Monster YA Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Christina winner of the Monster YA Giveaway at From the Shadows! Christina will receive print copies of Legend of Witchtrot Road by E.J. Stevens, Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick, and Supernaturally by Kiersten White!

Thank you to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Bite Before Christmas Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Barb, winner of our Bite Before Christmas Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Barb will receive print copies of She Smells the Dead, Spirit Storm, and Legend of Witchtrot Road, the first three books in the Spirit Guide series by E.J. Stevens.

Thank you to all who entered.

Didn't win? Don't miss our Monster YA Giveaway. Enter to win print copies of Legend of Witchtrot Road by E.J. Stevens, Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick, and Supernaturally by Kiersten White. (Int'l, ends 12/28)

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Monster YA Giveaway

It's time to Rwar! in the holidays with our Monster YA Giveaway at From the Shadows.

This giveaway is EPIC, it's HUGE, it's...a MONSTER. Be sure to enter, before it's too late. mwahahahahaha!

We are giving away print copies of Legend of Witchtrot Road by E.J. Stevens, Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick, and Supernaturally by Kiersten White!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a follower or subscriber to enter.  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL (to anywhere Amazon or The Book Depository ships).  Giveaway ends December 28th midnight EST.

Bite Before Christmas Giveaway

Black Friday is here again.  Time for our annual Bite Before Christmas Giveaway at From the Shadows!

We are giving away She Smells the Dead, Spirit Storm, and Legend of Witchtrot Road, the first three books in the Spirit Guide series by E.J. Stevens, to one lucky winner!  Perfect for the YA book lover on your holiday shopping list.

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!).  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL (to anywhere The Book Depository ships).  Giveaway ends December 15th midnight EST.

Death's Hand Swag Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Victoria Zumbrum winner of our Death's Hand Swag Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Victoria will receive Death's Hand bookmarks and charms.

Thank you to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Author Newsletter Sign Ups

Phew! October was insanely busy, but I survived Halloween festivities and the Legend of Witchtrot Road book launch and am ready to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year (well, *almost* ready).  My early New Year's resolution? To bring you, my dear readers, a fun and informative author newsletter filled with the information that you want to know.

But sorry folks, I can't provide Simon or Cal for Christmas...

We have a new, totally fabulous, sign-up form for my author newsletter.  Sign up today and receive book news, giveaway links, series updates, and more.  Subscribers will also be eligible for special perks like exclusive coupon codes, free reads, and swagtastic gifts, so sign up (and tell your friends!).

Click on the Author Newsletter Sign-up Form Link to view our shiny new form.

The sign-up form is easy peasy and, as always, I respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Happy Holidays!

Paranormal Guest Author: Chris Kariotis

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Chris Kariotis.  Chris is the author of In the Dark and creator of Bleeding Words Magazine.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Chris:  Ten years ago. Mostly poems.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Chris:  The book that still haunts me. “Interview with a vampire”

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Chris:  Shapeshifting, because I like wolves and lions.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your Bleeding Words Magazine.

Chris:  Because they'll read many good poems and paranormal stories written by the readers of the magazine (so boys and girls send your submissions now). They'll also read many reviews for books, cd's, movies and more. And an exclusive interview in every issue.

EJ:  Where can we purchase Bleeding Words Magazine?

Chris:  In ebook from www.smashwords.com and in print from www.lulu.com. Release date November 20.

Bleeding Words Magazine

Your Path to Gothic and Paranormal Literature

The November Issue of Bleeding Words Magazine, available November 20th, features E.J. Stevens (me!) and the Spirit Guide series. *squee!*

Thank you Chris for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Chris Kariotis and his writing, please visit his website.

11-11-11 Sale

Use coupon code AE68L for 11% off Legend of Witchtrot Road on Smashwords.

Happy reading!

Death's Hand Exclusive Excerpt + Giveaway

We have an exclusive excerpt for our readers from Death's Hand, the first book in the Descent series by S.M. Reine.

Death's Hand (Descent #1) by S.M. Reine

Policing relations between Heaven, Hell, and Earth is messy and violent, but Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner excelled at it-- until coming across a job so brutal that even they couldn't stand to see one more dead body.

Now they've been pretending to be normal for five years, leaving their horrific history a dark secret. Elise works in an office. James owns a business. None of their friends realize they used to be one of the world's best killing teams.

