Title: The Queen's Rising
Author: Rebecca Ross
Series: The Queen's Rising, #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Synopsis: When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
About the Author: Rebecca Ross was born and raised in Georgia, where she continues to reside with her husband, her lively Australian Shepherd, and her endless piles of books. She loves coffee, the night sky, chalk art, maps, the mountains, and growing wildflowers in her yard. And a good story, of course.
Tens List: Top Ten Writing Quirks 1. I love to write to music! I create playlists for my books and I use music to help me chart the emotional structure of the story. I also rarely listen to music with lyrics (I make exceptions for Sia and Enya, however). I love soundtracks, epic trailer music, and classical music the most.
2. I typically have three drinks on my desk at a time. Coffee. Water. Kombucha. Sometimes I’ll also have herbal tea.
3. My best writing time is right after I wake up. I’ll feed my dog, pour myself a big mug of coffee and get to work right away.
4. I have a hard time writing in public places. Like coffee shops and airports. I always feel like someone is looking over my shoulder, which I hate. I also am easily distracted by people so I am most productive at home in my office.
5. Sometimes I’ll stack my favorite books beside me while I’m drafting. I don’t know what it is about looking at them sitting all pretty next to me, but they keep me going.
6. Art also helps inspire me, as I am such a visual person. I love making Pinterest boards for my books. If I feel stuck, I will scroll through my board until I can feel the mood or scene that I am trying to capture.
7. When I really get stuck in a scene, I’ll go outside, sit on my porch and open up one of my journals and write by hand. There’s something about scribbling on a page that unleashes a lot of magic and inspiration.
8. I love the thrill of a first draft. Putting words on a fresh page is my favorite stage of writing. That also means I really struggle with revising. But I can’t tell you how many characters and plot twists I have stumbled upon as I was drafting that I would have never discovered had I plotted them out.
9. I love having a candle burn while I write. A lot of times, I will associate certain characters or scenes with certain candle scents, depending on what I burn as I write!
10. Best writing snacks are almonds, dates, peanut butter, and apples. If I’m being healthy, that is. Or else I’d go for the Cheez-its, every time! ;)
Giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveaway-Kristen ♥
