Loading ...Daily Book Chat and Contest - Vampire Babylon series by Chris Marie Green
PLEASE NOTE: the contest and chat for this book is over. Please join us at today’s event here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12815
Hello Readers!
First thing is first, the winner from yesterday’s chat is Kristi. Kristi, please email me at racoo.smith at gmail.com (no spaces) with your name and address so we can send your swag out. 
Welcome to our Tuesday Book. So, lets talk about books!
One of our staff reviewers here at BBB Carol, has been kind enough to help me out with some topics for discussion on various books. She’s worked with many of our favorite authors on panels at Dragon*con etc. She has some great questions to stir up our discussion today!
Today’s book discussion will be about Vampire Babylon series by Chris Marie Green.
Read reviews of the series here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Chris Marie Green
Today’s questions:
The author has set up the series so that books one through three complete a trilogy story arc, and books four through six, though using the same characters and drawing upon earlier events, will complete another. If you have read the books, how do you like this approach?
Who are your favorite characters and why?
Note: If you are going to post major spoiler, be sure to post this first in your comment. Do this
**SPOILER**
then hit the ENTER key six or seven times so there is a nice big space before the spoiler. That way others can avoid them if they want.This is called Spoiler vision.
Contest: O.M.G. Chris just emailed me and is offering up 1 copy of Night Rising and Midnight Reign (signed mass market) two winners! Open to the US only on the books. PLUS One lucky winner will win a bag of author swag, open to readers worldwide. All you need to do to enter is.
1. Comment and chat here today AND leave at least one comment or question on the book title we are discussing. Even if you haven’t read it. You could ask what makes the characters so compelling to others, or have them convince you to buy the book. LOL Just because you haven’t read it doesn’t mean you can’t chat with us. 
2. Attend and Comment at the Interview, Chat and Contest with author Stacey Voss here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12757
3. RSVP and attend the Release Party, Chat and Contest with author Marianne Mancusi here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12652
4. RSVP, Attend and Comment at the Interview, Chat and Contest with cover model Ms. Carey Hope here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=11652
5. Invite a bunch of your friends to come and chat with us today! Here’s the direct link so they won’t get lost.
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=12763
Books in the Vampire Babylon series in the order they should be read:
Night Rising
Midnight Reign
Break of Dawn
A Drop of Red
The Path of Razors
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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1. I actually don’t know anything about this series. I’m about to go to read the review. What about this series stands out to you all? Is it more of a romance or more action packed?
2. about to attend
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Amanda, there is some romance, but this series is definitely more urban fantasy.
One thing that stands out to me is the concept/premise, along with some great characters.
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I’m sorry I don’t know anything about this series. This is the first time of heard of it. But I’m interested. I like that they wrote a trilogy and then did it again with the next 3 books. some times when you read a trilogy you wonder what might have happen next and they give you the next part of the story. thats just to cool not to check out.
thanks
2.rsvpd will attend
3.rsvpd
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5. all hear to go to the interview
Heidi S
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The reviews definitely have me interested!
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Ooh I love this series! I don’t want to mention spoilers, but I was really upset when you-know-who, from the first three books, wasn’t who we thought he was. A few things still confuse me about the series, mostly with the boss, but I get the gist of it. Really like the series though, so many twists and turns and just…wow!
For those of you who haven’t read it, it’s a great series. The first three books are their own trilogy and the next 3, which there are 2 out now, are their own trilogy as well. They follow each other well. So it’s important to read book 1 first, but if you wanted to jump to book 4 that would work, but I don’t recommend it, a LOT happens in the first 3 books that you don’t want to miss out and things that just are in the current trilogy will make a LOT more sense!
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Carol, do you know when the next book is due out or how many might be upcomign in the series?
Again, another awesome looking series, that I haven’t had a chance to read. I have several of the books except book 5 I think.
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Hey, you all!
Rachel told me about this chat, so thank you for stopping by! Thanks also to Bitten By Books for featuring the series. : )
Amanda and Heidi, thank you for being interested in reading. Hope you enjoy.
Thanks for reading, Jessica and Rachel. : )
Carol, I appreciate your going out to get the books. The next installment, DEEP IN THE WOODS, will be out in March, 2010. It winds up the London trilogy. We’ll see what happens after that, because I’m writing a second series for Ace right now. It’s a “postapocalyptic urban fantasy western noir” that’ll be released with back-to-back books some time during 2011. I don’t know the release dates yet though…
Jessica, thank you so much for the comment. I think I know who “you know who” is, and thank you for not spoiling it, LOL. (So many things to spoil in these books!)
