The 13th Floor Series - The Dragonslayer: Blog Tour - Dragon Questions and Answers

ChristineRains continues to go from strength to strength with her Thirteenth Floor Series, and as the third in the series – The Dragonslayer - is released (OMG! You guys, dragons!), I got together with Christine to talk about our favourite fictional dragons, and what would make a great Dragonslayer.

1. What are your favorite dragon books and movies?

Clare: I love dragons, so I have lots of favourites. You also could have included video games; I love the dragons in The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. There are a variety of different dragons, like frost, ancient, etc. and they all look slightly different and have different powers. Then there are named dragons, like the main antagonist Alduin, who each have their own specific look and abilities too. The dragons in the Dragon Age series of games are also awesome. There are some who are ancient demons, who were turned into dragons by god. There’s also a shape-shifting witch, called Flemeth, who can turn into a dragon.  In books, movies and TV shows, I especially love Dany’s dragons from A Song of Ice and Fire; I think the CGI in the TV show is excellent. But the first dragon I fell in love with was from a children’s educational show watched at school when I was about nine; it was called Through the Dragon’s Eye, and the dragon’s name was Gorwen.

Christine: Oh yes! I forgot to include video games. My hubby has Skyrim, but he hasn't started it yet. Dragon Age was fantastic. I also like the Dragon Warrior series. I'm also a big Dungeons & Dragons fan, but never once have a fought a dragon in the game. A Song of Ice and Fire is one of my favorite series. They've done so well with the TV series. Dany is the one I want to see standing at the end. (With Jon Snow at her side!) One of the dragon movies I loved as a kid was "The Neverending Story." I wanted my own Falkor! Aside from Dany and her dragons, the other series of books that I really love is Jessica Day George's Dragon Slippers series. They're MG books, but original and fun.

2. Do you think dragons really existed? And if you do, do you think they still might be around today?

Clare: I think it’s possible they could have existed during prehistoric times, when the dinosaurs existed. Though I’m not sure they breathed fire. I think a form of dragons still does exist. You’ve got the Komodo dragon, of course. And I’m sure some giant sea creatures that scientists don’t know much about a form of dragons.

Christine: I'd love to be able to say yes, I believe, but I don't think they really ever existed. Maybe people saw giant lizards and demonized or deified them. The Komodo is a great example.

3. Some dragons myths have the dragons as evil, but others have them as good. What's your favorite myth?

Clare: Well, in England, our patron saint, St. George, is famous for slaying a dragon and modern day St. George’s Day celebrations reflect this. However, one myth/ story/ song that stands out for me from childhood is “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul and Mary. Despite some urban legends theorizing the song is about marijuana use, it’s actually about melancholy over the loss of childhood. Some of the lyrics are heart-breaking: “Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave, So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.”

Christine: I remember Puff! Dragon myths are so much fun to read. I particularly like the Babylonian myth of Tiamat as one of the creator gods. I also like the idea of the great hydra Heracles fought. When he chopped off a head, two more would grow in its place. Imagine how many heads the dragon would end up with after so many battles!

4. Do you think you could be a dragonslayer?

Clare: Probably not; I’m a bit of a wimp! Seriously though, I know dragons are dangerous, but I don’t think I could bring myself to kill such a beautiful and majestic creature.

Christine: If I'd been trained all my life, I could do it! I trip over my own feet as it is. I wouldn't make a good warrior even though I would want to rescue people.

5. Xan has spent his life training as a dragonslayer. What qualities do you think every dragonslayer should have?

Clare: Tying into my answer for the above question, I think dragonslayers need to possess a certain level of respect for the creatures they’re killing. Good or evil, dragons are ancient, mythical, majestic creatures that need to be treated with a certain amount of reverence. They’re not some pest, like cockroaches, that need exterminating!

Christine: I completely agree. A respect for dragons is very much needed. Plus a willingness to sacrifice yourself for others.

Thank you for including my blog as a stop on your tour, and for letting me beta again. I cannot sing this series’ praises highly enough.

Title: 1303 – The Dragonslayer (The 13th Floor series, #3)

Author: Christine Rains

Genre: paranormal romance

Release date: February 13th, 2013

Buy The Dragonslayer: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | Kobo | Barnes and Noble 

On the rooftop of neighboring building, dragonslayer Xanthus Ehrensvard fires at his target, Governor Whittaker. How he missed the shot, he doesn't know, but fleeing the scene, he picks up an unwanted passenger. Gorgeous reporter Lois King saw Xan's face, and she believes it's the story to make her career. Except he can't let her walk away knowing what he looks like. Xan has to show her the Governor is a bigger threat to the world than he is.

Xan knows dragons never went extinct. They evolved with human society, taking on mortal forms, and slithered their way into positions of great influence and power, just like the Governor. But it's no easy chore proving to someone that dragons still exist, and even more so, they're disguised as famous people. Xan must convince Lois or find another way to silence her. An option, as he gets to know her, he likes less and less.

After all, dragonslayers are no longer celebrated heroes but outlaws. Just as the dragons wish it. But this outlaw must make a plan to slay the dragon or risk its retribution.

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Author Bio:
Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She also has five novellas and twenty short stories published.
Find Christine in the following places:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads