Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta Blog Tour

Welcome to another great blog tour stop at StNC, brought to you today by Month9Books!  Today I have the pleasure of presenting a character interview with the namesake of Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta, Gabriel!  This MG debut premiered on February 5, 2013, and is authored by Shannon Duffy.  I hope you'll find yourself caught up in a new read and discover a new author.  Enjoy!

Marla: Hi, Gabriel. Welcome to Starting the Next Chapter! My first question for you is: What is your favorite thing about sharing your story with all of the readers out there?

Gabriel: Hey. Well, there're so many awesome parts of what happened to me and my friends in Valta, but I'm not gonna lie, some of the animals in Valta were really cool. It was fun to talk about that stuff. And, well, I like that people are gonna see how cool my friends are and how we stuck together no matter what...even when things got real crazy.

Marla: What is your best school subject? Which one do you hate the most and why?

Gabriel: Hmmm. Does gym count? Cause I totally like gym the best. Especially soccer! And well, if gym doesn't count, then I think I'll go with history. I like learning about war stuff and things that happened a long time ago. And yeah, I hate math. To be honest I think it sucks. There, I said it. And I just hate it. Math doesn't need a reason.

Marla: Not going to argue with you there. What did you think when you first found the crystal?

Gabriel: Well, first I thought I was gonna drown under the stupid ice, but then thankfully Brent managed to pull me out. And I knew right away it was something really cool or magical cause what kind of rock glows, lets off heat, and hums? I felt like I hit the jackpot and found something really epic...and I was right.

Marla: What has been the hardest thing about your mom's disappearance?

Gabriel: It felt pretty bad, I'm not gonna lie. I mean, I had been bugging my mom to hang out with me at night a lot cause I was kinda freaked out about the dark, so I figured that I was a pain in the butt and maybe that's why she took off. But if you read my story, you'll find out more about that.

Marla: Who has been your best supporter through everything?

Gabriel: Brent and Piper, my two best friends. They're pretty cool about everything and I know we always have each other's back....unlike dudes like Cedric--but again, I hope you read my story and you can find out more about that loser. Oh! And my dog Zigzag is pretty awesome too.

Marla: How would you describe Valta for those who haven't read the book yet?

Gabriel: Valta is beyond sick--if the Divinities are with the empress anyway. It's really bright with the golden dust, and there are lots of cool creatures like flying tigers and talking monkeys. But, the only thing is, you have to be careful cause as many friendly creatures that they have there, they're probably even more dangerous ones--like gruocks, death mongers, shape-shifters, and ghosts....seriously not the kind of things you want to run into in a dark alley or...a dark, creepy Valtan forest.

Marla: This last question is just for fun. What is the strangest thing you've come across in Valta?

Gabriel: This is a funny question cause strange and Valta when Duke Malgor is being a jerk kind of go together. He makes everything sort of strange. But one really weird thing was when me and Brent and Piper got to the Tandem Wood, we found out that the way to get in there was a lot freakier than anything I could have ever imagined. I think it was called the Unseen Boundary or something weird--and it needed magic to get through. Totally epic!

About the Author

Shannon Duffy grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada, and now lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and son, Gabriel. She’s mom to one boy, and several pets. Shannon loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions: shopping. 

GABRIEL STONE AND THE WRATH OF THE SOLARIAN, Book 2 in the Gabriel Stone series will be available from Month9Books in February 2014!

About the Book

January 1, 2013 from Month9Books

Add it on Goodreads

Gabriel Stone is a twelve-year-old boy still reeling from the unsolved disappearance of his mother. With a dad who’s hard to relate to, and mounting pressures at school, Gabriel lets off steam by hiking in the place where his mother was last seen. There, Gabe and friends find a crystal that proves not only beautiful, but magical beyond their wildest dreams. Only, magic and beauty come with a price: in order to return home, they must save the dying world of Valta.

Owl's Eye View #6 - Gennifer Albin

It's the first day of October, my favorite month out of the entire year.  It also happens to be the first Monday of the month, so it's time for another installment of Owl's Eye View.  This month's author has been causing quite a stir with her forthcoming debut, Crewel, which I have already read and absolutely loved.  I am talking, of course, about Gennifer Albin, who is a very busy lady this month.  Since she is such a busy author, who better to give us an intro to the world she has created than the heroine of Crewel, Adelice?  Gennifer has passed along Adelice's answers to some of the most burning questions I could come up with.  Take a look and enjoy, and don't forget to add Crewel to your TBR shelves if you haven't already!

