Guest Author Meljean Brook
by sue on Oct.05, 2009, under Book Chat
GIVEAWAY: Meljean will be giving away 20 copies of Demon Forged to random commenters.
DEMON FORGED, by Meljean Brook
Setting: Modern-day Rome and San Francisco, with a few side trips: to Siberia; to Caelum, a heavenly realm; and to Chaos, a hellish realm filled with dragons
Subgenre: Paranormal romance
Hero: Alejandro Sandoval de Córdoba y Hacén, a Guardian who was originally a Spanish noble, and who was executed during the Inquisition.
Heroine: Irena, a 1600-year-old Guardian who had been a Roman slave.
One sentence summary: Once almost lovers, but separated by a demon’s bargain for four hundred years, Irena and Alejandro must put aside their painful history, overcome betrayal and tragedy – and destroy a monster that threatens not just the Guardians, but everyone on Earth.
Scene you like most and would never cut:
In the second half of DEMON FORGED, Irena and Alejandro share a scene that just rips my heart out. They’ve had a long and tumultuous romance, to say the least – and when they’ve finally managed to settle a few things between them and hope to move forward, the Guardians suffer a loss that leaves Irena emotionally gutted.
Irena tries to deal with her grief alone, but Alejandro finds her and simply holds her. The scene is quiet, and relatively short, and just shows all the ways that Alejandro and Irena are right for each other. I love it.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Oh, I just love those heels!”
I’ve written my share of heroines (and one hero) who care about their appearance, and who would absolutely love shopping for clothes, makeup, the works. Irena – however much she would enjoy spending time with her friends – can’t imagine putting anything on her body that isn’t practical.
Irena isn’t my first heroine with almost two thousand years under her belt, but I went in an entirely different direction than I did before. Lilith in DEMON ANGEL developed a sheen of urbanity and cynicism, as have many other long-lived characters in paranormal romances. And that urbanity makes sense for these characters, who have often spent centuries maneuvering through complex alliances and political agendas.
Given Irena’s history as a slave of a Roman senator, however, urbanity just didn’t fit. She hates demons, politicians, and games of any kind. She’s blunt to a fault, earthy, and forthright. And although I think that “womanly” describes her perfectly, the traditional notion of “feminine” does not. She’s my barbarian in leather stockings and with kukri knives in her hands, and I love her for it.
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy:
Surprisingly, Alejandro is a commando kind of guy. And I say surprisingly, because at first glance he seems more like a black silk briefs type of hero: he’s quiet and controlled, sophisticated and sexy. But you don’t have to strip away many layers before discovering that he’s just as earthy as Irena is. That’s not to say that the controlled outer layer is a façade and the “true” Alejandro lies beneath – he’s both, and that makes him utterly fascinating to me (and, more importantly, to Irena).
Ancillary character you had the most fun with:
Khavi, the ancient grigori with a gift for prophecies that no one can interpret until it’s too late. She helps the Guardians right now, but her motives aren’t exactly altruistic, and no one can get a straight answer out of her. She ends up either infuriating or exasperating everyone, and so the scenes she’s in are both tense and funny.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby:
Sculpting. Irena’s special gift is the ability to manipulate metal, and although she uses it for practical purposes as well – creating weapons, for instance – she also sculpts statues and abstract figures. Very often, her mood can be determined by what forms beneath her fingertips. And, as Alejandro discovers, she can use her gift in some very interesting ways.
Your hero’s favorite hobby:
Reading. Like Irena, Alejandro has his own gift – to manipulate fire – but his method of relaxation includes reading a book, a newspaper, or an essay. He usually chooses nonfiction, especially works discussing world affairs, and is deeply passionate about politics. They aren’t his only love, however, and he has been known to read through a book of poetry from time to time. And if he has the chance to read it aloud to Irena, all the better.
What you think readers will like best about this book:
Irena. I think she’ll be a little hard to warm up to right away, simply because she has bottled up a lot of hate and anger. It’s all directed toward the demons, but her blunt personality takes some getting used to. As the story progresses, however, we see more of her vulnerability, the depth to her character, and the strength that isn’t just physical – and by the end, I hope that everyone will be cheering for Irena as hard as I do.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
I receive quite a few e-mails about Michael, the leader of the Guardians. He plays an important part in DEMON FORGED, and we get to learn a little bit more about him – and we see a few events that will affect him and his happy-ever-after (which is still a few books away, but I promise we’ll get there!) This is a huge turning point for the Guardian series, and I think readers will be surprised … but also ready to see where we go next.
For anyone who hasn’t met Michael or started the Guardian series, and is afraid that they might be lost if they begin in the middle, I have a series guide on my website (http://www.meljeanbrook.com/primer) that gives you all of the background you need to begin with DEMON FORGED. And I’m always available via e-mail to answer any questions.
What’s next:
I’m writing the next Guardian novel, DEMON BLOOD, and working on my new steampunk romance series, The Iron Seas. I’ve wanted to write steampunk for years, so I can’t begin to express how excited I am by this series, which combines nanotech and pirates with a gritty, gaslit Victorian atmosphere to create swashbuckling steampunk romance…with an emphasis on the steam. The series will kick off with a novella next August, followed by the first novel, THE IRON DUKE.
Q of the day:
Angels are becoming more and more an element in paranormal romance stories . . . how do you as a reader feel about this? Does it bother you that angels are incorporated in stories that may cast them in a less than positive light? Or are you OK with this as it is all just for fun?
Related posts:
- This poll took on a life of its’ own . . . why is that? + Giveaway! & to think, it all started way back when . . . . DARK SHADOWS . . . Ok, thought it would be fun to get everyone’s feedback on their fav paranormal author & OMG — there was passion here — look at the votes! Who’s your favorite paranormal Romance...
- Guest Author, Allison Brennan & GIVEAWAY! Allison Brennan ORIGINAL SIN 1.26.10 www.allisonbrennan.com Setting: Santa Louisa, California (Fictional, small central coast town) Subgenre: Paranormal/Suspense Hero: Rafe Cooper Heroine: Moira O’Donnell One sentence summary of Original Sin: When the seven deadly sins are released from Hell as incarnate demons, demon hunter Moira O’Donnell must join forces with a...
- Guest Author, Gail Dayton with GIVEAWAY! Setting: Victorian England – where everyone with the talent can work magic Subgenre: fantasy romance, steampunk Hero: Grey Carteret Heroine: Pearl Parkin One sentence summary: The head of the conjurer’s guild—Grey—and his apprentice, Pearl, must solve a murder-for-magic and stop the murderer from calling demons. Scene you like most and...