After years of hiding, something stirs. Bodies are vanishing. Demons scurry in the shadows of the night. A child has been possessed.

Some enemies aren't willing to let the secrets of the past stay dead...


Excerpt:

     Lucinde’s room was colder than the rest of the house. Heavy curtains cast the room in near-complete darkness, and a portable swamp cooler made the air chill and muggy. A white canopy bed blocked the back half of the darkened room.
     There were multiple obstacles strewn across the floor: an overstuffed comforter, rose-colored pillows in varying sizes, and a toy chest. Possible hiding places included the closet and the shadowed area behind a pink trunk with princess costumes draped over the sides. No girl in sight.
     Elise didn’t like the room’s poor visibility. It felt confined. Dangerous. “I’m going to open the window, Marisa.”
     “She won't like it.”
     She moved toward the window, hugging the wall, and stepped over a toy unicorn with blood caking the mane to its neck. Ears perked for any hint of motion, she jerked aside the first layer of curtains, then the second.
     Light filled the room. Someone squealed.
     Elise rounded the bed in time to see bare feet disappearing under the bed. “Lucinde?”
     She dropped to her hands and knees and leaned her cheek close to the carpet. A pair of luminous eyes stared back at her. The girl under the bed looked nothing like Marisa. Her skin was dark, like her father's, and her flat nose was offset by his same expressive lips.
     “Cold,” she hissed. “Cold!”
     Elise's gaze traveled over her bared legs. Her knees were heavily bruised, purple and black and brown on the edges. The flesh on her shins looked like broiled strawberries. “Have you used force to restrain her?” Elise asked.
     “She hurts herself,” Marisa said. “We can't stop her.”
     “Colder!” Lucinde demanded again, sinking further into the corner as though she wanted to hide inside the wall. Elise glanced at the swamp cooler. Colder.
     Lucinde tried to jerk away when she touched her foot, but Elise caught her ankle, pulling her foot into the light. A few remaining flakes of pink nail polish decorated her toenails under caked blood. One nail had been torn out. She released the child’s ankle, and withdrew again.
     “How are you doing?” Elise asked. “Quomondo vales?”
     Lucinde froze. Her eyes widened fractionally.
     “Quomondo vales?” she repeated. “Loquerisne Latine? No? ¿Hablas inglés?”
     “She speaks English,” Marisa said, offended.
     “Of course.”
     Elise pulled the chains of her necklace over head and picked a bronze pendant from amongst the other charms. It caught the sun and scattered gold light on Lucinde’s forehead. The whites of her eyes were almost yellow, shot through with crimson veins, and a long, low hiss issued from between her lips.
     “Crux sacra sit mihi lux,” Elise whispered. Lucinde recoiled, covering her face.
     “What are you doing?” Augustin demanded.
     Lucinde remained flat against the carpet, fingers spread through the dusty shag as though she feared being dragged away. She whimpered like a wounded dog.
     She was so small. Elise was sure she had never been that small.
     Elise leaned closer. “Can you speak?”
     Marisa stepped forward. “Watch out—”
     The girl's foot lashed out and the bedroom exploded into red stars. The pain struck a moment later like being struck in the jaw by a baseball bat.
     She reeled, hand flying to her mouth. Lucinde scurried from beneath the mattress.
     “Colder! Colder!” Her voice was shrill, piercing.
     Lucinde's nails flashed. Elise raised her arm in defense—but the little girl stopped short, swiping the hand inches from Elise’s face. Lucinde’s wrist was roped to the corner of the bed.
     Augustin hauled the exorcist to her feet, dragging her away from Lucinde. She shook his elbow free of his grip.
     “We told you to be careful,” he said, voice rough. “She's not normal anymore.”

**Death's Hand Swag Giveaway**

We are giving away Death's Hand bookmarks and charms to one lucky winner!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email (so we may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a blog follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!).  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends November 22nd midnight EST.

All Hallow's Read Giveaway Winner

Congratulations NoraA winner of our All Hallow's Read at From the Shadows!  NoraA will receive a copy of Shadows of Myth and Legend by E.J. Stevens.

