SS: Interview With Veronica Wolff

Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Veronica Wolff back on the blog. I was really excited about reading her most recent release of her Watchers series, The Keep. It’s the fourth book of the series so far and I thought it was a great continuation to her series. But before learning more about The Keep, you can read an interview below, in which I questioned Veronica with things I was itching to ask her after reading her newest book. Also, don’t forget to check out the giveaway!

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1. First off, welcome back to Tynga's Reviews, Veronica. The Keep, the fourth book of The Watchers series, has been released June 4th, 2013. Is it truly the last book of the series or is there more to come?

Thanks for having me! The Keep is definitely not the last installment in the Watchers series. I'm working on book five now—I'll just be publishing it myself. All future books will be available online.

2. What next for the series?

Book five will be told from Ronan's point of view. I thought it'd be an interesting way of catching up readers who are new to the series, while also appealing to established fans. It also enables me to reveal secrets, relationships, and action that Drew hasn't been privy to. Besides, selfishly speaking, I completely adore Ronan, so it makes it really fun for me!

3. The books from your Watchers series were your first published young adult novels. Do you plan on writing more young adult novels in the future?

For sure! It's become my favorite genre, both to read and to write. In addition to my Watchers series, I'm working on a stand-alone contemporary, with romantic elements, naturally. ;-) Stay tuned!

5. If you had to introduce Drew, the main character of The Keep to readers that have never met her, how would you describe her?

That's the fun thing about the book I'm writing now—we get to see Drew through Ronan's eyes for the first time. If I had to introduce her, I'd tell people she's a smart, funny, and loyal young woman who's coming into her own, and that even though she doesn't always know how to keep her mouth shut, she's sympathetic and definitely someone you'd want having your back.

5. Besides Drew, who was your favorite character to write about? Are there any characters that surprised you as the series progressed?

I have a big old crush on Carden—he's so fun to write! I just love that guy's guy type, the one who's tender and protective one moment and then just the right amount of naughty the next. Besides, as you can see from my backlist, I can't resist a Scotsman.

Otherwise, I think Mei-Ling is the character who most surprised me. Maybe because she was harder for me to flesh out, she resonated much more than I'd initially expected her to. We definitely haven't seen the last of her--I miss her and am anxious to see how she's grown and progressed.

6. Your other series and books are mostly romance. Did you always plan to write about vampires and the supernatural? Are there any other genres that you might be interested in?

No, I didn't expect that'd happen at all. I'm a fan of horror, though, and whether it's The Vampire Diaries television show or the Twilight books, I've loved so many of the teen vampires out there. But I found myself wanting something darker, something grittier and more sinister, and the Watchers was born. As for writing in other genres, I'm definitely interested, particularly if it's within young adult. I like contemporary romantic stories, or personal journeys that involve romantic elements. I grew up reading fantasy, and there's probably a fantasy novel in me somewhere, someday, too.

Now on to some event related questions:

7. What is your favorite summer treat?

All the amazing fresh fruit—berries, melon, you name it. I live in California, and we are positively spoiled with it. I do like a few strawberries with my whipped cream, you know. Oh, and Fudgsicles! My summer definitely features a lot of Fudgsicles.

8. Is the summer solstice something that is observed or celebrated in The Watchers' world?

Ooh—good question! All of those ancient holidays and celebrations play a part in the Watchers' world. The island is peopled by Vikings and Celts—the summer solstice will surely come up at some point.

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

Thank you so much for stopping by, Veronica! I’m glad we got to do this again!

Check out more about THE KEEP:

JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THE DEAD DOESN’T MEAN YOU WANT TO JOIN THEM.

Drew has just started her second year on the Isle of Night, and the weather isn’t the only thing changing drastically. She has ascended to the rank of Initiate. She’s also found an intimate love in the handsome vampire, Carden. But most of all, she no longer dreams of escape. She dreams of vengeance.

Her friend, Emma, was brutally wounded by the savage vampire Alcántara, and may have been taken to the dreaded castle, from which none of the living return. But there are so many different stories from so many people with so many of their own deceits and machinations, Drew can’t be sure of anything—except that she must find a way into the castle to discover the truth and take down Alcántara once and for all.

But Drew isn’t the only one out for revenge. Someone very dangerous on the island is also out for blood…

Hers…

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

My thoughts

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

The other books in the series:

  

Veronica is offering a copy of The Keep to 3 lucky winners. One of the winners can be from Canada, while the others only from the USA. Like all Supernatural Solstice giveaways, it ends on July 5th, 2013.

