Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer Blog Tour - Review/Interview & Giveaway

That day I knew for sure. I'd lost control of my tears then. They fell in huge, mocking drops. I stared at Joshua through those bitter tears, my heart missing beats as I tried to remember to breathe.

I finally knew what the glow meant.

I was a freak and Joshua was going to die.

Bryn Halbrook had always seen the glow. But it is only when her best friend dies that she discovers the meaning of those beautiful golden auras — Death. Alone, lost in the foster system, she struggles to understand who she is and why she was cursed with the ability to see the soon-to-be-dead.

The new foster kid, Aidan, isn’t helping any. Mr. Perfect seems to fit in no matter what, making her feel even more pathetic. But when his affections turn to her, Bryn finds him hard to resist. Impossible actually. A mystery himself, Aidan disappears, leaving behind a broken heart and a mysterious book that suggests Bryn might not be entirely human.

Bryn stands at the threshold of a journey of discovery. Will destiny help her find herself, find her purpose and her place in a world in which she’d never belonged?

MY REVIEW:

Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer - 4 Stars

Dead Radiance is a Mythology adventure, this is something I don’t normally read but to be honest I loved the cover and decided I should read it. T.G. Ayer writing is good, the story flowed well, character descriptions were well written well and I felt like I got to know and understand the main characters.

We meet Bryn Halbrook, her mother deserted her and when her father died she was placed into foster care. Bryn knows she is different and feels as she has never really fit in. Figuring out that she sees a person’s aura and when it lights up they usually end up dying. She of course tells no one. When a young man comes to live in her foster home things start to unravel for her. Finding out more about her father work and where she came from is very confusing, trying to piece everything together and realizing she is in danger she must leave her home to keep her foster family safe. The next part of this story then takes place Asgard, the city of Odin. Bryn learns she is a Valkyrie and a very powerful one. We meet some new characters and some old ones return. This story is faced paced, has some mystery/suspense and if full of some very interesting Mythology.

This book takes you on a Mythology ride and I quite enjoyed it.

I have rated Dead Radiance 4 stars and I cannot wait to read Dead Embers (Valkyrie, #2).

 

INTERVIEW:

 

Now, enjoy the interview!

1.      Did you always want to be a writer? And what inspired you to write?

I think the answer to that would be a categorical Yes! I've always wanted to be a writer but sometimes life demands you do other things in the interim, but even when you take a different path in life the dream never dies.

The actual step to taking writing seriously was something that happened gradually. After spending years in an industry, and a job that, quite frankly, was uninspiring if not emotionally draining and unsatisfying, I realised it was now or never. I changed jobs to one that was less challenging and very near my home, and began to write every day (including weekends). And every chapter I completed just inspired me to write more because I realised I was capable, and it was possible for me to write a book and fulfil my dream!

2.     How would you describe DEAD RADIANCE?

Bryn Halbrook is a misfit who discovers she really doesn’t fit in with human society because she isn't human, she is a Valkyrie – a warrior of Asgard who serves the God Odin by retrieving the souls of the brave and courageous dead, collecting warriors who will train and serve Odin in the biggest, baddest battle of them all, Ragnarok – the end of the world.

But really speaking, Dead Radiance is a story about a girl who doesn’t believe she matters much. Everyone in her life has abandoned her, she doesn't make friends easily, and is a social outcast. Her self-esteem is low, and she is slowly becoming emotionally detached. Dead Radiance is a story about a girl who realises that even when she always thought herself weak, that deep within herself is a strength that will sustain her during the worse times and the best times. And that you look first to yourself for strength because no matter what life throws at you, you can handle it.

3.     Which character you had most fun writing?

Definitely Bryn, the main character. It was special to see her grow and realise her strengths. I loved when she came into her own and was able to stand up to herself, despite her misgivings. Bryn is granted her wish to be strong, and it was interesting to watch her accept her new self, to believe that Asgard and all it entails, actually exists. I also especially love her romance- she fell hard and fast for Aidan – I think I love the idea of love at first sight ;)

4.     What was your main source of inspiration for the story?

I've always loved mythology, and always been fascinated by the intricacies of Norse Mythology which has such a interesting pantheon of gods and creatures.

And Valkyries! I'm a sucker for any mythology that deals with winged creatures, and Valkyries are not all that common in Young Adult Paranormal.

5.     What should readers expect from DEAD RADIANCE?

A fast paced story packing an emotional punch J

Dead Radiance is filled with interesting characters like the gorgeous Fenrir the wolf son of Loki, and Freya the goddess of passion who is sometimes just a chick who loved her bling. There are twists and turns, betrayals and friendships, courage and trickery.

6.     How did you come up with the title of your book?

The title refers to the Warriors. The warriors are dead, and the Valkyries recognize the warriors by the golden glow of their skin, so Dead Radiance it was.

7.     What are your current projects?

At the moment I am working on the sequel Dead Embers which follows Bryn in her adventures through new realms, and performing new quests, and hopefully saving Aidan this time ;) Dead Embers releases 15th August 2012.

I'm also working on what was the first novel I'd ever written- it’s a shapershifter Urban Fantasy called Second Skin and is scheduled for release late September/October 2012.

8.     Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. Writing is a career for me. You hear it a lot, in advice given to writers 'Don't give up you day job.' Fortunately, I was in a position to take the bull by the horns and tackle my writing with both hands. Plus I'd written two books before I started writing full time. I also think it's important that if you want to make writing your career you do need to treat it like a job, as opposed to a hobby. It's serious stuff.

9.     As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A writer, a journalist, a lawyer, even a doctor, but then, always a writer J

10.   Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I'm very honored to say that I hear from readers all the time. They have such wonderful things to say about Dead Radiance that sometimes I have to read it over and over just to believe it. Most readers love Bryn, and Aidan. Some readers want to see more of Fen, and some readers think Joshua's way better for Bryn. I simply love that readers feel the characters and the writing enough to totally love the story. The best part of reader feedback is the kind that says 'where the h*ll is the next book, I'm dying here...' Love it!

11.    Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

I aim to write as many books as I can, to try and write all those stories fighting for space in my head. I'm really aiming to have a catalogue of books produced over the next  few years to satisfy current fans, and a good solid range available for new readers as they hear about my books and come looking for more.

12.   What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

Surreal, and in fact it is still surreal sometimes. There are times when I have to grab and hold the paperback just to confirm this is all really happening. And the cover is sensational. I simply loved working on the cover and the finished product just blew me away.  Still does, in fact.

13.    Who designed the covers?

My covers were created by an amazing artist – Eduardo Priego. He is an extremely talented young Mexican artist that was such a pleasure to work with. He brought my design and idea to fruition and I can honestly say there is nothing I don't like about the final product. It's just perfection.

14.   What was the hardest part of writing your book?

There was so much in my head as I wrote so many scenes, so many twists and turns that it was difficult trying to keep them all in order. I always thought I was a pantser- writing off the cuff, and indeed I think I am most of the time but I've slowly developed a strategy of putting ideas onto paper or writing them up in Scrivener, the writing program I use. I think in the long run, it pays to be organized, to have a plan.

Any last thoughts or words of wisdom you would like to share with the readers?

I just hope that Bryn is able to inspire readers who are looking for inspiration and to give hope to those who need it. In the end it's all about courage. So many people don't realize how much courage it takes to put one foot in front of the other during our dark times. I think the first step in believing in yourself is to acknowledge that every step you take is a step of courage and that everyone has something within themselves that they can be proud of.

AUTHORS BIO:

I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…

My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.

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