Giveaway & Interview with Ilona Andrews – Part Two: Kate Daniels and Magic Mourns

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We are back for part two in our interview with the awesome, Ilona Andrews. This portion of the interview focuses on the Kate Daniels series, but don’t forget about On The Edge which will be released this Tuesday. And below this interview, we do have a pretty awesome giveaway. The interview below does relate to scenes that have happened in the Kate Daniels series, so a friendly warning for those who haven’t read the books yet.

Bookpushers: Ilona, the readers of the Kate Daniel series seem to have this obsession about the hot tub scene in Magic Strikes. You mentioned in a discussion on another website, that it was the hardest scene to write because you had to stay true to the characters. So, any more tub action? *eyebrows waggle in unison*

Ilona: Well since Curran dies in the next book, I think I’m making my address unlisted.

Bookpushers: *All eyebrows immediately stop wagging and fierce frowning commences*

Ilona: It will be okay. I was just kidding. There is no hot tub in the next KD book. Or is there? Muhahahahahahahaha!

Bookpushers: You have a lot of side characters that have popped up in the Kate Daniels’ books. Is there any information/gossip that has gone on with these characters in-between books?

Ilona: Yes. The world doesn’t really remain static. For example, Aunt B and Mahon each watched Kate and Curran tango, and came to opposite conclusions. Aunt B thinks it’s love, Mahon thinks it’s momentary obsession that will pass. The conclusions are reached off screen, but both alphas act on them in KD 4.

Bookpushers: With Curran breaking and entering into Kate’s place, there is an almighty important question that we think needs to be asked. Did he eat all of the apple pie while Kate was sleeping? And what else did he get up to?

Ilona: Yes he did. He did eat the apple pie. Curran doesn’t technically do the crippy “watch her as she sleeps” thing.

He walks in, makes sure she’s okay, and walks out. That time he walked in, she wasn’t there. He checked the fridge, because one time he checked it and there was nothing in there. (Kate was invited to a dinner by Derek that weekend. Very mysterious, considering Derek’s cooking is not what you would call gourmet) So Curran checks the fridge habitually, sees the pie, and eats it.

Bookpushers: Lets talk about the LOL Curran phenomenon. Are you surprised by how popular it has become?

Ilona: Yes. I’m endlessly surprised by the popularity of the books and the reader reactions to them. It seems that when people get into the world, they really get into it.

Bookpushers: That’s understandable. Curran is one of those characters that can be LOL captioned.

Ilona: Well, he is so powerful and so arrogant. How can you not make fun of him a little bit?

Bookpushers: Now…speaking of fun things to read. How did the Curran POV snippets come to life?

Ilona: Like this:

Me: Darling, please write the snippet from Curran’s POV for the fans.

Gordon: Hrhrrhm.

Me, two days later: Please?

Gordon: Okay, I’ll do it.

Me, two days later: Snippet?

Gordon: I remember.

Me, two days later: The competition ends in 24 hours.

Gordon, sigh: Type type type type: I sent it to you.

Bookpushers: What other myth(s) are you planning to use in future books?

Ilona: The short story with Kate and Saiman is using Russian myths. KD 4 will be relying on Jewish mythology and Babylonian legends.

Bookpushers: How were you approached for the anthology and did you have Magic Mourns (Raphael’s and Andrea’s story) written already – or was it written specifically for Must Love Hellhounds?

Ilona: Well, my editor was notified that there was an anthology and she called my agent and the agent called me, and I said yes. The story was written specifically for the anthology. I think those two deserved some screen time.

Bookpushers: What attracts Raphael to Andrea – since most of the Bouda’s “go” for him?

Ilona: Andrea is not like other boudas. She’s disciplined, focused, and rational. She is also very alpha, even if she herself doesn’t quite realize it. Raphael never met anyone quite like her and she won’t give him the time of day. That’s part of the attraction.

