Vaempires: Revolution Blog Tour

Hello everyone!

No, I did not spell my title post wrong, nor is the book title spelled wrong. It is purposefully spelled this way. I am SO excited to be a part of this blog tour. I am also so happy to have been able to read this book, as I am not usually a vampire fan *ducks and hides*… yes I know, GASP, but sometimes vampires are repetitive and that bores me LOL HOWEVER, this book is flippin awesome, and not repetitive at all! It’s a whole new take on vampires and living with humans… let’s now get started!!

If you click on the tour picture, it will take you to the blog site where all the other stops for the tour are listed-HINT: I AM NOT THE ONLY STOP WITH A GIVEAWAY 🙂 hehehehe there is your incentive to visit the other stops LOL Now, if you click on the book cover picture, it will take you to the goodreads page where my review, and the synopsis, as well as other info is there just for you 🙂 I will first begin this post with my review of the book, and a small explanation…

Ok let me see if I can explain without spoilers. Vampires and humans live in a post apocalyptic world together and vaempires are a mutated version of vampires. Hehe the vampires are the good guys and vaempires are monsters. There are two points of view- Cassie and Daniel. Cassie is the princess and Daniel is a royal guard (her guard) who happen to secretly love each other…. And the tragedy strikes!! PS you get a small glimpse of this in the prequel-no worries I’ll talk about that too 🙂

This book is not like the typical vampire books. It’s a very survivalistic, action packed, fast read. And the whole time is based on the day of the doomed attacking of the Princess’s birthday celebration. It’s very well written and makes me want to change my mind and be a vampire! I was at first reluctant, as there is always a brooding male vampire in love with a human girl, and blah, blah, blah, romance… NO!! This is not that kinda thing. After the crazy humans (yep, we are crazy and you know it) declared war (with pretty much everything, including the vampires) they launched some nuclear bombs (STUPID) which took out half the planet and killed most of the population of both humans and vampires. For those who happen to survive, they have worked out a way to all live together peacefully, or so they thought.

There are a few things that are going on, and I REALLY like the supporting characters, which you meet in the prequel, and see glimpses of in here. I am seriously hoping to see more of them. I think I have the hots for one of them, hint- it’s Ray 🙂 LOL And THAT ENDING!!! How ya gunna do that to me! I always say I’m a fan of well placed cliff hangers and THIS IS ONE- so fair warning lol I think I was a little devastated and shocked, but at the same time, I’m not… I dunno how to explain this. I will definitely be picking up book 2 as I cannot wait to see how it’s going to play out!! Will Daniel finally rescue his princess or will too many dangers keep them apart! Boy oh boy! Great one!! 5 paws

hopefully that review will entice you to check this new series out… BUT I’M NOT DONE 🙂 Let’s now go on to my character interview with Cassie 🙂 This is a killer-SO FANTASTIC!!! Check it out 🙂

This interview takes place approximately midway between Væmpires: White Christmas and Væmpires: Revolution.

Maghon: Hello everyone. I’m so excited to announce a very special guest for today’s interview—Princess Cassandra! That’s right; our very own fairy princess is sitting across from me and she’s agreed to answer everything and anything thrown her way during this segment.

Cassandra: Hey! (Laughs)

Maghon: (Also laughs) Within reason, of course. We can’t expect our future queen to divulge all the royal family’s dark secrets, can we?

Cassandra: Not without earning the grounding of a lifetime, you can’t.

Maghon: Well, all right, then; let’s get started. Princess Cassandra, good morning and welcome to Happy Tails and Tales. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re here.

Cassandra: Believe me, Maghon, it’s my pleasure. And, please, call me Cassie.

Maghon: Okay … Cassie it is. But only if you agree to call me Mags.

Cassandra: Done.

Maghon: I have a whole list of questions on hand, Cassie, but I’m moving off topic right away because of what you’re wearing. That jewelry is quite beautiful. Beyond beautiful, actually—more like exquisite. Red teardrop earrings and a matching pendant. They’re crystal, I assume?

Cassandra: Yes.

Maghon: Can you tell me about them?

Cassandra: Well, Mags, the jewelry was a gift. The hand-crafted pieces are meant to signify two things; the first being tears, as you noted. But the shape also signifies drops of blood. I have to admit that they are so delicate and beautiful that I’m terrified to wear them. I’m afraid I’m going to lose them or that I’ll get caught out in one of Orion’s windstorms and a strong gust will blow them away. Don’t get me wrong, I carry them with me at all times because I can’t stand having them out of my sight, but I don’t get the courage to actually wear them too often. (Laughs) That’s pretty much the whole sordid story.

Maghon: Almost, but not quite, Cassie.

Cassandra: I beg your pardon.

