I don't know how to feel today writing this blog post. You see, we've reached the 'official' end of Christine Rains' 13th Floor series. While I'm immensely proud of Christine and all she's achieved with the series, and honoured she asked me to beta read, I'm a little sad the series is over. At least I can go back and reread it whenever I want.
I've had so much fun betaing this series, and taking part in Christine's tours. It's been both a pleasure and an honour to be involved in the 13th Floor series this part year.
So, for one final time, Christine and I got together to chat about the complete collection.
How do you think the series works together as a whole?
Clare: I think it works
brilliantly as a whole. The city of Carmine, and the apartment building link
each story together, but then each story is different enough that it doesn't
feel like a rehash of the first. I actually love the idea of a series set in
the same universe, but focusing on a different character with each book.
Christine: Thank you! I
like those kinds of series too. As a pantser, I'm always surprised when things
come together so smoothly. This series knew just where it was going.
What book was your favorite and why?
Clare: Oh goodness, this
is hard to choose! I love each book for different reasons, and each one stands
out to me. Is it a cop out to say they’re all my favorite? Because it’s true,
each one offers something different and unique. J
Christine: Hehehe, I'll
let you get away with that. Hm, I'll have to say it's a tie between THE
DRAGONSLAYER and THE HARBINGER for me. Xan and Lois are my favorite couple, and
the secondary characters (the Greek Gods!) were so much fun to write.
What does this series have that makes it stand out from other
paranormal romances?
Clare: Again, the way it’s
told. Each book from the POV of a different character. Plus, unlike a lot of
paranormal romances, you wrote in third person, which I really enjoyed, as it
offered a broader view of the plot and characters. Another thing that really
sets the series apart is the paranormal beings. They’re mostly beings that
don’t feature in paranormal romances as frequently, and even when you used the
common ones like vampires and werewolves, you put a unique spin on them that
made them stand out.
Christine: Thank you. That
was my goal. I wanted a twist on what we see a lot of in the genre. I also
wanted something new like a banshee and a harpy.
Who was your favorite character? Your least favorite?
Clare: Ares was my least
favorite, I think. I know you’re supposed to hate the villains of a story, but
I especially disliked him. He was arrogant, and smarmy, and controlling and
manipulative. Someone with those traits, and the power of a god made for a very
bad mix. He thought he was entitled to anything he wanted, and would go to any
lengths to get it.
For favorite character,
again, I want to say all of them! All your characters were really strong, and
had such distinct individual personalities that they really stood out. Harriet
really shines for me though, because - despite her curse – her soul was so
pure. She did so much good for her clients, and cared about Kiral
unconditionally. I also loved her quirky
personality, and relationship with her cats. Plus she was a witch, and witches
are the coolest! :D
Christine: Ares was a
jerk! But I hated Wyatt from THE ALPHA the most. At least Ares had to hold to
some level of honor. Wyatt had none.
My favorite character is
Harriet too. I love the complexity of her character, and how such a good soul
could end up in such a bad situation.
5.
Which character would you like to dress up as for Halloween?
Clare: I guess if I had
lighter hair, Harriet. I imagine she dresses in the type of style I like, with
deep gem colors and long flowing skirts.
Christine: Nice choice! If I
could pull off Meira in her harpy form, that would be so cool. Though it would
be fun to be Harriet in her banshee form too.
As an added bonus, Christine and I picked the 13 biggest moments from the series. Be warned, there are spoilers!
- Kiral biting Harriet in the stairwell.
- Marc using his weakness (his illusions) to
win the fight with Vetis.
- Xan defeating the dragon.
- Hera giving her mark to Meira.
- Chiharo revealed as the final job Meira
must take care of.
- Sam standing up to the gods to save Meira.
- Harriet being revealed to Kiral as the old
crone.
- Marc becoming the Marquis to save Mae.
- When all the tenants are in the hall and
see Chiharo and Jeremy.
- Harriet having a vision of Kiral's death.
- Sam's “death” by the imps when Meira must
take him to Olympus.
- Chiharo and Jeremy's kiss.
- Stefanie catching James playing superhero.
Title: The 13th Floor Complete Collection
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance
Release date: October 13th, 2013
Six supernatural tenants
Living in a haunted apartment building
On a floor that doesn't exist.
Six novellas telling their tales.
A retired demon acquires a price on his
head.
A werewolf is hunted by her pack.
A modern day dragonslayer misses his
target.
A harpy challenges Zeus for the soul of the
man she loves.
A vampire is obsessed with a young woman he
can't find.
A banshee falls in love with someone who's
death she has seen in a vision.
And a sweet ghost must battle a primal
monster to save them all.
All the stories take place at the same time
intertwining their lives together on the 13th Floor.
Includes “The Shadow,” a bonus short story.
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 Untethered
Realms and S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor
series is her first self-published series. She has eight novellas and
twenty-one short stories published.
Find Christine Online:
small.jpg)