Wednesday, June 30, 2010

DRAGON LOVE


CONTEST CLOSED!

Thank you to everyone who commented. The winner of an autographed advance reader copy of Firelight is: Catie S (Book Bound)! Congratulations, Catie! Please email me your address at sophie@sophiejordan.net. I'll see you all here again on July 30th with a new post and more goodies to give.



I was fortunate enough to attend the BEA conference (Book Expo of America) this past May, where my upcoming book, Firelight, was featured on a YA editor buzz panel. In that panel, Scholastic editor Arthur Levine, (I tried not to blather incoherently in the presence of the man responsible for bringing Harry Potter to the US) asked my HarperTeen editor, the brilliant Farrin Jacobs, “So, when a dragon has sex does steam come out of her nose?”

Sitting in my seat, I laughed, blushed and then I thought. And I thought. I reflected back over the pages I’d written. His question wasn’t that “out there”, if you know what I mean. Jacinda, the protagonist in Firelight, does tend to “overheat” when she’s … ahem, engaging in intimacy. How’s that for vague?

No, she’s not Drew Barrymore in Firestarter (gah, did I just age myself?). To give you a better understanding of Jacinda, let me back up and tell you a bit about her. Jacinda is actually a draki – which is what dragons have evolved into over the millennia. Why, you may ask, have dragons evolved? For the same reason any creature evolves – to survive and avoid extinction.

The draki are neither dragon nor human, but something in between. The draki spend most of their time walking about as humans, to protect themselves from mankind, of course, but at their core they are winged, scaled creatures possessing varied talents. Meaning each draki has his/her own specific talent.

Whereas the dragons of my lore (yes, I’m making this stuff up) possess myriad mystical “gifts”, i.e., fire-breathing, the ability to sprout scales and breathe underwater, the gift of immense strength and speed, the ability to mesmerize, the ability to make oneself invisible … the list goes on. Each individual draki, if lucky, has only one talent. Naturally, some talents are deemed better than others. And that takes us to Jacinda.

Jacinda possesses a coveted talent. She’s the last fire-breather in her pride. So, yeah, she’s the bomb – even if she doesn’t want to be, even if she would rather be a “normal” draki. Instead, she’s this commodity, revered, protected, suffocated … her future mate hand-picked already. But I digress … let’s get back to the dragon love.

As a fire-breather, Jacinda demonstrates attraction and desire a little more … expressively. Okay, when I say she gets all hot and bothered, I mean she really gets all HOT and bothered. Yep. Since her lungs can produce fire, burning up inside with a smoldering sky-high fever doesn’t hurt her. But it can make kissing a little risky for the guy. Whenever I hear Firelight described as a steamy read from those who have already read it I can’t help but smile. Because it is a steamy read. In so many ways.

So, Arthur Levine posed a very good question when he asked: “So, when a dragon has sex does steam come out of her nose?” Hmm… I think I’ll quote my editor’s response to that. “Arthur, you’ll have to read the book.”

And I hope many of you pick up a copy when it releases on September 7th and find out for yourself. For now, one commenter will win an autographed ARC of Firelight. To get the ball rolling, why don’t we continue the discussion on dragon love, shall we?

78 comments:

Michelle Santiago said...

hi sophie! i am fortunate enough to receive an arc of firelight and i can't wait to dive into it and read it!! i love my "steamy" reads and this one sounds fantastic :D

Claire Dawn said...

I recently came across this on Kiersten's blog. I've never been into dragons, but this book made me want to be. And that's just from seeing the cover! I can't wait for the release.

Oh, and September 7th? Perfect! It's definitely a candidate for my next insanity blitz. (Where I give away more books than is ane for a random person to give away. lol)

Blodeuedd said...

Lol, this one sounds cool, and I do wonder about that steam part now too ;)

Never read anything with dragons, well if you don't count big bad dragons flying around in fantasy

Jacqueline C. said...

I haven't read a lot of books featuring dragons, but the few I have were adult romances. Dragons are a fresh breath these days with the vamp and werewolf overload. They make for some interesting characters, abilities and (obviously) steamy scenes.

Kimberly B. said...

Hi Sophie! This book sounds terrific! I'll admit, I had to laugh when you mentioned the question about steam pouring out Jacinda's nose! When I was five, I was out one cold morning waiting for the bus, and seeing my breath steaming convinced me I must be half dragon myself!
As far as fictional dragons are concerned, my favorite is probably Kazul, from Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
Thanks for the terrific giveaway!

Sullivan McPig said...

Sounds like a great read.
Sofar I haven't read many books with dragons, but recently I read 'the Enchantment Emporium' by Tanya Huff and there were Dragonlords in that story and those were really cool.

Sara M said...

I haven't read too many books with dragons either. I recently read a PNR with a very unique take on dragons, but I won't mention the title b/c it's kind of a spoiler.

Anyway, the steam coming out of the nose is no different than a vampire not being able to control his or her fangs coming out. The visual is just a little sillier.

Bast said...

I haven't read many books with dragons and can't think of any either. I'm looking forward to reading Firelight. The concept is really interesting and the cover art is gorgeous!

Helen Lowe said...

Fun concept, Sophie. Enjoy the ride to and beyond September 7. :-)

nymfaux said...

Yea Sophie!!!!!! I am SO EXCITED for FIRELIGHT!!!!!!!!!

Plus the cover is AMAZING BEAUTIFUL GORGEOUS STUNNING!!!!!!

As for the steamy parts...I know smokers can have smoke come out of their nose, so I don't see why steam can't come out of Jacinda's nose, whether she's HOT or just simmering...

I think I've seen more movies with dragons, than books...There are a couple dragons in Tamora Pierce's books (the Imortals quartet), and I thought they were fun characters.

But I'm SOOOOOO looking forward to Firelight!!!!!! Everything about it sounds new and exciting and interesting.

p.s. Sean Connery would make a great dragon voice...I'm just saying ;)

Emma Kate "Coops" @ Whats Cracking Coops said...

LOL!!! This is great!!! Best. Post. Ever :D :P I'm very excited for it - the cover is fabulous!! I'm VERY interested to read this book now and I want to find out if Arthur's question was correct!!! I've never read anything even remotely dragon-ish, so am really looking forward to this one! :) :D

Happy writing!
Emma :)

Katie said...

thanks for the insight Sophie! The books sounds really great!!

Katie

TracyW said...

Firelight sounds like a great book! After recently reading some books envolving dragons I have been looking for some more. I am looking forward to the release.

Claire (Cem) said...

I am not normally too big a fan of dragons, but this book sounds awesome!! Adding it to my TBR list. Beautiful cover as well!

Bethany C. said...

I heart dragons! My favorite incense burner has a big orange-y dragon and a wizard. Because I'm super cool.

dawntabulous said...

This book has been on my goodreads "To Read" list for a while! I can't wait to read it. =) Dragons have a special place in my heart but most books about dragons take place in medieval times. I think your concept of modern dragons - or draki - is fascinating! In an age of supernatural beings, it is fun to see NEW characters made from existing lore. =)

If Jacinda is so hot, I wonder how hard it gets to take a shower? I do a lot of contemplating when I shower, so I wonder if she would ever get angry and all the water evaporates? And if her internal temperature is so high, does she drink coffee? These are all tiny details but they still intrigue me.

Crissi said...

Well you already kow how excited I am about this book as I have already spoken to Sophie about it and have gone and supported it on my Book Club page on facebook. Needless to say, I can't wait to read something other than vampires and shifters. ;)Rawr!

Tricia Schneider said...

I haven't read many dragon books but Firelight sounds intriguing. I'd like to read this one. And I think Arthur Levine posed a very interesting question. Certainly makes me think. :)

Misty Price said...

I already have this book preordered because it sounds soo good, I've never read or heard of anything with dragons like this so it's certainly unique to me! I think the cover is lovely to

Emily H. said...

I think this book sounds great! I can't wait to read it.

treerose AT yahoo DOT com

Nicole said...

I'm not dragon obsessive by any means, but I do love the few dragon books I've read. My favorite is Keri Arthur's Destiny Kills. SOO good and steamy and delicious. I also just read Meagan Hatfield's Shadow of the Vampire, and her dragons were pretty delicious too! :)

Anonymous said...

hi spohie....although i haven't read many dragon-romance books, yours sounds like the one to get me hooked!

Anonymous said...

hi spohie....although i haven't read many dragon-romance books, yours sounds like the one to get me hooked!

Kimberly Derting said...

Having read FIRELIGHT, "steamy" is a great description and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second one! I love that you had to sit there and listen to Arthur Levine and Farrin discussing Jacinda's sex life--hilarious!!!

Crystal @ RBtWBC said...

Wow, I love the cover. And this book sounds great, I will have to add it to my list that keeps going and going...
Dragons or Draki sound interesting. I've only read a few books with dragons in them and I enjoyed them. Atlantis Series by Gena Showalter especially.
Happy Hump Day & Thanks For The Post!

Unknown said...

Interesting how until now dragons were always considered evil in fairy tales and stories. I'm reading my very first dragon story: Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield, and it is great, so exciting! Can't believe the strengtha nd powerfulness and mythical allure of draghons wasn't explored more before!

I have heard great things about Firelight, can't wait to read it! Congratulations! :-)

Sharon S. said...

I enjoy the Eragon series, does that count? Like someone said above, it is a nice change of pace and the concept of a literally hot romance can be fun! Look forward to reading your book!

Kt Clapsadl said...

I think Dragons are amazing mythical creatures. This book looks really interesting, and will be going on my preorder list. :)

Alex Bennett from Electrifying Reviews said...

This book was sooooooo good. Sophie, you need to send me the next one ASAP!

Unknown said...

I too have (unfortunately) not read much about dragons. However, they seem to pop up a lot in movies and the idea of them has always fascinated me. Your take on them is incredibly intriguing. I can't wait to read Firelight when it's released.

Splendibird said...

This sounds great - I've not read much about Dragons but love all things Shifter-y so am intrigued to read Firelight. I shall keep my fingers crossed!

Anonymous said...

Haha, that's not awkward or anything. But other than the awkward parts, this book sounds really good ! And I love the cover. You're really lucky that you got the book early :D

~Alison
lostinbelieving(at)yahoo(dot)com

Catie S (Book Bound) said...

This is one I am dying to read.
Wow, that does give a new meaning to steamy.

Lynsey Newton said...

I've never read a book featuring dragons so I'm excited to give this one a go! Sounds really interesting and it's on my list :)

Thanks for the contest :) lynsey(AT)narrativelyspeaking(DOT)com

Sophie Jordan said...

Aurora! LOL - good thought. But yes, I do have Jacinda drinking some coffee.

Sophie Jordan said...

Chelley, and anyone else who has the ARC -- hope you enjoy!!

Alex, I know you already read it!!;) And guess what I'm turning in TOMORROW!! You got it -- FIRELIGHT bk#2. Gah, I need a title soon.

catslady said...

I agree that I've seen more movies with dragons but I've enjoyed them and reading about them would be great. Firelight sounds fantastic and exciting.

catslady5(at)aol.com

Ash Wolf said...

Hey Sophie!
I loved your regency romances "Sins of a Wicked Duke" and "In Scandal They Wed." I love how your doing something different.

Steam out of the nose....I would think that would hurt unless your somehow protected from it. Plus, it might just hurt your partner if they're too close when it happens. That could certainly kill the mood. :)

Big fan of dragon stories. Love Deborah Cooke's Dragonfire series. Cynthia Eden's book "Immortal Danger" has a dragon shifter hero. Then G.A.Aiken has her own dragon series as well that is real good. Her next book also come out Sept. 7th.

I'll definitly read "Firelight." Keep up the good work!

ADHartmann

tetewa said...

I'm always looking for new authors to read, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com

CrystalGB said...

Hi Sophie. Firelight sounds fabulous. Beautiful cover. I love dragons.

Sophie Jordan said...

Oh, and Kimberly, yes! - the banter between Farrin and Arthur was too funny!

Sophie Jordan said...

"Ash Wolf", thanks for following all my books and for being open to following me into a new genre! I promise, you'll still have the romance!

heidi330 said...

I haven't read a lot of dragon books but I have read books with dragons in them. this book sounds really good and I can't wait to read it.
Thanks so much,
Heidi

Terri Garey said...

I haven't read a great dragon book since Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonriders of Pern" series, so I'm REALLY looking forward to this one, Sophie! I keep hearing great things about it, and I ADORE that cover! You lucky girl, you!

Sophie Jordan said...

Terri, you know my editor is a huge fan of McCaffrey! I never even read that series, but I think I owe it to that author - she's part of the reason my editor got so excited about taking on my book!

Sophie Jordan said...

Heidi, like you and so many others have commented about today, I haven't read much or seen much in film where the dragon is the true protagonist. I think that's why the concept for FIRELIGHT spoke to me so much.

Jessica @ a GREAT read said...

Dragons are cool. Haven't read any dragon related books yet. Firelight sounds like a good one to start!

Lena1xoxo said...

“So, when a dragon has sex does steam come out of her nose?” Hmm… I think I’ll quote my editor’s response to that. “Arthur, you’ll have to read the book.”

What?! LOL! I just choked on my iced tea.

I can't wait to read Firelight. I keep hearing amazing things about it. Dragons are made of win. Jacinda should be happy. If I was a dragon, I'd go light some haters on fire. MUHAHAHAHA! :P

addicted2novels(at)gmail(dot)com

throuthehaze said...

I have been reading quite a few dragon shifter books lately. I like that yours seems different than the others :)
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Sophie Jordan said...

LOL - Lena, you okay with that tea now?!?

Jackie Uhrmacher said...

I have a huge thing for dragons, from Katie Mac's steamy hunks to the giant tattoo on my back. They're mysterious, proud, and protective. Just what characters in paranormal novels should be!

C. E. Murphy's dragons in her Negotiator Series aren't the steamy hunks I normally read, but they are among my favorite. Especially Jax. : )

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Steamy... heh... I'll leave it at that. ;) It's definitely got to be one "hot" read. Okay, I'll quit now.

This one has interested me since I've heard about it. I've read a couple of short stories on shape shifting dragons and I love that concept. This book is on my wishlist!

KerrelynSparks said...

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Firelight, and it was so FANTASTIC!!! This is going to be one hot (steam out the nose) series! LOL
Best wishes, Sharie, for tons of success! You are going to make so many readers very happy!

Pamela Palmer said...

Love the BEA story, Sophie! The book premise sounds fascinating. I can't wait for it to hit stores!

Lark said...

Fireleight sounds WONDERFUL!! Can't wait to read it! Can I borrow an arc? I'll read fast.

Lauren said...

I've always been a fan of dragons and as a long time YA and adult fic reader, I have to say that most of the dragon books I've read have been adult. So nice to see some more in the YA genre. Firelight sounds AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait for september 7th. Dragons and steamy kisses rock!

Anonymous said...

Firelight sounds fab!! OMG! Some of my favorite dragon books have been the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini and another book called Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey.

I read pretty much all YA so I'm always looking for new stuff to read!

Rebekah Purdy

Nicole Murphy said...

Hi Sophie

The book sounds fantastic - hope we'll be getting it here in Australia.

Love that you've thought that through - how something that breathes fire will have sex.

Barbara E. said...

I haven't read much about dragons, but I have read Keri Arthur's Destiny Kills, which is about two dragon shifters. I absolutely adored it and I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series.
I'd love to read Firelight so I can see just what you've done with your dragons. They sound delightful.

Anonymous said...

I wanted the book before, but now I HAVE to have it! I haven't read many, if any, dragon-focused books (other than the Eragon books), but this sounds really good. =D

The Lovely Reader said...

After seeing the movie How to Train Your Dragon, I fell in love. I went on to read Eragon and Starlighter, both of which I loved. I'm really excited for this one! Please enter me, and thanks for the contest!

barbrafl737 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Sophie Jordan said...

You guys are awesome! I wish I could put FIRELIGHT in all of your hands! Like now!!

Dwayne said...

Oh Sophie how I wish I can have Firelight in my hands right now too! Not only is the idea of Drakis fresh and original, the fact that you incorporated Darwin into it is amazingly cool! And of course, I can't deny I'm intigued with all these steamy hot draki intimacy business!

nymfaux said...

Sophie, after reading all these comments, what do you think about a more ADULT Draki companion novel???? ;)

Sarah K said...

I am so intrigued by your draki concept! I can't wait to read this :)

Cassay said...

The only dragon series i have read was teh Eragon series which i totally love can't wait to read this one some dragons would be put a good mix into the vamps/weres/fairies :)

Cassandra C

Adelina said...

Hi Sophie! I'm so excited for Firelight! It's on my wishlist! I love dragon shapeshifters and this book sounds awesome!

Julia said...

I've read a romance about a Dragon shapeshifter before. It was interesting to hear him cope with life in a city. But it was only a novella... I can't wait to read Firelight!!

I am so glad that I stumbled into waiting for this book! I decided to share it for my Waiting on Wednesday pick over at my blog too, despite how tempting it was to keep a secrete. Better odds haha.

Alyssa Kirk said...

Looking forward to this fun "steamy" read!

Sophie Jordan said...

Nymfaux, that's definitely an idea! Hmmm...

Sophie Jordan said...

Julia, thanks so much for the shout out in your blog!! So sweet!

heatwave16 said...

I've never read a book with a dragon romance before, but this sounds great. I've always loved dragons...seriously, who wouldn't want a pet dragon to fly on...or a dragon signif other o drop you off at work. ;)

Name: Aine said...

I only recently heard about this one, and I can't wait to read it.

Jenny N. said...

Its a good question and I'm definately looking forward to your book release.

JenM said...

I've always loved dragons - The Dragonriders of Pern was one of my favorites when I was a teen. Currently, I'm reading the G.A. Aiken dragonshifter series and loving every one of the books. And I just loved the section with the dragons in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I will add this one to my wishlist - it sounds exactly like something I'd want to read.

Unknown said...

Oh, I love dragons and this book looks great. The cover alone makes me want to read it.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

nymfaux said...

Congrats to the winner!!!!