Half-Blood Blog Tour: Author Interview and Book Review + Giveaway!

  A little while back we had the honor of helping out with the cover reveal for Jaye L. Knight's newest book in the Ilyon Chronicles, Half-Blood. We are pleased to be able now to share with you the officially released book!

Summary: The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

  Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?

  See where Jace’s story all began . . .

Thoughts: Well, not too much of this story was unknown to previous readers of Resistance and the King's Scrolls...but that didn't make it hurt any less. This is a story of tragedy, brutality, and the breaking of a gentle heart. Jace's story is a tough one to face but that probably makes the end, and the knowledge of where he is now, all the more uplifting. While she didn't enter into this book, reading Jace's past life simply made me love Kyrin's scenes with him all the more! This is a novella and would be a quick read if it wasn't so tear jerking but the beautiful end assures us that there is always hope in God's world!

Content: This is definitely the most violent of Jaye's stories, but she keeps it from being offensive and focuses more on the point, the why and how it affects the characters. There is also mention of 'volatile acts' against women, but this is handled tactfully to, again, make a point without being offensive or inappropriate. So aside from nearly illegal amounts of heartbreak and suffering induced almost as much on the reader and the characters, this is a safe and clean read!

                                                                       

Available on Amazon!

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Discover Ilyon in Resistance and The King’s Scrolls.

And now for the interview:

  Hi Jaye! First off, what was your inspiration for Half-Blood? Why did you decide to tell Jace's past?

Once I discovered during the writing and planning process that Jace had been a gladiator, I had a lot of ideas in my mind for his back story. Originally, I wanted to write his meeting with Rayad from his point of view as a short story. That sat around for a long while until this last winter when I was discussing it with my mom. We both thought it would be a good idea for me to write the story and offer it as a freebie. Well, as my stories have a tendency to do, it grew . . . and grew . . . and grew. Every time I’d start writing, I had ideas for scenes earlier in his life. Next thing I knew, I was starting out when he was six years old and I wrote it all from there. Since Jace’s days as a slave and gladiator completely shape who he is in the main series, I wanted for readers to be able to see that time in his life so they could understand him even better and see just how much he grows and changes by the end of it all.
 

Why gladiators? What inspired your idea of using gladiators as part of your story?

Jace didn’t start out as a former gladiator, just a slave. About halfway into writing Resistance, I happened to watch a show on the History Channel about gladiators. It was so fascinating that it really got my imagination flowing. The next thing I knew, all these ideas for Jace started pouring in. Now I can’t imagine Jace as anything else. It’s just one of the ways God has shaped this story as I’ve gone along.
      

        And last but not least, do you have any plans for future novellas?

As I mentioned, my stories have a tendency to grow beyond what I originally planned. (Just look at Ilyon Chronicles. It started out as a trilogy.) But I do have a series of three stories I’ve been planning for a while that may be novellas. I won’t know until I actually write them. I also have a Cinderella story I’d love to write that would probably be novella length.

 Oh! That sounds so great! I can't wait to see those!

About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, and on her new fiction forum where you can interact with other readers of the series!

Giveaway

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Half-Blood, a blue feather bookmark hand crafted by Jaye, a bronze sword pendant, and a $5 Amazon gift card! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f7330c116/



And be sure to check out the rest of the blogs on the tour!

Tuesday, July 14

• Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight
• Review and Author Interview at 26 Countless Possibilites
• Review and Author Interview at Lianne Taimenlore
• Review and Author Interview at Crumpets 'n' Cream
• Review at Tialla's Tellings

Wednesday, July 15

• Review at The Destiny of One
• Book Spotlight at One Servant's Heart
• Review and Author Interview at Leah's Bookshelf
• Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering
• Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom's Books

Thursday, July 16

• Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana
• Review and Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
• Review and Author Interview at The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls
• Author Interview at A Writer's Faith
• Review and Author Interview at writinganyone

Friday, July 17

• Review and Author Interview at Written Rest
• Book Spotlight at Tell Tale Book Reviews
• Review and Author Interview at The Pen of a Ready Writer
• Review and Author Interview at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
• Review at Poetree

