Fangtastic Friday - Vampire Diaries

Hello once again, everyone! :) Welcome to another installment of Fangtastic Friday, a weekly meme started by Beth Ann Masarik that allows us to talk about everything vampire-ish! :} Today, I'm expressing my opinion to this very simple question:

Vampire Diaries - Books or CW show?

I read the first book of this series when it first was published circa 1995. I was an impressionable teenager at the time and I fell in love with the Salvatore brothers and Elena. Even though I only read the first book at the time, 15 years later, I read the full four books that began this series. I loved them. I love L.J. Smith anyway (mostly because no matter what, her books have a happy ending), but TVD was just amazing to me. I loved the conflict of the books, the pacing, everything that happened, even how Elena eventually ended up as a vampire. And of course, I loved the love triangle (because I'm a weird girl like that). I was smitten with both Stefan and Damon when I read these books and I really enjoyed how the author introduced both of them in the beginning and how the relationships fluctuation throughout the novels (though of course, Elena and Stefan always ended up together).

When I found out The Vampire Diaries was coming to the CW, I was super excited. Like everyone else, I counted down the days to the first episode. I watched it with bated breath, having just read the first book a few months prior, I had a good idea of how everything was supposed to go. And then, 45 minutes into the show, Damon showed up in Stefan's bedroom. I hated it. That whole scene happened on page 244 of the first book - how could they have it in the first episode?! I lamented about everything that was left out and debated watching the following week.

Let me just say, I'm very glad I stuck with it. Since that somewhat disappointing first episode, I have learned that a lot has to change when a book goes to Hollywood (whether in movie or TV). I can honestly say I've enjoyed watching the show on the CW 100 times more than reading the books. In fact, now the books seemed too slow and a little dull compared to everything that has happened on the show!

What's your take on it? Have you read the books? (I'll admit, I haven't read any of the new books that have popped up since the show began.) How do you feel they compare to the show? Which do you like better?

Happy Friday!
EM

Character Chat with Gabriel Stewart

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another fun-filled Character Chat. This meme was started by my lovely friend, Beth Ann Masarik. To learn more, visit her blog.

Today, I have with me a vampire who's dear to my heart. Mr. Gabriel Stewart. He's the main antagonist in my Mason Ridge Trilogy (due to re-release sometime later this year). And today, he has something to say about those dang sparkly vampires.

"Vampires don't sparkle."

I paused the movie and looked up to find Gabriel Stewart perched on the opposite arm of the couch where I sat. He wore classic black clothing: pants and a button up shirt. His black hair shone in the overhead light. I couldn't suppress a smile when I saw the scowl he directed towards the frozen picture on the TV of Edward Cullen sparkling in the sunlight for Bella. Gabriel's dark blue eyes cut to me and I nodded for him to have a seat.

"I know," I told him as he settled himself in the corner of the couch. The steel blue color complemented his eyes. "That's why you don't sparkle."

"Thank god." His scowl was back. "I can't believe that woman makes so much money on such a sissy character."

"Despite his sparkliness, I wouldn't call Edward Cullen a sissy character. I mean, he tore out Bella's stomach with his teeth to get to the baby."

"The abomination that was killing her." He shifted towards me. "Are you really defending them?" He leaned towards me, his eyes piercing mine. "Wouldn't you rather have a vampire who's ruthless, who will stop at nothing no matter who it hurts to get what he wants?"

"That's what I have you for. And don't tell me you'd stop at nothing. Alyssa got what was coming to her. And in the end... well, in the end, I knew you'd do the right thing. You're not as cold and bad ass as you want everyone to believe."

I patted his cheek and stood to go into the kitchen for something to drink.

"Wine?" he offered from behind me. I turned around and didn't know whether to scold him or laugh when I saw a bottle of his personally flavored wine in his hands. Instead of doing either, I rolled my eyes and continued to the kitchen. He gracefully got to his feet and followed me.

"Is there a reason that you're here other than to bash Edward Cullen?"