- Guest Author, Terri Garey with Giveaway! SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT, by Terri Garey Setting: modern day Atlanta, Georgia, in the historic yet quirky neighborhood of Little Five Points Subgenre: Paranormal, urban fantasy Hero: Joe Bascombe, MD. Chief of Emergency Medicine at Columbia Metropolitan Hospital Heroine: Nicki Styx, a free-spirited vintage clothing store owner whose recent...
- Guest Author, Katie MacAlister with Giveaway! Hello, Borders readers! I’m tickled three shades of pink to be here, discussing my very most favorite thing in the world: dishy guys. Well, OK, technically, I’m here to talk about my newest release, Me and My Shadow, but since that book is just chock full of dishy guys,...
137 Comments for this entry
2 Trackbacks / Pingbacks for this entry
-
Tweets that mention Guest Author Meljean Brook - trueromance -- Topsy.com
October 5th, 2009 on 2:12 am[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Joyfully Reviewed and Margaret Mallory. Margaret Mallory said: RT @SueGrimshaw Guest Author Meljean Brook: DEMON FORGED, by Meljean Brook Setting: Modern-day Rome and San Francisco,.. http://bit.ly/zkr9K [...]
Leave a Reply
About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Previously published as Wishes No Matter How Fast You Run. . .The newborn baby boy is beautiful, perfect, and hers for the asking. All Kate Summers has to do is agree to one condition--she must disappear from Boston and never breathe a word about the adoption to anyone. Or How Far You Go. . .Fifteen years later, Kate has built a good life for herself and her son, Jon, in Hopewell, Oregon. Still, she is haunted by the fear that he will somehow be taken away. Then Daegan O'Rourke arrives in town and strikes up a friendship with her and Jon. But Daegan has his own past to hide--one with shocking ties to hers. A Killer Will Always Find You. . .Someone is watching Kate, watching her son, and is willing to go to any lengths to claim him. And the one man Kate is tempted to trust has dangerous secrets that could change her world forever. Soon the past Kate thought she could outrun will explode, unearthing a legacy of lies and treachery, and a fury powerful enough to kill. . .
Friend Feed
March 30th, 2010 on 10:54 pm
You have probably seen at least one of the Shrek movies (there are three until now). Each one of these movies has been a success and this is why they are making a fourth one. Unfortunately, Shrek Forever After is also going to be the last installment in the series. No more Shrek movies after this one.
January 11th, 2010 on 4:16 pm
I personaly love all the attributes of any story paranormal with bad and good angels. Of corse it depends on how the story is told as to if you personally as a person like it,, Up until recently it was all vampires but I think that the mixed combination of characters in the romances and other books is a good idea. Ive read so many books this year but I must say throughly enjoyed demon moon when I stumbled upon it at the library i borrowed it to see if I liked it and coudlnt put it down so now Im looking for the rest of the series. Fantastic book and look forward to reading the rest of the series and books ..
January 11th, 2010 on 4:21 pm
I say bring on the iron series, Have read your post and cant wait have sent my friends your link as they to love romance paranormal books. What a great start to the new year new books coming out . Im a romantic at heart and any love story with persaze and excitment and anticapation intrigues me ..
Off today with your list of books to go the the book store to see what they have in stock ..
October 10th, 2009 on 11:20 pm
I love that angels are being added to stories with different varieties of personalities and influence. It definitely follows our past
October 9th, 2009 on 1:29 pm
originally I didn’t like angels in books but after I read Nalini Singh’s Angels’ Blood and I think they can be great heroes.
October 9th, 2009 on 11:43 am
I love angels. It’s like the new ‘vampire’.
October 8th, 2009 on 11:51 am
Personally I don’t have aproblem with it simply because it is paranormal fiction. With this genre as far as I am concerned anything goes. I read Angels Blood by Nalini Singh just recently and really enjoyed it and some of the archangels in that book were rather viscious. It was a fascinating take on an alternate reality. Reading for me is an escape so I love paranormal books because they allow me to escape to other worlds and realities.
October 7th, 2009 on 5:52 pm
Dark angels add the conflict and also may have a chance at redemption. Fiction can be interpreted in many different ways. Read for fun, or for enlightenment, but read!
October 6th, 2009 on 10:48 pm
Dropping in to attest to the author’s availability to answer reader questions on the ongoing series, not to mention gracious kindness in not making said reader feel in any way like a doof for asking questions that have what may be obvious answers for other readers. I dropped in to her blog to ask about some details TWO YEARS after publication of a particular installment in the series, and got highly thorough and understandable responses.
I’d so far as to dare readers to ask questions - it will illuminate the Guardian universe for all the rest of us! Then again, it could slow down appearance of the next chapters. *retracting dare*
(no need to enter my name - i have no doubt the book is uberfab, but my current TBR is a vicious dictator)
October 6th, 2009 on 7:36 am
Fictional characters are fictional and if you’re reading fiction I don’t see why someone who is ok with Demons would be bothered by Angels.
Good Luck Meljean! I’m currently (well always) buried under a pile of reading so I may not run out and buy Demon Forged today (you do know the cover girl looks like you right?) I know I’ll buy it sooner or later.
October 6th, 2009 on 7:04 am
I have only read a few books with angels in them. I’ll have to read some more!
October 6th, 2009 on 6:53 am
To be honest, paranormal romances are very new to me! So I don’t have much of an answer about the angels. I love urban fantasy, though, so I’m looking forward to branching out. I just finished grad school and am still unemployed, but your series is at the top of my list when I do start making money again. There is just so much praise out there, especially recently, that I can’t wait!
October 6th, 2009 on 5:26 am
No problem for me seeing angels with a darker side, it is all fiction after all. Happy Release Day, Meljean. Love this series, and now I’ll be looking forward to that steampunk you’re working on, a genre I’m very interested in.
October 6th, 2009 on 2:59 am
I find angel paranormals to be really interesting. Nalini Singh’s new series is one of the best that I’ve read. And Meljean, your series is one of my favourites, too.
I think that as long as the story is good, then there should be no problems with reading about angels.
October 6th, 2009 on 12:51 am
I’m reading “Blind Spot” in Must Love Hellhounds right now!!! I’ve heard your name, seen the books, and saw you recommended a few times online, and have been wanting to try more than the except you have more demon angel online (thank you, btw). So far, I’m loving the story!
