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Thursday, March 17, 2011

PSB: Guest Post & Giveaway with Kevin Hearne

PSB2

Alright my lovelies, you might not know today’s guest yet, as he is a debut author, but trust me: You Want To Know Him!!!! Did I put enough exclamation marks you think? Just a few more for the effect..!!!! LOL So Kevin Hearne’s first book, Hounded, will hit the shelves May 3rd, and it’s definitely worth a pre-order. This Book Rocks. Read the ARC, loved it, and pre-ordered a finished copy. ‘nough said right? But you can still read my review if you’re not convinced *winks* Ok, ok, enough fussing, please read on what Kevin had to share with us, and stick around for a giveaway!

 

These Are the Druids You’re Looking For

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from an Irish guy! Hopefully you’re reading this with a flagon of your favorite brew close at hand and a nice bowl of lamb stew. Failing that, hopefully you now want a flagon of something delicious and you’re wondering where people buy flagons these days.

Tynga graciously let me pick today to appear during Paranormal Spring Break because the main character of my series (The Iron Druid Chronicles) was walkin’ around when St. Patrick started spreading Christianity throughout Ireland. Born as Siodhachan Ó Suileabháin around 75 BCE in what is now Co. Tipperary, he uses the name of Atticus O’Sullivan for the modern day. He’s living in Tempe, Arizona, the last of the Druids, hiding out from some unpleasant members of the Tuatha Dé Danann and their Fae minions. I mined quite a bit of Irish mythology and history to flesh out the back story, but what I found most fascinating was how little we actually know about the Druids.

We know they held fantastic sociopolitical power in ancient Celtic societies, and we know they had a long training period involving lots of memorization—but everything else is tough to nail down. When one considers that absolutely nothing has survived written by a Druid, and that everything we know about them comes from Greco-Roman sources with their own agendas or later Christian sources writing tales casting Druids as the bad guys, you really have to take everything you read with a metric ton of salt. The human sacrifice thing, especially, is disputed; there’s simply no hard evidence, and since both the Romans and the later Christians wanted the Druids wiped out, it would make sense for them to accuse the Druids of barbaric practices. What seems fairly consistent across all accounts is that the Druids had some talent with divination and they held respected positions in society as judges, bards, and seers.

During the Victorian period in England, interest in Druids enjoyed a revival that continues to this day—in fact, the UK recently recognized modern Druidry as a distinct religion. However, one must remember that all modern Druidry is based on practices and rituals that someone made up in the nineteenth century, since the Druids pretty much had vanished entirely by the fifth or sixth century (and much earlier on the continent) and they didn’t leave a single written record of their practices behind. To their enormous credit, today’s modern Druids readily admit this, and I do not mean to denigrate their faith in any way by pointing this out, since it clearly is a meaningful and vital part of many people’s lives throughout Europe. What I’m trying to point out is that for an author like me, the lack of firm evidence on ancient Druidic practices represents a golden opportunity to Make Some Stuff Up.

Atticus O’Sullivan represents a blend of historical fact, mythological research, and stuff I had a lot of fun making up. And unless I’m mistaken (which is entirely possible!), he might be the only male protagonist featured in Paranormal Spring Break, aside from YA books. If you’re looking for something a bit different in urban fantasy, I hope you’ll give Hounded a try. If you like it, you won’t have long to wait for a sequel—Hexed is coming out June 7 and Hammered on June 28! Don’t be shy about stopping by my blog  and commenting or saying hello on Twitter (@kevinhearne) or Facebook!

Huge thanks to Tynga for inviting me to spend a blessed day with you! Before I go, a toast! Raise your flagon, whether ye be Irish or no: To Spring Breaks, to old gods and new friends, to fine books and finer beers, to the birth of love and the death of sorrow—may you drink your fill of every possible happiness. Sláinte!

--------------------------------

Thank you so much Kevin for this amazing post! Because you head to part, would you let us know what’s your best spring break memory?

