Author Interview with Julian Rosado-Machain + GIVEAWAY

Hidy-ho there, faeries and gargoyles! Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Julian Rosado-Machain, author of the Guardians Inc. series. Today, Julian is stopping by Oktopus Ink to talk about The Cypher, the first book in the series, and share some stories about his writing. Alrighty, let's get this interview started, shall we? (warning: here there be spoilers.)

Thank you very much Emi, for your review and this interview, two firsts for me!

No problem, Julian, and thanks for joining us. What inspired the Guardian series?

Oh wow, everything and anything that has ever caught my attention. I have ADD… So you can guess that a lot of things have caught my attention through the years. Conspiracy theories, History, Religion, Mythology, Sci-fi, Horror and Fantasy. The real world too. Engineering, Marketing, Biology, Archaeology and I’m especially attracted to Theoretical Physics. (Don’t know why because I understand very little.)

When I began the story it was more of a religious conspiracy theory theme for adults, but it just didn’t ring true to what I wanted to do with the Guardians which, in the end, is just to have fun and explore all those things that caught my attention and that are just floating around in my head.

I know… I sound like a crazy person… I get that a lot.

Haha, I get that a lot too. Is there a reason why you decided to have Thomas work in the Guardian headquarters library? (Which is awesome, by the way.)

Thank you! I think Pervagus Library is awesome too!

Because of his Cypher powers, Thomas can read any language and crack any code. The Pervagus Library is the heart of Guardians Inc. It is the depository of almost the sum total of human knowledge through history so it is the perfect place for a Cypher to work. He has access to everything and is exposed to all the knowledge that will help him make decisions on how to steer humanity once he finds The Book of Concord.That is the Guardians Inc. plan, at least, and they have to keep him close by.

I also find Libraries to be some of the most under appreciated buildings ever. A trip to the library is most of the time equated to boredom, and it is quite the opposite! There’s a reason why libraries were at the heart of all ancient civilizations. In the end, knowledge is the most important legacy we can leave to the next generation.

What would you do if you had access to some of the books that Thomas finds for clients at his job?

I would go crazy! Definitely nuts! Imagine getting to read Shakespeare’s first drafts, or Lord Byron’s love letters. You only need to do a quick “Lost books” search on the internet to check out all that has been lost, and not only in ancient times but also as recently as with Phillip K. Dick, Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. And there’s more than just literature!

What artist wouldn't study Mozart’s tuning exercises or Van Gogh’s dabbles? Notes passed between Napoleon and his generals during Waterloo? Einstein’s musings? Area 51’s diagrams and inventory lists?

Go a step further: I love Jules Verne works, especially Capt. Nemo. Well, Pervagus Library has the “unpublished” adventures there, along with four more musketeer books by Alexander Dumas.

You can imagine that it also contains all the things you would love to read. It’s all there, in Pervagus Library, along with your blogs and interviews and my outlines and grocery lists. Don’t worry though; Mrs. Pianova keeps all prying eyes away from those really personal and sensitive things.

EPIC. I wish I had access to Pervagus’ catalogue. I don’t think I’d ever leave. Anyway, how long have you been writing, and what is like writing in a language that isn’t your first?

I’ve been writing since I was 13. But in Mexico, Sci-fi and Fantasy weren’t really viable for new writers so I had to learn English in order to write to an audience. I’m 41. It took me long enough.

The actual writing process for me is very draining. I write down the first words that come to mind and then double check the meaning to see that what I wrote down makes sense. Then I use a dictionary, and then a thesaurus. Then I have very good friends that read and re-read the first, second and third drafts and point out the mistakes, especially in descriptions and meaning of the paragraphs. A single word sometimes changes what I wanted to say in a paragraph! It is frustrating sometimes.

After that, I send the best draft I believe I have to my editor Allison Itterly. You should see the notes she sends back! Even after all drafts, friends, and word processors, the corrections she sends me back almost require a complete rewrite.

Wow, sounds like a long process! You mentioned a few books already, but when you’re not writing what do you like to read?

Any and all from Jules Verne and Alexander Dumas. Les Pardaillan by Michel de Zevaco, Lord of the Rings, Dune, Harry Potter, Ender’s Game, Sherlock Holmes and H.P. Lovecraft stories.

