama to come to keep me wanting more.

Never once did this book drag for me and I happily devoured it all in one night. Utterly fantastical, A Touch of Power is easily a 5 star read!


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Saturday 29 September 2012

Sweet Venom Blog Tour - Tera Lynn Childs on inspiration and writing!


Sweet Venom Blog Tour

I’m lucky enough to have Tera Lynn Childs on the blog today! With the release of her latest YA novel Sweet Venom now available in the shops, I asked if she would write post and tell us all a little bit about where she gets her inspiration from. And also what her general day-to-day writing process is like for each book. Hope you enjoy! Over to Tera.
 

Tera

My ideas come from everywhere. Ask a writer where she gets her ideas and chances are she’ll reply, “Where don’t I get my ideas?” I’ve found inspiration in a reality TV show title, another book, a newspaper article… everywhere. Getting ideas is the easy part. The hard part is turning them into books.

The process is a little different for each book, but it generally goes something like this:

·         Think up with most brilliant idea ever.

·         Brainstorm. Make notes about scenes and characters, plot points and black moments, kisses and side kicks. (Note: This usually involves lots of post-its, index cards, highlighters, and white boards. And lots of gazing out windows, staring at ceilings, and drinking caffeinated beverages. This part is the most fun.)

·         Decide that enough time has been wasted on thinking.

·         Finally start to write.

·         Write blissfully for about two and a half minutes.

·         Come to a difficult word/sentence/paragraph/scene/all of the above.

·         Start at blinking cursor until inspiration strikes or coffee runs out.

·         Push through the tricky part using self-bribery, Write or Die, or sheer willpower.

·         Keep writing until it feels there are 50 pages written.

·         Check page count.

·         Realize there are only 12 pages written.

·         Get frustrated and stop writing.

·         Feel guilty for not writing.

·         Make character collages instead. Cutting up magazines and pasting images onto paper is way more fun than writing. Plus, productive!

·         Get inspired by finished character collages. Remember why idea seemed so brilliant in the first place.

·         Go back to writing, pushing through the horrid parts and making notes about how to fix them later, until The End.

·         Print it all out and start revising from the beginning.

·         Revise and repeat until novel is as close to brilliant original idea as humanly possible.

·         Click send.
 
Some books make this process easier than others. And some make me want to pull my teeth out with a tweezers rather than write another page. Sweet Venom was somewhere in between. Writing three first person characters in a trilogy (with three individual stories and three overarching stories told across three books—eep!) was probably the hardest writing project I’ve tackled yet.

Every time I got frustrated or stuck or generally freaked out about the scope of it all, I pulled out my character collages and reminded myself just who Grace, Gretchen, and Greer are and why I’m telling their stories.

You can check out her character collages below:
 
 
 
How awesome are they? Thanks for sharing this with us Tera - and for those of you who haven't yet had the chance to read Sweet Venom, what are you waiting for? It is another faboulous, light hearted read that that is full of fun, adventure and fiesty heroines! Deffinetly one to check out!


Monday 17 September 2012

Immortal Beloved - Book Review

Immortal Beloved
Cate Tiernan
YA Paranormal
Book #1 of the Immortal Beloved trilogy
Synopsis:
Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.
Review:
This book is truly amazing and I really, really enjoyed it. While I must admit, it’s very different to anything I’ve read before and it did take me a few chapters to get into - I was soon completely hooked by the story. Based around the idea of immortality, the book contains elements of tragedy, drama, romance and self-discovery. A really fascinating read.
The story follows Natasya, a 559 year old immortal who has forgotten what it means to live a normal life. Going from party to party, she has spent the last few hundred years in an alcohol/drug induced haze that keeps each day fun and interesting – but lately she’s finding even her wild lifestyle a little monotonous. But then Natasya witnesses her best friend torture a mortal human for no reason other than for entertainment, and it wakes her up to the kind of life – and the kind of people - she’s choosing to have and spend time with.
Telling no one where she is going, Natasya decides enough is enough and runs away to America in search of a fellow immortal who she met many years ago. She soon finds herself in a small rural town and ends up at kind of sanctuary for wayward immortals. Here she learns to reacquaint herself with life and for the first time in years, she allows herself to remember the tragedy of losing her family. But her dark past will soon catch up her present and when Natasya accidentally befriends the person responsible for making her an orphan…
There were many great things about this book but my favourite would have to be Natasya’s character. At first I thought she was quite a shallow and party loving kind of person but as the story unfolds, you learn about the horrors and trials she’s suffered. The history she has been a part of and the many different lives and disguises she has lived in. They all shaped her into this sarcastic, clever and often, very sad and lonely person who in this story – just wants to find meaning in living life again.
The plot is very character driven and as the storyline is fairly complex, I did find the pace a little slow at times but ultimately I remained engaged in the story. I liked watching Natasya evolve as person and I enjoyed seeing how she overcame each new trial. The other characters were also very unique and interesting individuals – each trying to deal with their own problems and histories.
The romance in the story was also well written. From the beginning, Natasya’s attraction to sexy ex-Viking Reyn is undeniable – but unlike many YA romances, this one is a slow burn and comes with plenty of drama and shocking revelations. I can’t wait to see how things will develop between them in the next book.
So overall, a really great read and a fabulous start to what promises to be a fantastic new series. Dark and dramatic, Immortal Beloved is truly an amazing read! 4 stars!

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Monday 30 July 2012

Paranormalcy - Book Review

Paranormalcy – Book Review
Kiersten White
YA Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:
Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal.
Review:
I really enjoyed Paranormalcy. Compared to other YA paranormals I thought it had a fresh concept and it was both well written and entertaining. I particularly liked how the main character – despite being a tough as nails bad ass – only used weapons that were pink and sparkly. She was such a girl!
The story begins with Evie. A teenage girl who, due to her ability to see through the glamour’s of paranormal creatures, is the youngest human member of the IPCA – an agency in charge of controlling and policing paranormals. However her life within the IPCA is a lonely one but everything changes the night she meets Lend. A strange and mysterious boy who is labelled a ‘never been seen before’ kind of paranormal.
However despite her instant attraction to Lend, Evie can’t help but wonder if he is somehow connected to the sudden up-rise of paranormal murders across the world. But as Evie is to learn, she has bigger problems to worry about.  Stalked by a feeling stealing faerie, haunted by a power she can’t control and soon to be faced with a truth that will flip her entire world upside down…Evie is about to discover the true meaning of paranormal.
This book really was an entertaining read. As a main character Evie really rocks. She’s witty, feisty and her desire and attraction for all things normal is both sweet and very amusing. For example she is a teenager who dreams of actually going to school. However what with being raised within the confines of the IPCA she is also very streetwise and mature which makes a great contrast to her teenage fantasies of romance, proms and shopping!
Lend was also a really great character. Deep and mysterious – I also liked his ability to look like any person (or celebrity) that Evie desired. Also despite his hidden agenda, he was a sweet and caring character and made a good love interest for Evie.
The plot itself was also intriguing and all the smaller sub-plots kept the story moving at a nice pace. Character development was clear to see and I enjoyed how Evie’s perception of paranormals changed as the story progressed.
So overall Paranormalcy made for a wonderful read and one I would recommend people check out. Especially those of you who like reading about strong heroines who like to accessorize their tasers with rhinestones! 4 Stars!



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Tuesday 24 July 2012

Whisper - Blog Tour and Interview



Whisper by Chrissie Keighery
Blog Tour
Author Interview:
1)     What was your inspiration behind Whisper and how long did it take you to write?

In 2009 I was at a writer’s festival, launching my last novel for Young Adults, Outside In. The venue I was given was a noisy breezeway. It was very difficult to make myself heard to the students milling about. It was ironic then, that a group of deaf students accompanied by an interpreter were the ones who actually ‘heard’ what I was saying.

