Blog Tour Guest Blog and Giveaway: Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Gwen Frost is an outsider at Mythos Academy, a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody’s head with a sword. Gwen is an outsider both to the students of the Academy and the rest of the world. But when her gift of psychometry – the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it reveals dark undercurrents and danger afoot, she has no choice but to get involved.
Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to say thanks to Kitt and the rest of the Paperback Dolls for having me on the blog again today. Thanks so much, guys!
My name is Jennifer Estep, and I write the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington. The books focus on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen is shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, Amazons, and more.
Touch of Frost, the first book in the series, came out on July 26. First Frost, a prequel e-story to the series, is also available now. The second book, Kiss of Frost, will hit shelves on Nov. 29.
Today, the Paperback Dolls asked me to write a post about what my characters carry in their purses, briefcases, and more – and what those things might reveal about the characters using Gwen’s psychometry magic. Here goes:
Gwen Frost’s messenger bag: Gwen’s bag is full of school books, notebooks, pens, pencils, her laptop, and folders full of homework and essays, since it’s important to her to get good grades. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a tin shaped like a giant chocolate chip cookie and Gwen’s latest stash of comic books. Gwen has a major sweet tooth, just like her Grandma Frost does, and her grandma, who lives near the academy, is always making cookies, brownies, and more for Gwen to take back to Mythos. As for the comic books, Gwen loves superheroes and all the amazing adventures that they have. The idea that the good guy always wins in the end is helping Gwen cope with her mom’s recent death.
Daphne Cruz’s purse: First of all, Daphne never carries around just a mere purse. Oh, no. It’s designer all the way, baby, and done in some shade of pink, since that’s the Valkyrie’s favorite color. As for what’s inside, there’s a comb, a brush, a mirror, and half a dozen tubes of shimmery pink lip gloss, telling everyone exactly what a girly-girl Daphne really is. There’s also a Hello Kitty notebook for taking notes during class, tons of thumb drives, and the latest laptop that Daphne is tinkering with. The Valkyrie has some wicked computer skills and is in the Tech Club at Mythos.
Logan Quinn’s messenger bag: Daggers, throwing stars, lengths of rope, sharpened bits of wood and metal. Logan’s bag has a bit of a psycho-killer vibe to it. That’s because Logan is a Spartan who can pick up any weapon – or any object – and automatically know how to kill with it. So not only could Logan slice you to bits with a dagger, but he could just as easily skewer you with the pens, pencils, and Twizzlers inside his bag. Also tucked inside are books on famous battles and various fighting techniques that Logan likes to read in his spare time.
Carson Callahan’s backpack: Carson’s backpack is full of sheet music, since he’s the drum major of the Mythos Academy Marching band. Also inside are school books, a laptop with music editing software on it, and his iPod, which is stocked with all kinds of tunes. Carson loves listening to music just as much as he does playing it. Not surprising, since the Celt is rumored to be some sort of warrior bard.
Professor Metis’s briefcase: Metis’s briefcase is full of the latest essays that she needs to grade for her myth-history classes, along with pens, pencils, notebooks, and more. Everything inside her briefcase in secured in an appropriate slot because Metis is just that organized – including a dagger she has tucked away in case of emergency. Metis likes to be prepared for anything. Also, hanging off the zipper of her briefcase is a small keychain shaped like a miniature statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, something that Metis hopes to impart to all her students.
Coach Ajax’s gym bag: Ajax’s bag looks a lot like Logan’s – there are weapons, weapons, and more weapons inside, given the fact that Ajax is responsible for training all the Mythos students on how to use everything from swords to daggers to throwing stars. You’ll also find a water bottle, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, sneakers, and some gym clothes in Ajax’s bag. The coach pushes himself just as hard as he does his students because he knows that Reapers of Chaos could attack at any time – and he wants to be ready to defend his students.
