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Friday, September 28, 2012

Kiss of Steel blog tour: Interview with Bec McMaster + giveaway!

We have an exciting visitor today: debut author Bec McMaster! She's the mind behind a new steampunk romance series; the first book, KISS OF STEEL, was released at the start of the month. She's stopped by Tynga's Reviews to chat about KISS OF STEEL and her publishers have graciously offered up a giveaway copy for one lucky reader.

Keep reading to get to know Bec and the world of her London Steampunk series!

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Hi, Bec, and welcome to Tynga's Reviews! To start, can you tell us a little bit about the world you've created for your London Steampunk series?

Bec McMaster Kiss of SteelHi! And thank you for the welcome!

Kiss of Steel is set in a world where the Echelon rules London; blue bloods who are afflicted with a virus that makes them crave human blood. Faster, almost immortal and terribly dangerous. Humans are considered a lesser class, existing only to serve and below them are the mechs – those forced by circumstance to take a metal limb or organ and considered less than human. Into this world comes Honoria Todd, with a secret that could change the very social structure of London. On the run from a duke who would kill to get his hands on her secret, the only one she can turn to is Blade, the notorious Devil of Whitechapel – and one of the very creatures she despises.

So far, we've met blue bloods (who can eventually turn into vampires) and verwulfen. Are there other supernatural beings in the London Steampunk world? Can we expect to encounter different beings or creatures in future installments?

There will be creatures, but whether they are supernatural, mechanical or human is something I might keep to myself. There is so much to explore in the blue blood and verwulfen worlds that I doubt I will delve too deeply into other supernatural tropes, but that’s not to say never. I know where the main arc is going, but my best writing occurs when I let surprises pop up.

Did you do any research for Blade's accent? Was it challenging to write in dialect?

The funny thing is, Blade came to me almost fully formed and that was simply how he spoke. I could almost hear him in my ear, whispering in that distinctive dialect. Of course, there was a lot of slang I researched, but the majority of it was simply Blade. I didn’t find it challenging at all, though a few of the other characters speak the same dialect and I had to work at them a little bit more.

One of the ideas you introduce in KISS OF STEEL is the possibility of a vaccine that saves people from being infected with the virus that turns them into blue bloods. Will we see more of this science in future novels?

Yes. Though the effects of it won’t be felt for a little while. Blade’s not about to let it become common knowledge – for protective reasons – and it’s the sort of thing that might change the entire structure of the world.

If you only had seven words to describe KISS OF STEEL, what would you say?

Dangerous dukes, devilish rogues and blue-stocking heroine.

What inspired you to write steampunk and paranormal romance?

I love it. Pure and simple. But the main inspiration was this world where there was an entire aristocratic class comprised of blood-drinkers, almost like the ton, but paler. And far more dangerous. For any writer, most ideas are sparked by asking questions about that hint of inspiration. How could this ruling class hold their power? What is the history behind it? And what does the future hold for them? From this, the steampunk elements sprang up.

What are your favourite aspects of steampunk fashion?

Honestly, I spend far too much time trawling the internet for Victorian fashions. I do love corsets though. I’ve always had a fascination with them, and there are some amazing examples out there. Something in leather… with brass buttons. That’s the type of steampunk fashion I adore. Or maybe parasols. Especially lacy ones.

Why do you think steampunk (specifically steampunk romance) has exploded in recent years?

I hesitate to call steampunk a genre on its own, as I think it “corrupts” a lot of other genres and that is the appeal. For example, most readers will find strong paranormal romance elements in Kiss of Steel, and it can appeal to readers of historical romance as well. Also, it’s so much fun. It’s sexy and it’s unique. For those who are fed up with the same-old, it’s a breath of fresh air.

Thanks very much for visiting us as part of your blog tour, Bec!

Thank you so much for having me!

