I was just debating whether it would be okay for me to enter a contest for Mike Carey's Felix Castor series, when I got an email from Miriam Parker at Hachette Books asking if I wanted the books. Uh, YES! So I'll be having a contest for all three next week. Be sure to check in. Love Vampires gives a five-star rating to Ilona Andrew'sMagic Strikes, the latest in the Kate Daniels series. "All the novels in this series are set in near-future Atlanta but this is not Atlanta as any readers familiar with the city would recognise. The city has been battered by waves of magic that have eroded the skyscrapers and reshaped Atlanta into a maze of rubble and pockets of magic. The worse effected area is Unicorn Lane, a place where all the monsters hide out - and these are some nasty monsters given that most supernatural beings are accepted as a regular part of life in this city."
Kimberly Swan reviews Dark Time by Dakota Banks. "...the first installment in the Mortal Path series, and introduces readers to Maliha with her dark past and uncertain future." (Darque Reviews)
Read Rebecca's review of Celis Rono's That Which Bites. "In my wildest fantasy, Quentin Tarrantino will direct the film version of 'That Which Bites' someday. He could turn this into a kick-ass movie, but it’d probably be a NC-17. I don’t think an R rating would begin to cover it all. There’s an endless amount of satisfying vampire lore and gore, but the engine that drives this beastly story are the excellent characters that make this baby tick like a bomb. "
Read Rebecca's interview with Celis Rono: "I’m a big fan of Richard Matheson. His take on the vampire lore had left an indelible spot in my consciousness. I like that he made the vamps ugly and unthinking monsters. I wanted that feeling of ambiguity and gruesomeness but without going overboard. In my world, some undead are good, some are evil. And some are in the grey middle, but all of them very political." (Rebecca has two signed copies of That Which Bites as a giveaway.)
GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY
I'll be racing to meet a Monday deadline for my next novel, Nancy's Theory of Style, but I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. I was going to put on clips from "The Ugly Truth," which opens next week, but the stoopid director is making Gerard Butler speak with an American accent. So here are replacement GVDs.
Ah, Patti Smith singing "Baby, It's You," now that's a treat.
CONTEST WINNER: Thank you everyone who submitted a comment for the "Blood Ties: Season One" DVDS. The contest winner is:
VALARIE P.
Valarie misses "Moonlight," hopes that "Chuck" won't die an ignominious death, and thinks that the '80s shows "Probe" and "Guns of Paradise" should have been given another chance.
Congratulations, Valarie, and please email your mailing address to me (marta AT martaacosta DOT com) so I can send you my almost new (viewed once) copy of "Blood Ties." I hope you enjoy this show as much as I did!
NEW CONTEST
Michele Hauf, author of the just released The Highwayman, has very generously offered to contribute her personal DVDs of "The Dresden Files: The Complete First Season" for a contest.
This show, based on Jim Butcher'spopular Harry Dresden novels, was beloved by fans, yet somehow got lost on cable.
"...first-rate storytelling techniques with equally impressive special effects. The result: a series that is brooding, seductive and smart.
"Based on the best-selling series of novels by Jim Butcher, 'The Dresden Files' focuses on the comings and goings of Harry Dresden (a compelling Paul Blackthorne), a private detective based in Chicago who is in truth a wizard from the 'other' world. To the ordinary working folk around him, he might look like a city boy, but he has got supernatural powers and ties to a mysterious underworld that are as dark as night, giving this series much of its kick and vigor..." (Hollywood Reporter)
TO ENTER THE CONTEST
All you have to do is leave a comment and mention something wizardy or witchy. Who's your fave? Would you like to have a wizardy power? Do you think they could dress better, or do you think they rock the pointy hat?
The contest runs through Sunday night, June 26, and a winner will be drawn at random.
"Max Fitzroy, the legendary Highwayman, has slain scores of demons with a razor-lined whip and a burning need for revenge. Now, to rid himself of the demon shadow inside him—who has cursed him with immortality and stole all sensual pleasures—Max needs a witch's familiar, the one creature he's made a career of killing.
"But the Highwayman isn't prepared for the familiar named Aby. The sleek and sexy conduit to the demon realm sees past his nightmarish shadow as easily as he scales the walls she's erected to protect herself. Max needs Aby to grant him his freedom, and then he needs to slay her. But how can he destroy the only creature he's desired in centuries?" ---------------
Michele's been busy and has started a new blog, Vampire Chix. She's looking for review and story ideas, so visit and tell her what you'd like to see in her blog. I love the new logo she's done and she's got a gif on her site that you can use -- if your tech skills are better than mine.
