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Friday, January 30, 2015

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Woven by Michael Jensen & David Powers King


I was lucky enough to be able to be a part of Michael Jensen and David Powers King's Blog Tour for their book Woven. You can check out of my review of that here, if you guys haven't checked it out already. I have some goodies for you guys today such as a brief Q&A, a giveaway directly from the authors (see below), and some great info about the book. Hopefully, if my review didn't get you to go get this book this will help you!

 About the Authors:




David Powers King (left) was born in beautiful downtown Burbank, California where his love for film inspired him to become a writer. An avid fan of science fiction and fantasy, David also has a soft spot for zombies and the paranormal. He now lives in the mountain West with his wife and three children.

Photo credit: Katie Pyne Rasmussen

Links:


Michael Jensen (right) is a graduate of Brigham Young University’s prestigious music, dance, and theater program. Michael taught voice at BYU before establishing his own vocal instruction studio. In addition to being an imaginative storyteller, Michael is an accomplished composer and vocalist. He lives in Salt Lake City with his husband and their four dogs.

Photo credit: Michael Schoenfeld

Links:



Praise for Woven:

"It’s not often that you read a fantasy that feels as epic and original as Woven by King and Jensen. Clever, well-paced, and full of intrigue, it’s a superb read. Highly recommended."
— James Dashner, author of The Maze Runner

"WOVEN reads like a lost classic that was somehow just rediscovered. It has the feel of a comfortable, familiar blanket that's somehow been newly-made of the brightest, most original material possible, and it is pure pleasure to read."
 James A. Owen, author & illustrator of Here, There Be Dragons

"The worldbuilding is dynamic, original and intriguing … and the characters, appealing. A sure bet for high-fantasy fans." — Kirkus Reviews

"This brisk adventure from first-time authors Jensen and King is a charming quest tale in classic fantasy tradition." — Publisher’s Weekly

Book description from Goodreads:

WOVEN by Michael Jensen and David Powers King, published by Scholastic

Two unlikely allies must journey across a kingdom in the hopes of thwarting death itself.

All his life, Nels has wanted to be a knight of the kingdom of Avërand. Tall and strong, and with a knack for helping those in need, the people of his sleepy little village have even taken to calling him the Knight of Cobblestown.

But that was before Nels died, murdered outside his home by a mysterious figure.

Now the young hero has awoken as a ghost, invisible to all around him save one person—his only hope for understanding what happened to him—the kingdom’s heir, Princess Tyra. At first the spoiled royal wants nothing to do with Nels, but as the mystery of his death unravels, the two find themselves linked by a secret, and an enemy who could be hiding behind any face.

Nels and Tyra have no choice but to abscond from the castle, charting a hidden world of tangled magic and forlorn phantoms. They must seek out an ancient needle with the power to mend what has been torn, and they have to move fast. Because soon Nels will disappear forever.

Available now wherever books are sold

iTunes            

Q&A with both Michael Jensen & David Powers King about Woven:

Is Avërand based on a real place?


We drew some inspiration for Avërand from medieval Scandinavian influences. Some of the names like Tyra and Lars were common in that region.


Are all of the characters in Woven purely from imagination or are they based on people either of you know?

There are some character elements that we drew from people we know. Since this is a collaboration, and neither of us have the same social influences, the characters really took on their own identities.

Which character do you most identify with and why?

Michael: Like Nels, I want to make a difference in the world and sometimes I feel powerless to do so. That's when I have to remember to be myself and let others assist me on my journey. I've also been in Tyra's shoes. Comfy as they were, I had to get outside of myself and stop waiting for my handsome knight to take my responsibilities from me. Sometimes the common people in your life can be the ones to help you trust your abilities.


David: I saw a lot of myself in Nels in the early drafts of this novel, an all-around good guy who is happiest doing right in the world and treating others with respect. Would this change if I had died and became a ghost? This idea led to some unexpectedly wonderful character development, and personal discoveries for myself.


Do either of you have a favorite scene or moment in the book? If so, which and why?


Michael: As a teacher, I can't help but get a little giddy whenever my students have those discovery "ah hah" moments. Woven is full of those moments. I think one of my favorite is when Tyra dances with the Vagas and discovers her true feelings about Sir Arek—more so about herself and why she's made some poor decisions.


David: I’m very fond of the dance scene as well. There is a moment that chokes me up every time near the end (hard to explain without spoiling). It resonates with me since I experienced a loss in my family. The banter between Nels and Tyra is exquisite, too. They steal the show when they’re together, as they should.

Rafflecopper Giveaway Link (One of 5 copies of Woven – signed by both authors):



4 comments:

  1. Alone it is tough to change the world, but gather others around us and we become a force.
    Good interview, guys!

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  2. Thanks Alex, and thank you so much for having us on your site, Brittany! :)

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    Replies
    1. No problem, David! I loved hosting you guys. Your book is amazing and needs to be talked about!

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  3. King and Jensen are bright new flames to the fantasy genre. Full of adventure and romance, Woven has all the right elements to capture readers' minds and ensnare their hearts.

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