Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Isabel Cooper to HJ!
Hi Isabel Cooper and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, The Nightborn!
Please summarize the book for the readers here:
In the shining city-state of Heliodar, one of the few bastions of civilization to survive an apocalyptic chain of winter storms more or less whole, Zelen Verengir is the odd man out. He’s a member of the ruling council–because his family threw their youngest son into the position the way other people might throw coins to beggars. He’s a fop who works as a healer to the poorest citizens. And when a beautiful stranger shows up asking for military aid, he’s the only one who really welcomes her arrival.
Branwyn Alanive is a Sentinel in disguise. Like all of the monster-hunters, she’s more comfortable with fighting than diplomacy–but the warlord Thyran and his hideous army have emerged to try and take over the world again, Heliodar would be a valuable ally if they threw in with the other mortal kingdoms, and the nest of vipers needs a Sentinel’s supernatural abilities.
Zelen and Branwyn form a loose partnership that quickly becomes more–but she doesn’t know that Zelen’s family has asked him to find out more about her, and he doesn’t know she’s a Sentinel. Complications lurk beyond complicatons, and that’s before Branwyn becomes the chief suspect in a grisly murder…
What people should take away: That family is where you find it. I’ve been lucky in mine, but if yours sucks, there’s no reason to make yourself suffer because of what Captain Awkward refers to as the “But FAAAAAAMILY” argument. “They fuck you up, your mum and dad,” as Philip Larkin wrote, but after a certain age you don’t have to let them do it.
Please share your favorite quote from the book:
“Should I hope, Madam Alanive, that one day you’ll bring us a piece or five of cheerful news?”
“The world is wide,” said Branwyn, “and life hard to predict, and hope is always valuable.”
“No, then.”
“No, not really.”“Should I hope, Madam Alanive, that one day you’ll bring us a piece or five of cheerful news?”
“The world is wide,” said Branwyn, “and life hard to predict, and hope is always valuable.”
“No, then.”
“No, not really.”
Please share a few Fun facts about this book…
- I thought a lot, maybe too much, about the clothes in this book. There was one night at a gaming con where I was flopped on a hotel bed for like an hour just looking up Branwyn and Zelen’s color palettes. Procrastination? Maaaaybe.
- The soundtrack to this novel contains a lot of music from James Bond movies. I wrote most of the sentimental scenes to “Nobody Does It Better.” Also, there’s a scene in here that’s 100% because I always wanted to write a bit to “Ballroom Blitz.”
- The Nightborn probably features more intentionally awkward dinners per narrative than anything else I’ve written. I’m not saying they’re true to life, but I have large extended families and have had a number of jobs.
Thanks for blogging at HJ!
Giveaway: A paperback copy of The Nightborn (Stormbringer Book 2) by Isabel Cooper
To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: What job or task has taken you furthest out of your comfort zone?
Book Info:
Sentinels spend their lives fighting the monsters that prey upon humanity.
As the Traitor God’s army grows and war looms ever-closer, Sentinel Branwyn arrives in the gleaming city-state of Heliodar to ask its High Council for aid. Its youngest member, Zelen Varengir, is sympathetic to her cause, but his hands are tied by his powerful family—and when they demand he spy upon the beautiful warrior, there is little he can do but obey.
But something stronger than blood draws Zelen and Branwyn together, and when Branwyn is framed for the murder of the High Lord himself, the unlikely duo must learn to trust each other if they want to discover the deep secrets hidden in the heart of the city, uncover the real enemies moving against them, and embrace the attraction neither can deny…all while facing down the return of the greatest threat the world has ever known.
Fans of The Witcher and Ilona Andrews will love this epic tale of adventure and romance.
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | BAM |
Meet the Author:
During the day, ISABEL COOPER maintains her guise as a mild-mannered project manager in legal publishing. In her spare time, she enjoys video games, ballroom dancing, various geeky hobbies, and figuring out what wine goes best with leftover egg rolls. Cooper lives with two thriving houseplants in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mary Preston
Learning to drive took me out of my comfort zone. It is terrifying.
Barbara Bates
Working at a Wendy’s.
ladyvampire
When I first got diagnosed with cancer, that was wayyy out of my comfort zone. I had hardly been around my main doctor and then suddenly had three doctors, surgeries and lots of hospital time. It was hard adjusting my mind to the new situation but I knew I had to, to keep going. I’m currently cancer free after beating it twice so I guess I adjusted and adapted well.
Debra Guyette
Going places for the first alone always bother me.
Lori Byrd
working at a lead smelter
lorih824
Moving and starting a new job.
Glenda M
Having to speak in front of a large group of people. I was filling in for someone who was on maternity leave. Worse than the public speaking, I was told an hour ahead of time.
Teresa Warner
Can’t think of anything!
bn100
not sure
isisthe12th
Caring for my ailing mother was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Thank you
Teresa Williams
Can’t think of anything .
Daniel M
roofing, was scared of heights but got over it
lasvegasnan
Supervising.
Texas Book Lover
Learning to talk to tenants…it took me a long time but now I do it EVERY day! I’m excited to read this series…I just grabbed the first book for my kindle this morning!
EC
Being responsible of someone’s health in a professional medical field for school.
Diana Hardt
Driving to places where I am unfamiliar with the area and have to look at a map before leaving the house.
Janie McGaugh
Becoming a mother for the first time! I had no idea what I was doing. Thank goodness for my mother and books (no Internet at that time).
Amy R
What job or task has taken you furthest out of your comfort zone? Buying a car
Joy Avery
Signing up for and going with my son to Cub Scouts.
Bonnie
Speaking at a seminar
Patricia B.
Going from being a small town girl who lived at home through college to leaving 3 weeks after graduation to the other side of the world with the Peace Corps. Within a few weeks of my arrival I was asked to speak to an assembly of teachers from 2 districts. I was terrified and discovered one’s knees really do shake and threaten to collapse. I took maybe 5 minutes to give a 15 minute speech. Much too fast for anyone there to really get what I said.
rkcjmomma
When I was secretary of a womens bowling league for 5 years and had to be in charge and ralk over a microphone and im a really shy person!
Irma
Publick speaking or gardening (I hate it)
courtney kinder
When I got a new job and moved away from family and friends.
Mary C.
Caretaker for my parents and sisters
Charlotte Litton
Public speaking