Welcome to my stop on Aine P. Massie's Scavenger Hunt & Book Tour for Blood's Voice and Blood Bound. My stop will feature a character interview. Please be sure to leave a comment or question for Aine below to let her know you stopped by. To enter the Scavenger Hunt, use the Rafflecopter form below.
Queen of the Night Reviews – Character Interview
Hello ladies, gents, and other mythological creatures possibly lurking around! We have special guests today here. Three attractive and interesting individuals who have gone through enormous obstacles only to find themselves being interviewed here. I'd like all you readers to meet and welcome Nicholas, Declán, and Anya from Blood's Voice and Blood Bound!
Firstly, I hope you wouldn't mind telling the readers a little something about yourselves, and then a fact that they would be surprised to hear about you.
Anya: Hello and thank for having us here. I am Anya O’Corr Millar, damaged vampire aberration and accidental leader of the House Millar. I was born in Ireland, though I have not researched where exactly yet, in 1799. I was married to Braden but he was murdered by my sire and until finding Nicholas and then Declán, it seems no one managed to touch my heart. I don’t remember all this, in fact, I remember very little of my life.
I’m not sure what would surprise others about me . . . I mean, for our world, just being aberrations and loving a human as an equal, not pet or slave, is pretty unusual. I suppose, given my recent history and events, that the fact I hate fighting and killing would be surprising to most. Declán claims I must have been dropped on my head as a child because I’m such a weird vampire.
Nicholas: Nicholas Andrew Gray Young, at your service. I am Canadian and was born in Ontario in 1815. I’ve always found it amusing that my birth date is the same as Anya’s sire date. I am Anya and Declán’s mate or husband, depending on how you see it. I am also his, Dec’s, guarding partner as we work to guard Anya or when out protecting the humans in our territory.
Something surprising about me? I was raised very properly and formally in many ways but I was also trained as a mechanic. Obviously not for automobiles though I have taken the time to learn about them as well. How do you think Anya managed to provide Declán with a perfectly restored and maintained truck? Oh, I’m thinking of attending college – with Dec’s strong pushing – for mechanical engineering.
Declán: I’m probably the most normal of the entire House. I’m Declán Seán Keane, both a human and a Guardian that does the unthinkable . . . I serve as a guard for the vampire House my love and wife, Anya, leads. We’re not supposed to do that, I know, but I love her and believe in what she’s doing. Also, I’m and architectural student at Cornell and thanks to an aggressive AP and dual enrolment program at my high school, I managed to skip most of the first two years of general courses allowing me to advance in my studies, thankfully.
I’m not sure what about me would be more surprising that what I already said. I am just me though.
Nicholas, you were born in Canada, correct? It was a long time from now, and I’m sure lots of things have changed, but what was your favourite thing about it? Do you have any fond memories from there?
Yes, I was born in Ontario, Canada in 1815. While a long time ago to you, it seems recent to me. So many things have changed in my homelands but the feel is the same still. The people are still just as warm, dedicated, and loyal as they ever were. You will not find a stronger heart than Canadians, no matter which province or territory they are from. I may be a little biased but then, aren’t we all?
As to fond memories . . . Of course. Sitting around the supper table, debating with my dad or whatever had his ire or interest at the time, was always a pleasure. The other favourite memory would have to be holidays with the whole family. I was one of three children but add in all the Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, cousins, and friends and, well, I think that’s part of why I enjoy the House as Anya has grown for us. I didn’t stay connected to my human family after Jonathan sired me and I missed the warmth and insanity that comes with a large family.
Anya, I interviewed Áine a few days ago and she said that she had originally not intended to recover your memory. Knowing what you do now, and if she had gone with her original plan, what would be the greatest loss to you?
That’s hard to answer. None of my memories are happy things so in one way I think it would have been a blessing. Of course I can only say that now having suffered the remembrance, before I truly wished to remember. But it would have been a sad loss for me to have never remembered my first husband, Braden. I still don’t remember much but I know he loved me and that I truly loved him . . . to not have regained that would be . . . I don’t know . . . tragic in that a love like that should not be forgotten or lost to time.
No matter how much it hurts to lose a love, I never want to forget those that touch and join my heart!
Declán, can you explain to us exactly what it felt like to be obligated to hunt down the very creatures you’ve fallen for?
