YA Debut 2013 Event: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway- Interview, 5* review & Giveaway

I am excited to have today on Reading Away The Days author Kelly Hashway who releases her YA debut book, Touch of Death, January 15th! I have a great interview for you with Kelly, my 5* review and a chance for you to win a paperback copy of Touch of Death!

The Author- Kelly Hashway 

I'm a former middle school language arts teacher turned full-time writer. I write everything from young adult to middle grade to picture books. My MG and YA works are represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management.

Writing

I've been writing for as long as I can remember, but when my daughter was born, I decided to get serious and learn about the industry. I took courses about writing and began seeking publication in 2009. I signed with my agent in 2011 and a few months later, I signed my first contract with Spencer Hill Press.

The Book- Touch of Death

I was researching another book at the time and I came across a lesser-known myth about Medusa and the 13^th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. According to the myth, Ophiuchus became a healer after Athena gave him two vials of Medusa’s blood. One vial had the power to restore life, and the other vial was poisonous and could take life. Ophiuchus never used the poisonous vial, but it made me want to create a cast of characters who were descended from Medusa and had both of these abilities.

Blurb:

Jodi Marshall isn't sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she's in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she's being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he's not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she's part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendants of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi's deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn't difficult enough, Jodi discovers she's the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can't figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Can you describe you protangnist Jodi in less than 140 characters?

Jodi's strong, yet not sure she really wants the power or responsibility she has, but she'll do anything to protect the people she loves.

I love the cover of Touch of Death. Who designed it and what was the inspiration for the cover?

The cover was designed by Kate Kaynak at Spencer Hill Press. She asked me if I had any suggestions for the cover and I came across a picture I loved. The girl was Jodi, as I saw her in my head. Kate worked her magic on the image, and the cover was born from there.

How does it feel to be releasing your debut novel in this month?

Kind of like I'm dreaming. I've always wanted to be an author and the fact that I have a book coming out is a dream come true for me. I'm so grateful to my agent and Spencer Hill Press for making this happen.

Why should we pick up Touch of Death in one sentence?

Jodi needs to figure out how to use her necromancer powers for good before she ends up endangering everyone she loves.

Bookie Questions:

 
Favourite genre and why?

Paranormal. It's like our world, only better.

Favourite YA author and why?

Becca Fitzpatrick. She creates characters I fall in love with. *Sigh* Patch!

Debut author/ upcoming author we should check out!

Rachel Harris. If you haven't read My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, you need to.

Favourite 2012 read and why?

Betrayed by Ednah Walters. I couldn't put the book down. The characters are amazing and the plot is incredible. I also love angel books, so this was perfect for me.

A book series you love and why?

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. What's not to love about Patch? LOL

Buy Touch of Death on Amazon

Buy Touch of Death on Barnes & Noble

Stalk the author:

blog: http://kellyhashway.blogspot.com

website: www.kellyhashway.com

Twitter: @kellyhashway

FB: http://www.facebook.com/kellyhashway

Touch of Death

Kelly Hashway

Spencer Hill Press Publisher

229 Pages

First book in the series

YA Paranormal

Releases 15th January 2013

Received ARC from publisher of honest review

5/5 STARS

Where do I start with how AMAZING Touch of Death is! From the very first page I was hooked, I couldn't put it down!

The story revolves around protagonist Jodi Marshall. Jodi goes from normal teenager, with a great best friend, an great boyfriend, to having all these strange things happen to her. To top it of there's a strange boy stalking her! Jodi soon discovers that she isn't a "normal" teenager. She is in a fact a descendant of Medusa. Her touch brings the dead back to life and her kiss kills!

Jodi is a strong protagonist. When Alex (the stalker guy who is in fact a Ophi like her) explains everything to her and takes her away from her life for the safety of her family and friends,  for her own sanity and even though she is scared and freaking out she still remains strong which I loved.

Jodi is taken to a house where other Ophi's live to learn more about what/who she is and from there the journey of discovering takes of. Who can she trust, who is she really, what power does she have? Though this journey Alex is by her side. I loved their relationship. If felt real and Alex sounds just swoon worthy!

Overall I really enjoyed Touch of Death. I liked the characters, the storyline was great and was paced just right. I in particular liked the mythology in Touch of Death, which I am noticing more in YA. A great debut! I can't wait from the next book in the seres, Stalked to Death!