Interview with Amanda Foody for The Shadow Game

King of Fools (The Shadow Game #2)

by Amanda Foody
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: April 30th 2019

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Indulge your vices in the City of Sin, where a sinister street war is brewing and fame is the deadliest killer of them all...

On the quest to find her missing mother, prim and proper Enne Salta became reluctant allies with Levi Glaisyer, the city’s most famous con man. Saving his life in the Shadow Game forced Enne to assume the identity of Seance, a mysterious underworld figure. Now, with the Chancellor of the Republic dead and bounties on both their heads, she and Levi must play a dangerous game of crime and politics…with the very fate of New Reynes at stake.

Thirsting for his freedom and the chance to build an empire, Levi enters an unlikely partnership with Vianca Augustine’s estranged son. Meanwhile, Enne remains trapped by the mafia donna’s binding oath, playing the roles of both darling lady and cunning street lord, unsure which side of herself reflects the truth.

As Enne and Levi walk a path of unimaginable wealth and opportunity, new relationships and deadly secrets could quickly lead them into ruin. And when unforeseen players enter the game, they must each make an impossible choice: To sacrifice everything they’ve earned in order to survive...

Or die as legends.

Can you briefly describe what’s happening in King of Fools and their main characters and how different it is from the first book? 

Ace of Shades, despite its detailed setting and large cast of characters, has always struck me as a rather intimate story. It’s told through two points of view, Enne—an uppity finishing schoolgirl—and Levi—a card dealer and wannabe street lord—as they go searching for Enne’s missing mother in the City of Sin. 

There’s a motif in the series that “the city is a game,” and in a lot of ways, King of Fools is a reaction to the culminating events of Ace of Shades. It’s how these two characters did this big, unthinkable thing, and now all the “players” are coming out of the shadows, and a far more dangerous game is unfolding. King of Fools takes this world and cast and broadens them. We get a new point of view—Jac Mardlin, Levi’s best friend, who has always felt on the periphery of Levi’s story. We get new villains. New faces. Oh, and a girl gang! 

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

Oh, there are so many! It’s hard to choose. I loved writing Vianca Augustine’s arc—she’s such a fascinating female villain. I love Grace Watson, a new character. My surprise love was Jonas, aka “Scavenger,” a street lord who makes a bigger appearance in this book than he did in Book One. But I love them all for the same reason—they’re really fun to write! Vianca for being evil, Grace for being (reluctantly) good, and Jonas for falling in the middle.

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

Well, as the second book of a series, a lot just felt like the natural progression from Ace of Shades. I got the idea for Ace by the concept of magic as currency, and from there, I decided to center the entire world on greed. Hence the organized crime, the casinos, the glamour. I also determined that every book in the trilogy would have its own financial operation. Book One had the Ponzi Scheme, and Book Two has something new!

I also consider this book very much the “crime” book. The idea of “street legends” and the famous street lords of old permeates the story, and so I had to come up with all those legends and that history for this world. A lot of it is loosely based on real organized crime history, especially from the American 1920s. For instance, the leaders of the five “gangs” in New Reynes frequently come together in this book to meet, which is a nod to the Five Families of New York, who used to do the same. “Eight Fingers,” a street lord and an important mentor character to Levi, is named after “Three Fingers,” aka Tommy Lucchese. These details are probably lost on most, but they’re fun to me!

Was it difficult to write the sequel of The Shadow Game and why/why not?

It definitely was. A big reason was its length—it has so many moving parts, and there really was no good way to make this a short book. So I felt like every editing process just took forever. I was so burned out. 

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

Hm… just one??? I have such a huge playlist. Maybe “Worth it” by Kodaline. That captures the emotional anguish, which I’m obviously all about. 

Between Ace of Shades and King of Fools:

Which story was more fun to write about? Ah, that’s so hard! I suppose King—there are so many new characters whom I adore.

Which cover do you like the most? Also difficult. I’m more drawn to red than blue, but I just can’t help but feel like the cover of King of Fools suits the book so well. I actually asked my graphic designer to do pinstripes “like a gaudy mafioso suit.” And they did! 

