Author Guest Post + Giveaway: Hailey Edwards

Today paranormal/urban fantasy author Hailey Edwards is here to share with us more about her new Black Dog series. Please help me welcome Hailey to That’s What I’m Talking About…

Ominous Beginnings

When the wisp of an idea for the Black Dog series floated through my mind, I dismissed it. My first thought being that fae in urban fantasy settings were overdone. (Not that it stops me from gobbling them down!) But whenever I sit back and try to tell myself what I shouldn’t write and why, the final decision ultimately boils down to Do I want to write this book? Me? Even if no one else ever reads it, will I be happier for having written it?

For me, the answers were yes to all of the above. What’s the point of writing if not to enjoy it, right?

So here we are. I wrote the series, and I used an unusual fae to do it. The heroine is named Thierry Thackeray, and she’s the daughter of the Black Dog of Faerie. She’s also half-human, and her powers are one part grim reaper and one part skinwalker.

The Black Dog is the name for a death portent that appears most often as a huge dog (often calf-sized) with large glowing eyes. The color of the fur and the eyes vary, but the beast is most often black or green furred with green or red eyes. Stories of the dog are fairly common in European folklore and they’re frequently mentioned in Scottish and English lore.

Sometimes called hellhounds, the spectral creatures usually haunt specific locations. Dark and winding roads are a favorite, as are crossroads. More than instruments of death, they’re also blamed for changes in weather patterns and occasionally charged with guarding treasures of great importance.

The Black Dog series is built around the Cù-Sìth myth in particular. The Cù-Sìth is the Scottish name of a mythological hound. Its appearance is similar to that of a wolf with shaggy, dark green fur. It’s known for prowling the moors and highlands for its next victim.

Similar to the grim reaper, the Cù-Sìth is a harbinger of death. They collect souls and escort them into the afterlife. It’s said they release three barks and no more. If you haven’t reached safety by the third bark, you literally die of fright.

In Dog with a Bone, my heroine, Thierry, is the daughter of the Black Dog of Faerie. Half-bloods with Thierry’s skill set are given two options. They can join the conclave’s marshal program, or they can pack their bags. Turn down the job offer, and you’ve just shredded your residency pass for the mortal realm and booked yourself a one-way ticket to Faerie.

Texas is the only home Thierry has ever known, and she’s not going anywhere. Even if it means following in her notorious father’s footsteps as a peacekeeper. But pinning on the badge opens her eyes to the fact sometimes fae need protection too, and that sometimes humans are the real monsters.

About the Book:

Half-bloods with Thierry’s skill set are given two options. They can join the conclave’s marshal program, or they can pack their bags. Turn down the job offer, and you’ve just shredded your residency pass for the mortal realm and booked yourself a one-way ticket to Faerie.

Texas is the only home Thierry has ever known, and she’s not going anywhere. Even if it means following in her notorious father’s footsteps as a peacekeeper. But pinning on the badge opens her eyes to the fact sometimes fae need protection too, and that sometimes humans are the real monsters.

About the Author:

A cupcake enthusiast and funky sock lover possessed of an overactive imagination, Hailey lives in Alabama with her handcuff-carrying hubby, her fluty-tooting daughter and their herd of dachshunds.

Swing by HaileyEdwards.net or chat with her on Facebook or Twitter.

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She loves to hear from readers. Drop her a line here.

Hailey is published with Samhain Publishing and Forever Yours.

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Giveaway:

Leave Hailey a comment about your favorite fall treat, and you’ll be entered to win a $5 Amazon gift card and your choice of title from her backlist in any digital format. The giveaway is open until Sunday November 9, 2014 at 12:00 midnight EST. Winner(s) chosen at random from all eligible entries. This contest is open internationally where not prohibited by law. Open to participants, 18 years or older, who are legally allowed to participate in such a contest as allowed by their local laws. All federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. By participating in the contest, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of the contest sponsor. Prize will be delivered by the author. This blog, its reviewers, and the owner are not responsible for items lost in the mail. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to abide by these terms.

Be sure to stop back later today for VampBard’s review of Dog with a Bone!