My Weblog: Taking chances with HELLBENDER

by Dana

My third Fangborn novel, Hellbender, came out...was it just over a week ago? Yep, and yikes! Life's been happening fast, but I've been thrilled with the response from readers and bloggers so far! The cool thing is, what they've said has told me something about the chances I took with the book, and the series. Here's a few of them:

My Bookish Ways, on my archaeologist (and werewolf) character Zoe: "I find Zoe a fascinating character. She was thrust into the Fangborn world quite unexpectedly, and completely unprepared for where it would lead her... She has grown from a girl who thinks she is losing her mind, to a young lady who still struggles, in many ways, to accept what is happening to her but carries on regardless. She is growing into her position as a leader, but not always willingly, and without the luxury of time."

The Falcata Times said: "I loved the principle character and the way she dealt with trouble. I loved the way that her dialogue fit her down to a tee and perhaps most of all I loved the way that she grew as the story developed...Back this up with solid prose, cracking pace and all round a set up for another thrilling installment which will lead readers into a much darker world than the one we already knew existed. Magic."

Hellbender front cover

And this from Gizmo's Reviews: "There are so many possibilities and avenues to explore in this world, that I truly do hope that Cameron is able to write more."

The Qwillery raved: "With its mixture of urban fantasy, action/adventure and science theory, Hellbender easily could be called genrebender and mindbender. I think this adds a great deal of depth to Zoe's story and that of the Fangborn without being overwhelming. I hope we've not seen the last of the scientific exploration regarding the genesis of the Fangborn."

Pearls Before a McPig wants more! "The events and action in this book feel epic and world changing. ...I was rooting for Zoe and her allies to survive and save the day. And the ending: Argh! I need the next book! I want to know what's next. You can bet I'll be stalking Dana Cameron's website for news on the next book. In the mean time I'll be giving her Emma Fielding series a try."

What I'm discovering is that the things I thought I was taking chances on--e.g., mashing up science fiction and fantasy by introducing the science behind the nature of Fangborn powers--are the things that readers are enjoying most. And the dragons--have I mentioned the dragons? I really hesitated about adding them to the Fangborn world, because...well, it seemed excessive to have them on top of vampires and werewolves. Ultimately, I couldn't help myself, because...they just fit. I thought I'd found a neat way to tie in the presence of dragons in many cultures to the Fangborn and found solid reason for them to be a part of Zoe's Family. It made it past my first readers, including Mr. G, so I took the chance.

So I'm here to tell you that when an idea that feels risky won't go away, and makes it past your alpha readers, go with it! Run with those dragons!