Bitten is the first book in the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong and a book I read a long time ago when I first discovered the paranormal genre. I remember wondering if I would like werewolves as much as vampires and then ordering more books in the series as soon as I was done with this amazing first book. This has become one of my favourite paranormal series over the years and it was lovely to go back to the beginning again and listen to this audiobook.
At first I wasn't so sure about the narrator but I got used to the voice after a while. She didn't put much feeling into the reading and sounded monotonous but then I realised that she did actually sound alot like Elena. Or how I imagined she would sound. It was great to revisit this book and there are so many little bits and pieces of the story that I had long forgotten. Now I really want to find a copy of the second book 'Stolen' so I can carry on my trip down memory lane with the Women of the Otherworld.
Clayton was a normal curious six-year-old who asked to be bitten. Living as a lone werewolf child wasn't easy but then Jeremy Danvers comes and saves him. Of course Clayton doesn't see it that way at the beginning but over the years Jeremy becomes his father as well as his pack leader and he will protect him no matter what.
This is the book that fills in the gaps, that makes what you already read about the women look boring. Men of the Otherworld starts with the story of how Jeremy came into the world, shows how he takes in Clay, becomes pack leader and then brings us back to the present where a new part of his life is starting. After knowing him for so long finally getting to know Jeremy better was a wonderful experience.
However not only does this book give an insight into the pack leader but also into Clayton. Clay the wild wolf full of mystery and so very different to every other wolf in the series. Getting to know more about him was a treat and very eye opening. Smart and strong it was interesting to see how much he has changed over the years before the Women of the Otherworld showed up in his life.
Having read this book I now feel I know the series alot better. The Women of the Otherworld is one of my favourite, must buy series but it always lacked the male side of the story. So many secrets and unspoken stories that left gaps have now been filled and I loved every minute of it. I know these stories were on Kelly's website at various points but I always prefer a book and waited. It was worth the wait and I am looking forward to the future stories from the men as well as the women.
Not to be missed this is a must read for all fans and even a good way to start off the series of the Women of the Otherworld if you haven't already had the pleasure of reading it.
There were a huge amount of entries and to only get to pick 2 winners makes me glad that I use a randomizer!
So the winner of a Kelley Armstrong book of their choice (including pre-order) from myself is -
Tanya!!!
and the winner of a signed copy of a Kelley Armstrong book of their choice direct from the author is -
Kathy!!!
Congratulations to you both! The winners should contact me via email (Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot eu) with their mailing addresses and choice of book. If the winners don't get in contact with me within 7 days I will pick new winners!
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest and a huge thank you to Kelley for letting me interview her and for the prize donation! I hope she will come back and visit us again!
Coming up next is an interview and contest with author Shirley Damsgaard!
My next guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog is author Shirley Damsgaard. I will be posting an interview and contest on Sunday and Shirley has promised to pop in and answer questions.
Oh and check if you won!!! So far only one winner has contacted me! I will announce new winners if the prizes aren't claimed by Sunday 4pm CET!
When I emailed author Kelley Armstrong and asked her for an interview I never thought I would hear back from her. Kelley is well know for her 'Women of the Otherworld' series and is a huge bestselling author so why would she have time for me? Well she did have time and I am proud to be able to post the interview here and a contest! So read and enjoy!
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Amber - Kelley! Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions. I am sure my readers will be interested to see what you have to say. You have a new Women of the Otherworld book out right now so maybe we should start there. What is the Women of the Otherworld?
Kelley - Women of the Otherworld is my main series. It features a changing set of supernatural women, each with their own story, usually suspense adventures. Though the narrators change, it's set in a shared world, so the characters from one book often appear in the others.
Amber - The new book is called Living with the Dead and is the 9th book in the series. Who and what is this newest release about?
Kelley - Robyn Peltier is the PR rep for the girl who wants to be the next Paris Hilton. When her client winds up dead, Robyn is the prime suspect. As Robyn struggles to clear her name, though, she finds herself in the middle of a supernatural turf-war. Helping her is her best friend, Hope Adams, and Hope's mysterious boyfriend, Karl Marsten...two supernaturals who are trying very hard to protect Hope's human friend from finding out things about her world that she's really better off not knowing.