I also read a lot of Mythology and History. The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant is one of the most entertaining series of books I’ve ever read. It was a great source of inspiration.

The Guardians website is just as entertaining to browse as it is to read the book. The artwork is gorgeous. How did you set that up? How long did it take?

I own a restaurant in San Diego, and if you allow a little cross marketing right here check it out at: www.Haciendadevega.com. But I also have a degree in graphic design. I left Mexico and all my friends back there 11 years ago, then Facebook came and I re-connected with my good friend, Francisco Trueba who owns a graphic design agency. He read the draft I had locked in a drawer and loved it, so he took over the image for Guardians Inc. and we are now partners in other upcoming books. For example, The Man in the Trench Coat is a character from Guardians Inc. that inspired an interactive children’s book for the Ipad, which is going to be released, hopefully, in the next few months.

Francisco’s website is www.trueba.com.mx should anyone want to check him out. All in all it took us about 8 months to plan the images and the website from mock-ups and sketches.

Did you do any research to support your story?

Tons and tons, because the nature of Guardians Inc. is about a company and secret society weaving itself through history. I made the decision to have as much of the story line, places, and characters based on real historical, geographical locales and figures as possible, and to make the effort of supporting it with as much technical and scientific fact as I could. Even the little details, for example: Jean Luc the grotesque tells Thomas that the Mage that created them was Phillibert Le Roy.Well, Phillibert Le Roy was an architect that lived in the 17^th century and helped design Versailles. The book is full of details and allusions like that. Little tips of the hat to writers, artists and historical figures I admire. Another example: Tony is a descendant of Piero della Francesca, one of the great painters of the Renaissance, Doctor Franco is… someone that will be revealed in another book. Also, The Great A’tuin from Terry Pratchett’s wonderful Discworld series makes a little appearance in The Cypher, although not by name.

What are you working on right now?

Because of all the things I want to write about, like you’ve pointed out, a dash of science fiction, a dash of fantasy, I knew Guardians Inc. couldn’t be just one book. So I wrote an outline covering 7 years from beginning to end of the Guardians Inc. story. The Cypher is roughly the first year. There are things in it that set up the second and the third book of the series and so on.

At this moment, I’m fleshing out the second book (Guardians Inc.: Thundersword), and working on chapters of the third and fourth. I’m also finishing both The Man in the Trench Coat and Book of Beasts while grilling some beef fajitas and warming up tortillas for table 122.

Wonderful answers, Julian! Very entertaining. :) Thanks again for joining us here on Oktopus Ink.

In addition to stopping by the blog, Julian has given me an extra *signed* copy of his book, Guardians Inc.: The Cypher. To enter, just fill out the form below. Contest ends September 4th. On Sunday, I'll pick the winners using Random.org and announce them here on my blog. Open to US residents only. (sorry international readers!)

For those of you who are interested in learning more about The Cypher and the Guardians Inc. series, please check out Julian's website at http://www.guardiansinc.com/. It's epic!

The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory S. Kaufman

Title: The Bronze and the Brimstone

Author: Lory S. Kaufman

Series: The Verona Trilogy

Published: June 7th, 2011

Publisher: The Fiction Studio

Pages: 336 (paperback)

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What could go wrong in the 14th-century
for three time-traveling teens?
How about – EVERYTHING!

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th-century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy. They’ve survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past. Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention to the rich and powerful.

But standing out can get you into unexpected and dangerous situations. The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder. Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum’s every move.

Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disasterous consequences. Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed – at least until he’s shot in the head with an arrow. And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master’s beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona. To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens.

Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge. Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona – and it is threatening to consume everyone.

Do they have a future in this past? --Goodreads

As far as sequels go, The Bronze and the Brimstone was a solid A. After a somewhat misleading dream sequence, the story picks up right where The Lens and the Looker left off. Hansum and the gang are still working in the shop, living the good life (or as good as life can get for three teenagers trapped in the past), making lookers for their reigning lord. But when Hansum is asked to move into the palace, he’s thrown into a world governed by political relationships, religious loyalty, and lies. While we don’t learn much more about the gang’s past lives in the future, it was nice to see them mature in the past as they work towards maintaining a comfortable lifestyle with their new family. Again, we see them accomplish this by bringing in new technology—this time, a deadly cannon with the ability to rewrite the history of war.

