Friday, December 31, 2010

Spirit Guide Series New Year's Giveaway






















Happy New Year!  To celebrate we are giving away a fabulous Spirit Guide Series prize pack.  One lucky winner will receive signed copies of She Smells the Dead and Spirit Storm, the first two books in the Spirit Guide Series by E.J. Stevens, Spirit Guide Series postcards, and an "I Smell Dead People" t-shirt (size XL).

**Spirit Guide Series New Year's Giveaway**

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may contact you if you win).  This giveaway is US only (sorry!).  Giveaway ends January 16th midnight EST.

**Dung beetle plushie not included in the giveaway.**

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wicked Leanore's Holiday Visit + Giveaway

Please welcome today's guest author Leanore Elliott!  Leanore has had a busy 2010 and is here to tell us about her new releases and a fab giveaway to celebrate the New Year.

Leanore:  It's been awhile since I last visited with EJ and I missed her (the Mythical Muse that she is.)  I am stopping by to give a peek at some of my new books. I have written 10 in the last year. Three series books for a total of 8 full novels. Then I tried my hand at novellas and I wrote two of those.  So, you can all see why it's hard to decide what all to talk about here.  Well, two books are coming out in January. One is my second in the Beasts Series: Beasts Of Desire. This story, as all my books are is a stand alone read, even if it is in a series. Released by Wild Horse Press on January 13, 2011.

The wonders of this series of Beasts starts anew with Damon and Alex. They have a forbidden desire for each other and when they quenched this 100-year-old yearning? Alex was lost to the cosmos. Damon chases her from dimension to dimension as she forgets him and her life of before. There is a 15 page erotic scene, where he uses all his seductive powers to get her to remember him. Truly, a wicked thing to write, I admit!

 




















Beasts of Desire (Beasts, book 2) by Leanore Elliott

Alex Rayne knows who she is, but she wonders about her family. Where did she come from and why does she feel like something is missing from her life?

Here is a peek:

Damon chuckled. "How about Truth or Dare for a getting to know one another method?"
She pulled her head back."What?"
"I ask you a question and you answer with either truth or a dare."
"That’s ridiculous." She rolled her eyes.
"Well then, kissing it is." He lowered his lips again.
She stilled. "Okay!"
He winked at her. "Now let me see?"
Alex released a disgusted sigh and squirmed, attempting to loosen his hold.
He glanced down with mock aggravation. "Will you just behave for a second?"
"Me?" She made a disgusted sound. "You are the one sitting on me naked!"
"And you are the one that busted into my shower while I was naked." He chuckled.

The next release could be out this month, however it may be set for the first week of January: due to the wonderful talented editors at Knight. They are tenacious when it comes to releasing a finely tuned book! This will be The Nocturnal Seduction Line Premiere from Knight Romance Publishing. Nowhere, Arizona: The Sunset Warrior.  And it will seduce you from page one, to the very end! Maddy, a corporate executive is sent to Nowhere Arizona, on a death-bed request from her mother. She meets Devon and her life is literally turned inside out. This book is highly erotic and quirky at times, as we learn the Nothing Way of life. The second book is already in with the publisher and Titled: Gateway to the Sun. 























Nowhere Arizona: The Sunset Warrior by Leanore Elliott

For the first time in her orderly life, Maddy Sayers is lost.  She is lost in Nowhere, but does she really want to go back to find  that world of everything?

Madeline knew where she was going in life, reaching up the ladder for everything that money allowed.  She faced the most powerful men in the world of business everyday with no fear and no hesitation.  Suddenly she finds herself in Nowhere, where everything...? Means nothing at all.  Out of the desert mirages appears Devon, he is everything that Madeline fears, and everything that she wants/  He sets out to seduce her into feeling alive.  Her world is shaken when he takes her on a journey filled with splendid color and heated seduction.  Can she really live for nothing in order to gain everything?  Can she see herself through the eyes of a Sunset Warrior?


