Today
I'm here for my stop on the blog tour for the first book in Christine Rains' The 13th Floor Series – The Marquis.
I
had the pleasure of beta reading The
Marquis (thank you Christine), and today Christine has kindly agreed to answer
some of my questions about the book, and posed a couple for me too.
Questions
for Christine from Clare
1.
I love the idea of a hidden floor on an apartment complex, where paranormal
beings live, I think it's fascinating and very original. What was your
inspiration for the series?
I came up with the idea
of the mysterious 13th floor first before anything else. As with legends and
myths, I like to play with superstitions in my writing. Why do some buildings
not put in or mark a 13th floor? What happens to that space? Maybe there's a
reason for those superstitions, or perhaps the belief in something magical
created the hidden floor. I like for my readers to wonder and spark their
imaginations.
2. Marc and Mae are older than your
average paranormal romance couple, why did you decide to make them a mature
couple? Which, I thought was a brilliant move, by the way, again very original.
Thank you. I originally came up with Marc's character. Older, kind of a grouchy
old man type. It wouldn't have seemed right to pair him with a young woman. He
needed a woman who has experienced much and knows who she is. Mae's an
individual with a great lot of wisdom and compassion. She had to be older.
3. You can tell from the mythology of
the story - Marc's former position as the demon The Marquis - that
you're well versed in the paranormal and supernatural. Was the mythology based
on any real world mythology or all your own invention?
Some of the demon mythology is based on Christian theology. Demons in this
world are fallen angels serving Lucifer. The idea of Marc grew from a demon
named The Grand Marquis who served Hell with the hope of absolution and did not
receive it. Other bits, like the construct made from imps, are of my own
creation.
4. Will we see more of Mae and Marc in the
future books in the series. I'd love to know what happens to them after the
storyline in the Marquis. Without giving away any spoilers, can you give us a
little tidbit?
There will be a little bit more of Marc and Mae. Marc will be in Kiral's story
at least! The last two books of the series will have the most about all of the
tenants and the 13th floor.
Questions for Clare from Christine.
1.
You were so wonderful to say yes when I asked you to beta read for me. So
brave! Tell us a bit what a beta reader does and what you do when reading for
someone.
Oh, thank you. It was my
pleasure. I haven't really beta read before, I've only critiqued, (and I also
don't understand the difference between CPs and Betas), so I basically just did
that. I looked at all the elements of the story - checked for spelling and
grammatical errors other CPs might have missed, looked at the characterization,
the plot, pacing. Watched out for inconsistencies or plot holes. Made sure the
characters were likeable, while still humanly flawed, and that their actions
were believable within the perimeters of the story. I just made note of
anything that would have turned me off as a reader, and the pointed out the
parts I especially enjoyed.
2. What was your initial impression of The
Marquis?
I loved it. I thought the
concept, of a retired demon having to choose between saving the woman he loves
or reverting to his old demonic ways, was an excellent one. And the execution
lived up to expectations - the romance was spot on, the characterization just
right for the story. It was perfectly balanced in terms of romance and action.
And the mythology included, expanded on and created, as facinating. All in all,
it was a fantastic paranormal romance, and much more dynamic that some bland,
two-dimensional paranormal romances I've read.
3. From (your) question #2, do you think
that having a mature couple might put off some readers?
I
really hope not, because the story is so excellent that it would be a shame for
someone to miss out on it just because of the age of the characters. Actually,
Marc and Mae being a mature couple made me more interested in the story. Their
reactions/ actions would be different than someone in their twenties. Plus, as
they're older, this might be their last chance at love, meaning there's more at
stake for both of them. I don't think the story would have worked nearly as
well if either Marc or Mae, or both, were younger.
Title: 1301 – The Marquis
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release date: December 13th, 2012
Blurb:
Life after Hell
isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a
powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With
big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis
shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not
before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.
Marc's power has
diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he
refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his
territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has
a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.
While his city
burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and
anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the
Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to
his demon forever.
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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 two novellas and sixteen short stories published.
Find Christine in the following
places:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
