AK-REVENGE OF THE WILD ***

So in a nut shell, I thought this book jumped straight in to the action, the paragraphs were nice and short-generally perfect length, full of laughs, plot twists, teen drama, and a love triangle that went right.

So characters? Well first of all Ellie Paige. Who is the main character. In the last book, she seemed like the type of person who you'd take home and give milk too. This book, she came back stronger. Still, I can only see her as a little sister who needs a stern talking too about trusting people we shouldn't trust, but other than that, I thought she had something to offer in this story, other than being a main character. She's grown.
Kelly. Why is she so weird? I don't know. I wont go in to her all around personality because as a reader, she's a sub character, as an over analyser, she's untrustworthy. Like a whole new kind. And I don't like her at all.
Bella. How to describe Bella? I don't think I can. I don't think anyone except Ellie Paige can describe Bella. She's trouble. And if you need a reason to dislike the girl, there are plenty.

Ok, characters and plot rolled in to one.
Bella and Conner. If you've read the other book in the series, you know about Conner so I wont go in to him, either. But Bella and Conner? No. I was so glad when Ellie's folks tried to kick her out of the house. Read the book to find out why.

Ok, I've got to make a comment about Shay. Who is Shay? Don't ask, just don't. He's the one that cheats on girls. Which is confusing because he has the personally of a soggy shoe, I might of liked Bella a bit more if she'd have eaten him or something during a cooking class and stated she was sampling her food.

As you might be able to tell, there are a lot of characters to keep up with.

The plot? Great question. I actually don't know what the whole plot is about. Sure, its action packed, teenish drama, "this is so last season" comments that are clearly last season (See what I did there?)jealousy for a love interest (that's funny, actually) trouble, lots of trouble, and comments about Thicko's whatever one of those are, and family crisis'. But I kept getting confused to what was actually happening. I did get back on track again almost immediately after, and I think the whole confusion part might be on me.

There is a lot of drama though, girl drama, guy drama, friends drama, parents drama, drama lessons, drama pyjama's, drama drama. Love.

That's right folks, we have a love interest. Literally. Maybe I wasn't feeling the love connection which is why I didn't see this coming. But nevertheless, we have love drama.

He loves her she loves him and all.

Oh, and I should mention-he's a tough guy in the first book, at the end of this one-he CRIES! Actually, cryage. Whoa. I'd run. But El, she seems pretty ok with it.

Lastly there are some confusing grammar issues. "Crackling of a twig" "Me and Conner smiled at each other" "Me and Kate" and an over use of "Mum and Dad." But this isn't an issue, it doesn't effect the book, at all, so really there wasn't a point in me mentioning it.

Overall, I liked this book. It was something to keep me amused for a while and I thought that it was light, amusing, and had a couple of perks that made me keep reading on and on and on. So here's my backhanded compliment of a review.

But...remember people, "No werewolf survives alone."(

RISING FANG AK ***

           ** spoiler alert ** In a nut shell: I thought this book was pretty ok. I found that the paragraph's were nice and short, and that the chapters weren't so long that I'd fall asleep in the middle of a page (Which is awesome, right?) So I really applaud that.
I made a bunch of notes during this read so I could go in to detail, such as "Normal except that he has dyslexia."
I'm going to say that isn't as bad as my head makes it out. I guess I'm sensitive about that because c'mon, how many kids cry in front of an assembly because they can't read the word 'Accurate' Flash back. Poor eight year old me. ANYWAY, normal is a word that I hate. Normal defines nothing at all. I don't blame anyone for it, nor do I blame the writer or the story, I just felt like venting for a second there because I could. Sorry.

Ok, so also there is little detail. I'm the kind of person who likes detail because without detail there isn't anything at all. I like to build up a huge picture to work off and there's a lot of room for imagination in this story. Some of the grammar is off though, but its not like it attracts from the story, which I may add, is a good thing!