My best Spring Break memory is the time I spent it hiking with my family in Arizona's Rim Country. The smell of pine needles under your feet, herons still as statues in the shallows of the lakes, chipmunks scampering up and down the Ponderosas—well, it was heavenly. I know lots of people can't wait to get to the beach during Spring Break, but I usually wind up hugging a tree in the high country somewhere.

 

Thanks to Random House/Dey Rey I have a copy of Hounded to offer to one of you!

Atticus O’Sullivan has been running for two thousand years and he’s a bit tired of it. After he stole a magical sword from the Tuatha Dé Danann (those who became the Sidhe or the Fae) in a first century battle, some of them were furious and gave chase, and some were secretly amused that a Druid had the cheek to defy them. As the centuries passed and Atticus remained an annoyingly long-lived fugitive, those who were furious only grew more so, while others began to aid him in secret.

Now he’s living in Tempe, Arizona, the very last of the Druids, far from where the Fae can easily find him. It’s a place where many paranormals have decided to hide from the troubles of the Old World—from an Icelandic vampire holding a grudge against Thor to a coven of Polish witches who ran from the German Blitzkrieg.

Unfortunately, the very angry Celtic god who wants that sword has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power, plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good, old-fashioned luck of the Irish to kick some arse and deliver himself from evil.

My Review

  • This giveaway is open to US & Canada only

  • To enter, just leave a comment letting us know how you celebrate St-Pat’s day ^^

  • Don’t forget to include a way to contact you!

If you want to earn an extra entry, spread the word and provide a link in a different comment =)

Tweet: WIN Hounded, 1st book in the Druid Chronicles Series by @KevinHearne ! http://bit.ly/fpDHLk hosted by @Tynga & @parajunkee #Giveaway PLZ RT

Ends April 6th, 2011.

To anxious? You can purchase Hounded here:

A5 AmazonNew5 BDnew4

Tynga is a 32 years old mom of two, from Montreal, working as a lab technician in an hospital specialized in heart disease. In her free time, she enjoys reading all things Paranormal and photography.

Follow Tynga on: Facebook | Twitter

97 People left their mark' :

  1. Yesssssssssss. More Fae lore! I can't get enough of it. And Hello, sexy book covers!! :D

    I celebrate St. Patty's day by spending it with my adorable Irish hubby. Either at home or out, depends on our mood/schedule. When I was younger, I used to the drunken debauchery. I'm older and boring now. :)

    Thanks you!!!!
    SmashAttackReads at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tweet! http://twitter.com/SmashAttackAsh/statuses/48363354657525760

    SmashAttackReads at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm not doing much to celebrate St. Patrick's Day - just wearing a green shirt to work. My dog, however, is going to Doggie Day Camp where they are having a St. Patrick's Day Howliday.
    rickimc[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  4. this year I am celebrating at work :( but then i am going to come home and drink green beer lol!!

    kristen_babygurl@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. was busy volunteering

    vidishamun@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This book sounds great! I love everything that has to do with Ireland!
    Since we've had kids - we usually celebrate St. Pat's quietly - wearing green and all my Celtic jewelry. And my mom usually has us over for corned beef and cabbage- a family tradition.

    mpyff@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I make cookies with pretty green icing for St. Patrick's Day.

    Skk25@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've had an eye on this series. Love the covers ;)

    I just wear green.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I normally don't do much to celebrate St. Patty's Day besides wear green so that my mom won't pinch me. But we went out for drinks last night. I know, I know, we were a day early. But I've gotta be at work at 8am tomorrow and didn't want to be hungover. :)

    Sara M
    sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like to spend St party's day with my girls making green cookies n milk. hollybwright@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  11. How to spend St. Patrick's Day?

    Take the wife out to dinner on her first day at work (after a year+ out of a job.)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I will work, go home and workout, then probably crash!

