Richelle Mead Interview & Adrian's Lost Chapter POV

I guess everything I have been posting lately has had to do with Richelle Mead's books, because I love them so much!!!!


So incase you didn't read my previos post, Richelle had a challenge for us VA lovers. If she recieved 10,00 pre-orders for bloodlines last week she would post a lost chapter of Bloodlines. It's Adrian's POV when she originally had to make the book in 3rd person POV. This by no means is a spoiler for Bloodlines, and is not included in the book bloodlines. But it definitely is a treat and I loved reading the chapter, because my favorite couple Rose & Dimitri are mentioned!!!


Here's the link: The original beginning of Bloodlines, as told by Adrian


Now even more fun, Richelle recently did an interview on Goodreads. I love reading her interviews because they are always so interesting!!! I will give you a bit. Here is the full interview!!!!

Interview with Richelle Mead

August, 2011

Fantasy writer Richelle Mead understands the allure of a bad boy. Honorable, duty-bound Dmitri may be the hero of her best-selling young adult series Vampire Academy, but readers have always had a weakness for Adrian, the impudent scamp. Now her fans may get their wishes answered with Bloodlines, the first book of a new young adult series featuring minor characters from Vampire Academy. Adrian is back (although Mead isn't revealing exactly how), and the new heroine is Sydney Sage, an alchemist trained to conceal the supernatural world and protect ordinary humans. Known for her robust and resilient female leads, the prolific writer (18 books in six years) also helms the adult fantasy seriesGeorgina Kincaid and Dark Swan. Mead reveals to Goodreads her thoughts on vampire popularity and feminine characters with oomph. 

Goodreads: Bloodlines picks up the stories of characters we met in the Vampire Academy series. Do you think Bloodlines will be accessible to readers not familiar with Vampire Academy?

Richelle Mead: It is, actually, and it's kind of refreshing to start hearing reviews come in from people who didn't read the first series. For those who know it, it's a great continuation, and those who don't know it can follow along and catch up.

GR: With teen alchemist Sydney Sage now front and center (she played a supporting role to Vampire Academy's tough heroine Rose Hathaway), Bloodlines delves further into the arcane world of alchemy. What were your sources of inspiration or topics of research for the centuries-old tradition of alchemy in Sydney's family?

RM: It's pretty loosely based on history. It's my own interpretation, so I'm sure there are purists who will say, "Hey, I've read about medieval alchemists, and I don't remember them doing anything with vampires!" I liked the idea of a "Men in Black" society of people trying to keep vampires secret from the world. So that was part of the inspiration. And then at the same time, because I do like tying everything to mythology and folklore if I can, the alchemist idea came in—people dabbling in half magic, half science. They were particularly fascinated with magical substances—that was where the whole lead-into-gold idea came from. So I thought if ever there was a substance you could do wild things with, vampire blood was it. So I borrowed from that history and mixed it back into the "Men in Black" idea, and they sort of spawned from there.

GR: Goodreads member Alana writes, "Sydney struggled with body issues inBloodlines, and while we seldom think of reality entering paranormal story lines, it was great to see a real teen issue come into play. Perhaps this is just a small indication of controlling behavior to come?"

RM: The Moroi [full-blooded vampires] have runway-model figures, which aren't necessarily the ideal female figure, which tends to be a little curvier. Even still, if you're around that all the time it would probably mess with your head a little bit, and everyone, I think, who grows up in the U.S. and is female is bombarded with images about "What should I look like?"—especially at that age. Also, it's an interesting side to Sydney's nature, because she is very controlling and she keeps her world very orderly. She's always asked to keep things working smoothly, and so there's this idea of, "Why can't I make myself work with that same efficiency?"

It's an interesting, very vulnerable part to have to her. Sydney knows five languages, she's well traveled, and she seems like someone who should not be fazed by anything. Yet there's this little tiny thing that nags at her. I think that's an interesting piece—to have that flaw in someone who we would otherwise think is so "with it" and well-rounded.

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE!

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM RICHELLE MEAD: NEED SUPPORT!!

I have not been posting very often these past monthsbecause I am on a blog break because I don't have the time to dedicate to my blog. Hopefully thoug I will be in full swing  by September, making regular posts! But I have been making random posts that I feel I need to mention.. this one is a good one! I love Richelle's Mead's work and she has given us a challenge please read  a recent post she made!

Bloodlines Challenge

Bloodlines has been quite a rollercoaster, and it's hard to believe we're now less than a month away! I'm getting excited for everyone to read it. I'm also impatient because I'm already working on the sequel, and there are times I want to say something about it and then have to remind myself, "Oh, yeah. The first book's not out yet. No one will know what I'm talking about."

I believe without a doubt that people who loved the first VA series will love Bloodlines. I've talked to a lot of readers, in person and online, and I'm continually floored by the passion and dedication you've shown for the books. That passion wasn't just for Rose alone--it was for all the things that make the VA world so awesome, like the romance, action, and humor. All those things are still in Bloodlines (even Rose is a bit), and I've already been amazed and humbled at all those fans who have told me from day one how excited they are to readBloodlines and find out what happens in this next stage of the VA world. You guys rock.

Still, there are always nay-sayers out there who try to tell me VA readers aren't going to stick with me and read Bloodlines. I don't believe that at all. Like I said, I see the passion for the VA world every day. And after reading the excited reactions to Bloodlines' first chapter, I'm more confident than ever that you'll love Sydney's take on Moroi and Strigoi life. Nonetheless, some people have thrown a challenge down before me--a challenge I intend to accept.

The challenge: Can Bloodlines get 10,000 pre-orders in a week?

