Blog Tour Interview with Sandra Waugh, Author of Silver Eve (and GIVEAWAY!)

Welcome to the Silver Eve blog tour! I am so excited to be a part of the promotion for this AMAZING novel. Check out an interview I had with Sandra, and enter to win awesome prizes!

Lark Rising review | Silver Eve review

Meet Sandra Waugh!

Alyssa:  Hi Sandra!  Thank you so much for joining me today on my blog! And congratulations on another publication – I absolutely LOVED Lark Rising! So excited for Silver Eve to be out it the world. :)

Sandra: Hi Alyssa!  Thank you for inviting me into your lovely world of books!  I am so touched that you loved Lark and truly hope you enjoy Evie’s tale.  (That’s always the scary part: that the second book will have quite the different effect.)

Alyssa:  And I totally did! Evie's story was lovely. :) So let’s get to it, lady!  How was writing Silver Eve different from writing Lark Rising?  Especially being more of a companion novel with different protagonists?

Sandra:  I basically followed the principle of ‘freedom within the form’.  I had the frame of purpose set out in Book 1 (world out of balance, Guardians awakened to reclaim amulets) but I could wander—new heroine, new romance, new territories to travel and new abilities to explore.  That was a lot of fun.  I always knew that this story was going to be much darker than Lark—so was prepared. I think the challenge was revisiting characters from Lark and having to write them through a different eye, so to speak.

Alyssa:  If this series were to make it to the little or big screen, which actor and actress would you choose to play Evie and Laurent?

Sandra: I wouldn’t presume—as a reader I love having the freedom to imagine what/who the characters would look like. Some big screen choices have ruined some favorite books for me.

But… since these actors can no longer play the roles I imagine Evie and Laurent most closely resemble:  

Robin Wright, The Princess Bride

Bruce Robinson, The Story of Adele H

Alyssa: I loved The Princess Bride! What’s the one song that really represents this book?

Sandra:  It would have to be Tom Odell’s Heal.

Take my mind

And take my pain

Like an empty bottle takes the rain

And heal, heal, heal, heal

And take my past

And take my sense

Like an empty sail takes the wind

And heal, heal, heal, heal

And tell me some things last…

Take a heart

And take a hand

Like an ocean takes the dirty sand

And heal, heal, hell, heal

Take my mind

And take my pain

Like an empty bottle takes the rain

And heal, heal, heal, heal

And tell me some things last…

Alyssa:  Can you tell us anything about the protagonists of Book 3?

Sandra:  The girl has been a slave in the mines of Tyre for ten years—a world where, if you’re lucky, you’d be dead after day one.  She’s fairly feral, and not someone likely to believe there are any other protagonists in her story. But certainly she’ll have help from some familiar faces!

Alyssa:  I AM INTRIGUED. Do you have any other projects at work, besides the Guardians of Tarnec series? Or anything about book three? ;)

Sandra:  I’ve been working on a MG with a friend of mine, revising a YA contemporary fantasy, and plotting/pantsing two other fantasy WIPs. We’ll see what happens… :)

Alyssa:  Ooo, collaboration! I'm excited. And that’s all from me!  Thank you so much for stopping by my blog, Sandra! And happy (early) publication to you and Silver Eve!

Sandra:  Thank you so much, Alyssa! xo

About the Author:

Sandra grew up in an old house full of crowded bookshelves, in walking distance of an old library that allowed her to drag home a sack of six books at a time. It goes without saying, then, that she fell in love with the old house in Litchfield County, CT, because of its many bookshelves, and she lives there now with her husband, two sons, and a dog who snores. Loudly.

LARK RISING is her first novel and the first in the GUARDIANS OF TARNEC series. SILVER EVE follows in 2015.

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About Silver Eve:

Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh

Book Two of the Guardians of Tarnec series

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Publication Date: September 22, 2015

Official Summary: 

A Healer without home or purpose, seventeen-year-old Evie Carew has found the perfect place to disappear: Rood Marsh. She can easily fade into its vast wilderness of towering reeds; leave behind the growing violence that is claiming her innocent world. Leave behind the tragedy that broke her heart and sent her far from her grandmother, cousin Lark and all she once loved.

But Evie is not alone in the marsh. A seer, a Rider, and Breeders of Chaos all hunt her—for though opposed in objective, her seekers share knowledge she does not: Evie is one of the four Guardians of Tarnec, one who can help save the world from the coming destruction if she can reclaim the stolen amulet of Death. But whether she meets true love or a brutal end on such a journey is a matter of who finds her first.

