Stopping by The LUV'NV today is Broken Faith blog tour, organized by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
We interviewed the author, Brandy Nacole, on her new YA Fantasy novel, and we have an excerpt to share with you. Enjoy!
We interviewed the author, Brandy Nacole, on her new YA Fantasy novel, and we have an excerpt to share with you. Enjoy!
Broken Faith
by Brandy Nacole
Book #1 of Spiritual Discord series
Publication: April 2nd 2013 by CreateSpace
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Book Depository Amazon B & N Goodreads
This is it. The moment Heaven and Hell clash. But which unearthly being will win, the fallen angel or Hell's hounds?
Overtaken by fear, I close my eyes.
Kayson is a Fallen Angel who has spent decades running from the Hell Hounds while searching for something that no one else believes can be so, not even God. Kayson is determined to find a Blood Child. But when a hound finds Kayson first, he is sure his end has come.
Falon, Alpha of the Hell Hounds, destroyer of the blood children, and devoted believer in his master’s plan, is bound and determined to drag Kayson back to Hell with him.
Sabrina is a Vampire, a half-breed created from one of Lucifer’s original blood children. After years of hiding, Sabrina’s fate changes when she finds Kayson barely alive. Against her instincts, Sabrina saves him. Now she and Kayson are both marked by the Hell Hounds.
Emma is an ordinary human, whose only problem is making ends meet, and getting over the hurt caused by her untrustworthy brother. Her everyday problems become supernatural ones when she finds Kayson and Sabrina hiding in her parent’s backyard shed.
Kayson, Sabrina and Emma are unlikely allies, thrown together by chance to fight against the most powerful creatures of the underworld in order to follow their world-changing quest. But will the broken faith of one break the faith of all?
Broken Faith incorporates all kinds of supernatural beings, rolling them into one epic read until the very end.
♥ What inspired Broken Faith?
It’s actually a weird story. I was driving home from New York last year when the idea came to me. What inspired the story that built up in my mind all the way home, two road signs. One said Steely, the other Hollow. I was like ‘I want to write a story with a town named Steely Hollow.’ I have always wanted to write a story about fallen angels and started brainstorming. 1200 miles later, I had it.
♥ What part of writing it was the most fun?
Unlike my other series, The Shadow World, where a lot of research was required, Broken Faith did not require a whole lot. So the fun part was building up my own ideas and creating them.
♥ What was the most challenging?
Broken Faith is from multiple POV. I’ve been told that it is wonderfully executed, but making sure that if flowed from character to character was spot on, it took some work. But, in a weird way, it was also fun. I like being challenged and this story did that for me.
♥ Tell us a little more about your main characters. What makes them tick? What are their personal struggles?
Sabrina is a stubborn yet lonely Vampire, who’s been on the run from the hell hounds for a century. As tough as Sabrina tries to be, she has a weakness, her loneliness. Kayson is a fallen angel, who is also on the run from the Hell hounds. He’s very fierce and protective, especially when it comes to the reason he fell. Why did he fall, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Throughout the book Sabrina struggles to understand why she’s helping Kayson. Kayson struggles to allow Sabrina and Emma to continue to help him. And Emma, well Emma’s struggles with accepting the fact that supernatural beings are real and how to protect her friends from them, especially the alpha of the hell hounds, Falon.
Throughout the book Sabrina struggles to understand why she’s helping Kayson. Kayson struggles to allow Sabrina and Emma to continue to help him. And Emma, well Emma’s struggles with accepting the fact that supernatural beings are real and how to protect her friends from them, especially the alpha of the hell hounds, Falon.
♥ Authors love all their characters, but who was your favorite to write and why?
Sabrina. Sabrina is fiercely protective, even though she doesn’t understand why. I loved writing her scenes, especially when she’s talking with Emma. Sabrina and Emma get off on the wrong foot, to say the least, and bicker until the end. One of my favorite scenes is when Sabrina comes back to the hideout, soaking wet, and Emma confronts her.
Noting her bedraggled appearance, I’m intrigued to know what happened.♥ Here's a tough one: What do you think sets apart Broken Faith from other novels revolving around angels?
“So, you try giving drowning a shot?”
Sabrina stares coolly back at me. “Why, need some pointers?”
Yep, that’s a tough one. Broken Faith incorporates more supernatural beings than just the fallen angels and demons. The forbidden human/angel love aspect is not in Broken Faith, although there is a forbidden love in the story.
♥ You studied Psychology before writing your first book. Does the subject influence or help you in any way while writing?
No. I do try to have some message and meaning behind my stories but I wouldn’t say Psychology influenced those idea. Life influenced them.
♥ Is there anything from the book you hope the readers will pick up on but might not?