Amber - Now I know there is a 10th book planned for the Otherworld series called Frostbitten. Who is that book going to be about? How many more Otherworld books can we expect?
Kelley - It returns to my first (and most popular) narrator, Elena Michaels, the only living female werewolf. Elena and her partner, Clay, head off to Alaska to investigate a series of supposed wolf kills. I recently signed a contract to extend the series to #13.
Amber - There is a Men of the Otherworld book due out in February. Is it the first in a new series from the guys perspective or something else?
Kelley - It's actually an anthology of four stories (two long, two shorter). Three of them are ones that I did a few years ago for my online novellas (they're no longer online!) and one is a new story. All are about the men of my werewolf Pack. This is a charity project for me, with all my proceeds going to World Literacy of Canada, so I'm very excited about that.
Amber - Who is your favourite Otherworld characters? Are any of them based on yourself or people you know?
Kelley - I like them all for different reasons. The easiest to write, though, is Elena, because I've done her voice the most often. All have characteristics of myself and people I know, but none are based on anyone specifically
Amber - How was the Otherworld series born?
Kelley - Bitten was a standalone novel. It was only after it sold that the publishers began asking about the possibility of a series. I said I'd consider it if I could introduce other supernatural "races" in addition to the werewolves, and spin off to other narrators rather than write a "werewolf series."
Amber - Back in July 'The Summoning' the amazing debut to your new 'Darkest Powers' series was released. How was this series born and how many more books can we expect from this series?
Kelley - The Summoning is a young adult version of my Otherworld--same universe with new characters. I had an idea that needed supernaturals just coming into their powers, and in the Otherworld, that happens in their teens, so it had to be a book about teenaged characters. It's a trilogy right now, but I've recently been contracted for 3 more young adult books, and they'll probably be in the same series.
Amber - Now if two series weren't enough you also have a third non paranormal series. Exit Strategy was the first in the Nadia Stafford series and Made To Be Broken is due out next year. How was this series born? Did you really feel the need to get away from the paranormal?
Kelley - I started Exit Strategy after my third Otherworld book was written and there was some concern because the first two hadn't sold as well as the publisher hoped. I was about halfway done the book when I sold Dime Store Magic and everything took off. A few years ago, my agent asked if I wanted to finish Exit Strategy, and I did. I read a lot of crime thrillers, so it would be my second choice of genre to write in and makes a nice change of pace.
Amber - How do you find the time to write three different series and treat us with so many new releases each year? Are you working on any other projects?
Kelley - Right now, I'm a little too busy. I was ahead of schedule, but then my publishers started bringing out the books earlier than planned, so I lost my "lead-time." Things will slow down after next year. As for other projects, I'm also working on a 5-issue story for the 6th season comics of Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Amber - What do you do to relax and get away from writing? Do you ever need long breaks from certain characters, series or just writing altogether?
Kelley - Right now, not a lot! Like I said, I'm a little over-extended at the moment. Having different series and different narrators within the Otherworld one gives me breaks, though.
Amber - Did you always want to be a writer? What are some of best memories as a writer so far?
Kelley - I always wrote, but didn't always plan to be a writer--in my family it was a hobby, not a career. Best memories? Winning my first contest as a child. Finishing my first book. Selling my first published book (which is not the first one I wrote!)
Amber - What books do you like to read when you have time? Are there any authors of series that are must haves for you?
Kelley - I sample a lot of genres when I read, but my favourite is crime thrillers. Authors whose latest releases I always pick up? Jeffrey Deaver, Karin Slaughter, Giles Blunt and Jonathan Kellerman.
Amber - What kind of music and Tv programmes do you enjoy? Do any of them come through into your books?
Kelley - for music, just general rock/pop, nothing fancy. For TV, drama, particularly ones with crime or fantasy aspects--my current "must record" shows are House, CSI, True Blood and Heroes (which I keep hoping will get better this season) I don't know that any of them come though in my books, except that they reflect my own tastes, which probably show in my writing.
Amber - If you got stranded on a desert island what five things would you like to have with you?
