Saturday, February 23, 2013

BLOG TOUR: Lucifer by Annabell Cadiz

Welcome to our stop on the Lucifer, Sons of Old Trilogy Blog Tour. We've both been chomping at the bit to get our hands on this book and the opportunity to show off and support one of our favorite book nerds as she ventures into the world of published author.
Annabell Cadiz is a vibrate, carefree personality with a talent for juggling and wears many hats--- blogger, reviewer, tour host- now author and all around great gal. We're proud to know her.
So today we're thrilled to bring Annabell to the blog. We've got a quick- and FUN interview along with a bit about the book and our thoughts.
We can't thank Annabell enough for the opportunity to spread the word. We hope you enjoy what we've put together for you and that you'll add Lucifer to your TBR.
We love ya, Annabell and wish you nothing but success.
Now let's move on to the FUN...
Lucifer
(Sons of Old Trilogy, Book 1)
Author: Annabell Cadiz
Genre: New Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural

Synopsis: Have you ever wondered what could be hiding in the shadows?

Well, for eighteen-year-old Zahara Faraday, she doesn’t have to wonder. You see she comes from a lineage of Light Witches, those who have chosen to help protect and serve between the supernatural world and the human world. The only problem is Zahara, like her father Solomon, is as human as a human being can be whereas her mother, Mia, and her Aunt Catalina, were born as Light Witches. As a family they hunt down rogue supernaturals—creatures who harm humans or who have committed an act against their kingdom.

Zahara’s hunting skills are usually kept dormant since her parents would prefer she live life as a normal human girl without knowledge of the supernatural world. She plans on doing just that—except when she finds a couple being attacked by fairies, she has no choice but to step in. Before she can return to pretending to be blissfully ignorant, Zahara encounters a problem she isn’t the least equip to handle: Bryan Hamilton, the good looking new co-worker she has to help train. In a heartbeat, her best friend, Becca King, has set her up on a double date with herself and her new crush, Rekesh Saint-Louis, who happens to be the most powerful leader of the biggest Imago Coven in South Florida –supernatural creatures with the ability to control water . . . and suck out human souls.

Zahara has no time to focus on how she’s going to explain her double date with her best friend and the enemy they have a tentative truce with to her parents because soon one of the members of Mia and Catalina’s coven is found murdered with a strange tattoo of a snake with wings carved into his arm.

Zahara is then thrown into a whirlwind battle with an angel determined to have revenge against God, an Imago coven she doesn’t think they should trust, and slew of dream-eating fairies and powerful Nephilims, hybrid children of angels and humans, more than happy to rip her to shreds.

Normal just got a deadlier definition.
Purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Get an autograph from Annabell Cadiz!
Read the Prologue to Lucifer (Sons of Old Trilogy, #1)!

VOTE FOR LUCIFER!
TSK TSK: What was your inspiration for The Sons of Old Trilogy?
AC: Originally, I hadn’t planned to write LUCIFER or the SONS OF OLD TRILOGY. The idea for the trilogy came after I had written the first two drafts to the first book in the FALLEN ANGELS SERIES, the series that follows the SONS OF OLD TRILOGY. I had needed to take a step back to decide where I was going to go with the FA series. I didn’t know how I would want to move forward with the series, so I started thinking about the story that happened before the FA series. I thought maybe it would be fun to tell the story of how Lucifer started the journey to creating his war. How did Lucifer wind up with a child? Did a woman actually fall in love with him? Was he capable of love? Would he just force a woman to have his baby? The questions expanded into characters which expanded into a plot which expanded into a crazy trilogy ;)

