I first heard about INCARNATE when lurking in the Welcome-to-Harper-Collins box my editor sent me was an ARC of Jodi's book. The cover instantly drew me in, and I read it within a few weeks of receiving it. I was immediately captivated by Ana and her sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes triumphant journey. The world is complex, the damage in Ana runs deep, and the boy who stands up for her is yum. Not necessarily yum in a physical sense, although he is a cutie. But the true magic is the way he sees past the damage and reaches her heart with the one thing they have in common: a passion for music. I appreciated that this book made me think, that not all of the answers I want were spoon-fed to me (some of the most important answers won't come for another book or two!), and that it has one of the best kissing scenes ever.
I mean yes, give me a lovely thought-provoking book with a courageous, damaged girl, but please don't neglect the swoony romance! Here's a peek at INCARNATE:
NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Looks intriguing, doesn't it? I approached Jodi after reading the book to tell her how much I enjoyed it, and we became friends. I couldn't wait to invite her to come on the blog so I could introduce my readers to yet another fabulous up and coming author. Jodi, who is no push over, chose to be interviewed by the Spork of Doom.
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| Spork of Doom |
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| Jodi Meadows |
Before we get to the interview itself, of course, I get to reveal the gorgeous cupcake my hubby made in honor of INCARNATE. Naturally, he chose to bring the butterfly on Jodi's cover to life. Without further ado, I give you the butterfly cupcake and the Spork of Doom vs. Jodi Meadows.
1. I’m all about world domination, and I’m always looking for good help. Why would you be an acceptable minion in my quest?
I am no one's minion. Not even a spork's. In fact, I have a titanium spork of my own. I keep it locked in a flowery hatbox.
2. SACRILEGE!! *trembles with rage* Best step carefully, madam, or you shall find yourself sporked. I'm told it's most uncomfortable. Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?
You don't think keeping one of your sporky brethren captive takes moxie? Those things have tines! But once I did try to bring back the word moxie. It didn't go very far. Except . . . apparently with you.
I think you may be one of my minions. *eyebrow*
3. I. Am. Nobody's. Minion. *glares* Madam, you have danced an unholy jig upon my last nerve, and we're only on the second question. Did it never occur to you that rather than being kept captive, my worthy brother is simply lying in wait? Go ahead. Open that bloody hatbox. I dare you.
No? Fine. We'll continue. When I’m not busy taking over the world, I like to eat pie. What kind of pie do you think is worthy of my Spork of Doom status?
Hmm, good question. I've had a lot of talks with the spork in my hatbox. It keeps asking for pie, but I haven't given it any. It hasn't requested a particular kind, either. It just claws around the bottom of the hatbox calling out for pie.
4. I will tell you his favorite kind of pie. Minced meat. Made with delectable bits of uppity human girls instead of those nasty chunks of fruit. What’s your favorite thing to do with a spork?
Hatbox it.
Okay, I'll stop talking about the spork in my hatbox if you do. Truce? At least while we're on CJ's blog. We can negotiate for the hostage later.
5. If by truce, you mean Duel to the Death, then yes. I agree. Meet me at dawn. You bring your hatbox. I'll bring my recipe for Mincemeat Pie. I have the ability to be simultaneously spoon, fork, and weapon of mass destruction. What unique ability do you have?
I think my ability to capture-- Oh right. We weren't talking about that anymore.
Well, it isn't unique, but I can spin yarn using a hand spindle. What you may not realize about this is . . . spindles are sharp. They also have weighted ends. And spun silk is very strong. Good for stabbing, bonking, and strangling.
6. How sad for you that you must use an outside implement for stabbing, bonking, and strangling. A spork need only lower his mighty tines and charge. In this day and age, a savvy spork bent on world domination can’t afford to ignore a good marketing campaign. I’m thinking t-shirts with “Spork or Die.” If you made a shirt with your own slogan on it, what would it say?
It would say "Kittens are fluffy!"
7. So is Human Souffle if you fold instead of whisk. If I had to compare myself to anyone in history, I’d have to say I’m most like Napoleon. Only skinnier. And shinier. And smart enough not to lose my empire at a place with a ridiculous name like Waterloo. Who are you most like and why?
There has never been anyone like me, nor will there ever be again. There is only one Jodi. Accept no substitutes.
8. Oh, I won't. *examines ingredients list* Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?
Are you kidding? I regularly get to threaten the world, then take all the credit for saving it. My job is world domination.
9. *measures flour into a bowl* I'm sorry, you were saying? In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?
I have lots of favorite books and I don't like to pick favorites, but one that still sticks out is PLAIN KATE by Erin Bow. It's lovely and lyrical, and filled with emotional goodness. (And by goodness I mean it makes you cry.)
10. I never cry. I simply gather the tears of my enemies and drink them like a fine wine. You need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?
Well, just as a reminder, I'm not your minion. But if I were on some sort of secret night-time mission, I'd definitely use a cloak. BECAUSE THEY'RE AWESOME.
11. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?
"Blame it on the rain."
You may blame it on anything you like, this is still your future:
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| Mincemeat pie. Secret ingredient? Jodi Meadows |
Thank you, Jodi, for such an entertaining interview! I don't think I've ever seen the Spork so riled up. Good luck with that whole Duel to the Death business. To find out more about Jodi, visit her site. To purchase Incarnate, visit Indie Bound.
Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Jodi is offering a signed hardback copy of INCARNATE to one lucky commenter. the giveaway is for the United States only, and is open until 8 p.m. central time, Monday, January 23rd. To enter simply fill out the form below.