Thank you to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Paranormal Guest Author: Jill Ranney-Campbell (Celtic Rose)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Jill Ranney-Campbell!  Jill is the author of Celtic Rose.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Jill:  I started writing when I was seventeen, but I created stories to entertain people when I was much younger; probably around eight years old. I had written a trilogy, but all three were only about half way done by the time I was twenty. I would get stuck on one and write on another until I figured out the next scene. All of my manuscripts ended up destroyed and I was devastated. I quit writing but picked it up again a little over two years ago. This time I wasn't going to give up until I was published. And now I am writing on the second book in the trilogy, Celtic Rose II: The Awakening.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Jill:  Anything strange has always caught my attention. If it had vampires, werewolves, ghosts, or anything like that, it was my type of book or movie, especially if it had romance. I love the idea of supernatural abilities. I grew up always pretending that I had some sort of super power.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Jill:  For a really cool power I would want to be a shapeshifter. I would love to change into an eagle and fly, or a wolf or tiger so I could protect my family. For a small power I would just love to have speed and agility so I could run over any terrain and not fall down.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Jill:  Readers will love Celtic Rose, because it is utterly unique. It has several different characters with very different personalities which gives readers at least one personality that they can relate to. The main aspect I wanted in my book was for readers to feel like they are a part of the story.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Jill:  I really have five main characters to begin with and three more are added later. I have thought of characters for the main five and the protector. For my main character Kallisto I would love for Katie Holmes to play her because she matches the dark hair and eyes and I think she can play the personality. Her love Talus would be Ian Somerhalder from the vampire diaries it would be a slightly softer role than he plays there but in the second book he gets harder. Her brother Kalan would be played by Orlando Bloom he has the playful personality. The character William is red-headed and Scottish so a good fit for him would be James McAvoy. Kalan's love, and the best friend of Kallisto, Ramina was very hard to think of someone for because she is Korean/American but she looks more Indian than anything. I figured I'd go for Ursula Mayes which is a less known model/actress. The protector Gabriel is definitely for Hugh Jackman, he's strong, handsome and plays protective very well.

Celtic Rose by Jill Ranney-Campbell

A curse is placed on a couple and on all who died to avenge them. They are reborn and live several lives finding each other and starting again only to die two years later. They will continue this cycle until the curse is broken Something has happened in this new life. Everything is accelerated and their death is coming quicker than usual. Their quest to find the artifacts that will stop this curse begins in a rush against time. Will they be betrayed by one of their own?


Thank you Jill for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Jill Ranney-Campbell and her books, please visit her website.

Everafter Giveaway Winners

Congratulations Brandlwyne of Brandyz Books, Jessica aka Frellathon, and Gi-Gi of Imagination Surrounds the World winners of our Everafter Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Brandlwyne, Jessica, and Gi-Gi will receive copies of Everafter by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam.

Thank you to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Paranormal Guest Author: Kiki Hamilton (The Faerie Ring)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Kiki Hamilton!  Kiki is the author of The Faerie Ring.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Kiki:  I started seriously writing about six years ago.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Kiki:  Harry Potter spurred me to start writing and the first thing I wrote was a story for my daughter. It was natural that it was a fantasy. However, I just finished writing a realistic contemporary story, so I’m not tied to just one genre.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be?

Kiki:  I’d love the ability to do magic.  Is that too broad of a choice? Why? Because with magic you have unlimited possibilities.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Kiki:  Well, I wrote what I wanted to read, so hopefully it is a story that will appeal to others too.  The story is set in Victorian London and is about a pickpocket who steals the Queen’s ring only to find that the ring is a reservoir that holds a truce between the English royals and the world of Faerie. And everybody wants the ring back.  There is mystery, romance, magic, danger, faeries and London. What’s not to like?

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles?

Kiki:  I don’t know who I would pick and I sort of hate to put an image in someone’s mind, because that might not be the way that character looks to them when they read the book.  The perfect example for me was Edward Cullen. I had this perfect image of Edward in my mind while I read the book and I can assure you he did NOT look like RPatz. Why?

The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring #1) by Kiki Hamilton

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty… 


Thank you Kiki for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Kiki Hamilton and her books, please visit her website.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween greetings from your favorite Spirit Guide series characters:

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Can you match the characters to the monsters?

Hint: Check out the character pics below.

Don't miss our All Hallow's Read Giveaway here.

All Hallow's Read Giveaway

All Hallow's Read, the creation of author Neil Gaiman, is a fabulous new Halloween tradition for book lovers.  You can learn more about All Hallow's Read on the official All Hallow's Read website.

