Author Gossip

As a reader I always want the download on what's going on with authors. Do they have new books coming out, how the latest tour going, any thing juicy! So, I decided to bring the news to my readers. I'm lurking around all of those author blogs anyway, might as well do something productive.

General Gossip:

Apparently there is  a next generation trilogy for the Vampire Huntress Legends series.  The cover looks kind of wicked, so I decided to spread the word for VHL fans.  Right now it’s available in print and ebook formats.  The ebook formats include Kindle, Nook (at BN.com), plus Sony Reader, iPad, PDF, and even Text formats at Smashwords.com.

Description:

Sarah Rivera has a lot going on in her life right now. It’s bad enough that she’s being shipped off to Temt Tchaas Academy—also known as Neteru Academy, a high school for future Guardians of the Light who have special powers—but she has to go there with her cocky twin brother and the rest of her compound brothers and sisters. To make matters worse, everyone has ridiculous expectations of her all because her parents are like supernatural rock stars for saving the planet sixteen years ago. But what nobody, not even her best girlfriend Tami seems to be getting is the fact that, she’s not special, doesn’t want to be a demon-hunting hero, and is even afraid of the dark!

Read more here.

The tour dates for Pale Demon by Kim Harrison have been updated again if you live in or near Lansing, Ann Arbor, Dayton, Cincinnati, Lexington, Des Moines, St. Louis, Lawton, Tulsa, Austin, San Antonio, Sacramento, or Tuscon, you’ll want to check out the new information here.

New Covers:

This is the Russian release of Night Rising by Chris Marie Green.  Unfortunately I couldn’t find a bigger, clearer, image.  Still, I don’t think you need a bigger picture to appreciate the US version.

What the author had to say:

Dawn looks like a major wild woman, yes?

Really like the look of this cover, but I don’t like the play on the Eat, Prey, Love thing.  It’s getting old for paranormal books to use some form of play on that.

What the author had to say:

Got an email from my editor with the most gorgeous present ever -- the cover art for my next YA novel, DRINK, SLAY, LOVE! I am deliriously in love with it, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Author Wit:

While I’m not the biggest Buffy fan in the world, I do enjoy the show.  So it always interests me to see what episodes make the fans top 5, or 10, lists.  So author Jennifer Armintrout shares with us her personal favorite.

Foreign Covers, Borders Final Chapter, and a Freebie

As a reader I always want the download on what's going on with authors. Do they have new books coming out, how the latest tour going, any thing juicy! So, I decided to bring the news to my readers. I'm lurking around all of those author blogs anyway, might as well do something productive.

General Gossip:

To start of the the very first Author Gossip post I decided to start out with something positive.  So what’s more positive then a free book?  The first book of author Jess Haines H & W Investigations is being posted for free in Ebook formats as part of a new promotion.  It’s running from December 31 to January  2.  Yeah, I read the date wrong and thought it extended to the end of January.  Luckily Amazon still has it free to download for Kindle (Amazon).

Author Alexandra Ivy has released the updated release dates for her books.

SUPERNATURAL (an anthology with the fabulous Larissa Ione, Jacquelyn Frank, and G.A. Aiken) in September 2011

BOUND BY DARKNESS in November 2011 (Ariyal and Jaelyn's story)

MY LORD VAMPIRE will be out in March 2012 (a re-release of my regency vampire book I wrote under the name Debbie Raleigh)

The next Darkness book late summer or early fall 2012

MY LORD ETERNITY late 2012

Vampires have been greatly received by US viewers, and by me, so they next question is what series is next.  Well with The Southern Vampire series being so well excepted as Trueblood it looks like CBS will be picking up the Grave Sight series by Harris as well.

There’s many questions by fans that come up of how it’s going to translate to TV.  Clearly we’re not going to get so much nudity( yeah, I’m a prude).

One question I have is what will the do about the “relationship” in the story? I’ve only read the first book, but I felt a little too much sibling love.  Fans who have read more of the series are also expressing concerns.

Ever since Harper Connelly survived a zap from a lightning bolt, she's been able to find dead people, a skill that makes the protagonist in the first installment of Harris's new series a tad more bizarre than the mind-reading heroine of the author's Sookie Stackhouse books (Dead as a Doornail, etc.). Harper travels to the Ozark town of Sarne, Ark., to find a missing teenage girl's body, accompanied by her stepbrother, Tolliver, who acts as her manager and bodyguard and with whom she shares a thinly disguised physical attraction that they manage to keep at bay by engaging in casual sex with various partners. Finding the body takes no time at all, but leaving town afterward isn't so easy. When Harper's life is threatened and Tolliver ends up in jail on trumped-up charges, it quickly becomes apparent that something sinister is going on in Sarne. Harris delivers a knuckle-gnawing tale populated with well-developed, albeit edgy characters. A nifty puzzle toward the end will challenge the most jaded mystery buffs.

