Monday, May 16, 2016

Interview - Phantasma by Efthalia


What inspired you to become an author?       

I always wanted to write but took a different road, as we do.  Then woke up one morning and realized that I really wanted to write and fulfill a life long dream.

Do you have a specific writing style?  

Yes, my brand of crazy! (giggles)  Is that a style?  I don’t know if I have a specific writing style. I just know that I have fun and I hope that, that comes through for the reader because reading is about enjoying and escaping for a little while.

How did you come up with the title for your latest book?           

I wanted a one word title an Phantasma just popped into my head. I have all the titles written down for the whole series. 

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?         

I like to have a title before I begin as it helps me establish a feel and direction of the story.  I’m also very visual so I like to have a copy of the cover art done early too.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?          

This novel is about anger and revenge and the consequences of such deep emotions. 

What book are you reading now?        

A bit boring – an academic book for an essay that is due next week. Yikes! I’m looking forward on catching up with my TBR pile.


What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?           

A novella, which is basically Xen’s (hero in Phantasma) backstory. It is set in Ancient Greece and shares insight into Xen as a mortal man and naturally an immortal.  I’m also working on book two in the series.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?      

Time. Finding the time to write more whilst studying can be a challenge. I still have to be a mom and do all the mommy stuff. It’s a challenge one I’m trying to time mange. 


Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?        

At the moment google has been my best friend and google earth is amazing.  I do hope for a trip later in the year. 



Do you have any advice for other writers?    

Writing is hard business. Never give up if you want to achieve your dream.  It takes a lot of courage to first write a book but a great deal of backbone to share it with the world. Truthfully not everyone is going to like our work or understand it, so don’t look back or let negativity slow you down.


Just for fun questions

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?       

Super speed. That way I could get the housework and dinner done faster and leave more time for me to write. (smiles)

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

If it didn’t bite or burn me I’d probably go for a wolf.

Phantasma
Phi Athanatoi Series
Book One
Efthalia

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance

Publisher:  Mill City Press

Date of Publication:  12th April 2016

ISBN:  978-1-63413-905-2

Number of pages:  386
Word Count:  90,000

Cover Artist:  Yoolia Design

Book Description:

One night’s transgression. A love unveiled. The in-escapable outcome of passion and vengeance. 

Carissa Alkippes is a daughter of a god but she doesn’t know it. As a cop she’s seen her fair share of bad but nothing prepared her for the horror of the world she has been plunged into. 

Xen Lyson is the head of the Phi Athanatoi, a group of immortals who have been protecting man for over 2,000 years from the Kakodiamones - demons who want nothing more than to feast on humanity. 

Thrown face to face with Xen during a skirmish with the demons, Carissa becomes a pawn in a deadly game of a demi-god who seeks godly power.




Excerpt from Chapter Two

Xen Lyson’s fingers moved to the pulse point of the woman lying at his feet. Skata! He swore internally. He should have guessed she’d come back for her partner. He’d have to leave her.
Take her. He jerked at the sudden possessiveness that demanded he acquire ownership. She’s yours.
His hand moved to her hair as he pushed the strands back from her face. The pads of his fingers deliberately caressed her cheek. His nostrils flared when the scent of her exotic blood hit his nose. He examined her without delay. A large bump and cut graced the back of her skull. He lifted his fingers to his mouth and tasted her blood. Ambrosia danced over his tongue and warmth spread through every cell in his body.
Dikia mou... she’s mine.“Xen, we should move.” Kane Hart, his right hand man, brought him out of his strange musings and sudden infatuation. “Bring the truck. Get the clean team. Stack the demon bodies.”
His brow creased in contemplation at what would be the best course of action for the female and her partner. Taking her would risk exposing her to his world. He looked over her body again. Take her. He wanted to give in and do as his mind bid. “Leave these two untouched.”
As the leader of the Phi Athanatoi, an ancient specialist group of vampires and werewolves, he was sworn to protect humankind. Right now, leaving the woman and her wounded partner would be an act of protecting them from the Kakodiamones, the demons that walked amongst man. Bringing them into his world would only paint them as moving targets.
He stood and sheathed his double-edged xiphos. His acute senses picked up the strong smell of demons. Before he could turn, one descended upon him, blade in hand. He braced himself. The impact was inescapable. Slamming into his back, the demon knocked him forward.
“Vlaka!” Xen yelled.He found his footing quickly, speed and skill on his side. Reaching for his sword, he readied himself for combat. The demon changed tactics when he saw Xen’s weapon. He stopped on the spot, trying to avoid his opponent’s blade.
Xen sneered and bore his fangs at the demon. A threat—one other creatures would acknowledge as to who held the power. The demon stood expressionless.
“Well, come and get me.” Xen coaxed. The demon didn’t move.
Statues...thicker than Greek marble. Xen didn’t need an invitation. His blade hissed through the air, cutting through the demon’s neck and spinal cord, severing his existence. Blood splattered on the already sticky floor. The head thudded on the ground while the body teetered for a second before it too slumped to the concrete.
Kane laid his boot into the beast. “Nice cut, Xen. The bastard didn’t have enough time to blink.”The lykos let out a growl of satisfaction, but then his demeanor changed, his nostrils expanded at the scent of another demon headed in their direction. He turned in time and swung his double swords, severing the demon’s head, blood gushing over him.
“Damn! I just bought this jacket.” He gave the headless body a kick to let out his frustration. The body flew through the air and landed with a thud when it hit the wall on their right. “Dumbass! When will you demons get it?”

Xen smirked. His friend excelled at the combination of lethal and loyal.


About the Author:

Efthalia lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and two children.

Her passion for writing was cultivated by the stories her mother told her as a child.

She has an MA in Writing and is currently studying the Classics and Archaeology at Sydney University.

Phantasma is her debut novel and the first in the Phi Athanatoi Series.




Goodreads: http://goo.gl/xQXSdD




2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved this book from start to finish. It's a great read full of your fabulous humour, Efthalia. And Greeks. It has Greeks - 'nuff said :D

Efthalia said...

Thank you so much Juanita! <3 <3 <3

And thanks for visiting Roxanne's place. It's a fang-tabulous place here.