Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Christine Cody is the author of the post-apocalyptic supernatural Western series Bloodlands and the urban fantasy Vampire Babylon books (written as Chris Marie Green) from Ace. Once upon a time, she used to be an eighth-grade teacher until she became a full-time author who has published nearly forty books under all three of her pseudonyms (including Crystal Green). Don’t forget to read the Bloodlands excerpt VBC posted earlier today, and read to the end of this post for a seriously awesome giveaway.
Hi, all! Very happy to be here. ☺
As a writer, I get asked the most interesting questions. One of my favorite ones involves my favorite books (imagine that!), so I thought I’d chat about that today, as well as how these stories relate to my newest release, Bloodlands, the first in a trilogy that will be released back-to-back-to-back beginning yesterday! (Bloodlands
First fave? The Stand by Stephen King
A mysterious disease strikes the population, decimating its numbers and leaving the survivors to navigate a deadly post-apocalyptic world. Good and evil people separate in to two main groups, and they clash, leaving only one side standing….
This is a book I just couldn’t put down—and I’m talking about the unabridged version! I was in love with these characters, and I was addicted to the realism of this devastated new society. What Bloodlands has in common with The Stand is this: the end of the world as we know it…and how the characters can still love, feel and want to persevere in the midst of it. When I first wrote this proposal (over four years ago), I was still raw from 9/11, even years afterward. My mind had had enough time to go through thousands of dire scenarios about where our society was headed, and I was interested in how we, as driven, determined people, would survive. Bloodlands is one version of my post 9/11 therapy.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This book, which involves an East Coast Ivy League college, a closed bunch of students who study ancient Greek, and a murder that occurs among them, is warped, although in a strangely beautiful way.
What I loved about this story how it explores the dynamics of a group during times of death, distrust, and betrayal. There’s some seriously dark stuff that goes on here, and that’s like catnip to me. You’ll definitely find darkness in the Bloodlands series—but it’s twisty paranormal darkness that hopefully sheds a little light on the boundaries between monstrosity and humanity…
The Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osborne
My favorite romance—a Calamity Jane type heroine teams with a Jimmy Stewart type cowboy to take care of a young, prissy girl after the child’s mother dies. Extremely touching, and it has the gritty yet soulful feel of all the best old Westerns.
I based the Bloodlands series on those wonderful old Westerns, but I twisted those tropes (the gunslinger looking for redemption, the cruel rancher next door, etc.) into paranormal shapes. Whenever I pitch this story, I say it’s like a supernatural Shane meets Mad Max, but you can see some Jenny Jones feistiness in my heroine, too.
What are some of your favorite books? How have they inspired you?
Find Christine Cody online: her blog, website, Twitter and Facebook
Christine has kindly offered to giveaway a signed set of mass market copies of her alter-ego’s Vampire Babylon series (written as Chris Marie Green). Six books in all! To win, please leave a comment. U.S. addresses only. Enter on or before Sunday, Aug. 7.
CONTEST DETAILS AND RULES
1. To enter, you must leave a comment on this post.
2. You do not need to follow Vampire Book Club to be entered, but we sure do like it.
3. This contest is open to U.S. residents only.
4. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, Aug 7.
5. The winner will be selected using Random.org. Then she will be contacted via email and given 48 hours to claim her prize. If we do not hear from the winner(s) within that time, a new winner will be selected.
6. Entrants must be at least 18 years old or have their parent’s permission to enter. Please review our privacy policy, if you have any questions as to how Vampire Book Club uses your information. (Short version: we’ll only use it to contact you for this contest.)
7. Though unlikely, Vampire Book Club has the right to change or cancel any giveaway at any time without prior notice.
8. Vampire Book Club is not responsible for prizes lost or damage in transit.
9. Thanks to Christine Cody for providing the books!
Thanks again!
GFC follower
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Thanks for being here, Vivien–good luck. 🙂
Congratulations on your new release! Well releases I should say. Definitely need to get these two newest books of yours. Love how your described them.
Some of my favorite books? Well I like Marjorie M Liu’s books. Especially her Dirk and Steele series. And there is a similar theme in C L Wilson’s Tairen Soul series as well. In these books I find I am inspired not to give up because good will prevail. I just cannot seem to help but feel that coming from their writing. I am shown the very worst side of evil and then how a small spark of hope can grow into a flame that devours every shadowy aspect.
Very nice descriptions, Lady Vampire. It’s funny how even the bleakest of stories can still inspire.
Thank you, and all the best!
No need to enter me in the giveaway, just wanted to say hi to Chris! Great post!