I love writing this series, especially because of the twists and turns. I’m a huge fan of LOST and HARRY POTTER, and I guess you can see this in the structure of Vampire Babylon. I thought that if there were fans like me who could hang with the fact that Voldemort doesn’t get his comeuppance until book 7 or that the mythology of LOST has been set out breadcrumb-by-breadcrumb over the seasons, there’d be an audience for this. Actually, I *love* being teased like that, although I know it’s not for everybody. Also, there was *so* much story that I felt I’d be shortchanging it without those trilogy arcs. : )
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[...] Daily Book Chat and Contest – Vampire Babylon series by Chris Marie Green Daily Book Chat and Contest – Vampire Babylon series by Chris Marie Green [...]
Hi Chris. Thanks so much for stopping by. I love this series, and the new one sounds wonderful, as well.
One of the stylistic aspects of the series that I most enjoy (and mention in some of the reviews) is how you manage to keep the two threads going separately within each book, so that the readers know what is going on before the characters do. That strikes me as being difficult to pull off.
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I am really looking forward to reading this series now! Looks like a good thing to add to my Christmas wish list! Though, I might just buy it for myself first lol.
Chris, it definitely sounds like something I would like! I was a huge Harry Potter fan while that series was going on. I loved the structure of that series.
It also looks like I will have timed it just about right with the last book in the second trilogy coming out in just a few months! Can’t wait to get started!
Oh, and thank you all for not saying who turns out to not be who you thought he was…in two other chats people have mentioned someone dying in a late book in a series in a comment that didn’t say spoiler…that is getting irritating.
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Hi Chris!! I haven’t read any of your books yet, but from what I have read in just this chat, they look great. I am new to BBB and since joining I’ve started my TBR list. I read every day & looking forward to this fantastic series! Thanks so much, Tina S.
2.done
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This is the first time I’ve heard about the series and author. The cover is gorgeous. I will definitely be adding this to my TBR pile.
I’ve RSVP’d to Marianne Mancusi’s release party.
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1. I haven’t read this series but I have heard about it! Have added to my TBR pile!
2. Done
3. RSVP’ed
4. RSVP’ed
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I love finding new to me authors. This look like a wonderful series. I cant wait to read it.
2-4 Done
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Hey, you guys!
Carol, big thanks! I structured the parallel plots (and sometimes more than two, LOL) because I wanted there to be the feel of a war going down. We see one side’s strategic move, then hopefully we wonder how the other side will react. I like that whole Hitchcockian theory of seeing a couple eating dinner, and then the camera pans down to the bomb beneath their table. Only the audience knows what’s really happening, and it’s always a “gah!” moment for me, at least.
Thanks, Amanda! Cool. : ) I agree about the spoilers. I take *such* pains to avoid spoilers or even hints about every single LOST finale! I did that with PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, too, and boy, was I happy I wasn’t spoiled.
Tina (TMarie), I appreciate that! This looks like a great place to hang out. : )
Tina i, yay! Thank you, too. I can’t tell you how happy I am with these covers. The one for book 6, DEEP IN THE WOODS, is ominous and gorgeous, as well. I previewed it on my blog, but I’ll be posting it in my newsletter for everyone to see in a little over a week!
TerriW–yes! Thanks ahead of time to you, too. Just so you guys know, I have contests on my web sites, and I’m on Twitter, too, so you can get updates about what’s coming out, etc.
See you guys again in a bit…
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SPOLIER
Hey there! I’m in the middle of Path of Razors and while I love the series, I am finding that the Queenshill Girls are not quite what I was expecting. I find the girls to be somewhat “innocent” and “immature” while at the same time being quite gruesome. Was it intended that the girls come across this was or is it simply this readers perception? I wonder only because, to me, it makes the story not quite so “mature” for this reader and I find this aspect of the story to be a bit of a regression from the previous Underground (books 1-3). I seem to find myself waiting for more story about the Underground, it still feels like there is something missing. Again, please take no offense as I really am enjoying the books and definitely intend to read any VB books you release! Btw, we’re freinds on FaceBook Chris! Thanks!
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I’ve been eyeballing these books for quite some time.. but the lack of fiances half the time has kept me from purchasing them only the authors/new releases I’ve been anticipating. Wish I could join in.
Gonna attend Stacey Voss’s chat/contest in just a bit
RSVPed at Marianne Mancusi and Cover Model Ms Carey Hope
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sounds like a great read.
have done 2,3, and 4
Julie S.