Since it is still cold outside, what hot drink do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

It’s the City of Sin, so definitely something alcoholic. You could always spike your tea with vermouth, Vianca Augustine style. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish Amanda Foody?

If you like The Shadow Game series, I definitely recommend The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima. Han Allister high key inspired Levi. 

What’s next for you?

Book Three! The final book in the series. I’m also working on a lot of new projects, as well. Nothing official yet, though.

Amanda Foody has always considered imagination to be our best attempt at magic. After spending her childhood longing to attend Hogwarts, she now loves to write about immersive settings and charactyouters grappling with insurmountable destinies. She holds a Masters in Accountancy from Villanova University, and a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from the College of William and Mary. Currently, she lives in Philadelphia, PA, surrounded by her many siblings and many books.

Her books include DAUGHTER OF THE BURNING CITY and ACE OF SHADES. The next installment of THE SHADOW GAME TRILOGY, KING OF FOOLS, releases on April 30, 2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Jessika Fleck for Beware the Night

Beware the Night

by Jessika Fleck
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Release Date: March 12th 2019

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

When her world divides, pitting light against dark, Veda must join a dangerous revolution to save her grandfather and fight against injustice...even if it costs her the boy she loves.

On the island of Bellona, life is peaceful--as long as the citizens dutifully worship the Sun, which protects them from all harm. Seventeen-year-old Veda knows that keeping the Sun happy will protect her and her grandfather from the Night, the dangerous people who snatch innocent citizens from their beds under the cover of darkness, never to be seen again. As long as Veda follows the rules, she will be safe. 

But when Veda's grandfather is offered up as the next sacrificial offering to keep the Sun's favor, she starts to see that the safety she's been promised comes at a dangerous price. Maybe there is more to fear above than there is below. 

With a mysterious young man, Dorian, at her side, Veda has to figure out if the scary bedtime stories she grew up hearing are real--or dangerous lies.

Can you briefly describe Beware the night and their main characters?

First off, I’m so happy to be on a book tour with FFBC! What a perfect way to kick off the release of Beware the Night! Thank you so much for having me. 

Here’s a brief blurb for Beware the Night: When her world divides, pitting light against dark, Veda must join a dangerous revolution to save her grandfather and fight against injustice...even if it costs her the boy she loves. 

The story centers around three teens and several significant side characters. But as for the main characters…

First is Veda Adeline: Veda is a member of the Basso working class. She can out-fish anyone on the island, adores and is protective of her grandfather, and isn’t afraid to bend the law if it means survival. Veda has a heart of gold and would keep the entire island fed with fresh fish if she was allowed. She also holds a special place in her heart for Nico, her best friend since childhood, but knows, because of their society, they can never be more. Veda will discover, deep down, that she’s a warrior like her mother was.

Nico Denali: Nico is a member of the ruling Dogio class. He also happens to be the son of a very powerful family and with that comes heavy expectation. His friendship with Veda isn’t forbidden but is definitely discouraged and frowned upon. He loves his family but would do anything for Veda. Nico is quietly stoic, honest, and fiercely loyal. 

Dorian Winters: Dorian is a bit of a mystery… Aside from seeing him around the island, Veda’s only memory of Dorian is from childhood: Dorian would pelt birds with rocks in the market square and she would shout he leave them alone. But he unexpectedly resurfaces and, somehow, despite his sarcasm and playful attitude, he and Veda become quick friends. Dorian is all sass and strength on the outside but a total sweetheart on the inside. He also happens to hold a few dark secrets. 

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

Probably Bronwyn, Dorian's sister. She originally had more screen time, but with the nature of revisions, her character got severely axed. Bronwyn loves animals, is quietly observant but also fairly cunning, and really enjoys baking and giving to others. She's loyal to her friends and family and, while she's not much of a fighter, will certainly do what she has to to protect what she loves.

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

Usually, at least for me, ideas for stories come in waves. My inspiration for Beware the Night was no different. Originally, the concept was sparked after the horrific tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan in 2011. I began thinking about isolation and islands and was, at that point, veering more toward a post-apocalyptic story about a girl and her mother. But, as these things go, that early conception morphed and evolved and then eventually bloomed into what is now Beware the Night: a story about love, strength, loss, fear, and pushing against the status quo set on a remote island within a dystopian society.

