Monday, September 27, 2010

Tia's Pajama Party Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Sevenfold Spell

Today I am pleased to welcome Tia Nevitt to celebrate the release of her novella The Sevenfold Spell, the first in a series of fairy tale retellings called Accidental Enchantments. Since Tia is normally only available to comment after business hours, she has been stopping by while in her pajamas, thus the name. For a schedule of all the tour stops, you can see the full list here on her book review site, Debuts & Reviews.



Wow. Today is it. The release date. Be kind to me, world! Thank you so much for having me, Kristen. To celebrate the release, I’d like to give away a copy of The Sevenfold Spell. To enter, either leave a comment, or email me at tia @ tianevitt . com (remove the spaces) and please mention that you saw this at The Fantasy CafĂ©.

For today’s post, I’d like to discuss the books that have touched me over the years. They are all works of fiction, listed (roughly) in the order in which I read them over the years. Most are fantasy or science fiction—but not all.

2001 by Arthur C. Clarke
This is the first speculative fiction novel I ever read. For a long time, it was the standard by which all others were judged. It had to be hard science fiction—no space opera for me! However, it also had to have wonder in it. And the Jupiter approach scene is just about the most wondrous scene I have ever read.

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
I learned a great deal about character development from this novel, which I read when I was in high school, and before I entertained any serious desire to become a writer. I have since reread it many times.

The Once and Future King by T. H. White
Simply put, this novel made writing look so fun that I just had to try it for myself.

Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey
My husband had this lying around and I picked it up out of boredom. It was my first space opera. It touched me because of the music. I loved reading about a musician who goes off and finds a lucrative and exclusive line of work because … she has perfect pitch. And because she had to pass a rigorous physical, mental and intellectual exam to get in. I so wanted to be a crystal singer.

Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
I loved this series because the authors did their damnedest to include wonder in every chapter. You just don’t get a shot of wonder like this when you read today’s gritty fantasies. If you disagree, I’d love for you to recommend some titles.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
I learned a great deal about point-of-view while I was reading it, as it alternates between omnipresent to third person as it goes from chapter to chapter. I also learned that you can take an unpleasant character and make them compelling.

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This book showed me that a novel can take on a serious subject and still make the reader howl with laughter.

Sentenced to Prism by Alan Dean Foster
I was blown away by this novel. Initially, I didn’t want to read it because I didn’t like the punny title. A friend convinced me to give it a try. It was totally not what I expected and when I name my favorite science fiction novels, this one always makes the list.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This novel taught me the importance of bringing out a character through dialog. It also made me fall in love with romance again.

And to round out this list, a recent one:

The Sword-Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe
I just reread the review of this novel, and it made me wonder why I have not bought the second novel—I certainly intended to, and now I think I’ll get it for my nook. I loved Eddie LaCrosse, and while it was drenched in blood and gore, it had unexpected wonder, redemption and soul.

Ok, I have obeyed the blogger’s rule of THERE MUST BE TEN, so I’ll leave it at that.

Which novels would make your top-ten list, and why?



Thank you, Tia. That's an intriguing list of books! I'm going to have to think about my top ten list; that's a tough question to answer.

Here's some more information on The Sevenfold Spell, which was released today as an e-book from Carina Press:


Have you ever wondered what happens to the other people in the fairy tale?

Things look grim for Talia and her mother. By royal proclamation, the constables and those annoying “good” fairies have taken away their livelihood by confiscating their spinning wheel. Something to do with a curse on the princess, they said.

Not every young lady has a fairy godmother rushing to her rescue.

Without the promise of an income from spinning, Talia’s prospects for marriage disappear, and she and her mother face destitution. Past caring about breaking an arbitrary and cruel law, rebellious Talia determines to build a new spinning wheel, the only one in the nation, which plays right into the evil fairy’s diabolical plan. Talia discovers that finding a happy ending requires sacrifice. But is it a sacrifice she’s willing to make?

Good luck to those entering to win a copy of The Sevenfold Spell! To enter, email Tia at the address she provided or leave a comment with your top 10 favorite books - we'd love to hear about which books you love the most and why!

19 comments:

Tia Nevitt said...

Ok, when I wrote that post, it wasn't REALLY release day, but now it is. I have the day off, so I don't need to be in my jammies all day--but I could if I wanted to!

Looking forward to reading about your favorite books and maybe discovering some new treasures.

Susanna Ives said...

Today, my favorite book is "Sevenfold Spell!" Happy, happy release day! Your novella is awesome. Witty and sexy and sweet. It was a joy to read.

Tia Nevitt said...

Thank you, Susan!!! Hey, everyone--read Susan's awesome Rakes and Radishes as well!

Mel said...

I love the premise of the Sevenfold Spell - I will definitely check it out. Is it out in the UK as well? We're often a few months behind and it makes me very impatient!