Bookpushers: Kate and Andrea BFF – In Urban Fantasy, its rare to see a female friendship like that, although its great to see, especially as it helps to open Kate up which we saw in Magic Strikes. Good to see a positive friendship in that light.

Ilona: Of course you have to have friends, male or female.

The genre expectation is often that of an urban fantasy protagonist being surrounded by men and no women – no competition. The men have to fall for her, because she is the “only” female in the narrative.

But really, a strong female character would make friends among other women.

Bookpushers: As part of that friendship, what made you decide to develop that crazy aunt relationship between Julie and Kate?

Ilona: Well, Julie needs Kate. She needs someone to look after her. As the Little Prince said, we’re responsible for those we tame. Now Kate is responsible for Julie, but she can’t and doesn’t want to replace Julie’s mother. That leaves us with a crazy aunt option.

Bookpushers: The comparison between writing KD’s and Andrea’s voices with Kate (first person) and Andrea (also, first person). Did you find it difficult to get into the POV with in the same series?

Ilona: No, not at all. Kate is a wild card, but Andrea is a cop. She sounds like a cop, she thinks like a cop, and so on. She was much easier to write than Kate.

Bookpushers: Ok, our very last question. With the popularity that Nick has gained amongst readers, is there a possibility of a Nick spin off? If not, a short story like Andrea and Raphael? Or just have his story told in the Kate books?

Ilona: The possibility of a spin off always exists. But it is always up to the publisher. If the publisher chooses to purchase a Nick spin off, we’ll gladly do it.

And that concludes the end of the interview, but the fun doesn’t stop. We are having a cracking giveaway for you lovely readers out there. Over all, we will be giving away:

  • Main winner: A copy of: On The Edge and Must Love Hellhounds
  • Four runners up: A copy of: On The Edge

All you have to do is leave a comment in the field, but there are going to be rules because of past problems with winners not contacting us. So, please read before entering.

RULES: The giveaway is open internationally and will be open until: Saturday, 3rd of October. We will be announcing the winners somewhere around: Sunday, 4th of October.

If you have a blogger account and your email is NOT part of your profile, you MUST write down your email addy when you comment.

If you don’t have a blogger account, the same rules apply. You must give us a valid email address so we can contact you. When we contact the winners, we will give you five days to reply, and if we don’t hear back from you within that time frame, we will draw another winner.

So, with that. Good luck, everyone.  🙂

Update: Giveaway is now closed. What a great turn out. Thanks everyone! I’ll announcing and notifying the winners later on tonight.

50 thoughts on “Giveaway & Interview with Ilona Andrews – Part Two: Kate Daniels and Magic Mourns”

  1. RKCharron

    Hi 🙂
    Thank you for the excellent interview with Ilona Andrews, and thanks to Ilona for sharing.
    (Thanks also to her Gordon for taking over her blog and taking care of her)
    All the best,
    RKCharron
    xxoo
    PS – email is in my Blogger profile.
    🙂

  2. Mandi

    Don't enter me because I have read both books – I just wanted to say I have really enjoyed these past two interviews!!

  3. Leontine

    I had a blast with this second part again and now eyeing my first Kate Daniels book…I promise the book; soon, verry soon!

  6. Brooke Reviews

    Great interview, I really enjoyed this one. I love Ilona! Also, what an awesome husband. 😀

    bacarleton(at)gmail(dot)com

  7. SusiSunshine

    Great interview. Thanks so much doing it.
    Don't enter me! I've got both books- more or less- On the Edge should be here tomorrow.
    Have Nice day!

  11. Sarah

    Hi thanks for doing the interview and the little insights into what happens off-screen in the Kate Daniels world 🙂

    No need to enter me in the contest, I've ordered both books.

  12. Tynga

    Second part is as good, if not better, then the first part!
    Good job!
    Please enter me for the contest =)
    I'd love to read On THe Edge!

