BooksChatter: ℚ♫ The Keeper's Vow: Guardians Trilogy [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Francina Simone to talk about The Keeper's Vow (first published 11 April 2011; this edition published 7 September 2016, ChunkyCATBooks, 337 pages), a Young Adult Epic Urban Fantasy, book one of the Guardians Trilogy.

Synopsis | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Francina Simone; thank you for joining us!

As we love music, Francina has shared with us her music playlists for The Keeper's Vow; yes, two of them: Katie's on the left and Tristan's on the right - enjoy!

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Katie and I are soooo vastly different that I’m not really in this book at all. I thought it would be hard writing her but she’s so open that it was easy, but sad to say, none of me rubbed off on her—though she could have avoided some things if I had…"

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Keeper's Vow - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"First, my cover artist is Kim from KimG-Designs. She is absolutely amazing at what she does. I simply told her my idea and somehow she was in my brain because she saw exactly what I wanted and made it even better.

The concept is based on the series as a whole. The Cherry Blossom tree on the front is full and alive and represents a new stage in Katie’s life. The Tree itself is actually a symbol of a character you’ll meet in book two: Darkness Comes At Dawn (you’ll also meet her on the cover of that book) and as the Trilogy goes on the covers depict the trilogy as a whole. I just hope I do the symbolism justice!"

Why should we read The Keeper's Vow and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Well my book is Urban Fantasy and there already isn’t a lot of that in young adult (at least not as much as paranormal romance) but the big difference in my series is I capture the moral ambiguity of our world. I really set out to capture humane nature in this trilogy. The Keeper’s Vow is very small scope on Katie’s life but Book two (Darkness Comes At Dawn) opens up to the world as she steps out of her old life and into her “new” self. With that comes being a part of a world where you can’t control the horrible things that happen.

My book is all about letting my characters fall and picking themselves up. I never save them though I wish I could."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Keeper's Vow, its story and characters?

"So there is an underground city in my book—like legit city not the kind with tunnels, but like NYC at night—and it’s based off of a rumor that Boise had an underground city. I like to believe that in real life, it is a rumor because the people who go down there get their memory erased…so in reality…my book could be a nonfiction account—wait thinking about book 2…DEAR GOD nope! Let’s keep this world fictional."

Who would you recommend The Keeper's Vow to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Cassandra Clare’s books or even Vampire Academy and quirky characters. Especially those of you who love a broody guy you can’t help but love."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"Right now I have two projects going on. I’m finishing Book Three in the Trilogy (From the Ashes) and a project I am calling Origins (because it is the origin of all the lore in The Keeper’s Vow) but it’s 100% Fantasy. I tend to follow the story not the genre."

What is in store next?

"Well I’ll give you a little hint about book two (Darkness Comes at Dawn) since that will be out around Christmas time.

Because of the traumatic events at the end of The Keeper’s Vow, Katie has a really hard time coping especially when school feels like a joke and the people around her don’t really know how to help her—though they try in some unhelpful ways. She ends up finding closure with people she never thought she could be friends with, loses friends she thought she’d always have, and she loses something else—but that turns out to be a highlight and super fun.

The big kicker is there is trouble brewing on the horizon that no one can stop…and it turns the entire world upside down—the hard part is we (the readers) and Katie are victims who just have to hope like hell we can run fast enough to get to safety."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I have a cat and a puppy (and I know terrible but I’m biased and love my cat more). When I take the dog on walks the cat comes too. I never thought anything of it until a lady at the dentist office up the street made a comment about our little brigade (as I always have my son too so it looks like a circus). It’s ridiculous. My cat has also taking a 30-foot dive to the ground (twice) and lived to tell the tale. He’s been to Japan and slept in a tree one night when a corgi (the only dog to ever frighten him) chased him up there. He’s super friendly and will cover you in fur if you aren’t careful."

Love that pic! Thank you for sharing :-) Your cat sounds like a real character! I have met two cats who went for walks, with just with her owner, the other one with their dog - the first time I saw it I could not believe it! Cats are so under-rated! My little monsters (seven of them... soon to be eight...) go out in the garden with harnesses and leashes (we live by a main road!). They are so cute in their little jackets :-D