Kelley - I'm going to presume I'm not allowed to include people among those things So let's go with War and Peace (I might actually get time to read it), a knife and windup flashlight (yes, I'm being too practical, I know) and, of course, a box of pens and paper (because being stranded might actually allow me to get caught up on my schedule LOL)
Amber – A huge thank you Kelley for taking the time to answer my questions! I hope you will come back and visit again someday!
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Contest Time
Kelley was lovely enough to say she will send one lucky winner a signed copy of one of her books! The winner gets to choose which one and there are no mailing restrictions!
I will also offer the same prize but not signed of course ;) and for my prize you you can pick a pre-order!
So you have 2 chances to win a Kelley Armstrong book of your choice!
You can enter by posting here on this thread telling me which is your favourite Kelley Armstrong book or character is. Not favourite mention - No entry!
You can earn yourself an extra entry by posting about this contest and interview somewhere on the web. Make sure you post a link here so I can confirm your entry!
The contest is open until Sunday 7th of December 4pm CET. Winners have 7 days to claim their prize or I will pick new winners. I do not go searching for winners! Do come back and check!
There are 4 winners to announce today! The first two winners will get a copy of Karen Chance's Midnight Daughter from the Monthly Giveaway. The other two winners are going to be drawn from the Carrie Vaughn contest. One winner will win a signed copy of Carrie's first book Kitty and the Midnight Hour and another winner will win their choice of Kitty book or a Pre-order for the next release.
So the winners of the Karen Chance Monthly giveaway will be picked from my newsletter subscribers. The randomizer picks the winners and because the subscribers are listed by email address I will just post the winners email names.
Are the two winners are -
wyvernfriend!!
And
Aimme21!!
Next we have the winners of the Carrie Vaughn Contest!
First winner picked will win my prize of a Kitty book of their choice or the pre-order of the next book due out in February (I will send you a copy of the order so you know it really exsists!).
And the winner is -
Carmen R!!!
The second winner will win a signed copy of the first Kitty book!
And the winner is -
Shelbycat!!!
Congratulations to all four winners! Please make sure you contact me within the next 7 days with your mailing details so I can get the books out, order them or pass on your details. I will pick new winners if a prize isn't claimed within 7 days!
After her husbands sudden death, Robyn Peltier, moved to Los Angeles and tried to put some space between herself and her past. She is still grieving but being the PR consultant for a famous Paris Hilton wannabe does keep her busy. That is until her client is killed and Robyn tries to follow the killer but as a result leaves the crime scene. This is only her first mistake but it sets off a domino effect that has her running all over the city trying to save her life.
Hope Adams is a reporter who specialises in the paranormal. It is an easy job for her to do because she, her boyfriend and alot of her friends are also supernaturals. Visiting LA to see visit her friend Robyn, she finds herself caught up in the mess that looked like an ordinary murder but turns into a cabal problem. Doing everything she can, Hope tries to save Robyn from finding out more than she should and from getting herself killed.
Finn has always been able to see ghosts and they have helped his career as a detective. Knowing more than he should and speaking to himself doesn't earn him points with his collegues but he gets the job done. When he ends up on a big case he doesn't realise that that he will learn alot more about himself and his gift. He may also get to save some people along the way.
Living with the Dead is the newest edition to the Women of the Otherworld series which just keeps getting better and better. I was never really a fan of Hope but this book had enough other important characters to keep me happy. With Robyn, Finn and Karl playing equally big parts in the story, Hope was not the center point and I started to like her a little more.
With ghosts, clairvoyants, demons, werewolves and more this is as always a brilliant paranormal series that can quench alot of thirsts. The plot was as spectacular as always and had me gripped till the end. Now the wait is on for the next book and anything else this fabulous author throws our way.
Just a reminder! Don't forget to enter the Maria Lima contest! If you don't get your entry in before Sunday at 4pm CET then you will miss out on the chance to win a signed copy of Maria's first book 'Matters of the Blood'!
Oh and just because I am in a good mood I will tell you a that over the next few weeks I have interviews and contests with Carrie Vaughn and Kelley Armstrong to post! So make sure you check in every week for a new interview and contest!
It is time for something a little different! No paranormal author this week because Halloween weekend is just going to be full of them...
