More Blood: The Eternity Cure

Last year, I read the first instalment in the ‘Blood of Eden’ series by Julie Kagawa. Full of blood-thirsty vampires, zombie-like rabids and surprisingly resilient humans, The Immortal Rules was exciting to the last (you can read my review here) and I was very much looking forward to the next instalment.

This month, it arrived, and as I dived head first into the action of The Eternity Cure (Harlequin) I was greeted by starving vampires, territorial mole men and a new, horrifying and bloody plague…

Allison Sekemoto has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from a psychotic vampire. But there’s a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago — and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further as Allie faces another choice she could never have imagined having to make…

Allison is on a quest, katana in hand and a pillar of strength while all of those around her fall victim to violence and plague. The Eternity Cure is action-packed and full of unlikely allegiances…

“Why was Jackal here now? The last I’d seen of him, he had been shoved out of a thirty-story window – after, I remembered quite clearly, he’d jammed a wooden stake into my stomach. I didn’t have fond memories of the raider king, and I knew Jackal wasn’t terribly happy with me either. 

Then the implication hit me like a brick in the chest, and I stared at him in horror. Kanin was our sire, having Turned the both of us. The raider king was my “blood brother” and blood called to blood. No wonder there had been two pulls. If Jackal was here, then he was the presence I’d been following. Not Kanin. Not Sarren. I’d chosen to track the wrong lead.”

This volatile partnership keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering if it is in any way workable… surely it’s only a matter of time before Jackal and Allie turn their weapons on each other?

This novel is a fantastic follow up to The Immortal Rules, with just the right amount of narrative, horror, action and romance…

“He froze for a second, before his arms came up to pull me closer. I leaned into him, feeling the Hunger rise up, feeling his lips on mine, his hands sliding over my back. I let myself feel all these things, including the urge to drop my head to his neck and plunge my fangs into his throat. I could control it, I would control it. Because there was no way I was letting Zeke go now.”

I can’t wait for part three.

To find out a little more about what makes this series tick, I asked a few questions of the author Julie Kagawa…

This latest instalment in the Blood of Eden series kicks off at a cracking pace… was it fun to be able to immerse yourself again in Allie’s world?
Yes, and I actually liked writing this book a little more than The Immortal Rules, because Allie’s character has been established, and all the other major characters have been introduced.  I don’t need to spend time setting everything up, I can jump right into the story.

There’s a real horror element to this installment, the new plague is vicious and bloody. Do you like the idea of scaring your readers?
Scaring them, infuriating them, making them laugh, making them sob.  The worst feeling is reading a book and liking it okay, but that’s it.  It becomes forgettable, and I don’t want my books to become forgettable.  I want readers to be terrified, horrified, hysterical and grief stricken.  If a book can bring out such intense emotion, then I’ve done my job as an author.

 Allison is an absolute pillar of strength, seemingly unbeatable but still maintaining some of her human vulnerabilities. What do you like most about her character?
I love her extreme stubbornness, which can, at times, get her into trouble, but also becomes her saving grace, as well.  She is completely determined not to become a monster, and she clings to her humanity as tightly as she can.  She also possesses a “never back down” quality which, like her stubbornness, can get her into trouble, but she’s more than willing to fight for what she believes in and usually comes out on top.

You’ve assembled a fantastic cast in ‘The Eternity Cure’; rabids, vampires, humans, pets and mole men… do you have a favourite?
I have to say I like the vampires, because they are savage yet refined, civilized yet monstrous.  They’re not friendly; they’re predators and humans are their food source.  I’ve always enjoyed the darker aspects of vampires, and I wanted to bring back a little of the fear humans once had for the Children of the Night.

I have to ask… what’s next?
Well, the second book of the spin-off Iron Fey series, Call of the Forgotten: The Iron Traitor, is set to be released sometime in the fall, and after that, the third and final book of Allie’s story, The Forever Song.  Beyond that, anything is possible.

