Thursday, February 25, 2010

Blog Tour & Contest: Shadow Blade

Shadow Blade
Shadowchasers Series
by Seressia Glass
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Paperback, 352 pages
Available at Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble

Summary: Kira's day job as an antiquities expert, but her true calling is as a Shadowchaser. Someone is turning the city of Atlanta upside-down in search of a four-millennia-old Egyptian dagger that just happens to have fallen into Kira's hands. Then there's Khefar, the dagger's true owner-a near-immortal 4000-year-old Nubian warrior who, Kira has to admit, looks pretty fine for his age. Joining forces is the only way to keep the weapon safe from the sinister Shadow force.

I received Shadow Blade from the publisher so I could participate in the Blog Tour today. Seressia Glass is a new author for me, and I hadn't heard anything about the book, so I didn't know what to expect. First, I must say I think the book is unique because of the author's use of Egyptian mythology. The main character is aligned with the Goddess Maat, who is known for "regulating the stars, seasons, and the actions of both mortals and the deities, who set the order of the universe from chaos at the moment of creation." (Wikipedia). Because I'm not familiar with these traditions it did take me just a little bit to get settled in to the book, but once I did, it was a fast paced, action filled read.

I would consider Shadow Blade an urban fantasy, though not overly dark. The main characters, Kira, and later Khefar, are both set in their mission, their purpose in life, both assuming happiness is not really part of the program. I love the way the author develops the relationship between them. Though there is sexual tension, it's more complex than that for both of them as they have to learn to depend on one another. The chemistry between the characters is many layered is the best way I can describe it. The side characters are fascinating too, and well thought out. I love the character of Nansee. He offers comic relief, but he's also very interesting as he helps without "interfering", using cooking, stories and humor to guide his friends. All of Ms. Glass's characters are so alive and rich, making the reader want to know more about them.

Shadow Chase, the second book in the Shadowchasers series, will be coming out July 27th, 2010. I think it's going to be even better than the first book, which means it will be phenomenal. If you are a fan of Jessica Andersen, Patricia Briggs, or Kelly Gay I think you will really enjoy Shadow Blade.

THE SHADOW BLADE CONTEST
I've really enjoyed reading all the comments on the blog tour contests I've been having, so I'm going to continue with asking you a question to answer as your contest entry.

Authors will often write about a supernatural world of their own making or they will base their world on a mythology like Seressia Glass has done. Do you prefer one over the other, or is it the writing and the plot that matters more to you?

If you don't have an email linked to a Google account profile please leave your email in the comments. This contest will end Sunday, March 7th and I'll post the winner on Monday. I will use the random number generator to choose one person who will win a copy of Shadow Blade.

~Moonsanity

20 comments:

LSUReader said...

I'm okay if the author uses actual mythology or does a bit of world building. What's most important to me are the characters and the story. Thanks.

Scorpio M. said...

I think giving the reader a foundation/world that is relatable helps. Sort of like how romance novels are often based on fairy tales: Beauty & The Beast, Cinderella, etc...But as with any book, good writing trumps all.

Cherry said...

It is the plot and the writing (story-telling quality) which matters more to me than mythology or any sterotypical-based story. It's how the author spins the story out!

Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/02/win-shadow-blade-at-wayfaring-writer.html

Cherry
mischivusfairy-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com

booklover0226 said...

I really don't prefer one over the other. As long as the story grabs and keeps my attention I'm happy as a clam!

Thanks,
Tracey D

Persephone said...

As long as the author can create an engaging and exciting world it doesn't matter what it is like or not like.

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

This sounds like another awesome book! I am going to have to keep an eye out for this one as well.

On the worlds and basis of myths and such. I love both ideas - creating there own and using what we already have out there in history. Although, I like when they make it up for the book - its new and creative to me. I do have to say though, at times and some cultures are new to me so if they use what history has provided it is still new to me.

thanks!
hayden392@comcast.net

Sarah said...

I actually like both kinds - it can be fun to read a book based on mythology and I love learning about new worlds created by the author. The important thing to me is characters I can relate to in some way & that the story has a good plot.

This sounds like a great series - I've added both books to my wishlist :o)

Anonymous said...

I like them both. It all depends on whether the author captures my attention when I first read their books. Great post! I am looking forward to reading this new series!

Thanks!

V

throuthehaze said...

I don't really have a preference. The story needs to have strong characters and plot though.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

heatwave16 said...

I'm ready to dive into any kind of world as long as its interesting and well writen. I love urban fantasy & regular fantasy aka LOTR.

heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

EVA SB said...

I don't mind either as long as the author writes well about the world.

I love world building but the characters make or break a book for me.

justpeachy36 said...

I love books that use actual mythology or their worlds are somehow based in old stories and myths.

tetewa said...

If the read keeps me going with a good story line the rest doesn't matter to me! tWarner419@aol.com

Reading said...

I don't have a preference one way or the other. The thing that matters to me most are the plot and well developed characters.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

mariska said...

I prefer one over the other. as long as all the things that the Author created is make sense, i'm fine with that !

uniquas at ymail dot com

buddyt said...

I think the characters and story are the most important part of any book.

I enjoy reading about a new world but only if the author really does a good job of the world-building (which is not always the case).

Carol

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter me whether they create the world from scratch or use mythology. A great story and believable characters draw me into a novel.

Skk25@aol.com

Diana Dang said...

Both are great to create stories so I could go for either!

faked_sugartone at hotmail

Unknown said...

I don't have a preference: I like it when sometimes I see a book based on a myth I'm familiar with, but other times it amazes me how creatively an author can build a paranormal world of his/her own. What is important to me is the unique take on the story and the good writing quality.

stella.exlibris (at) gmail DOT com

Heather Y said...

Thanks for hosting a great giveaway! I prefer a brand new setting/history/world. That way the author doesn't mess with my preconceived notions of it. And I love imagining and falling in love with a new world. :)

heather y
click4cash4me(at)gmail(dot)com