Maghon: Well, I’m honored that you chose to share that story with us, but I believe you left out one little detail.

Cassandra: A detail?

Maghon: Of course. You forgot to mention whom the jewelry was a gift from.

Cassandra: Uh … well—

Maghon: I assumed the gift was from your parents, Cassie, but I smell a secret in your hesitation. A gift from a suitor, perhaps?

Cassandra: A suitor?

Maghon: Yes, Cassie, a suitor. As in a person with the intention of knowing you better.

Cassandra: (Laughs) I know what a suitor is, Mags.

Maghon: Excellent. Then you can answer the question. Was the jewelry a gift from a suitor?

Cassandra: Let’s just say the gift was from someone special.

Maghon: By “someone special,” you wouldn’t happen to be referring to a certain young man from a prominent military family, would you?

Cassandra: No comment.

Maghon: (Laughs) A special someone who will remain nameless, then?

Cassandra: Yes … something like that.

Maghon: Fair enough, Cassie. For the time being. (Sighs) But now, why don’t we change topics?

Cassandra: Sure. To what?

Maghon: How about we move on to this summer’s momentous event: your sweet sixteen party! (Cheers)

Cassandra: (Laughs) Okay.

Maghon: There’s so much I could ask you, Cassie: the party details … what you’ll be wearing … who’s invited … who’ll be performing … but there’s really only one thing I want to know.

Cassandra: What’s that?

Maghon: We all know that a princess turning sixteen is allowed to ask for one special wish. Traditionally, the princess requests something related to the world-at-large. I want to know what you’re going to ask for. Specifically, given the current climate—in particular, the increased tension between humans, vampires, and væmpires—I want to know if your wish will be in any way related.

Cassandra: I’m sorry, Mags, I can’t answer that right now.

Maghon: Can’t … or won’t?

Cassandra: I can’t. The truth is that I haven’t decided yet, so I don’t know the answer to your question.

Maghon: I understand. But here’s a question you do know the answer to: where did you spend Christmas?

Cassandra: What … (nervous laugh) …what do you mean?

Maghon: C’mon Cassie. Even though every light in the house was on, everyone knows the palace was minus one royal family for the holidays. The rumor mills are running rampant with talk of secret meetings somewhere in the Americas.

Cassandra: I can’t talk about secrets of state, Mags, so you know I can neither confirm nor deny those rumors.

Maghon: Understood. But all I’m asking is where you spent Christmas.

Cassandra: Why, I spent it with my family, of course.

Maghon: (Laughs heartily). Okay, Cassie, that round goes to you. So, I’m going to be tenacious on an earlier point. The first time you wore that necklace and those earrings was at this past New Year’s party—when your family was definitely here in Orion—correct?

Cassandra: Perhaps. Probably. I can’t really say for certain.

Maghon: I can. I did some research and it turns out that those earrings and that necklace were never photographed, noticed, or even mentioned prior to that party … which would seem to strongly indicate that they were not just a gift, but a Christmas gift. Is it safe to say that?

Cassandra: Yes, it would be safe to say that.

Maghon: So … this secret meeting may or may not have taken place … but if one did, it is safe to assume that the royal guard was there, as well, is it not?

Cassandra: If a meeting occurred, then yes it is.

Maghon: And if the royal guard was there, it is safe to assume that the captain of the royal guard was there, as well, true?

Cassandra: Sure.

Maghon: And if the royal guard was there, and the captain of the royal guard was there, then it is safe to assume that the captain’s son was there, as well. Yes? After all, Daniel is second-in-command, correct?

Cassandra: I … I guess so. What I mean is yes—to both questions.

Maghon: So … and I’m just brainstorming here, mind you … it is possible that the special someone who presented you with that exquisite Christmas gift … was Daniel.

Cassandra: (Nervous laugh) That’s quite a leap of logic, Mags.

Maghon: And that’s not an answer, your highness.

Cassandra: I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you asked a question.

Maghon: You’re right; I didn’t. So, did Daniel give you the necklace and earrings?

Cassandra: No comment.

Maghon: (Exasperated laugh) Cassie, everyone in the seven provinces thinks the two of you are involved. Give me something to work with.

Cassandra: Everyone knows that our parents are best friends, Mags. Our families are understandably close. Closer than close. Daniel and I have been friends since birth. It’s never been a secret that he and I share a rare and unique relationship.

Maghon: A relationship that now extends beyond friendship?

Cassandra: No comment.

Maghon: (Growls) Oh, you’re no fun! You royals never are. Too close-mouthed. But I’m not giving up. Since you won’t tell us about your relationship with Daniel, tell us something else.

Cassandra: Like what?

Maghon: Tell us something that no one else knows about Daniel. Something juicy.

Cassandra: Mags! He’s right outside the door!

