Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Endless Blog Tour: Interview with Jessica Shirvington


I'm beyond pleased to welcome author Jessica Shirvington back to the blog today to answer a few questions about the newest installment of the Embrace series, Endless (releasing October 1st from Sourcebooks Fire). I absolutely LOVE this series, it's dark and emotionally challenging, and each book is better than the one that came before it. I can't recommend this series enough and I hope you all enjoy the interview!

If Lincoln and Violet could recruit one character from any other young adult book to fight with them against Lilith, who would they most like to join their team?

Valek from Maria V Snyder's Magic Study Series! He'd kick some serious exile butt! (and look good doing it!)

Now that Violet’s been putting all her physical training and fighting skills to use as she battles exiles, what would she say has been the best tip/trick/piece of advice she’s gotten on facing down an opponent?

Win at all costs even if you have to fight a little dirty. Exiles have no morals, no ethics when it comes to the fight. It is kill or be killed and Lincoln made sure Violet understood that getting caught up in code conduct fighting would be a fast way to get dead!

Let’s say Josephine requires Violet and Lincoln to take a class or two of their choice while at the Grigori academy in New York. Which ones might interest each of them most?

Violet definitely errs on the side of anything artistic or combat focused. In the Academy I imagine she would choose the more physical classes above any history studies etc. For Lincoln, though he is very physical I actually think he would thoroughly enjoy the academic side of studies so I would throw him into the history of mythology! Although, if Violet is next door sparring, I can't imagine Lincoln would miss his opportunity to be her partner. ;-)

Violet’s dad has been largely absent for most of her life, but he finally has his eyes opened and gets to see the young woman his daughter has become in this book. If he were given 5 minutes alone with her, what’s the first thing he would say?

I think he'd say something along the lines of: I'm sorry it took me so long to open my eyes and I hate that I let you, even for one minute, believe you weren't enough.

If you were in Violet’s shoes during testing in front of the assembly and were faced with the same three choices of weapon with which to demonstrate your skill, which one would you choose?

Tough choice considering one of the weapons isn't a ticket the hell out of there! Ah, so I guess I would go with the katanas like Violet. Not for the reasons she did of course, more because they would give the most distance between me and my opponent!

There are some dark and painful moments in this book, is there anything specific (listen to music, take a walk, etc.) you do to gear up to write those scenes?

I listened to a lot of music while writing ENDLESS. Music like Florence and the Machine, Sia, Land Del Rey, Muse... And not just while writing it, but also while writing the other books in preparation for it. I always knew this storyline was coming and my mind would often travel to it. It is safe to say a lot of emotion went into writing ENDLESS. I cried. A lot!

*Ummmmm. ME TOO. My heart hurts just thinking about this book, but it's a must read for fans of the series!*

• • • • • • • • • • 

JESSICA SHIRVINGTON


One day, instead of picking up a new book, I started to write. The first name that came to mind was Violet. From there the rest naturally followed. I can honestly say, once Violet was discovered – she really did write the rest of the book!

Writing this book has drawn on my life experience – in my travels around the world and the different people I have met. It draws on love and loss and the overall confusion that comes with growing up. It also looks to many of my friends and their experiences.

I have always loved ancient history – tales and stories of the best kind.

 
• • • • • • • • • •
 
ENDLESS
 
 
LOVE WILL KILL US ALL
 
Violet Eden thought she was getting things under control. Then all hell breaks loose-literally. In the war between angels and exiles, she's about to face the biggest baddie of all time. Except she's not nearly ready.
 
The dark exile Phoenix is still messing with her head-not to mention her heart. And her undeniable attraction to Lincoln has gotten downright dangerous. When Hell unleashes its worst, Violet must embrace every facet of her angel self to save the people she cares about and the world as she knows it. But death is not the worst thing she will face...
 