Hmm, I don’t think obligated is the right word really. I am a Guardian, a natural born vampire hunter. It is my duty or calling to protect all humans from the void-eyed monsters that torture, kill, and enslave humans. Anya and Nicholas as not like that though so it’s not a conflict to me – my love for them that is. The hard part is dealing with other vampires. When Thomas and then later Louie and Simon showed up I wanted to destroy them. Anya, Nicholas, and Jonathan – Nic’s ‘father’ – explained that they were there to protect and help. Thankfully I did not try to harm them as Louie is now one of my best friends.
The others though . . . It’s a constant battle of wills to restrain when Anya needs me to only be her guard and not destroy all the monsters, like at council meetings. Don’t let that fool you though; I’ve destroyed those that I’ve found that needed to be removed. I will continue to do so.
Personally, I like the way Skye thinks of it . . . the void eyed vampires are evil and the aberrations or good vampires, are simply immortals with pointy teeth. Ha-ha-ha.
Some readers may be confused about your relationship with each other, especially if they have not read the novels. Can you summarize or describe how exactly you three have come together.
Anya: Our relationship confuses many, sadly. I know that the mainstream, human concept if a triad relationship is seen as wrong or that someone is being used or manipulated. For us that is not the case at all. We each love and cherish both of our loves. While I may be the key piece that brought the other two together, they are loyal and loving mates with or without me.
Nicholas: While that’s true, Anya, there is the fact that had you not blood kissed Dec and in so doing bound him to me also, I would never have given him the chance to become what he is now to me. I was too concerned with the issues and pain of loving a human. That being said, I am so thankful that the kiss bond overrode my concerns and allowed me to truly see what wondrous and beautiful beings you both are.
Declán: For me it was confusing yet simple. I loved and wanted Anya and Nic was part of that package. Or, that’s how I saw it. I don’t know specifically why it didn’t freak me out more than it did. My only real worry was that she would choose him over me. Lucky for me, she chose us both. Figuring out how to deal with my growing feelings for Nic was a lot harder for me than dealing with loving them both though. I was afraid he would not want me too and that could have been really awkward with us both loving Anya and living together. I would have backed off but – yeah for me! – I didn’t have to.
A lot of our friends and even some in the House don’t really understand but I think our love is stronger than others worries or arguments against it. As Anya says, love is love is love, period.
I know you each love one another, deeply, more than most people can. I find it admirable as well as a little bit strange. Have you ever found yourselves baffled or mystified about your own link to one another, about this bond you three share?
Anya: No. I see all love as love. I do not understand why so many want to classify, label, and dictate others hearts. It should not matter, in my opinion, whom I love as long as I am not harming him/them and it’s consensual. The only part that baffles me is that that they both can look past my instabilities and still love me so completely. They are truly a gift!
Nicholas: I still find Dec’s ability to love and accept us as a marvel. I’ve seen many humans taken as feeders and pets/servants that are basically in thrall to their masters but Dec is not like that at all. Yes, the bond makes it where we all dislike being separated, but his view of us and love of us is real. That is the greatest gift he could give Anya and me. Baffled though would have been when he attacked me that first time . . . even though I knew he was interested in me, he had managed to hide the depths so . . .
Declán: I don’t see the problem. You love who you love. Period. They are both wonderful and loving. Protective to the point of aggravation at times. And I can’t imagine not having given my heart to them both – and no, I’m not a sappy 14 year old girl, I just love my triad family completely.
As most people who share a crazy amount of time together, do you three find yourselves picking up habits from one another or those who are in the House, if so, can you tell us about them?
In unison: Yes!
Declán: Yes. I think we all do to a certain extent. I know I have a tendency to act a little different, even more formal in speech and behavior, when I’m around these two. I don’t know how you can’t do that, at least a little, when you live with people you love. Also, I try to not do certain things around Nic and Louie that I know annoys them . . . thankfully Anya isn’t as picky, though I do read a lot more now than I ever did, even considering the honors and AP classes I had before.
Nicholas: I have to agree on the reading issue. Anya is such a devout Biblioholic that is seems to rub off on more that just Dec and me. I also think little mannerisms and phrases tend to be picked up and, in time, add to the singular unit feel of many. I know Anya always teases about the fact Dec, Geoff, and I all tend to have, oh what do you call it? A Cheshire cat grin, I believe, when we are up to something. I’m not sure who started it but we all seemed to have picked it up to a point.
Anya: I think I’m the only one that manages this concept the lest well but loves seeing it. I still work so hard on just fitting in and seeming normal, or as normal as I can, so I probably match my mom, Star, better than my loves here. The grin though, they all have that one down to an art form. And yes, it’s freakishly annoying!
