BDB Bookclub Questions - Lover Awakened

And now, this month's questions:
1. On a scale from 1-5, what would you rate this book? Briefly tell us why.

5! Absolutely. My favorite book of the series hands down! I wasn't really a fan of Zsadist in the first two books but this book turned it all around.

2. Let's talk about our feelings: reading about Zsadist's past had me choked up and provoked some serious feelings towards him for me. What did you think when you read about his past? His past was shocking and sad but it explained a whole lot about his personality. He was brutalized.

3. Obviously, Zsadist came a long way as a person in this book. What do you think of the post-Bella Zsadist? Of all the brothers and their over dramatic love declarations, Zsadist felt the most sincere. He was very Bruno Mars, he'd catch a grenade and all that.

4. Phury has always gone to whatever lengths to protect his brother. What did you think of him shaving his head and heading to the movies to meet the lesser? I wasn't surprised. Phury seems to live his life for his brother. In the beginning I was worried about the whole Bella/Zsadist thing because of how it would affect Phury and Zsadist relationship. I know it might sound sick but I was like 'can't she just be with them both.' But anyways, him shaving his head and meeting with the lessers totally made sense to me.

5. With O gone, do you see the dynamics of the lesser society changing? How so? Um, I pretty much tried to ignore the lesser through the whole book but I was glad he is gone.

6. We found out that John is "Darius' son." I have a feeling he might just be the reincarnation of Darius himself -- it's reaching, I know. What are your thoughts on John as Darius' son or, possibly, as Darius? Yeah, I totally thought that John was actually Darius since what was said in the first book. But I like that idea of him being Darius' son better.

7. Book 4 will about Butch. Do you think that Butch's book will be different from the first three books given that Butch is a human? Do you think Butch will remain a human? I was a little disappointed when I found out that book 4 was about Butch and not one of the brothers. I wanted to keep going with their stories. Butch won't remain human, he can't. I must say I was pleasantly surprised with his book.

Author Interview: Mayandree Michel

I would like to welcome Mrs. Mayandree Michel to Totally Obsessed and thank her for taking time out of her schedule to answer some questions.

    

As this is your first released novel, what inspired you to write Betrayal?

I was inspired by many things. First and foremost I was inspired by many of the Greek myths. About two and a half years ago I started reading the myths again and the story of the Descendants was born. I’m also inspired by some of my favorite author’s works that I’ve loved over the years.

Greek mythology plays a large role in this novel, has this always been an interest of yours? How much research did you have to do for this book?

Greek mythology is the premise of my trilogy. I’ve enjoyed the myths since first being introduced to it in high school. I still have my old copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. I’ve read the Odyssey and the Iliad and they were both very essential to writing this book, but I actually didn’t have to research the myths as much as I had to research the Victorian era. I really didn’t have much knowledge of the time period, but always loved it. So I thought it’d be cool to incorporate both.

Is there a particular message you wanted to get out with this book? If so, what is that message?

Basically, things aren’t always what they seem. Everyone has a story, sometimes good, sometimes bad, no matter how wide their smiles are on the outside. Sometimes backstabbers come with wide grins. 

Who is your favorite character in Betrayal? Why?

I can’t choose. I love them all!

As an aspiring author I’m always looking for advice, do you have any advice for hopeful writers?

I don’t consider myself as resourceful with advice as I expect so many bestselling / veteran authors are. The advice I was given is what I’ll share. Read a lot, more than you write. Familiarize yourself with the genre you’re writing in, and never ever give up on your dream of becoming a writer / author - not even on the days you think you suck at it.

Do you have a favorite author? Who and why?

I simply adore Anne Rice, Edith Wharton, Cassandra Clare, Suzanne Collins, and Stephenie Meyer for their incredible talent to whisk me away to their made up worlds.

There are some pretty powerful people in Betrayal. If you could have any power or one of your characters power, what would it be and why?

I would love the power to stop time. The gods know that I could use a few extra hours to write.

Since this is book one of the trilogy, I know I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. Can you give us a little teaser, something to look forward to in book two?

Can you keep a secret? Yeah? Me too!

The cover of Betrayal is one of the first things that caught my attention. It is beautiful. Who designed it? Did you have a concept or idea for the cover?

As I wrote Betrayal I got the idea of how I wanted the cover to look. I had to have the forest, the Parthenon and Cordelia in the gold dress from the last scenes of the book, but I can’t take the credit for how wonderful it turned out. I have to thank my good friend Samantha Oyola for that.  (Click here to meet the model and designer of the cover.)

