Friday, June 18, 2010

Reining In by Dawn Judd

Khalida is a five thousand year old vampire. As technology and national security become more prominent, it becomes harder and harder for her to hide her secret from the world. In order to remain undetected by humans, she creates a network of people whose only job is to hide her identity.
But these aren't just any group of people. They are the best of the best, brought to her by chance; tied to her by a bond stronger than any she's ever known before. Being discovered by the human world isn't Khalida's only concern, however. She has made enemies in the vampire world.
When she makes a mistake that exposes her to those who want to take revenge on her, she is tossed into a whirlwind of death and destruction. She has to find out who is killing the humans who have become her family, and save those who remain.
Khalida has spent her entire life trying to protect the people she loves, but ultimately, she will have to decide between the ghosts of her past and the people who have put their lives on the line for her. Her decision may haunt her for the rest of her life.

Imogen's Review
REINING IN is an entertaining vampire story about love, romance and friendship. The story is seen through the eyes of Khalida, a five-thousand-year-old vampire stuck in a nineteen-year-old's body. Imagine five thousand years on earth; then imagine being hunted for all that time by another vampire. Khalida has not had an easy time, but here in the 21st century, she has managed to find some stability by setting up a group of hand-selected individuals to protect her. However, an unfortunate event unscrambles her carefully constructed network and she is forced to make some hard decisions.
I was immediately drawn into Author Dawn Judd's story. The story is delivered in the engaging voice of Khalida. This is a fast paced story with well-fleshed characters. There is never a dull moment. This story will appeal to teens and adults alike. The story ends leaving the reader wanting more. I can't wait to read the sequel, FINDING HOPE!

About the Author
Dawn Judd lives with her husband and three daughters in Wichita, KS. After the publication of several pieces of her poetry in anthologies, such as Timeless Voices and Touch of Tomorrow, she decided to give story writing a try. Dawn is the founder of Breakout Books Reviews.

Q&A with Dawn Judd
Khalida is such an interesting name, how did you come up with it?
I wanted something original. I started looking for names that might fit with the region she was born to. While the name is arabic, not egyptian, it did seem to fit. Given the fact that it was not her given name, but one she took later in life, I felt it was ok. The meaning is what sealed the deal, however. Immortal. That says it all.
What inspired this story line?
To start out, it was a request from my children. They wanted me to write them a vampire story. I really didn't even intend on turning it into a book at first. The story itself pretty much took on a life of its own, and is nothing close to what it started out to be.
I was very drawn to the initial Khalida/Raymond story line. Is there scope for a prequel?
It's not something I've considered before, but it is an interesting idea. I guess I will see what readers ask for when the trilogy is complete.
How involved do your daughters get with your writing? Do they contribute to the story lines?
They help with names. I like to bounce my ideas off them and get their reactions. It's interesting because they have opposing views. One is a Jake fan and the other is a Mack fan. It's fun to get their ideas though. One of the books I am working on is a collaboration with my oldest daughter.
When and why did you start writing?
I've been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. It was always my dream to have a book of poetry published. I suppose now I could, but it doesn't seem nearly as important to me. I've written tons of stories, but Reining In was the first one I ever comleted. Writing, to me, is a way to relax. I can escape to my own little world and make it up as I go.
What's your favorite vampire story (apart from your own)?
It's hard to say. I have several favorites. I guess Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Interview With a Vampire coming in at a close second.
Who would you like to see playing Khalida in a movie version of your book?
I like Patricia Valesquez, who played the Egyptian queen in The Mummy, but Khalida is younger than that. As of lately, I love Megan Fox's movies, and I think she would really bring Khalida to life.
Team Edward or Team Jacob...... or Team Eric?
Depends on the setting. In the book, team Edward and in the movie Team Jacob.
What's your favorite "vampire" music?
I like the music they played on Queen of the Damned. However, if Reining In were ever made into a movie, I would love to see the theme song be More Human than Human.
Tell us a bit about your forthcoming novels.
Of course I am working on Finding Hope, then Legacy to finish off the series. There are a few others in the works, though. My daughter and I have worked together on a book, off and on, for the past year; The Ties that bind. I don't expect it will be out soon, as it takes much longer when working with someone else. In short, it is about a group of teenagers who are drawn to each other by unseen forces. Together, they are the key to war that has been raging since long before they were ever born. There are several more, but right now they are just notes on a pad of paper and will probably remain that way for a long while.

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