I always tell a story when I visit and this time, I’ll tell it by giving away my newest unpublished novella for your enjoyment. It's different a Western Paranormal Romance: Lace and Leather.

Leanore:  Thank you EJ, and I wish all of you a Happy Holiday!

EJ:  Thank you Leanore for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Leanore Elliott and her books, please visit her website.






















**Lace and Leather eBook Giveaway**

Everyone who leaves a comment and email address will receive a pdf copy of Lace and Leather by Leanore Elliott! 


To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may send you an ebook copy of Lace and Leather).  You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!).  This giveaway is International!  Giveaway ends January 7th midnight EST.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Guest Author Interview: Daniel Arenson












Please welcome today's guest author Daniel Arenson!  Daniel is the author of Firefly Island, Flaming Dove, and newly released this week The Gods of Dream.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Daniel: 
I wrote my first story when I was fifteen years old.  It was a fantasy about reptilian creatures who destroy a castle, and a squire who escapes the carnage and goes on a quest to defeat the creatures’ master.  It wasn’t great literature, and thankfully the manuscript has been lost to the ages.  I’ve been writing (and hopefully improving) since then.

In 1998, when I was eighteen, I sold my first story.  The ezine that bought it paid me $28.  I continued writing and selling short stories for the next few years.  In 2007, Five Star Publishing (an imprint of Gale) released my first novel, Firefly Island, in hardcover.  I’ve been focusing on my career as a novelist since.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Daniel: 
I was inspired to write Flaming Dove, a story of angels and demons battling for the Holy Land, after a trip to Israel.  I visited a Crusader’s fort on the beach, and thought about how men fought over this land for thousands of years, how even Heaven and Hell are prophesised to one day war here.  I decided to write a novel about Armageddon, but not the story we’re used to.  In my book, Heaven will not win the battle of Armageddon.  The hosts of demons and angels will beat each other into a bloody standstill that rolls into a long, endless war of attrition.  This premise not only fascinates me, it also parallels aspects of the current situation in the Middle East.

I decided to make my main character half angel, half demon, torn between both worlds.  I thought this, too, could make a powerful statement and create powerful drama.

Finally, I love the visual aspect of this setting – the bat wings, the fire, the visions of countless angels and demons battling in the skies, war amid crumbling desert ruins, a mix of ancient swords and modern guns….  It’s fun and visceral.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Daniel:
  I’d choose to be able to read minds.  I think that would be more powerful than any other talent.  Information is true power, after all.  And I'd win all my poker games.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Daniel:
  I’d like to quote author David Dalglish, speaking about my novel Flaming Dove:  "It's really very simple: if you want to read about angels tossing around godlight and demons lashing whips and shooting fire while super-powerful archangels and archdemons blow up half the world trying to crush each other....well, here you go."

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Daniel:
  Laila, the main character, is half angel, half demon.  She is dark, torn, haunted, an outcast.  She is also very strong, and is deadly with her Uzi and grenades.  I would cast Mila Kunis to play her – I think she can portray Laila as being outwardly tough but inwardly vulnerable.

Beelzebub, a fallen angel, is the main antagonist to Laila.  He is also her former lover.  He’s a hopeless womanizer, the charismatic leader of Hell, and more of an anti-hero than a true villain.  I’m not sure who should play him; it would have to be somebody Laila would both love and hate.  My female friends suggest Johnny Depp or Clive Owen, and I trust them.

The archangel Michael, the leader of Heaven’s hosts, mentors and trains Laila to fight Beelzebub.  He’s a flawed hero, a character who fights on the side of good, but who struggled with internal doubt and fear.  He tries to be honourable in this war, but finds himself jaded, and doesn’t hesitate to lie when necessary.  He is gruff, taciturn, and world weary.  Possibly Russell Crowe could play him well, showing a tired old warrior who’s still got some fight in him, but who carries a weight of much horror and bloodshed.