Marla: Hi, Adelice!  Welcome to Starting the Next Chapter.  The Crewel buzz tour back in May/June was so much fun, so I'm very happy to have you for Owl's Eye View this month.

First question: How did you feel when you found out the full extent of your ability?

Adelice: A little confused and like I wanted to throw up.  I can capture time - excellent, where’s the toilet?  You know?

Marla: What is the best part of your capabilities?  The worst?

Adelice: That, uh, thing I can do in my room with Jost.  Well, that’s probably the best... I’d say the whole killing people thing sucks though.

Marla:If you could go anywhere and do anything, where would you go and what would you do there?

Adelice: Honestly, I’d just like to go home, maybe a teacher, blend in a bit.  I’d miss the food here though.

Marla: It's all about books here on Starting the Next Chapter.  Can you tell us about some of your favorite books from your world?

Adelice: Shhhh!  We “don’t have books.”  We have lots of catalogues, though, I can’t say I’m a fan.

Marla: What's your favorite thing about Jost?  How about Erik?

Adelice: Jost has the best soul.  He wants to do good things so badly, even if he can’t.  And his eyes.  Definitely his eyes.  Erik - he makes me laugh.  He makes me all giddy, but I’m not sure I like that.

Marla: If you weren't a Spinster, what do you think you would be doing?

Adelice: Hopefully, I’d be a teacher, but I’d probably end up being a secretary or something boring.

Marla: What's your favorite past-time?

Adelice: I really miss hanging out with my kid sister.  We used to just hide out in her room with the daily bulletin and read it.  I could get completely lost in her world.  It was a nice change from how serious my parents were.

 

Marla: For the last question, let's have a little fun.  Has Gennifer introduced you to the wonderful world of Gilmore Girls yet?  If so, what do you think?

Adelice:Ugh, I wish.  Although she tells me I have a fair bit of Lorelai and Rory in me.  I sure wish she’d prove it.

Marla: Thanks for stopping by, Adelice!  I'm looking forward to reading more about your adventures.

About Gennifer

Gennifer Albin holds a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri. During her student years she served as an editor for Pleaides and The Missouri Review, and since then she’s founded the tremendously popular blog theconnectedmom.com.  She lives in Kansas with her ridiculously supportive husband, two small children, and a Tuesday cat.

Find Gennifer on: Her Site / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

About Crewel

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

Authors Are Rockstars Tour - Julie Kagawa

I'm late, I'm late, to a very important date!  After 3 days of a malfunctioning internet signal, I am here to tell you all about why Julie Kagawa is a rockstar.  Last year right after I started this blog, I began trying different YA books after a long absence.  I was looking for something different that would kick-start my imagination and keep me well entertained.  One of the very first books I tried was The Iron King and, needless to say, I was a goner.  I finished the first book late at night and immediately went right out to buy the next 2.  The Iron Fey had stolen me away (I promise, I'll refrain from spouting some W.B. Yeats right now a la "The Stolen Child") and there was no turning back.  I had the pleasure of meeting Julie last August at the Ash2Nash author tour, where I was tracked down in the store after tweeting that I had spotted her.  That was such an unforgettable moment, and having the chance to hear about the writing of the series in the author's words was great.  I also found that we have a few things in common, which is an awesome thing to discover about a favored author.  She continues to be amongst my top 5 favorite YA authors and shares a spot at the top of the list.

As a part of today's festivities, the awesomely funny Meghan, Ash, Puck, and Grimalkin dropped by to talk about why Julie is a rockstar, what she has them up to these days, and more.  I hope you enjoy reading the interview as much as I did conducting it!

Marla: Hey, guys, gal, and cat. Welcome to Starting the Next Chapter! It's great having you here.

First off, as you already know, this is the Authors Are Rockstars Tour, so tell me, what makes Julie a rockstar in your eyes?

Meghan: Well, I know that she loves her fans and she loves what she does; that's kind of rockstar-ish, right?

Ash: I'm afraid I don't know enough about rockstars to properly answer this question.

