Review and Author Interview: Blood Bound by Sharon Stevenson

Blood Bound (A Gallows Novel) by Sharon Stevenson

Description

19-year-old twin demon trackers Shaun and Sarah Gallows are used to running into trouble – mostly the kind with fangs – but while Sarah embraces her powers to their fullest extent, trusting her instincts implicitly, Shaun distances himself from his abilities and can do little more than despair at his sister’s reckless nature and idly back her up.

When they come across 17-year-old Melissa Carling, a demon tracker who’s been torturing innocent super-naturals, they know they have to stop her. Sarah is desperate to punish Melissa for what she’s been doing but Shaun’s instant attraction to the girl points to a soul-mate bond stronger than anything he’s ever had to fight before…

Review

Blood Bound is an action-packed thrill ride that starts the moment you jump in. We’re first introduced to Shaun and Sarah as they’re in a nest of vampires. There are a lot of twists and turns all throughout the story, and just when you think that you’ve got everything figured you get another surprise.

Trouble awaits the twins at every turn and they do their best, wanting to handle things on their own, against the rules. If you enjoy the paranormal creatures, then you will be delighted with the wide array of supernatural characters. All of the characters in the book are well written and believable. The ending was quite a surprise and a definite cliff hanger.

As a non-UK reader, I did have some difficulties with the differences in slang and I didn’t quite understand some of what she was trying to say. Although in most cases I was able to figure out the gist of the meaning. It also had more swearing and sex than I prefer, but other than those issues it was a very good read!

Interview

What inspired you to become a writer?

It’s something I’ve just always done really, I don’t remember any specific inspiration for it. Ever since I learned how to write I’ve been making stuff up and writing it down. I’ve always loved reading too so that probably had a hand in it.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Just write what you want to write and keep writing even when you’re not sure it’s any good. It might be better than you think and even if it isn’t you’ve stopped writers block from getting to you!

What has been the most challenging part of publishing or marketing your book?

Probably the more technical stuff – setting up a website, getting used to social networking sites, etc – because I’m pretty technophobic at times.

What has been your favorite part?

The best part for me is the writing, but I get really excited when I get a new review too. I like to find out what people think about my books and it’s the best feeling when someone’s enjoyed it.

Who are your favorite authors?

Simon R Green, Kim Harrison & Jim Butcher are my favourites and have been for the past few years. I read a lot though and I’m always finding new favourites to follow.

What gave you the idea for Blood Bound?

I did the ‘write the book you want to read’ thing. I wanted something entertaining with a strong element of the supernatural and a dark sense of humour.

If you could be any character in the book, which one would you be?

Tough question. I don’t think I’d actually want to be any of them, though it might be fun to be a demon tracker. I’ve been told Sarah’s quite like me but I don’t totally see it myself.

What other books have you written and/or are working on for the future?

The Gallows novels will continue on for a while, with the 3rd book coming very soon. I also have the first part of an Urban Fantasy Comedy/Horror trilogy I’m editing right now and planning to publish in the summer. It’s called ‘Raised’ and it’s set partly in Edinburgh, partly Las Vegas.

What’s your favorite quote?

Another tough question, I have a lot of favourite quotes and most of them are from movies. I think I’ll go with one that packs a punch –

‘I am Godzilla. You are Japan!’ Critical Bill, Things to do in Denver When You’re Dead.