Ok, some of my favourite books that I’ve read more than once (in no particular order)
1. Sati by Christopher Pike - great story and philosophy that I first read as a teen and have never forgotten
2. Watership Down - Richard Adams – my pet rabbit was never as clever or cuddly as Fiver or Hazel!
3. The Ancient Future – Traci Harding – Time Travel, romance, action, druids and ancient gods – what more do you need?
4. Bitten – Kelley Armstrong – my first Urban Fantasy novel – it drew me into a new genre!
5. Kushiel’s Dart - Jacqueline Carey – historical fantasy in a very different Europe
6. The Vampire Lestat – Anne Rice – My first vampire crush!
7. Codex Alera – Jim Butcher – Okay, technically it’s a series but it is so well done with so many great characters and a great over-arching storyline
8. Wild Magic – Tamora Pierce – first read as a teen but I still read her new books each year.
9. Obernewtyn Chronicles – Isobelle Carmody - please can the final two books be released soon!
10. The Eyre Affair – Jasper Fforde – soo funny and original! Everyone should read the Thursday Next books

Tia Nevitt said...

Great list, Mel! All books I haven't read yet.

To clarify, this is an ebook, and the contest is open worldwide.

Kathy Ivan said...

Yea!! Happy, happy release day, Tia.

Took the day off, did you? Me, too!!!

Wishing you many, many sales.

Claire Robyns said...

Happy, happy release day, Tia. I've been following you around on your tour because each blog is just so interesting! I can't wait to read this one.

FYI for Mel, I'm in the UK as well and all the Carina Press titles are available on release day in the UK at the same time as in USA, certainly on the Carina Press site as well as on Amazon

Tia Nevitt said...

Kathy, a book release is the perfect excuse for a day off! Or several!

Claire, I'm glad you're enjoying the tour and thanks for clarifying from the UK!

Anonymous said...

I so agree with you on CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR. Others on my fav list include TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, OUTLANDER, and GONE WITH THE WIND.

Happy release day, Tia!

Kristen said...

Happy release day, Tia, and thank you for sharing some of your favorite books with us! I enjoyed reading The Sevenfold Spell and am looking forward to more fairy tales.

Kristen said...

Wow, I haven't read a LOT of the favorite books mentioned but the ones I have read are ones I really liked. Out of Tia's list, I've read only Pride and Prejudice. From Mel's list I've read Kushiel's Dart and from Liz's list I've read To Kill a Mockingbird and Gone with the Wind.

I was thinking about my list on the way home from work tonight. That's tough, and I can't do it without including some series, but it looks like:

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - I read this when I was 16 and cried for about an hour after finishing it. It was such a perfect ending but so heartbreaking at the same time. This is the first book I remember reading that really showed me the power of great characterization.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - A favorite for the dialogue and the fact that even though it's about everyday people who don't have crazy adventures Austen makes them fascinating to read about.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux - So tragic. I loved every moment of it.

The Snow Queen by Joan D. Vinge - A science fiction retelling of the fairy tale by the same name.

The Doctrine of Labyrinth series by Sarah Monette - Monette takes two different characters and gives them such unique voices.

Wraeththu Chronicles by Storm Constantine - Another one I love just for the characterization. Oh, and the beautiful writing.

The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - I've thought about this one enough since reading it earlier this year that I've decided it deserves a spot on the favorites list. It's emotionally involving and everything is worded so nicely. There's so many parts that could have a double meaning and the ending is just wonderful.

Liveship Traders by Robin Hobb - I loved all three of her trilogies set in this world, but this was my favorite. It had such an interesting setting.

The Last Hawk by Catherine Asaro - Adventure, romance, a matriarchy with a culture involving an intricate game. My favorite of Asaro's books I've read so far.

Hm, I can't decide on the tenth. I may have to go with Lips Touch by Laini Taylor just for the story The Hatchling which is darkly beautiful.

Tia Nevitt said...

Wow, you put a lot of thought into this! I might have to go for The Snow Queen--a SF fairy tale!

And also, maybe I should finally read Gone With the Wind. It's been unread on my shelf for years.

Kristen said...

Tia - The Snow Queen is out of print but I think it is very worth tracking down a copy. I'd wanted to read for it a long time, but I got a signed copy from my husband for Christmas last year. It was great timing since I got to spend some time off with it.

The book Gone with the Wind is so much better than the movie - there is so much depth to the characterization.

Tia Nevitt said...

We have a great used bookstore in town--I'll keep that title in mind next time I go there.

Kristen said...

If you do find a copy of The Snow Queen I would love to hear what you think of it!

orannia said...

Tia - lovely post! All the best with the release!

Hmmm, favourite books. I fell in love with Sarah Monette's Doctrine of Labyrinths series last year. It just completely blew my mind. And Josh Lanyon's Adrien English series. I love books that fill me with completely joy and the desire to keep reading.

Tia Nevitt said...

Ok, let's draw a winner! Orannia, I drew your name! I got your email address from your profile, so I'll send an email there. If I don't reach you, please email me at tia @ tianevitt dot com.

Tia Nevitt said...

Many thanks to Kristen for hosting me, and thanks to you all for your kind words.

Kristen said...

Thank you, Tia, for your post and giving away a copy of The Sevenfold Spell! It was great to have you as a guest.

Congratulations, Orannia, I hope you enjoy The Sevenfold Spell!