I say: yup.

Plenty of you have pre-ordered already, and from all the enthusiasm I've heard from readers, I know more are coming. I think this challenge is totally doable. To show my faith in this, I'm actually going to wager something that makes me nervous. People always ask me for cut scenes from past books, and I always decline. There's a part of me that thinks, "Well, if it's not in the book, maybe it's not meant to be seen." But if you guys can come through on this challenge, I'll deliver for you. If we get our 10,000 this week, I'll swallow my fear and release the original cut first chapter of Bloodlines--which is very, very different from what you saw in the official chapter last week. Originally, Bloodlines was going to be written in third POV, from every main character's perspective. And who was originally going to kick the book off? Adrian, of course. Now, there's a lot of Adrian wit and wisdom in Bloodlines as it is, but this "lost" first chapter was in his point of view, putting us right inside his thoughts (scary...but kind of enticing too, huh?). This chapter also covers things that were cut from Bloodlines, so it really is new material--not just a rehashing of what Sydney's told us. It bridges the gap between the two series.

So those are the stakes! If 10,000 people pre-order Bloodlines this week, we'll get to see the world through Adrian Ivashkov's eyes. When does the challenge kick off? Well...today! It'll run one week. If we can make our numbers, Adrian's lost chapter will be posted online the first week of August--before the "real" Bloodlines release.

If you've already pre-ordered Bloodlines, then I am super grateful and happy that you're ready for the next ride. Thank you so much for your support! If you've been thinking about pre-ordering but just haven't gotten around to it (I'm a procrastination queen, so I totally understand this), then this is the week to do it! Pre-ordering from any store counts. So does Kindle, Nook, etc. Here are some links to help:

Penguin's Official Bloodlines Page - Click on "Book Info" to be a shown a list of major retailers, indies, and e-book sellers with direct links to ordering Bloodlines. 

Autographed Books from University Bookstore - Here are the instructions to order from the Seattle bookstore I autograph and personalize books for. You can get the book made out to you, and they'll ship internationally.

And speaking of international stuff...I mentioned in The Bloodlines Q&A that at the moment, only English speaking countries have confirmed Bloodlines release dates. So, those in non-English speaking countries can cheer on the other pre-ordering countries until we know more. But, for those in the UK, Australia, and Canada, you can take the challenge and pre-order from any of your own major bookstores and indies. For the big retailers, I'm guessing Amazon and Waterstone's in the UK; Dymock's in Australia; and Amazon and Chapters/Indigo for Canada. You guys know better than me. I know all three countries also have really awesome indie bookstores too, so definitely support those if you love them.

I'll close with a little more info for those still curious about Bloodlines. The links to the Q&A and first chapter I posted above will definitely give you the most background on the book. However, there are also some awesome reviews from readers who got to look at the book early that'll give you some insight as well:

Eleusian Mysteries Review - From a fan of the first series, who now adores Sydney as a narrator

Bibliopunkk - Reviewer who thinks Bloodlines has its own unique feel yet still perfectly continues the VA series

Teenage Bibliophile - This reviewer never actually read the first set of VA books - but had no trouble getting hooked on Bloodlines
Makshift Bookmark - A reviewer who was unsure about spin-offs and ended up loving Bloodlines. Best quote: "My fear of venturing outside Rose Hathaway's POV was unwarranted. FEAR NOT, SKEPTICS."

Exhausting post! Thank you again to those who have pre-ordered already, and thank you in advance to those who jump on the challenge this week. I'm so excited to see what unfolds! I don't write much in third or a male POV, so I'm also going to be excited and nervous when I post Adrian's chapter and get reactions. (Did you notice my use of "when I post"? Like I said, I'm pretty confident we can meet this challenge).

On My Wishlist.....*11*

On My Wishlist is a great event that Book Chick City runs every Saturday. It's where you list all of the books that you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. I thought this was a great way to start off my blog.

      

Illusions: Aprilynne Pike

SYNOPSIS: GOODREADS

        Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice. 

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

I am putting this book again on my list because I am so ashamed I have not bought it yet. This book came out a about of month ago and I have yet to get my hands on it. I am so disappointed in myself. I need Tamina desperately!!!

Bloodlines: Richelle Mead

Synopsis: GoodReads

BLOOD DOESN'T LIE

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding.

To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning.

Okay must I really explain why this is on my list!!! Im green with envy and jealousy from all the people that have the ARC to this book. I really want it and need more VA, even though it's a different world. I know I am borderline obssessed. But it's okay I accept myself. So for any one that has an ARC please share I will return once Im done reading it!

What's on Your Wishlist??

Bloodlines Cover!!

Bloodlines cover was finally released today!! The book is suppose to be released on August 23rd. i got think info via Richelle Mead's Blog. She forwarded us to this Entertainment Weekly article.

Richelle Mead has graduated from Vampire Academy, her popular YA series that wrapped up in December with the release of its sixth and final book, and now she’s moving onto new territory. Well, somewhat new:Bloodlines will be a spin-off ofVA, moving the previously tertiary character Sydney, a human alchemist, from the sidelines to the forefront. It will also be set in a sunny Californian high school instead of that rigid, preppy-bloodsucker academy, which I imagine will be like transferring from the Undead Poets Society to Bayside High. Check out the finalized cover for the first book of the series—that’s Sydney with the filigreed face, by the way—and watch a video after the jump of Mead talking about how it will differ from Vampire Academy.Bloodlines is set to hit shelves on August 23.
I am so excited for this book!! I cant wait to delve into into this world again. What do you guys think of the cover?