This week my guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog is Arlene Russo! Arlene is the editor of Bite Me magazine. If anyone has been following my blog for a while they will know that I wrote the book reviews in the last issue of the mag and Arlene and myself have been putting together a Bite Me Blog to help support the magazine!
So read a bit about the lady and then keep going for the contest!
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Amber - Arlene it is great to have you here on Amberkatze's Book Blog! Maybe you can start things off by telling us a little bit about yourself?
Arlene - I am Arlene and I publish and edit Bite Me magazine. I am also the author of Vampire Nation, about real life vampires in the UK.
Amber - You are founder and editor of the magazine 'Bite Me'. How did Bite Me come about?
Arlene - basically a visit to the 'world's biggest Dracula party' sparked the idea for Bite me. Over 1000 Drac fans converged on Los Angeles in August 1997 for a convention to celebrate centenary of Bram Stoker's immortal novel Dracula. Over 4 days I met a host of interesting characters, Hammer Horror legend Countess Dracula Ingrid Pitt & other Hammer stars, also son of Bela Lugosi. Also the very first man to ever spend a night alone in the real Castle Dracula in Romania, and a psychic vampire.
Back in Scotland, I was on a mission: to produce a publication that would unite fans from all around the world. Fans with one thing in common- a love of Dracula! (I had no prior experience of producing a magazine.) From an initial plan to produce a small fanzine, I decided I wanted to produce a 'proper' mag. One that could sit amongst shelved in stores across the world. So big, glossy, and colourful it had to be. I therefore undertook a self -taught crash course in publishing. I had to teach myself every aspect of an industry I had no experience of. It was very daunting and had elements of a true nightmare! Prior to Bite me, I had a healthy interest in fanged fiends. A mere ten years old, I first became captivated by Christopher Lee, when my parents allowed me to stay up late to watch the horror double bills.
Amber - How long has Bite Me been out on the market? Where can people get their hands on a copy?
Arlene - It launched in 1999.. It is available to order from www.bitememagazine.com. I deliver all over the world. It can also be bought in most Forbidden Planet and Borders stores
Amber - What can readers expect to find inside an issue of Bite Me?
Arlene - anything dark and interesting, from haunted places to visit to the latest research on real vampires plus a load of fun stuff too. I try to keep it light.
Amber - Bite Me isn't released on a regular basis. How often is an issue released? What factors play in the decision? When can readers expect issue 21?
Arlene - It did used to be released 4 times a year, and is so often the case with independent publishers, things get harder. I have to work twice as hard and find twice as much money to fund the mag. But I am always hopeful it will get back to 4 times a year or even more! I do have to say that I have found that people don't seem to buy magazines these days as much as say ten years ago. It's a pity people don't support independent mags like Bite me, as without support they will all die away...
Amber - So are you a vampire? Ever met one? ;)
Arlene - I'm afraid not, I'm quite human! Indeed I have met loads of vampires. You can read all about them in my book Vampire Nation.
Amber - Who is your favourite vamp? Movie, book, TV or otherwise. And why?
Arlene - It's got to be Christopher Lee- as he was the one that caused me to fall for vampires. He has a lot to answer for!
Amber - Do you have any other projects you are working on?
Arlene - I am working on several books, some vampire-related, some not! I will post new info on the new blog when it is hot off the press!
Amber - You are stranded on a desert island. What 5 items do you want to have with you?
Arlene -
1. Lavender Oil- for when things get stressful 2. my laptop and everlasting batteries 3. my entire bookcase (does that count, it is one item but it is crammed full of books) 4. my beloved teddy bear 5. The Bible.
Amber - Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I look forward to reading more Bite Me!
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Contest time!
I have 4 copies of the latest Bite Me magazine to give away to 4 lucky people! This is the issue with my book reviews inside as well as some other cool stuff!
I am also giving away a copy of Blood Lite! The new anthology with a cool vamp on the cover! With stories inside from Kelley Armstrong, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher and Sherrilyn Kenyon!
To enter the contest all you have to do is comment on this thread and tell me who your favourite vamp is? Book, film, TV or otherwise.
If you want to get another entry then post about this contest somewhere on the web and leave me a link so I can check it out!
To get another entry you can go to the new Bite Me Blog and leave a message and/or sign up for the newsletter (one entry each).