Flaming Dove by Daniel Arenson

Outcast from Hell. Banished from Heaven. Lost on Earth.The battle of Armageddon was finally fought... and ended with no clear victor. Upon the mountain, the armies of Hell and Heaven beat each other into a bloody, uneasy standstill, leaving the Earth in ruins. Armageddon should have ended with Heaven winning, ushering in an era of peace. That's what the prophecies said. Instead, the two armies--one of angels, one of demons--hunker down in the scorched planet, lick their wounds, and gear up for a prolonged war with no end in sight.In this chaos of warring armies and ruined landscapes, Laila doesn't want to take sides. Her mother was an angel, her father a demon; she is outcast from both camps. And yet both armies need her, for with her mixed blood, Laila can become the ultimate spy... or ultimate soldier. As the armies of Heaven and Hell pursue her, Laila's only war is within her heart--a struggle between her demonic and heavenly blood.

Thank you Daniel for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Daniel Arenson and his books, please visit his website.

Check out E.J.'s review of Flaming Dove by Daniel Arenson here.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Book Review: Flaming Dove






















Flaming Dove by Daniel Arenson.

Outcast from Hell. Banished from Heaven. Lost on Earth.The battle of Armageddon was finally fought... and ended with no clear victor. Upon the mountain, the armies of Hell and Heaven beat each other into a bloody, uneasy standstill, leaving the Earth in ruins. Armageddon should have ended with Heaven winning, ushering in an era of peace. That's what the prophecies said. Instead, the two armies--one of angels, one of demons--hunker down in the scorched planet, lick their wounds, and gear up for a prolonged war with no end in sight.In this chaos of warring armies and ruined landscapes, Laila doesn't want to take sides. Her mother was an angel, her father a demon; she is outcast from both camps. And yet both armies need her, for with her mixed blood, Laila can become the ultimate spy... or ultimate soldier. As the armies of Heaven and Hell pursue her, Laila's only war is within her heart--a struggle between her demonic and heavenly blood.

Laila is born of angel and demon, her mixed blood a curse that bars her from both Heaven and Hell, so she must fight for the one place she calls home...earth.  Flaming Dove is an action packed urban fantasy that dares to challenge the reader to question the traditional roles of good and evil.  The apocalypse has come and gone, but the war between Heaven and Hell continues.  Earth is a wasteland where angels and demons slaughter each other with no regard for human life.  Heaven and Hell are deadlocked, but there is one woman who could tip the balance...for either side.  Laila is half demon and half angel, a deadly combination that gives her strength to rival the strongest archangels and archdemons, but she doesn't belong to either side.  Laila swears allegiance to no man, angel, or demon, but when the one place in all of existence that she can call home is threatened she must make a choice.  Will she side with Heaven, for which her half sister fights, or will Laila fight alongside her former lover Beelzebub the current ruler of Hell?  Flaming Dove presents an interesting look at the gray areas of good and evil.  These aren't just your usual pure of heart angels and slithering evil demons...though there are also those in abundance.  Arenson presents a dark and gritty look at armageddon and a kick butt heroine who comes armed with fangs, claws, and an uzi.  A thought provoking dark fantasy novel filled with non-stop action and intriguing characters.

I recommend Flaming Dove to readers of urban fantasy, paranormal suspense, and especially to fans of dark fantasy.

Don't miss author Daniel Arenson's visit to From the Shadows tomorrow December 27th!

Source: This book was provided by the author or publisher for honest review.


Flaming Dove on Amazon.
Flaming Dove on Goodreads.

**Update: Flaming Dove giveaway at Goodreads February 6-March 6, 2011**

Friday, December 24, 2010

Bite Before Christmas: Black Friday Giveaway Winner!






















Congratulations to Looksie Lovitz of Looksie Lovitz Books and Wits our Bite Before Christmas: Black Friday Giveaway winner!  Looksie Lovitz is the winner of a $10 Amazon electronic Gift Card or a book from The Book Depository (up to $10). 