We are celebrating All Hallow's Read here at From the Shadows with a giveaway.  All Hallow's Read requires that a spooky book be given freely during the Halloween season.  We have a spooky poetry collection perfect for Halloween.

Shadows of Myth and Legend by E.J. Stevens

A collection of dark faerie tales inspired by folklore, myth and legend told in the haunting lyrical style of dark poet E.J. Stevens. Filled with poems about vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal creatures of the night.

Take a journey into the pages of Shadows of Myth and Legend and discover what creatures lurk in the shadows.

Includes:
Queen of Elphame, Vampire's Thrall, Exile, Jiang Shi, Love of a Shifter, Last of the Rowan Berries, Shadow Queen of the Sidhe, Spriggan Guardians, While You Lay Sleeping, Loup Garou, Elven Bride, Zombie's Cold Embrace, Unicorn, Barghest and Mauthe Doog, To See a Fetch, Gargoyle Sentry, Siren Song, The Reaper, Warding charm, Possession, Woman in White , The Phoenix Cycle, Fafnir the Wyrm, Vampire Court, Basilisk, Goblin King, Curse of the Seer, The Dullahan, Prince of Lies, The Morrigan, Sating the Selkie, The Winter Queen, Grindylow, Ghost Ship, Garden Pixie, Banshee at Water's Edge, Hippocamp, Wendigo, Kiss of the Korrigan, Swan Maiden, Kraken

**All Hallow's Read Giveaway**

We will be giving away a copy of Shadows of Myth and Legend by E.J. Stevens to one lucky winner!

To enter, leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!).  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends November 7th midnight EST.

Paranormal Guest Author: Keri Arthur (Riley Jenson, Dark Angels)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Keri Arthur!  Keri is the author of the Nikki and Michael series, Myth and Magic series, Ripple Creep Werewolf series, Damask Circle series, Riley Jenson Guardian series (Full Moon Rising, Kissing Sin, Tempting Evil, Dangerous Games, Embraced by Darkness, The Darkest Kiss, Deadly Desire, Bound to Shadows, Moon Sworn), and Dark Angels series (Darkness Unbound, Darkness Rising).

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Keri:  I actually started writing when I was about 12, after I'd read a book where the author killed off a character I loved. I was so incensed I rewrote the book and made the character live! I've been writing 'seriously'--that is, with the aim of getting published--for about 20 years, and was first published with ImaJinn (a US small press) in 2001.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Keri:  I've always loved reading fantasy novels, and the first three books I wrote were all fantasy romances. Then I read Children of the Night, by Mecedes Lackey, fell in love with Andre, and knew that's exactly what I wanted to write.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Keri:  I'm not actually sure I'd want to be a paranormal--this world isn't ready for them! lol As for a supernatural talent, again, I'm not sure I'd want one. Such gifts always have their downsides, and to be honest, I'm happy just being me, as I am!

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Keri:  My upcoming Dark Angels series is set in the same world as the Riley Jenson series, so old friends are occasionally revisited. Plus, Risa can kick arse almost as well as her aunt Riley, and she has the help of a seriously sexy Aedh, as well as a reaper.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Keri:  I'd love my books to be made into movies, and honestly, as long as the actors were appropriate (for example, Riley has red hair and can kick male arse, so the actress has to at least look like she could do that--no wimps allowed!) then I wouldn't care.

Darkness Unbound (Dark Angels #1) by Keri Arthur

Risa Jones is as extraordinary as her heritage. Born from a lab-enhanced clone mother and an Aedh father, she can not only talk to the souls of the dying and the dead, but she can see the reapers and walk the gray fields that divide this world from the next.

They are skill she rarely uses, however, preferring to concentrate on the business she shares with her two best friends. But when her mother asks her to help the parents of a little girl locked in a coma, she reluctantly agrees. What she discovers scares the hell out of her. Because the little girl’s soul no longer resides in her body, and it wasn’t death and the reapers that took her.

Someone had ripped her soul from her flesh.

As it turns out, a creature consuming the souls of the innocent–and not so innocent–is the least of her problems. Because someone wants to rip open the gates that divided hell from earth, and Risa is a key component in their plans. And the only person standing between her and disaster is a reaper who isn’t exactly on her side.


Thank you Keri for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Keri Arthur and her books, please visit her website.

Fading Into Magic Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Mary winner of our Fading Into Magic Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Mary will receive an autographed copy of Fading Into Magic by Vone Savan.