Ellie Paige. Bless her cotton wolf socks. I don't know, I like that that girl. I want to take her home and pet her. No pun intended there, obviously, but I thought she had an interesting voice and I was glad that we saw a couple of sides to her. I think she's interesting, but isn't scoring many cool points. Either way, she's believable, and I applaud that, too.
So there's a character called K. Not her full name, but I like the name K better, I think it suits her, so Anfal did a good job selecting that. I liked her throughout this, she seemed a little...drippy? at times, but I think that helped the development of Ellie.
Connor. Bless his heart. He really needs a chill pill, and Ellie needs to get as far away from that bad boy as possible. I mean he shaves? AND he has anger issues by the looks of it. But this makes him human (ignore the saying) and that really works, I think.
Oh, Kaz, by the way, the other "K" is really sarcastic. Sarcasm, is something that makes me laugh, so overall, Kaz makes me laugh. That is hard to do. I don't laugh. I'm like a stone with a brain. (A Stoain?)

Did I mention that there's a joke about JB being a girl? Yeah. There is. If there's a reason to cheer in this world, this is it. I don't know if Anfal is a JB fan, but who cares, that line had me nodding. "More applause"


Then there's the mention of Dr's and Shrinks. Another one of my weak points. They wanted to put this person on meds because she thought she was seeing Wolves. Well, she was seeing wolves. (lol?) But that seemed unrealistic seems they don't put people on meds on for hallucinations unless they're causing...concern.

WOLFSBANE! Don't know if I spelled that right, but that was a twist. It was an interesting twist. I'm not going to ruin that for you but it excited me a little. I mean, wold on wolfsbane? You can see the trouble a mile off, and again, I applause, because I didn't see that twist coming.

AMAZING CHAPTER DRAWINGS! JUST THOUGHT I WOULD BREAK UP THE REVIEW TO DRAW ATTENTION TO HOW AWESOME THEY ARE!

Oh Oh Oh, K and Jack fiasco! That's cool. You should check that out.
Plus...an interesting run away twist. No going to go in to that either, but you know, check that out.

Ok, I think I've said enough. I'm going to unramble that and give you a short version of the review.
Its good, its witty, its quick, its an interesting take on the wolf genre, and it shows us an insight in to the mind of a fourteen year old girl who has this issue of being a wolf. I'd say its a younger teen thing, but nevertheless, I'm excited to read #2. Bring it on, and I well done to Anfal for achieving the practically impossible task of making me appreciate wolf books.

So yeah, I'd recommend it.

RACE BY BETHANY WALKERS **

I wasn't overly entertained with RACE by BETHANY WALKERS. I found the plot was structured well and on an academic level there was a variety of language features, sentence structures and nice short chapters that didn't waffle on for sixty pages, which was completely fantastic.
However, on a creative level I wasn't really thrilled with this. The characters didn't seem believable to me, they seemed to be younger, naïve, like they hadn't seen the world and they were still living in the bubble of protection. I don't know, maybe its a matter of perspective. Everyone's seen different things in life and done different things, and on phycology level this fascinates me, but I'm not really sure of the characters backgrounds, why they do the things they do, why the go to places they go, why they say the things they say. It didn't really match up to them. They didn't seem to be the people they were. It was as though overall they aren't understood as they were created as other people.
I didn't feel any emotion either. I just read, like I was simply existing in my world and they were in their own.
Maybe its me, not them. Who knows? But I do know that RACE confused the hell out of me. (Which lets be honest, isn't hard.)
I GOT THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
  

Also Known As (Also Known As #1) RB ****

Also known as by Robin Beway!

Rating: 4/5
Cover rating: 4/5
Overall opinion: This book is good!

In a nut shell: I loved this book! Not only is it fun and exciting but its actually really funny! Although after reading other series this story is a little weak but its full of action and humour and all things exciting! Honestly, I'm really glad I read this because overall it made a great read!

Characters: Ok Roux was cool, but a little OTT. Maggie was also cool but I thought she was nothing like Roux despite other characters opinions. Jesse Oliver didn't really match up this first description and I think he seemed a little out of place. The parents also weren't my favourite and I think that Angela was NOT a convincing brit. Take this from one--he was as British as a happy meal. But overall these characters bounce off each other and create a happy-go-lucky kind of group.

Plot: Original as it gets (Spoiler) What was with the I love you's? I mean, it was great, but I didn't buy the ending. It was kind of romantic too, not really in an epic OMG I am swooning kind of way, but a aww cute these guys remind me of my baby siblings kind of way. I didn't really think to myself "Aww, I want a relationship like that. Why has no one ever brought me a sugar ring"--I know right he did that, just no--and I mean why? Why didn't I feel like this? One simple reason--its a cute read but not an epic adventure.

