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I love knowing how author's see their characters, so these character profiles for Haden and Daphne from Bree Despain's Into the Dark Series are so much fun! I especially love reading who the inspiration was for each character.
Character Profile: Daphne Raines
Name: Daphne Raines (a.k.a. The Cypher)
Hair color: Golden blonde
Eye color: blue
Height: Just little over 6 feet
Build: Tall and curvy--often described as looking like an amazon.
Favorite food: BBQ bacon cheese burger with avocado and a single onion ring.
Favorite drink: Rootbeer!
Special skills: singing, guitar, floral design, animal charming, can hear special tones and music put off by all living/organic things. Uses these tones and sounds to read people and situations. (May be able to do even more with this ability--like control the elements.)
Weaknesses: Abandonment issues from being raised without her father, has difficulty letting people in, overly focused on her goals, can't drive.
Life goal: Become a world famous musician on her own merit--not because her father is athe Joe Vince "the God of Rock."
Character inspirations: Taylor Swift meets Dean Winchester from Supernatural+ Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Character Profile: Haden Lord
Name: Haden Lord (a.k.a. Lord Haden, Prince of the Underrealm)
Hair color: Dark brown hair in daylight. Appears midnight black in the dark. Eyes: Jade green with amber fire rings around his pupils. Sometimes, especially when vexed or otherwise emotional, it looks like he has actual flames dancing in his eyes. Height: about 6'4"
Build: Big and muscular like a Spartan warrior.
Favorite food: Braised hydra in plum sauce and steamed griffin's milk . . . or pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
Favorite drink: Pomegranate nectar--definitely not soda like Daphne, it burns!
Special skills: tracking, hunting, sword fighting, hand-to-hand combat, languages, stealth--to the point of being almost invisible in the dark, playing the guitar and singing (he just doesn't know it yet!)
Weaknesses: Impulsive, sometimes selfish, occasionally compassionate of the less fortunate, sentimental about his deceased mother, too human.
Life Goal: To have his honor restored and to reclaim his standing as heir to the throne of the Underrealm. (Or so he thinks.)
Character inspirations: Prince Zuko fromAvatar: The Last Airbender, Sam Winchester from Supernatural, Castiel from Supernatural, Thor and a little bit of Loki.
0 Comments on Into the Dark Character Profiles as of 1/1/1900
You might remember hearing about Egmont closing their doors in the US earlier this year. I was so sad to see this publisher say goodbye. I had met wonderful people at Egmont during various ALA conferences and they were always so wonderful. They were also publishing lots of fantastic books, including a series that I had enjoyed recently, Into the Dark by Bree Despain. I am a sucker for greek mythology and Into the Dark was a new take on Hades and Persephone, which I was intrigued about. So when Bree Despain put the call out for Into the Dark Ambassadors, I knew I needed to help! I'll be posting some previews, giveaways, and other goodies about the series in anticipation of book two, The Eternity Key, coming later this month. Be sure to check out the first book, The Shadow Prince, if you haven't already! And just to refresh your memory, here's my review of The Shadow Prince and a sneak peak:
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I really love stories based on Greek Mythology, so when I first heard about Into the Dark I was excited but wary. The Persephone myth seems like a popular trend right now in YA and I wasn't sure how yet another offering of the story would measure up. I was not disappointed as Into the Dark has a fresh, unique take. It may be inspired by the myth of Persephone, but the story is original take on the myth of Persephone as a launching point for a new tale about the Underrealm.
At first glance, it might seem like another girl meets boy with supernatural powers romance. But don't let first impressions deceive you. Yes there's romance between Haden and Daphne, but it's not insta-love. It's a relationship that's brewing all throughout the novel as the two spend time together and get to know each other. Haden isn't a brooding, mysterious lead. Instead he's somewhat awkward as he's trying to navigate a human world he doesn't understand. He's from the Underrealm and his lessons about humans are dated at times so his language and manners are a bit stiff as he tries to figure out how to communicate with Daphne. I found this aspect of Haden actually charming and funny at times. Sometimes his mannerisms reminded me of a cross between Sheldon Cooper and Data from Star Trek which is kind of an odd statement about a romantic lead I know but I found it endearing.