    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Emma015/statuses/48394439261040641

    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. We do the corn-beef meal minus the cabbage. I'm adding these books to my wish list, they look like you can get lost in these reads.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ohh I can't wait to read this book!
    I bought my corned beef and cabbage and my stack of Guiness so my evening will go great!

    terilhack at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mm I love St. Patty's day. I made a pile of green frosted sugar cookies for work, and started with a bowl of lucky charms. Heading to a pub dinner from work so tonight will be grand.

    kasuranna at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just make corned beef and cabbage dinner.
    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Jovial_1/status/48411647458541568

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Woot Woot! Thank you for introducing me to a new author! Not my usual genre, but totally sounds intriguing!

    Thanks!
    Kate aka YzhaBella
    mleger0546(@)rogers(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
    I am making Corned Beef and Cabbage. Then we are having Irish soda bread and green jello.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Not doing much for St. Patricks's day this year, just wearing green.
    melissar527 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I don't celebrate St-Patrick's...except usually I wear a green shirt!!!

    Glassheart18ca@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. This series looks good!!

    I will be trying out my green thumb in the yard planting some flowers!!! I live in the South:)


    Judy
    magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  23. This series sounds awesome!

    I don't really do anything to celebrate St Patrick's Day. I am wearing green though, and I gave my son some green gel window stickers to play with today.

    helpersarah2009@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I wore green to work today. That's about it as far as celebrating for me.

    cheleooc at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Awesome guest post! Thank you for sharing!

    I'll be spending st. Patty's day at school lol :(

    moonlightgleam(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Tweet:http://twitter.com/#!/MoonlightGleams/status/48447310346207232

    moonlightgleam(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh I soo want this!!:)

    Um, well these last two years I've done nothing but the years before that I usually wore green:)I always matched green with white:)

    Lis


    life_is_unpredictable29@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Besides wearing green for ST. Pats i'm not doing anything

    bookflamereviews@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I also tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/bookflamereview/status/48474926805557248
    bookflamereviews@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. To be honest, we don't celebrate St. Patty's day in our household. But, I loved that when I was younger the schools would have special lunches for us with green milk, and green jello, and since I was in the chorus, we would since Irish songs. I loved to sing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. :D

    hangingwithbells@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Link for tweet: http://twitter.com/bellie7/status/48477675077111808

    hangingwithbells@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. This year not so much, new home, new town,new people. Previous years I went to the French Quarter to hang out with friends I went to college with.
    truckchick(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Eating my husbands green cookies. *snickers* I am not kidding and for the record there is absolutely no need to ever add green food coloring to ANYTHING!

    robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/IntenseWhisper/statuses/48500272451944448

    robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I wear green, that's about the extent of my celebration, LOL. I've heard quite a bit about Hounded, and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Usually, I have to do the homework and studying thing, but this year I am taking a small break from school and going to picnic with friends! And after that, I will be heading out for some dancing and imbibing at the local water hole! It looks to be fun! Thanks for the giveaway!
    apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ah I really want to read this book I have had it on my wish list since I read about it on a blog several months ago.
    I don't really celebrate St. Patty's Day.

    apk1princess(at)live(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for the giveaway! I have never heard of this series but will be putting it on my TBR list!
    Unfortunately, I don't really celebrate the Irish holiday.
    I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/LexieBookBug/status/48535063461244928
    lexie.bookbug at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love the interview *S*
    Would dearly love to read this one *S*
    I had to come read this...I have an Irish name...*S*


    I'm looking out my window @ the 6 feet of snow praying for spring. But I have 10 acres to explore when it starts to dwindle away. *S* But what can I expect in the interior of Alaska.
    Miss the pine tree but have plenty of spruce.