So, on to some lighter questions? What are your favourite books? Movies? Music?
Anya: Favourite? Oh, I have no idea. I love reading and immersing myself in the worlds and adventures with the pages of my ever growing collection. I mean, I have a reading room as part of my bedroom suite plus we have a House library and that's no even counting the fact I have both a Kindle and a Nook.
Music would have to be everything! Though, right now I’m really into Godsmack, Muse, and Blue October. I don’t really watch many movies . . . preferring to read and ‘watch’ the story of the book in my head. I do really enjoy some of the more cult classic movies Nicholas and Declán have introduced me to though, especially Princess Bride and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Nicholas: Oddly, I’d have to say Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, I think. Probably considered an odd answer from a nearly 200 year old guy, but I just love the insanity and logic of Wonderland.
Most of my preferred music choices fall under Mozart, Beethoven, or anything from the Phantom of the Opera – and yes, that’s also my favourite play and movie.
Declán: Um, *blushing* most of my fav books and such are on architecture, design, and material style. Okay, so maybe I’m a little geeky, but I look great in leather while reading them.
On music . . . um, most anything. Just not hateful rap – like the angry kind that degrades women – or the really whiny country. I like some western though. The Man in Black was awesome! Especially when he did all the alternative covers and such not long before he died. Gotta love Hurt when he did it.
Movie? Right now would still have to be E.T. but the original version . . . not the reedited one that’s out now.
Do any of you three daydream or fantasize, if so, about what?
After conferring the final answer is: Most of ours include the two here with me and are not for public consumption.
That being said, the non-naughty ones are things like Dec designing and building a great building/work of art that not only stands the test of time but inspires other architects. Anya’s and Nic’s are more mundane . . . things like being able to share their existence and hearts with their beloveds and do so in peace.
What power would you want if you’d been able to choose?
Anya: Can I choose the ability to control the power I already have, better? That’s what I would wish for.
Nicholas: Flight, I think. That has to be the best Hollywood vampire power ever. Sometimes I think it would be fun to be able to actually fly, not just be able to jump and such even though it can give humans the false perception that we all do.
Declán: I’d have to go with some form of creating fire. I mean, come on . . . I’ve a vamp hunter, fire would be so cool!
Favourite word?
Anya: Some will probably say I should answer silly or some such but my favourite word to say or hear is: Love.
Nicholas: I’ve never been asked for a favourite word . . . Please. I think please would be the right choice.
Declán: Does my name on either of their lips count? If so that would be my fav thing to hear
Lastly, any parting words for the loyal readers and to your biographer, Áine?
Anya: Thank you for showing our story to your world.
Nicholas: Agreed. Thank you.
Declán: Thanks but also, stop listening to Nic on what to edit or tone down
It was a pleasure to have you three here at my blog! I really appreciate you guys stopping by and answering these questions~ I hope, you all come visit again!
Thank you for having us over. It was our honour to be invited to visit here with you and your wonderful readers. I would like to also mention that all three of us will stop by off and on to answer questions from your followers. We love interacting in your world and even promise to keep our fangs and pointy objects to ourselves.
Giveaway
Áine is giving away an ecopy of Blood Bound, book #2 in the House Millar series, to one commenter. This is addition to the tour-wide giveaway, so make sure you enter the rafflecopter as well.
Title: Blood’s Voice
Author: Áine P Massie
Publisher: Geas Publishing
Series: House Millar, #1
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Length: Novel
Anya Millar had no memory of her life or an instruction manual on how to navigate the insane world of humans, biting, and reality. Instead, Anya has had to learn to navigate the world of love, life, and sanity while avoiding those that would see her dead or enslaved.
Anya must come to terms with who she is and her missing past, Nicholas must win back the object of his eternal love while dealing with new cravings in his silent heart, and Declán must learn to destroy the very creatures that he has unequivocally given his heart and blood.
This is the ongoing journey of Anya and Nicholas, human loving vampires and the human they love, Declán. What makes it all more complicated is that they are abominations in their own world and Declán is a natural born vampire hunter called a Guardian.