Saturday, July 18

• Review at A Writer's Heart
• Review at Reality Calling
• Author Interview at The Art of Storytelling
• Book Spotlight at Thilly Little Nothings

Sunday, July 19

• Review at Through My Lens
• Review at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
• Book Spotlight at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima
• Review at bookend

Monday, July 20

• Review at Pencils Can Change the World
• Review at Backing Books
• Review at Melody Jackson, Author
• Book Spotlight and Author Interview at In the Character's Shadow

Tuesday, July 21

• Review at A Vintage Girl in the Modern World
• Book Spotlight at However Improbable
• Review at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
• Review and Author Interview at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

Wednesday, July 22

• Review at To Be a Person

     Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight 

Book Review: Five Enchanted Roses

Summary: Rediscover the Enchantment!
   A ship bearing the souls of sinful sailors drifts upon a ghostly sea. An abbey looms as the final defense between mortals and ghouls of the underworld. In the stillness of a throne room, statues stand forever frozen in a moment of terror. Monsters and men stalk their prey deep in the jungle’s shadows. A rose blooms in the dead of winter, sheltered in the ruins of an ancient Scottish castle.
And only true love can free the Beast from his prison.

Thoughts: This was an amazingly talented collection of stories so very different from any other possible retelling of Beauty and the Beast! While definitely darker than it's predecessor, Five Glass Slippers,  Five Enchanted Roses is well worth the read!
 The first story, Espirit De La Rose, is about, wonder of wonders, a ghost ship! While this at first threw me off it became easy to see how Beauty and the Beast fit so well into this story and made me wonder why no on had thought of it before. This one has, personally, the best ending and (possible spoiler) a child who made my day!
 The second story, Wither, has an intriguing cast in one of the most terrifying worlds I'd ever read about! It was wonderful...just maybe not my favorite story. I was a little disappointed with the end but still enjoyed it and it's characters very much!
 The third, Stone Curse, was an interesting story that starts after the curse, with our Heroine already familiar with our Beast. She ends up leaving him in search of the vaguest notion as to why on earth the curse exists! A fun tale with a shocking climax and well planned setting.
 The fourth, Rosara and the Jungle King, was probably my favorite. With such an other worldly setting, it felt like I was listening to an old African or Indian tale rather than a brand new retelling! The characters were interesting and drew me into their story with ease! Plus it has a breathtaking ending!
 The fifth, The Wulver's Rose, was the more gentle of all the stories. Soft and sweet with it's own dark thread, it weaves a story more similar to the one we're all familiar with. What I really loved about this one was the tightly knit families mentioned, a rare theme in stories nowadays and, while present in most of these tales, was most prominent here.
  Over all this is a collection you don't want to miss!

Content: All the stories are a little dark, at least two stories include ghosts and ghouls and most talk of witches or dark magic. There is kissing, which is to be expected. The worst was that in most of the stories there was either mention, fear of, or even near rape. While handled well and never actually happening it is still there so readers be aware that a certain level of maturity might be required to read these. Really though, it wasn't much and could easily go over younger reader's heads. These are, for the most part, clean reads with much more pronounced Christian themes than the last series!

Book Review: Five Glass Slippers

Summary: One Beloved Story - Five Exciting Writers - A Collection to Cherish!
 What happens when Cinderella is so painfully shy that she cannot bear the idea of attending the royal ball? Or when the slipper fits . . . but on the wrong girl? What happens when Cinderella is determined to oust an imposter prince from her rightful throne? Or when she is a cendrillon miner working from a space station orbiting a cthonian planet? What happens when Cinderella, a humble housemaid, is sent with a message for a prisoner trapped in a frightening fairy circus? Here is Cinderella as you have never met her before, wearing glass slippers and off on unforgettable adventures!