Keeping true to your faith and beliefs, even when others disagree, can be the hardest struggle in life. But in the end, staying strong, can be the best reward you give yourself.
♥ Broken Faith is the first installment of the Spiritual Discord series. How many books are planned in the series, and will you share some info about book two with us?
Well at this stage the plan is four books, but I never know what my imagination will throw at me next.
Book 2 will continue Sabrina, Kayson, and Emma’s story as they heal from the previous battle with the hell hounds and plan battle strategies with nine other fallen angels. Emma will struggle as the hell hounds try to break her down, turning her on the angels. Kayson will face the hardest struggle in book 2 as the other angels push him to let go of his insane beliefs, abandon Sabrina, and return home.
Book 2 will continue Sabrina, Kayson, and Emma’s story as they heal from the previous battle with the hell hounds and plan battle strategies with nine other fallen angels. Emma will struggle as the hell hounds try to break her down, turning her on the angels. Kayson will face the hardest struggle in book 2 as the other angels push him to let go of his insane beliefs, abandon Sabrina, and return home.
♥ What's the one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author? Something you wish you knew before writing or publishing—mistakes to avoid, necessary evils that might be overlooked, etc.
I’m going to give the best advice that was given to me, don’t let publishing consume you. The market is fierce and trying to get your book noticed can become life consuming. Some have even lost sight of why they published in the first place, because they love to write! Don’t lose focus on your passion. Don’t get lost in the market, stress, and everyday muddle of publishing. It will break you down if you allow it.
♥ One last toughie before moving to the Vignette Corner: When it comes to writer's block or a moment of author self-doubt, what helps you keep the faith?
Besides my hubby and friends, who are always encouraging me, I sit back, take a breath, and focus. I look to those I admire, read the pinned quotes I have on my wall: “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” “Making a big life change is scary. But, know what’s even scarier? Regret.” When I have writers block, I pick up a book to read. What better way to get the imagination turning than to get lost in another world.
♥ Current Obsession:
Overhauling my Jeep and getting it ready for summer.
♥ Last thing you Googled: What movies feature “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z/Alicia Keys. I heard the song on the radio and a movie scene popped in my head but I couldn’t remember which movie. Didn’t find an answer either :/
♥ Guilty pleasure: A good glass of wine, sometimes a beer.
♥ A good demon or a bad angel—what's your preference in reading, writing, and to meet (if you could figuratively, of course ;D)?: Bad angel. What can I say? I always fall for the bad guy in books and would love a mischief night with one!
♥ Dead or alive, an author you'd love to hang out with: William Shakespeare. That would just be awesome.
♥ Character you wish was real so you could meet: If I say a bunch of names really fast will that count? Lol. Seriously though, if I push book hotties aside (I am happily married after all), I’d like to meet Rose Hathaway.
♥ People who influence your writing the most: I admire so many different authors but the two who really inspire me are Richelle Mead and Cassandra Clare. Cassandra Clare can add so much depth to the world she draws you into. And Richelle, well, she’s just awesome! I’m really looking forward to her new book Game Board of the Gods!
♥ One morning, you woke up in your favorite fantasy world. Where (or whose) is it? There have been a lot of fantasy worlds created that I would love to get lost in, but I’d like to take a stroll in The Shadow World. I guess since I’ve been creating and writing about it for so long, I’d actually like to experience it, if not for just a day.
♥ Currently reading: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Thanks for joining us on The LUV'NV today, Brandy!
A peek inside Broken Faith
Branches scrape at my skin as I run through the dense forest. My heart is beating with a terrifying force. I can hear the beast close in on me, ready for the kill. His growls echo through the forest. I don’t know where he is, I just know I have to keep moving.
I feel like a coward for being so terrified. Once, I would have stood unwavering, waiting for the beast to show his face. But since my powers were stripped−my wings torn away−I have been left defenseless, weak, and vulnerable to the beasts set out to destroy me.
I run as fast as I can, never faltering. I may not have my powers anymore, but I still have the agility that was so unique to the angels. Moving and gliding with the winds and earth, flowing with the water as it flows lazily through the fields, to become terrorizing rapids through the twists and turns of some faraway canyon.
I burst out of the thicket that is hindering my progress, and see nothing but a dead end up ahead. I still do not falter. I make a hard left to climb up the ravine, hoping that the forest is more open at the top. That’s when the beast steps out in front of me.
The being is massive, his tremendous weight and size is such that as he passes between two trees, branches snap, and large bushes are crushed underneath his feet. I’m expecting him to attack me, pounce on the poor defenseless being he sees before him. Instead, he shifts out of his beastly form into the human disguise that he uses to inflict havoc into this world.
