Today I'm turning my blog over to Julie Wetzel, who I interviewed about her novel "A Castle for Dragons," which is the The First Archive in The Dragons of Eternity Series!!ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from August 24 - September 4, 2015]
My Q&A with Julie Wetzel :
Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?
Julie : Of the characters from my books that I could invite to dinner, I would want to have dinner with Darien. Could you imagine all of the things he could tell you? What a wealth of knowledge he could be!I think Rupert would be the harder one to have a meal with. He seems a little rough around the edges and probably wouldn’t be very good dinner company.
Jess : Please describe "A Castle for Dragons" in in one to two sentences.Julie : A brave hero takes on a dragon to protect a village full of troublesome maidens, but nothing is exactly what it seems.
Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?
Julie : Hard question. Usually what I get first is a single scene playing out in my head. From there the characters grow into a storyline.
Jess : It's Patrick vs Patrick -- Is there any differences and/or similarities between Patrick from your "A Castle for Dragons" novel and Patrick from your "Granting Wishes" novel?Julie : I’m surprised I haven’t had this question sooner. About the only similarities are their names and the fact that they are redheads. "A Castle for Dragons" was written well before "Granting Wishes" was. When I went to find a name for a leprechaun, Patrick was the most obvious choice. I didn’t even think of the fact that I had another main character that was named Patrick. They were never meant to be reflections of each other, so any other similarities are just coincidence.
Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within "A Castle for Dragons," do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?Julie : My favorite secondary character has to be Nana. She’s the old lady that Daniel and Patrick find in the castle when they first arrive. We only see her a few times in the story but she is the one that points out that dragons are still known to the world. That no matter how they try to hid, someone will remember them. And crazy old ladies are just fun characters.
Jess : What is the most funny thing one of your characters, from "A Castle for Dragons," said or did?
Julie : There are a lot of cute moments in the book, but my favorite act is where Patrick runs across the tables in the main hall trying to catch Kathryn after a misunderstanding. I always laugh when I think of the Lord of the castle jumping up on the table during dinner and jumping across through the crowd.
Jess : What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?Julie : I liked writing the first encounter between Patrick and the dragon. It’s that moment that Kathryn goes form thinking the new lord is a total show off and worthless, to truly worrying about him and thinking he might not be all that bad. Plus the fight between Patrick and the Dragon was fun to think through.
Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?
Julie : Well, when the second in the Dragons of Eternity series is released, I’ll have eight books in print. I’ve also written two short stories for anthologies and I have several fanfictions out there. I also have two books I’ve completed, but haven’t found the proper place to publish them yet. Their day will come, but I’ve got enough on my plate for now.
As to my favorite. That’s like asking a mother which of her children is her favorite. There are times she hates every one of them, but she loves them all. Right now my golden child is my current work in progress, "For the Heart of Dragons." Simply because I’m spending so much time with it and it hasn’t started to piss me off yet. I’m sure by the time I get to editing I will hate it and be on to another love.
Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?
Julie : Oh the file of unfinished work on my computer would amaze you! I have a lot of irons in the fire, but the one that I’m working on at the moment is "For the Heart of Dragons." It’s the third novel in the Dragons of Eternity series. And I guess I can share a snippet with you.
"For the Heart of Dragons" –
Noah stared at the heart in awe. It was beautiful, but he didn’t know if it would remain so. How long could a dragon survive in this form? He pondered this for a moment, but Raven’s dying words echoed through his brain pushing him to act. Unwilling to take the chance of losing the dragon and he squeezed the gem, slicing the diamond points deep into his palm. Rolling his hand over he let his blood seep out on the heart. The power of the dragon raced up his arm, slamming into his brain. A mighty roar shook his world.
“Mine!” the dragon roared as it claimed its new home.
Noah fought for control over the beast, but the dragon’s rage gave it an unnatural strength. The desire to destroy everything that had hurt Raven coursed thought him. “No!” he cried out. Dropping the blood covered heart, he wrapped his arms around Raven’s body trying to hold onto himself, but the dragon was too strong. It ripped its way out of Noah’s body taking Noah for a ride. The leather collar around his neck forced the dragon into a size smaller then it was used to, but this size was more than enough to do what it wanted for the moment. Noah’s consciousness dropped away as the creature pounced on the body of the man that had killed Raven and started ripping it to shreds.
“Mine!” the dragon roared as it claimed its new home.
Noah fought for control over the beast, but the dragon’s rage gave it an unnatural strength. The desire to destroy everything that had hurt Raven coursed thought him. “No!” he cried out. Dropping the blood covered heart, he wrapped his arms around Raven’s body trying to hold onto himself, but the dragon was too strong. It ripped its way out of Noah’s body taking Noah for a ride. The leather collar around his neck forced the dragon into a size smaller then it was used to, but this size was more than enough to do what it wanted for the moment. Noah’s consciousness dropped away as the creature pounced on the body of the man that had killed Raven and started ripping it to shreds.
Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Julie : Well, my husband thinks it should be "Grievous Bodily Harm: The Misadventures of an Accidental Author." I kicked him for that one before agreeing that it was probably the best title anyone could come up with. I do tend to be slightly accident prone and it is true that I had never planned to be an author. So, it does kind of fit.
About the Author :Julie Wetzel is a mother of a hyperactive red headed boy, and what time she’s not chasing down dirty socks and unsticking toys from the ceiling she's crafting worlds readers can get lost it. Julie is a self-proclaimed bibliophile and lover of big words. She likes hiking, frogs, interesting earrings, and a plethora of other fun things.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 208; Kindle Edition - File Size: 3553 KB | Expected Release Date: July 9, 2015 | Publisher: Crimson Tree Publishing | Obtained: Crimson Tree Publishing"A Castle for Dragons" [The Dragons of Eternity Series, The First Archive/Book 0.5] by Julie Wetzel
Author's Book Description : With a dragon ravaging the countryside, the Prince of Dragons sends out his best man, Patrick Mylan. His orders—to secure an abandoned castle and stop the foul beast from stealing more maidens. This shouldn’t be an issue for an Elite of Eternity
But there is more going on than there seems. When other dragons are sighted in the area, the town sends their maidens to their new lord for protection… and Patrick’s life becomes a lot more complicated. With the dragon he’s hunting acting odd and a castle filled with women distracting him, how is he supposed to do the job he was sent for? And what are the ladies going to do when they find out he’s the other dragon in the area?
This story is a historical fiction set in the world of Eternity.
My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, at the orders of his Prince (and adopted brother) Patrick, with is contingent of warriors, comes into town to take care of its rogue dragon problem and become their new Lord of the Castle. Things don’t go as smoothly as he would hope but with the towns “support” behind him, he’ll try his best to protect them with everything he has. Now if he can only find a way to let the town know that he and his men are the things they fear the most too... dragons.
With a “historical” feel, this is one fantasy romance that sets its readers up for an unexpected adventure based around fascinating characters! This wasn’t exactly what I expected but I don’t think I would have changed anything about it. One thing I especially enjoyed was reading about Patrick’s “dragon world” and how everything worked in it. Then when it came to Patrick and his relationship with Kathryn, I found their banter to be amusing while their growing relationship very gratifying! Kathryn definitely kept Patrick on his toes and it made watching her fall in love him all that much sweeter.
I cannot wait to see where this series will take us next. I recommend this novel to those looking for a unique dragon-shifter fantasy romance!
Purchase This Book and/or the ones from its Connected Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2) | Smashwords : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Smashwords : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2)
Author's Novel Extras :
~~~~~~Wonderful News!~~~~~~A Castle for Dragons is being released early!It's now available for preorder on Amazon at...
Posted by Julie Wetzel Author on Sunday, July 5, 2015
Author's Series Extras : The Dragons of Eternity Series - Overview
Posted by Julie Wetzel Author on Friday, July 10, 2015
Book Teaser(s) :
A CASTLE FOR DRAGONS by Julie Wetzel Author -- Read my #bookreview, #authorinterview and #blogtour here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Thursday, August 27, 2015
“So what do I do about her?” He was more than willing to give in, but it was convincing the girl that was turning into an issue.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Julie, then please check out her website.
“That, my friend, is the biggest mystery of all.” Daniel grinned. “Figure out the mind of a woman, and you could be the wealthiest man in the world.” ~ within Chapter 6
Book Excerpt :
“I am Patrick Mylan,” he restated. “I have been sent by the king to see to your dragon.”
This sent another murmur through the gathering crowd.
“I claim Dunham Castle as my payment.”
Silence flowed across the crowd.
Patrick went on. “She is in need of much repair. I will require a tithing from the town.”
A roar of objection went up.
After a moment, the crowd quieted enough for Patrick to continue. “In return for your support, I will rid you of your dragon and offer you the protection of a lord.”
Outrage swept through the villagers.
“How do you expect us to pay a tithing? The dragon has razed all of our crops and killed most of our men.” The sweet voice of the woman cut through the din.
Patrick turned back to her. “I understand that times are hard, and I have coin enough to pay for the supplies I need for now. The tithing I ask is for repairs to the castle after I’ve vanquished the dragon.” He looked around at the now-silent faces. “It’s no more than any lord would ask of his people.”
“We are not your people,” the woman snapped at him.
Oh yes, she was feisty, but so was he. Patrick smiled back at her. “Then I will leave you to your dragon, fair maiden.” Pulling on the reins of his horse, he turned back towards the castle.
“Wait.” Eustace held up his hand to stop Patrick from leaving. “Can you really slay this dragon?”
“My men and I are well versed in the ways of dragons.” Patrick bowed his head. “We can stop this beast.”
“And what happens when you fail?” the feisty woman yelled at his back.
Patrick turned in his saddle to look back at her. “Then you will be left with a fat dragon and be free of the tithing,” he sassed before turning his attention back to Eustace.
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