VENGEANCE BORN

Berkley Sensation

ISBN 10: 0425245365

THE STORY

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not pure bred is virtually powerless. Until an unlikely champion is born...

Annika, half-blood daughter of the Na'Reish King, longs for more than her tormented life among her father's people. Conceived in hatred and bred as a tool of retribution, she's gifted with a special talent that can heal as well as destroy...

With the Na'Reish vastly outnumbering them, Kalan, a Light Blade warrior, knows the future of humankind depends on him alone. Incursions into human territory and raids for blood-slaves by the Na'Reish Horde have increased. As Chosen-leader, he faces the task of stopping the demons-and convincing the Council of aging Light Blade warriors that change is necessary for survival.  

When Annika learns Kalan is a prisoner in her father's dungeon, her dream of escape seems within reach. She agrees to free him in exchange for his protection once they reach human territory. Now, marked for death for helping him, Annika must learn to trust Kalan as they face not only the perilous journey to the border but enemies within the Council-and discover a shocking truth that could throw the human race into civil war...

THE REVIEWERS SAY

"Peopled with intriguing characters, the world of Vengeance Born is unique and filled with compelling mystery. I'm looking forward to seeing where Kylie Griffin takes that world next." – Nalini Singh, NYTimes best-selling author

“Vengeance Born is a great debut novel; Kylie Griffin has me hooked. This story grabbed my attention and raced down several dangerous, intense, enthralling paths, making it very hard to put down.

The tale of Annika and Kalan is set in a well thought out, fascinating world filled with danger, intrigue, betrayal, passion, revulsion, tenderness--Griffin has given her readers a whole gamut of emotions to feel, and leaves her readers with the hope for more stories set in this compelling universe.

It's not only good on the first read, it's still good on the second; this is definitely one for my keeper shelves.” – Jean Johnson, author of The Sons of Destiny series

"Kylie Griffin builds a compelling and fascinating world that pulled me right in!" – Joss Ware, author of The Envy Chronicles

“In Vengeance Born, Kylie Griffin spins an intriguing story of two races who are mortal enemies, and the half-breeds that are despised by both who must transform their cultures.  The book has solid world building, sympathetic characters and a twisty story line.  I'm looking forward to the next in the Light Blade series.”  – Robin D. Owens, RITA award winning author

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "In Griffin’s well-drawn fantasy world, humans are oppressed and enslaved by the demonic Na’Reish. Annika is a Na’Chi, the result of cross-breeding between the races. She possesses powerful healing powers and her father, Na’Rei Savyr, is leader of the Na’Reish, but she’s nonetheless reviled, considered an abomination. When she rescues Kalan Tyn, leader of the human’s Blade Council, and asks his assistance in freeing the Na’Chi from the Na’Reish, the wheels of romance are deftly set in motion. A complex plot involving the Na’Chi freedom struggles keeps the taut and intricate narrative moving as Annika and Kalan slowly develop their emotional connection. Readers will look forward to future installments in a potentially long-running series. Agent: Elaine Spencer, the Knight Agency." (Feb.) Reviewed on: 12/9/2011

From RT Magazine Book Reviews (Feb.2012 issue): "Enter a bold new series, the Light Blade, where a longstanding war between the demon and human realms rages. Promising new talent Griffin’s characters face danger and hidden secrets that threaten to change the world as they know it. A terrific debut!"

TAKEA PEEK

Annika hated visiting the dungeons. The dank cells reeked of pain and fear as well as blood. Anyone unfortunate enough to be imprisoned here risked dying of exposure if the torture inflicted by the Na’Reish guards didn’t claim them first. 

“This had better be worth it, Hesia,” she muttered and tugged the skirts of her dress away from slime-covered walls. 

The furious squeaking she heard coming from a shadowed corner made her glad she was wearing her knee-high boots. Bare feet—or any naked skin, for that matter—were fair game to the scurriers scavenging down here. She’d treated many prisoners for bites and wounds caused by the vicious, little carnivores. A draft of air brought with it the stench of unwashed bodies, which almost overpowered her. She coughed and lifted a sleeve to cover her nose. 

“You know none of the others will come down here.” The old healer’s tone held censure for her surliness. 

If Annika were honest, the physical conditions of the dungeon weren’t the real reason for her reluctance. It was the mumbling voices of prisoners: some babbled, driven mad by circumstance, some cried piteously, others wailed in despair. The sound of their helplessness was heartbreaking and she could do little but try to ease their pain.

Hesia shot her an arch look. “’Sides, you’re the only one the demons will let into the Pit.”

Her face heated. Her half-blood status was a boon and a curse. While even the lowest caste of the Na’Reish outranked her, their fear of her father was the only thing stopping the guards from refusing her access. 

“Who’s imprisoned there now?” she asked. 