Thank you to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Teen Read Week Book Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Nina of Death Books and Tea winner of our Teen Read Week Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Nina will receive TWO copies of Legend of Witchtrot Road by E.J. Stevens; one copy to read and one to donate to the library, school, teen book club, or youth center of her choice.

Thank you to all who entered!

**All giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Paranormal Guest Author: Nell Stark + Everafter Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Nell Stark!  Nell is the author of Running with the Wind and Homecoming and is co-author of the Everafter series which includes Everafter, Nevermore, and Nightrise.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Nell:  I began writing as soon as I was literate. I honestly don't remember a time when I wasn't composing stories: first by hand on lined paper, then on my family's clunky Apple IIE, and later on more sophisticated computers. Everywhere I went as a child I saw stories, and I always wanted to write them down. At age 16 I finished my first novel, which turned out to be an earnest but really quite awful "epic" fantasy story, the protagonist of which was my idealized self. During my college years, I began to refine my skills in earnest through coursework and workshops. Later, as a doctoral graduate student, my first manuscript (a traditional romance) was accepted by Bold Strokes Books. I met my partner and everafter collaborator, Trinity Tam, through my publisher. Trin and I began work on the everafter series late in 2008.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Nell:  I came to paranormals via fantasy, which I discovered at age 8 when my mother handed me a copy of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. She wasn't sure I was ready for Middle Earth, but I quickly became hooked. After years of reading fantasy, I branched out into urban fantasy and paranormals. I've enjoyed writing the everafter series because creating paranormal characters is an intriguing way to explore the human condition. Vampires and were-creatures are in many ways "more human than human," in that they are compelled to surrender to their animal appetites. Vampires thirst for the very essence of life, while Weres don't just act like animals--they become them.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Nell:  If I were asked to choose between life as a vampire or as a were-creature, I'd choose the latter. I would not want to miss out on having the chance to experience the world through animal-caliber senses!

However, if I could have any supernatural ability, I'd choose the ability to heal.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Nell:  As a paranormal romantic thriller, everafter combines the best features of three genres. It features a lesbian romance between paranormal characters as well as an action-adventure plot set in contemporary New York City. Its two sequels, nevermore and nightrise, introduce additional challenges for the central couple and also allow readers deeper access into the underground society of vampires and wereshifters.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Nell:  I love this question!

If everafter were made into a film and I could call the casting shots, Valentine Darrow would be played by Katee Sackoff, and Alexa Newland would be played by Rachel McAdams.

Everafter (Everafter #1) by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam

How far would you go to save your lover’s soul? When medical student Valentine Darrow is bitten by a Vampire on her way home to propose to her lover, Alexa Newland, her life becomes a nightmare. She is consumed—both by a craving for human blood, and by an obsession to find her attacker and bring him to justice. Alexa is determined to be everything that Valentine needs, but when Val's appetite outstrips Alexa's ability to nourish her, Alexa risks her life to save her lover. Will Valentine be able to control her thirst—for blood and for vengeance? And can Valentine and Alexa's relationship endure against seemingly impossible odds?


Thank you Nell for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Nell Stark and her books, please visit her website.

**Everafter Giveaway**

We are giving away three copies of Everafter by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!). This giveaway is international.  US winners will have their choice of ebook or paperback.  International winners will receive an ebook copy.  Giveaway ends November 5th midnight EST.

Paranormal Guest Author: Sophie Jordan aka Sharie Kohler

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Sophie Jordan!  Sophie also writes under the name Sharie Kohler and is the author of the Firelight series (Firelight, Vanish) and the Moon Chasers series (Marked by Moonlight, Kiss of a Dark Moon, To Crave a Blood Moon, My Soul to Keep, Night Falls on the Wicked).

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Sophie:  I write off and on since I was in junior high. I only determined to write with the serious goal to become published, however, in my late twenties.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Sophie:  I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre and interested in paranormal lore. Honestly, there weren’t too many paranormal books I’d read when the idea for a “lycan” story came to me and I quickly got to work on it. That book became MARKED BY MOONLIGHT, the first book in my Moon Chasers series. When I wrote that book I had no idea it would even become a series! And now here I am on book five.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Sophie:  Hm, tough … I think I’d like be an empath like the heroine in my third paranormal novel, TO CRAVE A BLOOD MOON. She’s just the most distinctive protagonist I’ve creatied and her supernatural “gift” made her wonderfully complex.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Sophie:  NIGHT FALLS ON THE WICKED is a blending of several paranormal “creatures” that I’ve thus far introduced in my series. Lycans, hybrid lycans, witches, demons … in each Moon Chasers book, the world has expanded. So with NIGHT FALLS ON THE WICKED, book #5, the world really explodes and the stakes are higher than ever. And of course … there’s steamy romance. Always got to have that!

