We had the opportunity to chat with Melissa Grey about the second book in her trilogy, The Shadow Hour… Here are the details!
The Shadow Hour by Melissa Grey (Website, Twitter, Goodreads)Also by this author: The Savage Dawn
Published by Random House Children's Books on July 12th 2016
Genres: Action & Adventure, General, Legends, Myths, Fables, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 432
Format: ARC
Everything in Echo's life changed in a blinding flash when she learned the startling truth: she is the firebird, the creature of light that is said to bring peace.
The firebird has come into the world, but it has not come alone. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and Echo can feel a great and terrible darkness rising in the distance. Cosmic forces threaten to tear the world apart.
Echo has already lost her home, her family, and her boyfriend. Now, as the firebird, her path is filled with even greater dangers than the ones she's already overcome.
She knows the Dragon Prince will not fall without a fight.
Echo must decide: can she wield the power of her true nature--or will it prove too strong for her, and burn what's left of her world to the ground?
Welcome to the shadow hour.
Describe THE SHADOW HOUR in 5 words.
The darkness attacks the light.
What was the hardest scene for you to write in THE SHADOW HOUR and why?
The first chapter was probably the hardest. I’ve never written a series before so I had to learn just how to do it. I sat down at my desk and felt like I’d forgotten how to write. I remembered eventually but it was a hurdle to go from book one to book two.
We adore the characters and how unique they are, what was your inspiration for the Avicen and Drakharin’s unique characteristics?
I like birds and I like dragons and I thought it would be cool to write a story about how they (or hominid creatures based on them) might not like each other.
Can you share (without spoilers) a line or section of THE SHADOW HOUR that is your favorite?
The last two words of the prologue: Holy. Shit.
Do you have any strange writing habits?
I don’t think so. I used to be very finnicky about writing conditions — the light could only be so bright, the notebook had to be spiral-bound — but writing on a deadline made me get over those. Now I just write whatever I can whenever I can.
What are you currently reading?
The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Keep writing! Don’t give up! Writing is solitary and it can be isolating so finding a group of people you can commiserate with will help you stay sane.
If you could live in any fantasy world, which one would it be?Â
Easy. Harry Potter. Hogwarts. I’d never want to graduate.
What house would the sorting hat put you in?
Also easy. Gryffindor.
Tell us 3 random facts about you.
I did ballet for ten years. My elbows are double-jointed. I’m allergic to peanuts.
What’s next for you? Are you working on anything right now that you can tell us about?
I’m working on The Savage Dawn, the third and final book in The Girl at Midnight trilogy (it comes out next summer), as well as a secret book I can’t tell you about (yet).
Favorites
Favorite Song (right now): Begging for Thread by Banks
Favorite Book (right now): Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Battlestar Galactica
Favorite Word: Backpfeifengesicht – German for a face made for punching
Favorite Color: Plaid
Favorite Curse Word: Unsuitable for an all-ages blog tour
Giveaway!
1 winner will receive a paperback of THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT, US Only.
Tour Schedule
Week One:
7/18/2016-Â a GREAT read–Â Interview
7/19/2016-Â MEREADALOT–Â Review
7/20/2016-Literary Meanderings–Â Excerpt
7/21/2016-Â Zach’s YA Reviews–Â Review
7/22/2016-Â Fiction Fare–Â Interview
Week Two:
7/25/2016-Â The Eater of Books–Â Review
7/26/2016-Â YA Book Madness–Â Excerpt
7/27/2016-Â Ex Libris–Â Review
7/28/2016-Â BookHounds YA–Â Interview
7/29/2016-Â The Cover Contessa–Â Review
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