After that, I felt very drawn to watching interpreters at other author talks. Sign language is pretty beguiling visually.

Having a coffee with my Australian editor, Hilary started telling me about a family that fascinated her. Both parents were deaf but both of their children could hear. From there we started to talk about the idea of creating a deaf character.

I have to say, I was very naïve about how much I was taking on. The research alone took me three months. There was so much to consider that at times I felt overwhelmed. The whole process of researching and writing Whisper took eighteen months… by far the longest period I’ve ever spent on a book.

2)    While writing Whisper did your characters behave as you wanted them to or did they ever change the direction of the story?

My characters rarely behave! The thing is, I guess I don’t want them to. To me, the process of writing a book is more about uncovering a story that’s buried somewhere rather than creating it. If character’s all behaved that process could become quite boring.

All of my main characters changed from my original perceptions. The changing was the part, I think, that helped them become three dimensional.

3)    What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing Whisper? And which was the hardest scene for you to write?

I was very concerned at times to be writing a deaf character while I’m not deaf myself. Many times I lost confidence in being able to depict Demi’s life without becoming a preacher! I can’t bear books that try to force feed wisdom – and I didn’t want to be the writer of one.

The hardest scene to write was the scene where Demi is at a party with a hearing crowd and someone switches off the light. By that stage, I was falling in love with her… and I felt so cruel to make her go through that. Even now, I find it hard to read that scene aloud without choking up.

4)    Can you tell is anything about any new/future projects of yours?

This year I’m writing four books. Three are for a new series called Girl Vs the World. They’re for a slightly younger audience, but I think they’re brave books that go into areas of adolescence that aren’t discussed in a straight forward way in fiction very often.

I’m also writing a YA Romance… I have my L plates on again for that one.

5)    Can you offer any advice to all the aspiring writers out there?

My first book was published nearly twenty years ago. The last seven years have been really productive for me, but there were definitely some lean times in there. Lots of tears when I got rejections. My philosophy, given that I really knew writing was something I desperately wanted to make my career, was to do something every day to advance my style and understanding. Which actually (sorry about this!) means to spend time writing! There’s no way out guys. Reading can definitely help but it’s the time spent writing that makes us writers.

6)    And finally, just to add in a bit of random… What’s your favourite childhood book? And who is your favourite villan?

Oh what a mean question! To have to choose…

My mum used to read to me and my sisters from ‘When We Were Six’: a book of poetry by A.A. Milne. I still adore those poems, though when I chase my kids reciting them I’m not sure they share my passion.

The Banksia Men from ‘Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’ were pretty freaky. Nasty sods, the lot of them. They were modelled on Australian Banksia cones. Look, it’s hard to describe… here’s one carrying a poor gumnut baby. You can see what I mean!

Thank you so much Chrissie for answering my questions. Whisper is a truly thought provoking read and I really do recommend you guys all check it out! You can find my review of it HERE.
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Friday 20 July 2012

Seraphina Blog Tour – Interview with Rachel Hartman


Questions and Answers with Rachel Hartman

1)     What inspired you to write Seraphina? And how long did it take you to get from the first word to publication?
My first idea for Seraphina came when my parents divorced after more than thirty years of marriage. Their situation got me thinking: what it must be like to marry someone and then, years later, find out your spouse was someone different than you thought. Seraphina’s father discovered his wife’s secret only when she died in childbirth. My early drafts of Seraphina dealt much more directly with the fallout from that. Over the years that part of the story receded and I was able to focus on more interesting questions about Seraphina herself, and how this heritage would affect her when she left home. I began that first draft when I was pregnant with my son, who has just turned nine. It’s been a long road, but a good one.