  13. pattepoilue

    loved the interview!! I can't wait to read On the Edge and Magic Mourns *grins*
    I'm still laughing at some of the LOL Currans, so funny!
    pattepoilueATgmailDOTcom

  22. Denise

    Thank you so much for an excellent interview and more time with Gordon and Ilona! Please enter me into the contest. Denisetwin at aol.com

  24. arionoth@hotmail.com

    Thanks! This interview really made me laugh! Also, thanks for doing the giveaway! Email is my name.

  25. Vic

    Great interview! Am currently listening to Magic Burns and reading Magic Strikes to get my Kate fix. Waiting for The Edge tomorrow!

  28. Christina

    No need to enter me in the contest. 🙂

    Great interview!

    It makes me wonder, did Mahon ever have a mate?

    I find it interesting that he could raise Curran, seen him with his various girlfriends and not see Curran treats Kate differently. Even Aunt B believed, back in book 2, that Curran's intentions might be more than a causal relationship.

    Curran goes berserk and leads a rescue effort — and to Mahon, that's just an obsession. What does Curran have to do to convince him, marry the woman?? 😉

    But seriously. Wow. Poor Curran. Poor Kate. The one person I thought who would have seen a deeper connection…Mahon.

    Of course, if Mahon's right…than Curran is a jerk and there will be a huge outcry from the fans. 😉

  30. Patti

    Great interview – Ms. Andrews' sense of humor comes through with her answers – I smiled alot while reading this interview. Thank you both!

    I already have MLH but would love to win On the Edge.

    pspinney AT cox DOT net

  31. Rachel

    Let me just say Ilona that when you said Curran dies in the 4th book my heart fell and then I wanted to throttle you! I very much hope that doesn't happen. I'm not even considering it. Its Curran the God Killer that will not happen. *Sticking fingers in ears* "Lalala" I can't wait to read Curran's pov and why Mohan thinks its only an obsession. Goodness I can't wait to read it. The wait is killing me!

    I don't have Must Love Hellhounds so enter me please!
    rconnell94(at)yahoo(dot)com
    -Rachel C

  32. S.

    The offhand comments about Aunt B and Mahon really piqued my interest.

    zhang dot four nine seven (in numbers) @ osu dot edu

  33. Vj7

    I loved it! That was a great interview! the part about aunt B and Mahon…OMG!.. cannot wait to see it unfold in Kate4.

  34. Serinata

    AH!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!! I almost got a heart attack thinking you were actually contemplating killing off Curran…

    Thank you for the interview. I forgot who Nick was though O_O Whoops! I suppose I better go reread the books.

    email: puppie _ 1993 @ yahoo . com
    (no spaces)

  35. -Ria Lize-

    lol. I didn't really believe Curran would die, but all the same, I froze on the spot.

    Thanks for the interview, t'was great. =] The wait for K4 is sooo long. So here's to hoping I'll still stay sane. ^^

  37. Blodeuedd

    Hi,
    Nice interview 🙂 Haven't read any books yet, but they are on my Amazon wishlist. So I wanna enter

    blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com

  38. 1 pièce

    Waiting… always waiting for the next book or movie or series episode ! Why do I do that to myself ?
    Anyway, nowadays I'm especially waiting for The Edge and the next Kate Daniels book.
    Thanks for the interview and the giveaway.

  41. Mishel

    Absolutely adored the interview =)

    I haven't read anything by Ilona yet – I know I'm terrible. I am getting ready to start Magic Bites very soon though. I'm super excited about that.

    Please enter me in this giveaway!!

    Thanks,

    mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

  44. Silvia

    What a great interview, thanks for asking such stellar questions. I admit my heart stopped for a just a second when she said Curran would die in the next book!

  45. Just_Me37

    Thanks for the interview, I love their books so I would gladly enter 😛

    Alexandria D
    crazy_canadian_chick37(at)hotmail(dot)com

  48. buddyt

    Hi,

    I though your interview was one of the better interviews I have read recently.

    Well done !

    Please enter me in the giveaway.
    Thank you.

    Carol

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

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