Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Siege And Storm Blog Tour: Author Interview + Giveaway


Today I'm absurdly excited to be joined on the blog by young adult author Leigh Bardugo, who was nice enough to answer a few questions for me as part of the promotional blog tour for Siege and Storm. I, like so many people, adored last year's Shadow and Bone and quite possibly scarred my mailman for life with my enthusiasm when I found the sequel in my mailbox. I'm sure he'll be fine eventually. He seems resilient:) If you haven't had a chance to read Shadow and Bone, please run to the bookstore immediately, and be sure to mark your calendars as Siege and Storm releases from Macmillan on June 4th!

Alina finds herself in the rather unique position of having to design an original kefta to wear so as to set her apart from the other Grisha. If you were in her shoes, what might the kefta you design for yourself look like?

Oh wow. I love this question, but I'm so torn. I'd either go Heartrender red or just take my chances and dare to wear black.

We get to meet a new and magnificent mythical creature in this second installment. Is there any one magical or mythological creature that has always fascinated you most?

I desperately want a direwolf, but I would gladly settle for a baby dragon. I think the gorgon always fascinated me. There's something very poignant about that myth and the way she's defeated.

Let's say you arrive at the Little Palace and petition Alina to let you aid her. What type of position do you think would best suit you and what skills would you bring to the table to assist her with her many and varied problems?

Alina would probably send me packing. I have no skills! Maybe I could tell her stories and sing her songs? I can whip up a pretty good apple and apricot tart. Beyond that, I've always thought I'd make an excellent fool what with the capering and falling down. I'm certainly willing to wear bells, but I can't juggle or play an instrument so I may be out of luck.

Alina's life gets significantly more complicated and dangerous in Siege and Storm. If she were to stand in front of a mirror and admit to her own face one of her greatest fears knowing speaking it aloud would ease some of her burden, what might she say?

In Shadow and Bone, I think Alina most fears that she will never find her place in the world, that she will always be an outsider, that the one person who truly knows her will leave her behind. Those fears are still there in Siege and Storm, but she's also contending with terrible guilt and the burden of tremendous power. I don't know that it would be as simple as articulating a single fear.

Mal and Alina have known each other almost their entire lives. What would Mal say is one of his fondest memories of them together growing up?

This question made me really think about the memories that come up for both of them over the course of the series. So often they seem like stolen things—sneaking away to play in the meadow, or the brief moments in the dom cart. Keramzin wasn't a joyful place, so the happiness they found they had to make together.

The Darkling continuously haunts Alina throughout this story, trying to get her to see things his way through both veiled and obvious threats as well as soothing words. If he was to stand before her to try and convince her of his cause one final time but had to do so in the form of a single question, what would he ask her?

I'm not sure he'd ask anything at all. The Darkling isn't big on requests.

• • • • • • • • • •

SIEGE AND STORM



Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.



• • • • • • • • • •

EXTRAS


• Leigh Bardugo on the Fierce Reads Tour

• Listen to Leigh Bardugo's song, "Winter Prayer"

Pre-order a copy of Siege and Storm, submit your receipt, and get specially-branded nail polish

• Download the first five chapters of Siege and Storm now

• Leigh on Twitter and Tumblr 

• • • • • • • • • • 

BLOG TOUR + GIVEAWAY 

Thanks to the awesome people at Macmillan, I have a paperback copy of Shadow and Bone as well as a hardcover copy of Siege and Storm to give away on the blog today! To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to US/Canada only, good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out the remaining stops on this fabulous tour for more interviews, reviews and general amazingness:


Monday 5/20

Tuesday 5/21

Wednesday 5/22

Thursday 5/23

Friday 5/24

Saturday 5/25

Sunday 5/26

Monday 5/27

Tuesday 5/28

Wednesday 5/29

Thursday 5/30

Friday 5/31

Saturday 6/1

Sunday 6/2

Monday 6/3

Tuesday 6/4
Moonlight Book Reviews

62 comments:

  1. You always have the best questions! I LOVED these books! I met Leigh pretty recently so it's kind of cool because I can actually really imagine her answering these. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book cause right now I'm just sitting in a state of torture.

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  2. Jenny , can I get you a crown for Best Interview Questions ever?
    And as I thank for crowing you I want a Baby Dragon just like Leigh! I think that is an awesome deal...

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  3. I totally need to read book 1!

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  4. Oh I'm dying to read this one. Such a great interview Jenny! Every time when I have to come up with some questions my mind goes blank -.- Great post Jenny :)

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  5. I love these questions, Jenny! Leigh's response about Alina's change from this series to the next is especially true. Lovely interview, ladies! (And I want a direwolf now too!)

