Blog Tour Guest Blog and Giveaway: Burn the Night by Jocelynn Drake
Everyone please welcome Jocelynn Drake to Paperback Dolls! The series finale in Jocelynn’s Dark Days series, Burn the Night, just released this past Tuesday. At the end of this post, you’ll have a chance to win a signed copy!
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Nightwalker Nightly, a hard-hitting news program dedicated to giving you the edge you need each night you step outside your door.
First off tonight, nightwalkers remain on high alert when out at night following the shocking exposure that we suffered in Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia. Reports coming in are still conflicting but it seems that a war fought between nightwalkers and the naturi have resulted in the official start of the Great Awakening that we have dreaded.
We have yet to receive any confirmation as to whether the rumors of Aurora’s, the Queen of the naturi, death. However, the naturi have not been sighted in any city in well over a week. Furthermore, a few nightwalkers that were in Savannah that grim night are saying that a new queen has been crowned and that a permanent truce may finally be in sight between nightwalkers and the naturi. However, this reporter remains skeptical, fearful that we may be looking at another naturi deception.
In more disturbing news, Mira, the Keeper of Savannah, has not been seen in more than a week. Her Consort Danaus is also currently missing and no word has been issued yet from the coven regarding whether the Firestarter was killed in the battle.
Moving on to tonight’s special guest, we have been given a rare opportunity to speak with Knox. Widely regarded in Savannah as Mira’s second-in-command and the go-to man for all concerns of the Savannah inhabitants, Knox joins us and we hope that he will be able to finally put to rest some growing concerns following the recent war.
Interviewer: Knox, thank you so much for stepping into the spotlight in this time of turmoil to answer some questions for us. There are many nightwalkers and even lycanthropes watching tonight who are hoping you can shed some light on what has happened and what lies ahead for us.
Knox: Thank you for having me, but please let me warn you that I don’t have a lot of answers and what I do know isn’t very settling.
Interviewer: We understand. Now, first let’s just start off with an introduction for those in our audience that aren’t familiar with the workings of the Savannah domain. What is your position in that domain and how long have you lived there?
Knox: I have called Savannah, Georgia home for several decades. Prior to that, I lived with my sire, Valerio, in various parts of Europe. I came to the New World and quickly sought out Mira after hearing about the peace she had managed to cultivate in Savannah. Despite my parentage, we became good friends and I found myself lucky enough to be counted as someone she felt that she could rely on. I aided her in managing many things within the Savannah domain and sometimes in other places around the New World. I spent most of my time hunting, seeking pleasure where I could, and managing the exclusive nightclub, The Dark Room, in Savannah.
As to what my position is now following what occurred in Forsyth, it is much up in the air. I have been working to keep the nightwalkers and lycanthropes in Savannah protected while keeping in contact with associates in Venice in the hopes that there may be some news from the coven.
Interviewer: Well, that explains why you are so charming. Valerio was kind enough to grace us with an interview some time ago. I imagine that you have some of your sire’s ability to remain cool and calm under intense pressure. Now, how are things in Savannah?
Knox: Tense. We’ve advised everyone to be very cautious about hunting at night and to only hunt in groups. We have also taken more steps to protect our lairs during the daylight hours. What remains of the Savannah lycanthropes pack has moved, but I am not sure where at the moment. I am still hopeful that they will return. The Rainer family has long resided in Savannah and it simply wouldn’t be the same if they were permanently gone.
Interviewer: Has there been any word as to what happened to Mira?
Knox: No word yet.
Interviewer: Do you think it’s possible that her Consort Danaus may have had a hand in her demise?
Knox: Absolutely not.
Interviewer: It is well known that Danaus spent many centuries before meeting Mira as a nightwalker hunter and he grew to be quite efficient at it. Is it possible that he may have turned against her?
Knox: No. Danaus would never do anything to harm Mira. Danaus came to live in Savannah for a short time before the battle with the naturi and during that time I came to know him a little better. While I have never deluded myself into thinking that he bears any love for our kind, I can say with no doubt that he loves and will always love Mira. He will protect her with his last breath. Wherever Mira is, I know that Danaus is with her and he is doing everything within his power to keep her safe. He will return her to us.
Interviewer: We certainly hope you are right. Now, it is our understanding that you were at the battle in Forsyth Park. Is there any light you can shed on what really happened?
