Author Spotlight: Paula Weston of Shadows (The Rephaim #1)

We are so very excited to have Paula Weston on the blog today!!  She is by far one of my favorite authors, and I am literally bouncing in my chair right now!!  Paula was gracious enough to answer a few questions I had about her brand new book Shadows.  US and Canada friends pay close attention because Paula has a big announcement in the interview for you!

 

1. Shadows definitely stands out among a long list of Angel/Demon books. How did you come up with the idea for the storyline?

Thank you for the lovely compliment. :)

The storyline started with an idea involving a girl and guy who are attracted to each other, but who have a complicated history only he remembers. And he knows that if he takes advantage of the situation, and she gets her memory back, he'll be in serious trouble. I knew they were part of a larger, fragmented, group, and that there were paranormal elements to their story.

From that set-up, I started working out what it was that caused the past tension between them, and what had caused the rift in their group. I toyed with exploring vampire, werewolf or faerie mythology, but knew I would have to build a complex society to achieve what I wanted with the story, which would involve a lot of work for readers. With angels and demons, the foundation for conflict already exists. When I read the account of Semyaza and the fallen angels in the Book of Enoch, I had a flurry of ideas of how fallen angel lore might work. Regardless of whether or not the account is true, it’s a fascinating premise for a story. Would those fallen angels regret the decision? How would they feel about any offspring from those relationships with human women? What would happen if they got their freedom back? What would be the consequences of being a child of the Fallen? It's the latter question that created the bulk of the plot for the series. (Which is not to say that some of the other questions may not be answered through the series as well...)

2. Gaby and Rafa are two very strong characters that I connected with from the start. Are they based on anybody you know in real life?  Which characters are you closest to?

I'd have to say that Gaby - while certainly not based on me - does have a few of my personality traits. Or at least traits I had when I was younger and less patient. :) We definitely share the same sense of humour. I think it's hard not to put a lot of yourself in a first-person narrative character (particularly as this is the first time I've written in first person-present tense. My other stories - unpublished - were always third person, past tense). So for that reason I'm close to Gaby. Having said that, I really enjoy writing Rafa. Not just because he says whatever he's thinking, but because he has one one of the more interesting character journeys of the series. And no, he's not based on anyone I know. :) 

3. How many books are planned for this series?  
Four.  (I am beyond excited that there will be more than 2 woohoo!!)

4. Can you give us a teaser from the next book in the series, Haze?  
Sure! I can tell you that Gaby learns more about the Outcasts, we find out more about Jude, and Gaby and Rafa continue to work through their volatile and complicated relationship. There's also plenty of action - and we haven't seen the last of the demons. 

5. Shadows and Haze will both be released in the US and Canada (YAY!). Do you have a firm release date yet?
Shadows is scheduled for release in Fall 2013 (US and Canada LOOK HERE =D)

6. Do you have any other projects in mind for the future? 

I have a kernel of an idea for a new story...I've jotted down some notes and put them aside so they're ready when I've got the head space to explore the idea further - which won't happen until the fourth book of the Rephaim series is finished.

Also  for fans of the series and those who would like to take a peak into this awesome world Paula has a little something for you..

There's also some bonus material on the Text Publishing website you might like - Gaby's short story that drew the Rephaim to Pan Beach. :)
http://textpublishing.com.au/books-and-authors/book/shadows/

Thank you thank you thank you Paula for stopping by!  Haze is definitely on my too watch list and I will definitely be first in line when it comes out!

Find the Author:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

     Now let me introduce you to this fantastic book!

  Shadows (The Rephaim #1)

Publisher: Text Publishing

Release Date: July 2, 2012

My Thoughts on Shadows:

Okay listen up, forget everything you think you know about Angels and Demons.  That's right, pack it all up in that box you have in your brain and tape it shut. Now throw it out.  I can assure you that after reading this book you won't need any of that information because this book, Shadows, is by far THE book to read if you are an Angel and Demon lover like myself.  Shadows is beyond explosive with a kick ass heroine, an amazing storyline with incredible mythology, and a romance sure to heat up even the coldest of hearts.

Gabby has been living on her own ever since her brother Jude died.  She moved in with her only friend and works days at an art gallery.  She spends her time trying to get over her brother's death and just living each day as it is.  The only problem is that she has very vivid dreams, dreams that consist of dark hellturds (or creatures if you rather lol), a sexy sword wielding guy, and herself only this girl is swinging her sword better than the hot guy and can definitely hold her own against any dark hellturd that runs into her path.  Having had these dreams for awhile Gabby decides to enter a creative writing contest and uses her dreams as her story.  By doing this she unknowingly brings the past that she has been made to forget knocking on her door.  She finds that not only is the hottie starring in her dreams real but the girl that looks like her in her dreams is actually her. Now Gabby has to find out the truth about her life before the accident and comes to terms with the fact that things she thought she once knew may not be real.

I LOVED this book!!  I cannot say that enough!  This book right here takes my top spot for favorite of the year!  Gabby was such a great character.  She stood up to people and gave as good as she got every time.  I for one can't wait to see her be the big badass that I know is sure to come.  Rafa was a great sparring partner for Gabby.  Their first encounter left me with goosebumps and I have to say I am Team Rafa ALL THE WAY!  He is hot, self assured, and his witty comebacks are just too awesome so really what's not to love?  Oh and he can swing a sword with ease, yeah he captured my heart.  The rest of the cast of characters rounded out this story nicely. Everyone of them had a part to play and they did effortlessly.  I really enjoyed them all.  I will say I still think there is more than was revealed with one in particular but I won't name any names since that big reveal is well HUGE!

So yes if you are looking for the next BIG series you will not be disappointed with this book.  Right now you can only purchase it from Fishpond World (which I have linked above) but like Paula said in her interview these books have been picked up to be published in the US and Canada in 2013! I am so excited for her because she really does deserve to have them published all over and I am excited because more of my friends will be able to read them!!  Again, I can't say it enough - this is by far my favorite book of 2012 and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel Haze!!

                                                              5 Snowflakes