It’s a New Year and I’ve gotten my bad news in from the from Daily Finance a certain article: Borders: Getting Closer to the Bookseller's Final Chapter

Trust me I could rant about this forever.  Borders is my only book store if it goes under, then it’s a two and a half hour drive to the next book store.  Personally my only thoughts can be that Borders is under some bad management if it can go to ruins.  They dominate book sales whether ebook or paper print, DVDs, CDs, and other such media.  They’re a big online store as well as brick and mortar.  Sure Walmart and other stores sale books and DVDs, but they don’t have the selection or some of those sweet discounts. 

To ease my mind I’m going to say they are going to make it.

I really recommend reading the link to the original article to get the full effect.

New Covers:

This is the UK cover for My Soul to Take straight from the authors blog.  I really like the look of them and it’s cool. Yet . . . the open mouth look just looks tacky.

What the author has to say:

I love how the color scheme matches the US covers, but the image is completely different. I think that both versions (the US and the UK) capture different elements of the feel of the book, and I could not be more pleased. Also, I love that the UK versions show the Netherworld fog that surrounds everything when Kaylee's crossing over. Love

Succubus blues hits Japan!! The cover looks a little YA, but who knows how the marketing is in Japan.  Apparently the title loosely translates to There are many dangers in the bookstore" or "Bookstore Full of Dangers."  The authors full post is really interesting.

What the author has to say:

A helpful person on Twitter told me that the title they've given the Japanese edition of Georgina's adventures translates to something along the lines of "There are many dangers in the bookstore" or "Bookstore Full of Dangers." A lot of people were really surprised by this, with reactions ranging from puzzled to offended on my behalf. So, I figured I'd weigh in on the topic since changing titles is fairly common when books are translated into other languages.

Why is it done? Well, translation is a lot more than just word for word substitution. Internet translators are proof of that. You can translate five words into another language and not have that new set convey the original meaning at all. Some concepts simply don't translate the same away across cultures. Puns and idioms especially don't translate well into other languages. Titles of mine that are almost never changed are ones that describe very, very concrete things, like Thorn Queen and Vampire Academy. You can do a pretty direct translation to Reine des ronces or L'Accademia Dei Vampiri with those. (Interestingly, when VA is changed, it's usually because the country's publisher thought it sounded too young--again, cultural perception).

Having the "blues" is a little harder, and while people certainly get depressed in other countries, that concept as we know it in English isn't matched in other languages. So, that title gets changed about half the time and usually into something like "Sad Succubus." The Japanese title of SB may sound unwieldy in English, but again--a word for word translation doesn't always convey the full meaning. Trust me, the new title works in that language, and even in English, I think it's kind of cute. My wallet certainly faces danger in bookstores.

Hands-down, the most contested title of all my books is Frostbite. We know what the condition of frostbite is in English, but our usual connotations of it are just "really cold" And, of course, it's a pun on bite. In a lot of other cultures/languages, when people think of frostbite, they think of the condition at its absolute worst: cold that's so intense, it destroys skin/tissue and can result in losing parts of your body. That's not a really attractive title, if that's what comes to your mind. So, almost every country has changed the second VA book. In German and Spanish, the titles translate to "Blue Blood" (a pun in all three langauges, apparently). The Eastern European countries tend to adapt it as "Biting Cold" or "Cold Fire." And in Korean, it's "Sad Illusion," a different concept altogether.

Someone asked if these modifications bother me. Nope, not at all. Languages are filled with nuances and rich meanings that take a lifetime to learn and craft. I can only claim ownership of one, English, and I'm always learning more. I feel confident in dictating titles and wordings in my own language but wouldn't presume to make those calls in another language. Sometimes adaptations have to be made even between UK and Australian English editions. A lot of times, translators of the books write to me with questions, which is really great because then we can make sure concepts are getting across the way I'd originally intended to the readers. It's a neat and exciting process.

Check out the German cover of Iron Crown.  It’s so stunning, the colors just look so beautiful.  Plus she looks kick-ass, and I’m digging the black swan design.