Daphne is a strong character who is independent-and not about to be swept off her feet by a mysterious stranger. Daphne and Haden don't have a "meet cute" moment. In fact Haden messes up their first meeting pretty badly and ends up getting punched in the face-not your typical love at first sight moment which I appreciated. Daphne wants to make her own choices about her future and Haden wants her to as well instead of trying to control her or decide her future for her. And there's no love triangle-yay!!!
The cast of supporting characters is well rounded and not just stock sidekicks and best friends. They are all involved in the future of the Underrealm-even if they don't realize it. Both Daphne and Haden have characters around them but they are all woven into the story together. The story is mainly about Daphne and Haden but there are rich subplots with Daphne's new friend Tobin determined to find his missing sister and Daphne's estranged father wanting to make up for lost time. I really enjoyed the layered plot and how all the stories and characters tied together. I felt it made the novel have more of a mystery feel than just romance. There are lots of twists and while some things were a bit predictable, I was still pleasantly surprised by others.
This is the first in a series and while there are still many unanswered questions at the end, I didn't feel as though I was led hanging. The book had a good conclusion that left me satisfied while still eager for more. A great start to a new series perfect for fans of mythology.
Full Disclosure: reviewed from egalley from publisher
0 Comments on Into the Dark Series by Bree Despain as of 1/1/1900
Hamessley has been brought on to serve as the editorial director for all imprints. Her start date has been scheduled for February 9th.
Throughout her career, Hamessley has held editorial positions at Egmont USA and Grosset & Dunlap. In the past, she has worked with authors Ilsa J. Bick, Bree Despain, and Adam-Troy Castro.
Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood. Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.
My Opinion:
It took me a while to get into this book. I'd read half of it when I felt that spark I love feeling when I'm reading. The spark that tells me, "This is an awesome book!" It took a while for me to sense it, but in the end, I wasn't disappointed.
The Dark Divine's pace is slow-ish at first, but the ending, OH MY the ending... I need answers, and I need them now!
The relationship between Grace and Daniel is beautifully written, not rushed or forced, which is what I love about book romances. Both characters are great, Grace always doing the right thing, and Daniel... well, trying to stay away but failing miserably.
Grace's family is very religious, and I cannot imagine it any other way. It made a lot of the things that were happening make much more sense and in the end, when it came to saving souls, you could understand the character's actions a whole lot better.
You know, I've been stuck on 350 followers for a while. Now I could do a contest to get more people to come and play in my playground. But I don't really have anything to offer.
Wait, I think I take that back. I have an advance copy of Bree Despain's The Lost Saint. So If I can hit 400 followers and you comment under this post. You'll be entered to win the copy. Just remember that you have to comment under this post.
I'll leave this contest open until Sunday, February 13, and pick a winner during that week.
Please note that this contest is US/CA only.
5 Comments on 350 Followers, last added: 1/23/2011
Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven.
Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one.
Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.
In fifteen-year-old Alyssa Bondar's Russian-Jewish culture, having a few drinks is as traditional as blinchiki and piroshki. So when her mom's midday cocktails turn into an all-day happy hour, it seems like Alyssa's the only one who notices - or cares. Her dad is steeped in the nightly news - and denial - and her best friend Lana is too busy trashing their shared Russian heritage so she can be popular.
Alyssa would rather focus on cross-country meets and her first kiss with her running partner, Keith, but someone has to clean up her mom's mess. But who will be there to catch Alyssa when her mom's next fall off the wagon threatens to drag her down, too?