Nickamedes’s briefcase: No surprise here – Nickamedes’s briefcase is full of books, since he’s the head librarian at the Library of Antiquities. All of the books are carefully wrapped in plastic, so they won’t get damaged in any way. Nickamedes is a little obsessive about keeping books in pristine condition – he won’t even break the spine on a paperback. Also inside his briefcase are pens, pencils, a laptop, and a screwdriver. Nickamedes is always having to fix the loose, squeaky wheels on the carts that Gwen pushes around the library when she’s shelving books as part of her after-school shifts at the library.
So there you have it. A little bit about what’s inside the purses, briefcases, and bags of some of the folks at Mythos Academy.
What about you guys? What do you carry in your purses, pockets, briefcases, or wallets? What would those things say about you?
Jennifer Estep is a USA Today bestselling author who also writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.
Books in the series are Spider’s Bite, Web of Lies, Venom, and Tangled Threads. Spider’s Revenge, the fifth book, will be released on Sept. 27. Visit www.jenniferestep.com for free short stories, excerpts, and more.
Buy A Touch of Frost: – Book Depository – Kensington
whats in my purse?? My glasses, wallet, some kids stuff, lip gloss, and pictures of my kids. I do find a way to put my kindle in there at times. mY purse would say that I’m practical but also have room for my phone.
my purse has my keys, glasses, wallet, and some kids pics. I also have room for my lip gloss and my phone.
I love Gin and Finn so I cant wait to start this new series. Thank you kitt for getting me. Started on these great books.
Hum I carry everything but the kitchen sink in my purse most of the time. I always have a pen. Who knows when you might need to right a number down. :) My Nook charger, gum, lip gloss, calendar with book and show dates, wallet, multi use tool and case, hand sanitizer, and phone.
Awesome interview. Thanks Dolls
This series sounds like a great one to start!
GFC follower
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Awesome interview! :) I can’t wait to read Touch of Frost.
Well, the basics (probably more than I need) and tons of CANDY. Honestly, if anyone looked inside of my purse they would just think, “and how long is it going to take you to eat THAT?” I can’t help it. I neeeeed candy in my purse (even if I don’t end up eating it). I guess that means I’m a sugar addict? Man, I hope not.
I also always have notebooks and pens for you know, writing.
Thanks again!
Sonia
thestoryqueen(at)hotmail(dot)com
I always carry my cell phone in my purse or pocket. I like to stay connected with my friends and family. If I have a bag with me, my Kindle or a hardcopy book will follow me. I love reading and take every opportunity to read! :)
I think the Rafflecopter hates me. Just sayin’
I keep a cell phone in my pocket book. If a book would fit in it. I would have one in my pocket book also. Please enter me in contest.
Julie — I always have lip balm too, and it’s cool that you carry your kids’ pictures too.
Bamafever — Thanks! I hope you like TOUCH OF FROST as much as the Elemental Assassin books. And me too. I carry everything from pens and tissues to lip balm and breath strips.
Vivien — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Sonia — Thanks! Hope you enjoy the book. Oh, I’m a sugar addict too. I don’t have any in my purse (it gets too mushy/melted) but I always have some sort of chocolate at home.
Kris — Me too. I always have at least one book with me.
I carry money, my phone, sometimes a small book, and lots of other random things.
Victoria — I’ve considered buying a bigger purse just so I could slip a paperback in one of the side pockets. LOL.
great giveaway! looks like a great book. I would so love to read this.
Shannon — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
I carry lotion, lip balm, a dictionary, one or two paperbacks, pens, and a few other things. Everything in there says that I want to be prepared for anything and don’t want to be bored if I have extra time :)
Let’s see…in my purse I have a notebook, six pens, wallet, cell phone, a book, my keys, lip gloss and sunglasses. Thanks for the giveaway!
As long as my wallet, a pen, my ipod, and meds are in there, I don’t pay attention to the rest of it. ;)
I like how you’ve thought out the contents according to each character’s personality. Very thorough. And interesting.