Random question.

 Other then writing, what is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Hmmm…besides writing? Sketching Victorian fashions is a close second.

Thanks Mrs. Michel for stopping by and I look forward to the release of book two! You know I'm  impatient, I could have used a teaser but I will just have to wait like everyone else! Thanks again!

Book Review: Betrayal by Mayandree Michel and First Giveaway!!!

I'm so excited I got the chance to review Betrayal by Mayandree Michel and be a part of her blog tour! I loved this book by its cover the first time I saw it. Now Mrs. Michel is sponsoring a giveaway for a copy of her book. See giveway rules and enter below.

Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel
At seventeen, Cordelia is an ordinary teen with an extraordinary and frightening secret. A secret that induces vivid dreams which she not only experiences true love, but crippling fear while barely escaping with her life each night. After a life altering event, Cordelia has an unexpected encounter with Evan, the mysterious boy from her dreams, who reveals who and what she is – a descendant of the Greek gods. At that moment everything she knows of her world is a lie, and she must leave the present and go into the past to assume the role she was put on this earth for – safeguarding her ancient empire amidst evil forces that toil hastily to destroy it. In a race against time, Cordelia must decide if she is truly a part of this dangerous world, or risk defying the gods, and ultimately lose the boy who has put a claim on her heart.


Overview: I must say I loved this book! Mayandree has an incredibly intricate and detailed writing style. She created world so vivid while reading I almost felt apart of it. In the Capius mansion, the Nevada Sierra, the desolate Tieron Mansion, the amazingly beautiful garden, no aspects was left blank. The clothing of the late 1880's era was described in great detail as well. I would have loved to attend the Masquerade Ball if just to see the costumes. The introduction of the Greek mythological lineage for the main characters was incredible and something I haven't seen very often. The characters were descendants of the Gods given powers that directly correlate with their deity. The powers givien to Cordelia were amazing. It was very entertaining as well as a history lesson in Greek Gods. I had to stop myself many times from skipping to the end of the book. I wanted to know would Cordelia get her memory back and who would betray her. Mrs. Michel was good at building suspense.

Characters: Cordelia's personal growth throughout the book was amazing to watch. In the beginning I didn't see her as a strong person (having amnesia and being told you are a demi-god might cause anyone to be a little weary) but I loved how her strength grew throughout the story. Toward the end I could finally see her as powerful. Nickolas was my second favorite character. He just seemed like the right guy to have on your side, very protective but not overbearing and he seemed like a lot of fun. The three other guys - Victor, Evan and Gerald - played their roles nicely. I found myself rooting for Victor in the end over Evan. Evan just didn't do it for me and Gerald, I just felt a little bad for him. Bethany I was a little leery of as well in the beginning but by the end I understood her. Sacha and Lucas were badass. That's all I can say about them. I would like to have known more about Sun Paw, Night Wind and Moon Rose, they could have a spin off story all of their own.

Plot: Cordelia was definitely someone to root for. Her story wasn't an easy one and I felt everything that she was feeling about what was happening to her. She didn't know who to trust or what to believe. She even had doubts within herself which is something that we can all relate to. In the beginning I had my own speculations about who would betray her. I must say, I'm glad I was wrong!

In the end it was a great debut. However, this isn't a easy one day read. It is well over 650 pages. It takes time and effort but is very enjoyable and worth the time! I really cannot wait to see what happens in the next book due out in December!

For more information about this book and author, please visit:

Author website: http://mayandreemichel.blogspot.com
betrayal website: http://betrayalthedescendants.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10915691-betrayal

Where to purchase Betrayal:
Amazon for Kindle & paperback
Barnes & Noble for Nook
Smashwords for all ereaders
On to the giveaway!

Giveaway Deets:

-- One copy of Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel
-- Giveaway ends June 30th.
---Winner will be announced on here at Totally Obsessed and recieve an email.
-- Giveaway open to US residents only (sorry)

To win:

--  Must be a follower of this blog!
-- Please click below and fill out form.

Click here to Enter!!

Good luck!!

Betrayal Trailer

Great trailer for Betrayal by Mayandree Michel! Review and Author Interview coming Monday, June 6th!!

Music: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

I'm sorry I just had to post this video. It is the official Summertime anthem. It never gets old. This song just makes me want to hang out in the park, blast the boombox and bbq with friends. I love this song!

Do you have a song that just signifies Summer for you? If so, what is it?