What the author had to say:

. . . as I was writing this post, I went searching out some foreign editions of my books in order to reference them. And guess what I discovered is out there? The German cover of Iron Crowned, or as it's called in that language: Feenkrieg. I hadn't seen it yet. Germany sure knows its cover art.

Here’s the German cover for Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever.  Personally I’m not a fan.

What the author has to say:

How cute is this? It will be available in July 2011.

 

Another German cover!! This one is Friday Night Bites. I really like the style, but the US edition wins out.

What the author has to say:

Isn't it cool?

A Laugh and Some Teasers

As a reader I always want the download on what's going on with authors. Do they have new books coming out, how the latest tour going, any thing juicy! So, I decided to bring the news to my readers. I'm lurking around all of those author blogs anyway, might as well do something productive.

General Gossip:

Here’s the awesome trailer for My Soul to Steal.

Cassandra Clare shares one heck of a steamy teaser!!

December teaser for City of Fallen Angels. This is the LAST TEASER. Jace and Clary, midbook.

The alley and the music all fell away, and there was nothing but her and the rain and Jace, his hands on her. . . He made a noise of surprise, low in his throat, and dug his fingers into the thin fabric of her tights. Not unexpectedly, they ripped, and his wet fingers were suddenly on the bare skin of her legs. Not to be outdone, Clary slid her hands under the hem of his soaked shirt, and let her fingers explore what was underneath: the tight, hot skin over his ribs, the ridges of his abdomen, the scars on his back. This was uncharted territory for her, but it seemed to be driving him crazy: he was moaning softly against her mouth, kissing her harder and harder, as if it would never be enough, not quite enough —

Does it end there? Well, the scene doesn’t but the teaser does. That’s why they call ‘em teasers. Have a happy holidays

You can check out all of the teasers here.

After reading book 1 of Kresley Cole’s fantastic Immortals After Dark series, I soon became one of the many readers sucked into this dark and witty world.  Let me say I am quite the obsesses fan now. 

For all of you obsesses fans it’s gives me great joy to give an excerpt of Dreams of a Dark Warrior which will be released in February.  So check it out here.

New Cover:

Here’s the German cover of one of my favorite Epic Fantasy series.  Let’s just say I do not like it.  I’ll leave a picture of the old cover so you can see why.

German Cover:	US Cover:

Kelly Gay’s book always make my heart race, and her covers always put me over the top.  So it gives me goose bumps of pleasure for the cover of the third book.

  

What the author had to say:

I can share! Here is the cover for the third Charlie Madigan book. Once again, the art was created by Chris McGrath. And I'm in LOVE with the color. Remember when I said, "Intense"? Was I right or was I right? :D Big, big thanks to my editor, Ed, Chris M, and the Art Dept. at Pocket for creating another great cover for the series! There might be a few minor changes (blurbs, quotes, that sort of thing) but the artwork is done, so sharing is okay. Hope you enjoy!

Author Wit:

This was a fun little thing that was posted on author Jess Haine’s blog.

Wednesday Wishes and Beastly Trailer

Hunting for books is one of my favorite things. Finding a new title is my equivalent of "getting rich." Whether the titles been around for a while, brand spanking new, or just not that common Wednesday Wishes is here for me to share them with you.

Meant to post this for my Author Gossip post, but some how my mind forgot. 

It’s been a really long while since a movie trailer made me want to bow down in worship.  There’s no excuse not to read my copy of the book now.

Ascension: A Dark Breed Novel (Dark Breed #1) by Sable Grace

The gates of hell have opened, and one woman will stand in the crossfire as the Dark Breed -- vampyre, demons, shape shifters -- and mankind fight their last battle for survival.

Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen... and the last of her kind. Determined, dangerous, and damned, she has no love for the mortals who have imprisoned and misused her. But when the Order of Ancients entrusts her with a mission -- to find the key that will send the Dark Breed back into Hell for eternity -- Kyana has no choice but to accept.

She is furious to learn her assignment comes with an escort... Ryker, a demigod and fierce warrior who long ago found a way under her skin and stayed there. In a shaky alliance, they discover an ancient cult with dangerous motive and a god who seeks to destroy all others. And as Kyana begins to feel the heat that threatens to bind her to Ryker, she knows she has to resist. For it could only mean the undoing of them both...

This sounds like a great kick-booty UF book to look forward.  My one compliant is that it seems like more and more UF descriptions are trying to be romancey.  Is it just me or does it feel like I’m sometimes reading a PNR description?

Warcry (Chronicles of the Warlands #4) by Elizabeth Vaughan

No description. However, it is a Vaughan book, to the Warlands series, need I say more.