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  6. I am so excited for this book, you have no idea! Thank you so much for the giveaway!

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  7. I love author interviews and this one was super fun! I really need to read the first book...

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  8. First of all, I bow down to your interviewing prowess. I'm just not nearly creative enough to think of such fun questions. But seriously, I can't wait for this book. Like, at all. I hear it's even better than the first?!

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  9. Um.. What is a direwolf? Is it some magical creature in the book? *_* I wouldn't mind being a baby dragon either LOL. They're adorable. And quite lethal too. I'd be kick-ass ;-) Btw, that trailer reminds me something from World of Warcraft. Ha.

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  10. Wow great interview questions! I can not tell you how excited I am for this book! I love LOVED the first one and I can't wait to see where the author takes the rest of the story!

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  11. As always Jenny you rock the questions. I agree Gargon is a fascinating creature. I have book one on my shelf and apparently need to get busy reading after you scared your mailman!!

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  12. Guess what I just got in audio---the first in this series :) Oh yes, I am giving these a whirl! WOOT WOOT!

    *doing a dance*

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  13. I really need to read these books. REALLY.

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  14. You always ask the best questions Jenny! I can't wait to see what happens in Siege and Storm...

    PS. I'd so want a baby dragon:)

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  15. Love this interview! I just read book one last month and fell in love with the story and the world-building. I can't wait to read Siege and Storm. Thanks for sharing this with us and the awesome giveaway.

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  16. Oh how I love these questions! (Big surprise, right? You always ask the best q's!

    I also totally want a direwolf, though I'm afraid I'd be too scared to enjoy having one around. And Alina would totally keep Leigh around, who doesn't love a good apple and apricot tart? Plus, she could keep her entertained with stories. Wonderful interview, thanks ladies! Looking forward to reading Siege & Storm!

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  17. Great Interview! You asked the questions I want to know! I LOVED the first book & can't WAIT to get this one in my hands! : Thanks for this AMAZING Giveaway! :)

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  18. Wonderful interview!! It totally doesn't surprise me that Darkling doesn't take requests :p But seriously, I need this book. I'm just dying here!

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  19. I REALLY need to get started on this series. I have had the first one since it came out and it is always staring at me. Baby dragons FTW! Great interview, Jenny, thanks for sharing!

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  20. I can't wait to read this serie. I keep reading amazing review.

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  21. Great interview! I love the comment about the Darkling not being good about requests. I imagine not. I'm still kinda sad that he's evil.

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  22. I love this interview! The questions and Leigh's responses! I am dying to read Siege and Storm!

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  23. Umm...I've always wanted a baby dragon, too. Seriously. Since reading Anne McCaffrey's Dragonsong...and then, of course GRRM came out with Daenerys Targaryen and her baby dragons and I almost died of envy!! LOL

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  24. Great interview. I love those questions! I'm also pretty nervous because I hardcore ship Mal and Alina, and those answers make it seem like there will be so many obstacles between them in Siege and Storm.

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  25. DYING to read this book. Awesome interview! I want my own Mal <3

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  26. OMG! I've been wanting that first book for a while now. It's on the TOP of my wishlist. So you know I'm loving the giveaway... and I can't wait to really find out what a direwolf in this world is like! :D

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  27. Great interview and giveaway. Thanks!

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  28. Oh I can't wait for more of The Darkling! I loved the first book and it ended up on my best of 2012 list! What is a direwolf anyway? Thanks for sharing. So looking forward to getting this one!

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  29. Great interview! I love this series and I can't wait to meet Leigh Bardugo when she goes on tour!!!

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  30. Fantastic interview, quite interesting! LOVE THESE BOOKS!

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  31. Gosh I'm so excited for S&S! I need more Darkling time.

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  32. I really, really want a direwolf, especially if she speaks to me in my dreams. But I'm afraid she'd think my little dog was a snack and eat her. Alas. (and probably good they're not real)

    Once I finish and send off my Boards -- I GET TO READ THIS!! :)

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  33. I am going to read both of these books as soon as I start my summer vacation. I cannot wait!

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  34. Awesome interview Jenny! And I love Leigh. Got to meet her twice already and she is super sweet! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  35. Thanks for the fantastic interview and congrats to leigh on the series! Thanks for sharing!

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  36. Great job on the interview! It was very interesting and got me excited for this series all over again!