Maghon: Daniel accompanied you here?

Cassandra: He’s … guarding me.

Maghon: He’s a member of your assigned guard team?

Cassandra: Well, not really …

Maghon: Not really? He’s here on guard business, correct?

Cassandra: Yes.

Maghon: But, he’s not part of the team?

Cassandra: No. He’s alone. There is no team.

Maghon: Oh my! This is absolutely delicious! And such irony! Are you telling me that Daniel is your personal bodyguard?

Cassandra: No!

Maghon: What a wonderful shade of crimson you’ve turned, Cassie. It quite matches your necklace and earrings—the gift that may or may not have come from the young man who’s now apparently assigned with guarding our nation’s greatest asset. (Laughs) That’s quite a bit of responsibility for someone so young, don’t you think?

Cassandra: I assure you, Daniel is quite capable of handling any situation that arises.

Maghon: Wow! I won’t even touch that! But seriously, from what I’ve seen of our future captain of the guard—(whispers) and who knows, perhaps even more than that—something tells me that he is, in fact, quite capable.

Well, someone is knocking. Shall we see who it is?

(Pause)

Maghon: It turns out our time has been cut short as Princess Cassandra was just whisked away by her (chuckles) quite handsome young bodyguard. Daniel wouldn’t explain why, but I’m already seeing reports of a possible terrorist attack in Orion’s west side.

That’s bad news for us, and bad news for those working so hard toward peace, but I’m so thankful that the princess was able to stop by today. And thanks to all of you for joining me!

hehehehe wasn’t that just awesome 🙂 I really like her, and I do hope after everything that has happened, things can get better… BUT I’M STILL NOT DONE!!! I would now like to introduce Mr. Thomas Winship himself, as a guest post…

WELCOME!!

The Name Game

Hello everyone. I’m so excited to be today’s guest blogger at Happy Tails and Tales! I’m Thomas Winship, author of Væmpires: Revolution and Væmpires: White Christmas. Both books are part of a new, ongoing vampire series that explores the question: what if vampires evolved?

I hate naming characters.

Yikes! That’s probably not the best way to begin a guest blog. Forget about turning you readers off, the use of the “h” word probably shot me right to the top of a special interest group’s watch list—you know, one of those groups that protects unnamed fictional characters.

Is it me, or does there seem to be a special interest group for everything? I mean, even sticking with just the topic of unnamed people, even I know of—and I’m quite a neophyte, I guarantee—special interest groups representing: 1) the random, unnamed cowboy who ambles across the street just before the shootout (and just after the tumbleweed) in those old western films; 2) the drunken, unnamed frat boys who criss-cross the country stirring up riots whenever a college championship is decided, and 3) people who anonymously post on websites and blogs.

I mean, I’m all for protecting the defenseless, but c’mon …

Still, I’d better get back on track before the protestors shut me down.

So yes, gentle readers, the truth is that I hate naming characters. In fact, it isn’t just characters that I hate naming, it’s pretty much everything: countries, cities, streets, weapons, technology, you name it (no pun intended) … but I especially hate naming characters.

Names are labels. Labels suck. I’m not trying to take a stance or make some kind of social statement. I’m not even afflicted by a crippling fear of commitment. I’m just horrible at coming up with names.

Character names, that is.

I couldn’t care less about names for actual people.

I can name people all day without breaking a sweat. If you’re about to have a baby and you’re undecided about a name, drop me a line; I’ll come up with a name on the spot.

Because who really cares about his/her name? If it’s that bad, you can change it. The easy way to do so, of course, is to adopt a cool nickname, but you can do so legally if you want.

Artists do it all the time. So do people running from the law.

Those two groups have more in common than either want to admit …

Nevertheless, I believe deciding upon a character’s name might be the most difficult part of writing. So much can rely upon a name: the right one can offer insight into a character’s character (no pun intended), while helping plant an accurate visual in the mind’s eye.

On the other hand, a bad name can become an insurmountable obstacle—and will be quite difficult to change later. While I’m certain there are authors out there who can turn a character’s desire for a name change into a scintillating sub-plot, I assure you that I am not one of them.

Still, it might be an interesting project for NaNoWriMo in November …

Anyhow, knowing how important a name is creates a lot of pressure. And it’s not just the first name, mind you—last names have to be selected, as well.

Some names require hours of research and a painful decision. Now, don’t get me wrong. Not every name involves a difficult choice. Some names pop into existence as soon as a character is envisioned and it just feels right. Luckily, this happens almost half the time—otherwise, I’d probably never finish a story.