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

Definitely Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men. The lyrics, the mood, the haunting melody… It was the backdrop of many a writing session for Beware the Night. 

If your book was about to become a movie/TV show, who would you see playing as the characters in Beware the Night? 

Caveat—I am not amazing at this, lol. That said…

Veda: A red-headed Kiernan Shipka 

Nico: Tyler Posey

Dorian: Josh Whitehouse (but with blonde hair)

Since it is still cold outside, what hot drink do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

Love this questions! I’m going to have to say a nice, spicy chai latte—hot, like the sun but also earthy and layered with a mix of spices Bronwyn would absolutely love to bake with! 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish Beware the Night?

It’s not out until next year but Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal is going to be absolutely fabulous! Definitely pick up A Soldier and a Liar by Caitlin Lockner, it’s wonderful. And I have to always recommend one of my all-time favorite books EVER, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 

What’s next for you?

Actually, I’m working on several projects at the moment. Most pressing is the sequel to Beware the Night (title soon to be announced). It’s currently in edits. Writing sequels is HARD but the editing process is proving easier than with Beware the Night (yay!). I’m super excited about continuing Veda’s story! Aside from that, I’m working on edits for another YA fantasy/dystopian called DARK GENTIAN. It’s sort of an old west Count of Monte Cristo mash up. I’m also deep into my first middle grade project, A SWEATER FOR THE BURROW—a loose Robin Hood retelling but with knitting and dirigibles. It’s currently in my highly competent agent’s hands and hopefully will be going on submission soon.

Jessika Fleck is an author, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. Her YA debut, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled TEEN), is now available. Her next YA novel, BEWARE THE NIGHT (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases March 12, 2019. More at www.jessikafleck.com.

Interview with Rin Chupeco for The Shadowglass blog tour

The Shadow Glass (The Bone Witch #3)

by Rin Chupeco
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: March 1st 2019

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

The dramatic finale to The Bone Witch series! Tea's dark magic eats away at her, but she must save the one she loves most, even while her life—and the kingdoms—are on the brink of destruction.

In the Eight Kingdoms, none have greater strength or influence than the asha, who hold elemental magic. But only a bone witch has the power to raise the dead. Tea has used this dark magic to breathe life into those she has loved and lost...and those who would join her army against the deceitful royals. But Tea's quest to conjure a shadowglass, to achieve immortality for the one person she loves most in the world, threatens to consume her.

Tea's heartsglass only grows darker with each new betrayal. Her work with the monstrous azi, her thirst for retribution, her desire to unmask the Faceless—they all feed the darkrot that is gradually consuming her heartsglass. She is haunted by blackouts and strange visions, and when she wakes with blood on her hands, Tea must answer to a power greater than the elder asha or even her conscience. Tea's life—and the fate of the kingdoms—hangs in the balance.

Can you briefly describe the world in The Bone Witch series and their main characters and what’s happening in The Shadowglass?

The Bone Witch is about Tea Pahlavi, who learns she is a rare Dark asha when she accidentally raises her brother from the dead. Sent to be trained in the world of necromancy by asha, women who can also channel similar abilities, Tea discovers that Dark asha are feared (and called “bone witches” as a kind of slur) because they can also control and put down daeva – constantly resurrecting monsters that roam the land. Dark asha’s lifespans are shortened because of this, and that Dark asha are susceptible to darkrot, which can drive one mad with power. She is desperate to find a way to save her and her mentor’s life. At the same time she must contend with Faceless – a group of men and women who can also channel the Dark, and wishes to attain immortality and full control of all the daeva by creating shadowglass. Eventually, Tea sees most of society turning against her, including Fox (who fears the darkrot has taken hold of her), as she decides nothing will stop her from finding the eponymous Shadowglass – even if it means sacrificing almost everything else.

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

I’m always going to be partial to Zoya I think, because so much of her personality is from my own. Likh is an easy second – it was difficult to define her as a trans woman in a world where the definitions of it do not exist yet, but I’d like to think I did well to honor her story. She was so easy to write and I love her status among readers as the world’s most beloved cinnamon roll! 

