Book Tour Q&A: Curse of the Fallen by H.C. Newell
Today we're taking part in the book tour organized by Escapist Book Tours for Curse of the Fallen by H.C. Newell! Continue reading for the book blurb and a Q&A with the author.
About the book
This Child is not the chosen one. She is a demon to be destroyed.
Born of magic, Nerana is labeled a demon and forced into hiding by the Order of Saro. Living with a curse that binds her to their leader, Nerana seeks to free herself from their hold and soon learns that the path to redemption may prove more fatal than the Order itself.
But for Nerana, this is more than a quest for survival... It’s a promise of revenge.
On to the interview...!
Thank you so much for joining us for this Q&A! We’ll start off with one of our standard podcast opening questions–tell us something great that’s happened recently.
I turned 30 recently! …My life isn’t that exciting lol!
What are you currently reading or what’s up next on your TBR? What made you pick up this book?
I want to finish Name of the Wind. Going on about 3 years now that I’ve been working my way through it. I researched the best fantasy and it was the most recommend, and I absolutely love the prose.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start writing?
Hiya! I’m Hayley, I live in Nashvile, TN and the most interesting thing about me is that I’ve published a pretty boss book. I’m also an adrenaline junkie, wannabe woodworker, and have negative skill in the world of dance. I’ve always been a writer, so storytelling just comes naturally, I suppose.
How do you spend your free time when you’re not reading or writing? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you can talk to us about?
I love music, drawing and painting, playing video games, disc golf, and hiking! My favorites are: Music: Metal/Rock (Disturbed, (old) Shinedown, Fair to Midland, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Tool) Art: digital, charcoal, and acrylic paint Games: Final Fantasy X and Mass Effect Trilogy
What are your favorite types of stories? Of characters?
I love dark fantasy. I like the realism, heartache, unpredictable plot, and emotion. My favorite characters are the ones who are really complex. Zuko, Light Yagami, Reiner Braun are great examples.
They say to never judge a book by its cover, but a cover is still a marketing tool that helps sell books. Can you tell us about the idea behind the cover of your book?
I don’t know what it was about the trees, but something about it just spoke to me. I’ve always envisioned a tree on the cover of my book, even when it was just a YA novel 14 years ago. I didn’t even have special trees in my books back then and purposefully added them in so they could be used on the covers! The tree on Curse of the Fallen, specifically, is located within the Trials of Blood, so it’s taken from a scene directly out of the book ☺
Can you give us an elevator pitch for your book?
Nerana is a sorceress born in a world where magic is forbidden. Outcast, exiled, and hunted since birth, she seeks to free herself of a curse that ties her to the Order of Saro who relentlessly hunt her down.
Her hope now lies in a legend from the time of the elves that speaks of the Trials of Blood, a test that promises salvation. Darkness gathers, and the hunters close in on their prey, but with little left to lose Nerana embarks on her perilous journey and soon learns that the path to redemption may prove more fatal than the Order itself.
But for Nerana, this is more than a quest for survival... it's a promise of revenge.
Describe your book in 3 adjectives.
Dark, exciting, emotional.
Can you tell us a little bit about your characters? What are your favorite kinds of characters to write?
Realistic ones. I can’t really say I have a favorite type because it depends on the story, who they’re with, why they are the way that they are. I have a whole spectrum of characters in my books, from charismatic/happy-go-lucky bards to morally-grey/brooding assassins. I love them all so long as they’re realistic and believable.
If you could choose one worldbuilding detail (a place, ability, or creature, for example) from your book to exist in the real world, what would it be and why?
Well, magic would definitely be my choice. The reason: because magic is badass.
Do you have a favorite quote from your book that you can share with us?
I hate picking my own quotes lol so I’ll just share some of my favorites from reviews:
“Don’t allow the darkness of this world to shroud your kindness”
“A person will spill many secrets with enough pain”
“If there’s a chance to help someone in need, then you should take it.”
My book is dark, but the characters still hold a flicker of light that I think readers really appreciate. They go through a LOT, but they’re still able to laugh and show compassion.
Is there anything you can tell us about any current projects you’re working on?
Shadows of Nyn’Dira, book three in the series, will debut later this year!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for us! Do you have any parting thoughts or comments you’d like to leave for our readers?
I just want to thank you all for considering my book and I truly hope that you enjoy it! I spent ten years creating this world, so this is more than just a side project for me – it’s my entire soul being poured into the pages, and it means everything that you’re giving it a chance.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ☺
And finally, where can you be found on the internet if our readers want to hear more from you?
https://linktr.ee/hcnewellsocials
Where to buy the book:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093DWP3W8
Author Direct: https://www.hcnewell.com/bookone
The Broken Binding: https://www.thebrokenbinding.co.uk/product-page/curse-of-the-fallen-h-c-newell