Thanks to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners drawn using Random.org**

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Guest Author Interview: Jason Henderson












Please welcome today's guest author Jason Henderson!  Jason is the author of Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising (Summer 2010) from HarperTeen, which has been named by the Texas Library Association to the 2011 Lone Star Reading List, a list of the top 20 books published in the previous year for young readers. His next book, Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead comes out in Summer 2011. An active writer of comics and games, his most recent comic series is Shadowland: Daughters of the Shadow. His most recent game screenplay was for Activision's Singularity.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Jason: 
I'm pretty sure this will be most author's answer, but very early. I remember starting to write short stories that were based on movies I'd seen-- like I wrote a story that was a sequel to War of the Gargantua, a Japanese movie about two giant, furry monsters. The first story I submitted was to Twilight Zone Magazine in about 1982 when I was 10, and it was about a robot who had been responsible for the sinking of the Titanic. If I recall correctly, it wasn't for them. :) I didn't publish any fiction until I was getting out of college.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Jason: 
I've *always* been writing paranormal. (That's not completely true now; I did write a romantic comedy screenplay about an all-night movie theater, but that's the only thing I've written that didn't have some aspect of the paranormal in it.)
It's just how I tick-- I love magic and curses and suggestions of a world beyond ours. And I was very into comics and vampire stories and anything that was essentially "our world plus." When you get down to it, Marvel Comics is just a giant paranormal world. So some stories I do are rockem-sockem adventure and some are less frenetic, but it's almost always with a fantastic edge.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Jason:
  At this point in my life, if I could have any supernatural talent, I would be able to take people's pain away. That's really all I'd want. To take away physical pain and emotional hurt.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Jason: 
ALEX VAN HELSING: VAMPIRE RISING is the first in a series from HarperTeen about a teenager who learns that he can sense vampires and is recruited into a giant organization of vampire-hunters, the Polidorium. It's very heavy on action and close calls. This is very much James Bond with vampires. I just love writing them, especially because the world is one I created, where hundreds of years of vampire literature are all true. Book 1 came out this Summer and will come out in Paperback on the same day that Book 2, VOICE OF THE UNDEAD comes out in hardcover. If you have a young person in your life who wants more adventure with a paranormal twist, this is it for you.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Jason: 
I have *no* idea. I leave that to the casting people. Honestly, it matters more what the readers want as far as that goes. That's true of movies in general-- if people are clamoring for it then it might happen. I'm just the writer!

I do know you'd want a killer director, someone who could really do action and tension, and a screenwriter who got why the books are interesting-- the mystery and adventures as this young man discovers a hidden world.























Vampire Rising (Alex Van Helsing, book 1) by Jason Henderson.

The Van Helsing name reborn.  Fourteen-year-old Alex has no idea that he's descended from the world's most famous vampire hunter, but that changes fast when he arrives at Glenarvon Academy and confronts two vampires in his first three days. Turns out Glenarvon isn't the only school near Lake Geneva. Hidden deep underground lies an ancient university for vampires called the Scholomance. And the deadly vampire clan lord known as Icemaker? You might say he's a visiting professor.  When two of Alex's friends are kidnapped by Icemaker, it's up to Alex to infiltrate the Scholomance and get them back—alive. Assisted by the Polidorium, a top-secret vampire-hunting organization with buried ties to the Van Helsings, Alex dodges zombies, bullets, and lots—and lots—of fangs on his way to thwarting Icemaker's plans and fulfilling his family destiny.


Thank you Jason for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Jason Henderson and his books, please visit his website.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Black Dog Rebel Rose Giveaway Winner!






















Congratulations to fredamans of Freda's Voice winner of our Black Dog and Rebel Rose eBook Giveaway!  Freda will receive an eBook copy of Black Dog and Rebel Rose by Danielle D. Smith. 

