July 25, 2014

Blog Tour Interview & Giveaway: Facade of Shadows by Rich Chiantaretto!



Title: Facade of Shadows
Author: Rick Chiantaretto
Genre: YA, dark fantasy

>>ADD TO GOODREADS<<

Judas Iscariot (portrayed as the first of the undead), the gods and myths of ancient Egypt, and vampires all play a role in this novel of the clash between good and evil on Earth. In Façade of Shadows, the supernatural beings of Egyptian lore work together with modern-day vampire slayers to wage a pivotal battle against the dark powers of the underworld. A group of young slayers and their immortal Protector, the son of ancient gods, travel through time and space while struggling to save the population of an unsuspecting town—the first target for domination by the vampires—in a conflict that foreshadows the fate of the world. If you enjoy action, humor, tragedy, even romance involving the genre of vampires and their nemeses, this is a riveting read to add to your collection.


Purchase:

Only 99¢



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I've often been accused of having done more in my life than the average person my age but if I were completely honest, I'd have to tell you my secret: I'm really 392.

So after all this time, I'm a pretty crappy writer.

I have two books published and a bunch half written (when you have eternity, where's the reason to rush?). I've been favorably reviewed by horror greats like Nancy Kilpatrick, and my how-to-write-horror articles have been quoted in scholarly (aka community college freshmen's) papers.

I enjoy the occasional Bloody Mary, although a Bloody Kathy or Susan will suffice.

Mostly, I just try to keep a low profile so people don't figure out who I REALLY am.

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook


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Interview


1. Tell us a little about yourself and your latest/upcoming release.

Façade of Shadows is really close to my heart. This is a re-release—the book was originally published in 2006. I actually wrote the book in high school after I wrote a short story that won first place in my school’s literary magazine. That short story became the prologue to Façade of Shadows.

The summer after graduation I submitted it for publication, and was picked up by a small press. The book had a 4 year run, and it was great to see my name out there as a “published author.” 

I use Façade of Shadows as an example to high school students everywhere, because frankly, if I can do it, so can they. But having the book out of print made it harder to talk about (because if students or teachers wanted to read a copy, they couldn’t get one). I brought it back while I finish up book two of the Crossing Death series, to hold over those who have already finished book one (Death of the Body). As an added bonus it is now available again for when I talk at schools or with teachers.

2. How did you come up with the idea for Façade of Shadows?

Growing up I was a huge “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fan. Vampires, and what they could represent in literature (an immortal, sexy, powerful, predatory, strong version of ourselves) really resonated with me. I was also big into Egyptian legend at the time, and saw a way for the stories in Egyptain mythology to line up with some vampire folklore. Combining the two was something that had never been done (although there were rumors about Isis and Osiris being vampires and drinking blood). After my short story won first place in my high school competition, I decided it must be something people would enjoy, so I started plotting the book.

3. Do you find it hard to kill off your characters?

Not in the least! In fact, this is something that I probably get some flack for from my readers. I made a joke on my Facebook page a while ago that the more and more I write, I think my readers will begin to be surprised not by who dies, but by who lives.

It’s kind of a personal goal of mine to have people talking about why “so-and-so lived,” to have them read into what their LIFE means in juxtaposition to everyone else’s death, ha.

I think that started because someone once told me I couldn’t kill off a main character (especially not THE main character). In Death of the Body, I do this in the first six chapters (read the book synopsis, this isn’t giving anything away). In Façade of Shadows, I’ve already got quite a few messages about how horrible it was when I killed off certain characters.

But I also think that death doesn’t often mean much in my novels. I think all of them have heavy afterlife tones that can sort of soften the blow.

4. Do you have a book in your house that's just destroyed because you've read it so much?

The Forbidden Game by LJ Smith. I’ve owned 5 copies of that book (my poor mom had to buy me one almost every year when I was a teenager). Even the copy I have now is beat up, but still holding together. The good news is that since Vampire Diaries was successful, The Forbidden Game is now on Kindle. As much as I love having physical copies of books, you can’t really wear out an electronic copy!

5. Who designed your cover?

The original Façade of Shadows cover was designed by the publishing house that published the first edition. We went back and forth on it a bit, and while I was happy with the final outcome, I really didn’t have any creative control over the process (The original was RED, so at least I got a say on the color). 

Eden Crane (PLUG for EDEN! http://www.edencranedesigns.com/) has done all of my covers to date, and I hope she will continue to do so going forward. I love her work, and though she’ll probably tell you I’m not the easiest person to work with, she has been wonderful!

6. Can you share a teaser of Façade of Shadows with our readers?

This is the legend that is central to Façade of Shadows. 




This is or That 

Cat or Dog?
I love all animals, but if I had to pick: Dog.

Ice cream or Sorbet?
Ice cream!

Heels or flats?
I think if my husband caught me in heels he’d divorce me.

Knives or sword?
Knives! I want to be close if I ever have to stab someone, so close that I can watch the light go out in their eyes. ;)

Coffee or Tea?
COFFEE

Iced coffee or hot coffee?
I think I heard coffee in there. So that one.

Snow or rain?
Rain. I hate snow.

Movies at home or Movie Theater?
Home… on a big TV… with surround sound.

Soda or Juice?
Juice

Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook. I’m long winded.

Actual book or eReader?
Actual book.

Actual book or Audiobook?
Actual book.

Spring or Summer?
Spring.

Fall or winter?
Fall. Fall is my favorite. It’s the time when things die.

Long Sleeves or Short Sleeves?
I hate the cold, but the temp is perfect if I have to wear long sleeves to be comfortable.

Young Adult or New Adult?
Both! 

Vampires or Werewolves?
Vampires. Werewolves are smelly.

Ghost or Zombies?
Ghosts. Zombies are smelly.

Action movies or Chick flicks?
Action movies. Never been a fan of romance.

Horror movies or Mystery movies?
HORROR!

Mountain views or Ocean views?
Ocean view on a mountain?


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