Thoughts: Well...it doesn't get any more different than this! If you thought you had seen every single possible retelling of this age old and therefore worn out tale...think again! These authors managed to actually create new and exciting tales that, while somehow magically holding true to their base, create absolutely new and previously un-thought of stories!
  The first is a calm little tale full of romance and an interesting twist even had us (the most unromantic girls!) enjoying the conclusion!
  The second is full of snappy humor and wit that you don't often see now a days but that its wonderful to read. I found myself snickering quite often.
  The third has a very determined girl who already knows what many would have thought to be a big reveal, leaving you doubting her claims until a surprising and chaotic conclusion!
 The fourth is my personal favorite! The world building that was managed in such a short space blew me away, not to mention a fairly large cast of tightly knit characters and little focus on actual romance. Plus, I loved the sci-fi setting!
  The last has the best opening, eerie and full of spooks, enough to give me chills when I started reading it alone. I admit the ending was a little predictable but I really enjoyed the mystically enchanting way it started out (mysterious circuses and fairs have always been fascinating to me!).
Overall a great and interesting read for those who thought Cinderella was too worn out to be retold and those fans of the classic story who can never get enough!

Content: Aside from the occasional spook and a teensy bit of violence (mostly in the last story) there's little to mention. Being a romantically based story, there's plenty of kissing and a bit of a scandal mentioned in past context, handled tactfully, but involving an illegitimate child. This is only a small part and briefly dwelt upon, leaving the series almost entirely clean!

Book Review: The Wildcat of Braeton

  Summary: His term of service to Lord Rishdah now complete, Aiden returns to his home in Braeton. As he travels he hears rumors that trouble plagues Braeton. Clan Canich is being attacked from within. He arrives, determined to save his father, his brothers, and his Clan from the treachery of one man.
 A year has passed since the Calorins were driven from Aredor and Corin is struggling to rebuild his country. Despite the peace, a fear haunts him that the Calorins aren’t far away. The Hawk Flight takes to the forest again to defend the borders against a possible attack from the neighboring country of Durna and its Calorin ally. 
 As Aiden and Corin struggle to adapt to their new lives they know one thing for certain - war is coming to the North!

Thoughts: To be honest, this isn't exactly my favorite type of book. While the plot and settings were interesting, I just couldn't really get into the characters. Now, this is the sequel to Claire Banschbach's previous novel The Rise of Aredor, which I have not read yet, so maybe there was more to be had there. But I didn't feel like I missed too much that this book didn't recap for me and still felt the characters lacking much in the way of growth or development. So, not a bad book but not necessarily the best I've read either, and not a light read. I do look forward to seeing more from this author! 

Content: Mild violence is pretty much it, its a war but detail is usually bare minimum. This is Christian fantasy so its pretty much clean for all ages! 

Book Review: Chasing Vermeer

Summary: When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen: seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company, and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one — neighbors, parents, teachers — is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem-solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has left even the FBI baffled?

Thoughts: This is a very different and interesting book, I'll admit, I've never seen anything like it, definitely not a light read though! I picked this up expecting a story similar to The Clockwork Three and ready to enjoy a light read. Instead I got a strange, complex, and thought provoking, no, demanding, story. The author riddles the entire book with codes and secrets and hidden objects and forces the reader to decipher several to understand what was happening. So, to be honest, I found it a little annoying and the characters weren't well developed either. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had really wanted something to work at and puzzle over, but I didn't. Overall its a good book, especially if you're looking for some brain food, but don't expect a quick, easy read.

Content: Nothing at all.

Book Series Review: Julie of the Wolves

Summary:  JULIE OF TE WOLVES-Faced with the prospect of a disagreeable arranged marriage or a journey across the barren Alaskan tundra, 13-year-old Miyax chooses the tundra. She finds herself caught between the traditional Eskimo ways and the modern ways of the whites. Miyax, or Julie as her pen pal Amy calls her, sets out alone to visit Amy in San Francisco, a world far away from Eskimo culture and the frozen land of Alaska.
During her long and arduous journey, Miyax comes to appreciate the value of her Eskimo heritage, learns about herself, and wins the friendship of a pack of wolves. After learning the language of the wolves and slowly earning their trust, Julie becomes a member of the pack.
                  JULIE-Julie's decision to return home to her people is not an easy one. But after many months in the wilderness, living in harmony with the wolves that saved her life, she knows the time has come.