"Do I need more of a reason than that?"

I playfully batted my eyelashes at him. "Because you missed me?"

He chuckled. "Yes, of course, there is that. And since we're on the subject, will you be returning to our story soon? I hear there are new readers eager to meet me."

"I hope that is always the case. I have plan to work on it this week, in fact."

"Good. I'll let you return to your movie then. Have a good night, Erin."

"You as well, Gabriel."

There you have it, folks! I hope you enjoyed my little chat with Gabriel. :)

Happy Reading!

EM

Fangtastic Friday - LARP

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another edition of Fangtastic Friday. What is this meme, you ask? Started by Beth Ann Masarik, it's a weekly post related to all things vampires - books, movies, lore, etc. Today I'm stretching that definition to include gaming, in particular Live Action Roleplaying (now referred to as LARP).

In August of 2000, one of the last times GenCon (a HUGE gaming convention) was in Milwaukee, WI, my family decided to introduce me to the World of Darkness, particularly getting to pretend I was a vampire for a few hours a night. After a couple crappy mishaps, I met another player and created an awesome character some might still remember: Alana the Gangrel. Alana had an infamous sire (creator), played by the guy who helped me create Alana. For more than 3 years, I played that awesome character, until something happened and Alana had to go away. So then came my second, just as awesome character...

But before I get to her, let me explain the dynamics of the game to you. Like I said, you create a vampire character to play. Depending on dice rolls or just a flip of a card, you find out what generation your character will be (how far removed from Cain, the original vampire, your character is). Every generation has a limit on traits, abilities, etc. that you can buy when creating your character. Every character is a certain type of vampire, which are split up into 13 clans, all having specific powers and abilities. Alana was a Gangrel, an outdoorsy, woodsy type character who could shapeshift into either a bear of a raven, could "pop claws" (make her fingernails extend into 6" bear claws) and could hide in the ground. She also could speak to and command animals.

For every game you attend, you are awarded points to help build up your character. The game I belonged to  and all the games I played in followed the rules of Vampire: The Masquerade, a storytelling gaming system devised by White Wolf Publishing in the early 1990's. Today I'm told other versions of that original game are being used, but it's been 5 years since I played a character.

So... who was the character after the infamous Alana the Gangrel?

Mikayla Roberts.

I know that name doesn't strike fear in the hearts of other players like I once wished it would, but I  hope that at least for some who might be reading this, it makes you smile. Mikayla was originally a ghoul, a human servant to Deakin Cross (played by my wonderfully hubby) - until my favorite storyteller got a hold of her background. What started out as a assassin-type ghoul turned into Kinfolk, having werewolf blood in her. Due to the story woven, Mikayla broke the bond with Deakin after meeting Nicholas, a very bad and powerful Werewolf Alpha. Playing Mikayla actually spawned a 5 book series that I still have to finish writing. She was probably my most favorite character to play. :) And just to embarrass myself a little more, below is a picture of Mikayla and her master, Deakin.

One of the best parts about LARPing was making all the friends I did. I still keep in touch with a few of them and look forward to seeing them whenever I get the chance. Lee still LARPs so I know how the game is run now, but sadly it is something I will probably never do again.

I hope you've enjoyed my trip down memory lane. :)

Happy Friday!
EM

The World Among Us Blog Tour - A Valentine's Day Interview

Welcome, everyone, to my stop on Beth Ann Masarik's month-long blog tour for her debut novel, The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness. I am very excited to have with me today Selene Aysel and Damien Wicklen.

Selene, How do you feel now that your memories are recovered?  

Selene sits back in her chair and thinks.  How did she feel?  It was a good couple of minutes before she replied.  “It all depends on the day, I guess,” she said while shrugging.  “Some days it’s nice to know where I belong, but, there are days where I wish I hadn’t found out,” she explained as she and Damien exchanged knowing glances.  He squeezed her hand affectionately.