TSK TSK: So you have a couple of addictions---Cinnamon Teddy Grahams and Minute Maid OJ-what got you hooked? Do you ever over indulge?
AC: Um, have y’all tasted Cinnamon Teddy Grahams?! Those darn cookies are like a clean, cookie goodness version of crack *hehe* Cookie crack! *giggle* I’ve just loved them ever since I was younger. I don’t remember what I first started eating them but the love for them has never stopped. Minute Maid OJ saved my life. No joke! I had planned a trip to Orlando to attend Night of Joy, which is this BIG Christian concert event that features tons of musical artists and fans. You’re literary running around all over the park where it’s hosted listening to awesome music! When I had woken up that morning, my stomach was totally off. I felt so sick but I was determined to go since I had already paid for my ticket and planned the trip with two of my best friends, Ninja and Hello Kitty (a.k.a. Nitsu and Eve). I couldn’t really eat or drink anything, so when we got to the park I bought a veggi burger and a Minute Maid OJ. After drinking the OJ, my stomach instantly felt better and saved my trip =)
TSK TSK: Your current book boyfriend- longstanding favorite?
AC: My current book boyfriend is Rekesh from LUCIFER (Is it cheating if I pick a character from my own book? lol) Rekesh is just so suave and sexy and polished. He’s quite distracting when I’m writing ;) If I’m choosing from another book, I’d have to go with Adrian from The Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead *swoon* Bit of a bad boy with a good heart and a sarcastic streak, hard to resist ;)
TSK TSK: You call yourself a proud Jesus freak. Does your faith and your love of paranormal books ever cause any conflicts? How do you deal- if you have to?
AC: Any conflicts when writing? Not so much conflict, as a different perspective when creating a storyline and characters. I write what fits a character and what fits a scene based on how the plot progresses. I steer clear of sex scenes because I don’t like reading them so why would I write them? My faith has taught me the value of knowing your own self-worth, how to have self-respect and practice good self-preservation, and how to be strong emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I want to read and write characters like that. Flawed but who learn from those flaws. In that respect, my faith has played a big role in how I approach writing my books. And how romance develops in the books. I don’t care for insta-love or love triangles (not so much a “faith” thing as a “reader” preference). I’ve been taught if a guy really wants to be with you he’ll court you the way he should. Meet the parents. Get to know the family. Build a friendship with you before jumping into a committed relationship. Hold the door open for you. Be honest, open, and trusting. It’s the way I understand how romantic relationships are built in my world and I try to bring some of those same elements to the way romances are built between my characters.
TSK TSK: Place to want to visit most in the world?
AC: Oh man! There are so many!! I REALLY want to go to Vienna, Austria. I want to visit Mozart’s home and take part in the end of the year ball, Le Grand Bal, in the Imperial Palace. The women dress up in elegant ball gowns and the men in tailor made tuxedoes. It would be so much fun to have a night where you kind of go back in time *giggle*
TSK TSK: What is your all-time favorite book or series?
AC: Are y’all serious with this question?! You can’t ask a book-a-holic such a question! That’s like asking a chocolate fiend what’s his or hers most favorite chocolate. Impossible to answer! BUT I’ll tell you what some of my favorite books/series are:
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Avalon High by Meg Cabot
The Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead
Percy Jackson Series & Heroes of Olympus Series, both by Rick Riordan
Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
TSK TSK: How do you do it all--- writer, reviewer/blogger, tour host?
AC: Well, ladies, if you REALLY want to know the secret to juggling it all . . . *whispers come closer** There isn’t one! lol Every day is a different balancing act since the schedule doesn’t always go as planned and life can throw curve balls. I have a support team of FABTASTIC people! Bridget helps a good deal with stuff on TeamNerd. Eve and Bridget help me figure out my ideas and tell me if something I write belongs in the “This is crap” pile which definitely helps as a writer. My parents keep a steady influx of books coming in (they just know what their daughter wants so well lol). My brother acts as my bodyguard when I go to book events.
But I’m also use to living in a world of constant chaos. I grew up with a LOOOOT of people and lot of craziness. I’m used to working under pressure and working hard. It’s just part of my nature. I work fast and efficiently. I’ve been like that since I was a kid. Once I lock onto something, I’ll find a way to get it done. If I can’t come through, you know it’s for a REALLY good reason, because I will do everything I can to stick to my word.
TSK TSK: What do you like to do on the weekend---when your nose isn't stuck in a book?
AC: Right now, my nephew is in soccer season so you’ll catch me at his games, screaming from the stands. I’ll usually be out shopping with my mom or catching a movie with my small crew of best friends or hanging out at their houses or catching up on naps lol.
TSK TSK: Do you like to dance?
AC: I like to dance. Kind of lol. I don’t think I have much rhythm and feel like I look like a total whack job dancing, but my best friends assure me that isn’t true. Not sure if they’re saying that because they just like to watch me act like a fool or because they really think I’m good at busting a move =P I usually don’t dance because I’m just REALLY shy (I know, I know, so hard to believe lol), so most of the time, if you catch me dancing, it’s just around my best friends.
TSK TSK: Does writing come easily for you or is it more like extracting blood from a stone?
AC: Haha! That depends on the day. Some days writing comes in a really great flow, the words just seem to fall into place. While other days, writing can feel like someone’s trying to yank your brain out through your nose. Most of the time though, writing days go really well. When action scenes come in or a really intense emotional moment whether it’s romantic or fearful or whatever emotion, those can be a bit more hard to extract from my brain and form into words. Description is my Achilles heel though. That’s always a toughie for me in both world building and character features. It’s ‘cause I get too excited and my brain thinks too many details at once!
TSK TSK: Do you have any writing rituals?
AC: I like to outline a story first before writing it. I form a basic plot line then begin to break down what will happen in each chapter. I like to have the TV on in the background, have a bowl of snacks at the ready (like Cinnamon Teddy Grahams *hehe* or chocolate chip cookies), and either orange juice or fruit punch. Then I sit down and start writing.
TSK TSK: Is there a playlist for Lucifer?
AC: Funny you ask since I created a playlist a bit ago for LUCIFER ;)

Soundtrack for Lucifer (Sons of Old Trilogy, #1)


Crazy Button by Family Force 5
Invincible by OK GO
Barton Hollow by Civil Wars
A Beautiful Lie by 30 Seconds of Mars
Closer by Kings of Leon
Everybody’s Fool by Evanescence
Dirty Little Secrets by The All American Rejects
Bloom by The Paper Kites
Vertigo by Anya Marina
Good Girl by Carrie Underwood
You Lie by The Band Perry
Beat the Devil’s Tattoo by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

TSK TSK: How much research went in to writing Lucifer?
AC: A good amount of research. I looked up various info on Nephilim and fallen angels, on the story from the Bible about Lucifer’s rebellion, on folk stories about vampires (I had originally used vampires in Sons of Old but changed it when I rewrote the book). I always like to pick names with meanings I like so I do a lot of research on names before selecting them.
TSK TSK: What is your favorite meal for dinner? Favorite dessert?
AC: Favorite Meal for Dinner: White rice, red beans, and either vegetarian chicken or baked chicken, and cooked banana with olive oil *yum*
Favorite Dessert:  Brownies filled with Hershey kisses!

 Annabell Cadiz was born in the sweltering heat of South Florida. She was raised surrounded by Puerto Rican chefs and band of siblings that weren’t all related to her. A self-proclaimed nerd and book-a-holic (her room does hold much evidence to prove her claims are justifiable), she created TeamNerd Reviews to showcase her EXTREME love for novels where, along with her best friend, Bridget Strahin, she hosts book reviews, interviews, giveaways, Indie Shoutouts and much more. She also blog tour services for authors. She also had the pleasure of being published in three separate issue of Suspense Magazine. She also adores Cinnamon Teddy Grahams, has an addiction to Minute Maid Orange juice, and is a proud Jesus Freak. Lucifer is Annabell’s debut novel and the first book in the Sons of Old Trilogy.


 Gosh, where to start... I guess by saying, I was anxious to read this debut by our sweet book nerd friend, Annabell. The anticipation had been growing over the last few months and I was thrilled to finally get it started. I love the premise of the story, and it had been awhile since I'd read a YA Paranormal Romance. I've had my head in contemporaries and fantasy lately and was ready to switch it up.
Before jumping in, the questions began to build in my mind... How dark would the tale be? What would Annabell's style be like? Would it be intense and suspenseful?
Well right off I'll tell you it was refreshing to read of a young romance (or two), that isn't heavily laden with sexual innuendo and tension. The two girls were very much sweet, innocent and dedicated to their beliefs. And while I myself can have the mouth of a sailor, I don't necessarily like to read a YA book filled with swearing- unless it fits the characters and storyline. The Faraday's are a family of strong believers in their faith and live their lives protecting the innocent and preserving the balance between good and evil- right and wrong.
But what happens when that evil actually comes looking for them---specifically Zahara?
They hold on to those beliefs and do everything in their power to protect the young Light Witch, their heritage and the world from Lucifer's wrath and revenge.
Annabel wastes no time building her world around Zahara, her family and friends, and we're thrust into a never ending battle between the Witches and those who serve Lucifer and the dark side. Zahara is well aware of her families "business". From a young age she's trained in self defense and the art of battle, but while her parents believe in her abilities, they are overprotective of Zahara and her human best friend, Becca. They go to school, train, go to work, and stick close to home.
Like typical teenagers- give them an inch and they take a mile- so the girls take a few chances, Zahara's strength for granted, and put them all in imminent danger.
Soon Zahara finds her parents haven't been completely forthcoming about her family's heritage and they find themselves in an age old battle against, you guessed it---Lucifer. And with a trickster like the fallen angel they also discover they can't be sure who to trust or believe everything they see.
It's a battle of wits, strength- and to the very end. Keep in mind this is a trilogy.
What I loved about the story? The closeness of Faraday family and their dedication. There is no doubting their love for one another. No reason for Zahara to question her parents conviction and the path they follow. It had moments of lightheartedness and that kept it fun. The girl's romances aren't hot and heavy and don't overshadow the heart of the tale.
Annabell had enough twists to keep it interesting and I didn't expect the cliffhanger... Tricky, tricky.
My only complaints (for lack of a better word at the moment); it was a bit heavy with the descriptives...some seemed superficial and didn't contribute to the story. I didn't have a strong connection to Zahara or any of the other characters, but I did like them and wanted to follow them and learn more about their world. Becca- well being the human got on my nerves a bit. She was for the most part an angsty teen and her behavior was a times over the top.
I was hoping to learn more about Zahara's great-grandmother, Margaret and her aunt Catalina, their history- those journals and the three magical items they had hidden and Lucifer hoped to procure. I have my fingers crossed we'll get more about each of those in the next installment.
Overall Lucifer was an enjoyable read. A solid debut and a storyline I plan to continue to follow. I recommend it to anyone looking for a clean paranormal romance that doesn't get too dark and gory and take you over the edge. Instead it takes you right to the edge and leaves you hanging...