“Rumor has it that Na’Hord scouts captured a warrior during a slave raid in the Outer Provinces.” A thread of excitement colored the old woman’s voice. “He refuses even to give his name.” 

Hope fired deep inside her and she glanced sharply at Hesia. “A Light Blade?”

“Yes.”

Annika bit her lip as hope surged from deep within her. Lady’s Blessing, this could be the opportunity she’d been waiting for, the chance to escape. 

THE AUTHOR

Kylie Griffin’s obsession with all things paranormal/fantasy started at an early age, when she used to imagine the jacaranda tree in her front yard was a spaceship used to defend the world from invading enemies. Writing stories seemed a natural extension to her childhood adventures. 

Today, she’s a primary school teacher sharing her love for the written word with young children. In her spare time, she writes and reads all things paranormal.          

Kylie lives in a small rural village in outback New South Wales, Australia, where she volunteers in a number of emergency service organizations in her local community. Visit her website.

THE Q & A

ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?

KYLIE: Every time I sit down to write or read a book or even watch a movie! Nothing beats disappearing into another world. Spending a few hours getting to know the characters - their goals, desires, weaknesses and strengths; the problems they face, the challenges they overcome, the joy they experience; how they interact with others, the world - when I'm totally immersed in a story sometimes it's a shock to come back to the 'real' world.

The times this happens the most is when I go to the picture theatre to watch a movie. There's something about sitting in the dark, not really taking much notice of anything except what's happening on the screen. It's large, it's loud, you feel everything, and when the credits roll and the lights brighten, I'm often the one still sitting in the seat adjusting to coming back to the real world and wishing I could go back into the movie and experience it all over again. LOL 

ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?  

KYLIE: My dad gave me a Hans Christian Anderson collection of fairytales. I think I was about 7 years old. The cover was blue, the title was in yellow (can you tell I was color orientated?) and it had a collage of pictures of the fairytale characters featured in the book.

These were the original tales - you know, where the ugly sisters had their eyes picked out by crows etc. - blood, gore, and bad consequences :-), not the censored versions you get in some fairytale books. I loved reading it.

ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
KYLIE: Oh, a fairytale theme - cool! I have to claim it's The Enchanted Princess, mostly because of the awesome pictures that went with it.

The story is about two tradesman's sons - one lazy and selfish (for some reason the father favors this son), the other honest & hard working (he received abuse).  The father overhears a story that the king's daughter is kidnapped by an evil sorcerer. The king offers his daughters hand in marriage to any man who can rescue her.

Of course, the older son sets out to save the princess, in the process he's mean to animals along the way and when he reaches the sorcerer he fails the tests and dies.

The younger son also sets out to try his luck, comes across the same animals who then help him pass the tests, he frees the enchanted princess and they have their HEA.

ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?

KYLIE: The Road Runner! What a character! He and Wiley Coyote makes me laugh every time I watch one of the old Looney Tunes cartoons. 

ANGI: What turns you off like nothing else?

KYLIE: People who use or cheat and don't see why they should make an effort, let alone help others. Their selfishness, abuse of others generosity and arrogant attitude that "the world" owes them and it's "their right" (for whatever reason) just gets me riled.

ANGI: Where do you read and how often?

KYLIE: Where ever and whenever I can! While I'm eating lunch, 10mins before I go to bed, in the bathroom, waiting to see a doctor... LOL

I don't have as much time as I used to for reading - my writing has to come first. I used to read 3-4 books a week. I'm lucky to read 1 every few weeks now.

But I do make up for it once I finish a writing a book and send it off to my editor. I take a couple of weeks off and do nothing but refill the creative well by devouring my teetering To Be Read pile. 

ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?

KYLIE: The sound of running water - a river, creek, waves, waterfalls, rain. It's so soothing and I can sit for ages just listening to it.

ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

KYLIE: You mean I have to choose just one? :-( That's so hard!!! Umm, OK, I'll go with Lord of the Rings - there's so much packed into this movie. I've watched it about 14 times.

There's romance, action, strong & flawed characters, good vs.evil, loyalty, magic, believable villains, mystery, a damn fine cast...and it's filmed in one of the most beautiful countries in the world (New Zealand). 

Living just over the ditch from New Zealand, I've travelled there a lot and I loved doing the whole LOTR fan-tour thing - I've seen Mt.Doom, wandered through parts of the Shirt, visited Hobbiton, danced under the Party Tree and stood inside Bilbo's house. I just wish I'd met Aragorn along the way! :-)  

ANGI: Who’s your favorite villain?

KYLIE: The Borg from Star Trek. When I first saw them in the TV series ST:The Next Generation I was enthralled with them. They were relentless, uncompromising, chilling because of their lack of humanity, and nothing rivals them when you compared them to all the other villains who've appeared in the show. 