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About Lark Rising:

Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh

Book One of the Guardians of Tarnec series

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 23, 2014

Official Summary: 

Lark has foreseen two things—she will fall for a young man with sage green eyes, and he will kill her.

Sixteen-year-old Lark Carew is happiest close to home, tending her garden and gathering herbs for medicines. But when her Sight warns her that monsters called Troths will soon invade her village, Lark is summoned on a journey to seek help from the legendary Riders of Tarnec. Little does she suspect that one of the Riders, Gharain, is the very man who has haunted her visions. Or that the people of Tarnec have called her there for another reason: Lark is the Guardian of Life, the first of four Guardians who must awaken their powers to recover four stolen amulets. Together, the amulets—Life, Death, Dark, and Light—keep the world in Balance. To take back the Life amulet, Lark will have to discover her true inner strength and give in to a love that she swears will be her downfall. 

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The Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a signed hardcover each of LARK RISING and SILVER EVE, 2 bookmarks, and shell amulet necklace.US Only.

1 winner will a signed hardcover each of LARK RISING and SILVER EVE, 2 bookmarks, and orb amulet necklace.US Only.

1 winner will a signed paperback of LARK RISING signed ARC of SILVER EVE, 2 bookmarks, 2 temporary tattoos (lark and vine), "Rain" perfume oil. US Only.

 

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Follow the rest of the tour!

Week One

Sept. 14th | Such a Novel Idea - Interview

Sept. 15th | Kindle and Me - Excerpt

Sept. 16th | Two Chicks on Books - Interview

Sept. 17th | History from a Woman’s Perspective - Review

Sept. 18th | Book Swoon - Review

Week Two

Sept. 21st | The Eater of Books - Interview

Sept. 22nd | Paranormal Book Club - Guest Post

Sept. 23rd | Taking It One Book at a Time - Review

Sept. 24th | Fire and Ice - Excerpt

Sept. 25th | Please Feed the Bookworm - Review

Review: Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh

Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh

Book Two of the Guardians of Tarnec series

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Publication Date: September 22, 2015

Rating: 4 stars

Source: Review copy sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

A Healer without home or purpose, seventeen-year-old Evie Carew has found the perfect place to disappear: Rood Marsh. She can easily fade into its vast wilderness of towering reeds; leave behind the growing violence that is claiming her innocent world. Leave behind the tragedy that broke her heart and sent her far from her grandmother, cousin Lark and all she once loved.

But Evie is not alone in the marsh. A seer, a Rider, and Breeders of Chaos all hunt her—for though opposed in objective, her seekers share knowledge she does not: Evie is one of the four Guardians of Tarnec, one who can help save the world from the coming destruction if she can reclaim the stolen amulet of Death. But whether she meets true love or a brutal end on such a journey is a matter of who finds her first.

What I Liked:

The publicity letter accompanying this review copy mentioned that this book was for fans of Juliet Marillier and Kristin Cashore - two extremely popular ladies in fantasy. Cashore is my favorite author, and author of my favorite book ever (Fire). I've only read one of Marillier's books (Dreamer's Pool), and I loved it. But my point to all of this - usually I dislike lofty comparisons, but I think this comparison really worked. If you've read anything written by Cashore or Marillier, there is a VERY good chance that you'll enjoy this fantasy series.

Evie Carew, Healer and the cousin of Lark (protagonist of Lark Rising) has been wandering, not sure of what she seeks, healing people from different villages as she goes. A seer gives her a cryptic prophecy, and then she is rescued by a Rider after she successfully weaves a disastrous spell. Breeders of Chaos are after her. She and Laurent must find the amulet of Death - and protect it - before everyone she loves perishes and the Balance is forever lost. 

In Lark Rising, we meet Lark, the Guardian of Life. Evie is her cousin, and she finds out that she is the Guardian of Death. While Lark is slightly more timid, Evie is more outspoken, more vocal about her curiosities. Evie is also heartbroken at the end of Lark Rising, as the boy she loved died. But in death, her one connection to Laurent was formed - he was the one that killed the Troth that killed Raif. I like how complex Evie is; in the beginning, she is definitely lost and aimless. By the end, she is driven, by loyalty and love, protectiveness and a sense of rightness. There is a sadness in Evie, something that doesn't just disappear. Yet she still fights on, in her own way.

Laurent is so dreamy! Like Gharain, he is a Rider, and a Guardian's Complement. He is stubborn and loyal, always protective of Evie, but cognizant of when to leave her. Evie is a Healer, and often insists that she need not know how to kill (or to kill anyone), but Laurent is always there for her, and not just for protection. He is so patient and and fierce, but he has such a calm disposition. I really like Laurent! He is an amazing Complement, Rider, friend, and then some.

