June 19, 2012

Black City by Elizabeth Richards -- Interview & Giveaway!


Hi GCReaders!

I recently got the chance to interview the author of BLACK CITY, Elizabeth Richards, and I am dying to share this interview with everyone. BLACK CITY was such a GREAT READ and if you read my review below you'll know just how much love I have for this book.

I am also sharing my copy of Black City with one lucky follower today! I wish I had millions to share, but unfortunately I just have one :-(.

Interview time :-D

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1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your upcoming novel, Black City.

Well, I’m a book lover and sci-fi geek, who spends her life walking around in a daydream, fantasizing about supernatural boys and post-apocalyptic worlds! I started my writing career as a journalist reviewing videogames before moving into travel editing, despite the fact I suck at geography and suffer from terrible travel sickness. Clearly it was time for a career change, and so I decided to try my hand at writing a novel, which was something I’d always wanted to do.

Black City is my debut novel, due out on 13 November 2012. Here’s the official synopsis:

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love.

Bonded by a mysterious connection, that causes Ash’s long dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.


2. What was the writing process like for Black City?

It’s been a real rollercoaster ride, that’s for sure. I’m the type of author who agonises over every word and constantly revisits scenes and revises them over and over, obsessing over the simplest line, until I’m happy with it. So in that sense it was a lot of hard, painstaking work. But I’ve enjoyed every second of it! Writing Black City was an absolute joy, especially working with my awesome editor, Stacey Barney, at Putnam/Penguin. She’s a miracle worker!

On a more technical level, I started writing the first draft of Black City back in Fall 2009...argh, god, was it really that long ago? Time has flown by! Anyway, I digress. That draft took around 5 months to write and then I redrafted it about a trillion times, based on feedback from my Beta readers, before querying agents. I then revised the MS again, based on my agent’s feedback and then, of course, the book’s had to go through the whole editing process at Putnam, which includes redrafting, revising, line edits, copyedits, first pass pages...you name it! It takes an awful lot of blood, sweat and tears to get a manuscript up to scratch, but it’s well worth the effort in the long-run.

3. Black City is told from two different point of views. Did you know that you wanted to write the book this way? Or was it something that just happened?

I always wanted to write it this way, as it was important for me to get inside Natalie’s head so readers could understand her motivations better...and also because I wanted to write the kissing scenes from her point of view, so I could describe Ash through her eyes! But I’ve always been a fan of dual narratives. It’s not to everyone’s tastes, but I love seeing two (or more) sides of the story.

4. It seems today that most authors have a soundtrack to their book. Was there a specific album and/or song that helped you while writing?

I love bands like Within Temptation and was listening to them a lot when I was writing Black City, and I think it comes through in the novel with its dark, gothic vibe. When I was doing the last set of revisions, I was also listening to the band Two Steps From Hell, and I think their song Freedom Fighters is a great theme for Black City.

However, I’m in a very fortunate position that my sister is a composer, and she’s been writing a soundtrack for Black City, which I’ll have up on my website nearer to the launch of the book, and I think those songs really capture the essence of the series.

5. What do you hope readers will get after reading Black City?

I really hope that they’re left breathless and want to immediately reread the book, just so they can experience the story all over again! I also hope readers fall in love with the characters, the way I did, and want to find out what happens next.

6. Is Black City a series, or is it a stand alone?

Black City is the first book in the Black City Chronicles. In total, there will be three books in the series, and I’m currently drafting book 3! The following two books will be released in quick succession, so you won’t have to wait long to read the next book in the series.

7. Can you share a small sneak peek into Black City for our followers?

I can do one better! Since Black City was selected as one of Penguin’s Fall 2012 Breathless Reads, you can read a sample of Black City on the official Breathless Reads Facebook fan page - https://www.facebook.com/breathlessreads/app_190322544333196. The sample also includes chapters from the other Breathless Reads books - Venom, Origin, The Innocents and Falling Kingdoms - so it’s well worth a read.