“That was quite a chase. I must say I haven’t had a rush like that in quite some time.” His smile is taunting.
I give him nothing; say nothing, not letting him get the satisfaction out of my fear. That’s what the hound wants, he wants to feed on me before killing me. My fear and poor show of bravery, however, is obvious, and it is feeding his pathetic excuse for a soul.
“Unfortunately for you, it will be your last attempt at saving your life.”
He lunges at me, his beast-like yet still human claws balling into fists as he tries connecting with my face. I dodge his blow as I unsheathe the only weapon I have, my trusty sword.
The beast steps back for a moment, taking in the sword in my hand. A menacing smile spreads across his face before he lunges for me again. I swing my sword out, going straight for his head. If I can get enough momentum and find the right angle, I can take his head off and end his reign of terrorizing evil.
He blocks my blow with his forearm, while his other fist connects with my ribs. I can hear as the bones break, the pain shooting through my abdomen. Ignoring the pain, I take another swing at him, but it’s blocked again as he grabs the blade, yanking me forward, the momentum smashing me into a tree.
I turn, swinging my sword with all my might. It doesn’t connect with his head but it does land a blow against his side, doing some damage. The beast screams out in pain, clenching at his side. Then it looks up at me, pure hatred and disgust radiates from the menacing scowl on the human mask it wears. “You will feel the true wrath of the hounds. I was trying to be lenient in your death but now you will have no mercy.”
The man shifts back into his true form. His smooth skin stretches, as black fur covers his body. His hands become sharp claws, and his snout extends, as razor sharp teeth that can rip skin and break through bone erupt from its jaw. When the hound stands on his back legs he towers over me by more than three feet. Snapping his jaw of razor-sharp teeth at me, I swing my sword, connecting with his snout. The tear in his skin is barely a scratch.
With lightning speed, my sword is torn from my hand as his jaws close on it and he tears it away, tossing it through the air. I know I’m no match against this beast without it. Seeing the hilt sticking up from the ground, I roll in the direction of the sword to retrieve it. The hound swipes at me with a long clawed hand, tearing into my back as I roll by him. With no time for slip-ups, I ignore the pain and continue for the sword. I can hear the beast coming after me, though this particular spot in the woods is thick with trees instead of bushes and briars, making it harder for him to move.
The beast swipes at me again through the trees, catching my leg in his grasp. Bones snap as he twists my leg, lifting me up off the ground. I scream out but continue to reach out and grab at the sword’s hilt. Pulling the sword from the ground, I swing it through the air, stabbing the hound’s hand to release me. It growls and lets me go. I land on the ground with a thud. My shoulder takes the brunt of the blow.
A loud snarl fills the air as the hound lunges for me. His jaws snap at me, ready to bite me in half. But he can’t move; his shoulders are stuck between two trees. He tries pushing forward through the trees as he stretches his neck to get a hold on me. But the hound makes no leeway past the trees. I know I can’t move in this condition, my leg is too busted up to carry me very far. My panic rises as the trees start to creak and snap from the force of the weight being pushed against them.
With each snap, the hound’s slavering muzzle comes closer. The beast lets out a growl so loud I cover my ears, then he pushes harder, snapping the tree with his mass and strength. Just as he’s about to deliver the final blow, I stab my sword up, piercing his jaw and coming out through the top of his head. The hound collapses to the ground. I guard myself as the hound falls, landing extremely close to me. His massive body shakes the ground, cracking the dry dirt.
I use my arms to drag myself away from the menacing heap of fur. Once I’m a safe distance from the hound lying on the ground, I pull myself up. I do my best to keep the weight off my busted leg. I have no choice but to leave my sword behind. The hilt is jammed under the hound, and I don’t have the strength or time to pull it out from under him.
I slowly climb out of the ravine, knowing I have to get away as fast as I can. I know the other hounds will be coming. It may take some time, but they will come. If only I had killed the hound before he unleashed the hell call.
I slowly climb out of the ravine, knowing I have to get away as fast as I can. I know the other hounds will be coming. It may take some time, but they will come. If only I had killed the hound before he unleashed the hell call.
Brandy Nacole resides in Arkansas where her imagination runs wild. Her obsession is reading but her passion is writing. She put her dream of becoming a writer on the back burner and went to college to become a psychologist. Three years after endless classes in a field she only felt half satisfied with, Brandy picked up her pen once again and wrote the outline to Uniquely Unwelcome. She finished out her degree in psychology but traded her dream of writing for the degree and put psychology on the back burner. Whenever she’s not reading or writing, Brandy is spending time with her family and friends, throwing around crazy ideas, and laughing through the crazy moments.
Amazing! You have an amazing site! Thank you for being a part of the tour!
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