A good chunk of the book is dedicated to experimenting and constructing the cannon. Though it sounds like the reading could get tedious, the plot moves along smoothly, with enough fiction and drama to balance the historic/scientific details. I think the majority of the credit for this can be given to Hansum’s and Gui’s clandestine relationship. Even though I still didn’t see the chemistry between them (they don’t spend a lot of time together, despite the fact that they are *spoiler alert* married), the risk of exposure increased the complexity of the relationships in the plot, and Hansum’s family was forced to constantly act like they were walking on glass.

Overall, The Bronze and the Brimstone was a much better sequel than I could have hoped for. It was complex, thrilling, educational, with a cast of characters that just continues to grow on the reader until the very end. My only complaint is that the tagline on the cover of the book (“Can he get back IN TIME to save her?”) is sort of misleading…It feels like more of a spoiler for book three, not what book two is really about.

P.S. For my review of The Lens and the Looker, click HERE!

OI Updates: Button, Tumblr, and More!

Hidy-ho thar, readers! I hope everyone has had a good summer so far (despite the hurricane and earthquakes and stuff). I know I have, which is why things have been sort of slow around DA BLOG for the last few months. In between travelling to Italy, taking summer school Italian 101 (which was much harder than any 101 class should ever be), going to Harry Potter World (pics below), selling my house and moving into a new one on campus, I haven’t had time to read much of anything, let alone write reviews (sadly). But now that I’m settled in, things will return to normal and I'll be updating more frequently with reviews, giveaways, and interviews. In fact, there'll be a few giveaways announced this week, and an interview or two to boot. So, with that said, onto some news.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY?!

So I realized roughly an hour ago that I’ve been blogging for more than a year now. The realization came two months too late, but hey, better late than never, right? So to celebrate, I’m going to arrange an extra super special cotton candy filled giveaway. Details to come soon, and no, there won’t actually be cotton candy, but the prizes should be epic anyway. SO STAY TUNED.

A BUTTON.

OmgIfinallyhaveabutton. Can you believe it? I’ve only been talking about making a button since…er…New Year’s. It can be found in the sidebar, towards the bottom of the blog. So feel free to link me! I’d really appreciate it if you did.

DO YOU HAZ TUMBLR? CAUSE I DO!

I jumped on the bandwagon and made a tumblr. There isn’t much on it now, just some Harry Potter pictures and nerd stuff, but I plan on using it more often from now on. The link can also be found on the sidebar, but if you’re lazy and don’t want to find the button, you can click this LINK instead. Follow me and I'll follow you! I could always use more posts in my Dashboard. Tumblr is an amazing time waster. It's the new Facebook!

Anyway, that’s all the news I have for now, so have some pictures of my friends and I at Harry Potter World. Oh, wait, one last thing: did anyone else get into Pottermore? I can't wait until they start letting us Beta test stuff!

In My Mailbox Jul. 24

Oh my oh my, it's been such a long time since I've done one of these. But I got a ton of really awesome books this week, ones that I thought needed sharing. In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

(and this isn't even all of them)

BOOKS BOUGHT

(mostly from Borders' closing sale...I'm still depressed about that)

The Secret Prince by Violet Haberdasher

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Rip Tide by Kat Falls

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Taking Off by Jenny Moss

The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

The Secret of Castle Cant by K.P. Bath

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

The Last Unicorn (graphic novel) by Peter S. Beagle

BOOKS RECEIVED FOR REVIEW

The Space Between by Alexandra Sokoloff

The Raiders of Castillo del Mar by Shane Lindsay

Haunt by Amber Delaine

Jonathan Rush and the Star Academy by Gregory Blackman

BOOKS FROM THE LIBRARY

Chime by Franny Billingsley

The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill

City of Fire by Laurence Yep

The Hunt of the Unicorn by C.C. Humphreys

The Farwalker's Quest by Joni Sensel

The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith

Shield of Stars by Hillari Bell

So what did you get this week? Did you get a chance to take advantage of the Borders closing sales?

The Necromancer's Apprentice by R.M. Prioleau

Title: The Necromancer's Apprentice
Author: R.M. Prioleau
Series: -
Published: April 1, 2011
Publisher: R.M. Prioleau
Pages: 114 (paperback)
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Jasmine Na’Darod lived a simple life with her parents and older sister on the family’s farm. She never strayed far from home until the ill-fated Blood Moon arose, basking the country of Caristan with a terrible, sickening drought.