2)    If you could meet any Character from the book, which one would it be and why? (personally I’m stuck between Orma and Lars)

I am so pleased to see Lars getting some love! He is one of my favourites as well. If I could only choose one, however, at this particular moment I feel inclined toward Orma. He’s such an interesting mixture, at once alien and familiar. I would like to talk to him about art. Tomorrow, though, I might prefer Princess Glisselda. I feel like I know all these people, and they are old friends already!

3)    What was the biggest challenge that you faced while writing Seraphina?

Being patient. Writing is slow work, at least for me, but that’s the least of it. I didn’t realize how much waiting there would be. You wait to hear back from agents, and then you wait to hear back from editors. I turn 40 the day before the book comes out in North America. If someone had told me, nine years ago, that I would be 40 before the book came out... well, I hope I would have had the presence of mind to say, “How old will I be if I don’t do it?”

4)    The cover of your book is gorgeous! Did you have any say in its design?

I had no say whatsoever in the cover, and I am glad of that fact. I love both my covers, UK and North American, and I am particularly fascinated by how they can be so different and yet both suit the book so well. If I’d had a hand in it, we’d have been robbed of a chance to see other people’s interpretations, and the world would have missed out on some lovely images.

5)    Can you give anything away about what we will see in the sequel? And when will it be released?

I’m so bad about spoilers! I always think I’m saying something completely innocuous, when in fact I’m giving everything away. I believe it’s safe to say, however, that the second book contains Abdo, quigs, and war, in varying amounts. The work proceeds apace, but I write slowly and my (wonderful) editor is a bit of a perfectionist. We both agree that excellence trumps speed. We will work as hard and fast as we can, in other words, and I feel confident it won’t take another nine years. I am probably not the kind of writer who can crank out a book every year, however.


6)    And finally, what was the best piece of advice you were given back when you were still an aspiring writer?

I took a single writing class at university, and the one thing that stuck with me   was a quote from Annie Dillard: "It is no less difficult to write sentences in a recipe than sentences in Moby-Dick. So you might as well write Moby-Dick." There are a number of ways one could interpret that statement, but I took it to mean: don’t be timid. Don’t hoard your big ideas or save them for later. Use them now. You’re not going to run out. I’ve found that to be wondrously true.

~

Thank you so much Rachel for answering my questions. I totally loved Seraphina and you guys can check out my review of it HERE!




Wednesday 18 July 2012

Chain Reaction - Book Review

Chain Reaction– Book Review
Simone Elkeles
Book #3 of the Perfect Chemistry Trilogy
YA Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
Like his brothers, Luis Fuentes is a risk taker; whether he's scaling the Rocky Mountains or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis is always looking for the next thrill. Nikki Cruz lives her life by certain rules -, don't trust a boy who says "I love you", boys lie to get their own way and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Then she meets Luis at his brother Alex's wedding and suddenly she's tempted to break all her rules. Getting Nikki to give him a chance is Luis's biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by the head of the gang that nearly destroyed his brothers' lives. Will Luis's feelings for Nikki be enough to stop him from entering a dark and violent world that could prove to be the ultimate risk?
Review:
I truly loved Chain Reaction! Although after thoroughly enjoying the first two books of the perfect chemistry trilogy, I had no doubts that this third and final book would be an equally fantastic read. With romance, bad boys and a little bit of action thrown in – this book makes a perfect summer read!
Unlike his two older brothers, Luis Fuentes has always been the golden child of the family. Handsome, smart and charismatic he keeps himself out of trouble by funnelling his excess energy into extreme sports and loose girls. But then he meets Nikki Cruz. A girl who is beautiful, sarcastic and keeps her heart locked safely behind a steel plated door.
Instantly Luis feels drawn to her but Nikki isn’t interested in Luis’ flirtatious, playboy ways. However just as Luis’ charm begins to win her over, dark secrets start to unravel and suddenly Luis finds himself the newest member of the Latino Blood –the violent gang that nearly killed his brother Alex and terrorized the neighbourhood. But as Luis is to learn, the gang is more than an obligation, it’s his birthright – and it will cost him everything he has ever loved and worked for, including Nikki…
I really have loved this series! The characters are all amazing, the drama is intense and I think its brilliant how Alex and Carlos got to make cameo appearances in this last and final book. The romance and relationships are just so well written and even though the books all tie together, they are each uniquely their own story.
As with Simone Elkeles other books, Luis and Nikki come from two very different backgrounds and each lead very different lives. Nikki growing up in the suburbs of the rich upper-class while Luis and his family stem from the hardworking poorer neighbourhoods where every penny counts. However watching how their relationship developed was both very sweet and highly entertaining.  Nikki is a girl who likes to take care of herself and unaccustomed to girls turning him down, Luis loves the challenge that Nikki brings.
Yet I also enjoyed how this book had slightly darker roots than its predecessors – its plot thick with intrigue caused through Luis connection to the Latino Blood Gang. However the story also touched on themes of trust, friendship, loyalty and family which woven together paved the way for a great ending, not just for this book but the trilogy as a whole.
Naturally it made for a really satisfying read and I whole heartedly recommend this series to everyone! Although I have to admit, the first book remains my ultimate favourite (what can I say – I’ve been team Alex all the way) however Chain Reaction was a brilliant read chocked full of steamy goodness! 4 Stars!

