The time it was about Horde

Horde was one of the first arcs sent to me by Macmillan and I almost wept tears of joy when I got it.  I was so so so excited to finally read the ending of Deuce and Fade's epic story.  And oh man, it didn't disappoint.  So, of course, when I got the invite to be part of the blog tour for Ann Aguirre, I jumped at the chance.

But, as always, before we get to Ann's interview, let's check out the book.

The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.

Sounds good, right?

 

1. Where did the idea for the Razorland series come from?

 

First, I was a child in the 80s, when we lived with the constant fear from nuclear stockpiling and the cold war. In grade school, they actually showed us films on what we should do if the bomb dropped. As a result, I've always had some issue from that constant anxiety. When I'm afraid of something, I tend to work it into my books, so it was natural that I would, someday, write about the end of the world as we know it.

 

Before I wrote the Razorland trilogy, I hadn't read extensively in the genre, mostly because I intended to take a crack at it, and so I wanted to be able to say, honestly, that any similarity came from a collective zeitgeist. Before I finished the series, I had only read A Canticle for Leibowitz, which is post-apocalyptic but not YA and Lord of the Flies, which is more about the savagery that lurks close to the skin. Since completing the Razorland saga, I've discovered a long list of dystopian authors I cheerfully recommend: Paolo Bacigalupi, Veronica Rossi, Patrick Ness, Courtney Summers, Meg Rosoff, and more.

 

For me, every book starts in the same place -- with the characters. They tell me their names and then I listen as they share their stories. I write them down. So far, it's working really well.

 

2. What do you love most about Deuce and Fade and why should we root for them?

 

I'm really bad at this sort of thing. When I'm asked to pitch my books or describe my series, I usually give a quick tagline and then mumble. So I turned this query over to Twitter, and the readers have spoken.

 

"Deuce and Fade are awesome because they always have each other's back. They're perfect partners, fighting and more, and the tension between them is brilliant. You should root for them because they've been through so much and they deserve to be happy. Together."

 

3. The Freaks are quite creepy. Tell me how they developed as characters. Was there anything odd that you had to research for them?

 

I tried, but there's not a lot of information regarding genetic mutations due to biological and chemical warfare. In the end, I made a lot of it up, based on bits of science I could find, and then I extrapolated, given certain theories about how humans developed intelligence that separated them from animals.

 

They definitely have an arc, however, and I can't wait until readers read about it in Horde. I did my best to foreshadow, but it wasn't easy since I was locked into Deuce's head, and I couldn't show scenes from any other points of view.

 

4. What was your favorite part of writing this series?

 

Finishing it. That sounds a bit glib, but when I start a big project, a three book arc, I have all these ideas tangled up with the fear that I won't be able to do them justice. Is my ability equal to my vision? I have no idea. Until I power through and complete the series. Once I do that, it's the biggest rush and I just savor it. When I wrap up a book, that's a thrill, but when I write the final volume in a series, it's indescribably delightful.

 

5. Explain the series in five words.

 

The Walking Dead meets Fallout.

 

Speed [ish] Round:

 

1. What three things would you take to a desert island?

 

Kindle. Solar Charger. Emergency Kit.

 

2. What are you reading right now?

 

Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton

 

3. Who are your favorite swoony boys?

 

Park -- from Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.

Varen -- from Nevermore by Kelly Creagh.

Tom -- from When the World was Flat (and We Were in Love) by Ingrid Jonach.

Naji -- from The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke.

Matt -- from Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park.

 

4. Are there any authors that you fangirl over?

 

Not in person. I try to be cool when I'm meeting rockstar-famous authors. Then I do a crazy dance as soon as I'm alone. Frex: I just had breakfast with Rachel Caine! Charlaine Harris just talked to me! I've been idolizing Sharon Shinn for a really long time and I recommend her books to all and sundry. Her command of language is gorgeous.

 

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Huge thanks to Ann for taking the time and Macmillan for the invite!

You can find Ann on her website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.  Make sure you add her books on GoodReads and go see her on the Fierce Reads tour.

Now. 

Haven't been able to pick up a copy of Enclave, Outpost or Horde? I've got them for you. Well, I don't have them, but I have people who do. :D Winner will receive the books directly from Macmillan. 

Rules are listed under the "terms & conditions" on the Rafflecopter widget.

**Good Luck!!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

And be sure to check out all of the other tour stops for other goodies:

 

Horde Blog Tour Schedule

 

Monday 10/14

Rainy Day Ramblings

 

Tuesday 10/15

Supernatural Snark

 

Wednesday 10/16

Two Chicks on Books

 

Thursday 10/17

Almost Grown-Up

 

Friday 10/18

Alice Marvels

 

Monday 10/21

The Midnight Garden

 

Tuesday 10/22

PageTurners

 

Wednesday 10/23

Curling Up with a Good Book

 

Thursday 10/24

Birth of a New Witch