After the death of her mother, seventeen year old Elizabeth Carrington is starting over. In a new city, at a new school, with a dad she hardly knows, it isn't going to be easy. Trying desperately to find her way and cope with her unceasing grief, she finds herself surrounded by a force so compelling, so comforting, so captivating that she can't deny its presence and soon fears that if it were to leave her, she might lose her very self. But is it all really happening or has her wavering sanity finally found its breaking point?
Michael's role in this world has been the same for centuries, but now something is different. He is inexplicably drawn to an intriguing stranger so alluring that he can't force himself to resist her. Is he willing to risk everything to be with her, even falling?
A dark force, hell bent on destroying any chance of happiness for his arch nemesis Michael, is lurking in League City, TX, and there is no limit to his need for vengeance. How far will he go to seek revenge for his sworn enemy's betrayal?
Caught in a clash of good versus evil, Elizabeth soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a battle that has been brewing since long before she was even born.
I have the pleasure of being able to give away an ARC of The Lost Saint and matching nail polish. I absolutely love the color and I'm jealous that I have to give it away! :) Good luck!
From Goodreads. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.
Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace’s relationship with Daniel is put in danger — in more ways than one.
Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her — not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.
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0 Comments on The Lost Saint ARC & Nail Polish Giveaway as of 1/1/1900
E-Book of The Dark Divine Priced at $2.99 for a Limited Time
Egmont USA announced today that the e-book of THE DARK DIVINE by Bree Despain will be available for $2.99, from October 25 through November 22—wherever e-books are sold.
THE DARK DIVINE made headlines last month when it was announced that Ralph Winter ("X-Men") and Terry Botwick acquired the movie rights to THE DARK DIVINE, through their 1019 Entertainment banner.
A modern retelling of the Prodigal Son with a paranormal twist, THE DARK DIVINE sold out of its first three print runs and has garnered terrific reviews. Booklist said: “Atmospheric and compelling, Despain’s first novel will be popular, and a sequel eagerly anticipated.”
After you pick up The Dark Divine, get ready for the sequel, THE LOST SAINT, coming December 28, 2010.
ABOUT BREE DESPAIN
Bree Despain rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner-city teens from Philadelphia and New York. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and two young sons. This is her first novel. You can visit her online at www.breedespain.com.
ABOUT EGMONT USA
Egmont USA (www.egmontusa.com) was established in 2007 with one mission in mind: to bring stories to life. From picture books to young adult novels, Egmont USA publishes works that engage, entertain, and enlighten children of all ages. Egmont USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Egmont UK and part of the Egmont Group, one of Europe’s largest children’s publishers. The company is headquartered in New York City.
0 Comments on The Dark Divine E-Book on Sale! as of 10/26/2010 9:44:00 AM
Summary (from GoodReads):I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant. . . . I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me . . . I mean . . . why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?” Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.
Why I'm interested: Even beyond the gorgeous cover, this book looks so intriguing! An ancient evil, dark secrets, sacrificing one's soul? Wow. The Dark Divine looks like it will have a lot of weight to it and won't be a book you want to put down. This synopsis leaves so much to think about, I cannot wait for this to be released in December.
What's your choice this Wednesday?
2 Comments on Waiting on Wednesday: October 14, last added: 10/18/2009
Here is BookFinds first Vlog and the subject is new YA titles that we have received for review. I’m not sure if I make it clear in the video, but we aren’t only reviewing YA titles, that was just the subject of this particular video. Enjoy!
Titles Mentioned in the Video:
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Back Home by Julia Keller
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
7 Comments on In Our YA Mailbox, last added: 8/20/2009
Character Profile: Haden Lord
awesome. good luck!
Awesome giveaway prize! Count me in. I'm going to tweet about it :)
Congrats on the many followers.
frellathon(at)gmail(dot)com
I am stuck at 350 too! No worries about entering me, I have this title already. Good luck on gaining more followers!
yay Ill be a follower!! Thats 351 :) Count me in too!