Welcome to our stop on the Blood Rose Rebellion tour for Rosalyn Eves. This tour is hosted by Rockstar Book Tour.
Blood Rose Rebellion #1
Author: Rosalyn Eves
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: March 28th 2017
Review Source: Knopf Books for Young Readers
The thrilling first book in a YA fantasy trilogy for fans of Red Queen. In a world where social prestige derives from a trifecta of blood, money, and magic, one girl has the ability to break the spell that holds the social order in place.
Sixteen-year-old Anna Arden is barred from society by a defect of blood. Though her family is part of the Luminate, powerful users of magic, she is Barren, unable to perform the simplest spells. Anna would do anything to belong. But her fate takes another course when, after inadvertently breaking her sister’s debutante spell—an important chance for a highborn young woman to show her prowess with magic—Anna finds herself exiled to her family’s once powerful but now crumbling native Hungary.
Her life might well be over.
In Hungary, Anna discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. Not the people around her, from her aloof cousin Noémi to the fierce and handsome Romani Gábor. Not the society she’s known all her life, for discontent with the Luminate is sweeping the land. And not her lack of magic. Isolated from the only world she cares about, Anna still can’t seem to stop herself from breaking spells.
As rebellion spreads across the region, Anna’s unique ability becomes the catalyst everyone is seeking. In the company of nobles, revolutionaries, and Romanies, Anna must choose: deny her unique power and cling to the life she’s always wanted, or embrace her ability and change that world forever.
Interview
What inspired you to write "Blood Rose Rebellion?"
I lived in Hungary for a year and a half in my twenties and fell in love with the country and the culture. When I decided I wanted to write a Victorian era fantasy, it seemed like a natural setting. I was also interested in playing with the chosen one narrative—creating a character who, far from possessing unusually strong power, does not have power at all. Those two things came together as the genesis for the story.
The cover is stunning! Was it what you were expecting it to look like? Or did you have something else in mind?
I think it’s a good thing that I didn’t get to design the cover because it probably would have been your standard girl in pretty dress with sparkles around her—not nearly as striking as the actual cover! My editor and I had discussed some cover concepts, but the actual design wasn’t anything like what we’d discussed. But it was a nice surprise! I love the roses breaking from stone, especially the way they capture the idea of unexpected strength, which is something that characterizes the main character.
What has been the best moment on the publishing journey so far?
Definitely hearing from readers. I love seeing all the gorgeous Instagram photos, and I especially appreciate the readers who have reached out to say how much they enjoyed reading my book. That’s when it all starts to seem real.
Why do you think readers will enjoy Blood Rose Rebellion? What makes it special?
I think my book appeals especially to a cross section of readers who like both Regency/Victorian-era historical novels and fantasy—books like Allison Goodman’s Dark Days Club or Jessica Cluess’s A SHADOW BRIGHT AND BURNING. It’s got the kind of mix of manners and magic that characterizes some of my favorite books. The Hungarian historical setting and folklore are something Western readers don’t see a lot of, especially in YA. But the setting is definitely one of my favorite parts of the book!
What books would you recommend to others who enjoyed your book?
I just mentioned a couple. ☺ Others that readers might like: Naomi Novik’s UPROOTED and Katherine Arden’s (no relation to the Catherine Arden in my book!) BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE both have a similar Eastern European historical setting with rich folklore woven in. Juliet Marillier’s WILDWOOD DANCING is a fantastic twelve dancing princesses retelling set in 15th century Romania.
If people want even more recommendations, I’ve got some lists of historical fantasy on my website:
http://www.rosalyneves.com/historical-fantasy-part-british/
http://www.rosalyneves.com/historical-fantasy-part-two-american/
http://www.rosalyneves.com/historical-fantasy-part-three-european/
http://www.rosalyneves.com/ya-historical-fantasy-upcoming-debuts/
What are some upcoming books you can't wait to read?
I’m really looking forward to Nic Stone’s DEAR MARTIN, Emily Bain Murphy’s THE DISAPPEARANCES, Tracey Neithercott’s GRAY WOLF ISLAND, Laini Taylor’s STRANGE THE DREAMER, Mackenzi Lee’s THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE, McKelle George’s SPEAK EASY, SPEAK LOVE, and too many more to mention here. The wonderful thing about being part of the 2017 debuts is that I get to learn about tons of great books coming out. The downside is that I want to read all of them, which might not be humanly possible.
She has a PhD in English from Penn State, which means she also endeavors to inspire college students with a love for the English language. Sometimes it even works.
Rosalyn is represented by Josh Adams of Adams literary.
Her first novel, BLOOD ROSE REBELLION, first in a YA historical fantasy trilogy, debuts Spring 2017 from Knopf/Random House.
Giveaway
3 winners will receive a signed finished copy of BLOOD ROSE REBELLION, US Only.
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
3/20/2017- BookHounds YA- Interview
3/21/2017- YA Book Madness- Review
3/22/2017- Page Turners Blog- Guest Post
3/23/2017- Fiktshun- Review
3/24/2017- NovelKnight- Review
Week Two:
3/27/2017- Once Upon a Twilight- Interview
3/28/2017- YABC- Interview
3/29/2017- Emily Reads Everything- Review
3/30/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview
3/31/2017- Book Briefs- Review
Posts
This book sounds awesome. Thanks for the great chance!
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited to get my hands on this book!
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