Did I just talk myself into ordering more books? Why, yes, I believe I did. LOL
I carry gum, pens, change, and various detritus that I’m sure MacGyver could build a bomb out of …
Leni — Sounds like a plan to me. LOL.
Holly — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Mona — Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post. I’m with you. I carry a lot of stuff in my purse, but really, I only use a few essentials all the time.
I carry a total hodgepodge in my purse, but not a whole lot of it! Credit cards and money, of course, but also beaded bracelets, earrings and a necklace that I took off following a party about a year ago and still haven’t gotten around to putting them back. I figure if I keep them in there, I’ll always be ready in case an emergency party pops up and I can’t get home! Mascara and lipstick for the same reason. A notebook in case I want to write down directions to said party. And really, that’s about it! Pretty boring:)
jwitt33 at live dot com
In my bag I usually have: a book, sometimes my Kindle too, cherry ringpop, lipgloss, eyeliner, cell phone, keys, wallet, change purse, planner/organizer, spare scrunchies, my iPod, pens [sometimes highlighters too], mini notebook for writing in and that’s usually about it though sometimes other random items weasel in.
In case you couldn’t already guess I normally carry a tote bag. xD
In my purse I have some lotion, candy, contact solution, lip balm, and a bottle of water. Sometimes I have keys, sunglasses, and my kindle in there too…it is a roomy purse :)
Great interview…this book sounds awesome!!! I can’t wait to check it out. Thank you so much!!
OMG, I have so much stuff in my purse. I always try to start out small and then stuff just gets added over time. I think the funniest thing is that I always have like a knife or something in there…just in case…which makes no sense really cause if I was going to use it to defend myself, I doubt I’d have time to dig in my purse. LOL
Great interview! I look forward to reading Touch of Frost
I pretty much carry my life in my purse… if I could fit my kids in it, I would, lol!
Let’s see… Currently I have my wallet with checkbook, 7 tubes of lip gloss, sunglasses, gum, camera, Iphone with charger, receipts, pictures, loose change, business cards, keys, ponytail holder, one earring, brush, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and 3 pens!
I have carried a back pack for years. They weren’t common when I was in high school so I used a draw string bag I made because I kept losing library books.
I have the usual stuff in it plus foam ear plugs (for the movie theater and for one of my cats who likes to hunt them- those wily ear plugs are escape artists, I sometimes see them in the apt. building hallway or outside), always a book, a flash drive, and usually some type of long lasting emergency food like whole wheat crackers in a plastic container.
My dad made a comment like “You’re not going to bring that are you?” when we went out once so I bought a purse that was made like a little backpack just to tweak him. When ever I don’t take the backpack I always need something from it or end up carrying something heavy and uncomfortable.
Good luck with your Touch of Frost release and tour!
It’d probably be easier to tell you what I don’t have in my purse. There’s my wallet and keys, brush, mirror, reading glasses, a book, notepad, scrunchie, mini-flashlight, and that’s just one compartment! It weighs a ton. Every time I clean it out it doesn’t take long before it’s filled back up again.
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to win.
I carry wallet, basic essentials used to have about everything in my purse sometimes a book depending on where I am going.
Hi Jennifer, How many books are going to be in this series? Sorry if this was asked already.
My purse and bag would contain receipts and loads of junk. It would tell people that I am a horder :)
Cherry Mischievous
This is great!! Enjoying th blog tour of Touch of Frost!! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!! =)
oops and I forgot to say, I carry my wallet (of course) batteries, flash light, band aids, leatherman, knife, change, and medicine = what that all says is, Im a survivalist lol no matter what, it doesnt hurt to always be prepared =)
I carry my wallet, dental floss (you never know when you need to get spinach out of your teeth!), sunglasses, pocket knife (just in case), Ipod, phone, book, notebook, and writing utensils.
Mostly, I think it says that I like to be prepared for everything. I don’t know when I’m going to want to read or write, or when I’ll need a knife, so I carry it all with me. =)
Julie — An emergency party sounds like fun to me. LOL.