Julie is not prepared, however, for all the changes that she finds. Her father has forsaken many of the old Eskimo traditions. He has given up his sled dogs for a snowmobile, and now looks after the musk oxen that serve as the village's income. He will do anything to protect them -- even shoot any wolves that might threaten the herd. Julie knows that, like her father, she must find a way to reconcile the old ways with the new. But how can she do that without putting her beloved wolves in danger?
  
Thoughts: (Yes, I know there's a third in the series but I'm not sure I'll ever get around to reading it so I'm reviewing these two as a series.) 
I must have been around six when I fist picked up Julie of the Wolves at our local library. It was a small book and I might have read it all in one sitting...I don't remember though. All I know is that I didn't have it for very long. I didn't learn the name of the book, it was simply the book about the girl who lived with the wolves, but it was magic for me. An elusive book without a title that lurked on the edge of my memory and whose enchantment held me spellbound for a long time afterwards. Well, needless to say I've been searching for that book for many long years unsuccessfully until a few months back when it just sorta fell into my lap at a used bookstore. I recognized it immediately and reread it. While not as magical as I remembered, it was still an exciting and intriguing story. But I read it and that was that...until a few weeks ago when I discovered the sequel at our new library (we've moved a few times since my discovery of the first). Obviously I snatched it up gleefully and devoured it quickly. Julie, the sequel, was still a good story and was fascinating in its own way with its wonderful detail of life in Alaska, but it held less magic for me than the first. Julie of the Wolves tells a tale of survival on a bitter landscape with the help of those old time terrors, Wolves (and hungry wolves at that!). Into this story is woven stories, myths, beliefs and superstition as a way of life and the ancient Eskimo culture just flows off the pages. In Julie the culture is balanced between the old and the new and is far more real and believable than than its predecessor. Even so, both books are fun, easy and occasionally magical reads!

Content: In the first book Julie/Miyax is a thirteen year old girl who is in an arranged marriage and so, technically speaking, she was married. Nothing was supposed to happen until they were older but the boy who was her husband is crazy and at one point he attacks her and pins her to the floor. While it is a little unclear what exactly happens, by the time she escapes from him, she is pulling her dress back up on her shoulder and feeling ill. This scene is very short, not detailed and a little vague, I know it went over my head when I first read it. Aside from that there isn't really anything content wise as long as you understand that they openly discuss the Eskimo beliefs and religions as part of their culture. This really is a pretty clean series and the first can be easily ignored.

Book Review: Rise of Empire

Summary: The adventure continues as Royce and Hadrian aid the struggling kingdom of Melengar as it alone stands in defiance against the newly formed empire.

Thoughts: I'm sure we've already made it clear that we absolutely loved the first book in this series. Well let me just say that the second was no exception! From the hilarious and witty banter to the edge-of-your-seat action, world building and plot constructing, this series has it all and is definitely one of the best I've ever read!
  Continuing the story from the first book I was very happy to see several characters returning and glad to know their plot-lines weren't just dumped. Also, this book gives you new questions, answers and then turns right around and makes you question the answers! And no one is safe, from horrible deaths to betrayals you never really know what to expect. A surprising and intriguing part of this book was the glimpse we get into the rest of Sullivan's world, races, and culture which includes a fun high seas adventure! But I won't spoil it. Suffice to say this was a great book which, despite its volume, took me around four days to read!

Content: The violence is much greater than the first book though the worst is only mentioned and never actually 'seen' in the story. The sexual content is about the same as the first (men holding girls, a few instances of near rape that is always avoided, and talk of prostitutes) with a few variations (no one is seen in someone else's bed but we do find some scantily clad to no-clothes girls, the last of which wasn't mentioned in a sexual but rather cultural way, but is still offensive). And then the language which hosts quite a variety of colorful words with B******* and W**** usually being the worst while D**** is found often and profanity on occasion. These are not clean reads and, though good books, I would suggest them for a more mature audience.