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Ugh! Wrote a post( a long one) and it’s lost in cyberspace!!) LEt’s try again!
SPOILER
Love the series! I’m in the midst to Path of Razors and its wonderful! I do have a question or 2. I find the Queenshill girls to be very different from the vamps in the 1st Underground. To me they are very “innocent” or “immature” while at the same time quite viscious. For me, perharps a more mature reader (34), I find this to be a bit of a regression from the characters in the previous 1st 3 books. Was this intended? Or merely the perception of a mature reader? In no way am I trying to belittle the story. It’s wonderful! And, granted I am only mid way through book 5, I find I am still “looking” for some more information about this new Underground and about its members. I’m finding my self with the feeling of being “off course”….this feeling, and my enjoyment of the stories, will keep me reading Vampire Babylon!
Btw, we’re friends on FaceBook Chris! Thanks for the heads up about this chat! =)
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OK. I’ve tried to post a comment like 3 times. It keeps getting lost???? Boo hoo. Had some questions too.
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I’ve read 1-4 in the series and am currently reading Pth of Razors! Love the books!
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OK. Going to try to post my questions again..
SPOILER!
Love the series! Currently reading Path of Razors and find the Queenshill Girls to be a bit “innocent” or “immature” while still being quite viscious. This reader finds this to be a bit of a regression from the LA Underground. Was this intended? Or, is it merely this readers perception? I also finds that I am stll searching for “more” in this portion of the series. Is it just me? Is there way more story to learn in book 6? Are we going to learn more about what makes Wolfie tick, or about why he built his underground the way he did? Sry so many ??’s Love your writings Chris! Btw, we’re friends on FaceBook, thanks for the heads up about this chat!
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Rachel, first off thank you for allowing us to have the opportunity to share our thoughts on this particular batch of books today. I have read a lot of good reviews on them so far and really am looking forward to reading the entire series when it is complete. Thank you also to Chris Marie Green for stopping by today and addressing some of the comments made by the gang. BBB rocks!!!!
I have purchased the MMPB edition of the first 2 books in the series and am waiting for the rest to come out in MMPB starting in 2010. I have not read the series yet but have read a novella by Chris in the Anthology First Blood and loved it very much. I am holding off reading the books until get the 3rd in the series “Break Of Dawn” so when read the first trilogy have everything fresh from book to book. It has been excruciatingly hard to wait and have to wait more until January to start reading… I hope that everyone who has read the series will not do “Spoilers” for the rest of us because having read the book jackets over and over am really excited about actually getting to read the whole first half of the series without any kind of preconceptions other than know it will be really worth the wait……
Have done # 3 and #5 and posted this on my blog at : http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/2009/11/bitten-by-books-daily-book-chat.
Good luck everyone and have a great time with this one….
Jackie B. Central Texas
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Hey All!
I have to admit I had never heard of this series, but after checking out the website and reviews I am very interested. I just ordered Night Rising, so hopefully I can read it myself in a few days. My TBR pile is so ridiculously long, everytime I come up here and find out about a new authors, I have to buy the book..Sigh.. Oh well I love reading so, that makes it ok. Happy reading everyone.
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I like the idea of a 3 book story arc, then a new one in the next 3. It’s great fror people like me ,who read several series.THis way, you can finish 3 books, go to another serioes and then come back without feeling like you are left hanging.
I have been over to the interview today and RSVP’d for the others. Have a good evening everyone! See you tomorrow!!!
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SPOILER time, folks:
SPOILER AHEAD
Kate,
Regarding the use of the teenage girl vamps, I am including links to my reviews of books four and five, explaining a bit of my take on them:
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=10207
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=10209
I think the second trilogy is supposed to have a different feel from that of the first, which makes sense as LA and London strike me as being quite different (I have never been to the latter, though I would love to).
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1. Unfortunately I haven’t read this book yet, I’ve actually never even heard of this series before now.
I was reading the basic description of the story and it mentions “vampire schoolgirls”. I was wondering if this is Young Adult? If so, how YA is it?
Also, are the vampires “good” (light and/or dark) or “bad” (Buffy Vampires)?
Thanks!
2. Will do.
3. Rsvp’d and will attend
4. Rsvp’d and will attend
5. Linked up on Facebook
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To answer some of your questions: The series isn’t YA. There are school girls who are characters of interest in this second series, books 4-6. The series is for adults or whatever reading level you want to call that after YA.
