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I’ve made no secret of my love for Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress novels. It has a strong woman, an alpha male and vampires — so, it’s no surprise it’s up my alley. But it’s more than that. Jeaniene is one of those authors who makes the fantastic real, makes the impossible plausible. Not only do you get great paranormal romance, urban fantasy and bit of mystery in her novels, but she makes you believe it. (For the uninitiated, the first book is Halfway to the Grave.)
I was very excited when she agreed to answer a few questions. Read on for her thoughts on what’s off-limits in Night Huntress, ghosts, Vlad and even Mencheres and the BDB hanging out. And, following the Q&A, VBC will be offering up a copy of One Grave at a Time (review coming later this week).
Vampire Book Club: You’ve covered vampires, ghouls, the walking dead and, with One Grave at a Time, ghosts. Are there any preternatural beings you’d consider off-limits for the Night Huntress novels?
Jeaniene Frost: I wouldn’t add werewolves because if they existed, by now someone should have mentioned it. The closest I came to touching the “were” mythology was having a demon in First Drop of Crimson be able to shapeshift into anything it wanted. I’d introduced demons into the series by default when I based my vampire origins off a fictional variation of the Biblical reference to the “mark” of Cain (many references to demons in the Bible) so demons and demonic shapeshifting didn’t break previously-established worldbuilding rules. However, if I all of a sudden claimed that X species existed alongside vampires, yet the millennia-old vampires in my series didn’t know about them…well, I wouldn’t buy that, so I wouldn’t expect readers to, either.
Vampire Book Club: Are any more interesting to write than the others (vampires excluded, for obvious reasons)?
Jeaniene Frost: No, I’ve had fun writing all the creatures in the Night Huntress universe. Each represents their own challenges, too. After all, if humans can be so different, yet we’re all the same species, how could I write paranormal species as very similar without making it seem too far-fetched? Also, since not all humans get along, it didn’t make sense to me that separate paranormal species in my world automatically would. Even though I’m writing fiction –and supernatural fiction at that – I want readers to feel a touch of realism. That’s why ghosts are considered second-class citizens in my paranormal hierarchy, ghouls and vampires argue over which species came first, demons stir the pot from the sidelines, and occasionally black magic will cause more trouble than all the other species combined.
Vampire Book Club: I’ve read your explanations as to how you devised the rules for the vampires in your novels — having wood kill them is impractical as its too readily available, etc. What helped you define the rules for your ghosts?
Jeaniene Frost: One of the first things I ask myself when creating a paranormal creature is, why doesn’t everyone know this species exists? For ghosts, the answer was because only psychics or other paranormal creatures can see them – normally. But with every rule, there has to be an exception. Some ghosts in my series are so strong that they can manifest themselves. It’s a rarity, but every species has some unusual members in it, right?
Once the “how” of a creature’s existence is worked out in my mind, I move onto strengths and weaknesses. With ghosts, their main weakness is pretty easy to guess – they’re made of air. That takes them out of the game most of the time. However, could this weakness also be a strength? Yes. Ghosts are the world’s best spies since they can flit in and out of places because they’re made of air. Also, as mentioned, some rare ghosts can fully manifest themselves. This is the crux of the problem in One Grave at a Time: Cat and Bones are trying to kill a creature that, 99% of the time, is made of air. Yet when that ghost wields his power, he can manifest flesh long enough to do some serious damage to my heroine, hero, and everyone around them.
Vampire Book Club: In One Grave at a Time, Cat discovers the horrors of the Malleus Maleficarum (a how-to guide for witch hunters, including torture techniques). Though Bones warns her not to read it, she’s aghast. Did you read the book? And, if so, did it give you nightmares about living before the modern era?
Jeaniene Frost: Yes, I read it. It’s chilling because it’s at turns melodramatic (talking about the evils of witches) and utterly dispassionate (talking about the best ways to hunt, torture, and kill them). I first heard of this book and its repercussions many years ago while watching a History or Discovery channel documentary on old European witch hunts. It horrified me then how easily someone could be condemned as a witch, and how often those “witches” were women whose only discernible crime – aside from their gender – was being unconventional. We, rightly, value strong women today in most cultures, but back then it could literally be a death sentence. Some people bemoan about how they were born in the wrong era. I’ve never felt that way. I’ve always been grateful to be born during a time where being a strong, opinionated woman might offend a few people, but it won’t result in me losing my life or my freedom.
Vampire Book Club: Bones made quite a showing in our Alpha Showdown a few months ago. Despite his protective nature, he gets along well with other fierce men. (Well, he endures Ian and Vlad.) Do you think he’d play well with any other alpha contenders such as Curran (Kate Daniels), Raphael (Guild Hunter), Barrons (Fever) or the Black Dagger Brotherhood guys?
Jeaniene Frost: Bones and Curran could go out for drinks and lament about how the women they love keep throwing themselves into danger, lol. I love Raphael from the Guild Hunter series, but he might look down on Bones because in that world, vampires are a byproduct of angels and not necessarily their own dominant species (can’t wait to read Dmitri’s story and be proven wrong, though!). Barrons…don’t hate me, but I haven’t read the Fever series yet. It’s been on my shelf, waiting for me to get caught up on my deadlines. I wanted extra time for that because I’m sure once I read the first book, I’ll glom through the rest. BDB boys – the character from my books I’d most want to see interact them wouldn’t be Bones, but Mencheres. He’s normally so formal, but I crack up picturing Mencheres talking “street” with the BDB males. You feelin’ me? *wink*
Vampire Book Club: Will Marie Laveau make another appearance? The power and creep factors alone make me want to see her and Cat interact again.
Jeaniene Frost: I’m not sure. I love Marie’s character because she’s so scary and strong, but she also has a sly sense of humor that occasionally pops up. Even if I couldn’t work her into Cat and Bones’s story again, I’d do something else with Marie. She has so much potential for making things interesting.
Vampire Book Club: And because the readers will kill me if I don’t ask: What can you tell us about Vlad’s spin-off series, Night Prince?
Jeaniene Frost: The title of the first book in the new Night Prince series is ONCE BURNED, and it’s set to release at the end of March. I’m in the process of finishing it as we speak. Vlad is the hero, as everyone knows, and I’m introducing a new character named Leila as the heroine. Leila is human, but she’s got her own unusual abilities, and those end up throwing her and Vlad together. Look for the back cover description to go up on my website soon, and there will be at least one sneak peek at ONCE BURNED in the next month or so. Vlad and Leila will have at least two books – more if I find that, as with Cat and Bones, I’m not done with their storyline at the end of book two. We’ll have to see if they have more adventures in store once I’m at that point.
Vampire Book Club: Readers, I highly suggest you pick up One Grave at a Time,
Jeaniene, being the kind author she is, has offered up one copy of the latest Night Huntress novel One Grave at a Time to Vampire Book Club readers. Use the form below to enter, then leave a comment telling VBC which alpha hero you’d like to see Bones hang out with.
Hmm…I think Bones needs to meet up with Ethan (Chicagoland Vampires series). Ethan needs a few more tips on the art of seduction. I guess some bedroom tips aren’t bad either. Bones would be just the vampire for this task because, you know, he’s very equipped in both these practices.
A question? We now know how Bones would interact with Curran and Raphael but what about the ladies? What would ladies night between Cat, Elena and Kate be like?
I seriously can’t believe the new Bones and Cat book is almost out already. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
So excited for One Grave At A time! Though it was already mentioned I have to put in Curran. I would just about die to see Bones & Curran hang out. Also, Adam from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I could list many alphas that would make for much entertainment if they hung out with Bones, but I think those are my top choice.
I forgot Ethan, very good point.
Would love to see that girls night. <3
Rhage from the BDB,I think it would be hilarious.
4L23Rhage from the BDB,I think it would be hilarious.
I would love to see Bones and Thorment from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series working out together they could share pointers and tips. I think they also could learn a lot from each other. Bones could maybe help poor Thorment not feel so sorry for himself. The question I have is about Cat’s Mother Justina do you think there are any plans for her to have a romance in her unlife?
I would love to see Bones interact with Jericho Barrons from the Fever Series, once you start it I don’t think you’ll be able to put this series down! I’m getting ready to start your Night Huntress series for a book club! I hope to meet with you at AAD NOLA 2012. Barrons won the Alpha showdown for 2011 so if you character meets up with him it should be interesting! Can’t wait to start your Night Huntress series! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
This series sounds amazing! I haven’t read it yet! I think BDB boys or Jericho Barrons as well!
Bones and Jericho Barrons would be a powerful combo!
This interview was great and i am glad the author took the time to answer the question. I can’t wait for the last book to hit the shelves tomorrow
I think Bones and JZB would be an explosive combo – they’d continuously try to one up each other. I could totally see Bones trying to mock Barrons’ seriousness, and that would really piss Barrons off! They’d be calling in backup for sure (JZB’s 8 vs. Bones’ vamps that he “owns”) LOL. I’d read it!
Cat and Bones are one of my Fav series. And I so love Vlad and can’t wait to read his stories.
Jeaniene, you soooo need to read The Fever series cause Bones and Barrons Would be wild hanging together.
That would be Some combo!
Dpbussie@yahoo.com
I would love to see Bones and Nick Gautier from the Dark Hunter series hang out. They both have such a snarky outlook on life. That would be a hoot. Thanks for the contest I love this series.
Hmmmmm I would like to see Bones and Ethan Sullivan from chloe neill’s chicagoland vampires series. I think they’d get along very well 🙂
I’m not entering, but I had to say what I fantastic interview! I always love hearing Jeaniene’s thoughts on her characters. Vlad is a particular favorite of mine, but wow! She needs to meet Barrons! *snicker* on Mencheres meeting the BDB: “Start buggin’ yo”.
Here’s a question for Jeaniene anyway: “Will Ian ever meet his female match?”
Cat and Bones are one of my Fav series. And I so love Vlad and can’t wait to read his stories.
Love the interview. I am glad to know I am not the only one who had not read the Fever series yet.
I have a few questions
1. Will Ian ever get his own story?
2. What has been your favorite part of the Night Huntress series (the story, book releases, writing….)? Do you have a favorite book in the series?
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I am new to this series, but I did pick up book one. Thanks for the giveaway, I can’t wait to meet this Cat and Bones.
From the moment Vlad made his first appearance in the books, I knew he could carry his own story! Can’t wait!!!!!
I think Bones would have a great time hanging out with Keri Arthur’s Quinn.
Thanks for the great interview and giveaway :).
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, hahaha! Mencheres talking street with the BDB boys. DYING HERE! Now I can’t get that picture out of my head.
I’d love to see Bones hang out with any of the BDB boys. Bones AND Mencheres. Lol! Seriously, now that I’m picturing those guys together I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather see them hanging with.
Is this going to be like how you blamed me for having LIKE A BOSS in your head? Because I’m all for imagining a Bones/Mencheres and BDB hang-out.
I don’t know. I will say my favorites are Curran and Barrons, like many of the people here 🙂
Can’t wait for the new book tomorow! i have a question for Jeaniene.
Do you think Cat would ever sire someone?
Thanks!
I love this series. I want more Bones. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Bones and Cat in the remaining Night Huntress novels. Thanks so much for the giveaway =DDD
I adore Cat and Bones! I would love to have a book. Pleaseenter me in the give away. I would like to have curran and Bones to hang out together same as Ms Frost. i also love Kate Daniel ‘s series. Kayko118(at)yahoo(dot)com
This series is my favorite. I anxiously await each new book. Bones will forever hold my heart. 🙂 I would like to see Bones hang out with Zane from Jill Myles’s Succubus series or Eric from Charlaine Harris’s True Blood series.
GREAT interview. Can’t wait for my copy to download tomorrow on my Nook. I also can’t wait for Vlad’s books.
I’d love to see Bones hang out with Curran as they are quite similar in many ways. They would definitely have fun trying to out beat the other in their partners turning them “gray” from the risks.
Great interview! I’m so excited for this book, I can’t wait to read it!
I’M NOT ENTERING!
I just came to say my opinion 😉
OH I would LOVE to see BONES hang out with JERICHO BARRONS!!!
That could be the BEST.COMBO.EVER! They would ROCK our world!!
I love this series. I would like to see Bones hang with Zsadist.
Bones should hang out with Barrons (squealing like a 10 year old girl)!!!
I’d like to see Bones hang out with the BDB guys. I’m trying to imagine how that would be. 😀
itwasalie AT gmail DOT com
I’m super excited about Vlad’s books! Love Cat and Bones, but the other novels add a lot.
I absolutely love this series. Can’t wait for the new Vlad book to come out. I would love to see Bones hang out with Adam (Mercy Thompson Series).
I would love to see Bones and Curran together! Both are so fierce, and love their partners so deeply.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m so excited for the new book tomorrow! I absolutely love Cat and Bones.
I would love to see Bones and Eric Northman hang out. I really think that it would be one big, mischievous blast! They would play off each other nicely.
I’d also like to see Bones and Barrons together, though I don’t think it’s likely to be very amicable. I don’t think Barrons would appreciate Bones’ sense of humor.
I am just picturing Bones and Curran together…yum
Can’t wait for this book!!! Love the Nighthuntress series.
Some pretty awesome covers there. I’d like to give the books a shot.
Bones and Barrons together would be interesting.
I’m really looking forward to the new book!
I think Bones and Karen Marie Moning’s Barrons would be a good hang with buddy 🙂
This was an amazing interview. It was filled with so much information that I never took the time to think about. Each question that you asked Frost brought back insightful and intuitive information that makes me appreciate each one of the books even more.
I might reread these books just for Tuesday’s release.
Thank you for the interview and for the giveaway.
Forgot to include my answer.
I’d want Bones to hang out with Wrath. They both have a thing for control and I would like to see what happens when they have to decide on something.
I would like to see Bones sit down with Adam from the Mercy Thompson series. They could compare notes on how to try and keep the women out of at least some danger!
Bones should hang with Barrons. I don’t think they would play well together but the interaction would be funny/hot.
I haven’t read this series yet, but I do have the first book ready to go on my Kindle!! Since I haven’t read this series, but I have read some of the Chicagoland Vampires, I would have to agree with Heather that Ethan would be awesome to go along with Bones!
I think I’d like to see Bones interact with Dorian from Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series. They’d either become best friends or try to kill each other.
Would love to have Bones hang out with Daegan and Gideon from Joey W Hill’s, Vampire Instinct story.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
I have never read this series but I would love to. I really don’t know Bones but I would have to say Edward from Twilight. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Hmm.. Bones and JZB would be pretty awesome. I think it would be interesting to pair him up with Valerius from the Dark Hunter novels. Maybe help loosen Val up more..LOL get back at his squire.
I would like to see Bones interact with Jerrico Barrons. I have just finished the Fever Series and think that that meeting would be interesting to witness.
rachaelmccully@yahoo.com