Also posting somewhere on the web about the new Bite Me Blog or the mag will earn you another entry and buying a copy and emailing me a copy of your order will also get you entries! (If you already have a copy then show me proof and I will also give you an extra entry!)
So with so many ways to enter this contest and 5 prizes to be won this is a big contest! Just warming us up ready for Halloween weekend!
The contest closes on Sunday November 2nd at 4pm CET.
Winners have to check back to see if they have won and I will draw a new winner if a prize isn't claimed within 7 days!
The Horror Writers Association Presents Blood Lite. A collection of entertaining tales that puts the fun back into dark fiction, with ironic twists and tongue-in-cheek wit to temper the jagged edge.
Charlaine Harris reveals the dark side of going green, when a quartet of die-hard environmentalists hosts a fundraiser with a gory twist in "An Evening with Al Gore"...In an all-new Dresden Files story from Jim Butcher, when it comes to tracking deadly paranormal doings, there's no such thing as a "Day Off" for the Chicago P.D.'s wizard detective, Harry Dresden...Sherrilyn Kenyon turns a cubicle-dwelling MBA with no life into a demon-fighting seraph with one hell of an afterlife in "Where Angels Fear to Tread"...Celebrity necromancer Jaime Vegas is headlining a sold-out séance tour, but behind the scenes, a disgruntled ghost has a bone to pick, in Kelley Armstrong's "The Ungrateful Dead". So let the blood flow and laughter reign -- because when it comes to facing our deepest, darkest fears, a little humor goes a long way!
Blood Lite has put my fear of anthologies to bed for a while. With some great contributors writing some equally great stories this is one I can say is worth buying. My favourite story has to be the first in the book by Kelley Armstrong. Her short story starring Jaime and Savannah from the Women of the Otherworld series was fun and it I can't wait for the new release in the series because I have missed that world. Sherrilyn Kenyon's addition to this collection was very interesting and made me hope that she is starting a new series and this was the taster. Jim Butcher finished things off with another Harry Dresden escapade but inbetween there were some real gems.
Of course there were some disappointments and a few that weren't amazing but overall this was a very good collection of stories and I am glad I ordered it.
All Chloe Saunders wants is a life like any other normal teenager. Get through school, maybe meet a boy, dye her hair, get her period etc. However Chloe has a gift and when she spends a day having experiences she has never had before she meets her gift up close and people think she is crazy.
Stuck in a group home, Lyle House, for kids with similar problems she starts to get to know the other patients and settle in. Chloe knows that if she keeps telling the doctors she is feeling better and that the medication is working then she can go home and hide her gift.
Unfortunately things aren't what they seem in Lyle house and it doesn't take long for Chloe to see more ghosts and realise that the other kids are not crazy either. Will the problem kids manage to keep it together and find a way to get out of Lyle house before they get 'transferred' or will they end up being tested on?
The Summoning is the first book in 'The Darkest Powers' series which is set in Kelly Armstrong's 'Women of the Otherworld'. The story perks the readers interest straight away with the prologue and then the first chapter sets you into a normal teenage life. It doesn't take long before the story gets going again and then Armstrong has you hooked till the end. With great characters and her typical style this is definitely on par with her previous books.
Aimed at young adults this series is a must read for any Armstrong fan and I certainly can't wait for more from this series. Any young readers who have enjoyed 'House of Night' books will adore Chloe and her story.
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Previous Author Interviews & Guest Blogs!
Thank you to all the authors who have just popped in to comment, guest blogged or stayed around for an interview!
Here are all the previous author interviews & Guest Blogs!
Bitten is the first book in the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong and a book I read a long time ago when I first discovered the paranormal genre. I remember wondering if I would like werewolves as much as vampires and then ordering more books in the series as soon as I was done with this amazing first book. This has become one of my favourite paranormal series over the years and it was lovely to go back to the beginning again and listen to this audiobook.
is the newest edition to the Women of the Otherworld series which just keeps getting better and better. I was never really a fan of Hope but this book had enough other important characters to keep me happy. With Robyn, Finn and Karl playing equally big parts in the story, Hope was not the center point and I started to like her a little more.
is the first book in '
' books will adore Chloe and her story.
by Kelley Armstrong