To enter, just obey the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Veronica Wolff

Veronica Wolff is an award-winning, bestselling author with a soft spot for kilts, mountains, beaches, and vampires. Not necessarily at the same time. She lived everywhere from Texas, to Hawaii, to India, before finally settling in Northern California, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and small menagerie of rescued pets.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Source

Read More

by Unknown at Sunday, June 16, 2013

 giveaway, Interview, Supernatural Solstice, Vampire, veronica wolff  16 People left their mark

✎

The Keep by Veronica Wolff

Book Stats:

Reading level: Young Adult
Trade paperback: 336 pages
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Penguin
Release date: June 4, 2013

Series: The Watchers #4

Reviewed by: Stéphanie

Source: From the publisher

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THE DEAD DOESN’T MEAN YOU WANT TO JOIN THEM.

Drew has just started her second year on the Isle of Night, and the weather isn’t the only thing changing drastically. She has ascended to the rank of Initiate. She’s also found an intimate love in the handsome vampire, Carden. But most of all, she no longer dreams of escape. She dreams of vengeance.

Her friend, Emma, was brutally wounded by the savage vampire Alcántara, and may have been taken to the dreaded castle, from which none of the living return. But there are so many different stories from so many people with so many of their own deceits and machinations, Drew can’t be sure of anything—except that she must find a way into the castle to discover the truth and take down Alcántara once and for all.

But Drew isn’t the only one out for revenge. Someone very dangerous on the island is also out for blood…

Hers…

I was really excited about reading THE KEEP. So much that I started reading it the day I received it in the mail. While it might not be my favorite book of the series, it does set up the future books quite nicely. Like the previous three books, it was edgy, smart and full of historical lore.

The main character, Drew, was someone I was able to identify with in the previous books. While she still comes off as intelligent and unyielding like in the other books, I think her recklessness in THE KEEP makes it a little more difficult to understand her actions. Time after time, she puts herself in dangerous situations, unable to save herself when things get dicey. One of her main goals in this novel is to avenge her best friend Emma’s death, but she finds that very difficult to do, especially when no one is on her side. Not even Yas, who was once her friend, will help her. On the contrary—he’s actually trying to kill Drew since he believes she’s the one responsible for Emma’s death. I know right? A lot of drama and revenge going on, but you have to  admit, it makes a great storyline.

Ultimately, Drew tries to find a way into the Keep, which houses all the vampires and the vampire trainees. She believes the answer to Emma’s death lies within the wall of the keep but what she finds inside is even more frightening than what she ever imagined. The whole story basically revolves around Drew trying to get into the keep, and that’s why the title of the novel is very fitting. However, since Drew is more or less friendless and since she’s very focused on avenging’s Emma’s death, interactions with other characters are limited and the novel revolves mainly around Drew and her thoughts.

My new favorite character of the series, after reading THE KEEP, has to be Carden. He’s such a sweet talker and such a mature figure that you can’t help but fall for him and admire him. After binding herself to him in book three by accident, Drew literally can’t live without him. He’s absent more than half the novel but he more than makes up for it with his strong presence in the scenes he’s in. He doesn’t act like the ancient vampire that he is, but he’s certainly as cryptic as any male from the keep.

Overall, this newest installment was a pretty good one. What Drew finds in the keep will definitively surprise you because it certainly surprised me. The cliffhanger at the end promises more to the series and with the new information Drew has gained from her visit to the keep, it would be disappointing if the series didn’t continue. I can’t wait to see what else Veronica Wolff will come up with for this series because it’s certainly one to watch out for!

Read More

by Unknown at Sunday, June 16, 2013

 Penguin, Vampire, veronica wolff  1 Person left their mark

✎

SS: Interview With Veronica Wolff

Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Veronica Wolff back on the blog. I was really excited about reading her most recent release of her Watchers series, The Keep. It’s the fourth book of the series so far and I thought it was a great continuation to her series. But before learning more about The Keep, you can read an interview below, in which I questioned Veronica with things I was itching to ask her after reading her newest book. Also, don’t forget to check out the giveaway!

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

1. First off, welcome back to Tynga's Reviews, Veronica. The Keep, the fourth book of The Watchers series, has been released June 4th, 2013. Is it truly the last book of the series or is there more to come?

Thanks for having me! The Keep is definitely not the last installment in the Watchers series. I'm working on book five now—I'll just be publishing it myself. All future books will be available online.

2. What next for the series?

Book five will be told from Ronan's point of view. I thought it'd be an interesting way of catching up readers who are new to the series, while also appealing to established fans. It also enables me to reveal secrets, relationships, and action that Drew hasn't been privy to. Besides, selfishly speaking, I completely adore Ronan, so it makes it really fun for me!

3. The books from your Watchers series were your first published young adult novels. Do you plan on writing more young adult novels in the future?

For sure! It's become my favorite genre, both to read and to write. In addition to my Watchers series, I'm working on a stand-alone contemporary, with romantic elements, naturally. ;-) Stay tuned!

5. If you had to introduce Drew, the main character of The Keep to readers that have never met her, how would you describe her?

That's the fun thing about the book I'm writing now—we get to see Drew through Ronan's eyes for the first time. If I had to introduce her, I'd tell people she's a smart, funny, and loyal young woman who's coming into her own, and that even though she doesn't always know how to keep her mouth shut, she's sympathetic and definitely someone you'd want having your back.

5. Besides Drew, who was your favorite character to write about? Are there any characters that surprised you as the series progressed?

I have a big old crush on Carden—he's so fun to write! I just love that guy's guy type, the one who's tender and protective one moment and then just the right amount of naughty the next. Besides, as you can see from my backlist, I can't resist a Scotsman.

Otherwise, I think Mei-Ling is the character who most surprised me. Maybe because she was harder for me to flesh out, she resonated much more than I'd initially expected her to. We definitely haven't seen the last of her--I miss her and am anxious to see how she's grown and progressed.

6. Your other series and books are mostly romance. Did you always plan to write about vampires and the supernatural? Are there any other genres that you might be interested in?

No, I didn't expect that'd happen at all. I'm a fan of horror, though, and whether it's The Vampire Diaries television show or the Twilight books, I've loved so many of the teen vampires out there. But I found myself wanting something darker, something grittier and more sinister, and the Watchers was born. As for writing in other genres, I'm definitely interested, particularly if it's within young adult. I like contemporary romantic stories, or personal journeys that involve romantic elements. I grew up reading fantasy, and there's probably a fantasy novel in me somewhere, someday, too.

Now on to some event related questions:

7. What is your favorite summer treat?

All the amazing fresh fruit—berries, melon, you name it. I live in California, and we are positively spoiled with it. I do like a few strawberries with my whipped cream, you know. Oh, and Fudgsicles! My summer definitely features a lot of Fudgsicles.

8. Is the summer solstice something that is observed or celebrated in The Watchers' world?

Ooh—good question! All of those ancient holidays and celebrations play a part in the Watchers' world. The island is peopled by Vikings and Celts—the summer solstice will surely come up at some point.

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

Thank you so much for stopping by, Veronica! I’m glad we got to do this again!

Check out more about THE KEEP:

JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THE DEAD DOESN’T MEAN YOU WANT TO JOIN THEM.

Drew has just started her second year on the Isle of Night, and the weather isn’t the only thing changing drastically. She has ascended to the rank of Initiate. She’s also found an intimate love in the handsome vampire, Carden. But most of all, she no longer dreams of escape. She dreams of vengeance.

Her friend, Emma, was brutally wounded by the savage vampire Alcántara, and may have been taken to the dreaded castle, from which none of the living return. But there are so many different stories from so many people with so many of their own deceits and machinations, Drew can’t be sure of anything—except that she must find a way into the castle to discover the truth and take down Alcántara once and for all.

But Drew isn’t the only one out for revenge. Someone very dangerous on the island is also out for blood…

Hers…

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

My thoughts

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

The other books in the series:

  

Veronica is offering a copy of The Keep to 3 lucky winners. One of the winners can be from Canada, while the others only from the USA. Like all Supernatural Solstice giveaways, it ends on July 5th, 2013.

To enter, just obey the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Veronica Wolff

Veronica Wolff is an award-winning, bestselling author with a soft spot for kilts, mountains, beaches, and vampires. Not necessarily at the same time. She lived everywhere from Texas, to Hawaii, to India, before finally settling in Northern California, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and small menagerie of rescued pets.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Source

Read More

by Tynga at Sunday, June 16, 2013

 giveaway, Interview, Supernatural Solstice, Vampire, veronica wolff  16 People left their mark

✎

The Keep by Veronica Wolff

I was really excited about reading THE KEEP. So much that I started reading it the day I received it in the mail. While it might not be my favorite book of the series, it does set up the future books quite nicely. Like the previous three books, it was edgy, smart and full of historical lore.

The main character, Drew, was someone I was able to identify with in the previous books. While she still comes off as intelligent and unyielding like in the other books, I think her recklessness in THE KEEP makes it a little more difficult to understand her actions. Time after time, she puts herself in dangerous situations, unable to save herself when things get dicey. One of her main goals in this novel is to avenge her best friend Emma’s death, but she finds that very difficult to do, especially when no one is on her side. Not even Yas, who was once her friend, will help her. On the contrary—he’s actually trying to kill Drew since he believes she’s the one responsible for Emma’s death. I know right? A lot of drama and revenge going on, but you have to  admit, it makes a great storyline.

Ultimately, Drew tries to find a way into the Keep, which houses all the vampires and the vampire trainees. She believes the answer to Emma’s death lies within the wall of the keep but what she finds inside is even more frightening than what she ever imagined. The whole story basically revolves around Drew trying to get into the keep, and that’s why the title of the novel is very fitting. However, since Drew is more or less friendless and since she’s very focused on avenging’s Emma’s death, interactions with other characters are limited and the novel revolves mainly around Drew and her thoughts.

My new favorite character of the series, after reading THE KEEP, has to be Carden. He’s such a sweet talker and such a mature figure that you can’t help but fall for him and admire him. After binding herself to him in book three by accident, Drew literally can’t live without him. He’s absent more than half the novel but he more than makes up for it with his strong presence in the scenes he’s in. He doesn’t act like the ancient vampire that he is, but he’s certainly as cryptic as any male from the keep.

Overall, this newest installment was a pretty good one. What Drew finds in the keep will definitively surprise you because it certainly surprised me. The cliffhanger at the end promises more to the series and with the new information Drew has gained from her visit to the keep, it would be disappointing if the series didn’t continue. I can’t wait to see what else Veronica Wolff will come up with for this series because it’s certainly one to watch out for!

Read More

by Tynga at Sunday, June 16, 2013

 Paranormal, Penguin, Publisher, Review, The Watchers, Vampire, veronica wolff  1 Person left their mark

✎

Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff

Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff

Book Stats:
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
E-book: 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin
Release date: August 7, 2012

Series: Watchers #3

Source: Review copy from author

Reviewed by: Stéphanie

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

It’s the start of the fall semester, and a new crop of Acari and Trainees has descended on the Isle of Night. Watcher training has intensified, and Drew has a new roommate named Mei-Ling. But Mei-Ling harbors a dangerous secret that drove the vampires to abduct her against her will. Drew knows she shouldn’t get involved, but she can’t seem to leave her roommate to fend for herself.

Luckily, Drew has other things on her mind—like vampire Carden. A blood bond to a brawny, eighteenth-century Scottish bad boy tends to preoccupy a girl. And though she’s still figuring out what this bond means, one thing has become clear: She craves him in a major way.

But then bodies start turning up on the island. All the evidence points to the existence of a rogue vampire, and the sinister vampire Alcántara is gunning for Carden, even though Drew has proof that Carden had nothing to do with the murders. Now she has to find the true killer—without endangering Carden, Mei-Ling, or herself…

This series keeps getting better and better! I enjoyed the first two books in the series but to me, they simply felt like an introduction to heroine Drew’s vampire world. And that’s to be expected, right? Everything is new and needs to be explained. However, in BLOOD FEVER, the third of the series, the story line really starts to warm up as the characters face battle after battle.

For all the young characters, school will never be the same. The fact that they’re attending a special vampire school isn’t necessarily an original concept in the young adult literary world but what goes on outside of class will have you biting your nails throughout the book. On an island in the North Sea, this vampire school is training young women into soldiers and young men into vampires and I’m sure physical education is unlike anything they ever expected. Most vampire myths are laid to rest as we learn more an more about these vampires, especially the fact that only boys can become vampires. Instead, girls are trained to fight and become warriors and spies for the vampires. Although, it’s still not all that clear why these girls are absolutely necessary and I’m sure Veronica Wolff is keeping a few secret things to herself, for now.

In BLOOD FEVER, one thing that stands out from the other two books, is the romance. Even though Drew always had a few guys interested in her, it’s only in this newer book that things get hot. Drew’s many different guys includes vampire Alcántara, vampire Carden, Tracer Ronan and vampire trainee Josh. So romantic and feudal tensions are definitively not missing in this story. As Drew grows closer and closer to one of her admirers, jealousy and maybe disinterest becomes evident among the others.

Of course, romance isn’t the only thing that gets hot. More action, more fights and more deaths follows Drew and her schoolmates. Like in the other books, Drew is still threatened by older bullies and Draugs (a sub-race of rabid vampires). You can’t help rooting for Drew in all her battles especially since she’s gone through so much as a child and as a student. On top of everything, she finds it’s her duty to determine who is responsible for the death of so many girls on the island. And I guarantee you, one of the deaths will catch you by surprise.

In my opinion, there’s only one thing that could have been better which is the passing of time in the narration. At times, it was difficult to follow the story since time passed very quickly between some scenes while some other scenes lasted quite a bit of time. Other than that, I have nothing to critique about Veronica Wolff vampire series. Drew is such a mentally strong character, despite her small stature and her quick snarky responses are amusing and entertaining. Everything began in ISLE OF NIGHT but so much has happened since our introduction to Drew. If you’re a fan of young adult vampires books and strong female characters, and you haven’t read this series, this might be the right match for you!

Read More

by Unknown at Monday, August 06, 2012

 Penguin, Review, Vampire, veronica wolff  2 People left their mark

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