As for the angels, I love them in books. I include Jeri Smith-Ready’s Requiem for the Devil as an angel book (he had black wings!!! and is the ultimate bad boy). Sharon Shinn’s Samarian series is a favorite (especially her short story). Her angels are full of flaws, and some are bordering on evil. I love the romance in them, though. Nalini Singh’s angel series is amazing, too. It’s no wonder I’ve heard of you!
I am delighted to see you on Borders’ Romance blog. ^^ Congrats on the new release! (The cover is awesome!)
October 6th, 2009 on 12:28 am
Thank you for mentioning the guide to the series. What a fantastic help. This way I can read one now & not feel I have to rush to find the first in the series to try it…great idea. This story sounds like one I will really like. [have to make note of title]
Congrats on the release.
As for the angel question. I like having them in stories. I think it kind of gives you different view on their possibility. If that makes sense. Like reading ancient myths & religion gives you a diff. view. I haven’t believed they are passed “really good people” for a long long time.. more if they exist at all they are a diff. species.
October 6th, 2009 on 12:27 am
I LOVE this series! Meljean’s angel and demon mythology is fascinating. I’m a fan of the increase in angels and fallen angels in paranormal romance, often because the world building is more intricate than with vampires or werewolves. I like books that deal with the bigger questions of “why are we here?” and “what is free will?” and good vs evil vs shades of grey.
Looking forward to reading Demon Forged and The Iron Seas!
October 5th, 2009 on 11:36 pm
Personally I don’t think Angels are in ENOUGH books! We get all the other supernatural creatures (which, of course, I love) but I actually don’t think I’ve read one angel book.
Your series of books sound really good, Meljean!:)
October 5th, 2009 on 10:11 pm
I havent had the chance to read any of your series yet. But I have been reading about it lately and it sounds great. I really look forward to getting to read some of them. Thanks for posting!
October 5th, 2009 on 9:42 pm
I don’t mind angels as characters but I suppose some of that might be due to my decidedly non-religious upbringing. As a general rule, I like my characters to be nuanced–I don’t think anyone in real life is entirely good or evil and I don’t want my characters to be that way either. So, I like it when the angels have many dimensions, like in Meljean’s books.
Faith Hunter wrote a trilogy that had angels as characters central to the story–amazing work.
October 5th, 2009 on 7:03 pm
I don’t have a problem with Angels or Demons as characters. If they’re written by Meljean Brook, even better! Then again I’m a fan of Meljean’s (waves frantically) so she could write the phone book and I’d probably read it! Happy Release Day Meljean!
October 5th, 2009 on 7:10 pm
Oh, Steph — Thank you SO MUCH! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the series. I hope that it only gets better
October 5th, 2009 on 6:52 pm
Sorry, I didn’t answer the angel question. I enjoy stories with angels, just the same as other paranormal characters. It doesn’t bother me if they’re cast in a less than positive light, especially if it is all in fun. It’s always nice to have a unique take on the angel story - as long as it’s entertaining, I’m happy.
October 5th, 2009 on 7:03 pm
Oh, no worries! I’m here for every question
And I’m the same way. Just entertain me, tell me a good story, and I’m happy.
October 5th, 2009 on 6:49 pm
I’d love to win Demon Forged - I really love the cover by the way. I’m excited to here you’re writing a steampunk romance series, that’s great news and I’m looking forward to reading it.
October 5th, 2009 on 7:02 pm
Thank you, Barbara! And I love all of my covers, but this one is my favorite, hands-down. She looks so strong, but not untouchable. And (whispers: I really wish I looked like that when I’m just in a tiny little tank top. *g*)
October 5th, 2009 on 6:32 pm
The more I hear about this series, the more awesome it sounds. I’ll definitely have to pick it up when I’m done with the TBR pile/I’ve moved!
October 5th, 2009 on 7:01 pm
Thank you! I hope you do enjoy them — and I can’t blame you for working through that TBR pile first. Especially when you have to move — the last thing you need when boxing up a collection of books is to add another series on top of it!
October 5th, 2009 on 6:07 pm
I actually really like angels in books, good or bad…just like humans can be good or bad, so can any other being, I believe.
Demon Forged sounds fabulous, Meljean! Can’t wait!
October 5th, 2009 on 7:00 pm
Thank you, Shannon! And I totally agree — it’s a wonderful way to create a human reflection of sorts, of all that can be good or bad in people. Throw in romance, and you’ve got a recipe for some heavy emotions.
October 5th, 2009 on 5:43 pm
Wow, this looks like a good read. I’m looking forward to picking it up. Congratulations, Meljean, on your continued success.
No, I don’t have a problem using angels as characters in paranormal romance, even if they are cast in a less than positive light. They make for interesting subject matter. They are supposed to represent the best or worst of us (depending whether they’re “fallen” or not) but with the caveat of additional powers.
October 5th, 2009 on 6:58 pm
Thank you!
And I think that’s probably true of many supernatural creatures — how they can represent the best or the worst of us by hitting those extremes. And because it has a paranormal setting, can let us explore some of those ideas a little more deeply than you can in “straight” fiction, and you don’t have to worry about losing a reader when they can’t suspend their disbelief anymore.
October 5th, 2009 on 5:19 pm
Actually, no it doesn’t bother me. I kinda like the idea about evil angels out there to wreck havoc on people.
It puts me in mind of the Prophecy movies. Where you have angel against angel
October 5th, 2009 on 6:57 pm
Oh, those movies were brilliant, weren’t they? I love the first the best (and Viggo as Lucifer? I never in a million years would have thought so, but I loved him.)
There’s another movie coming out this winter — I think it’s called Legion? — that sounds as if it has a similar premise: the angels are coming to destroy us all, but one stands in the way. I’m really, really looking forward to it.
October 7th, 2009 on 2:29 pm
Yes! The first one was the best, I have to agree with you there. And yes, Viggo did play Lucifer! It was funny. I had always loved that movie (and Glen Danzig, a heavy metalist played in the 2nd Prophecy along with Eric Roberts; he played Michael.)
They had a fourth Prophecy but it was not really connected with the first three. I really could not get into that one.
Oooh! I haven’t heard about that one. I’ll need to keep that in mind. I’m very finicky about movies. What many dislikes I like and vice versa!
