Book info: Title: Seize Authors: Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor Series: A Magnus Blackwell Novel #3 Published by: Vesuvian Books Publication date: March 26th, 2019 Genres: Adult, Supernatural
Synopsis:
Lexie Arden has a loving husband, a thriving business, and consults with the New Orleans Police Dept on murder cases. Kalfu has given her everything she desires, but challengers to her authority are closing in.
Her dark secret remains hidden from everyone except Magnus. He sees the evil growing stronger, changing her, and hurting her marriage. If Lexie doesn’t rid herself of Kalfu’s influence soon, the consequences will be irreversible.
When she unexpectedly inherits a cottage in the swamp, she uncovers a library of rare books on voodoo. Their spells can reverse the dark lord’s hold and set right the balance between darkness and light. But such magic requires a great sacrifice; one Lexie isn’t willing to make.
With the shadow spirits and raging voodoo gods vying for her attention, Lexie is on the verge of losing everything—her husband, her power, Magnus, and possibly, her life.
The battle for control of the mambo’s soul is about to begin.
1. Are you
part of a writers group that gets together and helps each other with their
writing?
No.
2. What tips do you have for aspiring writers?
Keep writing. It takes time to find your voice.
3. How important are names in your books? Do you
choose the names based on liking the way it sounds, or the meaning? Do
you have any name choosing resources you recommend?
I am not big into choosing names but Lucas Astor is and he
is fantastic at coming up with character names.
4. Do you keep a "bible" to help you
remember all the characters and details of your world for writing a
series? If so, how do you organize it, in a notebook, notecards,
Google Doc, etc.?
No bible. It is all in my head. If I need to check something
I go back to the previous books.
5. Some fun questions:
Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin? None.
Lannister, Stark, or Targaryen? Stark.
Captain Kirk or Captain Picard? Kirk.
DC or Marvel? Neither.
Physical book, ebook, or audiobook? I like physical books
but listen to audio when I can because sitting down and reading is a luxury.
Author Bio:
Alexandrea Weis RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers Association, Weis writes mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.
Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.
He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.
One of his favorite quotes is: “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.” ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Book info: Title: Death by the River Authors: Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor Published by: Vesuvian Books Publication date: October 2nd 2018 Genres: Horror, Young Adult
Synopsis:
A high school “American Psycho.”
SOME TRUTHS ARE BETTER KEPT SECRET.
SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER OFF DEAD.
Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.
And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux.
The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch.
He is also a psychopath.
A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize.
As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux.
1. What does
your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you
start? Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants
writing)? If you plan it out, how do you do that? Outline,
notecards, post-it-notes, etc.?
>I have an idea of
where I am going, but if I have an outline, I never stick with it. Writing is
an organic process for me. I like to be surprised by where the story goes. If
I’m surprised, my readers will be surprised.
2. Do you edit as
you go, or wait till you're finished before you edit? How many times
would you say you go over it yourself before having another set of eyes
look it over?
>I edit after I write the first draft.
I read through a manuscript at least twice before it goes to a developmental
editor.
3. How does it
work with more than one author on a single story?
>Death by the River was a
collaboration with Lucas Astor who came up with the story and wrote the first
draft. I developed the story, chose the setting (outside of New Orleans),
fleshed out the characters, their motivations, and relationships, and helped
bring his vision to life.
4. How do you
come up with your ideas for your stories?
>When I am working on my own stories,
I can take inspiration from anywhere. Lately I have been working on historical
novels about remarkable women in ancient times.
5. What are your
favorite:
Books/authors/genres: Anything
on ancient history and horror/thrillers.
Movies/TV Shows: Game
of Thrones. I am also a horror fan. So, anything scary.
Music: Jazz and Blues
Food/Writing snack: French
fries
Author Bios:
Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.
He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.
One of his favorite quotes is: “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.” ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans.
Title: Death by the River Authors: Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor Genre: YA Thriller Release Date: October 2nd, 2018 Publisher: Vesuvian Books
Synopsis: Some truths are better kept secret. Some secrets are better off dead.
Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.
And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux.
The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch.
He is also a psychopath.
A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize.
As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux.
And that someone will pay with their life.
WARNING: Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse which could be upsetting.