ANGI: Is writing or story-telling easier for you?

KYLIE: Both! In my other life I'm a teacher of 5/6/7/8 year olds, so the whole ad-lib oral story-telling is something I enjoy doing, but only with kids.

Ask me to pitch one of my stories to you in person and I flounder and get very self-conscious. So I'm more likely to hand you my book than tell you about it! *grin*

ANGI: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

KYLIE: Thank you to anyone who has bought my book. I hope you get sucked into Annika & Kalan's story and enjoy disappearing into their world for a few hours! :-) And for those who've read it and are wondering if there's another due out soon - YES! there is. It's called ALLIANCE FORGED and it comes out on July 3rd, 2012. And, all going well, Book #3 will be released early in 2013.

Also, I love to hear from readers. There's nothing more thrilling than getting a letter or email from someone who's taken the time to contact me and say hi, or who's willing to share their thought about your work (the good and the bad).

ANGI’S GOTTA ASK:  Which scene from VENGEANCE BORN is your favorite? Or is there a scene you cut that you just ached to include?

KYLIE’S GOTTA ANSWER: Again, I'm restricted to just one? Darn! :-) Well, I was lucky with VENGEANCE BORN - a story thread had to be changed during the editing process, but there were no scenes cut. Phew!

So, my favorite scene is in Chapter 15. Without giving too many details away, it's here the trust between Annika and Kalan strengthens and both commit to an even deeper emotional connection. Readers learn more about Annika's past, see Kalan's reaction to it and both explore the physical attraction developing between them. Here's just a little teaser...

Annika swung her legs around to sit on the ledge facing inward, her gaze fixed on him as she tried to sort out the tangle of emotions his words evoked. He was treating her as if she were human, and making it easy for her to forget the fact that she wasn’t.

She shouldn’t like that but she did. She clenched her hand around the edge of her cloak. His recent behavior was making it safe to share things she’d never have thought to reveal to anyone else. He didn’t criticize her, didn’t laugh at her ignorance, hadn’t taken advantage of her weaknesses. Other than Hesia, no one had ever kept their promises to her.

He treated her like a friend.

Annika started to shake. Not in fear, but with the strength of an unknown emotion filling her heart. With every beat, the warmth of it spread through her. He stood close enough that she could feel the heat of his body, even through two cloaks. She lifted her hand toward him then hesitated.

Touching Kalan, exposing her need for him, lifted the hairs on her neck. She hated being vulnerable. But she wanted to show him the same amount of trust he’d finally given her.

Mouth dry, she cupped his cheek then trailed her fingers along his stubbled jaw and shuddered, liking the rough sensation of it beneath the palm of her hand. Her gaze dropped to his lips. They looked soft, unlike the rest of his lean body. She wanted to kiss him but wasn’t sure if she had the courage. The scent of his arousal filled her lungs.

“I don’t bite.” The corners of his mouth turned upward ever so slightly. “Not unless you want me to.”

 THE DRAWING

A LUCKY WINNER will receive a signed copy of Kylie’s VENGEANCE BORN. Mailed anywhere, since it’s coming from Oz-land !!

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to International addresses. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address. Some contests may continue to remain open for eligible commenters through the following Sunday at noon.

THE LOCATIONS

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THE NEXT BOOK:

ALLIANCE FORGED

A Novel of the Light Blade

Berkley Publishing Group

July 2012

ISBN 10: 0425256014

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not purebred is virtually powerless. Until a blind priestess lays claim to a half-breed warrior, body and soul… 

Hunted and marked for death by Na’Reish demons for their half-blood heritage, the Na’Chi are searching for a new home—something an alliance offered by the human leader could provide. With both races divided by prejudice, when Light Blade rebels brutally attack the Na’Chi, the alliance seems doomed to fail. 

Varian, leader of the Na’Chi, a hybrid race of gifted warriors, is cursed with the darker impulses of his demon heritage. Controlling the part of himself that craves the high of the battle is a struggle he’s afraid he’ll lose—until he meets Kymora Tayn, a priestess driven to serve her deity. While he’s unwilling to trust anyone outside his people, he finds himself drawn to Kymora’s strength and passionate nature, and discovers she has the power to calm the darkness inside him.

Then the Na’Reish raid human territory for blood-slaves and kickstart a war, the key to the survival of both races—Na’Chi and human— is an alliance. However, when Kymora is kidnapped, pitting human against human, Varian realizes he must embrace his darker half, not only to save the alliance…but also the woman he loves. 

DON’T FORGET to FOLLOW us on Twitter or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Join me tomorrow when I host Medical Romance author Connie Cox. ~Angi

BUY LINKS:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, BookDepo, Fishpond, IndieBound, Penguin

?? THE QUESTION TODAY??

If you had the chance to travel to any place in the world, where would you go and why?