Ash — I love highlighters too. I only have one in my purse, but I have tons of them on my desk.
Throuthehaze — Roomy purses are the best kind. LOL.
Kimberly — Thanks! I appreciate that, and I hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Anne — Thanks! I appreciate that. I’ve been trying to carry less stuff, but I really like your backpack idea. It sounds really handy.
Angela — I have a few scrunchies in my purse too, along with a brush.
Donna — Right now, I’m under contract for three books — TOUCH OF FROST, KISS OF FROST, and DARK FROST. I’m hoping to write five or maybe seven books in the series. That will let me finish out the story arc with Gwen, Loki, etc.
Cherry — That’s funny. I try to keep the receipts cleaned out of my purse, but they just keep piling up inside. I know how you feel.
SpadesHighReads — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the blog tour. I have a mini flashlight in my purse too. It never hurts to be prepared. ;-)
Would love to win this! :D thank you!
To the question, I always have a book or two. So that’d say i’m book lover. A gameboy, with pokemon. So maybe they’d think im a lot younger than i am? and of course a camera. I take pictures of everything :)
thanks again!
Jennifer – thank you so much for being here today, so much fun to have you! – awesome post (as usual)
I carry whatever book I’m reading plus a extra one. My note book and three mechanical pencils. My gum (it’s blue :3). Oh and A pen I recently started caring one around because most people ask for a pen.
Thanks for the contest. :D
Brittney — I think it’s cool that you have a Gameboy. I used to love to play Tetrus on mine.
Paperback Dolls — Thanks for having me on the blog again. I appreciate it. And thanks for the blog idea. It was a lot of fun to do. ;-)
Laura — I always have a book with me too.
I’m so excited to read this!
Oh my purse is sparse. I have a good size one (got it in Paris a few weeks ago). I carry my allergy pills, inhaler, a wrap (for when I get cold), my phone and my kindle. I love it because it’s the first purse that I could put my kindle in! I never leave home with out it.
Errrr…. most of the time i dont have a purse, but when i do my wallet, my phone, book, a pen, sticky notes, and makeup…. I can drive in august so i guess ill have keys to eventually!
What’s in my purse-my phone, ipod, calendar, 2 flash drives, probably 6 pens, 1 highlighter, loose receipts, wallet (probably open), my office key & work badge…oh and 3 tubes of lip gloss/lipstick. and occasionally either gummy snacks or a nutrigrain bar.
This series sounds really good.
Aimee — That’s cool. I might get a Kindle someday when the price drops a little bit more.
Rachel — I wish I could get by without a purse — or at least a smaller one — but it never seems to work out.
Anne — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book. And I carry snacks with me too. LOL.
Burt’s Bees. If I don’t have a tube in my bag, it’s usually in my front pocket. A book, my iPhone (also usually in my back pocket, but close enough), a set of earbuds, a hair elastic, bobby pins, small thing of hand lotion, and at the moment I also have my pencil case and a notebook for school. Oh, and, of course, my wallet!
I love having a peek at what people carry with them! And much look with your book, I can’t wait to read it!
I am really looking forward to this series! I love the Gin books, and I’m sure I’ll love these too. In my purse is an embroidered change purse, a pen, a mini flashlight, some lolli-pops, a knife since you never know, my old high school id’s, since I loved my hair during that time, some hand lotion and sanitizer, and a multi-tool. Again because you never know! :)
Lots of chapstick! lol.
And some Tylenol & pens & paper. : )
Thanks for the giveaway!
The early reviews for this book made me insane with anticipation! thanks for the chance! ;)
I have my wallet, a com, some floss and Kleenex, keys and the all important e-reader!
great post.Sounds like a great book.
In my purse are keys,wallet,receipts(a lot), day planner,pens,mirror,lip gloss and my phone.
I carry in my purse: keys, wallet, cellphone, pens, band-aids (you never know when you might need them), lip balm, mirror, some makeup (eyeliner, lipstick, powder compact, eyeshadow, concealer), a small bottle of water, and a small umbrella. I think this shows that I’m a careful and cautious person because I like to be prepared in case of emergencies (band-aids, water, and umbrella).
