During the entire month of May I’m hosting a reverse blog tour. Rather than send y’all to other people’s blogs to read about me, which you already do if you’re a regular here, I’m introducing you to some amazing and talented authors from all walks of life and genres.

Today I have the most fantastic guest. I had the privilege reading this book before most of the rest of the world, and now today it’s making its debut in the world. Janeal Falor has constructed a fantastic fantasy world, where powerful warlocks are the ruling authority, women have no more worth than livestock, and one girl with the drive to be independent throws the entire country into arrears.

And Janeal has let me interview her main characters, Serena and Zade.

The sidelong glances and secret smiles Serena and Zade share during the entire interview speak as much as their words.

So, you two, tell us about your favorite childhood memory. A game you played, a ritual you had with friends, or something else.
Serena gives a small smile: It’s hard to think of good memories, but there was this one time when my sister Cynthia talked me into painting Father’s horse pink.
Zade laughs: I never knew you had a mischievous streak. What did your father do?
Serena: He thought one of the warlocks one the council did it, which was the only thing that saved us from being punished. Though he did try to make us wash it, but it wouldn’t come off. He had to ride his pink horse to his council meetings in front of all the other warlocks. I wish I could have seen their faces. What about you?
Zade: Nothing specific comes to mind. Just the general feeling I have of playing with my friends. Hiding my sister’s toys and helping her find them. Dad taking me fishing. Mom making me sit with the ladies during tea and being polite while they loaded me with cookies.

I will have the image of that pink horse in my head for the rest of the week, *laughs*. It seems like family is a big part of both of your pasts, so this may be a silly question, but tell me family first or friends?
Serena: Family, except Father. My sisters are everything. He is nothing.
Zade gives Serena’s hand a squeeze.: Family, without question. Though some friends have become family. *glances at Serena*
*Serena blushes.*

*aside* – didn’t I tell you these two were adorable? *back to the interview* What’s your least favorite task?
Zade: Paperwork. There needs to be a lot less paperwork. At the very least I need a job that doesn’t require paperwork.
Serena: That’s your least favorite task? I’d be happy to trade you for cooking, cleaning floors, scrubbing chamber pot—
Zade: Wo! Stop right there. Paperwork is just fine.

I’m going to have to agree that paperwork is a pretty vile thing unless housework is the alternative. How about a more pleasant thought? What’s your favorite desert?
Serena and Zade exchange a look and give a little chuckle.
Zade: Anything with peaches. Serena even gives me hers.
Serena: Peaches are disgusting. Strawberries are by far the best.
Zade: And I’ll happily make sure none of those disgusting peaches go to waste.

And I happen to know that there’s more about peaches and strawberries in the book. *hint hint*. All right, last question and then I’ll let the two of you get back to your sidelong glances. If you could have any one thing in the entire world, what would it be?
*Immediately both somber*
Serena: I’d make it so my sisters wouldn’t have to go through everything I’ve gone through.
*Zade puts an arm around Serena.*
Serena: What would you have?
*Zade’s cheeks pink*
Serena: What is it?
Zade: I think I’ll skip this question for now.
Serena: But we’ll come back to it later.
Zade: Yeah, I think we’ll come back to it soon.

I think I’ve got a pretty good idea what Zade would wish for, but I also think it would be more fun for Serena to figure it out on her own. However, if you’d like a little hint, I just happen to have an excerpt below from You Are Mine

Excerpt
His hand reaches up and brushes my face. Flecks of gold are mixed with the green of his eyes. Suddenly, he scoops me into his arms and plops me on his lap. I yelp.

“Sorry, I guess I should have warned you first.”

After straightening my skirt with quivering fingers, I hold myself stiff. His nose nuzzles against the side of my neck. Warm lips brush my jaw and sweep along my cheek until they reach the corner of my mouth. My breath comes in shallow gasps. He smells lightly of citrus.

I don’t move. His fingers tangle in my hair. His lips hover over mine. A nervous flutter grows in my chest. The creak of the door opening spurs him into action.

His lips touch mine. Flowing and sunny. They grow firmer. It feels so much better than I thought it could. His fingers run through my hair, the tendrils falling out of their confinement. Heat grows between us. He pulls me closer to him. Not only do I manage to refrain from fighting him, but I want to draw even closer.

“Ahem.” Phyllis.

He leans away, though still only inches from me. “Why are you interrupting?”

My face feels flushed. I try to slow my breathing.

“Sorry, Chancellor. I was told I was needed in here.”

He turns on her, face tight. “You are, but not now. Didn’t you get my message?”

“What message?”

“My family also gifted Serena a servant. She’ll need to be shown your duties when she gets here.”

“My duties, Master? Not hers?”

A grumble sounds from him, vibrating his chest. “No. You’ll be working in the kitchen. We’re grateful for you services so far, but with this new servant, you’re needed elsewhere.”

“I see.”

“Then leave. I’m busy right now.”

Where can you find this brilliant book?
Amazon.com
Smashwords

And you can find Janeal at
http://janealfalor.com
on Twitter @JanealFalor
& Facebook

And who is this brilliant debut YA novelist?
Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.