Wow, the second instalment is over and what a whirlwind it was. Who was your favourite 'new' character in this book and why?
A: I really liked Sergeant Odd - most of the story is about soldiers preparing for war and it's serious since their opponents are almost impossible to kill. Odd is a break - he's a bit of a comic relief and has an easy going personality, but is quite capable with a sword!
The split narrative in the book was brilliant, what made you decide to split up out hero and heroine?
A: I did it for two reasons - one my readers. I have this tendency to split up my heros and heroines, sending them on different missions and I've gotten many requests from readers asking to know what the other character is doing, while the heroine is neck deep in trouble. Two - after writing 10 books, I wanted a new challenge - something different and I had a blast writing Kerrick's POV - he was more fun than Avry's.
In the last interview you stated Belen was your favourite character but he didn't feature too much in this book. Has he been replaced as your favourite?
A: No. I still love Poppa Bear. He just wasn't a big part of the story this time and I don't like to force a character into a scene where he/she doesn't belong.
The idea of the Peace and Death lilies are brilliant what inspired you to use these?
A: The spark might go as far back as when I was young and watching Batman and Robin on TV (the one with Adam West as Batman). There was this episode with Louie the Lilac and Batman and Robin were trapped in this giant lilac bush, being slowly eaten. Or it could be from watching a zillion hours of my son play Super Mario Bros. And seeing those flowers come out of the pipes trying to eat Mario :) Plus I liked the idea of having giant man-eating flowers -so pretty yet so deadly!
The Army of the dead seems unstoppable...(no spoilers lol) but how can the villain in the next novel become even more intense?
A: Well the dead army is still around, but I'm hoping to bring in another player in the power struggle for the Fifteen Realms. He's called the Skeleton King and he has a Taste for Death (hint, hint ;).
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Avry changes in this novel, she is more settled about where she needs to be in the world. Can we expect this to all fall apart again in the next book?
A: In my stories, I try to show the character growing and changing throughout. With a series it is harder to show this and there can be little "set-backs" from time to time. Avry is finding her place in this world and it's not what she'd expected at all - she just can't be a healer. I don't expect her to run away from her responsibilities, but be a little more stubborn in what she sees is the right thing to do. Problem is Prince Ryne doesn't agree.
What can we look forward to in the next instalment, Taste of Death!!
A: I did mention a few hints in my other answers. Avry and Ryne are definitely going to go head to head over a few issues. The Skeleton King is going to be a problem and we haven't heard the last from Tohon or Jael.
Giveaway
A few rules...
- Please do not put your email addresses in the comment boxes, be safe on the net! If you do not use the rafflecopter form your entry won't count. Sorry (but it is actually quicker to use rafflecopter for you too!)
- You must be a follower of Passion for Novels via GFC to enter this giveaway, in the extra info I will need to address of the blogs you follow in order to verify your entry.
- This giveaway will run from 28th Jan - 16th Feb 12:01am EST
- If you win you will be emailed, I will not pass on any information to any third party other than Maria V Snyder (so they can send you the prize) and you will only be contacted if you win
- Please note this giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY
Good Luck!!
I LOVE split narratives. They make the story so much more interesting (and I'm sure it's a bit of a challenge for the author as well) :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview and thank you for the giveaway!
I love Maria V Snyder. I have read all of her books, my favourite would be the Healer series or the Insider series. Thank you for the giveaway and the interview was awesome. I loved Sergeant Odd too and the nickname Baby Face for Avry.
ReplyDeleteHello, I am a new follower and I love your blog, please come by and check out my blog. Katie @ Turner’s Antics
The inspiration of the Peace and Death lilies is so interesting. I don't remember the man-eating flowers which sounds very scary but do the Super Mario Bros :)
ReplyDeleteChristina K. in the rafflecopter
ReplyDeleteI'm a long-time follower and I love your blog! Your reviews are very detailed and I've read lots based on your recommendations:)
Thanks so much for the giveaway! I love Maria V Snyder's books but haven't gotten round to reading this one yet! The split narrative sounds pretty interesting too.
ReplyDeletethis was a really informative review, well done!
ReplyDeleteI am reading Scent of Magic on my Kindle and can hardly put it down long enough to enter this contest!
ReplyDeletei have been reading Maria's books for years. My favorite parts of her novels were actually In the poison study set, when Yelena bonds with the sandseed horses. I have four horses and sometimes I wish I could communicate with them teh way yelena is able to
ReplyDeleteI have not yet read Scent of Magic but am just itching to get my hands on it. Touch of Power was amazing. I've always been a big fan of Maria's writing.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book! I love Maria V. Snyder's writting! Thank you for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteHey! I'm Angela, a book lover and fellow blogger all the way in New Zealand. I love Maria's books and have pretty much read all of her books. Can't wait for TAST OF DEATH!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for this amazing interview and for the awesome giveaway! :)
My second name is Steven and I love it, because some things that I heard. And nothing, I love read books of sciencie fictions and fantasy.
ReplyDelete