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More about KISS OF STEEL:

Bec McMaster Kiss of SteelA brilliantly creative debut where vampires, werewolves, and clockwork creatures roam the mist–shrouded streets of London…

When Nowhere is Safe…

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitecapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single–handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood–craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so…innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

Jenn's thoughts

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

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giveaway

To enter the giveaway, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

US/Canada only

Ends Thursday, October 11, 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Bec McMasterAward-winning author Bec McMaster lives in a small town in Australia and grew up with her nose in a book. A member of RWA, she writes sexy, dark paranormals and steampunk romance. When not writing, reading, or poring over travel brochures, she loves spending time with her very own hero or daydreaming about new worlds.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jenn

Born and raised in the Toronto area, Jenn moved to St. John's, Newfoundland, eight years ago for school. She's still in school (thankfully on another degree!), now trapped in her dissertation. When she's not dissertating, which happens more often than it should, Jenn spends her time reading, watching movies, playing volleyball, travelling, and enjoying the local music scene. Her latest addictions: yoga and Almond Crunch cereal.

37 People left their mark' :

  1. I love the adventure stories that come out of this genre. Also the outfits kickass.

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  2. I love steampunk. I love how authors are able to integrate the curious contraptions and gadgets into their stories.

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  3. Dangerous dukes and devilish rogues along with some curious creatures - sign me up please. Sounds like fun.

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  4. I really enjoy reading steampunk because I like discovering the different gadgets and where the author wants to take the reader in the world they created.

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  5. I love all the different gadgets in steampunk!

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  6. I love the slightly skewed view of history most steampunk stories give. I've always been a big fan of the "what if".

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  7. I'd have to go with the different gadgets and how they are used.

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  8. To be honest I haven't read any steampunck yet but I feel like it's seems like a very mysterious genre and it seems so exiting.

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  9. I have yet to read any Steampunk but I've heard great things and I'm really intrigued. Thanks for the chance to win

    Jolene A

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  10. I actually haven't read any Steampunk books but I am very interested to find out what all the hype is about! Thank you for the great giveaway! :D

    ~ Maida <3

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  11. There were so many discoveries going on in science during Victorian times that no invention seems too outrageous and I love the crazy things that the steampunk authors come up with.

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  12. I love it all - the awesome clothes, the great inventions and gadgets, the air ships and the great adventure in a steampunk story.

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  13. I have to say the adventure of it. I have never read a steampunk novel. I would love to and this one sounds fantastic. =)

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  14. I like the mix of science and imagination. It allows so many themes in a book.

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  15. I love the clothes and the art on the book covers. I'm just now getting into steampunk so I don't know much about it yet. But I do know that the clothing is fantastic and the art is pretty amazing! Thanks for the giveaway. :D

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  16. I haven't read any steampunk yet but it looks really interesting and I would love to give it a try.

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  17. All the cool gear is one reason why I love a good steampunk read. Thank you for the giveaway, Kiss of Steal is on my wish list.

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  18. I love the fashion and the gadgets. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  19. Just like everyone else, I love the fashion and gadgets the most. Thanks for the giveaway, interview, and review.

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  20. I really like the clothes/fashion, the gadgets, world building/time period's and adventure of this genre. This one and a few others has been on my have-to-purchase-asap-wish-list! It sounds like an epic read! Thank you for the chance to win it! :)
    DeAnna Schultz

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  21. I love the mix of the modern technology and the victorian era....and the outfits are cool.

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  22. I love the clothing and the amazing gadgets.

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  23. I'm actually just starting to get into Steampunk. As many said, the outfits, the mannerisms, I just love it all!

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  24. I like the technology.

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  25. Its a lovely interview, i hope read soon but in Spain probably not
    The victorian and the technology is an explosive mixture and i love it

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  26. I like how authors can take the past, add a lot of interesting contraptions, and change it however they want and it still works! I love the combination of things :)

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  27. I love the combination of historical victorian and technology. The covers are so cool with the fun clothes, too.

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  28. I like the creativity of that world (the technology and the setting) - it's just cool.
    Damaris (Maris)

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  29. Dangerous and mysterious guys and the creativity of the genre

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  30. The gadgets and the aesthetic. Thanks!

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  31. i love the time and the unekniss of new series

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  32. I like the sense of alternate history and how the world might have turned out differently.

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  33. I love how different steampunk is from most other genres and the way different gadgets are incorporated into the stories.

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  34. The gadgets mixed in with the romantic era of the Victorian reign!

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  35. Of course I love the gadgets, but I also love the fact that the world is both so different and so similar to what we are used to.

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  36. it has to be the world building and the gadgets ! ^-^

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