Sirenz & Sirenz Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman Blog Tour: Review, Interview & Giveaway!

Sirenz Website

Frenemies and roomies Meg and Shar find the to-die-for designer shoes--with tragic results. Only Hades, seductive Lord of the Underworld can save them from this terrible situation, but for a price... They are to become his new sirens, and must complete a task before they return to school--or kill each other.

In Sirenz, boarding school roomies Meg and Shar learned the hazards of making a deal with Hades, Lord of the Underworld. The wearing of a Tiffany's diamond ring in Sirenz Back In Fashion reactivates their contract, they find themselves back in his employ as sirens. And things are a little different this time; Shar is whisked off to the Underworld to play hostess as the dark god attempts to win her affections, while Meg is stuck topside, obligated to send spoiled rich girl Paulina Swanson to the Underworld. Hot gods, mere mortals and the Underworld have their secrets. Will Meg and Shar ever ditch Hades, and keep their wardrobes and souls intact?

When I was contacted about being a part of this blog tour, I have to say I was so very excited. I'd read the synopsis for the first book and it sounded like something I would love. I'm very interested in mythology and I love a book that can make me laugh. I am pleased to report that I adored both of these books. 

The story is told from the points of view of the two main characters, Meg and Shar. These girls are convinced they could not be more different from one another and on the surface, that certainly seems to be true. I really love the character growth of these two throughout the story, it's simply fantastic. I also enjoyed being able to see the story unfold from both of their perspectives, it made the books that much more entertaining to me.

A delightful mix of humor, mythology and action, these books are a must read. I was very glad I already had the second book when I was finished with the first one, I was completely hooked.  I  plowed through these books in record time, I couldn't put them down. I even brought them with me to the grocery store, (yes, I have a problem, don't judge me.) I couldn't stop reading them,  Bennardo & Zaman's writing is captivating! 

While you want to kick Hades in the shins for his attitude, actions and overall jerkiness, you can't help but chuckle at some of his shenanigans. He is most definitely the character you love to hate. I loved this spin on the Greek gods and how they manifest in the story. Have you ever pictured Persephone to be the black leather type? You will after you read these books. :) 

A heady combination of wonderful storytelling, fantastic characters and hilarious situations combine to make this series a gem in the young adult genre. They are fast paced, very well written and different than anything I've read or heard about recently. 

My Rating:

And now, here is my interview with the dynamic duo of Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman! 

First, I’d like to say thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions & for including us in your tour!

What made you decide to work together to write the Sirenz series?

Nat: We were in a critique group together first—if there was ever a testing ground for writing partnerships—the critique group is it!

Char: We laugh a lot together, and just thought it would be fun to do a book together (hey, half the work, twice the giggles).

Do you each write from a different point of view? Or do you both write from both points of view?

Nat & Char: We found that we had to make ‘suggestions’ for the other’s character or our voice ‘bled’ into it. For the Sirenz series, we needed to keep the two characters different. Our new project, Blonde Ops, will be one character, so blending our voices is crucial.

How did you come up with the idea for Sirenz?

Char: We originally thought, ‘Let’s do vampires!’ because everyone was doing vampires. But-everyone was doing vampires, so we had to come up with something different.

Nat: And then there was all that nostalgia for Xena Warrior Princess… goddess, I miss that show!

What are the perks/drawbacks of working with your best friend?

Char: We’re different. If you haven’t seen us, Nat is petite and curvy, dark haired and a music maven and she really has more shoes than me. I’m tall and blonde, a voracious reader, a little crazy (especially with regards to crossing against traffic lights), and I LOVE the bling! So we each get a different perspective that we have to make work. You have to decide which is more important- friendship or project? Which one would you be willing to walk away from, because you might just have to.  We had a bump or two, but we worked them out. And even though we’re friends, you have to treat the project and process professionally.  Keep your emotions in check, walk away if something is bothering you.  Work it out when you’re in a better mood. Don’t say something you’ll regret. Is every word/idea that important?

Nat: What she said. ;)

If you could spend the day with one literary character, who would you choose and why?

Nat: Bilbo Baggins… second breakfasts, luncheon, tea, supper…

Char: Oh, just one? Rameses the Damned, from Anne Rice’s book The Mummy because he’s seen history since the beginning, he’s a romantic, he’s gorgeous, and he holds the key to immortality… (without having to suck blood or turn ugly vampish).

If you could be any of the Greek gods which would you choose?

Char: Persephone. Really. She’s got hot Hades and is the Queen of the Underworld. She travels between all three worlds (Underworld, mortal realm, Olympus) and has powers. (But I wouldn’t be as bratty, promise!).


Nat: I really think I want to be a creature. Maybe the Kraken, rising out of the East River, then wreaking havoc in SoHo… (cue Godzilla music).

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Nat: Quitting is NOT an option. There will be times where you feel like it’s the only option. Give yourself a day to cry, then get right back out there.

Char: Be persistent and consistent; keep writing, keep revising, keep reading, keep learning, keep submitting, keep dreaming.

What dessert can you not say no to?

Nat: You don’t work for Hades, do you?

Char: Amaretto cheesecake!

Thank you again so much for chatting with us! 

About the Authors:

Nat:

 When not playing with pointed objects, Natalie Zaman is usually writing. She lives in central New Jersey with her family and several fine looking chickens.

Website

Blog

Char:

 Lover of sparkly things, Char doesn't have as many shoes as she'd like, but wouldn't have time to wear them anyway with her three boys, husband, cat with issues, demented squirrels and insistent characters all demanding her time. She is represented by Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Literary Agency and is hoping to get all her characters into print just so they'll be quiet.

Website

Blog

And up for grabs in the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'd like to thank Char & Nat for including me in this wonderful tour!! I really loved these books and I look forward to reading the next installment!