Blogaversary Day 25 - Win a signed book and swag from Kelly Walker

Cornerstone (Souls of the Stones #1)
by Kelly Walker
Release Date: November 30th 2013

Synopsis:

Epic Fantasy combines with Young Adult romance in this stunning new adventure set in a richly developed medieval world.

When Emariya Warren learns enemy forces have captured her father, she'll do anything to save him. Anything. Even marry a mysterious prince she knows nothing about in order to rally the strength to arrange a rescue. During her journey to Torian's foreign castle, Emariya comes face to face with her mother's killers--and a deadly secret.

Not only does Emariya possess a powerful but unexpected magical gift passed down through each of her families, the prince she's promised to marry possesses a third, and an ominous prophecy has warned the three gifts must never be combined.

If she breaks her promise to marry Torian, she won't be able to save her father and if she keeps it, she may bring a curse upon everything she holds dear. Determining which choice is best won't be easy, but when she meets the gorgeous prince who may desire more than just her heart, she realizes she will have to fight just to have a choice at all.

Her heart wants him desperately. Her head begs her to run. If she doesn't want to share her mother's fate, she'll have to find a way to untangle the truth from the lies in time to save herself.

Discover the heartbreaking betrayals, fascinating magic and fated love of Cornerstone.

Hi Kelly! I am really happy to have you in my Blogoversary event. I am completely in love with the Souls Of The Stones series and I am happy to share them once again with my readers.

For literally years I had this vision in my head of a pale blonde girl in an icy gown standing before a frost covered wall, with followers standing behind her, counting on her, while the unknown stretched on the other side of the wall. It was a moment of choice, and change and uncertainty, and yet she felt she had no choice, because she had to do the right thing for her people even though she was terrified.

For those that have read Cornerstone, you'll likely recognize the scene. For me, it was introduction to Riya and it would not get out of my head. Eventually I had to give in and start exploring her story, figuring out why she had to make that choice, and what that choice would ultimately mean.

After that, the world sort of took on life of it's own, and it continues to grow in my mind.

I think Broken Stone is my favorite, because Riya is just so powerful at that point. She's become the woman she needed to be, and I love seeing her so strong. Or maybe it's just because I'm currently reviewing the Broken Stone audiobook files, so it's fresh in my mind.

Riya and Torian, all the way. I'm fond of tall dark and handsome men, and Torian really fits that. But I just think the way they love each other is sort of magical.

From a technical standpoint, I'd have to say Jaded Stone, just because I had to be very exacting in making sure I didn't mess up any of the history of the world that's been built through the other books. But it was also difficult just from an emotional standpoint. Valencia's story is so different than Riya's. It was also hard to portray her in a way that would let people relate to her, because she can come off sort of cold, and some readers were already determined to hate her. Hopefully she changed some of their minds.

I'm not sure I can pick a single favorite qoute. I love the last few lines of Cornerstone, but I don't want to spoil the end for anyone. And the paragraph of Riya to Torian after she runs away from their camp and he catches her, she's just so angry and fed up, those make me laugh every time, because I totally get being just that sputtering mad that you're not quite sure what you're saying. Kate, the narrator for the series, really nailed that scene in the audiobooks too, and hearing those words acted out was beyond amazing. There's a specific paragraph from Broken Stone that's always stuck with me: Dark storm clouds concealed the sun, leaving the early afternoon cloaked in shadows that matched Emariya’s mood. Trepidation blanketed every corner of her consciousness, but rays of hope stubbornly forced their way through. Emariya cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted toward the gate. “This will be your only warning. Open the gates, or we will bring them down.” The wind ripped her words away from her mouth, just as it waved her black and silver gown around her legs. She’d considered wearing a pure, innocent white but decided against it. She didn’t want there to be any misconception that she came in peace.

I think I like that section because it really highlights who Riya has become, opposed to who she was at the start at the series. It's dark and angry, and so much of her lightness is gone. But she's fierce, and I like that.

Cornerstone: Eyes Open by Taylor Swift

Second Stone: Believe by Skillet

Broken Stone: The Catalyst by Linkin Park

Jaded Stone: Fade Away by Breaking Benjammin

Severed Stone: Crashed by Daughtry

There's actually a playlist on Spotify with a few more songs.

For some of my characters I have very definite ideas of who would really showcase them. Ian Somerhalder for Torian, Taylor Swift for Riya. ( Although Kate Metroka, my narrator would also be perfect.) I'm not sure that I've seen a perfect Ciorstan. Who could capture that early naivete she has? Alexis Bledel could do a great Terin and she'd have been perfect for Ciorstan when she was younger, but I'm not sure if she's still got the vulnerability. I always love seeing who you all cast in your reviews, I think you're better at it than I am.

Well, No One's Hero is a standalone, so if anyone hasn't read No One's Angel, no worries, you won't be lost and confused. But it is connected, and those who have read the previous book will be familiar with the characters already to some degree. No One's Hero is a LOT lighter. While both Lexi and Kevin have some mental issues, it's not as emotionally taxing. No One's Hero has a lot of suspense, and fans of Romantic Suspense should enjoy it.

I think Stephen Amell would be perfect for Arion. He's so fierce and he can protect me any day. For Angel, the model I used in this teaser picture is really how I see her. Whoever played her on screen would have to be able to capture a perfect blend of flighty, yet strong. I think Brittany Murphy with dark hair could have done it. That edge of a little bit crazy, a lot vulnerable, but also ready to bring out the claws. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/85286986666365474/

I'm really not sure on Kevin and Lexi. Zach Roerig from Vampire Diaries might be able to do it. He's got that tough but wounded thing going on. Kevin is such a rock, but so damaged. Hayden Panettiere (I probably butchered that spelling) might be able to do Lexi, although I imagine her a bit taller in my head.

I tend to be a flavor of the week type of song person. Currently on repeat at my house is Battleships by Daughtry

Can anyone truly pick ONE favorite book? I don't think I can. The book I've reread the most however is Twilight. There's something magical about it. No matter what the book's many critics say, it captivated a lot of people, and that's sort of awesome. It definitely captivated me.

I'm a really big fan of The Good Wife, but I'm not sure I have an actual favorite. I like The Originals, Vampire Diaries, Law and Order Svu, Greys Anatomy, Game of Thrones, the list goes on and on. Fortunately we have a DVR because I'm generally quite a bit behind keeping up with all the shows I like.

Reading, of course. I also like to sew.

I'm not really a sports person. But my husband used to be really into Nascar, and my son still is, so we usually watch that on Sundays.

Favorite thing to do? Taking a steaming hot bath with a good book. It's the most relaxing thing ever.

The best thing about being an author I think is getting to tell my stories. It's completely okay for me to let characters take over my head and talk to me, and expected for me to think of them as sort of real. What other sane person can really claim that?

The worst thing is that sometimes it makes it hard to read. I try not to read anything to similar to my own current projects because I don't want any accidental influences. And when I'm in editing mode it makes me really critical when I don't mean to be. When I've got my brain working hours at a time looking for mistakes and ways wording can be better, that can be hard to shut off, but it ruins the simple enjoyment of just reading a book for a good story.

I generally block my internet for 90 minute blocks of time to crank out the words without distractions, while I play music—usually instrumental, but upbeat instrumental like Epic Soundtracks Radio on Pandora.

I'm still trying to decide that, and I've got to decide really soon. It's either going to be Chelsea's story from the No One's books, another side character who we haven't really met yet's book—but I think I'm going to wait on this one, so I can introduce them a bit in Chelsea's book, OR I could write the next Souls of the Stones book. Riya's daughter Chari has been telling me all sorts of things, and there's definitely a story there. I'm a bit nervous about going back to the world of Souls of the Stones, because we left the world in such peace, in some ways it will be sad to see turmoil rise again, albeit it would be in a very different way. At the same time, I love the thought of getting back to those characters.

Thank you. A million times, thank you. You all have supported me through literally ALL of my books, and that's something that I'm incredibly grateful for.

Kelly Walker is a YA and NA author of several romantic titles, including the Souls of the Stones series. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their Virginia home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.