At first this book seems a bit aimless (like Evie) - Evie doesn't even know that she is a Guardian. She left home shortly after Lark showed up at the end of Lark Rising, heartbroken over Raif. What kicks this story into gear is a prophecy, a spell, and the appearance of Laurent. Never a dull moment in this book! Sandra Waugh takes us through many different locations, in search of the amulet, as well as the twists that occur after the amulet is located. I fear for so many characters!

Which leads me to the ending - this book ended in a surprising way! It is VERY clear that this series really is not a companion series any more. I think the author is writing each of the four books from the perspective of each of the Guardians (Life, Death, Light, and Dark), so the next book will be written in the perspective of the Guardian of Light or the Guardian of Darkness. The ending is a cliffhanger for sure! It's bittersweet, yet a good "hook" ending. I already wanted to read the next two books, but after that ending, yes indeed!

Romance - the romance was just as sweet as Lark and Gharain's romance in Lark Rising! I think I liked Lark and Gharain more, but then, not much is getting close to that book, for me. It was nice to see Evie move past Raif's death. Also, her and Laurent are a sweet couple. The romance is slow-burn and tender, not demonstrative but very swoony. No love triangle, also. Romance is never a central part of these books in the series, yet the romance is one of my favorite parts. Love!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't say there was anything I specifically didn't like. Perhaps the ending - it is quite the cliffhanger! I hate cliffhanger endings. But I know there are two more novels in this series, and I know Waugh would not steer us wrong, so I'm trusting her.

I loved this book, though you'll notice my rating isn't as perfect as that of Lark Rising's. Honestly, Lark Rising was so SO good, and not much is touching that one. It was a favorite of 2014. So this book getting a lower star isn't because it was "worse" - it's because Lark Rising was THAT good. If that makes sense!

Would I Recommend It:

I would highly recommend this sequel, as well as the series in general. Definitely a favorite series, and I must agree with the comparisons of "for fans of Marillier, Cashore". I love Kristin Cashore and Juliet Marillier, and we can definitely put Sandra Waugh's name in there too. If you love fantasy (of the high/epic variety), definitely give this series a chance!

Rating:

4 stars. Gorgeous book, gorgeous story! I need more from the Guardians of Tarnec series. And I am so anxious to see who the next Guardian is! A year could not pass soon enough!

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Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Swoon Thursday (#137): Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh

Swoon Thursday is a hot meme hosted by the fabulous ladies at YA Bound!

- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting

This week, my swoon is from Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh!

I pressed a finger against his lips. "Your mouth is a yearning," I murmured.

"And if I kiss you, is the yearning sated?"

"Try."

And he kissed me, once, twice. Then I pulled back and said, "Nay, not sated. It leaves me wanting more. Always." 

"Always." Laurent nodded. Then he said soft: "From the first time I saw you I was lost to you anyway." He turned a little and drew a strand of my hair back from my cheek. "Silver-haired, silver-voiced beauty." 

- page 261 (hardcover)

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Read my review of Lark Rising! (Silver Eve review to be posted tomorrow.)


THIS SERIES! Silver Eve has my feels twisted up in knots. Book three, please!

Waiting on Wednesday (#128): Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I'm featuring:

Silver Eve by Sandra Waugh

Book Two of the Guardians of Tarnec series

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Publication Date: September 22, 2015

Summary (from Goodreads):

A Healer without home or purpose, seventeen-year-old Evie Carew has found the perfect place to disappear: Rood Marsh. She can easily fade into its vast wilderness of towering reeds; leave behind the growing violence that is claiming her innocent world. Leave behind the tragedy that broke her heart and sent her far from her grandmother, cousin Lark and all she once loved.

But Evie is not alone in the marsh. A seer, a Rider, and Breeders of Chaos all hunt her—for though opposed in objective, her seekers share knowledge she does not: Evie is one of the four Guardians of Tarnec, one who can help save the world from the coming destruction if she can reclaim the stolen amulet of Death. But whether she meets true love or a brutal end on such a journey is a matter of who finds her first.

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble


We all know how much I LOVED Lark Rising, right? If you're not familiar with these books, GET FAMILIAR :D It's a companion series - fantasy!

Review: Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh

Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh

Book One of the Guardians of Tarnec series

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: September 23, 2014

Rating: 5 stars

Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Lark has foreseen two things—she will fall for a young man with sage green eyes,and he will kill her.

