The Syrenka Series by Amber Garr Blog Tour
Follow the full tour HERE
Guest
Blog - Amber Garr
Where
Did That Come From?
As
a reader, I am often curious how authors came to create the
characters, scenes, and series that have captured my interest. Why
did they choose a succubus? Why tell a story about a girl with a
toxic touch? What would I do if I found out vampires were real?
I’ve
read interviews where authors reveal that their ideas evolved from a
dream or a class they once took about mythology. Characters are
often based on people in their lives, or a combination of traits from
people they once knew. I always find it interesting to hear how the
muse speaks to others, so I’d thought I share a little bit about my
writing process.
Why
did I decide to write about a mermaid? It’s no secret, I used to
wish I was a mermaid as a girl (okay, I still think it would be
cool), and with my love of the water and a knack for science, being a
marine biologist was about the closest I could get to it. I have
also been a lifeguard, synchronized swimmer, and SCUBA diver, so
incorporating an underwater world into my books seemed like an
obvious choice. Plus…mermaids and selkies are just plain awesome!
But
that’s not usually how the first idea sparks. I am a very
organized type of person so I need to start from the beginning with
every story no matter how long. The first thing I
visualize/see/dream is the opening scene, and often it is the very
first line. Promises (Book One of The Syrenka Series) was not the
first book I wrote and there were several other stories before that.
Every one of them began with an errant thought I had during the day
where I suddenly visualized an opening scene. I carry my zombie
notebook with me wherever I go so I can catch those moments as they
arise (ha! Book Three of The Syrenka Series).
So
writing about mermaids and selkies was something different than
vampires and werewolves (not that I’m not a fan), and they live in
world I wish I could share. But writing about Eviana’s story began
with a vision of two words spoken at the end of the chapter one: “I
promise.” That’s it! Two words turned into a trilogy!
Now
my zombie notebook is full of ideas for Eviana, Kain, and Brendan.
Most made it into the books, but some may have to come out in later
stories. And I already have the first line planned!
Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love.
When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.
A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape.
Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.
When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.
A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape.
Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.
Life as a mermaid can be suffocating.
Eviana Dumahl has returned home as a clan leader, an orphan, and a heartbroken teenage girl. Her parents are dead and her boyfriend, Brendan, has decided that he needs some time away. While battling her inner turmoil, Eviana is forced into the war that Lucian Sutherland has incited amongst her own kind. With the help of Kain, her friend and formally betrothed, the two work together to prove that they deserve their birthrights as young merfolk leaders.
When the Council requests a demonstration of Eviana’s mermaid powers, she finds herself with an opportunity to win back Brendan’s heart. But her orders to train with a repulsive merman and the presence of an attractive new suitor challenges Eviana to embrace her leadership and resist temptation. Lucian is after her, and no one seems to understand why. Loyalties are tested as the casualties increase, showing Eviana that sometimes it is impossible to delineate between friends and enemies.
Betrayal is the second book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends as they navigate through the challenges of existing in a secret world.
Eviana Dumahl has returned home as a clan leader, an orphan, and a heartbroken teenage girl. Her parents are dead and her boyfriend, Brendan, has decided that he needs some time away. While battling her inner turmoil, Eviana is forced into the war that Lucian Sutherland has incited amongst her own kind. With the help of Kain, her friend and formally betrothed, the two work together to prove that they deserve their birthrights as young merfolk leaders.
When the Council requests a demonstration of Eviana’s mermaid powers, she finds herself with an opportunity to win back Brendan’s heart. But her orders to train with a repulsive merman and the presence of an attractive new suitor challenges Eviana to embrace her leadership and resist temptation. Lucian is after her, and no one seems to understand why. Loyalties are tested as the casualties increase, showing Eviana that sometimes it is impossible to delineate between friends and enemies.
Betrayal is the second book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends as they navigate through the challenges of existing in a secret world.
With power comes the responsibility to accept its consequences.
