Hello & Welcome to the next stop in the international RUIN & RISING blog tour!
I'm so thrilled to have author Leigh Bardugo on the blog today to talk about the men of her series!! It took a lot of restraint on my part not to bombard her with questions about a certain someone from the series *coughs*
Before I share my interview & tell you how you can enter to win the ENTIRE Grisha Series, here's a little bit about Ruin & Rising, which is out TUESDAY!!
By: Leigh Bardugo
Published by: Henry Holt
To Be Released on: June 17th, 2014
Series: Grisha Trilogy #3
Purchase it from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to: Goodreads
The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.
Now the nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.
Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.
Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova’s amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling’s secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.
Learn more about Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm
Hi Leigh! I'm so thrilled to have you on Mundie Moms. Congratulations to your release of Ruin & Rising. Let's talk about your fabulously, delicious, I mean your awesome, well written guys. Let's cut right to the chase. What secret of The Darkling's can you tell us? I promise I won't tell anyone else. haha
Hey! So glad to be here and thank you for having me. As for the Darkling, hmmm, he has a sweet tooth?
As you know, I absolutely LOVE your writing.You created such richly developed characters with each of the guys. Did you ever find yourself fighting with any of them over a scene in terms of what you wanted them to do vs what they wanted to do?
Aw, thank you. The only person I ever fight with is Nikolai because that boy just wants to talk and talk. But really I'm just warring with my desire to write banter all day long. I guess I also sometimes have trouble with Mal. When he speaks his heart, he does so reluctantly and that can be challenging. Just spit it out, dude! Give in to the feels!
The Darkling to me is your series's more fascinating character. He continues to surprise me. I feel there's so much to him we've yet to discover. What is one redeeming quality you admire in The Darkling?
People always want to talk about redemption where the Darkling is concerned. Is he kind to animals? Yes. Does he have a viable plan for Ravka as a world power? Yes. Is he a man willing to sacrifice for his goals? Yes. But whether or not those qualities are redemptive is for the reader to decide. I just tell the story.
"Torn," huh? I think you're being a little diplomatic. A lot of readers were very angry with Mal after Siege and Storm. I think I've always been surprised that people seem to hold both Alina and Mal to a much higher moral standard than the Darkling. But it's been important to me to keep Mal as real as possible. He's very much a guy, a teenage boy without the benefit of the Darkling's long life or Nikolai's education and resources. He's got his own journey to go on in this story and he's made some big mistakes along the way.
His confidence! So many of my characters are beset by doubt, worried about doing the right thing, afraid they won't measure up. Not my cocky privateer. He has infinite faith in himself and his ability to find the solution to a problem. I love that optimism and I wouldn't mind bottling a little of it for myself.
What's one of your favorite moments or lines (or you know kiss scene) between Alina and either The Darkling or Mal?
Hmmm, I think they all happen in Ruin and Rising! *waggles brows* But okay, if I have to pick from the first two books...
1. "I don't care if you danced naked on the roof of the Little Palace. I love you, Alina. Even the part of you that loved him." It's not that I think the line is so great, but when I wrote it I didn't realize how important it would be for some readers who cared about seeing a love interest who embraced a heroine regardless of her past or any idea of "purity."
2. "I'll make sure you hear it when I make her scream." Okay, so I'm going to get in trouble for mentioning this one, but I love how readers are always like, "I'm so dirty! You won't believe where my mind went when I read this." Damn right! You think the Darkling wasn't messing with Mal? All my entendres be double.
Great, if you're favorite moments are in Ruin & Rising I have a feeling you're going to kill me. Or make me swoon the entire time. Either one will be fine by me if the Darkling is involved.
The guys of your trilogy are seriously awesome. Really. You've created such memorable characters that were so easy to fall in love with. If you could tell fans something about them, that we don't get to see from the series, but you did, what would that be?
The guys of your trilogy are seriously awesome. Really. You've created such memorable characters that were so easy to fall in love with. If you could tell fans something about them, that we don't get to see from the series, but you did, what would that be?
Dang it, woman, I already told you the Darkling has a sweet tooth! I wrote the trilogy from Alina's POV for a reason and it's important to me that the readers see the other characters through her eyes. But because of that, there are also a lot of stories that didn't get told: Mal's time away from Alina at Keramzin, Sturmhond's adventures with the rogues aboard the Volkvolny, and the Darkling's many, many lives. Maybe one day I'll get to tell them all.
Just because inquiring minds want to know, what kind of chocolate would The Darkling, Mal and Sturmhond be? My guess is The Darkling would be a smooth dark chocolate. *snickers*
Hmmm, well, I think the Darkling might be an acquired taste. Like some people might find him a little bitter and hard to take. I think Mal would be some type of almond bark or something with lots of nuts and fruit and maybe a pine bough or something. Rugged chocolate. Sturmhond would be an outrageously rich and decadent truffle—something imported of course. Thanks a lot. Now I'm hungry.
Next time I won't ask the chocolate question. Now I'm hungry!
Thank you Leigh for stopping by today!
Find Leigh: Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website, like Shadow and Bone on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, and follow her on Tumblr.
The Giveaway
Thank you to Fierce Reads / Henry Holt, I have the entire Grisha Trilogy to giveaway to 1 lucky reader!! To enter to win, please fill out the form below.
About Leigh
Leigh Bardugo is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Shadow and Boneand Siege and Storm. She was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and most recently, makeup and special effects. These days, she’s lives and writes in Hollywood where she can occasionally be heard singing with her band.Find Leigh: Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website, like Shadow and Bone on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, and follow her on Tumblr.
The Giveaway
Thank you to Fierce Reads / Henry Holt, I have the entire Grisha Trilogy to giveaway to 1 lucky reader!! To enter to win, please fill out the form below.
Darkling forever!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite has to be The Darkling. I love characters with a dark side.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the Darkling! I don't care if he's the bad guy lol.
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling and Mal. I don't know who I like better though. =/
ReplyDeleteI have only read the first book, but it's got to be Mal. He gave up everything just to find Alina, and he didn't even know why she ran away.
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling. So can't wait to read this. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMal is my favorite. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI just finished Siege and Storm yesterday, and I cannot wait for Ruin and Rising! Sturmhond is definitely my favorite. His dialogue cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteMal for sure. Yes, he's done some stupid things, but deep down his heart is always in the right place. I mean, if "You're my flag. You're my nation." doesn't make you swoon, then I don't know what to tell you.
ReplyDeleteSturmhond, definitely.
ReplyDeleteMal.
ReplyDeletebut Nikolai.... n o no I'll stick with Mal.
Christina R. in the rafflecopter
ReplyDeleteDefinitely The Darkling!!
Thank you :)
I need some more Darkling im my life.
ReplyDeleteDarkling forever!
ReplyDeleteDarkling now. Darkling past. Darkling future. Darkling forever.
DeleteThat is the full motto.
-Alison H.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAlmond bark > dark chocolate.
ReplyDeleteALWAYS.
Seriously pumped for Ruin & Rising.
I am getting ready to start reading the series soon, so I will be finding out.
ReplyDeleteOhhh and Sturmhond is my favorite, OBVIOUSLY.
ReplyDeleteThis is tough it's in between The Darkling or Mal.
ReplyDeleteDarling Darling forever and always!!!!
ReplyDeletethe darkling has to be my favourite! i cant wait to read ruin and rising, and the prequel story is going to be my favourite thing ever!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling!!!
ReplyDeleteHaven't actually read any in the series yet. But, reading all this, can't wait to start!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! The Darkling for sure. <3
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling hands down! And maybe 2nd place to Nikolai
ReplyDeleteDarkling is my favorite :)))
ReplyDeleteAm I still the only one who haven't picked up on the series yet? Boo me!! I need to read the series soon.
ReplyDeleteI've always had a sweet spot for Mal.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to the series, but I can't wait to find out! *Grin*
ReplyDeleteI don't know! I originally liked the Darkling, then at the end of Shadow and Bone I started to like Mal. So I'm a fan of both. ;)
ReplyDelete**Rachelle**
THE DARKLING. He is the essence of the entire Grisha trilogy.
ReplyDeleteOh God, it's such a hard choice! I've only read the first book, but I really loved The Darkling! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to go with...The Darkling!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series yet, but I hope to soon :D
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is and always will be the Darkling ;-) I love him so much! I don't care if he's evil, I know he can still be redeemed.
ReplyDeleteSturmhond
ReplyDeleteI really like Sturmhond. I'm always into a guy with a sense of humor and I also like that he has a sense of justice....well, in his own way. He tries to do what's right, but he definitely bends rules to do so. I dig that.
ReplyDeleteSturmhond! So much love for the witty, clever, never-too-serious guy. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling of course ;) and then Sturmhond!
ReplyDeleteDarkling of course ;)
ReplyDeleteDarkling first, then Sturmhond!
ReplyDeleteI'm torn between the Darkling and Nikolai but if I must, I choose Nikolai. He's such a huge flirt that never shuts his yap so I'll appreciate our conversations since I'm the same too.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I haven't read them but I'm hoping to soon!!
ReplyDeleteDashing Sturmhond!!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling will always be my favourite.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting to read the series til this book came out, but I'm going to guess Mal. Hooray for the good guys!
ReplyDeleteSturmhond!
ReplyDeleteNikolai is definitely my fav and I ship him and Alina so hard (sorry Mal)! I need to know what happens to him in the last book!!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the series yet but from the descriptions in the interview I think Nikolai sounds like the most accessible. I'll make him my choice for now.
ReplyDeleteLove this series. Can't wait to see what she does with the conclusion! And I'm torn between the Darkling and Nikolai (I have a weakness for charming rogues).
ReplyDeleteMine like many others is The Darkling. What's not to love? :)
ReplyDelete- Beckie
I've heard nothing but great things about this series and I can't wait to dive into it! I love to marathon series :)
ReplyDeleteDon't have a fav yet b/c I haven't read this series yet :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love Mal, but without the Darkling, the story would fall apart. Plus he's so dangerous, and wicked! I love it!!! But of course I want to see Alina rise and him fall! ;)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this yet* hides head in shame* which is why i desperately want to win this series! how perfect would a marathon be! Thank To all those who made this giveaway awesome!
ReplyDeleteI really like Mal, he's difficult and a little surly but has a good heart!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling is my favorite, of course. He got his claws in me during the first book and never let go. :) I was, however, almost won over by the ridiculously charming Sturmhond.
ReplyDeleteDarkling, always and forever!
ReplyDeleteSadly I haven't started the series yet.I have been waiting for all the books to come out.Thanks for this amazing giveaway and good luck to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the saga yet, Hope start soon
ReplyDeleteI love the Darkling!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling :)
ReplyDeleteI actually haven't read the series, but I've been dying to :D
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the series yet, but I really want to! I am hoping to win the series so I can read it!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling is my favorite, for sure. Can't resist a good 'villain'... especially one with a sweet tooth. ;D lmao
ReplyDeleteAw, I love this interview :D Thank you both for sharing. <3 Sigh. Mal, my love.
ReplyDeleteAs blaspheme as it might sound, I haven't had the chance to read these books so far, but I'm dying to. I'm definitely starting this series this summer and taking my long list of book boyfriends I think I'm going to love all the male in this series for what I'm reading the comments :P
ReplyDeleteFallon Vaughn ~ joefallon1@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling
THE DARKLING!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Darkling as a character, but I don't know if I want him to be with Alina.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJust started reading the trilogy recently, so I don't really have a favorite so far. I do like Mal though because he reminds me a bit of Peeta and I just adore Peeta. Haha
ReplyDeleteGotta be The Darkling : )
ReplyDeleteSturmhund is definitely my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Darkling! Though I do think Aliena should be with the prince! :D
ReplyDeleteMary G Loki
I am ten different kinds of torn between Nikolai and Mal. Just. Yes. I love them both.
ReplyDeleteDarkling!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling, definitely the Darkling. He's the quote on quote bad guy you can't help falling for.
ReplyDeleteStill love Mal.... but... but.... Sometimes, in a blue moon, the Darkling
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, what a better way to start a giveaway! All the books. I hear Darkling calling my name! *waves*
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the series yet but I sure would love to. I've heard tons and tons of great things about many of the male characters
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling !!!!! lol Thanks for ze giveaway
ReplyDeleteSturmhond is definitely my favourite character! And the chocolate interview question was amazing (and left me craving chocolate).
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the series yet, but The Darkling sounds really cool.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the series yet, but I have a feeling I'll like Mal most:)
ReplyDeleteI love this series sooooo much! Can't wait till I get Ruin and Rising!! <3 the Darkling
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the Darkling <333
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteDarkling!!!! of course!
ReplyDeleteSturmhond = my champion. I find the Darling fascinating but it's just impossible for me to sail that ship...
ReplyDeleteSturmhond = my champion. I find the Darling fascinating but it's just impossible for me to sail that ship...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Sturmhond! Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteThe Darkling, no contest!
ReplyDeleteDarkling <3
ReplyDeleteI'm new to the series but from what I've heard it's going to be VERY hard to pick just one guy! I'm already drawn in by the talk around Sturmhond, so we shall see!
ReplyDeleteI may be straight, but I don't have to be when Sturmhond is in the room. Just sayin'. What happens on the open seas, stays there. Am I right? ;)
ReplyDeleteSturmhond!
ReplyDelete