Blog Tour- THE DRAGONS OF NOVA by Elise Kova An Interview & Giveaway!

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for THE DRAGONS OF NOVA by Elise Kova! I freaking love this amazing series!

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

Haven't heard of THE DRAGONS OF NOVA? Check it out!

Title: THE DRAGONS OF NOVA (Loom Saga #2)

Author: Elise Kova

Pub. Date: July 11, 2017

Publisher: Keymaster Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 488

Find it: Amazon, B&N, TBD, iBooks, Goodreads

Cvareh returns home to his sky world of Nova with the genius crafter Arianna as his temperamental guest. The mercurial inventor possesses all the Xin family needs to turn the tides of a centuries-old power struggle, but the secrets she harbors must be earned with trust -- hard to come by for Ari, especially when it comes to Dragons. On Nova, Ari finds herself closer to exacting vengeance against the traitor who killed everything -- and everyone – she once loved. But before Ari can complete her campaign of revenge, the Crimson Court exposes her shadowed past and reveals something even more dangerous sparking between her and Cvareh.

While Nova is embroiled in blood sport and political games, the rebels on Loom prepare for an all-out assault on their Dragon oppressors. Florence unexpectedly finds herself at the forefront of change, as her unique blend of skills -- and quick-shooting accuracy -- makes her a force to be reckoned with. For the future of her world, she vows vengeance against the Dragons.

Before the rebellion can rise, though, the Guilds must fall.

Now on to the interview!

Hi Elise! First, I want to say welcome back to Two Chicks on Books! Thanks for stopping by to answer my questions! I loved THE DRAGONS OF NOVA and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

Thanks for having me back!

For the readers: can you give us a recap THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM and what to expect in THE DRAGONS OF NOVA?

Warning, there are some spoilers in this recap of THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM!

We start THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM down on the steampunk land of Loom by meeting Arianna, a Fenthri with Dragon organs (otherwise known as a Chimera). She's got a big chip on her shoulder about Dragons but agrees to help one -- Cvareh -- to the Alchemist's Guild in exchange for a boon (any wish). Along with her gun-toting protege Florence they start for the guild on the other side of Loom.

However, Cvareh has stolen a piece of schematics from the Dragon King that's supposedly for the Philosopher's Box. His sister, Petra Xin'Oji, has a mind to use this schematic in tandem with the rebellion on Loom to overthrow the Dragon King Yveun and place her family in power up in the Dragon's sky world of Nova.

The Dragon King sends his Master Rider, the extremely loyal Leona, after Cvareh. This forces Cvareh, Arianna, and Florence to join forces with some of Florence's old friends, currently incarcerated for leaving the guild with Florence two years prior. After breaking out Helen and Will from the floating prison, the group goes underground, where they're separated for a time and hunted by wretches.

Back above ground, they reunite for an airship ride to get Florence properly changed into a Chimera and finish Cvareh's delivery. Leona attacks the airship and Arianna finally disposes of her.

Finally at Ter.2, Arianna reunites with an old "friend" who's now the Vicar Alchemist -- Sophie. Florence is transformed into a Chimera with Cvareh's blood and Arianna has to decide if she will return to her life in the shadows or stand up to fight with the rebellion once more as the designer of the Philosopher's Box.

Ultimately, Arianna heads to Nova with Cvareh and Florence remains with the rebellion.

What to expect in THE DRAGONS OF NOVA:

Readers will see a lot more of Nova, as the majority of the story will take place there. Because of this, there will be an opportunity to learn a lot more about the culture of Nova and Cvareh's family. Additionally, there will be two new points of view: Petra and Yveun.

Stakes will be higher and it has the highest "death count" of any single novel of mine. Things will also get a bit steamier! 

Will book 3, THE REBELS OF GOLD, be the final book in the series? Is there a cover yet?

The plan is for book three to be the final book, but I'm still discussing with my editor if it should be split into two novels. This is why I called it the "Loom Saga" instead of the "Loom Trilogy." The cover reveal will happen about three months before the book's release.

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

I don't write characters based on any one individual, but all my characters borrow traits, tells, and habits from people I know.

My best girl friend is a bit wild and quirky in all the right ways, and I feel very protective of her, so a bit of her made it into Florence and a bit of me made it into Ari for that relationship.

One of my other best friends is very level-headed with all the best leadership qualities you want in a person -- the sort of guy who always steps up without question and takes exceptional care of the people he loves. He inspired a lot of a character named Powell in Nova. Funny enough, I actually used his real name for the character originally, but I changed that in the finished version.