Puck: She has freaky hair.

Grimalkin: *Yawn*

Marla: Meghan, how is life in the Iron realm treating you these days? What's it like being queen?

Meghan: Busy. Lots of responsibilities, being the Iron Queen, especially when dealing with the other courts. But, I love it. I finally feel this is where I'm supposed to be, what I'm meant to be doing. And, of course, Ash is with me, too. That's the best part.

Marla: Ash, how are you finding the Iron realm? What have you been up to?

Ash: I'm rather enjoying it, actually. It's a lot different than Tir Na Nog, and its queen is much easier to get along with. Usually. *Dodges wad of paper hurled by Meghan* As for what I've been doing, I usually work with Glitch in training the guards, keep up with the castle's security defenses, and serve as a personal bodyguard to The Iron Queen.

Puck: Yeah, I bet you guard that body well, ice-boy.  

Ash: Shut up, Puck.

Marla: So, Puck. Have you been on any good capers lately? Have you been behaving yourself? (I know, I know, we probably ALL know the answer to that already. *wink* )

Puck: What? Moi? Capers? Look at this face, how could you suggest such a thing? I am the picture of innocence and childlike virtue.

Ash: Right. And Titania's bedchamber erupted with frogs by itself.

Meghan: And the Summerpods crawled into the wine at last Elysium on their own.

Ash: And Ororobos the dragon went on a rampage through the wyldwood because he misplaced his entire hoard himself.

Puck: What can I say? Life is strange sometimes.

Marla: Grimalkin, my next question is for you. Be honest: do you miss going on adventures with these three? I'll bet life is pretty quiet now.

Grim: Hummmm, what was that, human? I was taking a nap. Miss these three? Miss the chaos, the noise, the constant bailing them out of trouble? What do you think? *Goes back to sleep*

Marla: Meghan, what do you think of your little brother being featured in his own series?

Meghan: I don't know if I like it, honestly. I know how dangerous this world is, and all I wanted for Ethan was to have his own life, away from all the craziness. But, if Faery comes for him, at least I'll be there to help him through it.

Marla: I know all of you must be busy, so I have one last question for all of you.
If you were to write a book, what would it be called and what would it be
about?

Meghan: "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Nevernever." Self-
explanatory. Wished I had something like that when I first came here.

Ash: I don't do a lot of writing, but if I had to, I'd compose some sort
of hunting journal for all the creatures in the wyldwood; strengths,
weaknesses, how to kill them, something like that.

Puck: I'd write a story about four humans who get lost in the forest, a
jealous faery king, a love potion, a queen who falls in love with a donkey,
and a brilliant but charming prankster who gets caught up in all of it. And
I'd call it..."Robin Goodfellow's Day Out." Catchy, eh?

Thank you all so much for stopping by today. Safe travels to you on your way back to the Nevernever!

If you want to check out the other blogs and authors on the tour, you can find the entire list HERE.  Thank you so much for stopping by, and feel free to leave your own thoughts on why Julie Kagawa is a rockstar.  It will get you an entry to win one of her books (sorry, US & Canada only per the publisher's request)!

The Giveaway

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Call of the Sea Blog Tour Part 2 - Interview w/ Daniel

I only had to hear the word "selkies" to know that I HAD to be part of this tour.  When I was invited to participate and given the chance to do a character interview of the very selkie found in the story, I was absolutely thrilled!  Call of the Sea was a refreshing read that brought me back to my very favorite aquatic folktale, the selkie.

Today on Starting the Next Chapter, I have for you an interview with Daniel, the selkie you will read so much about if you pick up Call of the Sea (which you definitely should!).   Please join me in welcoming Daniel.  I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did!

Marla: Welcome to Starting the Next Chapter, Daniel! I'm glad to have you as a guest today. Let's get started, shall we?

So, Daniel, where are you from?

Daniel: I was born in the port city of Youghal, Ireland.

Marla: Describe yourself in three words.

Daniel: *rubs chin* Hmm… loyal, determined, and *grins* unusual.

Marla: As a selkie, you spend a lot of time in the water. Where is your favorite place to swim to?

Daniel: No matter how many places I travel, my favorite place will always be Winter’s Cove near Newquay, England. I can’t imagine what my life may have been like if I hadn’t found it. My life changed forever in that tiny inlet.