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If you’d like to find out more about The Eternity Cure, you can do so here…

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On a magical note: The Lost Prince

Did you know that Christmas is only a couple of days away? You did? Well it must not have snuck up on you quite as badly as it’s snuck up on me! As ill-prepared as I feel, I am quietly pleased that it’s nearly here, as the merry day will mean that I have a few days to put my feet up, sleep in, and do some extra reading. I might even avoid turning the computer on for a couple of days!!

But, before that, I’ve got one more fantastic author interview to share with you. What better way to finish off a year of amazing reading?!

Last month I had a read of Julie Kagawa’s latest instalment in her Iron Fey series, The Lost Prince (Harlequin). I enjoyed Julie’s The Immortal Rules earlier in the year but this is the first of the Iron Fey books that I’ve read. It was magical, action packed and filled with goblins and fey of all shapes and sizes…

Don’t look at them. Never let them know you can see them. That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs – including his reputation – begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family and to save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan is used to dealing with faeries, but this is a whole different situation – a puzzle he has to solve with brain and brawn, even if it means making contact with his absent fey-royal sister…

“Shivering, I gazed stonily at the thing hovering a few feet away. It was unlike any faery I’d seen before. Not a nymph, a sidhe, a boggart, a dryad, anything that I recognised. Not to say I was an expert on the different types of faeries, but I’d seen more than most people, and this one was just…weird.”

“It was shorter than me by a nearly a foot, and so thin it didn’t seem possible that its legs could hold it up. In fact, its legs ended in needle-sharp tips, so it looked like it was walking on toothpicks instead of feet. Its face was hatchet thin, and its fingers were those same thin points, like it could poke its nail right through your skull. The skeletons of what used to be wings protruded from its bony shoulders, broken and shattered, and it hovered a few inches off the ground, as if the earth itself didn’t want to touch it.”

Julie has created a stunning world of likeable characters, surreal scenery and classical magic that will draw you into the story. You’ll be sure to enjoy the beautiful mystery of Nevernever and the gentle romance of the Ethan and Kenzie’s story.

Last week I asked Julie a few questions about her latest novel…

The last book of your’s which I read was The Immortal Rules and I was wondering, is it difficult to move out of one series, one scenario to another? How do you shift from vampires to faeries?
It helps that the books are so different.  In the Iron Fey series, the setting itself was surreal, magical, beautiful, and a little bit creepy.  In The Immortal Rules, the setting is much darker.  In Immortal, Allison had to be tough, gritty, and hardened to survive her world, unlike Meghan Chase in the Iron Fey series, whose upbringing was fairly normal.

In this latest Iron Fey installment, Ethan takes on the lead role. In each book, how do you decide whose story you’re going to tell?
It made sense to continue the Iron Fey series with Ethan.  Meghan’s story is done; she fulfilled her destiny and became who she was meant to be all along.  But what about the family and brother she left behind?  His story is just beginning.  He has a lifetime of resentment built up from hating the fey, what happens when he is forced into their world once more?  The Lost Prince answers that.

You book is fabulously visual, any tricks that you use to create such a real faery world? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Oh, thank you!  When I created the Nevernever, I wanted it to have that surreal, dreamlike quality, so when writing a scene in Faeryland, one of my tricks is to write the landscape as normal, but to include something that is just slightly off about it.  Just enough to give it a disconcerting feeling, like you’re really not sure if you’re dreaming or not.

You’ve included a lot of references to Shakespeare and other classics (for obvious reasons) Are you a big fan of Shakespeare’s plays? Do you have any tips for kids reading Shakespeare for the first time?
I love Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  I think cultivating a love of books and stories in kids is the most important thing for getting them to read anything.  When I was younger, I was a total bookworm.  That hasn’t changed, except now I make up my own stories.

What’s next? More vampires or more fey, or something completely different?
Well, after I finish the Blood of Eden series and the Call of the Forgotten series, I do have something very different in mind.  Sadly, I can’t say anything about it, yet.  But hopefully I’ll be able to share soon.

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Oh… how intriguing! A big thanks to Julie (and Harlequin) for helping to see out the year in such a magical fashion! If you or your teens are into paranormal or fantasy reading, I’d suggest that you take a look at The Lost Prince, and the Iron Fey series.

