Rise of the Fallen is my debut novel about a deeply tragic vampire named Micah Black who's in the clutches of heartbreak and ready to end it all. In fact, that's how the book begins, showing Micah on his downward spiral into a living abyss of Hell on Earth. Problem is, Fate has other plans for him, if he can get out of his own way long enough to see them. If so, Micah might just see that his savior is on her way. Too bad he's already struck a deal with the enemy to cut his life short. How will Micah's story turn out? Pick up Rise of the Fallen and find out.
Hi, I'm Donya Lynne, and I'd like to thank United by Books for hosting me on their blog. As my first blog tour winds down today and tomorrow, I thought I'd take this opportunity to talk about how I started writing Rise of the Fallen and what's coming next for the series.
I began writing Rise of the Fallen (or Rise, or ROTF, for short) over a year ago. At the time, I was in a dark place in my life, and Micah and I were a perfect fit for one another: Two tragic souls in need of a helping hand. It turns out that I was his, and he was mine. As I started writing his story and posting the chapters on a Facebook fan page, I began feeling better about my life, and Micah's life began to fall into place. In that way, writing ROTF was a cathartic process for me.
Originally, ROTF was supposed to be just a fun writing project on Facebook. Then it became a stand-alone novel. But very rapidly, more characters appeared in Micah's world, and I realized Micah and I were writing a series together. Yes, Micah was very active in my mind, and sometimes it felt like we had whole conversations about what we both wanted from this series. What I do know is Micah is integral throughout. The entire series, in a way, is about him, even though each additional book in the series will focus on a different character. But I know Micah's past and his future, and he will remain an important sub-character in almost every book. In essence – and this is something I have not shared publicly before now – the entire series is about Micah's rise from the ashes of his life after losing his first mate, Katarina, in the Middle Ages. More than one novella about Micah is planned for this series as supplemental material to help put all the pieces together in his life.
He's the phoenix of the story. The one who burned and almost didn't survive, but who rose again to return to his former glory.So, there you go. Only those who follow this blog are in on this wee tidbit no one else has been privy to about the book and series. *smile*
ROTF has received excellent reviews and ratings so far, and perhaps one reason why is because the story is unique. I've taken a paranormal, vampire story and added a twist. Or rather, a bunch of twists. My bad guys are original and are called drecks. John Apostle, baddie dreck numero uno, is especially alluring in his badness, and many readers have expressed how much they like him. Additionally, my vampires aren't your regular vampires. Most can't tolerate the sun, but there are mixed-bloods who can. And the intriguing thing about them is that their mixed blood caused genetic mutations which bestowed "gifts" upon them. Some gifts are psychic. Others can mass compel. Some can heal, and still others, such as Traceon, are freaks of nature who can unleash a wrath of fury with just the wave of his hand. And it doesn't stop there. This world contains mutants, too, although we didn't see them in ROTF, even though they are discussed. We'll see them later in the series, but mutants are about the baddest mamma-jammas on the block in this world.
What's next for the series? I foresee the addition of new characters, some of which will make you swoon, others to make you gasp, and still others you'll love to hate. I also see a few twists and turns and a slow reveal of ROTF's unlikely dark horse of a star, Traceon. Trace is an enigmatic character whohas caused quite a stir with practically every reader who's given me feedback. Everyone wants to know more about him and what is up between him and Micah. Well, stick around, because all will be revealed in time. Traceon's story is one of my favorite out of the entire cast of characters, but it refuses to be rushed, so I will let it unfold in its own time
.And his story will continue to unfold in the next two books of the series. Heart of the Warrior, which comes out on May 25, and is the story of Severin and Arion, will reveal more about Trace's fragile hold on his powers. Micah's Calling, a novella supplement to be released in late summer, and which focuses on what comes immediately after ROTF, will feature Traceonin a pivotal role. In Micah's Calling, we'll begin to see more of Trace's tortured spirit, and the pieces will begin to fall into place. By the time book four, Return of the Assassin, comes out early next year, I have a feeling many readers will be enthralled by Trace's story.
As mentioned, book two comes out next week. Heart of the Warrior is probably my favorite writing project to date. I loved these two unbelievably tragic characters and their stories. I'll admit, I cried more than once as I wrote it, both from their pain and from the compassion of one of the other characters. New characters are introduced in this story who will be pivotal in coming books, but the main story is the one between Severin and Arion. I didn't set out to write a M/M romance in this series, but that's what they two characters showed me. And I never go against my characters. Sev and Ari wanted each other, so have each other they will, if they can get through all the obstacles keeping them apart. And, oh my goodness, these two come with a lot of baggage and obstacles. But again, I just loved this story and the dynamics at work within it.
So, this is your chance to get in right from the start so you don't get left behind. Come and join me on this exciting journey into the world of All the King's Men with Micah Blackand his friends. Thank you and happy reading!
Buy Links:
Other bloggers participating in the tour are as follows.
Official Kick OFF!
May 21st Special add on Madison's Road to Hell
My Review for Rise Of The Fallen :
Title: Rise of the Fallen
Author: Donya Lynne
Description: In the streets of Chicago exists an uneasy, centuries-old truce between vampires and their distant cousins, a race of shifters called drecks. Vampire enforcement agency, All the King’s Men (AKM), is charged with maintaining the truce, but when volatile enforcer Micah Black loses his mate and falls into the biological agony that results from the broken bond, he tests the boundaries of the truce by seeking out Apostle, a leader in the dreck community. Micah wants Apostle to kill him, a request Apostle is more than happy to fulfill.
When ex-Army medic Samantha Garrett inadvertently disrupts the plot and saves Micah’s life, a chain reaction sets Micah’s heart on a collision course with Sam’s, but he will have to protect her from Apostle and her obsessive ex-husband, Steve, if they will have a chance at forever. Can Micah hold his emotions together to keep Sam alive?
My Thoughts: Micah Black is tortured by the loss of not one, but two mates. The only way he can think of overcoming his grief is a different kind of pain. Not giving pain, but having it inflicted on him. Sam comes upon one such episode and intervenes. She takes care of Micah, but doesn’t know his true identity.
I won't say much to keep from giving anything away. I will simply say this is a must read. This is Donya Lynne’s debut novel and if this is what's in store from her, you will want more. I loved the leading characters, Micah and Samantha (Sam). Micah is your tortured bad boy with a paranormal edge. Even if there were times I wanted to grab him and shake sense into him, I found myself falling for him. Thank god for Sam who manages him quite well.
Just out of an abusive relationship, taking any job to make sure her ex can't find her, Sam is one strongly fierce woman. One who won't put up with a lot of b.s. after having just left a wreck of a relationship. I loved seeing their relationship develop and heal them, as well as some steamy bedroom scenes. I also loved how Lynne didn't just have our hearts invested in the main characters of this story, but all the other AKM men we get to see and learn about throughout the book.
When you can engage a reader’s interest in all the characters and have them wanting more of each, you have a winner. I also loved to hate her villains. I was kind of yelling at my Kindle at times. I got a chuckle at the end over what they did to Sam's ex. I will say there is also some M/M interaction I thought was pretty steamy. If you don't like M/M, then you may not like that part. I personally found it hot, which had me hoping for that couples story next. If it hadn't been for that, I would have had a hard time deciding which AKM member I wanted next. I loved how real the characters felt. The banter amongst the team had me laughing or gasping. After all they are all manly men. Definitely a book to check out and read. I can't wait for the next.
5 out of 5 stars
*******GIVEAWAY********
Donya has graciously offered up 1 eBook copy of Rise of the Fallen to one lucky winner ....just fill out the rafflecopter below to be entered