    + 2=Twitter Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/Pommawolf/status/48533043224391680
    http://twitter.com/#!/Pommawolf/status/48533186883485696

    http://twitter.com/#!/Pommawolf/status/48533186883485696
    +Comment

    ReplyDelete
  40. sorry. Got sent before email addy got posted...*S*


    Thank you much again for the great interview & preview *S*


    Darcy

    pommawolf @ hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I saw these books a while ago, and they've been on my wish list on Book Depository ever since! They sound amazing! :D

    Last year I celebrated St.Patrick's Day by drinking green beer...a lot of it, it was some good times :)
    I usually just celebrate it with friends, this year I have a test to study for tho, so no green beer for me :P

    Thanks for the awesome guest post and giveaway :D
    Ambur
    ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/AmburHostyn/status/48537384878489600

    Thanks again! :)
    Ambur
    ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Very cool giveaway!

    I don't celebrate it much now, but I remember building lots and lots of Leprechaun Traps out of green pipe cleaners and strawberry baskets for St. Patrick's Day as a small child. Fun times. :)

    - April
    inspector.librarian@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/csilibrarian/status/48541574002507776

    - April
    inspector.librarian@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I celebrate my mom's and my dog's birthday today! :)

    books (Dot) things (at) yahoo (Dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  46. tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/BooksThings/status/48541878488010753

    ReplyDelete
  47. I celebrate by wearin a shamrock pendant my Irish Daddy gave me when I was about 10 years old and for our dinner I cook some corned beef, sauted cabbage and new potatoes to enjoy with a nice stout beer. :)

    Hounded looks great and the series sounds interesting. I am putting it on my wishlist! TY for the giveaway!

    islandgirl33774 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I have to admit, I don't celebrate St. Patty's day anymore since I'm not Irish or Catholic and I don't really drink much these days. I did wear green today though.

    jen at delux dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I celebrate St. Patty's Day with a tall glass of Guinness. All while decked out in head-to-toe green, of course! And this year, we made "Bangers 'n' Mash" for dinner! Yummy. ;)
    Amanda
    ohmorningglow AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I stayed home today, not feeling well. Therefore, did not celebrate this holiday.

    dorcontest at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. tweet
    http://twitter.com/DoreenRiopel/status/48610519380262912

    dorcontest at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I don't celebrate it like I used to , I used to go out with my friends and have a good ole time and drink beer and watch bands.

    I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/BookLovershaway/status/48611203651608576

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I have very mild celebration for St. Patricks - for now. ;) Usually I just dress in something green, eat some corned beef, and enjoy the Irish in me, lol.

    I reaaaaalllllly want this boooook!!! :D :D :D

    ~Juliann Hilton
    bibliocrazed@gmail.com
    http://twitter.com/#!/InsaneGrizzlies/status/48613696678805504

    ReplyDelete
  54. I wore green and had jalapeno burgers!! Yum :)

    +1 spread here
    http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/112737-psb-guest-post-giveaway-with-kevin-hearne

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I actually had to work so I didn't get to celebrate it this year.

    Stephanie- thegirlonfire
    thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. ha I don't really do anything anymore...not a big drinker...usually I just wear green
    hense1kk@cmich.edu

    ReplyDelete
  57. I tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/#!/hense1kk/status/48689705042186240

    ReplyDelete
  58. I spent St.Patrick Day wearing green- and celebrating my son's birthdays.
    audie@wickerness.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I wore green for St. Patrick's Day. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I wore green, that's about all I do for St. Patty's day. I don't drink so going to a crowded pub to drink green beer with just doesn't sound fun to me.

    juliecookies(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I don't really celebrate St. Paddy's Day. When I was younger it would be a craft made in elementary school, but now that I'm older, there's not much to do besides go out and drink, which I don't do... so it's usually just a regular day for me except I see a lot of green ;)

    Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pamgreen89/status/48750629073588224

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    green.pamd (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I celebrated Paddy's day with pizza and cards. No beer, had to work you know.

    And let me just say I have been raving about Hounded ever since I first saw the cover and read the blurb. I cannot wait to get my hands on this series, one way or another. :)

    stephanie AT stephaniemloree DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  63. This year I celebrated St. Patty's day watching my daughter play soccer and winning!!! Last year I went to a Dallas Mavericks Game. Hmmm there seems to be a sports theme going on here.