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Sophie:  Oh, I’m a HUGE fan of Mila Jovovich. I love all her Resident Evil movies. She’s the ultimate kick-ass heroine and just has tremendous presence. She’s really lovely with her exotic looks, too … oh, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s a great actress! I can see her perfectly in the role of any of my heroines.

Night Falls on the Wicked (Moon Chasers #5) by Sharie Kohler

Sharie Kohler returns to the shadowy world of the Moon Chasers, where a seductive witch stalked by demons finds protection in the arms of a lycan on a mission of blood vengeance. . . .

Darby lives her life below the radar, moving from town to town in the coldest climates, eluding the demons that hunt her—and never allowing herself to get close to anyone. Now, in frigid isolation, Darby waits tables in a small town and tries to forget who she is—what she is—and the danger forever nipping at her heels. Until a new danger finds her—a lycan pack whose distant howls have the locals on edge. But the call of the lycans has also drawn a handsome, menacing stranger. . . .

For years, Niklas has searched for the bloodthirsty pack that murdered his mother and infected him. Darby is overwhelmed by his raw appeal and dangerous strength. Niklas senses her need and vulnerability . . . and together they give in to the hungry attraction blazing between them—but desire this fierce brings dangers of its own. When Darby is targeted by the lycans, the stakes are higher than ever—and Niklas is not about to lose another woman he loves to their evil bloodlust.


Thank you Sophie for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Sophie Jordan, aka Sharie Kohler, and her books please visit her website.

Paranormal Guest Author: Kristen Painter (House of Comarré Series)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Kristen Painter!  Kristen is the author of Heart of Fire, Dark Kiss of the Reaper, and the House of Comarré series which includes Blood Rights, Flesh and Blood, and Bad Blood.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Kristen:  I've been writing all my life in some form: poetry, short stories, non-fiction articles. I began writing with the goal of publication about six years ago.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Kristen:  I love the open-endedness of the What If that paranormal offers. There are truly no limits in that genre, only those you impose on yourself.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Kristen:  I'd love to be able to teleport, mostly because I hate waiting. lol

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Kristen:  I hope they enjoy it because it meets their reading need - to be swept away into another place, to forget about life for awhile, or just to experience something new.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Kristen:  That's a tough question. There aren't any actors in Hollywood that immediately come to mind, so I'd probably want unknowns.

Blood Rights (House of Comarré #1) by Kristen Painter

The lacy gold mapped her entire body. A finely-wrought filigree of stars, vines, flowers, butterflies, ancient symbols and words ran from her feet, up her legs, over her narrow waist, spanned her chest and finished down her arms to the tips of her fingers.

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle’s body bears the telltale marks of a comarré—a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world…and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.

Now Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.


Thank you Kristen for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Kristen Painter and her books, please visit her website.

Teen Read Week Book Giveaway

Teen Read Week is an annual event to promote teen literacy.  I feel strongly about the importance of reading, especially for young adults (#YASaves), so we are celebrating Teen Read Week with a book giveaway.  Yay!

We are giving away TWO copies of Legend of Witchtrot Road by E.J. Stevens.  One copy for you and one for the library, school, teen book club, or youth center of your choice.

To enter, please comment on this post and include your email address (so we may contact you if you win). You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!).  This giveaway is to the US, UK, and Canada only.  Giveaway ends October 24th midnight EST.

Chosen By Fate Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Crystal of My Reading Room winner of our Chosen by Fate International Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Crystal will receive a copy of Chosen by Fate signed by the author, Virna DePaul, with trading cards.

Thank you to all who entered.