Overall I'd recommend this to teenagers who really want a cute simple read that doesn't really challenge the mind. Its cute, honestly, and I've read it a couple times just to make sure I've made up my mind. This book isn't for everyone just for a fair warning, but please--don't just pass it by. Its worth it just to hear Maggie the main character try and fit in to secondary (High school-sorry I'm English) school.  Its worth it for that and the "haha's" that follow.

 

Adrians lost chapter-RM ****

When Richelle first sat down to write Bloodlines each chapter was narrated by a different Character.

This is Adrian's lost story...

I liked this but one chapter was enough.
This was full of complaints and I think that hearing from Adrian in the beginning and the aftermath was nice, even if there wasn't much. I enjoyed it a lot and I think it was a good idea that it was scraped because a whole book about moping wouldn't have been great. As always though, the writing is a-maz-ing and Adrian is a-maz-ing.         

**** Stars From me!

Homecoming-- RM (VA5.5) **

Goodreads says: Homecoming is about Rose and Dimitri, the couple from Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series.They are going back to Russia to see Dimitir's family, something that both of them sorely need. Dimitri had finally been restored into a dhampir, after being forcibly changed into strigoi. his family needs to see him for themselves, and Rose needs to go back to Russia and face her trauma from the trip she made before.

Interesting, actually.
I didnt really buy the ending, but it was ok. I felt like it wasn't the homecoming that they needed, but nevertheless it was more than I expected them to get.
As always Rose and Dimitri are a great pair, and I loved seeing how his family had turned out in the end, as well as the grandma who I really loved.         
(This is me trying not to be too upset with this because  wouldn't rate this more than 2.5 *sobs*)

--Very nice cover though--

A Gallager Wedding! AC *****

A Gallager Wedding--AC

Rating: 4.50
Author: Ally Carter
Series: Gallager Girls.

In a nut shell: I wasn't overly impressed by this story and I was really sad this THIS IS THE END! How sad is this!?!? It's very sad, very very very.
I spend years in love with Spy school and this ending wasn't what I expected, but it was closure nevertheless.
Thank you Ally C, thank you so much, thank you for completing my life, or at least shaping it.

So, those were my first thoughts. After reading this, I'd say, 1,000 more times, that this still isn't what i expected, but overall, its still great.
The wedding though--whoa. I was a little shocked at the coupling with this, and it is mentioned in UWS and I'm surprisingly happy to see those two together.

As always the writing is great. Its short, and I wanted so much more... but *sobs* so many feelings.
I love everything about the GG books, and this short story shouldn't be read until after United We Spy--but it should be read!! Its an end of an wonderful relationship with the GG and the beginning, or just well, the beginning... (Can's words in If I told you..)

Interview with Julia Suzuki!!! Land of Dragor!!!

Interview with Julia Suzuki!
Author of Land of Dragor!! http://www.juliasuzuki.com @juliasuzuki_uk

Hi Julia! First of all, what inspired you to begin writing The Land of Dragor?

• The Dragor setting was influenced by my travels having visited many amazing places around the world throughout my career. I included many of my favourite spots.
• The plot itself was inspired by some of the challenges I had faced when growing up - I wanted to use what I had learned to help others.
• I like to make people smile and try to always think about that as an end-result when I write. I believe that is a gift I was given, one I was meant to share.

 What is your main inspiration in life?

The stories of successful people inspire me - those who had a dream and made that a reality. I truly admire their tenacity.

Wow! Did you have the plot in mind before you started to write the book?

I had planned the whole plot before I started writing. One morning I had the inspiration to write The Gift of Charms (Book One), and by the end of that night the whole plot was laid out.

Sounds like you were very busy! What do you enjoy the most about the creative process?

The gems that appear - words that come that seem to leap off the page: a description, a character trait or the inspiration for a new twist in a certain section. I love that 'yes' feeling.

Was any part of the story difficult to write? How did you manage to overcome that?

The hardest part to write for me was the beginning. I understand the importance of getting this right with it being the part that makes the reader either put a book down or carry on. Naturally, I wanted my novel to be as compelling as possible. I wrote the beginning over and over again, often changing parts and even returning bits I had removed.

Have you ever found yourself having writers block?

No - not once. I believe I must be blessed to never have. But! Never say never!

That's very lucky!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!
Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have always enjoyed writing stories. My favourite school subject was English and I excelled at it. So I guess being an author was a natural transition after I found there was no other career where I felt at home.

