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.
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