Damien, Throughout the novel, we’ve watched your struggle against Hades and DuVessa as  you try to do the right thing. Now that Selene’s powers are re-emerging, do you think Hades will double his efforts towards his ultimate goal of world domination?

Damien frowned, and let out a sigh at the question. His bright blue eyes lit up with anger, but then mellowed out into sadness at the very thought of his father and past lover, DuVessa.  “I have no doubts that Hades will double his efforts.  He’s an ass and it’s only a matter of time before he strikes again, and when he does, I will be ready for him.”

Why didn't you want Selene to see you after you visited her in her dream at the end of the novel?  Damien looked at Selene and this time, she squeezed his hand in understanding. It was as if they were having a telepathic conversation of their own, but not.  “I wasn’t ready to face her yet,” he explained.  “She needed to get back on her feet without any influence from anyone in our world."

Selene and Damien, How has Jason’s death affected you? 

Tears fell down Selene’s cheeks as she thought about Jason.  “It’s pretty much torn me apart,” Selene confessed.  “I feel so empty.  I never knew my real father, and I don’t think he wants to know me either.  With Jason’s death came my mother’s, and my life just spiraled downward.”  

Damien wrapped his arm around her affectionately, and stroked her red hair gently.  “Jason’s death has been hard on all of us,” Damien said as Selene nestled into his arms.  “There is no easy way to describe it.  Everything is different now, and not for the better.”

Selene, I hear you’re starting college soon. Are you excited to go?  

Selene wiped her eyes and shrugged. “I’m not really excited for it, to be honest. My future seems to be have already been decided for me, so why should I bother going?”

Damien, Are you going with her?  

Damien looks at Erin, almost startled by the question.  “OF COURSE I’M GOING WITH HER!” he shouted.  “Who else is going to protect her against Hades and the Angels of Fire?”

Good point. Obviously, that wasn't a question I needed to ask. I'm sorry I insulted you. Let me ask another question you might not find so naive. Can I ask what your relationship status is now?  They looked at each other, unsure of how to answer the question.  “It’s complicated,” Damien said finally after a few moments of silence. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

Both: Thank you for having us today, Erin.  We really appreciate the opportunity.

Damien: Now, we’d like to offer you all a chance to win an electronic copy of our book The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness.

Selene: PLUS, you will get some major bonus points if you participate in today’s scavenger hunt opportunity (it will also qualify you to win the grand prize package at the end of the month which will be listed below.)

THE SCAVENGER HUNT:

Send me a picture of you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouce/etc.  OR if you don’t want to send me the picture, write me at least a 200 word email, telling me about how you met your sweetie & what you are doing for Valentine’s Day.  To participate in the Scavenger hunt, please send me an email to bethmasarik@gmail.com

THE SCAVENGER HUNT GIVEAWAY:

Each entry of the scavenger hunt qualifies for a chance to win an autographed hardcover of The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness that will be signed by me AND the illustrator, a totebag, a personalized mug with your name on it, a never before seen drawing of chibi Selene & Damien, and some extra goodies courtesy of my publisher, Otherworld Publications.  The winner will be announced at the end of the tour, which will be the first week of March.  This fabulous prize is valued at $100 USD. (You will get extra bonus points if you do this part)

NOW, in addition to that fabulous giveaway, I am offering up a ecopy of The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness.  This offer is until February 16^th.

Please fill out the rafflecopter below in order to qualify.

Thank you for having me on the blog today, Erin! And good luck everyone!

Fangtastic Friday - Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz

I apologize profusely for missing last week's opportunity for sharing this wonderful series with you! I have no excuses except that it was an exceptionally bad day. But without further ado, I bring you the BLUE BLOODS series by Melissa de la Cruz.

