Venom Blog Tour: Guest Post and Giveaway by Jennifer Estep
Submitted by Doll KittNLuv on September 27, 2010 – 4:10 am36 Comments
We would like to extend Jennifer Estep a warm welcome to Paperback Dolls! Jennifer is here for her first time on her Venom Blog Tour. I recently reviewed Venom, out September 28th, earlier this month (found ) and absolutely loved it. I contacted Jennifer because I wanted to talk about one of my favorite characters in her Elemental Assassin series, Finnegan Lane!
Greetings and salutations! First of all, I want to say thanks to Kitt and the other folks here at Paperback Dolls for having me on the blog today. Thanks, everyone!
Some of you might know me as the author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. 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.
The first two books in the series are Spider’s Bite and Web of Lies. Venom, the third book, is coming out on Sept. 28. Tangled Threads, the fourth book, will be published in May 2011, while the fifth book (untitled) will be released in October 2011.
I’ve also sold a young adult urban fantasy series called Mythos Academy. The first book is called Touch of Frost and will be out in August 2011. The books focus on Gwen Frost, a 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 finds herself shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendents of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, and more.
So today, Kitt asked me to talk about Finnegan Lane, one of the characters in my Elemental Assassin series. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the series, Finn is Gin’s foster brother and handler. He also happens to be an arrogant, greedy, womanizing clotheshorse who can put a bullet through your eye as easy as he can breathe.
Besides Gin, Finn seems to be the most popular character in the Elemental Assassin books. I’ve gotten several e-mails from folks and have seen some comments wondering if I’ll ever give Finn his own book. I’m not sure about that (it would depend on sales and whether my publisher would want a book from Finn’s point of view). But I have written a couple of free short stories that focus on Finn to go along with Venom. They’re called Poison and Wasted, and you can find them on the Excerpts page of my website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/excerpts-short-stories/
So what makes Finn so popular? I think it’s because he’s so unapologetic and so honest and so completely comfortable with who he is. Finn likes women, and he likes money and all the pretty things that he can buy with it. He hardly ever wears anything other than a designer suit, and he collects expensive sports cars like they’re going out of style. Finn knows that he’s shallow and greedy, and he doesn’t pretend to be anything else other than what he is. It’s a lot of fun for me to write a character who’s so in-your-face about the pleasures that he gets out of life.
Of course, underneath the flashy suits and slick smile, Finn’s a pretty decent guy – one who will go to great lengths to protect his friends and family. But he’d rather shoot you than let you know that he has any sort of feelings. Shudder. Finn is very much like Gin that way.
But I think what really makes Finn work as a character is his devil-may-care attitude. Whether he’s out clubbing or helping Gin put somebody six feet under or even getting the crap beat out of him, Finn always has a smile on his face and a ready comeback. He just has fun no matter what’s happening or how high the odds are stacked again him – and I think that’s what draws readers to him.
Rich, handsome, charming. I know that I’d like to be more like Finn. Wouldn’t you? ;-)
What about you guys? Who are some of your favorite urban fantasy characters?
~*~*~*VENOM GIVEAWAY*~*~*~
Jennifer, the lovely lady that she is, is offering a signed copy of Venom to one lucky US resident! All you have to do is answer her question.
What kind of assassin works pro bono?It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker–Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.
Of course, we will always give you more ways to win:
+1 for each place you post about today’s contest on your blog, social network, or anywhere you can. Digg it, stumble it, twit it, share it with the world. Wherever you share it, make sure you add a link to it along with your comment.
+1 subscribe to Paperback Dolls – either via a reader or email (see the RSS button at the top of the right sidebar or the entry form to the left sidebar.)
Giveaway ends October 11th and the winner chosen by random.org on October 12th. We ask the winners to post a review of the novel someplace. Whether it is on their own blog, Amazon, GoodReads, LibraryThing or wherever, it doesn’t matter. Just help get the word out. Also, we will try to contact the winners, but we ask that you check back to see if you’ve won.
Kitt is an avid reader of Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Historical, Classics, Young Adult, and on the occasion she reads some Erotica to spice things up. Her entrance into the world of Paranormal started with Charlaine Harris's Stackhouse series. When not feeding her addiction she can be found slaving away cooking as a Sous Chef, watching movies and Anime, or out looking for trouble. She lives in Florida with her DB Deist and their two cats Salem and Dublin.
What kind of assassin works probono? I would have to say an assassion who has a heart, who feels sorry for their client or who is seeking revenge. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber.
An assassin that works pro-bono is a liberal!
+1 I follow GFC and Network Blogs
+1 I tweeted @italiamarie
Someone might be assassin probono if they are a addict and are in debt to someone kinda like Chess Putnum does her magic for the dealers she owes money to.
I follow too
To help a friend or establish a leathal name for themselves as a killer…
I folllow
Kriscrets @ Gmail .com
Hi, everyone! I just want to say thanks again for the folks here at Paperback Dolls for having me on the blog. I appreciate it! ;-)
As for what kind of assassin works pro bono, I'd say it's because Gin prefers to kill first and ask questions later. LOL.
Jennifer, thank you so much for letting the dolls take part in your blog tour experience!
I love the idea of a pro bono assassin, it's like doing a public service of sorts :D
One who wants to pick their prey .