Sixteen-year-old Lark Carew is happiest close to home, tending her garden and gathering herbs for medicines. But when her Sight warns her that monsters called Troths will soon invade her village, Lark is summoned on a journey to seek help from the legendary Riders of Tarnec. Little does she suspect that one of the Riders, Gharain, is the very man who has haunted her visions. Or that the people of Tarnec have called her there for another reason: Lark is the Guardian of Life, the first of four Guardians who must awaken their powers to recover four stolen amulets. Together, the amulets—Life, Death, Dark, and Light—keep the world in Balance. To take back the Life amulet, Lark will have to discover her true inner strength and give in to a love that she swears will be her downfall.

What I Liked:

It's been only two days since picking up this one to read, and I've already re-read it. GOSH, THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!! I was worried that it would be a little unoriginal, not fresh or different from other fantasy novels, but there was no need to worry. This book was interesting and unique, not cliche or typical at all!

Lark has been summoned to face her destiny: she is the Guardian of Life, one of four Guardians with incredible powers... but stolen amulets. Life is a balance of light and dark, and at the moment, the darkness - the chaos - has Lark's amulet. Lark had no idea what she was (a Guardian), so imagine her surprise at being summoned from her village, and told that she cannot return to save the village. Lark has the Sight, and she sees visions of death (her own), a beautiful man (a Rider and an aide of the Guardians), her village being destroyed... Lark must realize her fate and find her amulet, before everything is lost.

 I love this book! I love the story. This is fantasy at its finest, epic/high fantasy like The Lord of the Rings, or something. I love The Lord of the Rings. I don't know any series that can compare to that one, but let's just say this one may come close. 

Lark is an awesome protagonist. You can totally see her character development, from start to finish. At first, she is a bit naive and maybe a little timid, but when she is thrust into the dangerous world of Guardians and Riders and Breeders (the bad guys), she matures and understands. I liked Lark in the beginning, but I really liked her by the end of the book.

I love the male protagonist, Gharain. Oh, he is so swoon-worthy. LET ME TELL YOU. At first, he totally despises her (when they very first meet). And for good reason! He was fooled the last time (by a Breeder), and it resulted in the death of an important noble. But then Gharain falls in love with her... and she him... and it's lovely. I love it when the characters go from "hate" to love. Although neither ever really hated the other. Gharain is brave and loyal, fierce and intelligent. Loveeeeeee.

I thought the romance would be insta-love-y, at first, because Lark sees Gharain in a vision, before she meets him. He is killing her in the vision though. But she sees him, and he interests her. Mentally, I was like, groan, insta-love. But it wasn't so! I promise! I know it sounds doubtful, but there was no insta-love, in this book. I HATE insta-love, almost as much as I hate love triangles, so trust me, I would never lead you astray!

The writing. The prose. OH MY GOODNESS. I love the voice of this book. The writing is gorgeous and beautiful and so NOT modern and I loved it so much! Seriously, it was so lyrical and beautiful! I don't know how else to describe it - poetic, maybe. But NOT poetic, because this book read like fiction, not like poetry. It's hard to describe, but basically, the writing was very distinct and very WONDERFUL.

If nothing else attracts you... well, let me tell you that this book is all sorts of exciting and maddening and heart-tugging and fabulous! I definitely caught a case of the *feels* in this one, which is pretty rare, for me. Every scene with tender moments between Gharain and Lark (which were few and far between, but totally worth each one). When certain friends had to leave. When Lark had her second round of visions about Gharain. It was like Waugh was piercing my soul!

Basically... if you haven't understood by now, know that I loved this book! And I will shout about it from the rooftops! And push it on everyone, fantasy lover or not!

What I Did Not Like:

I have to wait for book two. Boooo.

Would I Recommend It:

YES! Oh my goodness, yes! If you didn't get that feeling from my review, then shame on you, because I WANT EVERYONE TO READ THIS ONE!! Epic fantasy lover or not, you can't miss this one! Go go go!

Rating:

5 (rare and very well-deserved) stars. I don't even know how to coherently and thoroughly describe my love for this book! Oh wait - be right back, going to re-read it, AGAIN!

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Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Swoon Thursday (#81): Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh

Swoon Thursday is a hot meme hosted by the fabulous ladies at YA Bound!

- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting

This week, my swoon is from Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh!

"Gharain."

"Yes, Lark?"

"I yield," I murmured, and felt his lips take mine.

Sometime later in that night, I felt the sweep of something light against my cheek and then Gharain's lips by my ear. "Lark," he whispered, "I return these to you. I'd kept them, to have something of you near always. But now I have you."

And I turned to him and sought his mouth once more, and he let the feathers brush down my skin before reaching an arm back to tuck them into my sack - these namesakes, and sign,, and summon. This gift.

- ARC, page 282

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I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!! Definitely one of my favorite of the year. Go figure, a fantasy novel ;D Catch my review on Tuesday!