Marla: What do you like most about Elysandra?

Daniel: Ironically, it’s what I like least about Ellie sometimes, as well… her single-minded determination. Once she sets herself to something, there is little to be done to stop her.

Marla: What made you want to return to your human form after so long?

Daniel: Seeing Ellie with her father that first time. How excited she was to see him, her completely human reactions. I missed the idea of that, the potential for it in my life.

Marla: What is the one place you haven't been to that you would love to visit?

Daniel: Ellie and I have been talking about this quite a bit lately. I would love to cross the Atlantic and visit the Caribbean. I hear it’s paradise.

Marla: You're a pretty busy guy. What do you like to do for fun?

Daniel: Being the captain of a ship certainly takes the lion’s share of my time and attention, and Ellie usually gets anything that’s left, but on the rare occasion I’m in the hunt for something to do, I enjoy fishing, swimming, of course, or a game of cards.

Marla: What's the best thing about being a selkie? The worst?

Daniel: Being able to live beneath the ocean’s surface. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve wished Ellie could see it. It’s truly breathtaking. The worst would definitely be the curse itself. Having it dictated to me when I change or how often. I’m not like a vampire or werewolf. I change shape at will, yes, but if I decide not to or choose not to, I risk my life. It’s a heavy yoke.

Marla: What was it like to work for Captain Winters?

Daniel: *sighs* The captain was like a father to me. He taught me to be a man, and allowed me to get close to his daughter. I owe him a debt I will never be able to repay. It was never “work” for me.

Marla: We've arrived at the last question! StNC is a book blog, so I always ask my guests about books.  Have you had the chance to read any good books lately?

Daniel: I’m afraid not many of you would be interested in the books being published in my day, but I’ve managed to steal a read of a few of the books on Ms. Hart’s magical book she calls her NOOK. She has a few good ones in there. Most recently I enjoyed reading a novel about a woman who reminded me of Ellie in a lot of ways. The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams…have you read it?

Marla: I'm afraid I haven't, but I will definitely keep an eye out for that one.  Thanks again for visiting, Daniel!

Be sure to check out Call of the Sea, coming soon to B&N.com, Amazon, and Inkspell!  If you enjoy a good nautical tale, you definitely won't want to miss this one.

About Call of the Sea

Elysandra Winters has always yearned for a life of adventure on the rolling seas and is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill her dream. When her Privateer father continually refuses to allow his only daughter to sail, Ellie defies him, disguises herself as a boy, and goes in search of a captain who will give her a chance to prove her worth.

Thanks to the cursed selkie blood coursing through his veins, Daniel O'Rourke needs the sea to survive. After giving up on his humanity and spending three years in seal form, he decides to give his human side another chance. Daniel goes in search of a job and a sense of normalcy, earning himself a position aboard Captain Winter’s ship, The Siren's Call. However, his new captain’s first assignment has nothing at all to do with sailing, and everything to do with his headstrong young daughter.

Years later, when the leader of a band of bloodthirsty pirates murders Captain Winters, Daniel and Elysandra’s lives come crashing back together with the force of a hurricane. Both experts in deception, they must find a way to trust each other if they are to have any hope of hunting down the captain’s killer.

About Rebecca Hart

Rebecca Hart is an avid writer and single parent of three living in Upstate, NY. When she doesn't have her nose buried in her laptop in her work as an IT Specialist, Rebecca spends as much time as possible outdoors with her nose buried in her laptop, writing instead.  

Website / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Tumblr

Tour Schedule

 

June 7-The Book CellarX

June 8-Through the Looking Glass

June 9-Terri Rochenski

June 11-Starting the Next Chapter

June 12-Seeing Night Reviews

June 13-Rai29 BookReadNReview

June 14-Bookaroo-ju-Review

June 15-Dreaming in Books

June 17-DJ Librarian Dishes

June 18-Jeanz BookReadNReview

June 19-Pages of Forbidden Love

June 20-BookBrats

June 21-RELEASE DAY!!-BookshelfBanter

June 22-Romance Novel News

June 23-Alluring Reads

June 24-BookLove101

June 25-BlookGirl

June 26-The Book Vortex

June 27-Bitten by Paranormal Romance

June 28-Night Owl Reviews

The Near Witch Online Book Tour - Character Interview with Lexi

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the second stop in the The Near Witch Online Book Tour!  This tour is sponsored by the awesome Hannah at The Book Vortex and is in celebration of the paperback release of Victoria Schwab's The Near Witch, coming to a book store near you on May 15th!