Knox: The naturi attacked with Aurora in the lead with the intention of killing all nightwalkers and lycanthropes. She also didn’t seem adverse to killing as many humans as she could along the way. Sadly, I cannot confirm or deny the reports that Aurora is dead. I was not there. Near the close of the battle, I found myself at the other end of the field with Mira as the human law enforcement closed in. We were so wrapped up in just surviving that we didn’t notice them or the media drawing close. By the time we realized they were there, it was simply too late to hide. They saw everything. Mira and Danaus sacrificed themselves so that everyone could run and escape into the night. I helped some of the injured off the field and I wasn’t able to go back to check on Mira or Danaus. I – I don’t know what happened to them.
Interviewer: With Mira currently missing, are you now claiming the position of Keeper of the Savannah domain?
Knox: I think there are bigger issues here than whether I will become a Keeper. With the humans aware of our existence, will we even be able to continue as Keepers? Will the ideas of domains be forced to change? Will the coven lead the way in negotiating the treacherous way ahead of us when dealing with the humans? I don’t know. We stand on the cusp of great change and upheaval. I will simply continue as I have for several decades now and that’s helping my fellow nightwalkers within the city of Savannah as Mira would want me to. I am only filling in until she returns and I am confident that she will return.
Interviewer: You’re quite devoted to the Firestarter and it is well known that you have been quite close to her since your arrival in the city. Honestly now, do you feel any animosity toward Danaus for stealing the Firestarter’s heart? I mean, she did choose a murderer of our kind over you.
Knox: No, none at all. Besides, have you known any nightwalker that wasn’t a murderer of our kind? Mira and I are simply good friends and nothing more. I respect her, but I have no desire to be romantically linked to her. I haven’t a death wish.
Interviewer: A death wish? Do you care to explain?
Knox: No.
Interviewer: Well, cryptic words for a charming nightwalker. Thank you for joining us tonight, Knox.
I’m afraid that’s all the time we have tonight. Tune in tomorrow night when we take a closer look at the top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of choosing your daytime lair. What makes a safe place from both the threat of the sun and discovery in these trying times.
Jocelynn Drake is givingaway two (2) signed copies of Burn the Night, Dark Days 6, to two (2) lucky international commenters!
The Great Awakening approaches…
After eons in exile, the naturi have broken their chains and now roam the Earth bent on revenge. It is the sworn duty of Mira, the Fire Starter, to protect the Nightwalker race—though even she may be powerless to withstand the horrific onslaught. As Mira and her brave lover, the vampire slayer Danaus, stand ready to do battle, thousands of winged shapeshifters darken the skies. The war of ultimate extermination has begun, and the battleground is Mira’s home turf.
The humans don’t yet recognize the doom descending upon them. And the Nightwalkers will surely perish unless they unite with outcast naturi who claim to want peace. But these unexpected “allies” are the same demons who have long worked for Mira’s destruction—and in these darkest of days the lines between friend and foe will blur treacherously before the bloody end of all things.
This contest will end July 16th. Winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email and announced in the Week In Review post Sunday July 17th.
More about the Author: Jocelynn Drake, dark urban fantasy author of the New York Times bestselling Dark Days series, was born and raised in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati, Ohio region, where she still lives. After gaining her bachelors in the literature, she pursued a career in the financial industry, where she currently writes articles regarding the stock market on a regular basis. She is a member of both the Romance Writers of America and The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. When not at her desk, she is most likely to be found playing video games, watching movies, or hunting down hidden treasures.
Thanks for the giveaway. All the books sound really good. Please enter me in contest.
I love this series. I can't believe I haven't been able to rear this one yet. Leaving hospital today woo Yoo so hopefully I will be able to get it now. Do We know what is next for Ms. Drake?
That was a fun interview. I am currently reading the last book now. **sniff** end of series!
BIG thanks to Jocelynn Drake for visiting paperback dolls!
I haven't heard of her or her books. Thanks for the interview and introducing me. They sound really interesting. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. Amy @ http://www.bookgoonie.com
bookgoonie at yahoo.com
Thankies Jocelynn for visiting!
Good luck everyone!
Thank you so much to Jocelynn for visiting and sharing her blog tour with us!
Good luck to everybody! :D
I really enjoy this series, sorry to have read it's almost over.
acm05atjuno.com
Thank you for the giveaway. I can't wait to check out the books. cody(at)wilger(dot)com
This series is in my TBR stack. I really need to start reading it. Thanks.