The series follows 16-year-old Schuyler (pronounced Sky-ler) Van Alen as she learns she is a Blue Blood, a vampire who is a reincarnated angel. Here is a description of the process:

"There were so many things they were talking about that made sense. The blue marks on her arms, for instance. Apparently their  blood was shining through the skin because it was  starting to assert itself, starting to reconnect with all the old knowledge and wisdom and memories of their past lives. Because it was their blood that was alive-- that was what made them undead-- their blood was thousands of years old, from the beginning of time, a living database of their own immortal consciousness."
                                ~ Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz, pages 144-145

Throughout the series, Schuyler falls in love, knows betrayal and heartbreak, and travels the world in search of her grandfather and the answers he holds to her destiny.

Below, I put together a minute long slideshow of the various covers for the 8 Blue Bloods books out now. No copyright infringement was meant on my part while making this show. I just wanted to have a little fun. :)

To learn more about this delightful series or Melissa de al Cruz herself, please visit her website:  http://melissa-delacruz.com/

I hope you've enjoyed a very small glimpse into a fantastic new way to look at vampires. And if you haven't already, I hope you will give this series a chance to WOW you as much as it has WOW'd me. :)

Happy Reading!
EM

Six Sentence Sunday

Good morning, everyone! Hope y'all are having a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday! Who's ready for some football?? LOL Personally, I'm just ready for the commercials! ;) Unfortunately, I don't read a lot of sports related books so I can't have another themed post. Today is going to be random, some books I've enjoyed and some I have yet to enjoy! I hope you will enjoy them, too!

I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up. 

Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And Two, I was born to kill them.     ~blurb from Goodreads

“C’mon Tara, you didn’t even give tonight a fair chance,” George said. His blue eyes were a mixture of pleading and irritation. I returned the pool stick to the rack on the wall and tried to think of a fair answer before I turned to face him again. I was careful to keep my voice down; the tiny pool hall was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night. The smoky haze that hung permanently in the dimly lit air gave the illusion of privacy around our corner table, but I noticed the couple next to us was already glancing over, trying to look like they weren’t listening. “George, you were an hour late picking me up because you were working on a press release with your agent.” I stepped closer. “Your agent,” I repeated, shaking my head. “Seriously. You haven’t even graduated yet, much less secured a scholarship. Why do you even need an agent?”

~ Heather Hildenbrand (2011). Dirty Blood. Accendo Press.  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  Smashwords

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn’t believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn’t know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix’s aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind’s liberty has begun...    ~ blurb from Goodreads

“What?” Madison Wescott said with a mixture of disbelief and irritation. She considered her son, Amos, and adamant denial surged in the form of a pounding headache. She’d come to the doctor for answers and this screwed-up diagnosis was what she got? “Ms. Wescott, all the tests came back normal.” The doctor scratched his chin. The idea of him being intrigued over her son’s dilemma pissed her off. She forced aside the urge to whack him with her purse. “Everything except the anomaly with his blood.”

~ Gracen Miller (2011). Pandora's Box. Decadent Publishing Company.  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  

Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window. 

Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition. 

When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell. 

The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny.   ~ blurb from Goodreads

Here's how my first day of school at Santa Anna is supposed to go: 1. I will cruise effortlessly through the halls, never once getting lost, misplacing my schedule, or embarrassing myself in any way. 2. I will meet a boy who will fall madly in love with me. (Think Edward from Twilight, but without that whole weird there’s-a-vampire-staring-at-me-while-I-sleep thing. So I guess think Robert Pattison. Which would actually be perfect, since I’m English. Well, sort of.

~ Lauren Barnholdt; Aaron Gorvine (2011). The Witches Of Santa Anna (Books 1-7). Kindle Edition  Nook Edition 

It's October and the month that Alexa Jackson will turn sixteen. Most teens are anxious for this milestone to arrive, but for Lexi it will bring more than just a driver's license. It will throw her straight into the dangerous world of vampires, but not without a twist. Lexi will not be bitten once, but rather have her family's true heritage revealed and her identity transformed from a normal, outcast teen into a vampeen. Being an overly analytical girl, Lexi will question and answer the science of vampires and vampeens all while on a collision course with her destiny - Kellan.   ~ blurb from Goodreads

I'd always wondered if the myths were true. Who got it right; who didn't? Were most recent Hollywood portrayals correct? Were all vampires gorgeous, pale specimens to be swooned over? Did they all have the same eye color and choice of human or animal blood for survival? Did they sparkle in the sun or were they prohibited from soaking up its rays due to a fire hazard?

