Blog Tour! Interview with Jayde Scott and My Review of Dead and Beyond!

Today is my stop on the Reading 
 Addiction Blog Tour! 

Author Bio

Jayde Scott is a psychology graduate and writer most notable for creating the Ancient Legends series. 

She lives in London with her family and is a huge fan of baking chocolate cake and listening to indie music.

Website – http://jayde-scott.blogspot.com

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Purchase Links

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Where are you from?

I’m British, but I’ve lived all over the world. So I consider myself a bit of a nomad. My home’s wherever my heart is.

Tell us your latest news?

I’m currently in the process of migrating and learning a new language, which is tough but also a very interesting experience.

When and why did you begin writing?

As soon as I could spell. I used to read a lot of romance novels (think Barbara Cartland and Sandra Brown) and rewrite the ending.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Because I used to spend most of my spare time writing, I’ve always considered myself a writer at heart. When I became published, I just changed my status from querying/unpublished to published.

What inspired you to write your first book?

It was a novel called The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. I loved that book so much, I couldn’t wait to start working on my own vampire novel. That one’s still gathering dust in some drawer.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Like most writers, I do. I prefer first person past tense and have a tendency toward description and sarcasm. My first draft tends to be rather verbose, but I have an editor who’s not afraid to cut.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Ghosts exist and they’re not always good…or so I believe.

How much of the book is realistic?

The haunting poltergeist parts are based on research, so I’d say that’s pretty realistic.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My romantic chick-lit novel, The Divorce Club, is pretty much based on my own experiences with dating and cheating. But I tend to stay away from heavy topics in my paranormal romance series, Ancient Legends. So, Dead And Beyond is pretty much fantasy, but I wouldn’t mind meeting a handsome, blue-eyed vampire like Aidan though.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Definitely The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tolkien has taught me so much about description and character development, he’s basically shaped my writing. Also Anne Rice. Without her inspiring books, it might have taken me a while to realize that writing about vampires, fallen angels and demons is what I want to do in life.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Tough one, but I’d have to go with Tolkien.

What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading and editing my new scifi novel, which is the first book in a new series, which shall be out by September. Editing takes so much time that I don’t have the time or energy to read anything else.

What are your current projects?

The fifth book in the Ancient Legends series, Forever And Beyond, which follows Amber and introduces a few new paranormal elements and lots of dark magic and betrayal.

Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. I see it as a job and try to treat it as such. However, most of the time it doesn’t really work because life and other commitments come in between.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I think it’s always been there. I loved books as a child, particularly their smell, and begged my mother to teach me to read before I started school. Whenever I loved a book, I would reread it countless times to remember the passages that fascinated me. And then I would try to write something similar.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My most recent book is Dead And Beyond, which is a paranormal romance slash mystery. Having just been turned by her vampire boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Amber Reed is bestowed with the ability to see ghosts. Between trying to figure out how to control her bloodlust and solving the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Amber realizes someone wants to step into her shoes so badly, they'll do anything to take her place.

When one secret after another pops up, the only person who believes her is her enemy, Devon. Amber can't figure out if he's here to help or save his own immortal race from losing the ancient war against the vampires. What she does know, however, is that she can't resist his good looks just as much as she can't help becoming someone else...

In a world of dark magic and ancient enemies, three powerful courts fight for supremacy, and Amber might just be the pawn in winning this war forever. But how's a girl to survive when everyone wants her dead?

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Not editing while I write. It takes me forever to finish a chapter because I’m a compulsive perfectionist who keeps rewriting and tweaking until I feel everything’s the way I want it to be. I know you shouldn’t edit while you write but I just can’t help myself.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I’d say Tolkien and his talent for world building and fantastic characters. He can fill page after page with the most beautiful description and prose.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing the last chapter. I always get emotional and have a hard time finishing the last chapter.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Don’t wait for inspiration to find you. Write even when you don’t feel like it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

See above. Also, continue to work on improving your style and prose.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for reading my books 

My Review

Dead and Beyond
(Ancient Legends #4)
by Jayde Scott

Release Date: February 22, 2012
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 292
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Author & Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Haunt Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Amber Reed is a dead girl walking.
Having just been turned by her gorgeous vampire boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Amber Reed is bestowed with the ability to see ghosts. Between trying to figure out how to control her bloodlust and solving the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Amber realizes someone wants to step into her shoes so badly, they’ll do anything to take her place.
When one secret after another pops up, the only person who believes her is her enemy, Devon. Amber can’t figure out if he’s here to help or save his own immortal race from losing the ancient war against the vampires. What she does know, however, is that she can’t resist his good looks just as much as she can’t help becoming someone else…
In a world of dark magic and ancient enemies, three powerful courts fight for supremacy, and Amber might just be the pawn in winning this war forever. But how’s a girl to survive when everyone wants her dead?