Derek Tatum has a new review of Vicious Circle by Linda Robertson at his Mondo Vampire blog. "Persephone Alcmedi is a witch who also gives werewolves a place to crash during the full moon. But when a friend is killed, and a particularly infamous vampire is singled out as the murderer, Alcmedi must use her abilities to make sure that justice is done."You can visit Linda Robertson's website and read an excerptVicious Circle: of In the back of my address book was a list of contact numbers for the wærewolves who kenneled in my basement during full moons. My finger ran down to the name Johnny. A last name wasn’t necessary to clarify this guy. There was only one Johnny."
Everyone's trading interviews and contests. I interview SciFi Guycontest and have a here, and he's got an interview with Mike Carey and a contest for Dead Man's Bootsat his blog. "They’re the adventures of a freelance exorcist, but told with a sort of noir sensibility. Castor isn’t a man of faith, he’s just someone with a saleable skill. He walks the mean streets and he does it for the money."
GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY
Since my contest is for wizardy things, it makes sense that the GVD goes to one of the hawtest wizards around, Severus Snape (Alan Rickman).
And Rickman can dance. You gotta love Dean Martin for this song that goes "whee."
Publisher's Summary: For Seattle investigator Harper Blaine, her own case may prove the most difficult to solve. Why did she as opposed to others with near death experiences become a Greywalker? When Harper begins digging into her own past, she unearths some unpleasant truths about her father's early death as well as a mysterious puzzle. She sets out to find his ghost but encounters only a void where he should be, leaving her with more unanswered questions.
Fang Kattalakis isn't just a wolf. He is the brother of two of the most powerful members of the Omegrion: the ruling council that enforces the laws of the Were-Hunters. And when war erupts among the lycanthropes, sides must be chosen. Enemies are forced into shaky alliances. And when the woman Fang loves is accused of betraying her people, her only hope is that Fang believes in her. Yet in order to save her, Fang must break the law of his people and the faith of his brothers. That breech could very well spell the end of both their races and change their world forever.
Reporter Cassa Hawkins has always supported Breed rights, believing they should be allowed to live free of fear and prejudice among the humans. A reasonable woman couldn’t think otherwise, especially in the presence of Cabal St. Lawrence, a spectacularly muscled specimen of the Bengal breed. The epitome of the male animal, his sensuous growl can fire up Cassa’s vulnerable body faster than a flame. Yet neither can ignore the nightmare unfolding around them…
The Breeds have been incriminated in a series of violent murder, and accused of hiding a vicious serial killer. It’s left to Cassa and Cabal to discover the truth. But as hunter becomes prey, are trust and passion enough to keep them alive through the night? Read an excerpt.
ZoufalstvÃ. Epätoivo. Asa. Three words in three very different languages, and yet Soria understands. Like all members of Dirk & Steele, she has a gift, and hers is communication. When she is chosen to learn the dead language of a shape-shifter resurrected after thousands of years of icy sleep, she discovers a warrior consumed with fury.
Strong as a lion, quick as a serpent—Karr is his name, and in his day he was king. But he is a son of strife, a creature of tragedy. As fire consumed all he loved, so death was to be his atonement. Now, against his will, he has awoken. ZoufalstvÃ. Epätoivo. Asa. In English, the word is despair. But Soria knows the words for love.
Publisher's Summary: Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she’s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It’s hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one—except Eugenie—seems willing to find out why.
Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend, Kiyo, is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty—even if it means facing the darkest—and deadliest—side of her nature…
My first novel, Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, has a nice new review up at Amazon from Erin O'Riordan: " Wonderfully written, funny and romantic, this book is a definite winner and a new favorite of mine. I will certainly look for Acosta's name again. "
GRATUITOUS VIDEOS OF THE DAY
Since I've got an interview and contest withSciFi Guy, Doug Knipe, it's only fitting that I have GVDs for other illustrious Canadians, like William Shatner as James T. Kirk. For a intergalactic spaceship captain, Jim seems to spend a lot of time shirtless and in tight leather pants. He has a taste for women with giant hair who wear either lame' or leather. Now that's a trendsetter!
This is my new favorite song. Also, I'm dying my hair green so that life will imitate art.
I don't quite get the whole slash movement by chicks, but I can empathize with the appreciation of intergallactic hawtness.
Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about. Read Chapter One.
Publisher's Summary: Hired killer Tony Giodone is back in action -- this time, believe it or not, working for the 'good guys.' Or should that be the 'not quite as bad guys?' He isn't sure. One thing is for certain, serving as a newly minted member of Wolven, the Sazi law enforcement agency, certainly does keep a guy busy. AND he gets to do what he does best. Kill things. Of course, Carmine doesn't plan to let Tony off the hook, particularly when he's attacked and nearly killed by the boys from the east coast.
Paired up with Ahmad al Narmer Tony's in danger up to his baby blues, which wouldn't bother him a bit, if his wife, Sue wasn't bound and determined to be a part of the action.
Morgan Kingsley, America’s most successful exorcist, is paying the price for an exorcism gone wrong. The victim’s family is suing the daylights out of her, the Exorcism Board has suspended her, and now she’s living on a diet of ramen noodles and bad coffee. But Morgan has a few good men at her side. One is her current boyfriend, nice-guy legal-eagle Brian, who’s starting to reveal his inner bad boy. The other is Philly cop Adam White, who’s trying to help Morgan find out who sent her a little present—a severed human hand—and why someone seems determined to destroy her.
As her stalker turns more violent, leaving dead bodies in his wake, Morgan turns to the dark side of her life: a group of demons seeped in secrets, sinful eroticism, and otherworldly family feuds, including one sexy beast who shares Morgan’s body—and some X-rated fantasies. Soon Morgan must choose between her friends, her enemies, and her libido: to escape a mad demon determined to destroy her completely.
Maureen Child’s sexy, feisty heroine, Maggie Donovan, a descendant of Otherworldly Faeries, returns to face her greatest challenge—a certain ex-queen who has not been destroyed and wants her crown back. When Maggie’s niece is kidnapped by Queen Mab, Maggie must overcome her mistrust of her dashing Fae Warrior lover, Culhane, and unite the Fae Warriors to save the girl and defeat the rebel queen once and for all—or lose everything.
Publisher's Summary: As the public relations director for the Fey Guild, Laura Blackstone can spin a story with ease. Across town, Janice Crawford works her magic as the druidess backup for the D.C. SWAT. Meanwhile as an operative for an international intelligence agency, Mariel Tate uses her beauty and brains to hunt down terrorists. Laura, Janice and Mariel have nothing in common--except they're the same woman...
Being an undercover agent has its occupational hazards, but Laura makes it look easy. She uses her magical abilities to create disguises that are skin deep--glamours, or personas, that must never be compromised.
Now, while Laura publicizes a special fey exhibition at the National Archives, Janice is almost killed in a drug bust gone wrong, and Mariel investigates a connection between the drug raid and threats made against the exhibition's debut. Laura's different worlds are about to collide, and if she can't keep it together, she'll have more to worry about than having to retire an identity. She may lose her life.
(Also, the author's website is kind of, well, the designer wasn't thinking about actual readers. It's one of those sites you visit once, struggle to navigate, and think, that's enough, thank you. Mark, if you're out there -- less gimcracks with the layout so your fans can learn more about your books!)
I'll have more new releases listed throughout the week.
GRATUITOUS VIDEOS OF THE DAY
"Torchwood" is FINALLY returning to BBC America, which is an awful network because the cut a million scenes to cram in crap advertising the episode you're currently watching. I don't know how they rationalize this, but I'd like to slap the people who think it's okay to delete content and repeat scenes. So my GVDs are for the "Torchwood" team, keeping the Earth safe.
When I started blogging, I did so to connect with readers, which has been great. One of the unexpected delights is getting to know those dedicated book-lovers who've set up their own blogs. I can't remember when I first discovered Doug Knipe's SciFi Guy, but I immediately loved the site's cool retro design and great content.
Doug's site quickly became a favorite with the scifi, paranormal, and urban fantasy fans because he's always got new and interesting posts, whether he's sharing the latest cover art, or doing an in-depth review of a yet-to-be-released novel. And, of course, he makes fun videos.
I'm thrilled to find out more about the man behind the Canadian mist.
Doug's graciously offered to give away an advanced reading copy of Shadowfae by Erica Hayes here. The contest will run through next Saturday night, July 18, and a winner will be chosen at random. To enter, just leave a comment saying what you'd like to see on genre book sites, i.e. cover art, upcoming releases, snarky reviews, summaries, etc.