"Rare is the story that simmers and rises to a boil so naturally and constantly that the reader manages to be repeatedly shocked ... a full-speed rollercoaster that doesn't slow down until the final page. Employing an evocative setting, powerfully defined characters, and taking along hard look at the darker side of human desire, this novel will catch your breath and hold it until the very end. RECOMMENDED" ―Michael Radon, US Review
"While the authors have written a chilling story here, there's more to Death by the River than thrills. It's actually a fascinating study into the effects of good and bad parenting on children. Do it badly and parents, children and society as a whole pay the consequences. This book is not just an exciting read; it's a sobering one." ―Viga Boland, Retired high school English teacher and Author ofNo Tears for my Father: Viga's true story of incest
"While the story follows compelling characters, it also plunges readers into an intriguing setting. It is ironical that the horrors are taking place along the river that runs so close to a seminary, an establishment that should evoke a powerful sense of God and reverence for life. The characters are sophisticated and readers will learn to honestly hate the villain of the story -- he is well imagined and developed with skill. In a subtle way, the authors allow his crooked mind to reveal itself. Like most serial killers, he is a charmer and an intelligent young man, but beneath the cool surface is a cauldron of simmering evil. Weis and Astor have written a riveting crime tale with strong psychological underpinnings. Death by the River is ingeniously plotted, written in gorgeous prose, and featuring a strong conflict that propels the narrative forward. The suspense intensifies as the story moves on, with the reader always feeling as though something awful could happen at any moment, and this feeling grows in intensity until the explosive climax. A real thriller!" ―Romuald Dzemo, Readers' Favorite
"A suspense-filled thriller steeped in equal parts atmosphere, insanity, and revenge." ―Mary Ting, Award-Winning Author of ISAN: International Sensory Assassin Network
"Weis and Astor have created something so dark, edgy, and gritty, it will stay with you long after you close the book." ―Julieanne Lynch, Dragon Award Finalist: Horror (2018)
"... a crime thriller that pulls readers into the twisted mind of the protagonist and holds them engaged till the exhilarating finish. The writing is flawless ... Death by the River is psychologically engaging, emotionally rich, and utterly absorbing." ―Christian Sia
Book Trailer:
Excerpt:
Beau froze, almost afraid to
move when he spotted him. Gage Devereaux rested his hip against the black
granite countertop. Except for their height and physical prowess, Beau felt he had
nothing in common with his father.
He attempted to relax by shifting
his book bag on his shoulder. “Didn’t expect to find you still home.”
Gage set his coffee mug on the kitchen
counter. “I wanted to speak to you before you left for school.”
The hint of condescension in
his father’s voice tightened his chest—it usually signaled a lecture.
“I got a call from Ms.
Greenbriar yesterday afternoon. She said you visited her office after a run-in
you had with Carol Foster’s boy.”
Beau’s fingers twitched, the
way they did when his aggravation got the better of him. Great. The idiot woman
had called his father. The last thing he needed was Gage Devereaux up his ass.
“Derek is dating Dawn’s sister,
so I often see him at school.” He tempered the irritation in his voice, not
wanting to annoy his father. “I was talking to Leslie when Derek walked up. I
accidentally caught him with my elbow when I turned around. I apologized and
everything is fine.”
He waited, analyzing every move
his father made, searching his hard eyes for an inkling of his mindset.
“I’ve spoken to you before about
this.” Gage came around the breakfast bar. “This family is in a precarious
position with everyone in town. I don’t want your actions threatening our
business or our good name.” He gripped Beau’s shoulder. “What have I always
told you? What is our rule?”
Beau cringed as the words he’d
spent a lifetime dreading screamed through his head. He faced his father,
standing at attention. “Self-control in all things. Never let anyone see who
you really are.”
Gage leaned closer. “No matter
what anyone says, no matter what they do, you walk away. This includes your
girlfriend. Do you understand?”
Beau stiffened at the low,
menacing tone in his father’s voice. “Yes, sir.”
Gage lifted the left side of
his mouth ever so slightly. “Go to school.”
Beau stood by the breakfast
bar, not moving a muscle as his father headed to the garage. The door clicked
shut and a trickle of sweat ran down his temple. His jaw muscles cramped from
clenching, his heart rate slowed, and he glanced at his fists. His father’s
warning spinning in his head, Beau slammed his hand down on the copper bar.
Anger like molten lead ran
through him. Beau sucked in deep breaths to calm himself—something he
remembered from a long-ago therapy session. Then he relaxed his hand on the
bar, checking the indent he’d left in the copper. He wiped the smudge away,
stepped back, and raised his head.
Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, CRRN, ONC, PhD, is a multi award-winning author of over twenty-five novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured animals. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Weis writes paranormal, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance.
Lucas Astor, Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight. He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Weis and Astor’s first collaboration was the multi-award-winning Magnus Blackwell Series.
PHOTO CONTENT FROM ALEXANDREA WEIS AND LUCAS ASTOR
Book Info: Title: Death by the River Author: Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor Publication date: October 2nd 2018 Genres: Horror, Young Adult
Synopsis:
SOME TRUTHS ARE BETTER KEPT SECRET.
SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER OFF DEAD.
Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.
And the river belongs to Brice Devereaux.
The only child of a powerful family, Brice can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch.
He is also a psychopath.
A dirty family secret buried for years, Brice’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Brice sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize.
As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Brice Devereaux.
Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.
He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.
One of his favorite quotes is: “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.” ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans.
