Tammy's Two Cents/Author Appreciation Day 26: Jana Oliver

Author Appreciation day 26; Jana Oliver

The Demon Trapper’s Daughter series Interview, Review and Giveaway!

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Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

2018 Atlanta, the city and the United States as a whole is pretty much bankrupt, demons are everywhere, and trappers and hunters are hard at work to keep demons off the streets so they won't kill people or claim souls for Hell. Riley Blackthorne wants to be a Demon Trapper like her father, Paul Blackthorne. Riley does as much as she can to prove that she's capable of taking care of herself by holding her own against the demons and the males that dominate the Trapper world she chooses to live in. Enter Beck, Paul’s partner and once apprentice, I really enjoyed his character. He's funny, Fiercely loyal, and protective of Riley. Throw in fellow apprentice Simon and you’ve got yourself a nifty little love triangle! This book really has a lot going on an I love the way Jana kept it all cohesive and flowing throughout the read; demons, angels, zombies and necromancers keep Riley quite busy. My favorite character (you get a brief glimpse in this book but, more so in the next book) is the little Ninja Cat Burgler demon that Riley keeps in a sippy cup in her cupboard… he is just so darn cute! This book is a well paced, action packed, captivating read… a must read not only for anyone that loves paranormal but, anyone that is ready for a strong female character lead. (Be sure to check out all Jana’s works on Amazon.com)

Now on the the good stuff! Jana Oliver was kind enough to answer some questions for me and offer up some freebies for you, her loyal fans… here is my Interview with the Marvelously Talented Jana Oliver (contest details to follow)…

*Tell me a bit about yourself. Let’s see, what would you like to know? I’m married and have been for a very long time. I am an amateur photographer who rarely gets time to enjoy that art form nowadays (boo!). I like to travel and I enjoy good chocolate and single malt Scotch.
*Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Dubuque, Iowa but currently I call Atlanta home. So I’m still a Midwesterner who is also a Southerner.
*What was your inspiration for The Demon Trappers Daughter series?
Lots of things gave me that spark of inspiration. The first spark came from GOOD OMENS, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s excellent tale about the End of the World and how an angel and demon are desperate to prevent armageddon. That got me thinking about how I’d write a story about Good vs. Evil and all the gray areas in between. I was also fascinated by Lucifer’s story, how initially he is an unnamed servant of God and how we changed his role over the centuries.
*Was there a particular person that was the inspiration for Riley?
No. I didn’t base her on anyone I know. She’s totally unique. She is most definitely not based on me because I was nothing like Ms. Riley when I was seventeen.
*What was it like when you got the call that TDTD had been accepted and would be published?
I got “the call” from my literary agent while I was in a hotel parking lot in Orlando. I danced around a lot which made some folks stare. I was so jazzed!
*Thus far we have 2 books in the series (The Demon Trappers Daughter and The Soul Thief), we are anxiously awaiting book 3 (Shameless plug! Forgiven out on March 27th) do you know yet how many books will be in the series? There will be four total. I’ll be turning in the final manuscript to my US editor the end of March. I’m hoping we’ll see it available for readers in Fall 2012.
*Whom in your life would you say has influenced you the most? Probably the most influential person has been my husband. From the moment we married he told me that I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to. Sometimes what I do ends in failure, but he never criticized those blunders. Instead, he would just tell me to keep on going. I did and that’s why I’m where I am today.
*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?
I once had a reviewer write a poem to Simon after he broke up with Riley. The reviewer was way steamed and the poem was darned hilarious.
*Tell us your latest news.
The French edition of Demon Trapper’s Daughter (DEVIL CITY) is being published on March 9^th. That just rocks my world.
*What book are YOU currently reading?
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.
*Please, do tell why we should read your series.
Because it’s a young girl’s journey through some really rough times and how she overcomes all that to find herself and the one guy who loves her.

Or… you should read it because it’s butt-kicking demon action and some kissing. How’s that??

*Finally, i must ask, you have another series titled "The Time Rovers"... i feel the need to read it just because you wrote it. Give us a tidbit, something to send us dashing to purchase these books as well!

I’ll make this easy: Time Travelers. Shape-shifters. Jack the Ripper. This is not a young adult series and it’s set in 1888 London (during the Ripper murders) and the future of 2057. It’s all about the adventures of Jacynda Lassiter, a Senior Time Rover who escorts “tourists” into various time periods. She’s snarky, take-charge and no-nonsense. In short, she’s a lot of fun. The series is complete in three books: SOJOURN, VIRTUAL EVIL and MADMAN’S DANCE. And yes, there is some romance, as well. ;-)

Okay, here are the goodies up for grabs (and a hearty Thank You to Jana for this swag!)….

First Place - signed copy of Forgiven with swag
Second Place - tee shirt with swag
Third Place – swag

*Swag could be any 1 or combination of the following: Atlanta Demon Trappers iron-on patch
Demon Trappers winged logo sticker
Demon Trappers Demon postcard (Grade One Magpie)
Demon Trappers temp tattoo*

* * To enter 1.you MUST like Mel’s Book Blog on Facebook 2.you MUST like The Demon Trapper’s Daughter on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Demon-Trappers-Daughter/195652060467006) 3.you MUST leave a comment here on the blog. Good luck to you all! * *

Book 2; The Soul Thief

Book 3 (out March 27th) Forgiven