Interview with Natalie Mae for The Kinder Posion

The Kinder Poison (The Kinder Poison #1)

by Natalie Mae
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: June 16th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Holly Black, this enthralling fantasy adventure follows a teenage girl chosen to be the human sacrifice in a deadly game between three heirs who will do anything for the crown.

Zahru has long dreamed of leaving the kingdom of Orkena and having the kinds of adventures she’s only ever heard about in stories. But as a lowly Whisperer, her power to commune with animals means that her place is serving in the royal stables until the day her magic runs dry.

All that changes when the ailing ruler invokes the Crossing: a death-defying race across the desert, in which the first of his heirs to finish—and take the life of a human sacrifice at the journey’s end—will ascend to the throne and be granted unparalleled abilities.

With all of the kingdom abuzz, Zahru leaps at the chance to change her fate if just for a night by sneaking into the palace for a taste of the revelry. But the minor indiscretion turns into a deadly mistake when she gets caught up in a feud between the heirs and is forced to become the Crossing’s human sacrifice. Zahru is left with only one hope for survival: somehow figuring out how to overcome the most dangerous people in the world.

Can you briefly describe THE KINDER POISON and its characters?

THE KINDER POISON is an enthralling fantasy adventure that follows Zahru, a sixteen-year-old girl who is chosen to be the human sacrifice in a deadly game between three heirs who will do anything for the crown. Zahru is a dreamer who often lets her mouth get ahead of her brain, and the heirs she has to contend with are Prince Kasta, a secretive boy with the power over death; Prince Jet, a charismatic swordsman who can bend and manipulate soundwaves, and Princess Sakira, a troublemaking party girl who can create almost any type of magic with a paintbrush. 

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

This is a hard choice! I put pieces of real people I know and love into each of my characters, so all of them are special to me. But I’d have to say my favorite to write is probably the villain. I’ve always had a soft spot for darker characters, and I especially love those who aren’t all the way gone, because there’s this delicious ongoing battle within them between the extremes they’re willing to go to and the fear that maybe they’ve gone too far. I think that makes them unpredictable and so very human, which always makes for a compelling story.

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

Initially, the inspiration for the book came from an article I read about archaeologists finding the bones of children who'd been sacrificed on an ancient mountain. The children didn't appear to have struggled or suffered, which made me wonder what it would be like to live in a time when human sacrifice was revered - and of course, what it might be like to be chosen for such a thing. But once I finished the first draft, I realized the book wasn't about that at all. It was about a girl who'd been told all her life that no matter how hard she worked or what good she tried to do, her worth was measured by something completely out of her control: the power she was (or in this case, wasn't) born with. It's the grounds for how she ends up as the sacrifice, and as soon as I drew that parallel to my own life, that was it. It became a story of defiance, of pressing back on a world that often favors wealth and physical strength over all.

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

My husband would say it’s Metallica’s “Creeping Death,” which to be clear was chosen 100% by the lyrics sung during the bridge, which are literally “DIE, BY MY HAND!” while someone chants “DIE” in the background. He also wanted me to walk out to that part at my launch party … it’s a whole thing, I don’t really talk about it. That’s a little extreme for me so I’m going to have to say “Wonderland” by Taylor Swift because it covers both the wild adventure part, and one of the more rollercoaster relationships she develops over the course of the series.

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?

Okay, so here’s where I admit that it’s been approximately a thousand years since I was up to date on actors, so bear with me! But I think I’d have to choose India Eisley for Zahru, Odeya Rush for Sakira, Michael B. Jordan for Jet, and the only person I can find who fits my “look” for Kasta is teenage Jason Momoa, so that’s what I’m going with!

What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

Take this book to Moab, Utah, grab yourself a box of chocolate truffles and a glass of sparkling water, and you’ll practically be living inside the book. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish THE KINDER POISON?

Readers who like THE KINDER POISON should definitely check out SHADOW AND BONE if you somehow haven’t already, and also THE YOUNG ELITES by Marie Lu, FURYBORN by Claire Legrand, and THE WRATH AND THE DAWN by Renée Ahdieh. 

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?

Omg … all of it? Haha. But I would have to say the toughest is finding the right path the characters need to take from start to end, both internally and plot-wise. There are SO MANY different twists and turns any story can take, and sometimes those endless possibilities can be paralyzing. I’m very lucky to have extremely smart (and patient) editors and critique partners who can help me out when I get stuck.

What’s next for you?

Right now I'm working on edits for THE KINDER POISON’s sequel, which will release in 2021, but I have a couple other books in progress I hope to be able to share more about soon ...

NaTaLiE MaE is an ex-programmer, dessert enthusiast, and author of young adult novels. She has also been a freelance editor and Pitch Wars mentor, and feels it notable to mention she once held a job where she had to feed spiders.

