Interview with Melissa de la Cruz for The Queen's Assassin

The Queen's Assassin (Queen's Secret #1)

by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Release Date: February 4th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Red Queen, this is the first novel in a sweeping YA fantasy-romance duet about a deadly assassin, his mysterious apprentice, and the country they are sworn to protect from #1 NYT bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.

Caledon Holt is the Kingdom of Renovia's deadliest weapon. No one alive can best him in brawn or brains, which is why he's the Guild's most dangerous member and the Queen's one and only assassin. He's also bound to the Queen by an impossible vow--to find the missing Deian Scrolls, the fount of all magical history and knowledge, stolen years ago by a nefarious sect called the Aphrasians.

Shadow has been training all her life to follow in the footsteps of her mother and aunts--to become skilled enough to join the ranks of the Guild. Though magic has been forbidden since the Aphrasian uprising, Shadow has been learning to control her powers in secret, hoping that one day she'll become an assassin as feared and revered as Caledon Holt.

When a surprise attack brings Shadow and Cal together, they're forced to team up as assassin and apprentice to hunt down a new sinister threat to Renovia. But as Cal and Shadow grow closer, they'll uncover a shocking web of lies and secrets that may destroy everything they hold dear. With war on the horizon and true love at risk, they'll stop at nothing to protect each other and their kingdom in this stunning first novel in the Queen's Secret series.

Can you briefly describe THE QUEEN’S ASSASSIN and its characters?

It is about the kingdom’s most dangerous assassin, Caledon Holt and a mysterious girl named Shadow and their tangled adventures in politics, deception and magic. 

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

I love both Shadow and Cal equally, it’s hard to choose one over the other. Shadow is headstrong and spirited and Cal has a tough exterior that hides a vulnerable heart. I love both of them. But maybe my favourite character is Queen Lilliana as I’ve always sympathized with adults who make hard decisions.

How did the story occur to you? 

I literally dreamt of the characters. When I woke up I wanted to know more about them so I wrote the book.

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

Diego Luna looks a lot like Cal, so a young Diego Luna. For Shadow, Zendaya would be great.

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

Someplace where they serve mulled wine. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish THE QUEEN’S ASSASSIN?

They can try my book THE RING AND THE CROWN, which has romance, magic and politics in it as well.

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

Starting.

What’s next for you?

April brings my first graphic novel GOTHAM HIGH, and then summer brings my Little Women re-telling JO & LAURIE written with Margaret Stohl! I also have a new middle grade series starting in December called NEVER AFTER. And of course the sequel to Queen’s Assassin, THE QUEEN’S SECRET comes out in 2021.

Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.

Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.

She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.

Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).

She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.

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👑 G I V E A W A Y 👑 . Happy Tuesday, beautiful bookish people! . It is very windy here with lots of rain and cold ❄ and my family keeps telling me how hot they are in Spain☀️ Definitely not fair. . #QOTD: What’s your favourite bookish royal? I am having difficulties choosing! . Today, we are celebrating @authormelissadelacruz new release, THE QUEEN’S ASSASSIN. I have always fallen hard for books with romance, royalty, danger, assassins, missions lead by blood promises and… pretty covers. Always the pretty covers drag me in. The story has all the above and presents the story of Renovia’s royals and how the two main characters’ lives, Cal and Shadow, become intertwined. Moreover, the abrupt and unexpected ending leaves all readers waiting for the next book like the bookaddicts we are. . . I really enjoyed this novel, and I have partnered with @mbc_books to give you the opportunity to win a copy of the book. . . Entries for the giveaway: ▪︎Follow @theffbc & @whatmakespatri ▪︎Follow @authormelissadelacruz ▪︎Follow @penguinteen & @mbc_books ▪︎Follow your account (for your stop!) ▪︎Answer my QOTD. Extra entries: ▪︎Tag a friend (each friend will be an extra entry). ▪︎Share the giveaway on your stories (tag @whatmakespatri & @theffbc) ▪︎Follow @michellesulk & @artsyreadergirl ▪︎Follow any other FFBC team member participating in the tour (let us know on the comment section who did you follow): @sometimesleelynnreads @ya.its.lit @shelfrated @novelknight @jessicabeckett @whispersandwonder @foalsfictionandfiligree @wishfulendings @l.m.durand @b.b.lynnreads @gwendalyn_books_ @anewlookonbooks @starcrossedbookblog @morganvegawrite @inkymoments @mabookyard @the.magicalpages @booking_belle @love2dazzle @pretty_little_bibliophile @kaitplusbooks @bookishzelda @shalini_g26 @thereadingcornerforall @confessionsofayareader @shelflifechronicles . . #thequeensassassin #melissadelacruz #penguinteen #bookshimmy #bookdragon #creativebookstagram #bookclub #bookgram #igreads #ireadya #booksatgram #bookporn #instabook #booksofinstagram #bookphotography #booklover #bookworm #bookshelf #bookaddict #bookgiveaway