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Also if you aren’t familiar with the series, please check out my reviews of the first two books, PERFECT CHEMISTY and RULES OF ATTRACTION!

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Before I Wake - Blog Tour and Character Interview - Tod!


Rachel Vincent

Before I Wake - Tod Character Interview


Hi Tod, thank you so much for talking to me today. (major squee!) Eh hem, anyway welcome to whispering words! I know me and all your other fan girls really appreciate you being here today.

Q: So let’s jump straight in, can you tell us what was going through your mind when you made the decision to become a Reaper? And considering how things worked out for you do you regret your decision?

Tod: I was thinking that this was the only way I could tell them that how I died wasn’t Nash’s fault. And they needed to know that. I’ve never regretted becoming a reaper, but there were definitely days during those first couple of years when I thought about quitting. When the isolation and tedium made me start questioning the point of my own existence. But things are so much better now. Having friends, family, and Kaylee around has shown me how worthwhile my afterlife can be, and I hate to think I almost robbed the world of the awesomeness of my continued existence. ;)

Q: If you could, would you choose to swap lives/places with Nash?

Tod: No. I’ve done what I can to help him, and I’ll always be there, if he needs me—whether or not he’ll admit it—but he has to live his own life, and I have to live my own afterlife. We travel different paths, and maybe that’s not the way it was meant to be, but that’s the way it is. We both have to accept with that.

Q: Other than invisibility and teleportation, are there any other job perks to being a reaper?

Tod: Those are the big ones. But perpetual youth—and in my case, aesthetic appeal—is also nice.

Q: What is your favourite Pizza topping?

Tod: I’m a fan of the pepperoni/pineapple combination. Sweet + savoury = yum. Speaking of which, Kaylee and I are the pepperoni/pineapple of couples, don’t you think?

Q: So Tod, tell us... do you have a secret beauty routine or are you naturally this gorgeous?


Tod: I can’t take credit for what you see. I am the fortunate beneficiary of good genes. Karmically, that almost makes up for the fact that I’m dead.

Q: And finally, if you could ask Rachel Vincent to do one thing for you what would it be?

Tod: Lay off the fighting evil thing and give me and Kay a little more time alone. Specifically, time alone when lives don’t hang in the balance. That’s a lot of pressure, you know. ;)

Ahh, *Swoon* Thank you very much for answering my questions today Tod. If you would all like to see Tod again, you can find him lurking between the pages of Rachel Vincent’s newest book in the soul screamer series, Before I Wake which is out now. Check it out!
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