Comet Babe's Books: Avian by Nicole Conway

Title: Avian (The Dragonrider Chronicles #2)

Publication date: August 26, 2014

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Author: Nicole Conway

What They Say:

What kind of power is lurking inside him?

After a year of training to become a dragonrider, Jaevid Broadfeather has been sent home to rest during a three-month interlude. But when he returns to find the king drake has chosen Beckah Derrick as his new rider, Jaevid realizes something big is about to happen. Every fiber of his being is pushed to the breaking point as Jaevid battles through his avian year, preparing for the final graduation test of the battle scenario. But there is more standing in his way than a few pushups and fancy sword moves.

Jaevid must face a new fear as he is tormented by a gruesome nightmare of a mysterious gray elf warrior murdering the royal family of Maldobar. It seems obvious to him that this is some kind of message about how the war started long ago—until Felix assures him the king is very much alive. With his strange powers growing stronger by the day, and that violent dream replaying in his mind every night, Jaevid no longer wonders if he will pass his avian year or not . . . he wonders if he will even survive it.

The truth will soon be set loose.

Interview with the Author

Hi Nicole

Welcome to Comet Babe’s Books.

Can you tell us about Avian (The Dragonrider Chronicles #2)?

Avian is officially my favorite thing I’ve ever written. It was a blast from beginning to finish. I just hope my readers enjoy it as much as I did. It follows the second year of Jaevid’s training to become a dragonrider for the king’s army. He’s put through more intensive training, and tested to the very limits of his sanity. But beyond that, the readers will see him beginning to transform from a scared child into a war-hardened soldier ready to face the ugliness of war. They’ll also learn more about his friends, who are going through some interesting changes of their own. There are sad moments, frightening moments, tender moments, and hilarious ones, too. This book has a lot to offer, and I can only hope the last one in the series will be as great a pleasure to work on.

The Dragonrider Chronicles are aimed at children, but many young adults/adults are reading these books. Does that make you happy?

Of course! If people are enjoying these books, I’m happy—regardless of their age! I’d only ask my older readers to remember that this is a series written for children and “younger” young adults, so naturally I’m going to omit material that isn’t appropriate or unnecessary.

Can you tell us your inspiration behind the books?

My husband and his career as a fighter pilot were my inspiration. I already had the concept in mind, I was just looking for a unique approach to it. So by melding some of his experiences and the strong bonds of brotherhood I saw forming between these young men who go through pilot training, I found the inspiration I needed to make this series special.

Would you consider writing a fantasy book for adults?

Oh, definitely. I plan on it, actually. I’ve already begun drafting a novel more geared towards adults. That’s not to say that it will be filled with graphic violence and sexual content – that’s just not my style.

Can you share a sneak peak at what you're working on at the moment?

I’ve got four different books in the works right now, but I’ll share some about two of them. . .

Firstly, I am working on the last novel in The Dragonrider Chronicles, which will be titled TRAITOR. I’m on chapter 4 (I think?) and already I can tell you that this book is going to push me to my limits. It’s definitely an epic finish. All the strands, some of which have remained less obvious than others, will be tied together in a final battle that will decide the fate of Maldobar and Luntharda. Can Jaevid really save both kingdoms from destroying each other? We’ll soon find out!

Secondly, since you already asked about adult fantasy novels, I’ll tell you some about that one. The story revolves around a young man named Jon’Dhular on a quest to save himself from a terrible fate. Having lived his whole life in the icy mountains with the rest of his kin – a race of “Nordic” mountains elves called Ulfkai – he knows little of the world beyond the frozen forests of the north. But his journey to cure himself of a magical curse that is sure to claim his life will take him far from his homeland and into a battle between sorcerers.

Have you ever heard a strange/different story that you thought would be great in a book?

Oh yeah. Totally. I’m determined to do a story someday that revolves around the whole Mothman incident in West Virginia. That is just far too interesting to pass up!

Do you have a favourite place you like to write and why?

We have a picnic table on our screened in back porch, overlooking the backyard. That’s become my writing sanctuary lately, since I’ve got too much stuff piled on my desk now to spread out all my materials. And it’s nice to be outside, anyway. I like to watch our dog running around chasing dragonflies.

What inspired you to take up writing?

My mother homeschooled me until I was in the 6thgrade, and she always emphasized the importance of learning to write. She also made a point to read to me every single day, so I grew up with a love for books. Hearing those stories is what inspired me to create worlds and characters of my own.

Do you like it quiet when you're writing or do you need background noise?(music or TV)

I must have background noise. I usually listen to music – the same songs over and over again without realizing it. It drives my husband nuts if he can hear it. He’ll finally get to where he can’t take it anymore and comes over to inform me I’ve been listening to “It’s Gonna Be Me” by *NSYNC for the past hour. Whoops!

Non book questions

Favourite holiday place?

Chattanooga, Tennessee is my favorite place to go. I love the mountains, and that has got to be one of the most beautiful places in America. There’s a wonderful bed and breakfast there where we like to stay when we visit, and so many delicious local restaurants!

Favourite food?

That’s a tough one because I love to eat, and I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to trying new cuisines. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten was while my husband and I were on vacation in Asia, we stopped to see some friends who are stationed in South Korea, and had kimchi fries at a place called Vatos Urban Tacos. They. Were. Amazing!!

What kind of music do you listen to?

All kinds! When I’m writing, I like listening to old pop or rock music from my high school days, or movie soundtracks. I’m a pretty big Maroon 5 fan, I guess. I usually like their songs. But I also like Breaking Benjamin, Jennifer Lopez, Van Halen, Skillet, . . . you get the idea. My musical tastes are all over the place.

Favourite film?

The 5th Element. Don’t even get me started on all the reasons I LOVE that movie. I’ve probably watched it a hundred times, and it never gets old!

Favourite Chocolate?

I’m not actually a chocolate fan. I like salty snacks, rather than sweets. But if I have to pick, dark chocolate is okay.

Favourite drink?

Oolong Tea! Or coffee.

Thanks Nicole for taking the time to chat.

Jo xx

ABOUT NICOLE CONWAY:

Nicole is the author of the children’s fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES, about a young boy’s journey into manhood as he trains to become a dragonrider. She has completed the first two books in the series, and is now working on the third and final book.

Originally from a small town in North Alabama, Nicole moves frequently due to her husband’s career as a pilot for the United States Air Force. She received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Classics from Auburn University, and will soon attend graduate school.

She has previously worked as a freelance and graphic artist for promotional companies, but has now embraced writing as a full-time occupation.

Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves watching children’s movies and collecting books. She lives at home with her husband, two cats, and dog.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21525968-avian?ac=1

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