What is your favorite passage/scene from THE DRAGONS OF NOVA?

One of Florence's last chapters at the Harvesters Guild. I wrote it to "Fire" from the Angels & Demons soundtrack, and it's just a pivotal moment for the story as a whole. I'll say no more for fear of spoilers.

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

This is impossible to answer! Every character has their pros and cons, ease and difficulties. Furthermore, if I didn't like writing them, how could I expect anyone to want to read them?

That being said... In book two, I had particular fun writing Petra and Florence.

Who is your ultimate Book Boyfriend?

Young Severus Snape, the original book crush. Not sure what that says about me... but it's the truth.

What inspired you to write YA?

Honestly, I just write the stories I want to write, and however they turn out is how they turn out. AIR AWAKENS just so happened to be a YA story when it was finished. The central conflict of the book was about Vhalla finding herself and her place in the world. THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM doesn't have that central theme, so, when combined with the overall voice, that makes it Adult instead of YA.

Lightening Round Questions

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

I'm STILL trying to finish Susan Dennard's WINDWITCH. It's fantastic! I've just been swamped... (Sorry, Sooz!)

Team DC or Team Marvel?

Both? Both. Both is Good.

Team Iron Man, Team Cap, Team Thor, Team Black Widow, or another Marvel Character?

Team Loki.

Favorite Place to travel?

Japan.

Favorite TV show?

Game of Thrones. Westworld. House of Cards.

Coffee or Tea?

TEA!

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

Oceans Away by ARIZONA (Sam Feldt Remix)

2017 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

I don't watch that many movies... Just saw Kingsmen with my friends so I'm excited with for the sequel to that!

Thanks so much Elise for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read THE DRAGONS OF NOVA!

About Elise:

Elise Kova has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she is not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens Series as well as the upcoming Loom Saga (Keymaster, 2017).

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a signed finished copy of THE DRAGONS OF NOVA.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/3/2017- Quite The Novel Idea- Interview

7/4/2017- Once Upon A Twilight- Review

7/5/2017- Wishful Endings- Guest Post

7/6/2017- Emily Reads Everything- Review

7/7/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:

7/10/2017- Lost in Ever After- Review

7/11/2017- Always Me- Excerpt

7/12/2017- The Book Nut- Review

7/13/2017- YA and Wine-

7/14/2017- NovelKnight - Review

Make sure to grab book 1!

Cover Reveal- THE DRAGONS OF NOVA by Elise Kova With An Excerpt & Giveaway!

Today Elise Kova and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for THE DRAGONS OF NOVA, which releases July 11, 2017! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win assigned ARC of the book!!

On to the reveal! 

Title: THE DRAGONS OF NOVA (Loom Saga #2)

Author: Elise Kova

Pub. Date: July 11, 2017

Publisher: Keymaster Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 488

Find it: Amazon | B&N | TBD | Goodreads

Cvareh returns home to his sky world of Nova with the genius crafter Arianna as his temperamental guest. The mercurial inventor possesses all the Xin family needs to turn the tides of a centuries-old power struggle, but the secrets she harbors must be earned with trust — hard to come by for Ari, especially when it comes to Dragons. On Nova, Ari finds herself closer to exacting vengeance against the traitor who killed everything — and everyone – she once loved. But before Ari can complete her campaign of revenge, the Crimson Court exposes her shadowed past and reveals something even more dangerous sparking between her and Cvareh.

While Nova is embroiled in blood sport and political games, the rebels on Loom prepare for an all-out assault on their Dragon oppressors. Florence unexpectedly finds herself at the forefront of change, as her unique blend of skills — and quick-shooting accuracy — makes her a force to be reckoned with. For the future of her world, she vows vengeance against the Dragons.

Before the rebellion can rise, though, the Guilds must fall.

Exclusive Excerpt!

“They’re coming from the front!” Nora screamed over the crescendo of the engine gaining speed. On cue, the train lurched as an endwig was splattered to a bloody mess on the point of the engine’s pilot.

“Bloody cogs,” Florence cursed. The Vicar Alchemist had sent her to protect the mission as the Revolver, but one of her wasn’t going to be enough. “I’m going to the engine.”

“What are we going to do?” The usually self-sure Nora had the face of a cornered hare.

“You’re going to fight.” Florence passed her a weapon.

“I’ve never shot a gun before.”

“Now is a great time to learn.”

“I’m an Alchemist!”

Seriously, Florence was a breath away from shooting the woman herself. “You’re dead if you don’t adapt! There’s three more bombs exactly like the ones you just used, right there. Just fend them off until the train gets up to speed. But don’t use any other disks.”