~ Christin Lovell (2011). Diary of a Vampeen (Vamp Chronicles).  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  Smashwords  (this is a FREE title!)

Twelve year old Lissie is the apple of her parents eye and she can do no wrong. But, after committing a terrible deed in order to attend her parents ball, she finds herself at the mercy of a vampire consumed by guilt.brbrVampire law dictates that the turning of children is strictly forbidden. It's a crime punishable by death for both master and child. But does Lissie have something that might make her worth saving after all? 

"Lissie" is a short story inspired by a character from the upcoming novel "The Violet Line". ~ blurb from Goodreads

Staring out the window, Elisabeth watched the ladies in evening gowns and the gentlemen in their dress coats as they hurried past. Her parents had already left for the night to attend yet another high society gathering. Every evening was the same and Elisabeth could feel the ennui creeping over her. Being the only child of London’s most sought after socialite couple had its ups and downs. Constantly being left behind whilst they danced and chattered the night away was one such down, she often observed. Glancing away from the street her eye caught sight of the birdcage in a corner.

~ Bilinda Ní Siodacaín (2011). Lissie.  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  Smashwords  (this is a FREE title!)

Happy Reading, everyone!

EM

Fangtastic Friday - Deacon Frost from Blade

Welcome to another Fangtastic Friday! This week I feature Deacon Frost from BLADE.

Who doesn't love a good vampire villain? Deacon Frost from BLADE was the reason I fell in love with the bad boy vampires. And what's not to love? He's evil. conniving, has a master plan to undermine all of the other vampires and giving himself super powers (more than fangs and sunscreen to allow him out in the sun)... and let's face it, Stephen Dorff is gorgeous!

Not a born vampire, Deacon Frost has the radical idea that vampires should rule the world, which is continuously rejected by the 12 members of the House Erebus (the pure bloods). So, behind their backs, Deacon sets to deciphering hieroglyphs about the blood god, La Magra, which will turn every human into a vampire when called into being. Unfortunately, Blade saves the day and kills the bad guy.

For one more look at this delicious villain, check out this video of the sword fight between Blade and Frost. (for those of you who haven't seen this, it's pretty gross at the end due to Frost's explosive demise. Not suitable for younger eyes or queasy stomachs.)

Happy Fangtastic Friday!
EM

*** this post is part of the meme, Fangtastic Friday, started by Beth Ann Masarik. To learn more, go here.

Fangtastic Friday - The Strigoi of Vampire Academy

Welcome to Fangtastic Friday! This week I am featuring the Strigoi of the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.

Strigoi are the evil vampires in the world of the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. Why did I choose to highlight them first?

Because not all vampires are nice.

Strigoi are vile creatures with chalky complexions and super-supernatural abilities (such as strength, speed and all five senses). They feed on blood of the Moroi (the good vampires) to maintain their evil existence. *spoiler alert* In Blood Promise, when Dimitri is turned Strigoi, Rose has a hard time reconciling the man she fell in love with to the evil creature that holds her captive. Since Strigoi are made in two ways, either by being bitten and then forced to drink a Strigoi's blood or by a Moroi's choice to become evil and drink a person (human or dhampir) to death, it is very common for Strigoi to be someone you once knew. The only ways to kill a Strigoi are: silver stake through the heart, decapitation or burned to death.

The villains in her series, Richelle Mead did a fantastic job of showing us just how evil vampires can get. If you haven't checked out the Vampire Academy books yet, I highly recommend them!

Happy Fangtastic Friday!

EM

*** This post is part of the meme, Fangtastic Friday, started by my dear friend, Beth Ann Masarik. Learn more about it here.***