22 comments:

  1. Valek would be so great to have as a sidekick/companion/guard. And I love Florence and the machine too.

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  2. I really need to catch up with this series... The small teasers I gathered from the Interview are enough to get me excited.
    Oh and ... Valek would kick some serious kick ass:))

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  3. Ohh yes I wanna see Valek vs them, I loved him ;)

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  4. I have heard only great things about this series and considering it's about angels I'm all in. I need to borrow the books from my friends though. Anyhow great interview, but it's not strange as you do them the best ;)

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  5. Yes!!! I wanna see Valek vs them, I loved him very much.

    Regards,
    Trip advisor

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  6. I haven't read this series, but I've heard a lot about it and this interview has me curious. I'll be checking it out for sure!

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  7. Ah this review is perfect, Jenny! I think the reason I haven't picked it up is thanks to the synopsis of the first book--it sounds like every other YA book, but now that I've read this interview, I'm actually really intrigued. Violet reminds me of Rose Hathaway with her passion towards physical studies more than actual academic studies whereas her partner Lincoln is great in physical activities, but would prefer to educate himself in the academic field, too. I love the first question! Ha!! I have heard of Valek, but never have I read Magic Study series before. I borrowed it from the library once, but didn't start it:( I should definitely check this Valek guy out as well as Violet and Lincoln:) Thanks for sharing!!

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  8. Violet definitely needs to fight dirty to win against the exiles! Kick 'em in the balls, girl! That *always* hurts. Even if they're immortal or angels or demons or exiles. I've definitely enjoyed this series so far and look forward to seeing how it wraps all up.

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  9. I haven't started this series yet, but I'm interested. It sounds wonderful!
    Ha! I completely agree with the author. Valek would kick-butt and look super hot while doing so! ;)
    Thanks for sharing, Jenny!

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  10. This sounds like a great series and I had fun reading the interview. It sounds like she is a kick butt character and one I would love reading about.

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  11. I haven't started this series but I'm thrilled to know that after a few shaky reviews of the first book that this series picks up. This interview definitely got me interested and now I need to check it out.

    p.s. Valek is awesome!

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  12. Ha! Valek definitely could kick butt and look good while doing it. ;) And I like how gritty and intriguing these exiles sound. I so need to make a start on this series one day! I'm glad that you enjoy it, Jenny. Thanks for sharing the brilliant interview. :)

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  13. Fantastic interview! I loved Endless and can't wait for the next book in the series. It's always interesting to hear what music the author listens to when writing their book and what inspires them. Thanks for sharing this, Jenny!

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  14. Jenny, I for one am super excited to read this book. I can not WAIT!!

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  15. A lot of good music went into this book!

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  16. I really really really love the cover of this one! Unfortunately, after the last book I became tired of Violet and Lincoln's constant back and forth drama and vowed to stop with the series. Maybe once someone reads the books and confirms when they finally hook up I'll get back into it!

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  17. I must get caught up with this series. MUST! Now I really can't wait. I also love knowing the little tid bits like songs that go into making a book. Great interview! (I always love your interviewing skills Jenny! *jelly!*)

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  18. Oh another series I need to read, especially if you love it so, Jenny! I like the advice of wining even if you have to fight dirty. Not like the bad guys are going to fight fair. Wonderful interview and post ladies! :)

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  19. *hangs head in shame* I still haven't read Maria Snyder's Magic Study series.

    I've enjoyed the books so far and am looking forward to seeing how Lincoln and Violet deal with their attraction in this one, Jenny.

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  20. Ahh I am so excited for Endless! Great interview!

    Michelle @ Book Briefs

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  21. Another series I haven't read yet. sigh... I do remember it being featured here for each book and each time you tempt me! I'll have to keep watching for the first at the library or used book store.

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  22. Oh no, I'm about to read this one and now I'm worried my emotions won't be able to handle it! I'll just make sure to grab my kleenex before I start. YES Valek would totally kick butt, I love it! :-) Amazing interview, can't wait to read Endless!

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