Character Interview with Elijah from Black City by Elizabeth Richards and INT giveaway!

To commemorate the release of Phoenix in June, Elizabeth Richards kindly agreed to allow one of her characters, Elijah to stop by Ensconced in YA!

Goodreads Book Description: A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Amazon Review: Black City Review

Goodreads Book Description: Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed.

The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Author blurb:

Elizabeth Richards is an award-winning journalist who spent her early career reviewing video games for a living before making the bold (or crazy) move to become a travel writer and editor, specializing in cruise holidays, despite suffering from terrible sea sickness.

In her spare time Elizabeth ran a successful lifestyle website aimed at teenage girls, where she got to interview many of her favorite bands, go to gigs and basically bag loads of free swag all in the name of "research".

More recently she worked as a website editor before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming an author. She now dedicates her time to writing fantasy books aimed at young adults. BLACK CITY is her debut novel.

Interview with Elijah 
Elijah, thanks so much for joining us on Ensconced in YA. *ducks* to avoid his tail. Wow, watch where you swing that thing! 

*chuckles* Sorry about that, pretty girl. Thank you for having me. 

1. So tell us a little about family, where you lived, and what your childhood was like.

Like most of my people, I live in Viridis in the Emerald State. It’s this beautiful, ancient city built up the side of an enormous cliff-face, with a waterfall cascading down its center. It’s quite amazing. I love it there, although it’s pretty isolated, especially since Purian Rose came into power—we don’t get a chance to travel much anymore. My childhood was okay, I guess. I mean, it was sort of lonely. My parents aren’t together anymore, so it’s just me and my mom, but she works a lot, so I was on my own most of the time. I do have three half-brothers though: Acelot, Donatien and Marcel. Acelot’s great, we’re really tight, but the other two are just...urgh. Donatien is a real mommy’s boy, and Marcel’s a total jerk.      

2. Do you have a favorite past-time?

I love fishing! Ace taught me how to fish when I was a kid, and takes me out on his boat whenever he can. We also keep a few horses at the embassy, so I go riding at night sometimes, when everyone else is asleep. I read poetry too.   

3. Who would you say is your best friend and why?

I don’t really have a best friend—guys don’t like me for some reason, and my female friends are more interested in kissing than talking, not that I’m complaining!—but I’m close to Acelot. He took me under his wing a few years ago, and basically raises me.  He’s very funny and doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. I really look up to him.   

4. Tell us something you've never told anyone.

I hate birds. They freak me out; especially the tiny ones. I can’t stand their beady little eyes and clawed feet, and the way they flap at you when you go near them. Urgh, it makes my skin crawl just thinking about it.  

5. What is your favorite food?

My mom’s legendary fish stew, with fresh tomatoes and lime. She always cooks it for me on the weekends, because she knows how much I like it.

6. Where is your favorite spot to just be yourself and relax?

There’s nothing like being out on Ace’s boat, miles away from anyone, with just the sound of the ocean to keep me company. It’s very peaceful. It’s just me, the sky and the waves.

7. Describe your dream girl.

Well, obviously you’re my dream girl, but you’re already taken *pouts*. My dream girl is brave and caring, with an adventurous spirit and good sense of humor. I don’t mind what she looks like; I’m attracted to all sorts of girls, she doesn’t have to be a Bastet. In fact, I’d prefer it if she wasn’t. Bastet girls are incredibly vain, and coming from me, that’s saying something.  

8. What would you say your "motto" is and why?
“Trust no one.” Experience has taught me it’s best not to put your faith in people.

Thanks so much for joining us today! 

It was my pleasure, beautiful.

 
*blushes* So, um, thanks again, and erm, *fans face* I'm really (whew, it's hot in here!) looking forward to having you back on my blog!

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