The vampires are bad, like in Buffy. Follow some of the same rules too.
It’s a really good/fun/awesome series. You should check it out!
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1. I Have Not Read This Series But I Think Having A Series Of Books Broken Up Into Different Trilogies Sounds Great. When I Finish With A Series Or Even One Book Sometimes I Wish There Were More Books With Them In It An This Formula Would Give Me The Best Of Both Worlds.
2. I Commented At The Interview, Chat And Contest With Author Stacey Voss.
5. Invited A Bunch Of Friends To Come And Chat With Bitten By Books Today.
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Hey, again!
Raonaid, I’ve seen the books in some libraries. I wish all of them had the series, LOL. Thank you for wanting to read VB!
Awesome, Julie, thank you!
Kate! I’m glad to see your comments showed up from cyberspace, LOL.
I don’t want to give any more than that away for you!
(SPOILERS ahead here, so a lot of you might want to skip to the next paragraph….)
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
<>
The type of vampires that the individual masters produce very much depends upon their personalities, wants, and needs. The L.A. master’s big desire was to feel like a “somebody,” just like so many others who come to Hollywood. He thought that, through his vampires, he would feel important and that he could be the shining stars they were. His failing with his first Underground and success with the 2nd was a huge part of his character arc, so that’s why I went into detail about that in book 2.
As for the London Underground, I’d say that Claudia is more of a focal character than Wolfie is, and the whole structure of PATH OF RAZORS is meant to show how Wolfie has affected Claudia throughout the ages. (I wanted to concentrate on *her* construction rather than the London Underground, I’d say). I think you’ll see what I mean by the end of the book!
Also, re: the girl vampires
I was an 8th grade teacher, and my “schoolgirls” made me realize that the scariest, most feral vampires could be right in my classroom, LOL. That’s not a slam at all, either–it’s just that, at that age, I remember how *I* learned about all the bad things in the world and, like the vamp schoolgirls, my own life education and confusion made it so easy to hate and strike out. Wolfie is playing a dangerous game by cultivating these “darlings”….
Thank you, Kate.
END of Spoilers
Thank *you,* Jackie! And I appreciate the shout out of the FIRST BLOOD anthology, with “Double the Bite.” After you finish the first trilogy, you might want to peek at the novella again because it might add an extra layer to Sorin’s story…
Hey, Tawania. Thank you so much for ordering NIGHT RISING! Hope you like…
Lisa M., that’s so nice of you to say. I actually like the arcs a lot, too. Cliffhangers are fun for me.
Kim, thanks for being here! These aren’t young adult books, even though the covers make the heroine look pretty young. (She’s in her early twenties.) I do have quite a few younger readers who follow the series though, and that surprised me. But, then again, I remember loving Stephen King and John Saul when I was, like, twelve, LOL. Figures, huh? The vampires mostly fall on the side of “dark,” although you can make an argument for a “light” one here and there. I wouldn’t call it a paranormal romance, either, since the emphasis isn’t on the romance (although there’s a strong element). Thanks!
Check in with you guys later. I’m so glad people are chatting here. : )
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Hi, Raquel, thank you! ; )
Jessica, you beat me to it! Thank you again.
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Chris: Thank you very much for your response! The added info has given me the “ah, yes” moment I’ve been craving! Totally understand the reference to how “school girls” can be! I think we were all “bad girls” a some point during our early teen years right! I conveniently forgot that for a moment. Lol, goodness we can be vicious little gals can’t we! =)
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1 - Haven’t actually read the books, but from Chris’ last interview, I definitely put the books on my must read list.
For the people who have read the books, who is your favorite character?
2-4 = done
Plus, I even voted in the poll.
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Hi Chris!
Thanks for chatting with us! I have the 1st book in my TBR pile. It sounds like a great story that I will have to move to the top of the pile!! Are there any authors or book series that you are hooked on?
Thanks!
Contest #’s 2-4 Done!
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I haven’t heard of Chris Marie Green before, thanks for bringing her to my attention, I will definately check out her books.
2 - done
3 - Done
4 - done
5 - done
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@ Heather. My favorite character has got to be Bresie. She’s got nerve and then some!
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What do you think makes your main character so compelling?
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I have not read this series yet, but it sounds great.
For those of you who have read it, what would you compare it to?
Is it a scary series?
2-5 (check)
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Well, aside from Dawn, our heroine, I guess I would say I like Kiko quite a bit. He seems very “human” to me, and truly cares about what he perceives as his mission.
Elie, I’m not sure what other series once could compare this to, because it is pretty unique.