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Interview with Pintip Dunn for Malice

Malice

by Pintip Dunn
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: February 4th 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Synopsis:

What I know: a boy in my class will one day wipe out two-thirds of the population with a virus.

What I don’t know: who he is.

In a race against the clock, I not only have to figure out his identity, but I'll have to outwit a voice from the future telling me to kill him. Because I'm starting to realize no one is telling the truth. But how can I play chess with someone who already knows the outcome of my every move? Someone so filled with malice they've lost all hope in humanity? Well, I'll just have to find a way—because now they've drawn a target on the only boy I've ever loved....

Can you briefly describe MALICE and its characters?

MALICE is about a girl who learns that ten years from now, a classmate will create a virus that wipes out two-thirds of the world. Not only does she have to figure out who he is, but she has to decide if she can take his still-innocent life today, in order to save millions in the future. 

Alice is bad at cooking and as loyal as the time stream is long. I almost feel badly about what I put her through... except I’m also giving her Bandit, the arrogant, blue-haired Thai boy who is absolutely my favorite hero. (I used to qualify that statement by saying that he “might” be my fav, but now I'm just going to come right out and say it. So there. Just don't tell Tanner. Or Carr. Or Logan.) 

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

Bandit, for sure! He was inspired by my confident eleven-year-old son, who’s dyed his hair blue no less than four times. It was a pure joy and honor for me to write a hero who is both Asian and swoony... even if my sister was horrified to learn that she was crushing on a grown-up version of her nephew! 

When I was a little girl, doing my very best to read every book in the children’s section of my public library, I never imagined that one day, I would be able to publish a novel that featured a Thai hero. I am so grateful to the YA community for helping to make this unrealized dream come true. 

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

I was having drinks with my amazing editor, and she mentioned this inkling of an idea that she thought was directly in my wheel-house — it had time travel and end-of-the-world stakes and big moral questions. I was instantly intrigued! We continued talking and brainstorming (and drinking), and by the end of the night, I had a new book deal!

Of course, it took many months and drafts to turn that quick high concept into a fully fleshed-out story! But that is where the idea was born — in a bar in Atlanta during the RT BookLovers Convention in 2017. 

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

Crystallize, by Lindsey Stirling. I’m a pretty big Lindsey Stirling fan — we’ve been to her winter concert the last two years — and this song is just magical. She explains that she thinks the song is about inner beauty, as water crystallizes differently whether it’s exposed to positive or negative comments. 

I think this song speaks to the faith that people are essentially good and can change for the better — which is what MALICE is about. 

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

You know, this question is always the most difficult one for me to answer, as I don’t watch a lot of tv. However, I think what I would be most concerned about is making sure they find the right person to play Bandit. It would be amazing if they could cast a young, handsome Thai actor, such as Nadech Kugimiya or James Ma! But if that weren’t possible, I would love someone like Ryan Potter — who even has green hair as Beast Boy! 