And with that, we’re almost done for 2012. Keep an eye out on Monday for a special TBYL Chrissy message before we sign out…

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Out Now! TBYL News: All Things Bookish… June 2012

I can’t quite believe it’s come around so quickly, but today I hope you’ll take a minute to have browse through the June issue of TBYL News: All Things Bookish…

TBYL News is a great way to catch up on recent reviews, upcoming news and words from my lovely special guests. This month, I had a little chat to Julie Kagawa, author of The Immortal Rules, about what makes her write and what’s up next for her.

You’ll also find exclusive newsletter specials at The Store and excitingly, newsletter-only competitions! This month I’ve got two copies of Jonette George’s Produce to Platter to give-away, with thanks to Smudge Publishing.  Don’t miss out on the chance to add this stunning coffee table book to your collection.

Click here to read TBYL News: All Things Bookish, June 2012

If you’d like to subscribe to the newsletter, you can click here. This’ll mean that you get our monthly news by email, on the first Monday of the month. Perfect!

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On another note, I’m running a poll at the moment on our Facebook Page, to help me to choose our July TBYL Book Club book. Feel free to pop past and let me know what you think of we should read next.

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Enjoy some undead adventures

I’m pleased to announce, that Tam J  is the winner of That Book You Like’s The Immortal Rules give-away. Thanks for your entry Tam!

Thanks everyone for entering, it’s great to hear that there are so many vampire-lit fans out there! If you’d like to hear more about Julie Kagawa and her writing, she’ll be our very special guest in the June TBYL News: All Things Books... out next Monday. Subscribe here…

Tam, just email me your details (postal address) to info@thatbookyoulike.com.au by end Saturday, 2.06.12 and I’ll make arrangements for a copy to be sent to you! If the prize isn’t claimed, I will redraw on 3.06.12

And don’t despair, if you’ve missed out on this give-away, I’ve got another one for you tomorrow! Stay tuned for details…

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A vampire for all ages: The Immortal Rules

I love the fact that there seems to be a vampire story for all age groups.

As I write this, my four-year old is watching a bizarre little show called Mona the Vampire on the ABC, yesterday I ogled over that (decidedly adult) True Blood magazine cover, and today I finished a fantastic young adult novel, an enticing, blood-sucking adventure The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin Teen).

Aimed squarely at plucky teenage girls, Julie’s novel is a wonderfully entertaining tale of vampires, rabids, ferals and ‘bloodbags’ all battling darkly, hopelessly against extinction, striving towards an increasingly unlikely survival.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked – and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

It’s been said before, but there is undoubtedly a lack of strong female protagonists in literature, but Julie has kindly helped to redress the balance. Allie is tough and resourceful. Both before and after her turning, she shows true grit and determination, and the delightful ability to skilfully wield a katana. She paints herself as detached, but through her relationships with Stick, Zeke and even Kanin, she shows herself to be ultimately caring and subtly gallant.

There’s plenty of action, blood and gore:

“Something hit me from behind, hard, and warmth spread over my neck and back, though there was no pain. The blow knocked me forward, and I stumbled, falling to my knees. A weight landed on me, screeching, tearing at me, and bright strips of fire began to spread across my shoulders. I screamed and flipped over, using my legs to shove it away, but another pale creature filled my vision, and all I could see was its face and teeth and blank, dead eyes, lunging forward .”

And plenty of the usual vampire mythology, imagery and romance:

“I lunged, sinking my fangs into his neck, driving them deep. Stifling a cry, Zeke stiffened and gripped my arms, arching his back. His blood coursed hot and sweet into my mouth, spreading through me, a slow-moving fire. It tasted of earth and smoke, of heat and passion and strength, of all things Zeke. He breathed my name, a sigh of benediction and longing, and I couldn’t get close enough, never close enough.”

It’s little wonder really that the vampiric tale is so often revisited…

The novel itself brought to mind many favourites; True Blood, Underworld, even I am Legend, but the author’s creation of darkly decrepit vampire cities, vampiric hierachy and the threat of ‘rabids’ on the doorstep has kept her novel fresh and original. The search for Eden, and for an illusive, perhaps impossible cure drives the story ever forward.

