Well I was lucky enough to be able to ask Mrs. Darynda Jones some questions. Tomorrow Fifth Grave Past the Light releases. I was also privileged enough to get an Advanced Readers Copy. I will tell you this much. SPOILER! This is the BEST one yet! Fell in love with REYES all over again. Check out my review at the bottom of the interview. ENJOY!
What would you do if you found ….oh let’s say …. A young dead girl under your bed….scratching?
Bwahahaha!!! I’d run. No questions asked. It wouldn’t matter
if I had been sleeping naked, either. I’d be out the door and down the street
before I realized I’d forgotten something.
Did you ever think there would be 5 or more
books?
That was my dream the moment I came up with the character of
Charley Davidson. But did I know that it would come to fruition? No way. I am
thrilled beyond measure and hope there will be many, many more to come.
Was this always the path for Charley and Reyes?
Or has it evolved?
Yes, though it has evolved faster than I’d originally
envisioned. I actually feared putting them together-together, if you know what
I mean. Like in a committed relationship. Then I looked around at some of the
most talented, best selling authors out there. Suddenly, all the cool kids were
doing it and I couldn't wait to join in. Also I got death threats.
That being said, their relationship has taken a slight turn
since my original vision, but that won’t happen until book six.
If Charley can do what Reyes can do, then can
Reyes do what Charley can do?
Nope. :)
Can people pass through Reyes?
Not intentionally, but he is a portal to hell, so one would
think they could. Sadly, no one wants to go to hell, so that theory has never
been tested.
We found out in book 4 that Charley is part of a
bigger picture. When will we learn more about these light beings?
She is definitely part of a bigger picture, but not because
of her heritage or the race of beings she comes from. However, I do plan on
bringing them into the picture at some point. Can you imagine her meeting her
celestial parents? They are royalty, you know.
If Reyes was created by Satan then who is his
mother?
He was exactly that: Created. Much like the stars in the
heavens, he was made from the melding of molecules and the eternal fires of
sin, where atoms bonded and formed the perfect being that we know as Reyes
Alexander Farrow. He is the son of what we think of as evil, but he was made
from light, much like our own sun. He is an immaculate balance of this light
and the darkness from which he was formed and, unfortunately for his father, he
can choose which path to take.
Was Garrett sent to hell or did he do something
in his past to already take him there.
He was most definitely sent, and sent for a reason. He was
not slated for a trip to the basement, but as fate would have it, his temporarily
state of death-ness let someone (ahem) take advantage of the situation.
Needless to say, Garrett is a bit miffed.
Did you have a hard time turning Charley into a
killer? Does that affect her path to light?
I knew she would kill eventually and that it would bother
her, but it does not affect her path to light. She has the power and the
authority to take lives, especially those who do not deserve the one they’ve
been given. It is not what she was made to do, but she can if she deems the act
necessary.
You dealt with PTSD in book 4. Charley copes with
buying frivolous items from the home shopping channel. What is the nuttiest
thing you’ve ever bought from TV?
Ha! Let’s just say I have my fair share of items that begin
with Ronco.
Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she is determined to stay away from him until she can find out the truth. According to her therapist, however, she lacks conviction.
When dead women start appearing in her apartment - lost, confused and terrified beyond reason - Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister Gemma is the serial killer's next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who's responsible. And even if he can't, he is the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return: Charley. All of her - body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay
When dead women start appearing in her apartment - lost, confused and terrified beyond reason - Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister Gemma is the serial killer's next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who's responsible. And even if he can't, he is the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return: Charley. All of her - body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay
MY REVIEW
Honestly, my mind is a puddle of mud right now. This is the best book yet, and I don't say that lightly. I'll not go over and try to rewrite the blurb and try to fancy it up with my own words. I will say it is pact full of more suspense and definitely MORE dead people with mysteries to be solved. I love Reyes even more now than I had in the past (if that was even possible) OMG, this man/being is sexier then the hell he was forged from. The writing is superbly Darynda. Wit, sas, sex;it's all back and in large doses. I love you Darynda. You write one of the best stories out there. I can't wait for 6th. Oh, and thanks for making me leave a light ON!
Links To Author:
Links To Purchase Books:
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Amazon
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Audible
NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda
Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden
Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du
Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications
including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library
Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing
damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by,
annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity
to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s
Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the
Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30
years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found
at www.daryndajones.com
GIVEAWAY
Autographed copy of 5th Grave
I've never actually seen a ghost but I've felt one. I was reading one night and my lamp just started flashing on and off, it was really spooky cause it was just after my grandfather past away. That went on for like 5 minutes than nothing. I went back to reading and a few minutes later a had the biggest cold shiver ever. I'll never forget that night.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing giveaway and for making it international. I love Charley Davidson, I'm almost finished book 1 and I'm already addicted, I look forward to reading them all. :-)
I have seen a ghost. When I was 8 I when to go to the bathroom and when I opened the door, a unknown force slammed the door in my face, but not before I saw a black blob sitting on the toilet sit. Then I hear a female voice yell some...choice words and curses at me, and told me that she was using the bathroom. All my family were in the living room. By the time I went back to the bathroom, the ghost was gone, and a breeze passed through me. Creepy!!