October 5th, 2009 on 5:10 pm
No, it doesn’t bother me. After all, Lucifer was an angel, right and everybody knows he’s not perfect.
Deidre
October 5th, 2009 on 6:55 pm
LOL! Deidre, I have almost that same line in Demon Forged — I point out that angels CAN’T be perfect, because Lucifer sure as heck messed it up, didn’t he?
Too funny.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:37 pm
Meljean!!! Happy Release Day! I have been eagerly awaiting this release! Personally, I have no problem with angels being shown in a less than positive light — as you say — this is all just for fun! Which is not to say that these books are only for fun — tugging at heartstrings and escapism are totally critical!
Thanks for the interview and the giveaways!
~bella
October 5th, 2009 on 6:53 pm
Thank you, Bella! And I hope you love Demon Forged!
I agree - as a reader, I want both: the fun element that comes with the romance and adventure, and the heart-tugging emotion. I want it all, in one four-hundred page package. It’s not too much to ask, is it?
October 9th, 2009 on 1:42 pm
Nope — just get yourself a Meljean Brook book
~belal
October 5th, 2009 on 4:24 pm
I grew up with the classic a picture of an Angel leading 2 children over a pastoral bridge. There’s something about Angels that speaks to places deep inside I can’t even put a finger on.
Add that to my fascination for Bad Boys, and the whole Angel/Demon paradigm really works for me.
October 5th, 2009 on 6:51 pm
I had that picture on my bedroom wall as a kid
I do think that the idea of some good force watching over you is a powerful one, whether based in religion or not. Mothers often have that same protective Good Force imagery behind them (although, like angels, when the Good Force becomes too restrictive or extreme, it can also turn into A Bad Thing.)
October 5th, 2009 on 4:18 pm
SO far I have only read a few books involving angels but they turned out to be great reads! I think it is very interesting when they aren’t cast in a positive light. It is unexpected and fun.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
October 5th, 2009 on 6:47 pm
Oh, good! If you feel like sharing, we’d love to hear what books they are (because I’m sure we’d all love to increase our TBR piles *g*)
October 5th, 2009 on 3:57 pm
I haven’t read any others that have angels in them. So, it was nice that you wrote about them. It doesn’t matter if the angels are good or bad.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:48 pm
I’m of the same opinion — whether they are good or bad, it’s all about how their story is told. An author just has to tell me a good story, give me an emotional romance, and worldbuilding that makes sense … and I’m all hers.
October 5th, 2009 on 3:53 pm
I don’t have a problem with angels as heroes or heroines in romantic fiction. We are, after all, talking about fiction, and I like the idea that angels are emotional beings that may be conflicted, just as humans are.
Meljean, this sounds like a great book and I look forward to reading it!
October 5th, 2009 on 4:45 pm
Thank you, Tricia! I do hope that you enjoy it
October 5th, 2009 on 3:51 pm
As somebody with a less than traditional view of angels, I’m always happy to see them in paranormal/urban fantasy stories.
Of course, I’m waiting for a good story that features Cherubim and Seraphim as they are described in the bible. Not exactly beings I would want to have wooing me.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:44 pm
Ha, I agree 100% I mention seraphim in my series, though we don’t meet them … but the most powerful Guardian is terrified by them. That kind of power doesn’t make for easy romance.
October 5th, 2009 on 3:45 pm
I like angels as characters. It makes sense to me that if Lucifer is a fallen angel, and angels are somewhere between god and humans, that they would have a range of motivations, personalities, flaws and strengths. I loved Sharon Shinn’s books, too.
I have heard many good things about Meljean’s writing, but I planned to wait and read her new series (b/c I <3 steampunk, too!). I know many people who love this series, but I have been too intimidated to start it in the middle (or to try and find all the backlist). Your guide is a stroke of genius, however, and so I’m willing to take the plunge and start with DEMON FORGED.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:42 pm
Whoo hoo! The guide has served its purpose, then. Reading a long series is too, too intimidating sometimes. Not just the cost, but the time invested. Anything the guide does to help alleviate that makes it worth it (and I’m always available via e-mail, too).
The steampunk will be similar in tone to the Guardian series — somewhat dark, a bit complex, quite a bit of action — but I don’t intend for it to have the same overarching storyline. Hopefully, that will make it super-easy for readers to hop on anytime.
October 5th, 2009 on 3:30 pm
Hi, Sue and Meljean!
The question about angels…I think it would only offend people who are “in the box” as far as religion is concerned. And those people won’t generally read paranormal romance anyway. In the TV show Supernatural, the archangels are portrayed as bad (and God left the building, too, LOL), and I kind of raised my eyebrow at first and then shrugged. It’s entertainment, and the joy of being creative is to go outside the boundaries. What fun!
Keep up the great work, Meljean!
Cheers,
Jaime Rush
October 5th, 2009 on 4:22 pm
Of course there is Saving Grace too — although her Angel does not look at all like Meljean describes
October 5th, 2009 on 4:39 pm
LOL! No, he does not.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:38 pm
I haven’t watched a lot of Supernatural (Aside from the monster-of-the-week episodes, some of Heaven/Hell stuff is just too close, so I’ll wait until I finish my series — and the waiting is HARD, because that Sam and Dean… Those are some pretty, pretty men.)
But I’m really fascinated by the idea that anything — even if it’s Good — can be evil if it’s taken to an extreme, or if it’s rooted in absolutism. It’s so, so relevant to everyday issues in our culture, not just religious ones. And as long as it’s not treated in a simplistic way, I’m willing to go there with them (as soon as I can — those DVDs are waiting for me.)
October 5th, 2009 on 3:13 pm
Hello Meljean,
thank you for being here today. Great interview!
I’m fine with Angels in paranormal romance. I loved
the movie ‘Micheal’ with John Travolta.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:34 pm
Oh, you know — I haven’t seen that movie! It’s one of those that I always think: I need to watch that, and then totally forget about it later.
Writing it down this time.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:50 pm
I’m so excited to get my hands on this book! Meljean is a wonderful author and I count myself as an avid fan.
So far as the angels thing…wings are way hot. I’ll take a paranormal with angels any day, provided it’s a good story with good writing. I am a fan of Nalini Singh’s new series with Angels. Very different from traditional mythology, unlike Meljean’s, but really great stories and writing.
And…wings are hot.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:54 pm
Thank you! *happy dance* I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to try Demon Forged yet, but I’m hoping, hoping it doesn’t let you down.