I couldn't wait to dive in to Lucifer by Annabell Cadiz.  I mean, it has none other than THE bad guy of them all in the book....so, opening up to the prologue, I began reading, and was highly intrigued right away. First thinking, hmmm....where is this going to go?  
So, on in to the book I go....and within the first few chapters, I felt that I was loaded down with details on stuff that I didn't feel I needed the lengthy deets on.  But, I plowed ahead and found that after about 30% this pans out and the heart of the story truly begins to unfold.
We first meet the best friends, Zahara and Becca. While written in 3rd person, we get to hear and see everything happening.  I enjoyed this aspect of the book, yet at times I felt like I couldn't connect to the main characters as much.  But that is only b/c I have been reading A LOT of 1st person POV lately.  The way Annabell writes in Lucifer works perfectly....written eloquently and easy to follow, you immerse yourself in to the world that she has created. The story is unique and captivating; keeping you enthralled right up til the end with the suspense of the tale unfolding before you.
With supernatural creatures at their backdoor, the Faraday family---which is made up of Light Witches and humans---take on the role of keeping things in line.  Seeing the daily routines of training, you know that they are going to be ready for whatever comes their way.  AND...who decides to show up and turn their world upside down?? Yep, LUCIFER...
I don't spoil and give details of storyline, but let's say this....when he drops in we are carried on a roller coaster ride of events that lead you deeper in to the dark world of the supernatural.  We get to meet Rekesh, a rogue and leader of a local coven, we see fairies, fallen angels, a werewolf, nephilim, and of course witches themselves.
Overall, I really enjoyed Lucifer.  Although, leaving us with a cliffhanger....YES....I need book 2 now so I can find out what is going to happen....I definitely recommend that you add Lucifer to your reading lists!!




ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE FABTASTIC SWAG PACK!

In honor of the two main female leads in LUCIFER, Zahara and Becca, Annabell created a fun swag pack for ONE very lucky winner!

Win a specially made makeup kit by E.L.F along with one DVD copy of the movie Sixteen Candles, a fuschia metallic manicure set, a Girl Power Superwoman wristband, a LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD silver necklace, a silver bracelet with handcuff & key charms, Honey Sweetheart lotion (that smells INCREDIBLE!), two toned lip bloom (that is SUPER cute!), and gray colored cheetah printed socks that are SOOOO adorables and an ecopy of LUCIFER!

ANNNND if that wasn't enough, FIVE other lucky winners will win a FREE ecopy of LUCIFER!

TWICE a week on MONDAYS & FRIDAYS a new clue from LUCIFER will be posted up. Enter the new clue inside the Rafflecopter every time a new one is posted and get more chances to win!
Stop by the LUCIFER BLOG TOUR page to enter and/or get the clues!
New Clue



a Rafflecopter giveaway

2 comments:

  1. Thank you very mucho, Katastic & Shelmiester, for joining in on the Lucifer Blog Tour and taking the time out to read & review my little ol' book ;) *nerd hug to you both* ~Annabell

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    Replies
    1. *nerd hugs back* Our pleasure, girlfriend. Forgot to name names; Rekesh and Bryan!!! Eager for more! Xxx

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