If you could be any character you've created, who would you be-- and why?

Well that would be Amlie, Yoshiko's friend. She is feisty and persistent and will not take any messing :)

That's a very good choice! Do you plan on writing any other genres?

I would like to write romance one day. But Dragor is my heart and soul, so that would not be any time soon.

 

I'll keep my eye's peeled for that!
How many stories have you planned within the Land of Dragor series?

I am not allowed to say yet! My publisher holds that confidentially. But, what I can say is that Dragor will be around for a good while :)

That's good to hear!
So, If you could be any character you haven't created, who would you be, and why?

Definitely Tinkerbell! She is expressive, high octane and likes to help others with her fairy dust. Just the kind of girl I respect lol ;)

Haha, Tinkerbell does have an appeal to her!

What is the name of your favourite book?

The Enchanted Wood - Enid Blyton

Good choice! Favourite food?

Peaches

We have that in common! If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and why?

To touch someone and make all their worries fade. There is so much anxiety in society and life being short we should all worry less. Oh and to magic the appearance of money - the 'Midas Touch' would be most useful :)

 

That's a very good answer! Dogs or cats?

Dogs

 

Is there one thing you carry around with you all the time?

Perfume

If you could live in any book world, which one would it be?

Jane Austen - what a romantic period!

 

I agree! Favourite place to write?

The train

 

Favourite smell?

Dior Homme aftershave and Dior Hypnotic Poison perfume

 

Any hobbies?

Tennis, Interior design, Fashion, and sometimes making cakes :)

You sound very skilled! Thank you Julia!
Check out The Gift of Charms (The Land of Dragor,#1) at http://www.juliasuzuki.com !!
Or  @THELANDOFDRAGOR @JULIASUZUKI_UK Follow the series on twitter!

Make you sure you also check out my review of Land of Dragor #1The Gift of Charms!!

The Gift of Charms (The Land of Dragor,#1) Julia Suzuki *****

Land of Dragor series: The Gft of Charms.
Author: Julia Suzuki.

What an amazing start to the Land Of Dragor series! High praise from me indeed!

The Gift of Charms is a meaningful and enigmatic story which is defiantly one to watch.
Throughout the story there are plot twists, exciting scenes, extremely well written description and above all, a fantastic plot. 

The chapters aren’t too long and the writing is gripping, throughout I found myself not needing to flip back a couple of pages for clarification. It’s easy to follow and the characters are dynamic enough to be really realistic.
I adored that the humans take a backseat in the Land Of Dragor series, showing the Dragons as the protagonists.

Through the journey I found myself being sucked in to the story and often I felt as I were there with these characters—the dragons, feeling their emotions and situation.
This is one of the reasons this books stands out, because not only are these Dragons living there life’s as human children would, but they’re also undergoing the same life situations—like school. 

The characters, such as Yoshiko, reflects many young children’s personalities. He has the flaws, he has the diversity of self-consciousness, and not only that, but he shows that everyone is capable of overcoming pretty much everything.
  
It’s an inspirational piece of writing and epic novel of adventure and suspense, life lessons, light humour, and child proof writing—all delivered perfectly.  
Julia Suzuki managed to keep it so insanely out there, and yet, keep it real, which I applaud greatly.
I recommend this story, to not only children, but adults too, because there are many levels to this story: Such as showing anyone—including fantasy characters and childhood hero’s such as dragons, can overcome life pressures, but that really, nothing can, and should, hold you back from your destiny and what you want to do.

This is defiantly one to watch—4.5 stars from me, for creativity, fantastic writing, and the ability to keep even me with the attention span of a goldfish hooked. 

Synopsis: This epic novel, first in the Land of Dragor series transports the reader to the magical Land of Dragor, where seven dragon clans live hidden from man having beaten off the evil dragsaur beasts. Their great wars with the humans are over and the dragons live peacefully among the smoking mud pools and around The Fire Which Must Never Go Out, but the terrible years when they were enslaved by humans have left a lasting scar and they are told they can never soar above the mountains and leave their safe haven to explore the outside world.
There is unease in the air of their mist-filled valley, and the coming of a strange egg heralds a new era. Unlike the normal delicate lilac, this shell is multi-coloured like the contents of a treasure chest. The newborn hatchling is called Yoshiko, but he is immediately treated with suspicion by the elders, and is lucky to survive. The last time a coloured egg was laid, legendary warrior leader Surion was born from a red shell, and with his gift of fire the dragons went to battle with the humans. Will Yoshiko bring a blessing to the clans, or a curse? Could Dragor be about to meet its saviour, or its destroyer?
Chameleon-like Yoshiko is bullied and tormented as he grows up, taunted at fire school as he struggles to produce a jet of flame. Desperate to hide his colour changes, he flees from school one day and finds himself on the fabled mountain of Cattlewick Cave, home to the mysterious and reclusive elder Guya. This chance meeting changes Yoshiko’s life, and as he develops from hatchling to youngling, he is inspired to spread his wings and venture outside Dragor. He returns with magic gifts – but only time will tell if they heal or harm Dragor.