And I love Nalini’s angels like mad. They remind me a lot of Anne Bishop’s heroes in her Black Jewels world — dangerous and frightening, and not-quite-human (but still understandable.) I couldn’t believe how she pulled off a character like Raphael and made me love him … but it totally worked! And was completely awesome. I was dying of envy.
October 5th, 2009 on 5:35 pm
I was curious, too, about how she would manage to play out such an uneven pairing, but it worked for me. Starting the book I was actually confused at first if Raphael was even the hero, although it became apparent very quickly, and then how she managed the relationship while maintaining the uneven balance of power made for a really compelling read. NOT something you see everyday, particularly in Romance.
But I love your adherence (to a point) to the “regular” angel mythology, while giving your h/h wings. Because: Yay! Wings!
October 5th, 2009 on 2:19 pm
I got used to vampires and weres, so I presume it will just take a great book by a great author to make me okay about reading about angels and demons. The idea still gives me some pause, though.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:33 pm
I think this is true — sometimes, it just takes that one particular book or author to convince you. Then again, not every paranormal creature is going to work for everyone, no matter who is writing it. An author’s voice or storytelling just clicks, or it doesn’t, and it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with the book or the reader … it’s just that some relationships aren’t meant to be, and the includes some books/reader relationships.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:08 pm
Nice interview! Personally, I love the trend of angels in paranormals. Not only dones’t it bother me, but they are some of my favorites!
October 5th, 2009 on 2:51 pm
Hi Sabrina, and I love hearing that!
I love that there are so many different takes on angels; good, bad, or just misunderstood — there’s so much possibility.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:02 pm
Hi Meljean!
in the real world an angel has to be good!!!
I love both ways - since that is not reality I can live with it
Greetings,
Ina
October 5th, 2009 on 2:49 pm
You know, I think that’s true. The important thing about fiction is that it doesn’t change what REALLY is — sure, good fiction can make us think, maybe it can make us change our minds about something — but that isn’t a change the book makes. It’s something we do ourselves. So angels in fiction can be whatever an author wants them to be — and that doesn’t mean it changes what a reader’s personal beliefs are. Those are separate.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:53 pm
Ha ha! I’m such a dork! I just realized I can reply to individual comments.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:23 pm
LOL — I had the good fortune of having Jane & Sarah train me
October 5th, 2009 on 1:51 pm
Hi Meljean! Thanks for joining us today — excellent post & hope you’re enjoying our Question of the day as much as we are
Awesome job with all you do — I remember when Demon Angel first came out (FYI - I did not love the cover) Cindy & I chatted about what a strong writer you were — great characters & lots of depth & she was right!
All the best!
Sue
October 5th, 2009 on 2:42 pm
Hi Sue! Thank you for having me!
I’m laughing so hard over the Demon Angel cover — was it the pink? The clinch? The wings? It’s funny, because I really love it, but I totally understand why it might be a turnoff for many readers (and maybe it doesn’t give the best indication of the contents.)
I love, love the Demon Forged cover, though. It’s almost like Berkley took Irena and put her right there.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:26 pm
OOps — don’t get me wrong — the cover was nice, almost too nice as the story is paranormal & a little darker than what the cover would indicate (Demon Angel).
TOTALLY love the cover you have on Demon Forged. I think they really brought the artwork of the series to where it should be & to appeal to urban fantasy readers as well.
October 5th, 2009 on 7:07 pm
Oh, I definitely agree. It was a very pretty cover, but also hard for readers to place: is it sweet and romantic? What is it, exactly?
And it was probably easy for readers who want the darker stories to overlook it. I think Cindy and Berkley have done a wonderful job moving the series toward the right look — first with DEMON NIGHT and DEMON BOUND, with the hero-only covers (like so much PNR), and now this cover, which just feels SO right for the series: a UF flavor, and she seems incredibly strong, but she still appears to have a vulnerability that I think is important for romance-oriented readers.
*happiness* I could talk about the cover all day, LOL
October 5th, 2009 on 1:50 pm
Sara — Mead is just fantastic, isn’t she? She doesn’t fall into that good/bad trap at all.
I really hope you enjoy the steampunk! I’m having a great time writing it.
Stacy — I think that’s probably true of most PNR and UF readers: after reading about vampires and werewolves and demons, angels aren’t so much of a stretch
Sharon M — I totally agree. As I mentioned earlier, the fallen angel, the one who doesn’t always have righteousness on his side can be so much more interesting than the one who always knows what is right. I love characters who can make the wrong decisions.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:44 pm
Enter me in the drawing! What I wonder is–how do you get to be interviewed on this blog? I have some really hilarious answers to The Five Questions We Always Ask, but now that Sassy and Jane magazines are gone, there’s no place for me to post them. *sad look*
I have angels in two of my books, *BUT*. I believe (and so do many people, depending on their religion) that angels are only sent as messengers or guardians from God, and that they are frightening, awe-inspiring beings rather than fluffy cherubs, so I would never try to write from the angel’s POV or portray them as something that acts on its/his/her own. What I have in one of my books is the traditional guardian angel, and the angel is never seen–it’s up to the reader whether it’s a figment of the heroine’s imagination (a matter of faith, if you will) or real. Sort of like the six-foot invisible rabbit in “Harvey.” The other is similar. So I’m on the fence about angels in books. It would depend on the particular book and the approach taken. But I’m not like my brother-in-law the retired preacher, who would say it’s an off-limits topic.
I’ll note that many films deal with angels and angelic assistance or presences, and with the spirit of a loved one remaining for some time after death to help out the survivor(s). “It’s a Wonderful Life” springs to mind in particular, and “Ghost” because of the recent demise of Patrick Swayze. And “Topper,” which may be corny but is still a classic. So the inclusion of angels in stories is nothing new. I think it’s a topic that must be handled sensitively, or you’ll burn in Hell forever! OOPS–I’m channeling Sister Mary Elephant again; sorry about that. Still, to reach the most readers, you’ll have to give some thought to the way their religion(s) might regard angels and whether your portrayal is likely to upset a good number of readers. But did John Milton think about that? No!! William Blake said “Paradise Lost” was probably inspired by a fallen angel. See, everyone has his or her side-thorns. Write what YOU want to read. Maybe we’ll want to read it, as well.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:40 pm
“Write what YOU want to read. Maybe we’ll want to read it, as well.”