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

The Bone Witch came at a difficult, sleep-deprived time in my life. I just had my first son, which was an emotional time. I had a brother I never knew, who died before I was born, and I started wondering about what our relationship would have been like had he lived. It’s how Fox first came to be, who’s sort of an idealized version of the brother I would have liked to have.

What’s your favourite quote from this third book?

It’s actually a huge spoiler, so this is the next best thing: this is a song Tea sings... when she’s blindingly drunk and pretty much making a fool of herself in a tavern:

Kiss me with your generous mouth,

That source of endless wine.

Kiss me close when season’s drouth,

Your lips a taste of mine.

Through storm-led skies and sun-dried fires,

Our love ’twas meant to be.

When roses fade on funeral pyres

I’ll carry your heart with me.

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

Like Real People Do, by Hozier. I think the lyrics are especially foreshadow-y for The Shadowglass:

I had a thought, dear

However scary

About that night

The bugs and the dirt

Why were you digging?

What did you bury

Before those hands pulled me

From the earth?

I will not ask you where you came from

I will not ask you, neither should you

Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips

We should just kiss like real people do

Which one would you say it is your favourite book in the Bone Witch series and why?

I think it would probably be the Heartforger, mainly because I was nearly driven out of my mind writing it. It’s got a fairly complex plot and I was juggling that with character development/romance, backstories, atmosphere, and side plots, and I wasn’t sure I could fit that all in in 120k words or less.

That said though, I’m gonna say that the Shadowglass is probably the best ending I’ve ever written so far. I’m a bit proud of it. I don’t know if people will consider it a happy ending per se, but it was a very satisfying ending to write.

Can you tell us 3 things Tea can’t live without?

Since she’s been living in exile on her own at the start of the series, she’s learned to let go of a lot of things. But-

1. Kalen, obviously

2. also Fox, obviously

3. a potion created specifically for her at the apothecary, that gives her feelings of confidence. 

Since it is still cold outside, what hot drink do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

hot buttered rum, because that’s how we roll (Use spiced apple cider and not water please, though. We’re not animals.)

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish The Shadowglass?

I want to sing the praises of this wonderfully beautiful book called GIDEON THE NINTH, by Tasmyn Nuir. This has every aesthetic I want in a book (sarcastic fighting lesbian necromancers? Hell yes) and the prose is so beautiful, I just want to drink it up! And Beth Revis’ GIVE THE DARK MY LOVE is an astoundingly beautiful book considering it is also about necromancy!

What’s next for you?

I have THE NEVER TILTING WORLD coming out from HarperTeen on October 15 of this year! It’s about twin goddesses trapped in a world permanently divided between night and day, trying to solve the reasons for the cataclysm that stopped their world from moving, before shadows and monsters can consume everything they hold dear.

I also have WICKED AS YOU WISH out in 2020, which is the first book in my A HUNDRED NAMES FOR MAGIC series. Here, fairytales are a part of history, and a young Filipina descended from the heroine Maria Makiling must aid a young prince in taking back his frozen kingdom of Avalon from the Snow Queen, when Avalon’s most powerful weapon, a firebird, arrives at her doorstep.

Pre-order Campaign!

Hi guys

Would you like to sign up for a pre-order campaign of THE SHADOWGLASS (out March 5, 2019) and get these goodies, guys

US/Canada: https://t.co/9TctpIdWPm
International: https://t.co/Gg0cZ6vMJb
Alternate option: https://t.co/wWQBHOpYrh pic.twitter.com/WJZOJnfMVD

— Rin Chupeco [The Shadowglass out 3/5/19] (@RinChupeco) January 12, 2019

Despite an unsettling resemblance to Japanese revenants, Rin always maintains her sense of hummus. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, she keeps four pets: a dog, two birds, and a husband. Dances like the neighbors are watching.

She is represented by Rebecca Podos of the Helen Rees Agency. She is also fond of speaking in the third person, and may as well finish this short bio in this manner. While she does not always get to check her Goodreads page, she does answer questions posed to her here as promptly as she is able to.

a Rafflecopter giveaway