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  37. Forget the Darkling, I want Sturmhound! I really, really hope we get to see him in book 3 but with the way the book ended, I'm worried. *bites nails nervously*

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  38. Okay, you know how much I love reading your author (or character) interviews - you've got the best, most creative questions EVER!! I am ASHAMED to admit that I STILL haven't read the first book...GAH!!! I know!! It's pretty much like the perfect book for me and right up my alley! But then, that could be why I have still not read it - I'm worried about it not living up to the (way too high) high expectations I've set!! (Sigh. There are a few books from last year that I know will be perfect for me but that I keep putting off, and I really do think that's the reason! Hey, do you happen to know of any good "book therapists"?!?!) I don't know why I'm so concerned though, because every single one of the bloggers I follow and read faithfully - and there are sooo many of y'all that I'm addicted to!! - LOVED book 1 and, for the few I've seen reviews from, also love book 2 (sometimes even more!). So I just need to get over it and take your advice to RUN to get the books!! Well, after the giveaway ends, at least... :)

    Anyway, winning this would be absolutely amazing and I actually really am eager to read both books! I would love love LOVE to have these copies...fingers crossed! Thanks so much, Jenny! :)

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  39. GREAT INTERVIEW! GOOD LUCK WITH THE TOUR AND THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! SHELLEY S. calicolady60@hotmail.com

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  40. "The Darkling isn't big on requests."
    Truer words have never been spoken! But I kind of like him just the way he is - not for Alina, but in general.
    I think I'll wait for the third book to come out and then read them one after the other. I just recently finished the first one on audio and loved it, and I'm SO excited about this, but I don't think I can handle reading it when I have to wait another year for Alina's happy end.

    And I want a baby dragon too! *throws a tantrum*

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  41. I love your questions! They were so creative, and I loved Leigh's answers. She's so witty. :)

    - Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl

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  42. Great interview - love the last question! Definitely agree about the Darkling's demanding character!

    Thanks,
    Leanne

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  43. Great questions, I'm even more excited to read it now!

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  44. Fantastic interview and I'm so excited for S&S!

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  45. I love reading about dragons too. I wonder what this new mythical creature is. Can't wait to read this one when it's released; only a few more weeks now!

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  46. I just read this book and I absolutely LOVED it!! SO good. I can't wait to get my hands on the finished copy! I also loved your questions Jenny, they and the answers were fun to read.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Sara @ Just Another Story

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  47. Those are some great questions! I enjoyed reading Leigh Bardugo's responses to them all. :) Especially her response about skills she can use to help out Alina.

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  48. wuahhh i really want to know what is gonna happen ... !!!! i love the interview ..
    almendra in the rafflecopter

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  49. I'm so excited for this book. Finally it's coming out!

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  50. The Darkling isn't big on requests?! but I only have one! Can I have him? :D

    Thank you for the interview and giveaway! <3

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  51. Lovely interview! Can't wait for the book. :D

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  52. I am so, so beyond excited for this book! Thanks for the interview to help tide me over :)

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  53. Great questions. I love that Leigh is fascinated with the gorgon myth. The myth behind how Medusa and her sisters became gorgons is interesting and her "defeat" is epic.

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  54. Wow! It all clarifies even more by reading the interview. The questions are very intriguing and the answer are sufficient to the core. I loved it

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  55. Awesome interview - it makes me want to read Siege and Storm even more now! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!

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  56. Great Interview!! Loved how the questions were not only very specific to the books but also thought provoking. The questions and Leigh's answers gave further insight on the characters. June 4th can't come soon enough!!!!

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  57. Awesome interview! :D I cant wait to read this!!!
    Mary G Loki

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  58. Jenny, Thanks for the great interview. I know it's hard asking just the right mix of questions that uncover new insights for readers, and interesting subtleties the author cares to share. I especially liked the Kefka question, the mythical creature, and the favorite memory of Mal and Alina.

    I would love to read and review Siege and Storm. I've already reviewed Shadow and Bone, but I understand the paperback has extra goodies, so I'd love a copy to go next to my autographed hardcover of Shadow and Bone. Thank you, Macmillan.

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  59. Wow, great questions. It's always nice to see interviewers as questions to authors that are different from the same-old, same-old. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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  60. This is such a wonderful interview. You asked awesome questions.

    I'm really excited to read Siege and Storm, especially to see Mal and Alina interact.

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  61. I LOVED this!! Your questions are just so awesome too!! So excited for this giveaway! Love these books!
    - Farah

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  62. I want to read this soooo bad! Thanks for the chance to win!

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