I am definitely going to start reading this series now! What a great interview:)
jwitt33 at live dot com
I love these interviews and Knox was a lot of fun. This is an incredible series and I'm so sad that it's over. The Firestarter will be greatly missed.
xmelaniexthomasx(at)aim(dot)com
Thanks for making this open internationally!
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
Sad to see this series end, but excited to see how everything turns out! Thanks for the giveaway!
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
Awesome series… sad to see it end!
(eilan1206 at gmail dot com)
I love the series hate to see it end. Want to buy it but would love to win it.
it sucks that the series has to end!! I love Mira and Danaus!!! But I will keep rereading the series!! =)
i love this series and the cover art for BURN THE NIGHT is my favourite yet!! :)
SO glad is open for international readers!! Count me in!! =))))
This sounds like a wonderful series – buzz word for me is series – love them cannot get enough of them. Thanks for the fun interview today and the opportunity to win the giveaway. My wish list is growing, I wonder it they can kick you off for having one that is too long:) LOL
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
Great interview and always love contests!
dsadler53 at yahoo dot ca
This is one of my favorite series, so thanks tons for the chance to win the hot-off-the-press new release.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
I have been wanting to read this series for awhile now. Knox is very cryptic but I possibly could understand why. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
have only read one of her books and loved it. would love to win this book. thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
Yes please!! I loved the interview & BURN THE NIGHT looks amazing.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This is a great series. I've come to love Mira a lot. Thanks for the interview with Knox and the giveaway – count me in!
tommygirl828 (at) gmail (dot) com
This series is new to me and I have so many great things about it.
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'd love to read this book!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
This is next on my to-read list, =) love when i find a new interesting series to read!
best wishes, Linda xoxo
This is awesome! Thanks so much!
thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
Great series and awesome contest! Count me in:)
cypsays_hi(AT)hotmail(DOT)com
Thanks for an opportunity to win it!!! We appreciate this.
Great interview with Knox.
I can't wait to read Burn the Night.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
I've been putting off reading "Burning the Night" since it means the end of the series. No more Danaus! *sniff, sob*
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
I will be checking out this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
mesreadsATgmail.com
Wonderful guest blog! I love these extra insights into the minds of characters! Thank you
That was a great post! i would love to be counted in the giveaway!
terilhack at yahoo dot com
I LOVE this series. The herione is my favorite ever. Mira and Danaus kick ass!
natashajennex(At)gmail.com
OMG, these covers are hot! I've put Jocelynn's books on my wish-list :P
Thank you for the giveaway,
Great post! Thanks for sharing. Thanks for hosting such an amazing giveaway too! Please enter me – I am an old follower.
Love her books!!
moiraethefates(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I enjoyed the post, and I can't wait to read the last entry in this great series, Burn the Night.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
I don't no if I should be excited or sad. I hate when series come to an end but I still can't wait to read Burn the Night.
Gabbie-ethela AT hotmail DOT com
Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to International entries.
Much appreciated.
This sounds like an exciting read and I would love to try i so please enter me.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
the cover looks really amazing, it has captured me and now has me wanting to read it. enter me pls :)
punkme15 at gmail dot com
The last 2 book covers for this series are my favorite. I really liked how different this interview was :-)
sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com
This is a great series and I agree with everyone that the covers definitely are amazing.
Thank you very much for the giveaway, i’m very curious to read this book !
A FABULOUS giveaway thank you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
how awesome…. i love an international giveaway :)
Congratulations Jocelynn on the release of the last Dark Days novel! It must be a bit sad to see the series end. Can you share any future plans?
Thank you for the fun interview, I always love reading character interviews as it’s nice to see the characters interact outside of the strict plot of the novel :-)
And bravo, the cover of Burn the Night looks terrific! dark yet vividly colourful, so eyecatching and atmospheric, love it! :-D
Thank you so much for the generous giveaway!!
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m so exited to read this but also sad because it’s the last book! Congrats to Jocelynn for getting this far and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
whitewolfreads AT gmail DOT com
Wow! This sounds like an awesome series!!! Hope to win the giveaway and I can’t wait to read Burn the Night!
It’s my first time hearing about this books… would love to read them!
fallendream03 AT gmail DOT com
A signed copy from a great series? *-* how lovely! please enter me.
Oh this series sounds very interesting. Thanks for offering the giveaway!!