BooksChatter: ℚ The Exiled Otherkin

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Danielle Lieber to talk about The Exiled Otherkin (8 November 2017, Black Rose Writing, 203 pages), a Steampunk Fantasy Romance.

"A fine steampunk fairy tale! Vibrant characters in a rich world that manages to be both fae and familiar." — M.K. Wiseman, author of The Bookminder

|| Synopsis || Trailer || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome back to Danielle Lieber; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for The Exiled Otherkin?

"I’m really into steampunk. I’m even a member of the Kenosha Steampunk Society, and the members there really encouraged me to write a steampunk novel.

Once I’d decided to pursue it, the idea of adding fae just sort of came to me while I was brainstorming one day."

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

"Well, my love for steampunk and fantasy is certainly reflected in the book. Other than that, not much.What I love about fantasy is that you can explore things completely foreign to you.

I have experienced a close relationship with a younger sibling, so I understand where Ember is coming from with her brother, Pika. And, while it sounds a little mundane, I also understand that sometimes in order for relationships to work both people need to change and meet in the middle."

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

"I wanted the cover to reflect the meeting of the steampunk and fae subgenres, and I wanted to express a little of Ember’s personality.

Dave King, the graphic artist at Black Rose Writing, did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. He’s so great to work with because he really listens to an author’s vision while using his own expertise to create aesthetic appeal."

Why should we read The Exiled Otherkin and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Having steampunk and fae in the same book is a little unusual for both genres. On top of that, steampunk is usually set in the Victorian Era, but The Exiled Otherkin is set in modern day.

I’ve written a strong female protagonist, who is by no means in touch with her emotions, and a sensitive, honest male lead who finds his strength through his love of another. Reilley is certainly not a love interest you will find in most romance novels. I didn’t want to use cookie-cutter male stereotypes. They aren’t fair to men everywhere, since men come in all shapes and sizes and personalities, just like women.

And it’s all wrapped in a fast-paced adventure fraught with power struggles with an evil fae queen."

Who would you recommend The Exiled Otherkin to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this book to anyone who likes steampunk, fae stories, adventure, and romance.

My disclaimer is that there is adult content, so if you are uncomfortable reading about sexual intimacy, you may want to pass."

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

"I like to write fantasy romance, but I often explore offshoots.

Promoting Conjuring Zephyr

The Exiled Otherkin is steampunk and adventure as well.

I’ve also written a fantasy romance detective novel, which I hope will be in front of readers in the next few years."

What is in store next?

"Most of the stories I write have sequels on the drawing board, but I like to world hop. The next novel readers are likely to see is called Intended Bondmates:

Vampires may feed on humans, but nothing is as irresistible to them as fae blood.

Runa has long given up on being content with her life. Her only goal is to protect Mikhail until he awakens and gains his full magic. For the last thirteen years, ever since tragedy struck when they were children, she has protected him as was expected of his werewolf guardian. Though she has started looking for a mate, she can’t imagine what will happen once she’s free of Mikhail. But when he requests to be unbound from her before his awakening, she’s given the chance to return to her intended bondmate.

She expects a warm welcome from Konner, not foreseeing his bitterness at having been abandoned. Konner isn’t the only one who is bitter. His brother’s guardian, Rowan, has had to protect both faelings while she was with Mikhail.

It’s up to Runa to find a way to soothe these two demanding males if she hopes to make up for her past betrayals."

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?