I think this is what it all comes down to. I know I told a story that I wanted to read, and I thank my lucky stars that others apparently liked it, too. And there’s no book (or mythology) that will work for everyone, but thank goodness there’s enough variety out there that there’s probably something for everyone.
And I look forward to your five answers!
We can always use more funny in our lives.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:43 pm
I am ok with it myself! We see angle in everything, why not in a paranormal romance. I can see this adding to the story myself! Bring them on!
ghurt110 AT bellsouth DOT net
October 5th, 2009 on 2:36 pm
Haha! We are definitely bringing it. Good luck in the drawing, and I hope you love any angels you find!
October 5th, 2009 on 1:42 pm
pearl — Thank you! They are definitely fun (and sometimes challenging) to work with. Wrestling those wings into place can be a real workout
Jade — I think that “fiction” aspect does provide a nice step back from the reality of belief. With some issues, that’s not always possible (for example, it might not always be simple to say “fiction” when the topic is an emotionally charged one, like rape in romance) but for paranormal romance or fantasy, so often necessary — or it’s just impossible to enjoy the books.
Belinda — Thank you! I hope you enjoy it
October 5th, 2009 on 1:30 pm
Hi Meljean!
To begin with, I did find the idea of angel romances somewhat odd, but thankfully it wasn’t an aversion that stopped me from trying them. Now that I’ve read and enjoyed some, I’m liking it more and it’s great to see something other than vampire/werewolf stories on the paranormal romance shelves:) I’ve yet to read any of your Guardian books, though I have the first in my ever-growing TBR…will get to it one day soon I’m sure
October 5th, 2009 on 2:35 pm
Thank you, Caitie! I also love that it adds more variety (though mine also include vampires, because I just love them). I think we’ll see the genre continue to expand, too — now it’s vampires and werewolves, demons and angels, some Valkyries here and a Mayan prophecy there … but I can easily see the genre exploding with new creatures, as long as there are authors to write them and publishers who pick them up.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:02 pm
We’ve seen angels cast in other not-so-perfect roles before - look at Nicholas Cage in City of Angels, or the guy in J.R. Ward’s book. I, for one, don’t 100% know what an angel is or should be, other than the stories handed down over the centuries. Exploring their identity through fiction is A-OK with me!
Congrats on the new book! I’m looking forward to seeing it!
October 5th, 2009 on 2:32 pm
Thank you, Diana!
I forgot about Nic Cage’s movie — aww, so sad! But the thing I loved most about it was how much he had to learn about human emotion. I love, love the idea that as knowledgeable and as powerful as angels might be, there’s something that is missing until they experience the depth of human love (as painful as it might be.) It’s such a powerful notion, and perfect for romance.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:01 pm
Danielle — I think it is different for every person. I know readers who won’t touch angel-based romances, and others who don’t mind them at all, and others who take them on a case-by-case basis, dependent upon how the mythology is handled.
I think it’s much like vampires. I’ve heard of many readers who aren’t interested, and have disliked the vampire romances they’ve tried, but then they pick up the one that works for them, despite their general dislike of the idea of vampires.
GSM — I’m that way, too: I think almost anything is fair game. Now, there are things that aren’t my favorite (for example, I don’t love romantic triangles — but I have read some that worked, so it’s not a NEVER NEVER! situation). Like all fiction, it just depends on how it’s handled, and what the reader is looking for. And if somehow the author and reader meet in the middle, perfect!
Laurie — Thank you! Irena was a fun character, and a difficult character, which is my favorite type … though not always easy to write. I hope you enjoy it!
TJ — Haha! I love that. And you know, I agree. Sometimes I do want stories and fiction to fit into my expectations (especially if I’m going for a comfort read) but I also love, love, LOVE it when a book turns my expectations inside out. Sometimes, that means the book does a nosedive, and does a spectacular crash and burn … but when it works, it’s just amazing, and a wonderful reading experience.
October 5th, 2009 on 12:44 pm
I’m holding out until tomorrow to get my copy of Demon Forged.
I love the idea of angels in paranormal romance! There’s so much to think about: Are they Heaven’s pets? What’s the big rift in their timeline (theirs might not be BC/AD or BCE/CE, but before the fall and after the fall)? Even based on religious texts, they’re not automatons. Hierarchies, servitude, guilt, jealousy, desire… There’s so much potential for them.
I’m really excited about The Iron Seas!
October 5th, 2009 on 2:30 pm
Yes! And ANGEL angels (the real ones, not the Guardians) haven’t been touched on much in my series, but I think the possibilities are endless and fascinating. I love the idea that they are frightening, powerful beings — strumming harps? Not so much
October 5th, 2009 on 12:37 pm
Lynz — My problem with the light/dark divide is that it’s so (forgive this) black and white. This is partially why my Guardians are human, originally — they have that capability for good and bad, the shades of gray in between, and very often there are NO right answers. In Demon Forged, for example, one of the primary conflicts between my hero and heroine is that my heroine absolutely hates demons, and so she wants to kill every single one. But my hero argues that a certain demon — though evil — helps the Guardians in their mission and is useful to them, so they can’t afford to kill him.
Not that my demons aren’t evil, EVIL (they are) but I think that if Guardians were always good, and always right, and always knew what choice to make, it would make for a very boring series.
Carolyn — Yay! I hope you love this one, too. I think it has a nice payoff for readers who’ve been following the series, in that A LOT HAPPENS. So, I’m crossing my fingers that you love it.
October 5th, 2009 on 12:27 pm
I’m becoming a fan of angels in stories and I don’t mind if they’re portrayed in a more evil manner, which just goes to show that those believed to be good aren’t always. I also think that having angels as part of the paranormal world will give a chance for newer ideas and stories.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:28 pm
I agree. Any character who is always right and who is always good isn’t always going to make the most interesting story. What is there to root for if you know he’s never going to make a mistake?
So I prefer flaws, even in the angelic heroes.
October 5th, 2009 on 12:25 pm
Bonnie — Hi Bonnie! I love it, too. And I’m really not surprised that it’s becoming more popular — there are so many different ways to write angels and fallen angels that the stories available are just endless.
Jody — It is a difficult balance, to base a supernatural world on a certain mythology, but then to make it broad enough to appeal to and include the larger population. I find that most references to religion end up stemming from the people themselves (in my series, the men and women become Guardians, so if they followed a certain religion during their life, it might influence them later … but I’ve had pagans, Catholics, a Muslim, an atheist, and then several who are just believers, but who don’t follow any organized religion. It makes for an interesting mix.)
