News

19
Jun

Thrice Interview: OTHERBOUND

Hi! Today we’re celebrating Corinne Duyvis’s debut, OTHERBOUND.

First – I wanted to mention that the awesome Jenni Cooke is giving away international copies of BORN WICKED & STAR CURSED over at her blog Live to Read, Love to Read this month because she is awesome. Thank you, Jenni!

Also, in case you missed it, because I was out of town and not online much, I interviewed Kate Ormand about DARK DAYS last week, so you should also check that out!

Before we start — why are they called Thrice interviews? The original titles for the Cahill Witch Chronicles were THRICE BLESSED, THRICE CURSED, and THRICE FATED. I have a tattoo with the word thrice, which is partly to remind me how joyful writing that first book was, back when it was just mine, and partly because I like threes. Cate Cahill is the oldest of three sisters, as am I. My birthday is May 3; my anniversary is Sept 30. So there’s a natural theme to these interview questions…

 

otherboundThey say: Amara is never alone. Not when she’s protecting the cursed princess she unwillingly serves. Not when they’re fleeing across dunes and islands and seas to stay alive. Not when she’s punished, ordered around, or neglected.

She can’t be alone, because a boy from another world experiences all that alongside her, looking through her eyes. 

Nolan longs for a life uninterrupted. Every time he blinks, he’s yanked from his Arizona town into Amara’s mind, a world away, which makes even simple things like hobbies and homework impossible. He’s spent years as a powerless observer of Amara’s life. Amara has no idea . . . until he learns to control her, and they communicate for the first time. Amara is terrified. Then, she’s furious.

All Amara and Nolan want is to be free of each other. But Nolan’s breakthrough has dangerous consequences. Now, they’ll have to work together to survive–and discover the truth about their connection.

I say: I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about this. And um, check out these fab starred reviews from Kirkus and PW, which both rave about the world-building and the fabulous diversity:

“Duyvis smoothly transitions between the two main characters’ thoughts and emotions while realistically conveying the individual alienation and terror of two very different people. Rich worldbuilding, convincing nonheteronormative relationships, balanced class issues, and nuanced, ethnically diverse characters add to the novel’s depth. The well-paced action builds toward an unexpected, thrilling conclusion that will leave readers eager for more from this promising new author. Original and compelling; a stunning debut.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Debut novelist Duyvis smoothly integrates elements of diversity and disability into her cast without letting them stand in for deeper characterizations … Numerous plot twists drive the story along, and it’s grounded in worldbuilding that creates a believable, authentic setting. Duyvis makes ingenious use of a fascinating premise.”
Publishers Weekly (starred review) 

Now for our interview with Corinne:​

1. Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Nolan Santiago is a diligent, well-intentioned, self-loathing liar.

Amara is a terrified, angry, damaged healer.

(JS: just these brief descriptions make me want to read this book.)

2. Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.

OTHERBOUND is an unusual, ambitious, twisty fantasy.

3. Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Corinne is an opinionated, excitable, sleep-loving martial artist.

4. If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?

New Zealand. Iceland. The United States. (I’ve visited the US several times before–I’d just like to save on flight costs for next time!)

5. If you could take any 3 non-writing-related classes, what would they be?

First aid. Animal psychology. Neuroscience 101.

6. If you could have any 3 alternate careers, what would they be?

Portrait artist. Editor. Activist.

7. What are your 3 favorite flowers?

Zantedeschias, for their elegance; orchids, for inexplicably thriving under my care; lavender, for being so soothing. (JS: I had to Google zantedeschias, otherwise known as calla lilies, which I also love!)

8. What are your 3 favorite foods?

Grilled ham & cheese sandwiches. Cupcakes. Kroketten.

9. What are your 3 favorite books?

You’re making me CHOOSE? Okay–let’s do some underappreciated books I read in the past year. ORLEANS, by Sherri L. Smith; A FACE LIKE GLASS by Frances Hardinge; VESSEL by Sarah Beth Durst. 

Thanks for stopping by, Corinne! Congratulations on your debut!

You can find out more about Corinne and OTHERBOUND at her website or by following her on twitter!

 

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