**All giveaway winners selected by E.J. using Random.org**

Paranormal Guest Author: C.C. Hunter (Shadow Falls Series)

Please welcome paranormal guest author C.C. Hunter.  C.C. is the author of Born at Midnight and Awake at Dawn.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

CC:  Some writers will tell you that they were born with a pen in their hands and by the time their umbilical cord fell off, they’d finished the first draft of their first novel.  Not me.  I was raised in the south, where all my family tried to one-up each other with their stories, I grew up surrounded by storytellers.  And while I was good at it, I was also dyslexic, and writing was not my strong suit.  (Now, standing up and telling my story to an audience?  That I could do with no problem.)  I was twenty-three before I told my husband I wanted to be a writer.  It took years…lots of years, spent teaching myself how to put my talent of telling a story on paper.  I think I may be finally catching on, too.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

CC:  Ghosts.  LOL.  Seriously, I’ve always loved ghost stories.  I think I love them so much because of all the spooky paranormal elements, this is the one I come closest to believing really exists.  And my first novel with any paranormal element in it was one about a girl whose mom dies and comes back to warn her about bad things that were going to happen to her.  Back in 2006, the paranormal genre was really getting hot.  I had sold one sweet romance to Silhouette years before and wanted to get back into writing novels.  I had been writing Single Title romances, humorous romantic suspense, but humor wasn’t the hottest genre and I couldn’t seem to sell them.  I signed with my agent and she recommended I try to write a book with a paranormal element in it.  I wrote a proposal about Faes and ghosts.  It didn’t sell, but it got the attention of several editors.  Rose Hilliard at St. Martins was one of them, and she loved my voice.

I went on to sell six humorous romances and Rose watched my career from afar.  About two years ago, Rose went to my agent and asked if I would try writing a YA paranormal series. I was leery at first—not about the paranormal element but about the YA.  Ahh, but once I got started I totally loved it. 

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

CC:  Good question.  And to be honest, I get asked this one a lot, so you’d think I’d have my answer down pat, but I really don’t.  LOL.  I guess it’s just that it’s so hard for me to choose.  Now, when I was writing Born at Midnight, and creating the Shadow Falls universe, I did a lot of research.  And because writers like to tweak details to match their vision, I’ve made some changes to the mythology for many of my supernaturals.  Some of them, like vampires, shape-shifters, and werewolves, can be scary but once you get to know them as characters, you’ll realize they all have some good qualities.   I think that’s what makes it so hard for me to choose—I don’t want to be unfaithful to any of my characters.  LOL.  But if I had to choose, I’d probably go with either a witch or a fae.  I think these characters offer the most options . . . although I think it would be totally cool to be able to fly like a vampire does.  LOL.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

CC:  I read once that your characters should be the type of person that someone wouldn’t mind being locked in a closet with for several days.  Because basically, that’s what a reader is doing.  Shutting out the rest of the world and spending hours, sometimes days, with your characters.  So I can tell you that I think Kylie and the rest of the crew at Shadow Falls are good closet buddies.  They are interesting, courageous, mysterious (so you won’t get bored), and have lots of heart.  Their experiences in their world can teach us a few things about living in the real world.  Things about romance, friendship, family, and about learning to accept ourselves and the other people in our lives for what they are.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

CC:  This question is always so hard for me to answer.  I mean, I could toss out names like Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, Chace Crawford, but in truth, the roles of Kylie and the all the crew at Shadow Falls are already taken in my mind.  I know the expression on Kylie’s face when she’s really frustrated, and Amanda doesn’t make that expression.  I know how Lucas walks, with his quiet, silent movements and his how body tenses when people get too close, and Zac doesn’t do that.  I know the sexy twinkle Derek gets in his eyes when he looks at Kylie, I know how he sounds when he laughs, and that’s not Chace.  I actually have a film agent shopping around the series and all I can say is that it’s going to be hard to find people to play these characters the way I see them in my head.

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2) by C.C. Hunter

Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities.  But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold.

To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away.  When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point.  Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie--and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...


Thank you C.C. for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about C.C. Hunter and her books, please visit her website.

Pandora's Box Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Wicked Leanore winner of our Pandora's Box Giveaway at From the Shadows!  Wicked Leanore will receive an ebook copy of Pandora's Box (Road to Hell #1) by Gracen Miller and a fabulous skull cameo pendant!

Thank you to all who entered!

**All From the Shadows giveaway winners selected using Random.org**

Fading Into Magic Giveaway

Feeling lucky? Madame Anca predicts a fabulous prize in the future of one of our readers.