(I received a copy of this book for an honest review.)   ( I also really want to be a dragon now...)      

@THELANDOFDRAGOR @JULIASUZUKI_UK Follow the series on twitter!

Or the website: http://juliasuzuki.com/ 
http://www.landofdragor.com/

Haidji- SG- Interview.

This interview is with author, Haidji, author of the SG- SUICIDE GAMES (and many more)

(http://www.haidji.blogspot.com) Published 2013!

So, hi to Haidji! What first inspired you to begin writing? I write almost all the time, or I paint, what is just another way to write stories.
Everything inspires me, but inspiration can come from a certain moment, a dream, an idea,
inspiration do not comes always from the same source, but it is always there.

Wow! Do you have anyone in your life who inspired you the most to write your stories? No.

Why SG-Suicide games? Was it always something you wanted to write? SG- Suicide Game is based in a dream I had.
I woke up and fell asleep this night several times (scared) and the dream continued until the end of the story.
As I finally woke up in the morning, still scared, I though: "What the hell what that?"
The next thought was:
"Write a book about it"
And I started to write the book. It took years.

Wow, so quiet a lengthy project then! Do write your first drafts on paper, or a computer? Which do you prefer and why? Both, but I prefer paper and a real fountain pen that I have always with me, I cannot explain why, it is just like it is. I like the ink color and to draw the letters and words.
I write suddenly where ever I am, where ever I can, in my notebook, or if I don't have it with me, newspapers or napkins are good too.

I like the way you think there! So, what do you enjoy the most about the creative process? I enjoy all parts of the process. But to see the story the first time, To see the initial thought
turning into a kind of movie inside my mind, to feel the story is probably the most intense and beautiful part.
It did not always turned into a dream, or an image sometimes it is a song, few words, a character, an idea that appear suddenly while I contemplate things around me.

Interesting! So, if you could be any character you've created, who would you be, and why? Myself, my life is a Fairy Tale :) it was a joke, I would say, it depends of the moment.

Haha, one of the best answers I've had I think! IBut on the topic of characters, if you could be any character you haven't created, who would that be and why? Probably Gandalf in "The lord of the rings" or a kind of curious, romantic,courageous, stubborn,
(ops, determinate looks better) warrior princess.
Because they are magic and correct.

Wow, yes, I agree! Now, for a hard question: If you weren't a writer, what would you be? wouldn't be. All I do since I know myself if to tell stories in different mediums,
If I would not write, I would probably don't exist.
My soul would stop to breath and I would suffocate.

Wow that's deep! Thank's for sharing that!
Would you like to see your books ever come to life in the film world? Yes. Would be nice to see if the movie would be like the dream, or the dream like the movie (if would be SG-Suicide Game)

When you were younger did you ever see yourself writing stories, or did you want to do something else?I write stories since I was 12 years old, It just happened.I wrote sone things before, poetry and poems, just words, small thoughts and texts.
I have a master in precious stones and jewellery design and painting, but also than, all I did was to tell stories with my work, it is like writing in a different medium than words. I was always writing and telling stories.

Really great to hear! Which is your favourite book of yours which you have written? And why? It is always the book I am writing at the moment because it is the one I am mostly involved with.
I am writing a new book..."Antipoda", that will be ready in about 2 or 3 years.
But next month I will publish a short tale that I wrote as I was a teenager.

I'm curious to that! What book was your favourite book/series when you were a child? How about now as an adult, has it changed? I like many different books, and this did not changed, I love to read almost everything.
I remember that I loved to read Shakespeare, Goethe, Kafka, Hermann Hesse, Goethe,Tolkien, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Jorge Amado, Fernando Pessoa, short Tales, and almost all books I could read from many authors, different ones, also History and Science books.
No it has not changed, I still love to read and almost about everything, from Science into Fiction.

