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Tour: 123. Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley...

Posted by drey August 3, 2009 at 6:00 AM Today's tour is a new book by Victoria Hanley, Violet Wings...


What happens when a fairy crosses the forbidden divide into Earth?
In Feyland, all fairies are born with unique magical abilities. Zaria spent her childhood yearning to be like other fairies, but at twelve, she became one of the most powerful fairies ever. Sneaking through a secret doorway to the human world, Zaria is Earth-struck; she wants to understand and experience everything about humans. But when she is seen, her exposure puts all of Feyland at risk. With only her own judgment to guide her, Zaria must try to fix the mess she's made on Earth. Will she use her new power wisely and make the right choices? 
She can be found online at her website, victoriahanley.com, and her blog, V Horizons.

Victoria answers some questions:
drey: Did you consciously want to write something for a slightly younger audience --based on the reading level information I found on your website-- than your other books?

Victoria: I didn’t know at the outset that my book would end up in the tween category this time. But then, the whole idea of “target markets” can seem strange to a writer, because a good story is a good story, right. . and each age group that reads Violet Wings, from tweens to adults, will get something different out of it. Sometimes categories based on age seem meaningless, ya know? For me, writing is all about listening to the characters—and yes, in Violet Wings, the main characters are a bit younger than the ones in my other books.

d: Where did you get the idea for Zaria's story?
V: Characters tend to visit me before I begin a book; when they appear, they seem wonderfully alive. So I’d have to say it was Zaria who prompted me to get going on Violet Wings. :)

d: Why do the fairies live in segregated communities based on age? Even if the younger set haven't come into their magic, what downside does that have on the general fairy community?
V: Oh, you’re right, there’s quite a downside—both to the community of grown fairies and genies, and to the younger ones who are so sheltered from the larger world of Feyland. The older community doesn’t have a chance to interact with youngsters unless they are formally appointed teachers, while the young ones can learn only what their guardians and teachers allow.

d: Are you going to continue Zaria's story? After all, you did leave some things hanging... =)
V: Yes, her story continues in Indigo Bottle, the book I’m writing now. :)

And a mini-Proust:

Violet Wings is one of the rare tween books I've picked up, and I certainly don't regret it. It is fast-paced, well-written, and entertaining. Zaria is a lovely--all around!--twelve-year-old orphan fairy. She's not a trouble-maker, but can be spunky at times. She misses her family, is ambivalent about her guardian, and has no trouble keeping a level head.

In this world the young fairies are segregated from the world-at-large--in a gated community, if you will--until they come into their magic. The ceremony where their magic's measured and cataloged reminds me of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter books, and the segregated young are kinda ala Scott Westerfeld's Uglies, but instead of getting prettified, they get power! Some have more than others, and all of their powers are noted and catalogued.

Zaria turns out to have lots and lots of magic--and she starts getting into trouble with the authorities. Is she just getting picked on (because she doesn't have family to protect her), or is something more sinister afoot? And who can she turn to for help?

My thanks to Egmont USA for my review copy!
For another interview with Victoria Hanley, AND a giveaway of Violet Wings, visit The Eclectic Book Lover...
Labels: blog tour, egmont, fantasy, interview, review, victoria hanley, YA 
Great interview. I now will have to check this book out.

03 August, 2009 18:18 
Fascinating info about the world of fairies.
Interview gave great insight into the character of the author.
Violet Wings = perfect gift for the tween reader!

04 August, 2009 12:38 
Yet another great romp that does not disappoint. Can't wait for Indigo Bottle. Write on, Victoria!

04 August, 2009 12:40 
Hanley strikes again. Another great book! I'm excited to see where this series will take us loyal readers. Write on!

04 August, 2009 12:54 Cheryl Armstrong said...

Loved the interview, but I'm loving the book even more! Fourteen-year-old Zaria is a great character. What an imagination Hanley has!

04 August, 2009 14:37 
Awesome interview! Jeeminy crapola am I looking forward to this book!!

Love, peace, creativity and health to all!

04 August, 2009 15:16 
If "Violet Wings" is anything like Victoria Hanley's other books, I expect to soon be transported to places I've never even dreamed of! Let the latest journey begin...

04 August, 2009 17:54 
Zaria is a fascinating character and this story is totally compelling. I can't wait to read this.

04 August, 2009 20:27 
Victoria's Feyland is not to be missed. I predict great things for Violet Wings!

04 August, 2009 21:49 HeatherS said...

Cannot wait to be transported into Feyland once again. Yes a good story is a good story and everyone can find something wonderful in Violet Wings...either that or I'm a very old 'tween' :)

Write on Victoria!

05 August, 2009 12:17