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1. Chris Marie Green’s books are on my TBR list. Can’t wait to read them.
2. Attended
3. RSVPed
4. RSVPed
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love the covers for this series. Not had the pleasure of reading them yet but have added them to my tbb list.
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The cover looks spiffy. Good covers attract me and then if we have a sexy vamp in the book, I take it. Well then…okay, so this book does it change point of views? Thanks.
1-4 Done.
Aori H.
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I love finding new authors. Thanks BBB, 2-4 done
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I haven’t read this series, but would love to find out what it’s all about!
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Whoops forgot to answer the other questions! I would love a chance to read these!
2. Done
3. RSVP’d
4. RSVP’d
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Wow Chris!!! Thanks for the contest!!!
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I love this series. Dawn is kick a$$. My question is: Is Costin ever going to get it together? I mean I get he is upset but dayam he is still around to fight. I think he is being pretty pissy towards Dawn right now.
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Hi
1.Have not read this book yet .its already on my list of books to get.I hope it has a sexy male in it got to have a sexy man in it.
2.Doing later to night
3.Did
4.Did
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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A VERY big thank you for Chris who not only has chatted with us today BUT has also offered up 2 books for a prize! How cool is that! Be sure to check out her website:
http://www.vampirebabylon.com/
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Awesome! Can I keep my fingers crossed to win a copy of her books since I’ve been wanting to read them. LOL.. If only I can get to the library to try one
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I haven’t read these, but the set up of trilogies within a series sounds like what Mercedes Lackey did with the Herald series. That was a fantastic set up. Instead of concentration on a couple characters thru the whole series, or a couple character per book.. you got an indepth look at the different characters over the 3 books that they were the primaries in… LOVED it..
Thanks for sharing another author to check out.. and thank you Chris for joining in & making this a contest for the books… can never have enough books.
still have 2 to do…. others done [I think}
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1. is the book any good? haven’t read it yet.
2. attended
3. RSVPed
4. will attend & rsvped
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Thanks so much for joining us, Chris.
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1. Some other authors (Barb & JC Hendee) refer to multiple series set in the same world, continuing the same overarching plotline as a ’saga’. Seems to have worked for them.
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Darchole- I love Barb & JC Hendee’s world.. it’s an awesome series
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i rsvped both events attended todays event
I have yet to read these books just wanted to stop in see what people were saying about them im deff going to be adding these to the list BBB is gonna make me broke alltheses awesome reviews and chats about books i havent read or heard of
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1. haven’t read this and based on a few comments I have read that have been posted I do not know that this is really a series i would enjoy when I think good vampire books I think of authors/series such and Lynsay Sands’ books any lynsay sands fan out there who could tell me how this compares?
2. done
3. RSVPd
4. RSVPd
5. twitter/bluestarc218
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Good morning, everyone. : )
Kate–oh, I was a nightmare when I was younger. I feel terrible about how I acted. I think I grew out of it!
Heather, what a great question about favorite character! I’ll have to plead the 5th on that one, myself, LOL. Weirdly, it’s like choosing a favorite child.
Valorie B., Lingeorge, Elie, Caitlin, Pam, Heather, Lisa G., Stacey, Beverly–thank you! I’m so happy you dropped in and want to read these!
Neil asked what I think makes my main character so compelling. Dawn is interesting to me because she acts tough, but she’s so vulnerable, especially when it comes to her family. That’s pretty easy to relate to, and I think a lot of people who’ve written me relate to how she really does love people, even though she’d be the last to admit she’s capable of it. She also lives up to her responsibilities, such as with her father. Thanks for asking!
Aori, yes, I do use different points of view, but the dominant one is from Dawn. The vampire Underground POV runs a close second. : )
Carol, thanks for saying the series is unique! Some people like to compare it to ANGEL or BUFFY, but that only skims the surface. Sometimes I tell people that it’s like ALIAS with fangs because of the “spy” stuff as well as the family issues….
LOL, Donna. Thanks about Dawn.
Little SPOILER
SPOILER
SPOILER
Yes, Costin does have a tendency to be pissy, doesn’t he? I guarantee that he will get it together. : )
END spoiler
Iokijo, thanks, and I should read those Lackey books. I’m woefully behind on my reading. Like you guys, my TBR piles are HUGE!
Good luck in the contest, you all! And a huge thanks to Rachel and Carol for being great hostesses!
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Just wanted to stop by and say how much I adore this series and I can’t wait for Deep in the Woods.
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