Very cool! You have fantastic taste! So, how many, and which, languages do you speak? 1- German, 2- English, 3- Portuguese, 4- Italian, 5- Spanish, 6- Dutch (when I need to), 7-French (learning), 8- Arabic (starting to learn) ...Maybe one day I can speak 10 languages.

WOW, So, do you have any pets?
No.

How about a favourite animal? Lion.

Powerful and majestic creature!So, what's the one thing you always carry around with you? It is not only one...
My fountain pen, my necklace with a star that I wear all the time and a bracelet that I also wear almost all the time too.

Any hobbies?cycling and skiing.

Favourite season? Autumn, when the world takes the colours of the sunrise.

Popular answer! Do you have a favourite smell?The fresh smell of the snow under the sun,
The first smell of flowers when Springs is arriving.
The smell of fresh washed hair with a preferred shampoo.
The smell of fresh bed lines when I am falling asleep.
The smell of certain kind of wood like cedar, actually the smell of a forest.
The smell of the night when the air is quiet in a starry night.
The smell of the wind when the tempest begin
The smell of the persons I love.
The smell of dreams inside the reality or the smell of reality inside of dreams.

Wow, very nice! You seem to live a very creative and sensual life style! Now, last question..
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Painting a new story with words, colours or whatever medium I have at the moment.

Sounds great! Thank you Haidji for your time! Check out SG-Suicide games on my blog post: or here:
http://www.amazon.com/SG-Suicide-Game-Haidji/dp/1492869201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390385398&sr=8-1&keywords=haidji

Erin Callahan and Troy H Gardner-- Mad World Series.

My first interview is with two authors, Erin Callahan and Troy H. Gardner, authors of the MAD WORLD SERIES. (http://www.madworldseries.com/) Published 2012/2013.

So hi, to Erin And Troy! Thank you so much for answering these questions!

Me: What/who, inspired you to write The Mad World Series?
E/T: After bemoaning the state of some YA fiction during a trip to a bookstore (like klutzy girls swooning over stalkers), we decided we should give it a try.Me: Oh whoa! Did you know the ending of the books before you wrote them, or did you just let the story take you where it wanted to go?

E/T: A little We’ve had some major plot developments planned and even a few ending ideas since the first day we started talking about the series. We fill in the specifics when we sit down to plot out each individual book.

Me: Sounds organised! Commonly asked question; If you could be any character for the day that you've created, who would you be, and why?

T: Just for one day? I think I’d be Teddy since he’s never bored.
E: If it’s only for one day, I think I’d like to be Ally. It would be really interesting, and terrifying, to step into her shoes for a short period of time.

Me: Interesting choices! I'd love to be Astrid for the day! Did you find any part of the books hard to write, or did it all come easy for you?

T: Act one of Tunnelville was the hardest for me. Those travelling scenes were grueling. I had to get a map out and figure out their journey, and there were so many characters in each scene. At one point, I snapped and just decided that they take a bus because I couldn’t take it any longer.E: I agree with Troy that those early scenes in Tunnelville were tough to write because we were carrying such a large cast of characters. I also struggle with action scenes. As a reader, I’m not a big fan of action scenes and I tend to zone out when I read a lot of them. It can be difficult to write a scene that’s exciting, but also conveys something deeply emotional or significant in terms of character development.

Me: Suffering for your art! I know what living with the creative type is like, I live with a writer, pens fly at dawn! So, how do you find co-authoring?

T: It’s great. I can feel internal pressure when I’m writing to get a project done, but having a partner means I can email it off to Erin and not worry about it while it’s in her hands.
E: I love having someone to bounce ideas off of who has a really deep understanding of the story and characters. Obviously we seek input from outside parties, but Troy is the best beta reader I could ask for.

Me: Aww! Ok, so how would you feel in your characters’ situation?

T: Probably fairly similar to the way they do. When I’m writing first person perspective, I often put myself in the narrator’s shoes.
E: I’ll second that. I think we’ve worked hard to create realistic characters who have (mostly) rational reactions to irrational circumstances.

Me: Haha, realistic, you have created! Have you ever considered writing other genres in to the Mad World Series?