Buy Links
Purchase eBook: Geas Publishing | Amazon | ARe | Barnes & Noble | iStore
Purchase Print: Geas Publishing | Amazon
Signatures: Authorgraph or Bookplate
Praise for Blood’s Voice
“Aine’s love for her characters shines in Blood’s Voice. She gives you a reason to become invested in their well-being. The definition of love triangle takes on a whole new meaning in the House of Millar. I was surprised in a most pleasant sort of way. This book does not contain the constant bickering and whining that are found in a lot of YA literature…a refreshing change. And, before I forget…a big thanks to Aine for her inclusion of alternate lifestyles in a very compelling manner.” – Kristin @ Better Read Than Dead
“I like the issues of LGBT that are brought up in the story and felt they were just enough of a sample of that lifestyle to not offend close minded individuals. It was very realistic and I enjoyed reading more about it. There is a ménage de trois alluded to in the book so some people may be a bit uncomfortable with that part of the story. From my point of view, it was very well written and only enhanced the book. I give this a 4 fair review as it was a very romantic story with paranormal elements that drew you in with the intricate plot.” – Heather @ Earth’s Book Nook
“Most of the vampires in this series have some type of unique ability. Especially Anya. She gives a new meaning to the coin phrase of “I get whatever I want”. You follow her on her adventures of trying to fit in with humans and seemingly thwarted by her own kind almost every time. She begins to have feelings for Nickolas, as well as Declan but they are different and easy to separate. At least for her. She loves whom she loves. Towards the middle of the book I grew a little envious of her situation.” – Nikki @ CEWTNK
“This is one book I could not put down at all and this is really one I want to read book #2 as soon as I can. Very well written and a great Young Adult book. If you are into Young Adult vampire books I think you will most likely like this book.” – Chantale @ Geeky Girl Reviews
“The author did a great job keeping my interest and making me want to finish the story to find out what happened next. They’re lots of surprises along the way and some things that truly didn’t expect but that just made it better than I thought the ending was going to be!” – Christina @ Intoxicated by Books
“This was an absolute pleasure to read, and an easy story to get into. I had no trouble getting lost in the pages and the storyline. Aine P. Massie has a very unique writing style which I found very pleasant. The characters never once got on my nerve. I quite enjoyed reading about them.” – Kyanara Night @ Kyanara’s Mad Reviews
“It’s a really easy book to read, I literally swallowed it in two days, and I really liked it! I recommend this book to all those who love vampire stories with romance, and those who like to learn new languages and cultures… Yes? Why? Well, because the author will delight us with a sweet romance full of phrases and words in Irish. : ) Happy Reading!” – Idris @ Throwing Books
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About the Author
Áine P Massie is originally from Florida, she now lives in Wisconsin where she works on her House Millar series full time while raising four children (the term herding cats comes to mind). Her major in College was Childhood Education (specialization in ages zero to five) with a minor study in Deaf Culture/ASL. She is also a Wiccan priestess dedicated to the gods, family, and love.
A lifelong reader, Áine has always had a particular fascination with vampires, mythology, and the unusual. When she can escape from her children and books, she enjoys . . . oh yes, reading, playing, ritual, a good cappuccino, and working with her healing stones.
Her first published work came in high school where she was part of a writing and drama group. But, she’s been reading the likes of Shakespeare and Poe since late elementary school and enjoys most forms of fiction. Blood’s Voice has been a long time in coming and with its publication (June 2011) Áine embarked on a new chapter in her life.
Social Contact
Website – http://apmassie.com
Blog – http://apmassie.com/blog/
Facebook (Author) – https://www.facebook.com/apmassie.author
Facebook (Series) – https://www.facebook.com/BloodsVoice
Twitter – http://twitter.com/AnyaMillar
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/anyamillar
Google + – https://plus.google.com/115857487824411469639/
eMail – anya.millar@gmail.com
How to Play:
This is how it works… all the blogs below will post a bit about one of the books along with a guest post, interview, character interview, spotlight, etc. along with their token on their scheduled date. You are looking for the special image included somewhere within the post that you will need to then enter into the Rafflecopter at the end. Make sure to enter your answer into the right slot on the Rafflecopter ;)
We are giving away a nice set of prizes – including free eBooks from the series; gift cards to Amazon, B&N, or ARe; swag; and more…
So, enjoy, hunt along with the various posts, and have fun. Best wishes to all!
Thank you for hosting my beloved triad! I hope you all enjoy the hunt and interview :)
ReplyDeleteThis series has me very intrigued! I've loved all the posts over the last few days and really enjoyed getting to know the characters better in the interview above.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway chance! My favorite thing about vampires....everything ;)
Alyssa
hesperialovesbooks(AT)gmail(DOT)com
These books sound good.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like it that vampires are invulnerable.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about vampires is their intriguing history and heritage, and these characters certainly seem to have that!
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(dot)com