Thank you Elizabeth so much for taking the time to answer my questions. By the way... one, I love Within Temptation. Two, I was left breathless and want to reread Black City like 500 times. Three, I am so happy we don't have to wait very long for the sequel! *Squee* Okay done. LOL 

Find Elizabeth Richards on...
WebsiteTwitterFacebookGoodReads

Giveaway:



I am giving away an advance copy of Black City! To enter all you have to do is follow the Rafflecopter below.

* US ONLY
* Must be 13 or older to enter this giveaway.
* Follow Rafflecopter
* Contest Ends June 26th
* Winner has 48 hours to respond to email and claim their book.
* Winner will be announced on our Facebook and Twitter page.

Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

89 comments:

  1. Oooh, I'm getting excited about this book! Can't wait to read it :)

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  2. AH! I am so happy that black city is going to be a trilogy and that the next continuing books will come out much faster. Less waiting! Love the interview! =)

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  3. Great interview.
    I really must live under a rock. I have never heard of Within Temptation or Two Steps from Hell.

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  4. So many amazing titles coming up from penguin! Can't wait to read Black City! Thanks for sharing this interview with us, as well as for the giveaway. :)

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  5. As soon as I read that Within Temptation is the soundtrack inspiration, I knew it was a match for me! Thanks for the chance.

    (Twisty J)

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  6. I really like books written with a dual narrative. I think it's fun to get into both of the MC's heads. Can't wait to read Black City! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  7. I'm intrigue...It's been a while since I've read a post-apocalyptic with two povs. I usually satisfied with one, but we'll have to see how two perspectives shape the story.
    I'm glad glad glad that she is currently working on Book 3. I'm usually so impatient when waiting for the next book in a series to come out. I can't wait to read this!

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  8. Black City is in my Top Three Most Wanted of 2012 and I have been DYING to get my grubbies on it. If the Black City excerpt is telling of anything, it's that Elizabeth Richards is a genius! :-)

    Thank you for the interview and for the opportunity to win!

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  9. Black City sounds very interesting. I hadn't heard of it until now. I'm sure it will be hitting my radar often :). Thank you.

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. Yes, sounds like a cool new idea for a dystopian!

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  11. Good interview. And yay for the fact that the next two will be close together

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  12. I really am looking forward to this book and love that it is a series. After reading the synopsis it sounds like it will need multiple books, it seems too deep for just one book. Oh and I love reading dark romance books so that is so awesome.

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  13. That is so cool that her sister is composing a soundtrack for the book! Can't wait to read this one! :)

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  14. It's exciting that this will be a trilogy. But even better that it'll be released quickly!!! I'm definitely a fan of that.

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  15. Great interview! I can't wait to read this one :)

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  16. Thanks for a fantastic post and giveaway! Your enthusiastic review and post is definitely catching my interest :)

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  17. Great interview!

    How cool that Elizabeth's sister is composing music for the book:)

    It sounds like an incredible book!

    Thanks so much:)

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  18. After all of those redrafts is the finished product much like the original or has the story drastically changed? Are the characters still the same or did they change a ton?

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  19. OMG!!

    Black City looks amazing!!

    I totally believe that everyone will finish Black City breathless!!

    Thank you so much for releasing the books in quick succession. It will definitely be so much easier for those who will love Black City.

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  20. I would love to read this book. It sounds very good. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com

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  21. I can't wait for more books from this author!

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  22. This sounds silly, but I never realized how much work went into writing a book AFTER it's written! Whew! Also, I love that the books will be released in quick succession. :) Great interview! Thank you!

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  23. I really loved the interview and you review has me really wanting to read this book!

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  24. Great interview! I love the questions about the soundtrack for the book. It's so cool that her sister is composing a soundtrack - I can't wait to hear it. I'm also glad to hear that this is the first of a series. Can't wait to read it!!

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  25. Awesome interview! I can't wait to read BLack City!!

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  26. Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  27. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of Black City. This one is going on my wish list.