Today, we have a very special guest.  The one and only Lexi was so kind as to stop by to answer some questions for you all.  I hope you have as much fun reading her answers as I did.  Pull up a chair, sit down, and get to know this amazing girl.

Marla: Hi, Lexi, and welcome to Starting the Next Chapter.  I've got a few fun questions for you to help all the readers out there get to know you better.

First question: In 3 words, how would you describe yourself?

Lexi: My uncle would say foolish. My father would say strong. Magda and Dreska would say headstrong. 

M: If you were to stumble across a time machine, where and when would you go?

L: Out. Beyond. Somewhere past the hills. Magda and Dreska told me once about the sea. Water forever and ever. I want to see that.

M: What's your favorite thing about Cole?

L: He's so quiet, and it makes you think he's not there, not really, but he is. He's always present, always listening. He'll be looking off, and I'll think he's far away, and I'll say something, half to myself, and then, hours later, he'll repeat it. He always hears me.

M: What is your absolute favorite thing to eat?

L: Fresh bread. I know, simple, right? But it's like home to me.

M: What is your favorite thing about the moor?

L: It goes on. It goes on in that forever way that makes you want to take off running, or shout, or sprawl out in the grass and watch the sky, just because you can. It is wild and free and infinite. 

M: If you could spend an entire day with Cole, where would you go and what would you do?

L: I'd take him back to the hill beyond the village, the one where he first trusted me. Out on the moor like that, with Near out of sight, it would be feel like we were alone, just us in all the world. That can be a scary feeling sometimes, but with him, it's wonderful. He's so guarded in the town, but when it's just the two of us, he lets go. He untangles. I want a full day of him smiling, of him laughing, and holding me, all without flinching, without fear.

M: What part of the day do you prefer: day or night?

L: Night. The world is different. All the magic drifts to the surface, like dew, and you can see it, feel it, smell it.

M: What is your favorite season?

L: Fall. The winter is too cold, but that time before, when everything is dying. It's sad, but so beautiful.

M: Since StNC is a book blog, you know I've got to ask: What is your favorite book?

L: My father's. It's all I have left now, but it is everything. I like to set my fingers in the grooves where his wore down the cover. I love the book for that as much as the stories inside. 

M: Okay, last, but not least, question.  Lexi, we're all dying to know: Do you know the Muffin Man?

L: I don't know a muffin Man, but my mother has been teaching me to bake, so perhaps I could be a Muffin Girl?

Thanks for visiting Starting the Next Chapter, Lexi!

Make sure you keep an eye out for the paperback release of The Near Witch, which will be out on May 15th.  Stay tuned, because the tour fun isn't over yet!  There will be a special announcement on Tuesday, May 15th and a guest post from Victoria, herself, on Wednesday, May 16th!

Also, I hope you all will join me in extending congratulations to Victoria.  She just sold her first adult fiction release, Vicious, to Tor!  Congratulations, Victoria!

About The Near Witch

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
 

There are no strangers in the town of Near.
 

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
 

But when an actual stranger--a boy who seems to fade like smoke--appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
 

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion.
 

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi's need to know-- about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.
 

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab's debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won't soon forget.

About Victoria

Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say "tom-ah-toes," "like," and "y'all."

She also tells stories.

She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems.


Website / Twitter / Blog / Tumblr / Goodreads

The Tour Schedule

Tuesday May 8- Hannah @ The Book Vortex

Wednesday May 9- Marla @ Starting the Next Chapter

Thursday May 10- Shalena @ Writer Quirk

Friday May 11- Kelly

Saturday May 12- Sara @ Through the Looking Glass and Back Again

Sunday May 13- Lindsay @ The Violet Hour

Monday May 14- Aeicha @ World Spelunking

Tuesday May 15- Everyone

Wednesday May 16- Marla @ Starting the Next Chapter

Thursday May 17- Kelly

Sources
Book Description: Goodreads
Author Photo: Author's Blog
Bio: Goodreads