Florence had no more time to waste as the train lurched again. They just had to survive until the train reached full speed. For all the endwig were, they certainly couldn’t keep up with a locomotive.

She hoped.

The wind whipped her hair around her face as she stuck her head from the train car. Florence reached out for the ladder to the right of the door, scaling up before another endwig could emerge. She swung up just in time as an explosion nearly blew her foot clean off.

“By the five guilds, you two only had three bombs!” she screamed over the wind, not knowing if they could hear. “Ration them a bit!”

Standing, Florence looked in horror at the tracks ahead. Dozens of endwig lined the path, running eagerly to meet the train. She loaded six canisters at once.

Jumping to the tender, Florence lost her footing atop the moving train car. A nail snapped clean off as she sought a grip that would prevent her from being thrown to certain death. If she fell now, she would never get back on the vessel. She’d be torn limb from limb.

Gritting her teeth, Florence rose to her knees, shooting two endwig in the process. She wedged herself between two grooves on the top of the tender. Blood pooled around her shins as she dug them into the metal for a grip where there was none, but she was stable enough to take aim, and that meant she could open fire.

Five shots down, and Florence reloaded her gun. Endwig came relentlessly like a never-ending nightmare. But the train didn’t gain any more speed. She repeated the process, waiting for the vessel to be like her bullets, whizzing through the night at deadly speeds.

“Anders, now would be a great time to open her up!” she screamed.

There was no reply.

“Anders, Rotus, we need speed, get us out of here faster!”

Five long claws curled around the door of the engine in answer. Florence watched in horror as the white silhouette of an endwig, dotted in the black blood of a Chimera, pulled itself from the engine room. Florence swallowed hard.

They were without Rivet and Raven, stumbling through the darkness, enemies at all sides. She raised her gun slowly, looking fearlessly at the face of death itself. Her revolver was steady over the rocking of the train.

“You think I’m not used to this?” Her mouth curled into a mad grin. “I’ve been fighting my way out of the darkness my whole life. And you’re not going to stop me now.”

Gunshots echoed through the forest.

About Elise: 

Elise Kova has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she is not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens Series as well as the Loom Saga (Keymaster, 2017).

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

(1) winner will receive a signed advanced readers copy of THE DRAGONS OF NOVA.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour- THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM by Elise Kova An Interview & Giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM by Elise Kova I am a huge fan of her AIR AWAKENS series and I absolutely loved this new high fantasy book of hers. Its's a promising start to a series that I am sure will be just as amazing, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!! I have an interview with Elise to share with you today! And make sure to enter the awesome giveaway for a chance to win the book or some swag!!

Haven't heard of THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM? Check it out!

Title: THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM

Author: Elise Kova

Pub. Date: January 10, 2017

Publisher: Keymaster Press

Pages: 380

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

Her vengeance. His vision.

Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds’ resistance fell to the Dragon King. Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market. There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne. His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragons’ society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse. But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom. 

Praise For THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM:

“A heart-stopping adventure! Elise Kova reaches new heights with this fast-paced triumph of steampunk, fantasy, and a touch of romance. The Alchemists of Loom is a must-read!”

– DANIELLE L. JENSEN, USA Today bestselling author of the Malediction Trilogy

 “Prepare to have your mind blown. THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM is the perfect mashup of genres, with a killer heroine, fiery romance, and friendships that run as deep as blood.”

– LINDSAY CUMMINGS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Zenith and The Murder Complex

“A new favorite. Kova has created a world of contrasts that I can assure you, is like none you have read before.”

– MEG MCGORRY, N3rdbomber

“Reading THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM was like curling up with a favorite fantasy classic. Yet what truly transported me was the brilliant twists and layers that make this story totally unique, totally fresh.”

– SUSAN DENNARD, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series

“The Alchemists of Loom is bloody, epic, and brimming with violence. Elise Kova gives fantasy, and steampunk fans, two whole new worlds to delight over as new characters strike out in an adventure sure to leave readers reeling for more. The cast of characters takes readers into a darker realm where no one is pure, everyone has an agenda, and, sometimes, the best friends one can have can be formed between enemies”

– RACHEL E. CARTER, bestselling author of The Black Mage

Now on to the interview!

Hi Elise! First, I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books! Thanks for stopping by to answer my questions! I loved THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM and the characters?

THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM is an adult high fantasy novel with steampunk elements told from four character’s points of view. Set in a divided world, it spans two completely different cultures and races unlike our own. Oh, and the Dragons are not the ones you’re thinking of.

