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Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Blog Tour- PLAINS OF SAND & STEEL by Alisha Klapheke An Interview & Giveaway!


Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for PLAINS OF SAND & STEEL by Alisha Klapheke! I freaking love this amazing High Fantasy series it's full of interesting characters, killer world-building, and tons of swoons!

I have an interview with Alisha to share with you today! And make sure to enter the giveaway below!


Haven't heard of PLAINS OF SAND & STEEL? Check it out!


Title: PLAINS OF SAND AND STEEL (An Uncommon World Novel)
Author: Alisha Klapheke
Pub. Date: June 16, 2017
Publisher: Alisha Klapheke
Pages: 325
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: AmazonB&N, Goodreads
Forced into marriage. 


Chosen by Fire. 


Determined to do what is right.


Seren will do anything to protect her people. Even if it means hiding the body of their dead ruler and telling a lie that could lead her to a brutal end.


As she struggles to accept her role as leader and fails to resist a mercenary she isn’t allowed to love, an army falls on her city. Seren fights to protect her friends—the only family she has left—but her newfound power turns a possible victory in to a storm of chaos.

Now on to the interview!


Hey Alisha!! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books Im glad you could stop by for a chat! PLAINS OF SAND AND STEEL is was freaking AWESOME and I cant wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about the events leading up to PLAINS OF SAND AND STEEL and the characters?

The main character, Seren, recently had to marry an older man, and let’s just say, she isn’t real thrilled about the situation. He rules the Empire, but that’s about all he has going for him. Not that she’d say that out loud. That’s not her style. As the wife of a powerful ruler, she helps her beloved people in the little ways she can. Being seventeen and in such a lofty position isn’t easy. An enemy lurks on the horizon. Seren knows the time approaches when her whiny, selfish husband will need to somehow defend their people.

So do we have a title for book 3 yet?

I think it’ll be titled Forests of Silver and Secrets and will feature characters from Plains of Sand and Steel and also characters from Waters of Salt and Sin, the first standalone in the Uncommon World series.

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

All my characters have touches of real life people either from history books or from my personal life. None are in any way exactly someone I know or have studied. I’m a little bit like Ona from Plains of Sand and Steel. My friend Rae Ann told me that and I can’t argue it. I can be a hot head and I speak very bluntly.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

It’s a tie between Seren and Ona. They are both so fierce and I love them dearly.

What is your favorite passage/scene in PLAINS OF SAND AND STEEL?

Oooo definitely the ocarina scene because it’s swoony!

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

Research is my total favorite!!! I read through translations of ancient texts about Spanish and Italian mercenaries. I watched videos about nomadic lifestyles in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and the Middle East. Because I can’t get enough, I visited museums featuring art, weapons, and texts from Syria, Israel, Europe, and Asia. Did I mention research is my favorite? Especially when it involves traveling the world? :)

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

Oh tacos and tribulations, what a question. You just had to hit me with that. If I’m forced, Will Herondale. Or Kaz Brekker. Dang it. What about Sturmhond? Can I just have those three? Come on.

What inspired you to write YA?

I didn’t plan on it; it’s simply what I read and what I get super excited about. I guess I’m drawn to the firsts in life and the recklessness of youth (at least I was reckless anyway).

Lightening Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that youre dying to read?

I’m reading Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor and it is amazing.

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Slytherin because I relish power and want to take over the world. Or I like green. Not sure.

Twitter or Facebook?

Hmmm. Can’t I say Instagram? I’ve only been on IG for a while, but I like it best. I’m enjoying life @alishaklapheke ;)

Favorite Superhero?

Loki DUH

Favorite TV show?

Game of Thrones, Vikings,  and Downton Abbey *cries a little*

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet and spicy is my ultimate taste choice. I adore spicy mango salsa and eat entirely too much of it.

Any Phobias?

Spiders. Sticky things. Tight spaces. Being underestimated.

Song you cant get enough of right now?

Soldier by Fleurie

2017 Movie youre most looking forward to?

Oh tough one. Right now it’s the Guy Ritchie King Arthur movie and the upcoming Pirates of the Carribean. I ADORE movies!!!!

Thanks so much Alisha for answering my questions! I cant wait for everyone to read PLAINS OF SAND AND STEEL!


Thank you for having me! It was really fun! :)


About Alisha:
Award-winning author Alisha Klapheke wants to infuse your life with unique magic, far-flung fantasy settings, and romance. Her inspiration springs from medieval art and artifacts, the world travel she enjoys with her husband, and the fantasy she grew up reading when she was supposed to be doing her math homework.
When she's not writing, Alisha teaches Thai kickboxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and krav maga at her family's dojo just outside of Nashville. That may be why writing fight scenes is her favorite.
Kathleen Rushall of Andrea Brown Literary Agency represents Alisha in all things books.


Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive signed paperbacks of WATERS OF SALT & SIN, FEVER, and PLAINS OF SAND & STEEL & Swag (Stickers & A Signed Map), AND Paperbacks of AIR AWAKENS by Elise Kova & FIRST YEAR by Rachel E. Carter, US Only.


3 winners will receive eBooks of WATERS OF SALT AND SIN, FEVER, and PLAINS OF SAND AND STEEL, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Tour Schedule:

Week One:
6/5/2017- MNBernard BooksInterview
6/5/2017- Pooled InkReview

6/6/2017- The Autumn BookshelfReview
6/6/2017- Rachel's Book ReviewsReview

6/7/2017- Novel NoviceExcerpt
6/7/2017- Hooked To BooksReview

6/8/2017- Taking It One Book at a TimeReview
6/8/2017- Bibliobibuli YAReview

6/9/2017- Wandering Bark BooksExcerpt
6/9/2017- PC Book ReviewsGuest Post

Week Two:
6/12/2017- Fiction FareGuest Post
6/12/2017- What the Cat ReadReview

6/13/2017- Two Chicks on BooksInterview
6/13/2017- Why I ReadReview

6/14/2017- BookloveReview
6/14/2017- Just Another BookaholicSpotlight

6/15/2017- Crystal's Chaotic ConfessionsExcerpt
6/15/2017- BookHounds YAReview

6/16/2017- BookBriefsReview
6/16/2017- Page Turners BlogReview


Make sure to grab the companion novels in the Uncommon World Series!



2 comments:

  1. I am really happy to learn about this series. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This book sounds so interesting! Can't wait to read it! Loved the interview!

    ReplyDelete

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