October 5th, 2009 on 12:21 pm
Joanne — Oh oh! You’ve had a chance to read it! Woo hoo! I’m so glad you liked it. I’ll admit this one was a tough book for me emotionally, but totally, totally worth it to me in the end. So I always hope it is the same on the reader’s side, and there’s honestly nothing as fantastic as hearing that it worked for you.
Mandi — I think there is a lot more that you can do with fallen angels (particularly in romance), especially being able to make them either good or bad. I should probably clarify that my Guardians aren’t angels, but just men and women who’ve been given incredible powers. I love that it functions in almost the same way as a fallen angel: I have a lot of room to include both the good and bad in each character, to give them flaws, and to really look at the human part of them … which I’ve always thought is the most complicated and wonderful part of exploring a supernatural creature. I love, love, love the hardened, vampire warriors, for example — but it’s their capability for love and human emotion and their vulnerability that really sucks us in.
The rest is just gravy.
October 5th, 2009 on 12:18 pm
It depends on the story, but generally I have not minded the inclusion of angels.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:25 pm
Exactly! that’s what it comes down to for me, as well: it all depends on the story.
October 5th, 2009 on 12:16 pm
RKCharron — I’m really, really excited about the steampunk. I’ve been hoping to write a steampunk series FOREVER but the timing just ended up being perfect. I really hope you enjoy it!
Linda — Thank you! That’s the way I feel about it as well: It’s all part of the story, and as long as the characters and their world are treated respectfully, and what they do and who they are really *matters*, almost anything can go.
October 5th, 2009 on 12:13 pm
Calila — They do seem to be getting more and more popular. Ward’s latest has fallen angels, Nalini Singh’s marvelous new series has angels who are scarily powerful, and I recently read the first of Jill Myles’s new succubus series, a funny UF romance-y book that features another fallen angel.
I think they might be slightly more popular in Young Adult fiction right now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if PNR and UF quickly caught up. Angels are the new vamps, some say
katiebabs — LOL! I’m happy to show you the light anytime
October 5th, 2009 on 11:58 am
I like the inclusion of angels. That yin and yang of good and evil is a nice change in the genre. I especially like when the angels are given human characteristics, that makes them more relatable.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:25 pm
The good/evil aspect is something that I love exploring. With vampires and werewolves, for example, there isn’t necessarily an overarching morality, except what is determined by the world and the characters themselves. But with angels and demons, then there is automatically the concept of good and bad that our characters either have to work toward or fight against. As I mentioned before, I don’t think that good/evil should be easy to define or recognize — but if being evil means that a human ends up in Hell, then it does mean that characters face different consequences for their actions that they might not have to in a world where good/evil doesn’t exist (and Heaven/Hell doesn’t, either).
But it all comes down to how the author sets up her world — I’ve seen fabulous books where angels aren’t exactly the good guys, and Heaven isn’t the best place to hang out for eternity, and the definitions of good and evil can be fascinating.
October 5th, 2009 on 11:48 am
Personally, I don’t have a problem with the use of angels - good or bad. Fiction is fiction after all. I don’t put any more stock in a paranormal with angelic characters than fairie tales using evil wolves
October 5th, 2009 on 2:19 pm
Too true. I can see how including angels — which are real to many people — can be a sticking point for some readers. For me, though, it all comes down to the “fiction” part — and as long as an author is willing to write a great story, I’m willing to follow her. Most of the time
October 5th, 2009 on 11:31 am
Crap! Another series to add to the TBR pile. This sounds like a great read!! Thanks for the great interview.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:16 pm
Ha! I know exactly what you mean — my TBR pile is overflowing SO BADLY, and yet thanks to this blog, and so many review sites, I keep seeing more and more books that I’d really love to buy. On one hand, I’m crying “Mercy!” … but on the other hand, my gosh I love finding more books that just might rock my world. And so I’m always on the lookout, and can’t help myself, and add another series to that frightening TBR tower.
October 5th, 2009 on 11:05 am
The series guide is great! I wish all authors that write series, especially PNR/UF, would have those on their websites.
I like reading about angels whether they be good or not so good. I just look at them as another type of being along with vamps, demons, weres. etc.
Congrats on the new release.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:14 pm
Thank you, Leslie!
I really wish I’d thought of the series guide earlier — I only put it up with my third full-length release, and it was a complete D’oh! moment. Because in a series like this, each book stands alone, but there are always references to other books and characters. It’s best to give readers as much information as possible so that even if they start on, say, the second book, they won’t be lost.
I include all of that backstory in each book, of course, but to avoid infodumps, it has to be woven into the narrative. Sometimes just a straightforward, This Is How My World Works guide is easiest, though.
October 5th, 2009 on 11:02 am
I bought Demon Forged this weekend (it was at my Borders store so sorry won’t count towards best selling lists) but I could not wait as I finally had a weekend at home to read.
I am a religious person but when reading fiction, I always think of angel stories as just another fantasy idividual. Probably if it poked fun at my religion I would hesitate but I have not read an angel story taken in that way (Meljean Brooks,Nalini Singh, Sharon Shinn to name a couple).
I do not need to enter the contest unless MelJean is signing them and then I would be willing to trade my copy for that one (LOL).
October 5th, 2009 on 1:44 pm
Oh contraire Borders stores sales are included in most lists so bless you for shopping us first! Much appreciated!
Demon Angel is really good too — everything Meljean writes is really good
Don’t forget our Borders.com — Buy 4 Get 5th Free everyday!!!
Happy reading!
October 5th, 2009 on 2:07 pm
Ruth, thank you so much! And thank you to Borders for including it in the lists, but I have to say that I’m just thrilled you picked it up! I’m never too concerned about release dates…I’m of the mind that if you see it, and you want it, don’t wait!
And I will be signing all of these. So good luck! Maybe you’ll have an extra to give to someone who needs a little Guardian in their lives *g*
October 5th, 2009 on 10:18 am
Steampunk? What does that mean? Off to google……
October 5th, 2009 on 1:45 pm
Remember Will Smith in Wild Wild West? Along those lines.
October 5th, 2009 on 2:04 pm
Right. Very simply, it’s like historical science fiction. Usually, there’s an alternate timeline…so maybe the steam engine was created earlier than it really was, or someone invents a counting machine before it happened in reality, and so the course of technological development changes.