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  28. Not only does this book sound amazing but I have had this cover on my Book Covers I Love Board on Pinterest for months!!! Can't wait to get my hands on it! thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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  29. Great interview! I cna't wait til Black City comes!!

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  30. Really enjoyed the interview. Sounds like a great read and I'm totally in love with this cover!!!

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  31. I've heard such good things about this book and I can't wait to check it out =)

    ~Paige @ Comfort Books

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  32. Great interview! I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  33. I've had this one on my wishlist since I first saw the cover and read the blurb. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  34. I can't wait to read this book. That interview only furthered my resolve to get my hands on a copy ASAP! Thanks for the giveaway.
    desiree1612@hotmail.com

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  35. I've read great reviews on this book! Great to know that it's a trilogy and the other 2 books will be published in a short amount of time - I can't stand waiting more than a year between books! :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Leanne

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  36. Great interview. I am glad that the sequels will release closer together also. I have wanted to read this book for quite a while and I am glad we are getting close to the release now.

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  37. I love multiple POVs in a book, and I'm so glad this book is part of a series. The plot sounds wonderful, and I will for sure be picking this book up when it comes out :D

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  38. It's so much fun discovering amazing new books! I hadn't heard of Black City before - so thank you for the heads up & sweet giveaway :)

    Mary DeBorde M.A.D.

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  39. I didn't know that Black City was from different POVs I love when books are told from multiple perspectives it gives more to the plot and makes books great reads. Great interview! I can't wait for Black City to come out! Thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!

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  40. All the books coming out this year look awesome! I so want to read Black City and all the Breathless Reads books!! :D

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  41. I'm so glad we don't have to wait long for the sequel! November is seriously too far away...

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  42. Hmm, she's given me some musical artists to look up. I'm looking forward to the soundtrack that her sister composed! (commenting as Justine)

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  43. I have been wanting to read this book the moment I saw the cover and I'm so glad it won't be a stand alone!! Also, I'm thrilled that this book has two different POVs! I love those type of books! I have a feeling this book is going to be AMAZEBALLS and that it's going to become one of my all time favs :D

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  44. She had my dream job! I am really excited to read Black City after reading this interview. It seems like it will be pretty exciting, the "after the bloody war" part got me hooked. I will be waiting to see how it is written.

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  45. Great interview -- my favorite question was about her writing process.

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  46. Great interview! I loved that she shared a little sneak peak with us:) Can't wait to read Black City.

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  47. Great interview and giveaway! How fun!

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  48. Great interview! I am glad that the next 2 books will come out quickly. I hate waiting forever to see what happens next=)

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  49. Sounds amazing! Definitely adding tbr. Thanks for the chance to win. wendynjason04 at gmail dot com

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  50. I can't wait to own this book! I remember a few months back there was a blog tour featuring it and I read the first chapter and I could not wait for more. It grabbed me and I was so sad that that was all for then. I'm gonna look into seeing when the next two books will be released, maybe I can try to hold myself back from reading this so I can read them closer to the third's release and have my fill of this amazing story with hardly any wait, hahha.

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    1. "quick succession" = one year apart. CRY! Why did she say that when it's the typical release theme for books? One year apart...

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  51. Great interview! I have been wanting to read this book for awhile.

    Andrea @ Reading Lark

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  52. I think it's great that Elizabeth walks around thinking about post-apocalyptic worlds! I love dystopian books and this one sounds original and interesting! I can't wait to read it!

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  53. I am getting so excited about this book! Everything I hear about it makes me want it even more! Can't wait.

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  54. After the awesome review this got, I can't wait to read it :)

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  55. Great Interview! I can't wait to read this book...thanks for the chance to win :)

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  56. Hi i can't wait to read this book and i am so happy that it only will take a short while for the next books to come out. I hate waiting yearss for the next book. I am happy you got into writing it sound really what you really what to do. I wish i knew how to start to write. I guess i am just afraid to. Thanks for the giveaway Joannie

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  57. Within Temptation is an awesome band - must be an awesome book to go with it. :)

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  58. Oh this book sounds so good! And I love the cover! I will definitely have to pick this up once it's released. Thanks for doing the interview and the giveaway!