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

For a perfect book date, I would take MALICE to a cute, trendy restaurant with great atmosphere and sip a kir royale (champagne with cassis), which is my drink of choice. In a really perfect fantasy, I would then order boiled rice and sea bass to eat — the ultimate comfort food that Bandit cooks for Alice. Full disclosure, though: this dish is really a breakfast or late night meal, so it might not be found in a trendy restaurant that servers kir royales! 

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

Honestly, the novels that are most similar to MALICE are . . . my other novels. I’d recommended STAR-CROSSED if readers want another stand-alone. In this book, a princess has been tasked with finding a boy fit to die so that her father, the King, may continue to live. The only problem is: the best candidate is the boy she’s loved all of her life. If, instead, readers are interested in an epic trilogy, I’d recommend my FORGET TOMORROW series, which takes place in a world where memories can be sent to their younger selves. In Book 1, my heroine sees a vision of the unthinkable: her future self killing her beloved younger sister. 

I’m also a big fan of Lydia Kang’s TOXIC and NOVEMBER GIRL and Fonda Lee’s ZEROBOXER. This past year, I also read and really enjoyed Julie Dao’s FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS and Emiko Jean’s EMPRESS OF ALL SEASONS. Last but not least, I am dying to read Abigail Hing Wen’s LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI! 

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

I think the most difficult part of writing a book is the muddy middle! Over the years, I’ve learned (or at least have gotten much better at!) writing the middle of a story, but there’s always a period during that time when I wonder if I’ve forgotten how to write. I look back at my previously published stories and am flabbergasted that I somehow managed to accomplish this seemingly impossible feat of writing an entire book! Every time, I am shocked when (and if!) I get to The End. Every. Single. Time.

What’s next for you?

I have a really fun #ownvoices YA rom com coming out in September, 2020! It’s called DATING MAKES PERFECT, and it features a Thai heroine and hero. The cover (which I hope we can reveal soon) is – dare I say it? – absolutely perfect. 

Here’s a bit about the book: 

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name — hence the shortened, awkward moniker. 

But simply because they’re not allowed.

Until now.

Sixteen-year-old Panida just wants to find herself since her older sisters have deserted her for higher education. Midnight karaoke parties are not the same when there’s only one of you. Too bad her parents have other plans. 

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, her parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” 

Her sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had LOTS of dating practice. 

So now, her parents have declared war on the status quo. Not only must their youngest daughter, Panida, date in high school in order to practice her relationship skills, but she must do so under their watchful eyes.

The Techs will decide when, where, and how each date occurs. And with whom. Especially with whom.

Their first candidate? The son of their long-time friends, Mat Songsomboon— arrogant, dreamy, and infuriating. 

Panida’s known him since they were toddlers throwing sticky rice balls at each other —and he would be the perfect person for her to practice dating. 

If only he weren’t her sworn enemy.

Pintip Dunn is a New York Times bestselling author of young adult fiction. She graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B., and received her J.D. at Yale Law School.

Her novel FORGET TOMORROW won the 2016 RWA RITA® for Best First Book, and SEIZE TODAY won the 2018 RITA for Best Young Adult Romance. Her books have been translated into four languages, and they have been nominated for the following awards: the Grand Prix del'Imaginaire; the Japanese Sakura Medal; the MASL Truman Award; the TomeSociety It list; and the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award.

Her other titles include REMEMBER YESTERDAY, THE DARKEST LIE, GIRL ON THE VERGE, STAR-CROSSED, and MALICE.

She lives with her husband and children in Maryland.

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Interview with Adalyn Grace for All The Stars and Teeth

All the Stars and Teeth (All the Stars and Teeth #1)

by Adalyn Grace
Publisher: Imprint
Release Date: February 4th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Pirates

Synopsis:

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.

She will reign.

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.

Can you briefly describe ALL THE STARS AND TEETH and its characters?