T: I’m all for mashing up genres, but in a series, I think the different genres need to be established early on. At this point, if we did something like suddenly injecting sci-fi into the narrative, I think it would feel like Indiana Jones fighting aliens—just wrong.
E: I agree with Troy, though I will point out that we venture a bit into the genre of alternative history for Perfection, book three in the series.

Me: Wait a sec, isn't that Indiana Jones and the crystal skull? Haha, can't wait! So, which character that you've created are you most like? And why?

T: I don’t really see any one character being similar to myself, rather there are certain aspects I recognize in a lot of them. There’s Max’s sense of humor, Lycen’s aloofness, some of Teddy’s views, etc.
E: As much as I hate to admit this, I put a lot of myself into Astrid, because it was the easiest way for me to make her three-dimensional. Many of our early reviewers complained about how annoying and judgmental she was in Wakefield. At one point, I half-seriously asked Troy if I should be offended. :)

Me: If it means anything, I liked Astrid! Do you plan any other books in the Mad World Series? Or are you planning a whole new series?

We recently submitted the manuscript for the third book to our publisher and we’re working on the fourth. We’re planning on a six book series.

Me: Great!! Good luck! When did you know you wanted to write? Was it always a dream or did it just happen?

T: I always wanted to be a storyteller, but initially I thought about directing.
E: I didn’t do a lot of writing in high school, but at some point in college I reread some of my YA favorites and thought it would be interesting to try to write YA fiction at some point. I didn’t actually start doing it until years later, when Troy talked me into into it.

Me: Glad he did! So, who is you favourite author/book, and why?

T: That depends on the day of the week for me. David Sedaris is my favorite humorist, I was a big Harry Potter fan, and I’m obsessed with A Song of Ice and Fire (aka Game of Thrones).
E: I say this in almost every interview, so Troy’s probably sick of hearing it, but my favorite YA novel is The Goats by Brock Cole. Every time I read it, I notice something that I didn’t before and the layers of emotion just blow me away. His other books are also great, though one of them is so bleak I’ve never been able to finish it.

Me: Ooh, I’ll have to add those to my to-read list! Any hobbies? Unusual skills?

T: I love board games and I’m a bit of a movie buff. I like drawing a lot, but I’m not that great.
E: I work full time, so writing is my primary hobby. I’m also a massive music fan—I play very rudimentary guitar, but I enjoy listening more than playing.

Me: You both sound like creative types! What is your favourite film?

T: I never get tired of Magnolia, Sleepaway Camp, Rocky Horror, or Shock Treatment.
E: I have trouble picking favorites, but recently I’ve developed a rather unhealthy obsession with Shane Carruth’s films, Primer and Upstream Color. As disturbing as Upstream Color is, it’s so beautiful that I want to press play again as soon as it’s over.

Me: Sounds really great! Do you have any pets?

T: Not currently, but I love housesitting for my parents since they have a dog and three cats.
E: My last pet was a goldfish named Cosmo, but he went belly up a few years ago. :(

Me: OMG, my fish disintegrated because the PH levels were wrong! RIP Cosmo! Wow, that’s quiet a pack of animals your parents have! Now, what's your favourite food?

T: I never turn down lobster (although there’s not much I don’t turn down).
E: I love both sushi and comfort food, especially a good beef stew.

Me: Tasty! Favourite place to travel?T: I loved every moment of a trip to Scotland several years back.

E: I’ve been to the Greek Islands (specifically the Ionians) twice. They are so peaceful and friendly, and the food is amazing. It’s the kind of place that makes you fantasize about becoming an expatriate.
Me: *Points to self* Part Scottish! Erin, so jelly-ous! (Weird word for you!) Greece is such a fab country! Online shopping, no shopping, or high street shopping?
T: Online about 90 percent of the time. Christmas shopping is so much easier in the comfort of my living room.
E: Ugh, I’m not a big shopper, but I try to do most of it online.

Me: I know what you mean! What's the one thing you always carry around with you/ wear?

T: I feel weird if I don’t have my wallet.
E. I always carry a handbag with my wallet and phone.Me: Sounds organised! Favourite time of the year?
T: Autumn is a nice break from the heat of summer and means Halloween is on its way.
E: As much as I love fall foliage, I love warm weather and sunshine even more. Mid-summer is the time of year I feel most at ease.

Me: Autumn and summer- great choices! Thank you so much Erin and Troy!