Thanks to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners drawn using Random.org**

Monday, December 20, 2010

Guest Author Interview: Gabriel Madison












Please welcome today's guest author Gabriel Madison!  Gabriel is the author of Three Seeds and Dayling.

EJ:  When did you begin writing? 
 
Gabriel: 
I started writing when I was younger to entertain my mother when she was sick. She loved horror stories, So I would write gory short stories for her. After that, I started writing other short stories, poetry, screenplays, one act plays, novellas and novels. My first passion was filmmaking, which is why I went to school for that, but I came to love writing more than I did directing and the entire filmmaking process.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Gabriel:
  Vampires! I've been into the vampire mythology way before this new trend that has taken over. Personally, I love all of the stuff that is coming out, but I also see the need to put your own spin on things. I love stories about supernatural beings living amongst humans, trying to figure out their hidden world. It's funny, because even though I started writing horror, and I love paranormal stories, I don't like scary movies or books. I like mythology and beings with extraordinary abilities just trying to live a normal life.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why? 
 
Gabriel: 
Immortality. Not because I'm afraid of death, but because it would be cool to see what the world would look like a hundred or even a thousand years from now. I think that's what drew me into vampires, the idea of a being walking the streets of Rome during the time of Horace, walking the streets today using an iPad. The thought of that is what keeps me reading and writing paranormal books.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Gabriel: 
Personally, I think it's a fun read. I have some mythology in it, along with humor and romance and action. I know there are a lot of vampire books out there, but I think readers of paranormal books, even if they aren't vampire fans will enjoy this book because it's more about the characters and how they fit into the supernatural and normal world. My editor, John McAllister, sent this to me in an e-mail: "At first I thought it was going to be another Twilight clone, but you have made me eat those words. Your particular vision of vampires is fresh, original, and the antagonist's in this story are completely believable." That's what I was going for and I think that's why readers will enjoy the story.

EJ:  If your book was being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Gabriel: 
Okay, I know everyone wants their books to be made into movies, but I don't. I get into arguments with my cousin about this all the time, but I feel like if I wanted a story to be a movie, then I would write a screenplay. Personal opinion. Maybe it has to do with the fact I went to film school and realized the movie world was not how I wanted to tell stories. But if Dayling was going to be made into a movie: I would want Ksenia Solo to play Haven, because after watching her play Kenzi on Lost Girl, I think her ability to deliver one-liners is perfect. She is funny, attractive in a non-threatening way, and can radiate a since of independence in her demeanor... and that's how I see Haven. I could see Chace Crawford from Gossip Girl playing Philip. I mean Philip is a good looking charismatic rich kid that is known for messing with other guy's girlfriends. As for Angela, I see Vanessa Hudgens, simply because she impressed me in Bandslam.























Dayling by Gabriel Madison

Turning eighteen is an exciting time for most girls. It means finally being considered a legal adult, having more freedom and a wild birthday party. For Haven Vigano, it means immortality, a craving for human blood and no longer being able to move around in the daytime. Haven is a Dayling, but in three weeks she will 'Cross Over' into the world of Nightlings.  Most Daylings live their lives as humans for as long as they can, which means they attend school, make normal friends and indulge in all the pleasures of being mortal... Most Daylings except for Haven. She's as antisocial as they come, even in the Dayling world.  To make matters worst, a friend from her past, another Dayling named Sébastien, arrives in Tallahassee with the news that an ancient group of Nightling hunters called The Holy Sect of Mântuitors are hunting down and killing her kind. Haven's father fears a Nightling is helping the Mântuitors in their quest to rid the world of immortals.  Now Haven must deal with her growing attraction to Philip, a teenage boy she saved from being beaten by four other guys, plus understand Sébastien's jealousy towards her human crush, and oh yeah, help deal with the threat of the Mântuitors. Times were a lot simpler for Haven when she felt indifferent towards everything and everyone. 


Thank you Gabriel for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Gabriel Madison and his books, please visit his website.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Bite Before Christmas Giveaways...