All the Stars and Teeth is an epic fantasy about a fierce (and a bit morally grey) princess who is forced to team up with a mysterious pirate if she’s to save her kingdom from a new magical threat. It’s a fast-paced adventure featuring seven unique magic systems, a rag-tag crew of four oddballs that have my heart, and a whole lot of swordfights.

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

Though I’m partial to Amora, I love all of the characters for different reasons. I love Amora’s unwavering determination and ambition, and how unapologetically herself she is. Bastian, I love for his humour and passion. Vataea for her fierceness and snark. And Ferrick for just being Ferrick. 

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

This story came first with Amora. It’s no secret that male characters get away with a lot more than female characters in books/tv/media. They can be conniving, spoiled, and arrogant, but so long as they have a cut jaw and sharp cheekbones, they’re heartthrobs and definitely in someone’s ship. For female characters, they typically get to be: super nice, understanding, and helpful toward others, or super vicious and bad ass. If they’re anywhere in the middle, they often get this super lovely term that people are programmed to associate only with females: bratty. 

I wanted to challenge these biases we’ve been raised to believe, and create a heroine who didn’t need to fit any societal mold. I wanted her to love gowns and courting as much as she loves being in the thick of action and swordfights. From her, the world and magic system flourished. But this book very much started with Amora. 

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

I’m going to cheat and say the entire Witcher 3 soundtrack. The book would not be what it is now, had I not been listening to that on repeat. I remember going into drafting chapter 4 in particular, and not having a clue what Amora’s magic or demonstration was going to be. Then all of a sudden, someone started scream-chanting on the Witcher 3 soundtrack, and my brain was like, “Yes. Perfect. This is exactly the vibe I want. Time to make that happen.” 

And thus chapter 4 was born. 

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

I always think this is such a fun question, but I have such a boring answer! I’d really love to see all new faces for ATSAT. The only exception is Eddie Redmayne, who I see as Ferrick way too vividly. He’s a bit too old to play him now, but in his older films I can’t help but to see him as Ferrick!

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

I’d say rum on the beach for our older readers, and maybe some nice POG juice for everyone else! Or, you know, hot tea and a cozy couch. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish ALL THE STARS AND TEETH?

Be on the lookout for Adrienne Young’s upcoming book, FABLE! If you enjoyed All the Stars and Teeth, you’ll probably really enjoy that book. There aren’t any pirates, but there are ships, deep sea diving, travel, and a whole lot of swoon. Astrid Scholte’s THE VANISHING DEEP is another super cool book with a world built around the water too, for people who are looking for more watery settings!

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

I think just sitting down and doing it is the hardest part, as we’re in a world full of so many easy distractions. In terms of being an author, I think the most difficult part is adjusting to the shift of no longer just writing for fun, but for work. It’s also a fiercely competitive industry, and there are a lot of hurdles and feelings of comparison you have to mentally overcome. We often talk about the shiny aspects of publishing and book writing, but don’t prepare newer authors enough for the difficulties. Being in author is wonderful, but it’s also very hard mentally and physically, and I think we should talk about that more so that writers can better prepare themselves for this industry. 

What’s next for you?

I’m working on edits for Book 2 right now, to have it ready for everyone in anticipation of them yelling at me after Book 1’s ending . . . :)

Adalyn Grace graduated Summa Cum Laude when she was 19-years-old. She spent four years working in live theater, and acted as the managing editor of a nonprofit newspaper. During and after college, she studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular animated show, The Legend of Korra (sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender). She was a participant in Pitch Wars 2016, and is a former literary agent intern for an established agency.

Adalyn splits time between San Diego and Arizona with her bossy cat and two dorky dogs, and spends her days writing full time while trying to find the city’s best burrito.

She has several projects in the works, and hopes to continually push the boundaries and explore the limits of upper young adult fiction.

You can follow her on Twitter, at @AdalynGrace_

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