Kristin! Awesome to see you, as always. ; )
I love Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels and Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series!
Thanks for such a great giveaway!
Thank *you*! Fun tidbit–I got to meet Patricia Briggs last weekend when we were on the same panel at Comic-Con. Super nice, and I played the fangirl and bought three of her books so she could sign them, LOL. I’m such a geek.
Wow…what a great givaway! I would love to win this series, thanks so much for the opportunity.
GFC follower
m(dot)ceschini(at)msn(dot)com
I’m so glad there’s enthusiasm for this! Good fortune to you, Madeline!
Wow vampires and westerns! I can’t wait to read Bloodlands. Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
Jnmt3 (at) hotmail (dot) com
It was a fun combination indeed. I appreciate your being here. 🙂
Fantastic contest! I would love to win this set. I am a follower 🙂
Robin, thank you. 🙂
Sounds great
gfc folloer
vidishamun at gmail dot com
Thank you for coming out, Vidisha!
Hi Christine! These books sound awesome, and I’ve heard nothing but great things about your work. I would love to win this contest for a chance to read them. Thanks for doing this awesome interview and giveaway!
– Monica
Wow, Monica, thank you! It’s great to start off the day with compliments like that. 😉
Congratulations on the release of Bloodlands. Sounds great.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
Crystal!
I appreciate it.
Yesterday, after Bittenbybooks, I text hubby that I found an author/series that I think he would like. LOL. He asked how I heard about it. But he was interested.
Congrats on the release!
Raonaid@gmail.com
Great to see you here, Raonaid! So glad you’ve recruited hubby. 🙂
6 books! YAY!!
Tami, hello!!! Awesome to see you again.
I was just sharing how much I loved Vampire Babylon in a post and I went to get the link to your website. While there I saw that you would be posting here today and the news of the new series. I defo want to read it and to win this contest. Thanks for having it. Very best wishes for success with Bloodlands. Westerns are growing in popularity right now and a paranormal western by you is sure to rock!
So nice of you to say all that, Olivia! Thanks so much for sharing your enjoyment–I do appreciate it very much. Hope you like Bloodlands just as much. 🙂
I have had these books on my TBR pile for a couple of weeks now. I am really looking forward to reading, and I hope I am lucky enough to win a set. Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway!!
I would love to read these books! The concept about the series intrigues me so please enter me into the giveaway.
Monica, you’re welcome, and I appreciate your coming over here. 🙂
I love old westerns (I can hear the whistle and music in my head now)! So of course I think your books sound great! I would love love love to read this series, and what better way to do that than to have the whole set! Thanks for a chance to win, now off to watch a western!
eyesofblueice(at)gmail(dot)com
Hey, Lex! Thank you. 🙂 Just want to clarify though–the prize package is for my Chris Marie Green Vampire Babylon books.
Ooh this sounds like an interesting new book! Loved the Vampire Babylon books! Would LOVE a signed set since mine are unsigned! 🙁
jessica(DOT)agreatread(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This sounds great!!! Love the series!! Thanks for the giveaway I follow through email.
Wow I have never read this series, but I looked it up and it sounds pretty epic. I was looking for a new series and this may be it. The rise of the vampire genre has been so great to experience these last few years.
Thank you.
bookittome at gmail dot com
Wow this sounds like a fabulous series. I think my local bookstore must be holding out on me because I have never see it there. Thank you for coming on and letting us all know about it.
Some of my fav book/series have to be Rachel Vincent’s Shifter, Harrison’s Hallows, Monk’s Allie series, and Ilona Andrews’ Kate.
What they have shown me is that being a girl is hard work and when you want a little break sometimes things have to break to get it. That ladies can pack a punch and that strappy boots are excellent fighting attire. I would have to say that their model of standing up for yourself is a fabulous one for any woman, especially when it is her job to “take out the trash.”
terilhack at yahoo dot com
This sounds really exciting!! I hadnt heard of it before but now will have to check it out! I love new books especially series that I can sink my teeth into.
I hadn’t heard of this series, but it sounds great! Glad I follow this site. Thanks for the giveaway!
mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com
I love reading about vampires. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com
I’ve only read the first 2 so far, so winning the whole series would be incredible!
b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
Love cowboys & Jimmy Stewart so I’m really, really interested in reading this now!!!
wade2121ATgmailDOTcom
I have all three of the books on my TBR list…the series looks really good. Looking forward to getting started…
I am not entering just had to say that I am excited to start the new series, got the book yesterday and unlike all of the Vampire Babylon’s that are finally bought in MMPB and on my To Be Read shelf the vampire western series will be “devoured” lickety split. Especially since my favorite post apocalyptic movie is Mad Max and Shane was a favorite western watched with my Dad as a young girl…
Thanks for the great look into what inspired this series and some of my favorite book series while not Paranormals are still pretty good reads. I enjoyed Jean M. Auel’s “Earth Children” (“Clan of The Cave Bear”) series and have read the first 5 books and as of yet have not gotten the 6th just yet. I found that the character of Ayla was a good example to follow, it takes more strength to follow your convictions than it does to do what is expected of you as a female and that is true for a fantasy character as well as a person in real life.
I too am a fan of Marjorie M. Liu, Kim Harrison, Devon Monk, amongst other UF and PNR authors and their strong female leads are some of my favorite characters as well.
I really enjoyed the Vampire Babylon stories. I just bought Bloodlands and hope to get to read it the weekend, thanks for the giveaway!
Ooh enter me! I haven’t read these, but I look forward to doing so! Thanks for the giveaway 😀
blissfulrains(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have been stalking this book tour and thank you so much for the opportunity to win these books. I appreciate all you have shared with use in you interview and wish you all success with lots of new reader fans like me.
GFC follwer
dz59001@gmail.com
Google Friends Connect – following you publicly as (Louis)
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I’ve not heard of this series before, but I simply must read it. Please include me in your draw because free books are even better, but either way I will be adding this collection to my TBR list.
Thanks so much for the blog post, as well as the giveaway.
Rebekah 🙂
omg! what a great giveaway!!
Follower- Marjie
toreynmarjie(at)yahoo.com
Wow, this series sounds incredible, i would love to get my hands on these books, thanks for the amazing giveaway
ang1549 @gmail.com
Sounds great! These will definitely be on my TBR list, but getting a free set would let me read them so much sooner!
I can’t wait to read this series! Everytime I see Bloodlands anywhere I want to read it more! Thanks for a great giveaway and a chance to win a book that is at the top of my TBR list:)
I would love to read these books! They sound like just the books that i read.
I haven’t read anything from this series, but it sure sounds & looks DELICIOUS!! Can’t wait.
Whoa–see what happens when I take the night off? LOL.
Jessica, Sariah, Asura, Natasha, ML, thank you so much for the compliment about Vampire Babylon, and everything else. 🙂
Teri C., what a bummer that your bookstore doesn’t have Vampire Babylon. That shelf space goes so fast…. I love those strong heroines, too, starting with Princess Leia. No strappy boots, but she sure had a whiplash attitude!
Thank you, Victoria, Rebekah, Karen, Marjie, Meghan, Mel, Julie, and Katie!
Hey, Bethany! ; )
Wade and Cindyg, I hope you enjoy. 🙂
Jackie, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou! I’ve always wanted to read the Auel books, too.
Liz, huge appreciation to you, as well!
Denise Z., I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support. It’s so great to see you here, too.
Raven In A Blue Room–amazing name! Thanks. 🙂
Best of luck to each and every one of you.
Wow what a great opportunity!! They sound very interesting ideed!!
iarvd AT yahoo DOT com
While not my FIRST favorite book, The Stand ranks high on my forever list. I’ve read it multiple times (both the first published version and the “director’s cut” and have watched the miniseries too many times to count. (It ranks as one of the best book adaptations I’ve ever seen.)
Thanks for this great contest.
My first Stephen King book was The Talisman. Loved the alternate universe theme of what affects one, so does the other. Awesome edge of your seat novel. Then I read Dance Macabre. Loved his take on all things horror and how the movie industry sees it.
I read a review of Bloodlands on WereVampRomance. Loved it. Love the Apocalyptic Wild west theme. A wasteland of creatures both human and supernatural. Please enter me into this contest. I would love to read your books!
Thank you, Amanda.
Riva, I adored (Is that the right word for it?) THE STAND miniseries, too. I thought they portrayed the good/evil communities perfectly.
Christy, I haven’t read that one, but I very much enjoyed DANSE MACABRE, too. I wish he’d update it! And thank you for the nice words. 🙂
Fantastic! This series looks great!
I’ve never read any but sounds like something I would like. I love me some bitey vampy goodness!
Lingeorge and Lucy, thanks! And, Lucy, “bitey vampy goodness” is LOL worthy. 🙂
These books sound great!!! I plan on getting them soon no matter what! Thanks for the chance to win them!
jnsanders4242010(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. More contemporary novels, that I like are IAD series by Cole, the Psy/Changeling series by Singh, and the Darkhunter series by Kenyon. Your series looks great and I love the covers.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com