 

 

Dead Iron: The Age of Steam (Age of Steam #1) by Devon Monk

No description of this one either, but I love the cover.

 

 

Blood Law (Blood Moon Trilogy #1) by Karin Tabke

For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged…

The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.

One woman stands at the center of it all…

As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.

The cover is so generic, we get hot yummy abs. Really wish the PNR cover designers would come up with other, creative, covers. Not sure what it is about this book that captures my attention. Probably the "two Lycan packs into war" and "spur two rival brothers into conflict." Something about warring packs and brothers fighting just does something to me.

Chosen by Blood (Para Ops #1) by Virna DePaul

United by fate. Bound by desire.

Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and otherborn— humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.

Leader of an Otherborn clan, half-breed vampire Knox Devereaux would do anything to find a cure for the anti-vamp vaccine slowly starving his people into extinction. When the FBI contacts him about leading a team of hand-selected Others on a mission to reclaim the stolen antidote, Knox accepts. His new assignment places him in direct contact with Special Agent Felicia Locke, the beautiful human he’s craved since their very first meeting.

Para-ops is all I need to hear.

Raising Dragons (Dragons in Our Midst #1) by Bryan Davis

A boy learns of his dragon past; a girl has known of hers for years. They combine their faith, courage, and love to overcome an evil slayer who seeks to bring an end to dragon heritage, forever. The kids at school call Billy "Dragon Breath" for good reason. His breath is bad! It isn't the normal, morning-mouth bad; it's the hot-as-fire, "don't-you-dare-get-near-me" bad. And hearing "Dragon Breath" ringing in his ears, he constantly tries to cool his oral volcano. Trouble erupts when his hot breath sets off the fire sprinklers in the boys' restroom at school, and his parents learn that they've kept their secret for too long. Billy finally discovers the secret. His father was once a dragon! Now that's a piece of news a guy doesn't deal with every day! Billy feels betrayed, alien, lost. When his father reverts to his dragon form, and they're both chased by dragon slayers, he learns to trust his father again, battling the slayers with weapons of steel and spirit. Bonnie, an orphan, tries to find a home, someone to love her, even though she feels like a freak because of a body feature that she calls a deformity, her dragon wings, inherited from her now dead dragon mother. She discovers that her love for others and her faith in a Creator hold the answers she is looking for. Raising Dragons is a contemporary fantasy novel that inspires young people to dig deep within to find their God-given strengths and use them to overcome any obstacle.

Davis is a unknown author to me. If I wouldn't have stumbled across the gorgeous cover of Starlighter (Dragons of Starlight) I may have never found out about Davis's other books. If only my book store had more then just that one copy.

Fractured: Happily Never After? 3 Tales by Joanna Karaplis

Everyone knows a fairytale or two. They’re the kind of stories that seem to stick with you. Maybe it’s the magic. Maybe it’s the handsome prince. Or maybe they’re just the absolute perfect place to lose yourself for a little while.

But what would happen if Snow White were around today? Would Cinderella still need a fairy godmother? And would the Little Mermaid show up on YouTube?

Joanna Karaplis has put an unexpected spin on Snow White, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid; she’s quietly fractured the stories and then reassembled them for the 21st Century. So, while there may not be a whole lot of horse-drawn carriages and magic potions, you can be sure that there will be at least one evil witch and maybe even a handsome prince (or two)…

I love fiarytales, especially if they're is a chance of a bad ending. That's right, me likes mean/evil fairytales.

Shift

ra’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

I've been hearing great things about book one, even thought it's another ghost story.

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Ashline Wilde never received an instruction manual on how to be a 16-year-old Polynesian volcano goddess. If she had, it might have contained helpful warnings such as:

• Dreaming about your (thankfully) mortal boyfriend may cause your bed to spontaneously combust • Oven mitts should be worn at all times during heavy make-out sessions

Instead, Ash has to learn these life lessons the hard way as her dormant powers erupt at the most awkward times. In the wake of a hometown tragedy, Ash transfers to Blackwood Academy, a boarding school nestled in California’s redwoods, where a group of fellow gods-on-earth have mysteriously convened. As if sophomore year couldn’t get any worse, her storm goddess older sister, the wild and unpredictable Eve, resurfaces to haunt Ashline. With a war between the gods looming over Blackwood, Ash must master the fire smoldering within her before she clashes with her sister one final time, which leads us to life-lesson #3:

• When warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

This cover is simply stunning!! Plus this sounds like a hoot, teenage goddess anyone?