When her mother falls ill, Jasmine and her family are forced to leave home in desperate search of a cure. During their journey, a series of tragic events will change Jasmine’s life forever.

With her former life shrouded and forgotten, Jasmine embraces a new path granted by an unlikely stranger, who, ironically, practices the Art of death and undeath.

As Jasmine is drawn to this enigma of a man, she soon realizes there is more to him than what she initially perceived — his true motives are beyond anything she could ever imagine…

Deeply compelling and morbidly intriguing, The Necromancer’s Apprentice is a beautifully-narrated gothic fantasy with memorable characters. --Goodreads

Even after finishing the book, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I don’t think I really liked it, but at the same time, I didn’t hate it, even though at first I know I didn't like it. Jasmine was very apathetic towards everything, which for me was a problem. I have difficulty liking characters that feel like that don’t have anything to live for and are at peace with that, particularly when said character announces this detail about themself at the beginning of the book. In my mind, I immediately question, “Ok, well then where’s the room for growth?” Even if a character finds something to live for, the fact that they don’t even want to try looking to begin with is a sign that I’m not going to like who I’m reading about. But as the story developed, Jasmine’s apathetic nature made it possible for the story to focus on the mystery behind Master Dagg, and more importantly, focus on the nature of death and loyalty. The whole thing kind of reminded me of Rick Yancey’s The Monstrumologist (which I absolutely loved), and appealed to my fascination with the dark and macabre.

However, there were lots of plot holes, unclear character motivations, and lack of developed relationships. I know this was a novella (just a little over 110 pages), and in a novella there’s not a lot of room for long periods of description or investigation, but some more explanation would have been nice. Jasmine goes through a kind of transformation that would have taken years to accomplish, but is accomplished in less than six months. It was unsettling, especially after the horrific events that happen to her and her family in the beginning of the book. I also wanted to know more about the Necromancer, and what kind of magic he was working on down in his tunnels. While the story questions him and his practices, it doesn’t fully explore what exactly was going on and why in a greater context.

But, even with that said, I think that The Necromancer's Apprentice has potential. It was a quick read, it was a dark read, it was a gruesome read, with poetic writing, interesting fantasy elements and a twist at the end I didn’t see coming. But it also needs a good editor and another draft.

My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond

Title: My Sparkling Misfortune
Author: Laura Lond
Series: -
Published: April 28, 2010
Publisher: Dream Books, LLC
Pages: 164 (paperback)
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle readily admits that he is a villain and sees no reason why it should stop him from being the protagonist of this book. After all, Prince Kellemar, an aspiring hero, has defeated him in a rather questionable way. Bent on revenge, Arkus attempts to capture a powerful evil spirit who would make him nearly invincible, but a last-minute mistake leaves him with a sparkling instead a goody-goody spirit that helps heroes, watches over little children, and messes up villains plans. Bound to Lord Arkus for five years of service and sworn to act in his best interests, the sparkling is not easy to get rid of, and of course his understanding of best interests is quite different from what Lord Arkus has in mind. --Goodreads

My Sparkling Misfortune offers a twist on the traditional fantasy fairy tale stories that lovers of the movie Megamind will enjoy. I can’t help but make that comparison, since both stories feature bad guys who want nothing more than to be known as the most devious and evil person on the planet. Lord Arkus begins his tale by bragging about how evil he is. But when the pompous Prince Kellemar tricks him into running from the kingdom, he goes hunting for a Gormak, an evil spirit to help with his evil plans. Much to his dismay, Lord Arkus winds up catching a Sparkling, a good spirit. And while Lord Arkus realizes that he can use the Sparkling’s powers to protect him from forces hunting him, he can’t directly use the spirit’s powers for anything evil. Being a bad guy is hard enough as it is without a good spirit breathing down your neck, but the Sparkling (named Jarvis) is intent on turning Arkus into a good guy. Talk about pressure!