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MARTA: Hi, Doug, and great to have you here at Vampire Wire! When I started this blog a few years back, there were very few sites that reviewed vampire and paranormal lit. Now there are lots, and your site really stands out among them. Why did you decide to start a blog devoted to this genre?
DOUG: Actually it wasn’t originally my intention to devote the blog to urban fantasy and paranormals. I’d been a life-long fan, collector and reader of all things science fiction and fantasy, but in 2006 I got hooked on Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris and Kelley Armstrong. I quickly proceeded to seek out everything in the urban fantasy and paranormal genres that I could find. I started blogging in summer of 2008 to share my passion for SF&F (I consider UF and PNR subgenres of fantasy) planning to focus mostly on SF with some urban fantasy. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was enjoying and having way more fun reviewing urban fantasy and made it my principal focus. I haven’t once regretted the choice.
MARTA: I don’t want to shock you or anything, but, psst, you’re one of the few dudes around a genre dominated by women writers and women readers. Does that make you feel weird, or special? Can you make any global, unsubstantiated observations about books and men?
DOUG: Actually I’m going to answer the second part of that question first. I think a lot of men still suffer from the “real men don’t eat quiche” factor when it comes to books and fiction. If it is gender neutral (mainstream, crime fiction, thrillers etc.) or has a traditional male connotation (westerns, horror, science fiction) they read it. But many have difficulty embracing anything with a perceived “for women” label attached to it such as romance, chicklit, urban fantasy and paranormal. When they do acknowledge reading it, urban fantasy for example, they seem to gravitate to the male writers such as Jim Butcher, Simon Green, Charlie Huston, Mario Acevedo, etc. I don’t recall coming across any men saying (admitting) they’ve read a paranormal romance. On the flip side I find women are much more inclusive and willing to embrace most any genre.
So does my preference for the genre make me feel weird? No. Special? Yes, because I feel I have tapped into an undiscovered country and been made part of an exclusive club. But really the water is fine, guys come on in, dip your toes, I promise - there aren’t any sharks.
MARTA: You are a cipher inside an enigma twisted into a conundrum. We know you are Canadian, so naturally much of your time is given to moose-hunting and maple syrup festivals. Is there anything else you’d like to share aboot your private life, eh?
DOUG: Well when I am not checking my trap line or grooming the sled dogs, I like to take in a movie, or two, or three (note to Hollywood – enough with the remakes already there are zillions of terrific books waiting to be adapted). I love a good game of poker and play with the same group of cronies several times a year where we gossip and talk about imported and microbrewery beers. I’m fascinated by genealogy and have done extensive research on many branches of the family tree (Irish mostly – apparently some distant ancestors were hung for horse-thievery). I’ve travelled a lot of places, but have always called Southern Ontario home. And did I mention I’m into books?
MARTA: That’s fabulous! Besides me, would you tell us some favorite authors you think deserve a wider readership?
DOUG: That could be a very long list but I’m going to stick with urban fantasy. A few that come to mind areKat Richardson (her Greywalker series),Laura Anne Gilman (the Retriever series), and C.E. Murphy(the Walker Papers and Negotiator series).
MARTA: You’ve been able to get some terrific interviews with bestselling authors. Have you learned anything surprising about authors and the publishing industry?
DOUG: Authors and the publishing industry are definitely two very different beasts. I think it amazes more than surprises me, at how hard-working, dedicated and devoted writers are to their readers and their craft. The tremendous effort it takes them to get their books noticed. I really respect that and their generosity with their valuable time. Publishers on the other hand seem slower to recognize the role and opportunity the internet, bloggers and online communities represent. Like any rule though there are plenty of exceptions.
MARTA: Many bloggers are also authors. Do you also write fiction?
DOUG: I’ll be honest and say I haven’t written a piece of fiction since the sixth grade. Do I have story ideas? Sure. I’ve even outlined a couple of them. But when it gets down to it, writing is really hard work. If you want to do it seriously you need to be dedicated, focused and I think you have to make a lot of sacrifices to make it happen. Much as I’d love to create something and see my name on it, I’m happy being a reader. Now if I had a do over, that would be a different matter. (I know it’s never too late).
MARTA: Have you noticed any genre trends? Do you think you and the general public will grow tired of paranormal?