One way that I’ve found to explain it is by comparing it to the In Death books. Because in many ways, the world of Eve and Roarke is very much like ours, except that it’s fifty years in the future. We can see how certain technologies developed based on what we have today, though, as well as cultural shifts that could easily be extrapolated from issues we face today.
Now, if you move that back to the Regency … and then push the technology that THEY had forward, and tweak it, you’ve basically got steampunk. The technology wouldn’t be computer and electronic based, but steam-based (usually.) There might be dirigibles, or giant steam-based robots, or whatever the author can imagine … but at its root is science fiction in a historical setting.
A lot of steampunk resembles the Victorian era, but it can really be any historical period where steam-powered tech might be available.
October 5th, 2009 on 10:14 am
I don’t mind angels in my fiction (regular or fallen). All the books I’ve read with angels have been really good.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:58 pm
Ooh, do you mind sharing the ones that you’ve enjoyed?
October 5th, 2009 on 10:11 am
I have no problem with angels in fiction. I say take the book where ever the author’s imagination goes. This sounds so good. Thanks for being here!
October 5th, 2009 on 1:57 pm
Thank you! And I totally agree about an author’s imagination — so many authors have so many wonderful things to say, and so many different ways to say them, and then so many wonderful romances to include along the way — that I’ll try pretty much anything once.
Or twice.
October 5th, 2009 on 10:03 am
I have no problem seeing angels in paranormal stories. Fallen angels are so much fun to read about and connect with.
October 5th, 2009 on 9:54 am
It wouldn’t offend me. It is fiction and taken as such so I am open to all kinds of paranormal things, that’s why I love that genre so much!
October 5th, 2009 on 9:53 am
I like that angels are used along with all the other paranormal beings. My favorite angel is Carter from Richelle Mead’s Georgina Kincaid series. You know he’s a good guy because he hasn’t fallen and become a demon, but he hangs out with demons, smokes, drinks, and bluffs at poker even though he can’t lie. I love the gray area he falls into.
And I’m just getting into Steampunk right now, so I’m definitely looking forward to your new series.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:46 pm
ohhhhhhhhh - what are you reading?
October 5th, 2009 on 9:45 am
Sounds interesting! Would love to read it.
October 5th, 2009 on 9:42 am
Sounds interesting! Would love to read it.
October 5th, 2009 on 9:41 am
I think any fantasy, mythical or paranormal object is open to re-interpretation through art. I consider writing an art, therefore taking the “halos and wings” angel and recreating them to be less pure is OK with me. It doesn’t hurt my Christian sensibilities at all.
October 5th, 2009 on 1:47 pm
Agreed! & glad to hear it
October 5th, 2009 on 9:36 am
The more that paranormal books mess with popular conception, the happier I am.
October 5th, 2009 on 9:36 am
This blog has been thought provoking and interesting. Angels provide a great aaddition to the story.
October 5th, 2009 on 9:35 am
The more paranormal books mess with a popular conception, the happier I am…
October 5th, 2009 on 9:28 am
I’m agnostic anyway, so it’s all fair game to me — angels, fallen angels, angel-werewolf-demon hybrids, whatever!
Irena sounds like a terrific character, can’t wait to check it out.
October 5th, 2009 on 9:25 am
Angels are fair game in ficton works–it doesn’t bother me. Irena and Alejandro of “Demon Forged” sound like compelling characters.
October 5th, 2009 on 9:19 am
I can’t say I ever thought about it one way or another, but I don’t think it would bother me too much.
October 5th, 2009 on 8:52 am
Don’t enter me - I LOVE this series and I have Demon Forged on order!
But this is so fun to read, and thanks for the insight on the Alejandro and Irena and the quiet scene.
*g* Is it October 6th yet???
October 5th, 2009 on 8:41 am
There’s something incredibly sexy about the idea of a fallen angel. They’re a tantalizingly sexy mix of forbidden fantasies and taboos. That being said, I’m really getting sick of the whole light vs. dark/good vs. evil/dogs vs. cats (Can you tell that I don’t like cats?) thing, and it seems to pop up a lot in angel stories. I doubt I’d mind if it if was _just_ in angel stories, but it has an annoying habit of popping up everywhere. Now, it’s great in a series when you can really explore both sides of the conflict, but in stand-alone books or short stories… not so much. And wow, I totally went off-topic there. But yeah, basically: angels rock, especially fallen ones.
October 5th, 2009 on 8:35 am
I do prefer it when angels are absolutely another take on a paranormal culture instead of including a lot of trappings of any particular organized religion. But I certainly don’t avoid them in fiction!
Your steampunk series is exciting! Thanks for the teaser about it.
October 5th, 2009 on 8:21 am
I really like reading about angels/fallen angels in paranormal romance, urban fantasies etc.
October 5th, 2009 on 8:06 am
I am really enjoying books with angels - especially when they are more on the fallen side..makes for a fun story.
Looking forward to reading your Guardian Series!
October 5th, 2009 on 8:05 am
What a great success Irena was for me as a character. I was a little put-off by her when she was shown previously but you made her a wonderfully complex
(and kick-ass) romance heroine.
I like the use of angels in romanctic fiction particularly when they have to struggle with worldly concerns and weaknesses. For me they’re just another ‘take’ on paranormal characters. They really don’t call up visions of organized religions except for their conflict with good versus evil.
October 5th, 2009 on 7:50 am
Angels or fallen angels, they don’t really bother me because it’s all in the story. Demon Forged sounds like a great book and I will have to add it to my TBR pile.
October 5th, 2009 on 7:24 am
Hi Sue & Meljean
Thank you for the great interview.
I love learning more about the author whose writing I admire. I’m looking forward to Meljean’s steampunk series. Very intriguing combination, nanotech & pirates & steampunk.
I love the angel Carter in Richelle Mead’s Succubus series.
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
October 5th, 2009 on 7:01 am
I am so surprised that I really enjoy romances with angels or fallen angels. I think in part it is due to my Catholic upbringing and to think of an angel in a romantic sexy way was so not taught in my school. LOL.
Thank you Meljean for showing me the light!
If you like more kink with your stories, Joey W. Hill has a series with angels and Nalini Singh has her first book out about angels called Angels Blood.
October 5th, 2009 on 4:28 am
I can’t remember ever reading a book with an angel in it. So I really can’t offer an opinion, but I would give it a shot just like any other paranormal creature.