My Sparkling Misfortune is one of those books that readers of all ages will be able to appreciate and enjoy. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that had me giggling on just about every page, but My Sparkling Misfortune broke that streak. With such a snarky and hypocritical protagonist who refuses to admit that he actually has a heart of gold…well, how can you blame me? I was sold after the very first paragraph. Lord Arkus’ voice is strong, clear, and the irony and hypocrisy in his actions was hilarious. I could easily read 600 more pages of his story and not get bored. For as evil as he said he was, I just couldn’t bring myself to hate him, especially after he starts working with Jarvis. Jarvis was a wonderful supporting character, able to hold his own against Arkus’ volatile personality. The way the two of them bickered had me thinking that they were a married couple, rather than a master and servant.

Even though the book is short (just over 160 pages), it doesn’t lack in plot, detail, or positive morals. Lond’s world building is top notch, with just enough description for the reader to understand the magic of Arkus’ world and its culture. Even those who are not used to reading fantasy or those who are intimidated by it will find that My Sparkling Misfortune is easy to slip into. Like I said before, I’m positive all who pick up this book will have a fun time reading it! I hope that Lond writes a sequel sometime in the near future.

Guardians Inc.: The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

Title: Guardians Inc.: The Cypher

Author: Julian Rosado-Machain

Series: Guardians Incorporated

Published: Feb. 26th, 2011

Publisher: Julian Rosado-Machain

I received this book from the author in exchange for an exchange for an honest review.

GUARDIANS INC.: THE CYPHER is two stories in one. A glimpse into a multinational company that is in reality the oldest of secret societies, one that spans close to seven thousand years of existence, weaving in and out of history, guiding and protecting humanity from creatures and forces that most of us believe are only mythology and fairy tales.

The other is the story of Thomas Byrne, a young man thrust into secrets he shouldn’t be aware of and dangers he shouldn’t face but, that he ultimately will, for he is a Cypher. The only one who can steer humanity’s future.

The ultimate conspiracy theory is that Magic is real. Kept in check by technology but, every five hundred years the balance can shift and, if it does, technology will fail and those creatures we’ve driven into myth will come back with a vengeance.

To protect the present, Guardians Incorporated needs to know the future. --Goodreads

A dash of science fiction, a dash of fantasy…Guardians Inc.: The Cypher was a story that was oh so familiar and oh so original at the same time. It’s like Julian Rosado-Machain took everything that I love about middle grade children’s fiction and slammed it into one awesome, well-paced fantasy. It had a mysterious society, good guys, bad guys, in between guys, gargoyles, elves, principals that are skilled at every form of martial arts (and then some), and a mysterious book of prophecies that could determine the fate of the world, among other things.

The story focuses on fifteen year old Thomas and his grandfather, Morgan. After responding to an ad in the paper, he and his grandfather are hired to work for Guardians Incorporated, a business that Thomas quickly discovers is much more than it seems. Guardians Inc. not only has their hand in economics, marketing, medical research, historical restoration and international relations, but they’re also responsible for maintaining the balance between technology and magic. When it’s discovered that Thomas and Morgan are Cyphers, people with the power to translate any written language, Thomas’ grandfather is kidnapped by an opposing society. An interesting and practical power to have, all things considered, and we get to see Thomas put his skills to good use as he explores the underground magical culture and discovers that with his newfound gift, the fate of the world rests in his hands.

While Thomas was most definitely the main character, the relationship with his grandfather was one that felt genuine and loving. Morgan was very much a conscious presence throughout the book, even when he wasn’t even there. Julian Rosado-Machain definitely has a talent for writing characters, and even alone, Thomas was very likable. For a fifteen-year-old, he was surprisingly flexible, and eager to do what needed to be done in order to save the world. He had a good heart and a passion for learning and reading classics such as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. The supporting characters were just as strong, and colorful. There’s Henri, a gigantic stone gargoyle and the muscle of the group, Bolswaithe the robotic butler, Tony, a former leader of Guardian Watchman team, Vice Princepal “Killjoy”, who is far from what she appears to be, and Tasha, a beautiful elf who may or may not have a thing for Thomas. Together, they provided an even balance of skills and dialogue needed to move the story along at a fun and interesting pace.

So when it comes down to it…Do you like Percy Jackson? Fablehaven? Harry Potter? Guardians Inc.: The Cypher shares a little from each of these middle-grade favorites, but spins them into a brand new and exciting adventure. Check it out, if you like what you see! You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and I also recommend that you check out the website. It’s just as entertaining to browse through as reading the book! You can find more information at the Guardians Incorporated homepage.