After the betrayal of those closest to her, Eviana Dumahl struggles to cope with her new reality. Kidnapped, broken, and confused, she is forced to engage in a war that will alter merfolk politics forever. With her estranged father leading the charge, Eviana has no choice but to stand by his side. Her continued existence hinges on the acceptance of the power growing inside her, even when that means embracing the family’s dark lineage.
Kain Matthew will sacrifice the world for Eviana. And he is not alone. As time runs out, her friends fight to save her life and theirs. An unlikely alliance gives them the edge they need to take a stand, although it keeps Eviana’s heart trapped in the past. A new discovery explains some of her previous mistakes, but it may not be enough to stop her father’s plans. Merfolk, selkies, and water sprites work together to save their kind, only in this final battle, not everyone will survive.
In the striking series conclusion, Eviana will learn the true meaning of power, sacrifice, and love.
After the betrayal of those closest to her, Eviana Dumahl struggles to cope with her new reality. Kidnapped, broken, and confused, she is forced to engage in a war that will alter merfolk politics forever. With her estranged father leading the charge, Eviana has no choice but to stand by his side. Her continued existence hinges on the acceptance of the power growing inside her, even when that means embracing the family’s dark lineage.
Kain Matthew will sacrifice the world for Eviana. And he is not alone. As time runs out, her friends fight to save her life and theirs. An unlikely alliance gives them the edge they need to take a stand, although it keeps Eviana’s heart trapped in the past. A new discovery explains some of her previous mistakes, but it may not be enough to stop her father’s plans. Merfolk, selkies, and water sprites work together to save their kind, only in this final battle, not everyone will survive.
In the striking series conclusion, Eviana will learn the true meaning of power, sacrifice, and love.
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Giveaway!
One (1) e-book from the Syrenka Series (Promises or Betrayal or Arise) Open INT
Every single tour stop is giving away an e-book so be sure to follow the tour HERE
Every single tour stop is giving away an e-book so be sure to follow the tour HERE
Tour-Wide Giveaway!
All three (3) signed paperbacks of Promises, Betrayal, and Arise + Swag to
one winner
Open INT, Ends September 30th
Thank you so much for the giveaway! Amber seems like an amazing author because her books look so freaking awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lili! I hope you get a chance to check them out. :)
DeleteI never wished I was a mermaid, but it would come in handy since I can't swim. I definitely would choose the selkie, especially if I loved him since childhood. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and I think it would be hard for me not to choose the selkie too. :)
DeleteThank you for being a part of my tour Jennifer and for posting everything!! :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Brandon!! Thanks so much for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI remember as a kid being in the pool and always pretending I was a mermaid! Such a hard choice to make....I'd like to say I'd be selfless and pick the clan but the shape shifting selkie is sooo tempting.
ReplyDeleteGAAAAH!! These look SO amazing! <3 Awesome tour stop, and thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting premise, and I love hearing where story ideas come from.
ReplyDeleteThanks for guest post,
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the posts..:D
I think it would be exciting to be a mermaid and no way in hell would I let anyone chose my mate other than me.
ReplyDeleteGreat guest post. I love the author wrote about mermaids because she wanted to be one lol. This sounds like a really good series.
ReplyDeleteI love mermaids. When I was a child I wanted to be Ariel. I definitely would choose Brendan.
ReplyDeleteGreat covers and trailers, thank you for the giveaway!
Artemis
Hi Amber! Those are some pretty covers *.* and I have to say, I'm a complete sucker for stories with selkies :3
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger I adored mermaids, I remember playing with the little mermaid barbies in the tub and wanting to be one. Promises is next on my to read list and it would be amazing to have a signed copy. Looking forward to reading your unique novels! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYour books look so gorgeous!! I love them! I've never read a book about mermaids, so i'm really excited to start with this one. Hopefully I can have a chance! :) (ileana-rafflecopter)
ReplyDelete