Is this a standalone or a series? And if it’s a series do you have a title for book 2 yet? And if it’s a standalone what are you working on next?

THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM is the first book in the Loom Saga, which I’m planning on being a three book series. The second book is titled THE DRAGONS OF NOVA and it’ll be released on July 11^th (for anyone who’s confused, it got pushed back from April, July is the correct date). The third book’s title has yet to be released.

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

I actually don’t base characters off individuals. However, I will base elements of characters or personality traits after people I know or situations I encounter in real life.

What is your favorite passage/scene from THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM?

When Cvareh imbibes in the prison—two of my favorite pages I’ve ever written are at the end of that chapter.

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

This is hard because all the characters offered a different voice and different perspective. I think Arianna was pretty challenging because she’s so harsh and I wanted to stay true to that as her character.

Who is your ultimate Book Boyfriend?

Honest answer? Young Severus Snape.

What inspired you to write YA?

My books just evolve into what they are… Air Awakens I wanted to write a book I wanted to read and that series turned out to be young adult in its voice and conflicts. For The Alchemists of Loom I actually set out to write YA, but still wrote the story I really wanted to tell. Even I was surprised when my editor told me that story hadn’t ended up being YA. I could’ve tried to rewrite it, but then it wouldn’t be true to my vision of the world and its characters, so it was changed to an adult book with a YA crossover appeal.

Lightening Round Questions

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

Right now, I’m rereading Death: A Life. On my TBR I’m dying to (finally) read Six of Crows and Windwitch.

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Originally, Ravenclaw. New Pottermore quiz resorted me into Slytherin. I’ll take either.

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter

Favorite Superhero?

Batman

Favorite TV show?

Shark Tank

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet

Any Phobias?

I avoid saying because people have teased me about it in the past thinking it was funny or not genuine.

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

Yuri on Ice theme

2017 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Beauty and the Beast live action

Thanks so much Elise for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM!

About Elise:

Elise Kova has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she is not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens Series as well as the upcoming Loom Saga (Keymaster, 2017).

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a signed finished copy of THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM, International.

3 winner will receive THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM Swag Packs, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/2/2017- Beyond the Book Reviews- Interview

1/3/2017- Emily Reads Everything- Review

1/4/2017- Once Upon A Twilight- Excerpt

1/5/2017- NovelKnight- Review

1/6/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:

1/9/2017- Zach's YA Reviews- Review

1/10/2017- A Gingerly Review- Excerpt

1/11/2017- Always Me- Review

1/12/2017- BookHounds YA- Interview

1/13/2017- Lost in Ever After- Review

Top 10 of 2016 Day 5- Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2017!

Welcome to the last day of the Top 10 Books of 2016! We hope you all have been having fun! To close out the week we’re looking forward to 2017 so today’s topic is….. Top 10 Books I'm looking forward to in 2017. (This list should be comprised of books released ONLY in 2017)

And make sure to stop by my co-hosts sites Fiktshun, Tales of a Ravenous Reader, and Dark Faerie Tales for their lists! Oh and make sure to sign up with the linky to share your lists! And there's a giveaway on one of their sites but you'll have to go to all 3 to see which one!

Ok I’m being a big time cheater here! I’ve read most of these books already but I needed to share how awesome they are! I’ll put READ next to the ones I’ve read lol.

1. DEFY THE STARS by Claudia Gray. READ

2. DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING by Trisha Levenseller. READ

3. THE DRAGON'S PRICE by Bethany Wiggins. READ

4. THE VALIANT by Lesley Livingston. READ

5. WINTERSONG by S. Jae-Jones. READ

6. DAWN STUDY by Maria V. Snyder. READ

7.  CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber, READ

8. HEARTSTONE by Elle Katharine White. READ

9. THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM by Elise Kova. READ

10. BREATH OF FIRE by Amanda Bouchet. READ

Going to add a few honorable mentions since there's so many 2016 books I want to read!

TRAITOR TO THE THRONE by Alwyn Hamilton.READ

SHADOW RUN by AdriAnne Strickland & Michael Miller. READ 

BURIED HEART by Kate Elliott

NOW I RISE by Kiersten White.

FLAME IN THE MIST by Renee Ahdieh.

Did any of my favorites make your list? Thanks so much for participating in this year's Top 10 of 2016 it was a blast and we hope to see you next year! 

And remember to stop by my co-hosts sites for their list!

Make sure to fill out the linky to share your lists!