    Thanks! mmafsmith@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I also tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/#!/Maria_Smith_76/status/48773082155982848

    thanks! mmafsmith@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Forgot to leave a separate comment
    +1 spread here
    +1 spread here
    http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/112737-psb-guest-post-giveaway-with-kevin-hearne

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I spent St Patrick's Day ducking around my classmates trying to avoid Izzy, who was on a pinching rampage. Ouch. D:

    amy408(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I spent my St. Patrick's Day this year eating barbecue. I'm not one for holding with tradition. :D

    whatbookisthat at gmail dot com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Tweet tweet!

    http://twitter.com/heynocupcake/status/48888361296994304

    whatbookisthat at gmail dot com

    Thanks!

    Emily

    ReplyDelete
  69. St. Patrick - we do the usual, green beer, wearing the green, green beer, corned beef, green beer, did I mention green beer?
    linda(at)gordonvalley(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Well I am pretty boring LOL I don't do anything for St Patty's Day. If it was a school day I would do something since I am a teacher (maybe leprechaun art). But no school due to spring break.

    I have heard about this book and it sounds interesting. Hope I win!

    tinadudley at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  71. Usually with a green beer!~ hehe

    natashajennex(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I didn't really get to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year other than wearing some green accessories.

    Thanks for the chance!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I like to celbrate it with a glass of Guinness but was working on St. Paddy's Day this year.

    ReplyDelete
  74. oops...should have also added the way to contact me.

    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I've been craving to read this book ever since I first heard about it ^_^. Loved the guest post I find Druids and Celtic anything fascinating :).

    I don't really do anything for St. Patrick's Day but last year my friends and I went to an Irish Restaurant I had Shepard's Pie and then some other friends and I went to an Irish Pub and drank xD.

    ReplyDelete
  76. oops email

    sterr004[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I celebrate st patrick's day by hanging out with friends and wearing green of course!! thanks!!

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. i tweeted here: http://twitter.com/in_the_hammock/status/50402923582197760

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  79. The kids at my work all came to Storytime wearing green, but I didn't really do anything. We read elephant books instead XD

    Laina1312@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I blogged: http://bookcontestlinks.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-20th-2011.html

    ReplyDelete
  81. I cook corned beef and cabbage for dinner and wear green for St Paddy's Day. :) Hounded sounds great! TY for the giveaway.

    Patrice
    islandgirl33774 @ yahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
  82. I drank green beer at the local bar & grill, it was fun :P

    Morganlafey86@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/YearofTiger86/status/51459367991652352

    Morganlafey86@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I don't really do anything to celebrate St. Patrick's Day except I do try to remember to wear something green that day.
    peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Melanie_2006/status/51142218769113088

    peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  86. Usually I just wear something green! The hubby likes to drink a green beer, which is pretty cool but I don't like beer.

    thecozyreader @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. <3Fae
    I'm not a big St Pat's Celebrator, but a dash of green added to an otherwise plain outfit is always fun!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    rivkarno1(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway. carrieab77@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I just made a meal, but I was really sick, so I couldn't taste it very much.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I didn't really celebrate St. Pat's Day other than reading some Ireland setting books and wearing a bit of green ;).

    This series sounds awesome - ty so much for introducing me to it. Have already put them on my wishlist.

    pams00 @ aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. http://twitter.com/#!/pams00/status/54251308584144896

    pams00 @ aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. we just wear green

    Chllybrd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I was on George St., St. John's, listening to Irish music.

    jennifer.thorburn(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I just wear green.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I was trying to prevent other people from pinching me even though I was wearing green!

    mendyha26@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Loved your review on this! Both of us are very excited to read this. A Druid protagonist and other Celtic lore thrown in with UF elements, our Irish heritage can't resist.
    Both of us are about 1/2 Irish so we celebrate by wearing the green, talk about our ancestors or Ireland and try to go to a local Irish pub that serves authentic Irish dishes. One year went to the pub and then the Celtic Women concert to get our Irish on.

    DaSwee94(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete