Hey everyone! đ It’s been awhile! We missed you and we’re back with new weekly podcast episodes and today we’re featuring Kristen Simmons and Sara Raasch, who are here with us to talk about their new book, Set Fire to the Gods! You know we â¤ď¸ anytime we get to chat with authors here on Swoony Boys Podcast and we’ve had Kristen on before. Of course it wouldn’t be as fun if we didn’t have our favorite twinnies, Erin and Jaime, from Fiction Fare with us. #bestfriendsforever Donât forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.
Podcast Notes
- Kristen and Sara give us their elevator pitch for Set Fire to the Gods and give us a little background on how the story came to be.
- They talk about their writing styles and how bringing together their strengths made not only an awesome story but made them better writers.
- We get some insight into how they wrote the book.
- Then we went for the boy. We talk all things Madoc, followed by Ash and her totally kick-ass self.
- We explore the most difficult thing about writing YA fantasy.
- Sara and Kristen let us know who it would be if each of them had the chance to introduce one of their characters to a character from any other authorâs book.
- We ask them what would they say to their 16 year-old-selves.
- We play a little Two Truths and a Lie.
- Kristen and Sara reveal their favorite scenes in Set Fire to the Gods.
- We discuss the upcoming releases they’re most excited about as well as the books they just keep coming back to.
- We talk favorite swoony boys a little bit more before wrapping things up with a fun Word Association game.
***About the Authors***
About Kristen Simmons
Kristen Simmons is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, METALTOWN, PACIFICA, and the upcoming DECEIVERS. She loves her family, Jazzercise, and chocolate cupcakes. She currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
About Sara Raasch
Sara Raasch has known she was destined for bookish things since the age of five, when her friends had a lemonade stand and she tagged along to sell her hand-drawn picture books too. Not much has changed since then â her friends still cock concerned eyebrows when she attempts to draw things and her enthusiasm for the written word still drives her to extreme measures. Her debut YA fantasy, SNOW LIKE ASHES, the first in a trilogy, came out October 14, 2014 from Balzer + Bray. It does not feature her hand-drawn pictures.
***About Set Fire to the Gods***
Set Fire to the Gods by Kristen Simmons, Sara Raasch Also by this author: Article 5, Breaking Point
Series: Set Fire to the Gods #1
Published by Balzer & Bray on August 4, 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 432
Goodreads Buy the Book
Ash is descended from a long line of gladiators, and she knows the brutal nature of war firsthand. But after her mother dies in an arena, she vows to avenge her by overthrowing her fire god, whose temper has stripped her country of its resources.
Madoc grew up fighting on the streets to pay his family's taxes. But he hides a dangerous secret: he doesn't have the earth godâs powers like his opponents. His elemental gift is something elseâsomething that hasn't been seen in centuries.
When an attempted revenge plot goes dangerously wrong, Ash inadvertently throws the fire and earth gods into a conflict that can only be settled by deadly, lavish gladiator games. The fights put Madoc in Ash's path, and she realizes that his powers are the weapon her rebellion needsâbut Madoc wonât jeopardize his family, regardless of how intrigued he is by the beautiful warrior.
But when the gods force Madocâs hand, he and Ash uncover an ancient war that will threaten more than one immortalâit will unravel the world.
***Giveaway***
Thanks for listening. â¤ď¸
Neil McNair from today tonight Tomorrow is my latest swoony boy.