To start off I should admit that when I signed up for the blog tour I didn't realize this was the fourth book in the series. The book just had an awesome cover and the summary sounded like something I would enjoy. Well my reading instincts are rather good because it turned out I had already read the first book in the series a year ago. I wanted to read the second and third book before this one but I didn't have time. The series is easy to pick up even skipping books and I was happy because this book continues with Amber and Aidan who I met in the first book. The two previous books were focused on other characters. I found it easy to follow along and catch back up. Even if you haven't read any of the previous books, this story stands on its own well. I was able to follow along with little confusion because I honestly couldn't remember much from the first book when I started.

Amber is Aidan's bonded mate and a newly turned vampire. She also just won a paranormal race that has granted her unwanted necromancy powers. Amber has to deal with a crazy ghost haunting her as well as a missing friend to track down, all while trying to hide the fact that she has blood lust from Aidan. When she was turned there was a spell that was performed that was supposed to prevent it but it seems to have malfunctioned. Amber is having visions of her missing friend and wants to help find her. Amber has quite a few different mysteries to solve but she hides most of these things from Aidan. Amber and Aidan are really sweet together. The way Amber describes Aidan really makes me swoon for him. Although I was a little annoyed with them as a couple through a few parts because they continued to keep secrets from each other which just caused a lot of unnecessary mistrust and confusion.

Even though I love Aidan I have to admit I also love Devon. I did remember him from the first book. He is a shadow and an enemy to vampires but I think he still cares for Amber. I always love a good underdog and he is a good friend to Amber. They have great chemistry together even if it will only be as friends. I also enjoyed seeing a little bit of Amber's brother Dallas who is the bonded mate of Lucifer's daughter Cassie. Their story unfolds in book 2 which I haven't read but I was still able to enjoy their relationship in this book. Cassie is one of those fun, brutally honest and snarky characters that you love to hate them. I also love to hate Aidan's brother Kieran. He is another hilarious character with a big womanizing ego and cheesy pickup lines. There was an awesome set of secondary characters especially since I'm one to usually only enjoy the main couple. With such a mix of unique paranormal aspects, supporting characters and cute love story, I was able to zoom through the book in one night. The book ties up a couple of the mysteries but a few things are not solved, so I'm curious to see what will happen in the next book.

"I'm Kieran. You must be a hell of a thief because you stole my heart from across the room,"

"You're gorgeous. Everyone else's beauty pales in comparison to yours."

"That's all you've got for me?" I drew a long breath and let it out slowly. "You know. I might be able to get more clues from Google."

Rating: 4/5 Stars!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising* 

 ~ Ancient Legends Series ~

   

Follow the tour for more reviews, interviews, and GIVEAWAYS!

April 21- Paranormal Wasteland - Review/Giveaway

April 23 - Reading it All - Review/Giveaway

April 24 - Taking it One Page at a Time - Review/Interview/Giveaway

April 25 - Forbidden Passions - Review

April 26 - Mama Know Books - Review

April 27 - Some Like It Paranormal - Review/Interview

April 30 - Tana Rae Reads - Review/Interview/Giveaway

May 1 - Better Read Than Dead - Review

May 2 - Into the Morning - Review/Interview

May 3 - Kindle and Me - Review

May 4 - Book Whales - Review/Interview

May 7 - Fantasy Ink - Review/Interview

May 8 - Claire Reads - Review/Interview

May 9 - Inside BJ's Head - Review/Interview

May 10 - Book Lovin Mama's - Review/Interview/Giveaway

May 11 - Seeing Night - Review/Giveaway

May 12 - Nick's Book Blog - Review/Interview

May 13 - Books Like Breathing - Review/Giveaway

May 14 - Gothic Angel Book Reviews - Review/Interview/Giveaway

May 15 - TE Garden of Books - Review/Interview