Today is the kick off of our Apocalypsies and Debut authors leg for Dystopian Domination. Technically it's not DD anymore but hey! Debut authors! 2012 authors! Apocalypsies!~ Here they come!
Today we have debut author Robin Bridges to talk about her debut novel, The Gathering Storm! Welcome Robin to the blog!
Please describe The Gathering Storm in one sentence.
In 1880’s Imperial Russia, young Katerina of Oldenburg hides a dangerous secret: she can raise the dead.
How much research have you done for The Gathering Storm? How difficult is it to write a book set during Czarist Russia/Russian Empire? Why Czarist Russia?
I’ve always been fascinated with Russian history, thanks to my great-grandparents. I researched and read a TON of Russian history books for this trilogy! It was difficult because even with the wealth of information I have, there are so many Russian history books and Romanov diaries that are only available in Russian. I wish I could read and speak Russian!
Did you ever base any of your characters on real person(s)?
Several of the characters in TGS are based on real Romanovs, who alas, were not actually fairies or blood drinkers. Evgenia of Leuchtenberg really existed, as well as her husband the Duke of Oldenburg and her son Petya. But the Oldenburgs did not have a daughter, so Katerina is completely fictional.
What is the best thing that a reviewer (or someone) said about your novel?
“Bridges could become a worthy successor to Libba Bray with this historical fantasy. Her lush settings, secret rituals, and paranormal creatures make for an atmospheric political adventure… Katiya is a strong female hero whose further adventures are worth following.” - Voya
Can you give us one line from your novel that you find important, striking or unforgettable?
Militza smiled. “Necromancy is the most vile, the darkest of the black arts, Duchess. Certainly you cannot think the tsarina could allow one such as you to remain under her roof? Or indeed, even to continue attending Smolny?”
She had me trapped in her web. “What do you want from me?” I whispered.
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I was certainly teased by that line. I wonder why? I am DYING to read this book! And fabulous answers, Robin!
The Gathering Storm (Katerina Alexandrovna #1) by Robin Bridges
Add to your Goodreads list!
St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.
An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.
The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?
The Gathering Storm came out January 10th, published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
Buy a copy from AMAZON or BOOK DEPOSITORY!
GIVEAWAY TIME!
WIN A SIGNED FINISHED COPY OF THE GATHERING STORM + SWAG PACK BY ROBIN BRIDGES!
That's right. For those of you who haven't read it yet (including me) you'll have a chance to win a copy of the book and some cool The Gathering Storm swag. And yes! This is OPEN INTERNATIONALLY! Go enter the contest now by filling out the form and answering this question:
If you have the power to raise the dead, will you consider bringing someone back to life? Who and why?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