She now writes full-time at home with a bag of dark chocolates in one hand and a leopard cat on her lap. She is most definitely not checking Instagram right now.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz + Giveaway: Rival Love Series by by Natalie Decker

Welcome to this week’s Swoon Romance YA Wednesdays! This week features Rival Love and Rival Hearts by Natalie Decker. Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Rival Love

by Natalie Decker

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Release Date: August 26th 2014
Read my review

Synopsis:

Skylar Fletcher is a proud Harris Academy Bulldog! She has everything she’s ever wanted: a perfect boyfriend, great friends, and her dream college waiting for her in the fall. But nothing lasts forever. Skylar's world shatters when her mom decides it is time to move and drags Skylar, kicking and screaming, into Bobcat territory.

At Delmont High School, home of the Bobcats, Skylar has no friends and is often bullied. To make matters worse, her home life sucks thanks to all-star quarterback Caleb Morgan, nephew of her mom's live-in boyfriend.

At first Skylar and Caleb want nothing to do with one another. But they soon discover they're not that different after all--and each is harboring a secret attraction to the other. But can a Bulldog and a Bobcat ever really be more than friends? And are Skylar and Caleb willing to risk everything to find out? Rival Love is a debut young adult contemporary romance from Natalie Decker.

Rival Hearts (Rival Love #2)

by Natalie Decker

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Release Date: December 23rd 2014

Read my review

Synopsis:

Caleb is ticked off. Skylar hasn’t answered any of his calls, texts, or emails since her move to New York, virtually cutting him out of her life without warning. So Caleb decides to go after her—and convince her to come back home. 

But even when Skylar realizes her heart does belong at home with Caleb, her uncertainty lingers. Is it safe? Have things changed? 

After the mysterious vandalism to the pool at Delmont High, everyone is desperate for answers they believe Skylar can provide. At first, she’s determined not to run. But when Caleb’s ex-girlfriend unleashes a vengeful surprise, Sky's love for Caleb is threatened. 

Are these two rival hearts ready to fight for their love, or will they have to throw in the towel? 

RIVAL HEARTS is the sequel to the bestselling teen romance novel RIVAL LOVE by Natalie Decker.

Natalie Decker is the Author of Rival Love. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn’t her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She’s a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she’s not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she’s off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DNF Review: Rival Hearts (Rival Love #2) by Natalie Decker

Rival Hearts (Rival Love #2)
by Natalie Decker
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Release Date: December 23rd 2014

Rate: DNF (2 stars)

Synopsis:

Caleb is ticked off. Skylar hasn’t answered any of his calls, texts, or emails since her move to New York, virtually cutting him out of her life without warning. So Caleb decides to go after her—and convince her to come back home. 

But even when Skylar realizes her heart does belong at home with Caleb, her uncertainty lingers. Is it safe? Have things changed? 

After the mysterious vandalism to the pool at Delmont High, everyone is desperate for answers they believe Skylar can provide. At first, she’s determined not to run. But when Caleb’s ex-girlfriend unleashes a vengeful surprise, Sky's love for Caleb is threatened. 

Are these two rival hearts ready to fight for their love, or will they have to throw in the towel? 

RIVAL HEARTS is the sequel to the bestselling teen romance novel RIVAL LOVE by Natalie Decker.

Rival Hearts was a complete DNF for me (20% of the book). 

I had a good time reading the first book, Rival Love, and I think I mentioned when I thought that the first book was a standalone novel that it needed a different ending, that the characters deserved a better ending. Having this second book, I thought I was going to finally enjoy their relationship and really see how these two would get their happy ending, but the characters were way too immature for me. I was always frustrated with Skylar because no matter how hard Caleb tried, she was always whining and trying to create drama. At least that's my opinion.

I think that the main thing that made me drop this story is that there was too much unnecessary drama. Like okay, people have problems. Teenagers even more. And a teenage relationship? Sure! There's bound to be drama in it. However, I didn't connect with the characters anymore and their problems seemed vain to me. Like they made a fuss over small things when they could be together and tried to solve their differences and the obstacles they had.

That's why I ended up skimming the whole story and reading the ending to see if Skylar and Caleb finally get their happy ending. That's why I think these books would have been a mind-blowing story if there would have been a fusion of the two books and have only a standalone novel. 

Maybe I was not in the mood or probably this second book was not meant for me, but I didn't finish it. However, this does not mind that you won't like it. If you think you will end up liking the story, I encourage you to read it.

Read my review for Rival Love by Natalie Decker

Natalie Decker is the Author of Rival Love. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn’t her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She’s a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she’s not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she’s off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!

