BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Shadow's Voice [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Natalie Johanson to talk about Shadow's Voice (15 June 2014, WiDo Publishing, 275 pages), a Fantasy.

This is a great first book from Natalie Johanson. You have an amazing world and a kick butt lead character. Rose doesn’t take grief from anyone which is at odds with her running from her past. As you learn about her past you do come to care for her and hope that her finds her place in the world.

This world was created perfectly. No info dumps and a hint at a romance that progresses very slowly. It was very easy to get into this story and the ending wrapped everything up neatly. There is an opening for a sequel and I really hope that there is more to come from this world.

I recommend checking out Shadow’s Voice if you like YA fantasy stories. I can’t wait to read more from Natalie Johanson.

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

A very warm welcome to Natalie Johanson; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

To begin, as we love music, Natalie Johanson has shared with us her music playlist for Shadow's Voice - enjoy!

"It’s a random mix of things...don’t judge"

What was the inspiration for Shadow's Voice?

"I always wanted to write a book where the main character is a strong, conflicted person. No one is perfect and everyone has moments in their life they aren’t proud of. I wanted a character that reflected that. I was influenced a lot by the reboot of Battlestar Galactica in that aspect."

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

"There are aspects of my personality in Rose, the main character. I use a lot of my personality traits I don’t like, the ones I wish I didn’t have. I highlighted some of those and then gave her traits I hope one day I'll have. For example; Rose is petty and insecure and a little proud. But she’s also strong and determined."

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

"The cover design is by Steven Novak. I am amazed by the cover. I gave the artist an excerpt and the backflap synopsis and this was what Steven was able to come up with. It was almost exactly what I had imagined for my cover and I’m so happy."

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

"The main character isn’t all good. She makes mistakes and has a lot of faults. She doesn’t always make the right choice or even for the right reasons. It’s worth reading because those flaws make her feel real, which is something a lot of fantasy characters are lacking. Rose comes to the plot with experience and having experienced things already. She doesn’t suffer from the trope so many female fantasy characters suffer from; which is being unprepared for what is coming and naive about life. There is also the added reason that there are women in power in Shadow’s Voice and at no point do they need to explain why. They just are. It’s an accepted thing for women to be in positions of power."

Can you tell us something quirky about Shadow's Voice, its story and characters?

"There is a character in Shadow’s Voice who is a swordsmaster and trainer. His name is Archibald (Archie) who is named after a restaurant in town with the same name. I saw it and liked it."

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

"I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy or adult fantasy; anyone who loves a strong female lead. There is some graphic violence in a few parts."

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 the fantasy genre a lot. I want to try writing urban fantasy but I’m terrible at researching things like street names and city layouts so I’m not sure how well that will work. And I love creating my own world."

What is your writing process?

"I’m pretty much at the whims of my muse. I have the plot in my head. I know, eventually, where I want to go, but for the most part I write scenes how and when I want to and figure out how to put them together later."

What is in store next?

"I’m currently working the sequel to Shadow’s Voice. I hope to make it into a trilogy at the least. The second one will pick up right where Shadow’s Voice left off of and will continue with very little break. In the second you’ll see a lot more of the history of the world and a lot more of Rose’s as well. You’ll get to meet figures from her past that are very important. There will also be more development between her and King Micah."

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 two cats, they’re litter brothers, and they are my booboos. They are long haired blue Russians and are the most adorable freaking things ever. Holmes and Watson. Holmes is my fiancée's cat for sure but Watson is my baby. He’ll sleep under the covers with me."

Watson, what a gorgeous blue kitty you are! (you look so much like our late Vodka, but she was little and a throw-back from a litter of moggies :-) ) Lots of head-scratches to you and Holmes!

Natalie, thank you for sharing Watson with us :-)

Can Rose accept who she is in time to save her country and herself?