Author Interview: Ivy Devlin!

Today I am very pleased to welcome Ivy Devlin, to talk about her fabulous, romantic, heart-stopping novel Low Red Moon - welcome Ivy!

1. Low Red Moon is your paranormal debut. What made you venture into paranormal YA?

Dumb luck, really--I was thinking about the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood one day (I adore fairy tales) and thought--what if? And that's how Low Red Moon got its start!

2. Can you tell us a little bit more about 'Low Red Moon' as a title?

I had originally called the book Red, but my editor wanted me to change the title. I had no ideas (NONE!) but then, when I got my revision letter, my editor had sent along a CD of songs she'd listened to when she was editing the book. And one of them was Belly's Low Red Moon--which is--well, you can see why the title ended up becoming Low Red Moon :-)

3. While writing Low Red Moon, were there any particular habits or quirks you have developed?

Not really--although I did draw a map of the town so I knew where everything was not just in my head but on paper too.

4. As I wrote in my review, Avery narrates the book with a voice with genuine grief. What was your main inspiration in channeling these emotions into your writing?

First, thank you for your amazingly kind review--it totally made my day when I read it! As for writing about Avery's grief, it was part of her story, so I felt I had to write about it. It was so true for her, so how could I not have it there, you know?

5. If you can describe Avery and Ben's relationship in one word - what would it be and why?

Explosive! These are two people who connect right away and it's scary for both of them--but they can't deny how they feel.

6. Would you rather read a book about forbidden romance, the-more-you-hate-the-more-you-love romance or a best-friend-turned-boyfriend romance?

ooooh! Forbidden, I think.

7. In retrospect, was there any part of the book you wished you have written differently?

I can't read my own writing--you know how some authors can't read reviews? I can read those, but I can't read my own book! Go figure :-)

8. Can you give us a little hint on what to expect next following Low Red Moon?

There is going to be a sequel--I've turned it in, but I haven't heard when it will be published yet. I'll let people know as soon as I find out, though!

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Thank you Ivy! To Emma also, for making this interview possible.

If you haven't read Low Red Moon yet, folks, then you should. It's one of the best paranormal YA novels out there! Not to mention its mystery and romance being just as superb :) Check out my review HERE if you need further convincing!

I can hardly wait for the sequel - pretty certain it would be worth the wait!

Book Review: Low Red Moon (Ivy Devlin)

The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver—deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed them, she can't, and there's nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. 

Then Avery meets the new boy in school—Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she's ever experienced. When Ben reveals he's a werewolf, Avery still trusts him—at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash inhuman silver. And she learns that she's not the only one who can't remember the night her parents died.

Part murder mystery, part grief narrative, and part heart-stopping, headlong romance, Low Red Moon is a must-read for teen paranormal fans. As breathless as Twilight and as spooky as Shiver, this is a book to be devoured in one sitting—by an acclaimed YA author making her paranormal debut under the pseudonym Ivy Devlin.

This book is so, so marvelous! It's mysterious, grue-some, heartbreaking and romantic at the same time. It has a very believable heroine, a sexy hero and a murder-mystery that had me on the edge of my seat!

Avery is - like I said - a very believable heroine. Although significantly ostracised from both her high school and her community, she feels like a girl-next-door who one could easily get to know. Her interactions with people are somewhat limited by her home-schooled background, but to those who she does befriend, she is both giving and understanding. She has a generous heart and I adore her for it. Sheltered by them all her life, Avery doesn't only feel lost in the death of her parents but feels like she's trapped in a sort of limbo, tormented by her lapsing memories.

Avery narrates the book with a voice with genuine grief. The melancholy but collected narration is honest and lyrical. Every word is captivating, every thought filled with emotions.
My heart ached for Avery at many points in the book, but never did the narration make me feel like putting the book down. On the contrary, I read it in record time! I have none but praise for Avery and her lyrical prose.

I also love how the narration matches the gruesomeness of some part of the book while being flexible enough to equal the majesty of its romance. Ben and Avery share a deep, instant connection. Uncontrollable and life-changing, both are each other's salvation. There is a lot of discovery surrounding Ben Dusic, but it's left wide open for the sequel (I am wishing for more) to build on. The romance is sexy and seductive, and there's more than just one. I am hungry for more from these characters!

Low Red Moon has a good transition in the plot, from murder mystery to direct supernatural. Furthermore, the backdrop of the forest, and how most things happen at night gives a very eerie feel and setting. And whenever Avery and Ben gets together, this shifts to become a romantic atmosphere. A perfect fit for the plot!

Five Stars!

* Thank you to Bloomsbury for my shiny, lovely review copy!