I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful holiday season.  Here at From the Shadows we are celebrating with fabulous giveaways, but these giveaways are ending soon.  Don't miss out!






















Bite Before Christmas: Black Friday Giveaway ends December 22nd midnight EST.  Enter to win your choice of $10 Amazon Gift Card or a book from The Book Depository (up to $10).  This giveaway is international (to everywhere The Book Depository ships)!






















Bite Before Christmas: Holidays Are Hell Giveaway ends December 31st midnight EST.  Enter to win a copy of Holidays Are Hell, a paranormal holiday anthology, by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Pettersson.  This giveaway is international (to everywhere The Book Depository ships)!

Don't miss these other fab giveaways ending soon!






















Black Dog and Rebel Rose eBook Giveaway ends December 20th midnight EST.  Enter to win a pdf eBook copy of Black Dog and Rebel Rose by Danielle D. Smith.  This giveaway is international!






















Spirit Storm eBook and Swag Giveaway ends January 1st midnight EST.  Enter to win a pdf eBook copy of Spirit Storm (Spirit Guide #2) by E.J. Stevens.  Two additional winners will receive postcards featuring the gorgeous Spirit Storm book cover.  This giveaway is international!

Check back December 29th for Wicked Leanore's holiday visit and Lace and Leather eBook Giveaway.  Everyone who enters will receive a pdf copy of Lace and Leather, a western paranormal romance novella, by Leanore Elliott.  Everyone is a winner!  Giveaway ends January 7th midnight EST.  This giveaway is international!

Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Book Review: Magicus Catonium






















Magicus Catonium (Praesidis, book 1) by Udita Plaha.

In the introductory book of the Praesidis series, two fourteen year old girls start a journey to correct the damage done to Magicus Catonium. In the process, they develop abilities unknown to most and finally discover their true identities. Even under the protection of two young but capable wizards, their journey is marked with many battles, not all ending in victory. To really defeat their villain, the girls must learn to distinguish between enemies and friends while under the pressure of a world spiraling out of control. Follow the girls as they rise to their full potential and assume their roles as the next Praesidis of Magicus Catonium.

Ria and Anna are swept away to the magical land of Magicus Catonium...  Magicus Catonium is a fun YA/middle-grade story filled with magic and adventure.  Though the copy I received was in need of additional editing, I found the story highly enjoyable.  Ria and Anna are such good friends, and have lived together for so long, that most people mistake them for sisters.  They soon learn that they have more than just their friendship in common.  Ria and Anna share a past steeped in mystery.  As their origin as children of Magicus Catonium becomes known they are faced with a difficult decision.  Do they return home to the normal human world where they have spent much of their youth, and where their mother's still reside, or do they follow their destiny to defeat the evil Solan?  A fun adventure story that young readers will enjoy.

I recommend Magicus Catonium (Praesidis, book 1) to readers of young adult, middle grade, urban fantasy and especially to fans of coming of age tales and fantasy adventure.

Source: This book was provided by the author or publisher for honest review.


Magicus Catonium on Amazon.
Magicus Catonium on Goodreads.

Tyger Treasure Giveaway Winner!






















Congratulations to PinkStuff28 winner of our Tyger Treasure International Giveaway!  The winner will receive this gorgeous Tyger Tyger inspired necklace.  Thanks to all who entered.

**All giveaway winners drawn using Random.org**

Friday, December 17, 2010

Spirit Storm News + Giveaway!























Santa's elves have been whispering in my ear with rumors that Spirit Storm, the second book in the Spirit Guide series, would be available in various ebook formats in time for the holidays and they were right.  Thank you Santa!

Spirit Storm is now available in Kindle format at Amazon US and Amazon UK and in various ebook formats at Smashwords.  NookBook format coming soon to Barnes and Noble.

Spirit Storm will be available in print January 2011.

