Today I'm pleased to bring you an interview with author Jean Murray, talking about her new dark paranormal release, Soul Awakened. Be sure to check out her book and the terrific contests at the bottom of this post.
At the closing of Soul Reborn, the Carrigan sisters (Lilly, Kit and Kendra) discover that they have been created by the Mother Goddess to fulfill a specific purpose -- ending the curse against humanity. They are literally, Keys to the Cursed. Unlike her sister, Lilly, who found out the hard way, Kendra knows she is the key to unlocking Bakari from his tomb, but she must discover her hidden abilities and overcome her worst fears to fulfill her destiny. Kendra has to sacrifice more than she ever believed possible.
Desperate to free Bakari, Kendra inadvertently binds herself to the god with a spell that only death will undo. How does the spell bind her to him? What are some of the risks she faces while under this spell?
I can’t give away too much, as this is a pivotal point in the book. What I can say is that the Ancient Egyptians believed in magic, dark magic. The demotic texts contain spells that can cast plagues, death and pestilence against an enemy (I’m not making this up folks. The spell Kendra recites in the book is an actual excerpt translated from the Book of the Dead). The spell binds Bakari’s soul and ensures he will remain in the death like sleep. When Kendra reverses the spell they become linked, soul to soul. The bond can be only broken by death. No one is certain, as to Bakari’s allegiance after five long year of torture at the enemy’s hands. Trusting Bakari is a huge risk, but Kendra must follow her heart.
What potential dangers does Bakari face? Does the spell binding Bakari to Kendra have any risks for him?
Bakari is a potential danger to everyone around him and to himself. He can take life with a mere thought. More importantly, Bakari has the power to kill gods -- the very reason he was taken – to be used against his own pantheon. Kendra not only awakens him, but centuries of guilt and self-hatred-- enough he may destroy himself and Kendra along with him. She is his only barrier to ending his suffering and his only salvation.
How can Kendra help Bakari once he’s awakened?
Kendra’s sweet disposition would tame any man’s heart, even a god’s. Her compassion and tenderness takes Bakari’s pain away. She cares for him when everyone else is afraid to approach him. Her special ability (key) will purge the evil that is lurking inside of him and give him the hope to face another day.
Briefly describe the magical systems of your world. How do those who are empowered , the gods and demi-gods, gain their abilities?
The Gods of Ancient Egypt were created by the belief of the people over 5,000 years ago. Out of respect for the ancient religion, I try to maintain the authenticity of the gods, as the Ancient Egyptians saw them. The gods were created to serve and protect mankind in life and in death. Their role determines the extent of their powers.
There are two pantheons – The Creation Pantheon and the Underworld Pantheon. The Gods of the Underworld absorb life energy to feed their powers. The Creation Gods, (gods of the living), expel energy and create life. Despite their animosity towards each other, the two Pantheons create a balance in the world and among themselves.
But, Asar (God of the Underworld) holds the ultimate power to judge souls at the Gates of the Afterlife – this includes the fates of the gods. Bakari will kill any god who threatens Aaru (Paradise Isle of the Underworld). Kamen, the Soul Eater, will ensure a permanent end. Fear and misunderstanding drove the Creation Pantheon to sanction a law that forces Underworld gods to the shadows of darkness in the human realm, limiting their powers and influence.
Life and death were not meant to mix – that’s until the Carrigan sisters turn the Underworld upside down. The lines of segregation become blurred when life (Lilly, Kit, Kendra) and death (Asar, Kamen, Bakari) join in an explosive union that will challenge ancient laws and tip the balance of power to a new era.
Soul
Awakened
Key to the Cursed Series Book Two
Key to the Cursed Series Book Two
Genre: Dark Paranormal
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Date of Publication: January 15, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-937254-97-1
ASIN: 978-1-937254-98-8
Number of pages: 292
Word Count: 92,000
Cover Artist: Taria A. Reed
Book Description:
LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR
Kendra, an Egyptologist and demi-god in
waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his
cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the
god with a spell that only death will undo. To save Bakari from himself, she
may have to sacrifice her innocence, and possibly her soul, before he becomes
his family’s worst enemy.
HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST
Bakari awakens to a world at war
and a beautiful woman who has tethered his soul to hers. In the wake of his
self-destruction Kendra is his only hope of salvation, but another has vowed to
keep Bakari from the one thing he craves most-- his Parvana. His butterfly.
About
the Author:
In her pursuit of a nursing degree, Jean Murray
aspired to see the world and joined the Navy. At the end of 2011 she said a
heart-breaking goodbye to her Navy family and retired after twenty years of
military service. Although her dreams of writing full time have yet to come
true, she continues her writing journey and draws inspiration from her travels
abroad. She enjoys spending time with her family and of course, writing about
the “Carrigan sisters and their mates, Gods of the Underworld,” to bring you
the next installment of the Key to the Cursed series.
Book Trailer Soul Reborn: http://youtu.be/smSJsJp5o74
2) Plus the rafflecopter giveaway for the Soul Awakened Kindle Fire HD.
