Blog Tour, Interview, and Giveaway: The Trickster's Totem (H.B. Bolton)

Life has returned to normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with their unique mystical abilities, can help find it. 
Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends.

Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.

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Description of the first book in the Relics of Mysticus series, The Serpent's Ring: 

Evan and Claire Jones are typical teenagers, forced to go with their parents to yet another boring museum ... that is, until something extraordinary happens to make their day a little more than interesting. After following a strange little creature into a closed exhibit, Evan and his older sister, Claire, discover the Serpent’s Ring, one of the magical relics formed from the shattered Mysticus Orb. Purely by accident, they have awakened its powers and opened a portal to Sagaas, land of ancient gods. 

Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.

The Serpent’s Ring is FREE for Kindle May 28th-June 1st.

Book Links:

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A magical part of H.B. Bolton’s childhood was being swept into worlds of enchanting characters, fantastical creatures and extraordinary powers—simply by picking up a book. As a mother and a teacher, she was compelled to create imaginary worlds of her own in order to share them, not just with her children, but with all children. H.B. Bolton lives in Florida with her supportive husband and two highly spirited children. Shh, can you keep a secret? Not only does she write books for the young-at-heart, adventurous sort who yearn to dive into a good young-adult fantasy story, she also writes spellbinding, heart pounding women's fiction. These particular books are written under the name Barbara Brooke, but that's another story, altogether.

Author links:

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Books by H.B. Bolton:

The Serpent's Ring (Relics of Mysticus, Book One)

Breaking Down (a short story)

Hungry (a short story)

Coming May 1, 2013

The Trickster's Totem (Relics of Mysticus, Book Two)

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I stumbled upon an illustration done by my cover designer and became intrigued by the image of a dragon standing beside a young brave. This was before I had even finished The Serpent’s Ring, but the second I saw the painting, I knew where Evan and Claire would travel next — the Native American Spirit World. 

Who is your favorite character in the book?

Of course, I’d have to say Evan. In fact, if I didn’t adore his snarky wisecracks and warm heart, he’d quickly lose his place as lead character. Having said that, there are many new creatures/characters that are unique to this book, and I’m also fascinated with them.

Which came first, the title or the novel?

Before writing the novel, I knew two things: the Trickster was the main antagonist of this story, and the Relic would resemble an animal totem. It seemed only natural it would be called The Trickster’s Totem. 

What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

Hmm, it’s difficult to choose, but I’d have to say I was proud of the scene after Evan eats too many sugary petals (food meant for pains, or pixielike creatures). He couldn’t figure out why everyone around him was moving at a snail’s pace, when actually, he was rushing around like a hummingbird. 

Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

No obstacle is too big to overcome, and no dream is out of reach — but there’s one catch: You must be willing to work for it. 

What do you like most about the cover of the book?

Let me start by saying how lucky I am to have had such a talented artist illustrate my book covers. Elisabeth Alba is one of the best, and she loves fantastical stories. The cover for The Trickster’s Totem is mysterious. What is a dragon doing in a Native American legend? What are pueblos doing inside a cavern, and why are they abandoned? 

I also like how the two books in the series complement each other visually. The Serpent’s Ring is predominately blue (like the sea god Aegir) and The Trickster’s Totem is mostly red-orange (like dragon’s fire). 

If you’re curious to see more of Elisabeth’s work, check out her website: albaillustration.com

What new-release book are you looking most forward to in 2013? 

The Bone Season, the first book in a seven-part series by Samantha Shannon. People are calling her the next J.K. Rowling, so I’m anxious to “curl up” with this book.

What was your favorite book in 2012?

You mean other than The Serpent’s Ring? 

What’s up next for you?

I’m busy researching Arthurian Legends for The Dragon’s Egg (Book Three). 

Is there anything you would like to add?

Sure — I’ll offer a quote from a legendary author:

  “It simply isn’t an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien

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