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  59. This book sounds amazing! Great interview and thanks for the giveaway.

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  60. Loved the interview, can't wait to read this! Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)

    londonjudge@verizon.net

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  61. Very excited about this book!! Love the interview!

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  62. I also like seeing a story from two sides. It was nice to have the link for the samples too. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

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  63. Nice interview. Oh, thinking about suprenatural boys is always fun. Makes those boring school hours/ days go by quicker. :)

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    1. By the way, this is Natasha I. I always forget the whole different name thing. Lots of nicknames.

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  64. I love the fact that her sister is composing a soundtrack for the book! I've always thought that some of my favorite books should have their own soundtracks!

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  65. Sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing.

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  66. I'm SO EXCITED for this book! It was such a great interview! I'm glad as well that we won't have to wait so long for the sequels! It just looks AMAZING!

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  67. Wow, this sounds like such a touching story. And I love the name Ash. That is my husband's gamer name. lol
    Lauren @ Mommabears Book Blog

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  68. Love the interview! I also had an interview iwth Elizabeth Richards. awesome person! :)

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  69. Can't wait to read this, and glad to hear the books will be released close together I can't stand having to wait a year for a book to be released.

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  70. I love that the book will have multiple POVs. Third person, multi-POV is my favorite.

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  71. I was reading different posts and catching up today and came across the review for Black City, hopped over and added to my wishlist and requested it be released for Kindle. Then I found this awesome giveaway opportunity. Well guess who has their fingers crossed LOL. This is a new book for me and I am already on the bandwagon; its sounds awesome. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and for the lovely giveaway opportunity.

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  72. The interview was great. I love reading author interviews. They can show you a different side of a book. Who shaped the novel and sometimes how a novel has shaped its author. Elizabeth Richards seems like a truly great person. She seems humble, yet proud of the work that she has done. It is also brave to stick with something, such as the dual viewpoints, especially when so many people don't like that style. She did what was in her head and her heart, and that rocks. I, personally, like the different perspectives dual viewpoints can give you. I cannot wait to read Black City.
    Won or bought. Thanks for posting this interview, and thank you for the giveaway!

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  73. I'm getting so excited for this book! I can't wait to get my hands on it :)

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  74. I've had to wait so long enough to get my hands on this book, so it's comforting to find out that there won't be a long wait between books. :-)

    Great interview and thanks for the giveaway!

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  75. Elizabeth sounds so nice! I love that she has solid reasons for switching POVs. :) Awesome interview! <3

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  76. I love sci-fi books and love that their is going to be more of them in the Chronicle. Enjoyed the interview.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

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  77. Elizabeth offered some really interesting insight into her drafting process! I didn't realize books had to go through *that* many revisions. That makes me have even more respect for authors. Going through that many revisions seems exhausting!

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  78. Thank you for the great interview. This book sounds like a great read. I lool forward to reading it. Gale Nelson

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  79. I'm glad to hear that the next books will be out quickly. Waiting a year just kills me! LOL It sounds great. It is on my TBR list (which is a million miles long) thanks to great books that just keep coming out! Can't wait to read it!

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  80. Nice interview. The soundtrack sounds interesting.

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  81. i feel like i've been waiting for this book forever! i've been hearing so many good things about it for so long and i cannot wait to finally read it : ) it's good to know i won't have to wait as long for the next one because i'm sure i'll want it like immediately!!

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  82. Great interview! So excited for this book!!

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  83. Thanks for the interview and giveaway, I've ahd this book on my TBR for a while

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  84. Hands off ppl this book is all mine. ):)

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  85. Oh, I'm so excited for this book! It sounds totally amazing. It's really cool that the author's sister is composing an original soundtrack for the book, too. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing it. :D

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  86. So happy to hear the wait for the next books won't be too long <3 Because it definitely sounds like I'm going to love this.

    Also: Two Steps From Hell! :D

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