I haven't read this series, yet! I've got the first one on my TBR pile.
subsciber:)
I'm a GFC and I Tweeted and posted on Facebook.
I haven't read this series yet but I want to!
So excited to be a part of the Venom Blog Tour!
BIG Thanks to Jennifer Estep for stopping by PBD and the awesome giveaway!
xo
Thanks, Noa and Day! I appreciate that.
Yep, Gin definitely thinks she's doing a public service. She's just waiting for the mayor of Ashland to give her a medal. LOL.
I have never read these books but they look really good.
I love finding new authors so please enter me in the contest, though I suppose I should go get the first books in the series huh?
Alrighty then. Pro-Bono Assassin…I agree with everyone above. Ridding the world of scum and a-holes would be a public service!
I follow NetWork Blogs
tia.peacock @ gmail.com
"What about you guys? Who are some of your favorite urban fantasy characters?"
Some of my favorite UF characters are Gin of course, and Jeaniene Frost's Cat & Bones, Jaye Wells' Sabina Kane and Nicole Peeler's Jane True.
As far as the pro bono assassin
question, I think someone who has a lot of heart underneath their hard exterior, who cares about people that are being victimized would work pro bono.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
My favorite UF character is Giguhl from Jaye Wells Sabina Kane Series.
The kind with nothing to loose.
+1
+1 Follower via GFC
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Hi, everyone! I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who stopped by and left a comment. There are tons of great UF characters out there. It really is a great time to be a fantasy/paranormal fan!
Hi there! Some of my favorite UF characters are Dante and Japh (lilith saintcrow), Cat and Bones (jeaniene frost), Joana Archer (Vicki Pettersson), Anita Blake and MErry Gentry, the list could go on and on. I love to read! :) Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I follow thru gfc and thru email. +2 Artesia at comcast dot net
I love Bones and Cat from Jeannine Frost, and Kate from ilona Andrews, Merry Gentry, and the smith clan from Shelly Laurenstons books
I follow via GFC +1
and I posted on my sidebar on my blog
+1
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
The kind whose out for revenge/ wants justice.
thanks for the giveaway!
van
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(Dot)com
First I want to thank PBD's for doing the review on Spider Bite. I had to read it afterwards and flew threw it and Web of Lies. I'm so excited that I'm not having to wait a whole year for Venom. So refreshing.
Gin is the type of assassin who will work probono. It's in her blood. She doesn't take crap from anyone and is happy to stop anyone else from having to. She doesn't like bullies, so beware of The Spider if you are. Also a bored assassin will take probono to keep from going crazy. :)
+1 twitter @toothpickcross
+1 fb
+1 dash board blog cristy/bamafever @ gmail . com
JKRowyn — I really like the Dante Valentine series too.
Bamafever — Cool. I'm glad you are enjoying the series so far. I hope you like VENOM even more than the first two books.
My favourite character seems to change with every book I read (fickle? me?) but I love kick ass heroines and steamy hero (doesn't everyone?).
+1 Twitter:
+1 GFC follower
spettolij AT gmail DOT com
+1 GFC follower
My favorite character seems to change with every book I read LOL I happen to love the bad boy types and take no shit heroines
I think an assasin can still have a moral code and an idea of what is right and wrong, even if it's his/her own skewwed lines that don't get crossed. So i could see an assasin willing hunting someone who hurt a kid. And I'm sure it doesn't hurt to have a friend with connections.
+1 follow this account (mare/Tommygirl)
+1 tweeted –
+ 1 What kind of assain works pro bono – an assain who prefers to have justice served and revels in the making evil-doers pay for their actions –
+1 I am also a follower with GFC –
bleumoon
What kind of assassin works pro bono?
I think it would be someone who wants revenge.
I am an e-mail follower.
ra7_78atyahoodotcom
I haven't read this series yet but I've read great reviews on all her books.
+1 subscriber
What kind of assassin works pro bono? I would say one that has a conscience and a heart.
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
Subscribe to Paperback Dolls by email
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
One of my fave UF characters is Charlie Madigan from the series by Kelly Gay.
+1 email subscriber
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
I've already entered in an earlier post, but I had to come back and post on Venom. I loved it. I love Finn but I have a real soft spot for Owen now. Gin might be all kick butt and take names but she her heart is in the right place. She puts everyone first and deserves to have someone who loves her for her. I really hope we get the back story on Sophia. When Owen stood up for Gin on the Riverboat I was Whoop the whole time. I can't wait to see Gin master her Stone and Ice Elements. AS for Mab, it's gonna be great to see her get what is coming.
My favorite leads are Bones from JF's Night Huntress series and Anna from PB's Alpha/Omega series.
Gin and Owen have moved right up in the slot next to them. I also loved Carrow and Malcolm from Kressley Cole's IAD series. And last but not least is Z from the BDB series and Adam Black from KMM's Highlander and Fever series.
Mercedes Thompson from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.
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+1 Tweeted:
aikychien at yahoo dot com
The kind that wants to help her friends
+1 for subscribing to the blog
There are a bunch of great UF characters right now. Some of my faves are Mercy Thompson, Kate Daniels, Kitty the werewolf, and of course Gin Blanco.
+1 subscriber
jen at delux dot com
Really looking forward to reading this Book. Thanks for the review!
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