THE DEEPEST POISONClockwork Dagger Duology .5
Author: Beth Cato
Release Date: April 28th, 2015
Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse
Octavia Leander, a young healer with incredible powers, has found her place among Miss Percival's medicians-in-training. Called to the frontlines of a never-ending war between Caskentia and the immoral Wasters, the two women must uncover the source of a devastating illness that is killing thousands of soldiers. But when Octavia's natural talents far outshine her teacher's, jealousy threatens to destroy their relationship—as time runs out to save the encampment.
Fans of Beth Cato's debut, The Clockwork Dagger, will love this journey into Octavia's past—as well as an exclusive excerpt from the sequel, The Clockwork Crown!
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Beth Cato hails from Hanford, California, but currently writes and bakes cookies in a lair outside of Phoenix, Arizona. She shares the household with a hockey-loving husband, a number-obsessed son, and a cat the size of a canned ham.
What gave you the inspiration to write this story?
"The Deepest Poison" is based on an important incident that takes place months before my novel, The Clockwork Dagger. I wanted to show what happened from the perspective of a different character, Miss Percival.
Who is your favorite character in the story?
The main character from my novels is Octavia Leander. She is shown in this story in a very different light, as the antagonist, even though she's about the sweetest person you would ever come across.
Which came first, the title or the story?
I was maybe 1/3 of the way into the rough draft story when my editor emailed me and asked about the title. I had just done an eight-hour road trip and had been up since 3am so I was kinda loopy, but I stared at my screen for about fifteen minutes and miraculously came up with the perfect title. Sleep deprivation might be useful sometimes.
What scene in "The Deepest Poison" are you most proud of, and why?
There's a scene right at the start in the medical ward of the army camp. I read many nonfiction and fiction World War I books to get the atmosphere right, but I didn't want to make things too disgusting and realistic, either. I'm happy with the balance I found.
Thinking way back to the beginning of your writing career, what’s the most important thing you've learned as a writer from then to now?
Every story, every novel, means starting from scratch. I fumble my way through and find all new ways to fail, and new ways to fix everything, too. It's a constant learning process.
What do you like most about the cover of "The Deepest Poison?"
A syringe doesn't play a direct role in the story, but it's a very powerful medical symbol. There's a lot of symbolism in the use of the color green, too. And heck, I even love the font they chose because it reminds me of the Hercule Poirot episodes I was raised on.
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2015?
My friend J. Kathleen Cheney's third book The Shores of Spain comes out in July! I read a rough draft of it ages ago and I'm excited to see how it changed as it was polished. This is a really great series with a strong historical-fiction-mystery vibe and set in early 1900s Portugal, with a siren as the heroine.
What was your favorite book in 2014?
Oh gosh, that's a hard question. One of them was certainly Shaman Rises by C.E. Murphy. It was the ninth and final book in her Walker Papers urban fantasy series. Not only did the book read like one big action-packed climax, but it had all the feels. After nine books, I loved these characters dearly.
What’s up next for you?
My second novel, The Clockwork Crown, is out on June 9th! This wraps up the duology that started with The Clockwork Dagger.
Is there anything that you would like to add?
"The Deepest Poison" takes place before The Clockwork Dagger, but it doesn't matter which one you read first. Together they form a more complete picture of Octavia. Just be sure to read The Clockwork Crown last!
Thanks for having me here!
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Thanks for having me here!
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