I am way too excited today because I am taking part in the Authors Are Rockstars Blog Tour!!
Massive Thank You's are in order for the lovely Jaime and Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and Rachel from Fiktshun for asking me to be a part of this event.
Today I am talking about why Amber Kizer, author of the Fenestra series is a rockstar!
You can read my reviews of Ambers books as well:
Amber's books have been some of only a handful that have actually managed to transport me to another world. I mean really and truly, forget the world that is going on around me, staying up till 3am to finish them kind of books. Amber's characters are so life like and easy to relate to, her plots are intricate, detailed and full of the shock factor.
All these things are must haves for a brilliant book to me.
The Fenestra series was my first venture into the world of Angel books, and honestly since then nothing in the same genre has topped this series. To me Amber's books are some new and different, to be honest they stand out on their own, they really don't need me praising them any more.
Ok I'll shut up now, Amber has very kindly wrote a guest post so share with all my lovely readers, so here it is!
When Meridian and Tens set out at the end of MERIDIAN to find more Fenestra, the angel-humans who are windows for the dying, there was one place I needed them go…
…Indiana…
Why Indiana you ask? My roots go deep into Hoosier soil and there are lots of misconceptions about the Midwest that I tried to dispel. There is art and history, tradition and National respect, a hearty helping of patriotism, and forward thinkers…so much more than soybeans, corn, and cows. The initial spark of the idea for Fenestra, and Meridian in particular, developed over the course of my grandparents’ deaths. Several more heartbreaking deaths in that couple of years handed me a level of grief I needed to turn into something purposeful. I am our family’s story keeper. I love and hang old photographs, hold onto my grandmother’s elementary school report cards, and try to keep straight the pieces of that family tree. They are all Hoosiers and proud of their heritage—so it’s no small wonder that I feel a connection to the place and people.
When Meridian and Tens stopover in Carmel, Indiana, at the beginning of WILDCAT FIREFLIES they visit real places, meaningful places like Helios Tea Room, Wildcat Creek, and The Art and Design District. There is a Feast of the Fireflies that grew out of my childhood memories of an actual festival called Feast of the Hunter’s Moon at Ft. Ouiatenon (We-ought-te-non). These are all woven into the backdrop of a coalition fighting for good.
When we looked at continuing Meridian’s story, I wanted to connect these beloved characters to the joys, sorrows, and traditions of Memorial Day in Indy. In my family, Memorial Weekend is all about tradition and remembrance. Visiting the cemetery where generations of my family are buried to clean the graves and plant flowers tops on the list. We eat a picnic at the park my grandmother played in as a child, and visit the house where she was born. There is also usually a memorial service either at the Circle in downtown Indianapolis, or out at Crown Hill Cemetery. We also attend the Indianapolis 500 car race.
I grew up watching the race, which is really a month long focus that takes over the town—parades, pageants, services, and of course fast cars. I can name drivers and teams and winners or losers—we call can. Black and white checker flags appear on lampposts and in yards; all the clothing stores display black and white outfits for all ages. You don’t have to be a fan of cars or racing to enjoy the spectacle. There are incredible opportunities for people watching! Hundreds of thousands of people attend from all over the world—it’s the perfect backdrop for a battle between Fenestra and Aternocti. SPEED OF LIGHT is the third book in Meridian and Tens’ love story and for the moment will wrap up Fenestra books. There are so many seeds from MERIDIAN and WILDCAT FIREFLIES that I was able to develop and delve into that I hope readers feel this is the ultimate payoff. So much of my joy for Indy and my love for these characters went into these pages! Readers can expect to understand Juliet’s history, much more about Fenestra and Nocti, and Tens’ past and family history. They’ll also see a deepening of the love and commitment between Meridian and Tens. For a pictorial sneak peek of behind the scenes of this upcoming book, visit AmberKizer.com and click on SPEED OF LIGHT.
MERIDIAN and WILDCAT FIREFLIES are available now in paperback and audio versions. SPEED OF LIGHT will be released in hardcover in November 2012. I love hearing from readers and send bookmarks and bookplates free of charge to any reader, anywhere in the world. Simply email Amber@AmberKizer.com or via Facebook messages, with your mailing address and allow 6-8 weeks for delivery!
I'm also hosting a giveaway for one lucky winner to win themself a signed copy of both Meridian and Fenestra. Giveaway is open to US residents only, sorry folks.
I loved Meridian, but haven't been able to continue the series! Definitely looking forward to this one!
ReplyDeletei have been dying to read these. :D
ReplyDeleteOh I had no idea SPEED OF LIGHT was the final book in the series. I loved MERIDIAN and I have to catch up on the series, but I'll be sad to see it end. I loved this story about the Fenestra and the author's character Meridian.
ReplyDeleteAnd I loved this stop on the tour and Amber Kizer's post that connects the setting with family and her own experiences. It really brings a personal touch to the story and I can't wait to read it with this in mind.
Thank you so much for being a part of the tour and for hosting this incredible author!
I hadn't heard of this series before but will for sure check them out. Amber's post about racing had me hooked.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of these before but they sound awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks so much for being a tour stop you are a rockstar!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Jaime @ Two Chicks On Books
I wasn't familiar with this series, but it sounds like something I'd enjoy. I like the shock factor!
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds so interesting and I can't wait to dive into it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a Rockstar Tour participant!
-Patricia
Thank so much for this giveaway! I would love for a chance to read this series :D
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI just came across your site and it is really lovely! I happily followed you and will enjoy reading your updates. You can find me over at Rainy Day Reads, www.rainydayreads.com It would be great if you could stop by and I would love to have a fellow book lover as a new follower.
Christine x
Rainy Day Reads
www.rainydayreads.com
This series sounds great!! I haven't read any of the books yet, but they are on my TBR list. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds so interesting I am excited to read it ^^ Thanks for the great giveaway, I'm definitely adding to my TBR list right now!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've heard of this series, but it sounds great! I'll be adding to my tbr list for sure : ) Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't really seen much on these books but I'm glad u hosted them!
ReplyDelete