On that note, let me share the history behind some of the names selected for Væmpires: Revolution:

Vielyn—(first appearance Væmpires: Revolution)—everyone’s favorite new villain has a name that seems somewhat exotic and unique… yet, it is anything but. Although it is pronounced vee-ellen, it’s actually just a slight modification of the word villain. Vielyn is a bad guy, pure and simple. He’s evil, he’s black-hearted, and he’s going to get much worse as the series progresses…

Still, even the most despicable despot deserves love (in fiction, at least), so you can expect Vielyn to find his perfect soul(less) mate in an upcoming novel.

Her name is Vendelia. As my mother would say, “She’s a doozy.”

Iris—(first appearance Væmpires: Revolution)—I spent weeks agonizing over this name. During that time, Iris was identified within the novel as ***. I struggled. What name could best reflect a character with the fashion sense of a punk rocker but the power to resurrect the dead?

After much contemplation, I settled on Iris, shortened from Osiris, the Egyptian god associated with death and life after death. Moreover, Osiris is usually depicted in bright, flamboyant colors—much like dear Iris.

Steven & Elle—(first appearance Væmpires: White Christmas)—I selected the names of Daniel’s parents as an homage to Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. In the Dark Tower, Roland Deschain’s parents were named Steven and Gabrielle. And while the Dark Tower is set in a future rendered archaic by the devolution of technology, Væmpires is set in a future that’s technologically evolved, yet also feels archaic. It’s all very fitting and just feels right.

Councilman Donrel—(first appearance Væmpires: White Christmas)—Donrel is an interesting character. In some ways, he’s the firebrand of White Christmas, and although we have yet to find out what he’s up to during the revolution, his heart seems to be in the right place (which is advantageous, since he’s a warm-blooded væmpire!) and he also serves as a voice of reason—even when his view is unpopular. Because of this, I chose to name him after Tolkien’s Elrond—another person who headed a council and was willing to give voice to the unpopular truth. Donrel is an anagram of Elrond.

Queen Anne—(first appearance Væmpires: White Christmas)—The name of Cassandra’s mother is the key to a very important reveal that’ll come much, much later in the series. I think it’s so clever (and that, ladies and gentlemen is to key to happiness: believe what you want about yourself, and don’t let anyone or anything else—even conclusive facts to the contrary—convince you otherwise) that I’m willing to offer this to the first person that figures it out:

• An autographed first edition of every Væmpires book ever printed
• A reading (at your home or local library) every time a new Væmpires book is printed
• I’ll personally select the names for all your future children!*

*These must be real, not fictional, children.

And, with that, I bid you adieu. Or farewell. Or whatever label you want to stick on it.

I’d like to thank all of you for stopping in and offer a very special “thank you” to Maghon for hosting my Dark Mind Book Tour and for inviting me to Happy Tails and Tales. I hope you enjoyed my guest blog. I’d love to hear what you think of it and/or answer any questions you may have. Post comments or questions below and I’ll be sure to respond.

Feel free to stop by my website and reach out. I’d love to hear from you if you check out Vaempires.

Below are links where you can find me.

Take care,

Thomas Winship

Website

Email

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

Goodreads

Amazon.com

iTunes

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

It’s always so awesome to hear what authors have to say, not just in books but in real life. And how they come up with things. BUT I’M NOT DONE!! I’ve got one more thing… A GIVEAWAY!!! oooooooooh and the book trailer 😛

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NbNlkVt7Mbg

ok, here’s how I’m gunna make life REALLY easy for the giveaway. YOU ONLY NEED TO COMMENT ON THIS POST WITH AN ANSWER… no forms, or rafflecopter, or other crazies 🙂 Here’s the rules… It’s INTERNATIONAL. You have a chance to win an e-copy of Vaempires: Revolution. I would like to thank Mr. Thomas Winship for offering that wonderful gift and for letting me participate 🙂 NOW- here’s what you need to answer… CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE PICTURE ON THE BOOKS ARE? OR YOU CAN TELL ME SOMETHING YOU LIKED ABOUT THIS BLOG. OR ASK THE AUTHOR A QUESTION! On the subject of the cover, I originally thought a christmas decoration ball, dripping with blood-NO, wrong… Then I tried to figure it out, BUT I now know what it is… You will know once you read, but for those of you who haven’t read, I would like some fun guesses. There are some hints here and there if you are reading this post and a few other stops on the tour as well as the video. If there is more than one person who guesses the right answer, I will put your name in a hat, and pick one 🙂 If no one answers the right answer, I will still pick one and then I’ll tell you what it is 🙂 or for those who post a question/ like, I’ll pull randomly. Since it’s May 31, and the tour goes on until June 12th, I will allow you to enter intil June 17, which is 2 weeks to enter 🙂

I’m so happy that you guys all stopped by and I am beyond thrilled that Mr. Winship was so kind and fun!!! I cannot wait to continue reading this series and as always, Happy Reading my Gators 🙂