Interview with Natalie D. Richards

Gone Too Far
by Natalie D. Richards
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: January 6th 2015

Synopsis:

Keeping secrets ruined her life. But the truth might just kill her.

Piper Woods can't wait for the purgatory of senior year to end. She skirts the fringes of high school like a pro until the morning she finds a notebook with mutilated photographs and a list of student sins. She's sure the book is too gruesome to be true, until pretty, popular Stella dies after a sex-tape goes viral. Everyone's sure it's suicide, but Piper remembers Stella's name from the book and begins to suspect something much worse.

Drowning in secrets she doesn't want to keep, Piper's fears are confirmed when she receives an anonymous text message daring her to make things right. All she needs to do is choose a name, the name of someone who deserves to be punished...

Hello Natalie! We are super excited to have you once again in our FFBC. 

I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back! You guys are hands-down the best at blog tours. I’m so honored to be working with you again!

Gone Too Far is a story about a photographer, Piper, who sees the ugly truth of her high school. After she finds a book of student sins, and one of her classmates dies under mysterious circumstances, Piper receives an anonymous text inviting her to make someone pay. But her vigilante justice turns into a deadly game, one where winning is a crime and losing could cost her life.

Oh, wow. So many things I researched for this one have probably landed me on a government watch list. LOL! I’ll say the weirdest thing I researched was what sporting equipment would be suitable as a weapon. LOL!

Artsy, free-spirited, strong, smart…and mistaken. ;-)

“Because if I want to see the truth in this world, I can’t be a girl who hides.”

The scenes at the basketball game. Every single thing in the books tied together in those scenes and they were super intense to write. I could barely breathe and I was leaned forward so far, I was about to launch out of my seat. 

Remember how I said every single thing in the book tied together? Yeah, well, that’s rough. ;-) Truly, the whole thing was like a giant knitted quilt. If I tugged on one piece of yarn, things snagged and unraveled all over creation. It was all super tangled. 

The thing is, I’d like to say I’d be the smart girl and I’d go straight to the authorities, but when it’s your friends that could get hurt and when you know someone else might interpret things worse than they were meant, turning something like that in feels like a tall order. I might not have been strong enough to do it. I might have chosen to hide it. Piper hides things too. She means well, but does wrong and this was a very intentional, conscious decision on my part. Piper is a good person, but she makes some really bad choices. That’s the sad reality, isn’t it? We all make mistakes, and we all make a few big ones. Avoiding mistakes is good, but learning what to do AFTER mistakes is every bit as important in my opinion.

I don’t know who to include and who to cut, but man I loved these characters, so most of them are in here!!

Tate – Colton Haynes

Jackson – Bob Morley

Connor – Dayo Okeniyi

Hadley – Caitlin Stasey

Aimee – Kat Graham

Tacey – Adele (I know, not an actress, but this is EXACTLY how I picture Tacey)

Manny – Max Thieriot

And then…

Nick – Grey Damon

Piper – Zoey Deutch

After giving it WAY too much thought, I think the song that works best in lyrics, theme, feel, etc. for Gone Too Far is a Mr Ms song called Hurricane. I listened to it loads while writing the book and highly recommend it as a mood prep.

Oooh, cool question. Well, many early reviewers have told me it’s a book that keeps them up, so don’t start it too late at night? And on that note, maybe your favorite caffeinated Starbucks beverage might be in order. I like four-pump mochas or peppermint mochas if you want a recommendation! ;-) Then you’ll need a salty to go with the sweet – and if you really want to channel my experience writing the book, that means you’ll have sushi with your Starbucks. Every time I look at Gone Too Far, I will think of a particular tuna roll from my favorite local sushi joint! 

I honestly can’t think of a film that has secrets similar to the ones in Gone Too Far, but I do recommend a couple of older ones – the Usual Suspects (for the greatest twist/surprise secret reveal ever!) and Crazy, Stupid Love which has so many adorable secret connections. Loved that flick!

My third novel with Sourcebooks is tentatively slated for release in late 2015. It’s called My Secret To Tell and it’s about a small town trio of friends, one of whom is accused of a terrible crime that he didn’t commit… Or did he? ;-)

Follow the Gone Too Far by Natalie D. Richards Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

At seven, Natalie D. Richards wrote about Barbara Frances Bizzlefishes (who wouldn't dare do the dishes.) Now she writes about awesome girls, broody boys, and all things dark and creepy. Natalie lives in Ohio (Go Bucks!) with her techno-wiz husband, three amazing kids, and a seventy pound dust-mop who swears he's the family dog. Her psychological thriller, Six Months Later, will be released in October 1, 2013 by Sourcebooks Fire. Until then, you'll probably find her writing her next book or trying to wade through the towers of dog-eared paperbacks that have taken over her bedroom.

a Rafflecopter giveaway