I have had to stop carrying a purse – I know this is blasphemy, but it was just too heavy and full of junk. I now care a small purse that holds all the important identification and attaches to my wrist so that I don’t accidentally lose it. It is so freeing. Thank you for the fun post and wonderful giveaway opportunity.
When I was younger, my goal was to be able to survive on the contents in my purse if I was stranded in the wilderness, LOL. Therefore I used to carry a flip-out knife, a folding pair of scissors, a box of matches, and other assorted strange items. After years of carrying them and never using them, I finally gave that up. However, I still carry a rather large backpack type purse with all kinds of other random items in it. I hate being unprepared.
This sounds like such a good series of books! I loved getting to see what each person carries in their purse/bookbag/briefcase. Interesting way to gain insight on each character.
As for what I carry in mine? When I carry a bag, it’s usually my canvas tote that has word nerd in scrabble letters on each side. In it I carry my wallet, body spray, and whatever important papers I may need that day.
Kaye — Thanks! Hope you enjoy the book. And I like Burt’s Bees stuff too.
Joani — Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the Elemental Assassin series, and I hope you like TOUCH OF FROST too.
Christa — I love my lip balm too.
Kah — Thanks! Hope you enjoy the book.
Diane — I see more and more folks with e-readers these days.
Elaing8 — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Amy — It sounds like you are prepared for just about everything. Very cool.
Denise — That’s cool. I bought a smaller purse like that, but I haven’t made the switch yet.
Jen — I like being prepared too, but like you, I’m trying to carry less stuff. Not really working so far. LOL.
Heather — Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post. And your bag sounds really cool.
I carry at least one book to read, my wallet, makeup, comb, notepad and pens, and aspirin. LOVE your books Jennifer
Audra — Thanks! I appreciate that, and I hope you get a chance to check out TOUCH OF FROST.
this looks and sounds like such a great book. I would so love to read it.
In my pockets I carry my mp3 player (to easily press the buttons and change songs) and a cellphone (when it isn’t missing). I only carry a purse when I have something big or important, like a book or doctor’s forms/papers. In my purse I also carry (last time I checked… which is Wednesday) lip gloss stick (that I never use), Carmex Lip Balm, a purple pen (no paper), and my missing eyeliner.
I think it means I’m absent-minded.
Thanks for the interesting feature and giveaway!
I usually carry tissues with me because even if I won’t need them someone else might, also sometimes band-aids besides that it’s just standard stuff like wallet and keys, maybe a collapsible umbrella – nothing spectacular ^^
Shannon — Thanks! Hope you get a chance to check out the book.
Judi — I wish I could get away without carrying a purse. Maybe someday …
Evening-green — I always have tissues too.
Mmm- My purse is just to carry basics: card case for business cards and credit cards, checkbook, tissue, hairbrush, pen, money, phone, floss, breath mints, small sewing kit for emergencies, emergency bandaids, eye drops, mp3 with Audible books.
Then there is my ever present briefcase with my laptop, kindle and usually a review book as well.
So I guess it says I am a work alcoholic, readaholic with tendencies of a girl scout -always prepared. :-0
Really cute guest post. I am interested in this series.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for this amazing giveaway! I would sooo love to read your book.
As for the question… well, I gave my purse up in exchange for a backpack, and there you can always find diapers and at least one change of clothes for my little man. Also, treats, water, toys, wipes – I guess it just says I’m a proud mom. :) Other than that, there’s my wallet, ID, pen, gum, and I think that’s it. It can get pretty heavy. ;)
I always overfill my purse. Aside from my wallet, I keep tylenol, a paperback, a notebook and pen, my checkbook, a pack of gum, and hand sanitizer. Fun stuff.
I just carry my wallet with me I don’t like to carry alot with me!
I look forward to reading this book Thank you so much for the great giveaway!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about hosting.
Regards