To celebrate Spirit Storm's holiday ebook release, I am giving away an electronic copy of Spirit Storm to one lucky winner!  Two additional winners will receive postcards featuring the gorgeous Spirit Storm book cover.























To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so I may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow).  This giveaway is international!  Giveaway ends January 1st midnight EST.

Update:  Don't miss the Goodreads First Reads giveaway for a signed paperback copy of Spirit Storm!  Giveaway ends January 21st.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Guest Author Interview: Robert J. Duperre












Please welcome today's guest author Robert J. Duperre!  Robert is the author of The Fall (The Rift, #1) and contributed to The Gate: 13 Dark and Odd Tales.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Robert:
  It all started as a kid. I used to spend a lot of time alone in my bedroom (sometimes forcibly), and I used those hours to write and draw comic books. Once I hit high school, I'd gotten the bug. I used to write thirty page English papers like they were nothing. Of course I got A's on them - probably because the teacher got tired of flipping page after page when they had so many other papers to correct. Combine that with my love of Clive Barker, Anne Rice, and Douglas Adams, and a writer was born.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Robert: 
The mystery of life intrigues me. As a younger adult, I considered myself an atheist - until, that is, that I realized how much I longed for the spectacular, for the mystical.

Paranormal is special for another reason, as well. It allows us to create situations that are real-world equivalent and place them in the realm of the fantastic. This creates a needed buffer between the occurrences on the page and world the reader exists in. It allows the story to tell its tale, to send a message from a safe distance, which is paramount to engrossing the audience and not alienating them.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Robert: 
I'd probably want to be a vampire - for the immortality. I'm (ahem) scared to death of death. The only problem is that I'd have to turn my entire family into vampires, as well. I wouldn't want to go through eternity alone.

(As for the blood drinking part...not really appealing, but hey, immortality has its price, right?)

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Robert: 
The Fall is dark, scary, and sometimes graphic, but it also has a huge heart. The characters are believable and flawed, folks we can relate to and root for. The story is simple on the surface but more complex once a few layers are peeled back. There is terror, angst, a sprinkle of romance, zombies, and a mysterious evil force. Who could ask for more?

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Robert: 
I'd want to stick with some lesser-knowns, just so they can own the role and not have someone say, "Hey, that's Robert Pattinson!" (Actually, that response would likely be, "Hey, that's Edward!" now that I think about it.)

For Josh and Kyra, the two primary characters, I'd have to go with Paul Dano (the son from Little Miss Sunshine) and Jaime Ray Newman (Kat Gardner from the television version of Eastwick.) I have Dano in there because a) he's the right age, and b) he has that quiet, intelligent feel to him and is an obviously attractive guy, but not perfectly so. As for Newman, she's also the right age, and she has a glow about her. I'd love to see her dirtied up a bit for the role. I think she'd nail it.

As for my mysterious leader of the dead? It'd definitely be Julian Sands. He was the inspiration for the character, so it'd be sublime to have him in the role.























The Fall (The Rift, book 1) by Robert J. Duperre.

An ancient evil, trapped in the ruins of a lost Mayan temple for centuries, has been unleashed. It takes the form of a deadly virus, one that causes violent insanity in the living and the recently departed to rise and walk. It spreads around the globe, throwing the world into chaos and war. As it progresses, those in the States who find themselves far away from the epicenter watch it unfold with unbelieving eyes. From Washington D.C. to Dover, New Hampshire, regular people are hurled into an existence outside their control, left to deal with catastrophic situations that they find themselves unprepared to handle. Life becomes a nightmare, and that nightmare is spreading. 


Thank you Robert for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Robert J. Duperre and his books, please visit his website.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Book Trailer: Spirit Storm

The book trailer for Spirit Storm, the second book in the Spirit Guide series, is now up on YouTube here.



If you missed it, the She Smells the Dead trailer is available here.

Update:  A little elf just informed me that Santa expects Spirit Storm to be available in Kindle and various other eBook editions before Christmas!  Print editions are still on track for early January 2011 release.