I’m no YA expert but I’d say that if you liked Hunger Games and Twilight you’ll no doubt enjoy The Immortal Rules equally. This is the first in a promised triology ‘Blood of Eden’ and I for one am already looking forward to the next installment.

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I’m pleased to be able to offer one reader a copy of Julie’s The Immortal Rules this month.

All you need to do is:

1. Leave a comment on this post, or

2. Visit our Facebook page and leave a comment,

…and tell us where about your favourite vampire tale.

I’ll draw one winner at random on Monday 28 May 2012. As usual, you’ll have 4 days to claim your prize or I’ll redraw.

If you’d like to find out more about Julie’s book, you should visit her website.

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Reading through the night

Recently, I’ve had a few people ask for some reading ideas, so I thought it might be good time to do another …on the reading pile post. I’ve got a couple of books on the go at the moment, and number of tempting titles waiting for their turn next.

I’m almost through Jennifer Paynter’s Mary Bennet (Penguin Books) which I mentioned in March, and I’ve also recently finished this month’s TBYL Book Club book, The Help, ready to discuss at the end of May.

I’ve also made a start on a paranormal young adult novel by Julie Kagawa called The Immortal Rules (Harlequin Teen). It’s such a wonderfully easy read, and I’m looking forward to reviewing it in full next week. The first in a coming series, it’s a tale of vampires, fringe dwellers and the struggle between survival and extinction. Allison Sekemoto, the main protagonist is tough and likeable, and I can’t wait to see what happens to her in her fight against a myriad of threats, human, vampire and otherwise.

Once I’ve finished Julie’s book, I’ll be moving on to a love story, a novel by Ayshe Talay-Ongan, Turquoise (Find out more). It’s described as being…

“…set against transcendent love, unrelenting hatred and loyalties to friends and family, Turquoise is the story of an enduring and passionate love affair between Yasmin and Renan, which spans two decades, two marriages and three continents.”

I don’t read many romances, so this will be something a bit different for me. I’m looking forward to it.

Throughout June, I’ll be sure to read our next TBYL Book Club book as well, S.J. Watson’s Before I Go To Sleep (Penguin Books). I’ve not read this previously, and I’ve heard impressive things about it. It’s described as a psychological thriller of the highest order;

“Each day, Christine wakes knowing nothing of her life. Each night, her mind erases the day. But before she goes to sleep, she will recover fragments from her past, flashbacks to the accident that damaged her, and then—mercifully—she will forget.”

I’m excited, and little bit scared about reading this one and I hope you’ll join us to discuss this book in June.

Next up will be Diane Chamberlain’s The Good Father (Mira) which has been recommended as being ‘essential reading for Jodi Picoult fans.’ It’s the touching story of Travis, a young single father who makes the somewhat unexpected decision to choose fatherhood over the usual fun and partying of young adulthood. The novel follow’s Travis as he’s backed into a corner, making potentially disastrous choices.

“With nowhere else to turn, Travis must make another choice for his daughter’s sake. Even if it means he might lose her.”

 Sounds very interesting, and a quite unique storyline and characters.

Lastly is a book that’s been on the pile for a little while, and that I’ve been very tempted by on and off, simply because it’s got such an appealing cover. It’s Andrew Nicoll’s If You’re Reading This I’m Already Dead (Pan Macmillan).

“Sitting in his caravan, drinking what is left of his coffee (dust), Otto has narrowly escaped death at the hands of allied bombs. Convinced his luck has run out and he will not see morning, he decides to record the story of his life for the poor soul who finds his body.”

This novel looks like it’ll be an absolutely crazy ride! It’s war-time setting takes a back seat to a bizarre reminiscence of circus acts, royalty, striking and convenient resemblances and of course, Otto. Again, I can’t wait to get into this one.

I’ve a couple of other books that are sneaking up behind these ones, but I’ll chat about them soon. For now, I think that’s more than enough for me to get my head around. I think there’ll be a few late nights reading in June…

What are you reading at the moment? Have you read any of these titles? What did you think of them?

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