Fading Into Magic (Fading Into Magic #1) by Vone Savan

After entering a mysterious tent at the annual Augury Carnival where the words: Come Inside and Discover Your Fortune are persuasively written, seventeen-year-old, Madeline Morgan and her best friend, Dara, come face to face with Madame Anca, an ominous fortune teller who portends the girls’ futures. For Dara, the experience is superficial. But for Madeline, things are different. Her fortune promises that she will soon find true love.

Spurred by Madame Anca’s enticing prediction and a coincidental attraction to an elusive new stranger, Madeline starts to believe that true love might actually exist. But love—like most things—isn’t always what it seems…and for Madeline, this discovery takes her on a dark and mystical journey that forces her to deal with the illusions of love and her own inner strength.

**Fading Into Magic Giveaway**

We are giving away an autographed copy of Fading Into Magic by Vone Savan to one lucky winner!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your email address (so we may contact you if you win).  You do not have to be a follower to enter (though I always appreciate a follow!).  This giveaway is to US mailing addresses only.  Giveaway ends October 25th midnight EST.

To learn more about Vone Savan and his books, check out his author interview here or visit his website.

Legend of Witchtrot Road Blog Party Giveaway Winners

Thank you all SO much for partying with us this week and making our Legend of Witchtrot Road book launch a success. You all ROCK!

Our release party giveaways have ended.  Now for our WINNERS.

Congratulations Library Lady, Jennifer, Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club, lovestodive, Coreena McBurnie, Renee Rearden, and Darlene winners of our Legend of Witchtrot Road Release Party Giveaway at From the Shadows!

Library Lady will receive our GRAND PRIZE:
3 Books: Signed copies of She Smells the Dead, Spirit Storm, and Legend of Witchtrot Road
1 Spirit Guide Tote Bag stuffed with goodies (see below)
1 "I Smell Dead People" T-shirt (Size XL)
3 Postcards (She Smells the Dead, Spirit Storm, Legend of Witchtrot Road)
2 Bookmarks (She Smells the Dead and Legend of Witchtrot Road)
10 Spirit Guide Series Trading Cards
1 Oversize Legend of Witchtrot Road Postcard
1 Legend of Witchtrot Road Sticker
1 Legend of Witchtrot Road Poster

Jennifer, Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club, and lovestodive will receive FIRST PRIZE:
1 Signed trade paperback copy of Legend of Witchtrot Road
1 Ebook copy of Legend of Witchtrot Road
1 Spirit Guide Series Swag Pack (Postcards, Bookmarks, Trading Cards)
1 Legend of Witchtrot Road Swag Pack (Postcards, Bookmarks, Sticker)

Coreena, Renee, and Darlene will receive SECOND PRIZE:
1 Ebook copy of Legend of Witchtrot Road
1 Spirit Guide Series Swag Pack (Postcards, Bookmarks, Trading Cards)
1 Legend of Witchtrot Road Swag Pack (Postcards, Bookmarks, Sticker)

Thank you to all who entered!

Winners of our Legend of Witchtrot Road Twitter Party giveaways announced here.  Our #WitchtrotParty was fabulous fun.  Follow E.J. at @EJStevensAuthor for upcoming Twitter chats and giveaways.

Didn't win? Don't miss the Goodreads FirstReads Giveaway, 1,000 Follower Extravaganza Giveaway at A Cupcake and a Latte, and A Month of Treats: Halloween Character Interview + Giveaway at For What It's Worth for more chances to win Spirit Guide Series books and swag.

Additional giveaways coming soon to Rabid Reads, Parajunkee's View, Good Choice Reading, and SeeitORreadit!

**All winners selected using Random.org**

Paranormal Guest Author: Amber Argyle (Witch Song)

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Amber Argyle!  Amber is the author of Witch Song.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Amber:  I've been inventing stories for as long as I can remember. I didn't actually start writing them down until junior high. I couldn't seem to write during high school or college--too much reading and writing for classes. I didn't have anything left over for being creative.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Amber:  The first time I read an YA epic fantasy, I was hooked. That week, I started writing. I've never looked back.

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?

Amber:  I'd like to fly. Wouldn't that be soooo cool. I'd never be stuck in traffic again.

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Amber:  So far, readers have loved Witch Song because it's so different from everything out there. The medium for the Witch's magic is singing. Their magic changes the seasons, instantly grows and controls plants.

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?

Amber:  I really have no idea. Anyone have any ideas?

Witch Song by Amber Argyle.

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons--but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.


Thank you Amber for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Amber Argyle and her books, please visit her website.