DOUG: Well I think the most obvious trend for the genre is its growth. The number and breadth of titles each month, the injection of new authors; it shows no signs of slowing down. More importantly, the genre has discovered it is a platform that allows every type of story to be told within its framework – crime stories, mysteries, horror, adventure, romance and more – all packaged in a fantastical wrapper. Critics have characterized urban fantasy/paranormal as the kick-ass heroine/vampire/shape shifter genre. While largely true in the beginning, this is no longer the case. For years, similar criticisms of lack of scope were once leveled at science fiction which now sports a multiplicity of sub-genres and has for decades. We are seeing the same happening in UF/PNR only at an accelerated pace. A final genre trend is the growth of young adult titles. A smart move that is investing in the generation of future adult UF/PNR readers.
Personally I don’t see myself tiring of the genre. I love character-driven fiction and the fantastic and UF and PNR deliver that in spades. Paranormal is also largely set in contemporary situations mixed with magic and the fantastic and is not afraid to explore the tropes of other genres. For that reason, I think this form of escapism has a broad appeal to the general public and has captured their imagination. Paranormal may still be in its infancy compared to other genres, but it is here to stay.
MARTA: What did you hope your blog would be when you started it, how has that changed, and where would you like it to be in another year?
DOUG: In the beginning (that sounds ominous), I thought I would have a blend of science fiction, fantasy and paranormal articles and reviews with a main focus on science fiction based on my many-years of reading and collecting. After all I chose the SciFiGuy name for that express reason. But the paranormal bug was firmly entrenched and my reading choices continued mainly in that vein. So in the beginning there were lots of changes and still are. Becoming a blogger is an apprenticeship and an evolution both in terms of the mechanics of managing a blog and in finding your voice and responding to your chosen community. I truly love the genre and the people in it. I’ve only been at this a year and hope in another year to have applied more of these early lessons to make the blog better and grow with the UF community. I also want to find the balance necessary to avoid blogging burnout and ensure that it will continue to be a fun and rewarding experience.
MARTA: What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you since you started the blog? What’s the nicest?
DOUG: Well the weirdest isn’t particularly weird, I’ve been lucky with no X-Files experiences or anything truly wacky, but the power of the internet can be a powerful and scary thing. Early on I was lucky to get 30 visitors a day. Then a certain Vampire Wire publishing executive shared a link to my Tramp Stamp Video with the Smart Bitches and blam - several THOUSAND visitors over a couple of days. Amazing and what a boost.
Nice moments happen every day because the book reading and blogging community is so sociable and sharing. Comments back from readers that discover a book because of a review and love it always provide the warm and fuzzies. Perhaps the most thrilling was when a particular author let me know that their publisher was considering using a blurb from one of my reviews on their next hardcover dust jacket. Whether it ever happens or not is immaterial, the gesture made my day.
MARTA: If a movie was made about a techie Canadian guy who became the world’s most popular book review blogger, who would star in it, and would it be a comedy, tragedy, drama, action-thriller, etc? Describe the character’s sidekick and the hot car he’d drive and the song that would blast from the stereo.
DOUG: I love this question. It would be an urban fantasy action-thriller starring Brendan Fraser (a fellow Canadian) with a suitably sexy demon slaying/vampire hunting heroine beside him in his Mustang GT blasting outTom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway.”
Thank you Marta for inviting me.
MARTA: Doug, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!
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Remember, if you'd like a chance to win Shadowfae, leave a comment.
GRATUITOUS VIDEOS OF THE DAY
In honor of our guest today, the GVDs are tributes to Canadians. Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis are featured in this SCTV video.
And here's Brendan Fraser.
I can't ignore Canada's top teen singer in all history, Robin Sparkles.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm the author of the Casa Dracula books. Casa DraculaBook 4will be published October 2010. I'm happy to hear from readers; email me at marta AT martaacosta DOT com.
Authors and publishers are welcome to email me for interviews, contests, and nonsense. I am particularly interested in nonsense.
Cheesetastic Cover, which will be redesigned
Love Vampires gives a five-star rating to Ilona Andrew's Magic Strikes, the latest in the Kate Daniels series. "All the novels in this series are set in near-future Atlanta but this is not Atlanta as any readers familiar with the city would recognise. The city has been battered by waves of magic that have eroded the skyscrapers and reshaped Atlanta into a maze of rubble and pockets of magic. The worse effected area is Unicorn Lane, a place where all the monsters hide out - and these are some nasty monsters given that most supernatural beings are accepted as a regular part of life in this city."
Kimberly Swan reviews Dark Time by Dakota Banks. "...the first installment in the Mortal Path series, and introduces readers to Maliha with her dark past and uncertain future." (Darque Reviews)