ReplyDeleteI've felt a ghost before, not sure if I've seen one. I see a lot of things out of the corner of my eye, so who knows what i'm seeing.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever seen or felt a ghost, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't stick around long enough to be certain. :) I discovered Charley and Reyes in May, and I'm excited to read more about them!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a ghost, and would like to keep it that way.
ReplyDeleteI am sooo excited for Fifth Grave!
Not sure if I want to see and/or feel a ghost..... I'd run either way.... lol :)
ReplyDeleteI know I have seen ghost and felt them before.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen one actually but my mom claims that she has!
ReplyDeleteI've had many "ghostly" encounters in my lifetime. I don't particularly care to have anymore, but who knows???
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read 5th Grave!!!
Great interview!!! And no, I haven't seen any ghosts :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, love your blog. Never seen a ghost, but my grandmother has.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE the description of how Reyes was created, how he's light and dark and that he can choose his path!
ReplyDeleteNope, I've never seen a ghost...but my Meema saw her dog as a ghost before she passed...hmmm...maybe a guardian like Artemis :)
Me too, Traci. We think so much alike. I know I have said this before but we could be separated sisters. ;)
DeleteNever seen a ghost, have had some creepy chills and felt like something was watching me before. thanks for the interview and giveaway....can't wait for tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteThis book IS the best so far and I am looking forward to the next one with MUCH relish!! I can't say I ever seen a ghost but an angel for sure. Her name is Shannon and was my dog when I was a girl. Your review was AWESOME and the interview spectacular.
ReplyDeleteMarie, I love that your pet returned to you. Such a touching story. :)
DeleteFirst off, wow, great interview! Awesome questions Jowanna, you have mad skills thinking outside of the norm and asking interesting questions. Love it! Do I see ghost, no I don't see ghost, but have felt one's presence. Yuk! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLove this series and loved the interview I can't wait to read this
ReplyDeleteNever a paranormal girl, I love this series. So much fun.
ReplyDeleteI think the house that I lived in when I was a child was haunted because every night when we would lay down for bed me and my sister would hear running up on the third floor which was weird because we only used that space for storage. What else was weird was in the summer or when ever it was hot you would think that the third floor would be super hot because heat rises well not in this house it would always be cold like we had AC up there which we didn’t and when ever we would play up there it always seemed like someone was watching you like you were never alone and when ever you were up there you always had the feeling to run or get down from there as fast as you could it was a little creepy. Me and my sister still talk about it to this day I don’t fear ghost or the unknown. It almost gives me a feeling like there is something beyond death and that you should not be afraid and that if a ghost is there it’s for a reason and you should never be scared! With that being said I sooooo can’t wait for this book I’m sending my boys to their grandparents so MAMA can read and not have to do anything else. OH CHARLEY AND REYES HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU SO GALD YOUR BACK!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Jowanna! I really enjoyed it. :) Personally, I have never seen a ghost but I have family members who swear my grandfather haunted my grandparent’s house for a length of time after his passing. I cannot wait for Fifth Grave to be released on Tuesday so I can discuss it with all my fellow Reyes addicts. :p
ReplyDeleteWow. I learned a lot from this interview, thank you. For some reason, I didn't know about Reyes being a balance between light and dark.
ReplyDeleteHave I seen a ghost? I've seen the hackles of my dogs raise at nothing, so I'm hoping it was a ghost, and not a, say, SPIDER!
That was a great interview! Darynda is awesomesauce and this series ROCKS! Love it! <3
ReplyDeleteGood luck to everyone on the giveaway!
Great interview! All the cool kids were doing it, LOL!
ReplyDeleteNo, I've never seen a ghost...can't wait to read Fifth Grave Past The Light!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview! Thanks for having me today, love. And good luck all! Woot woot!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I have seen a ghost, and it scared the crap out of me, but a lot of people don't believe me. Oh well, there's no doubt in my mind lol
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read fifth grave!
What a great interview!!! Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a ghost but have had "strange" occurences.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, love Darynda!
Love all of Darynda's books! Happy release day (tomorrow)!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove Daryndra! Rockin Interview :)
ReplyDeleteI've never seen or felt a ghost and wouldn't stick around if I thought something might be there lol.
ReplyDeleteI love the series. Charley is hilarious and Reyes..yum.
Thanks! Can't wait for 5th!
ReplyDeleteI swore there was one in my parents basement growing up, but that could be because I didn't want to get what my mom wanted me to go down and get:) So excited for this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome giveaway, Darynda is amazing and I love this series. I've never "seen" a ghost but I have definitely felt the presence of ghosts before. I'm a true believer in things existing that we can't see and I love the paranormal. Can't say it doesn't scare and creep me out from time to time, but I do love reading about it :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the review!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview.
ReplyDeleteNo, I never saw a ghost, unfortunately. I loved the interview :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't see one, but I heard it and felt it's presence. Great interview! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview. I've never seen a ghost.
ReplyDelete