Sunday, February 26, 2012

Tour Stop: The World Among Us by Beth Ann Masarik

This week I have a treat for all of you! The Hardcover Obsession is hosting the lovely author Beth Ann Masarik who has delighted us with the creatively written, and captivating story of "The World Among Us". Brimming with Greek mythology, Beth takes an entirely new approach to the supernatural; mixing Gods, Goddess', Titans and Creatures of the Night in a compelling story of romance, betrayal, and world domination. Although slow at some points, the book delivers exactly what Beth promises, a battle of godly proportions.

For this tour stop, instead of the usual interview that most bloggers and author do, Beth has delivered a detailed description of how she was drawn to write about mythology. Also we have the next scavenger hunt instruction & a giveaway! 

So read, enjoy & enter to win a great prize pack!

What drew me to the world of Mythology?

That’s a really good question, and one that I am honestly not asked often enough.  At the time that I started writing The World Among Us the first time around, I was in college.  I had been dating this guy named Rob who was into Wicca.  I had studied it before in high school, and we had joined this group called the Wiccan Pagan Society in college.  This was long before I began to get really involved in my church by the way.  I was going through a rebellious stage at the time, and the church that I belonged to was going through pastors like musical chairs.  It was a really rough time for me, and I saw comfort in this “new” religion.

Anyway, Wiccans worship deitys, in other words, more than one god.  Studying this religion gave me a deeper insight into who I was, and helped me hone in on some natural abilities that I might otherwise have lost.  IE, empathy and intuition.  Learning about all of that stuff is what got me interested in Greek and Roman mythology.

That was only the start of my mini obsession with the Greek gods.  No, I don’t practice Wicca anymore, but I have a deep understanding and respect for it.  I still have my Book of Shadows and my Tarot cards, something I will never, EVER part with.  Whenever I see someone wearing a pentacle, I always greet them with the traditional Wiccan greeting of “Blessed Be.”  Honestly, that is such a pretty saying, and people need to say it to each other more.

No, I am NOT a Satan or Devil worshiper.  In fact, Wiccans and Pagans DO NOT WORSHIP Satan or the Devil at all.  That is a sad, common misconception that most people have of them. I worship God and Jesus Christ, but I also carry the lessons that I’ve learned from studying Wicca back in the day.

Anywho, there you have it folks.  That’s what sparked my interest in Greek Mythology. Now, for a little bit about my novel, The World Among Us:

"In The World Among Us, Hades, the god of the Underworld, plots to take over the world, and remove Gaia, the head Deity, from power.  In order to do so, he plots against his own son, Damien, and cons him into killing his soul mate, the beautiful goddess of the moon, Selene.  Hades does so, because Gaia is his natural enemy, and Selene is her favorite grandchild.  He thinks that by killing off Gaia’s favorite grandchild, he will weaken her.  With Selene out of the way, Hades then moves in on the Creatures of the Night.  He wants to kill off their leader, Jason Aysel.  Jason is the go-between person between worlds, and another person that Gaia highly regards.  Hades manipulates and cons Jason’s best friend, Leon Greene, into murdering him, by offering him Jason’s position as his reward.  Because of these actions, a war is to take place on earth between the gods and other Creatures of the Night.  During this time, Selene is reincarnated, and kept hidden as a secret weapon to win the war against Hades.  In order to win the war of wars, the gods and some of the demons will have to fight together, and learn to co-operate with each other.  Will the Titans and Olympians be able to set aside their differences, and take back the world from Hades?  Or is the world as we know it, doomed to fall under Dark Shadows, forever?"

THE GIVEAWAY & SCAVENGER HUNT:

Beth Ann Masarik is offering:

An ebook of The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness
A bookmark
An autographed poster
A pin

THE SCAVENGER HUNT:

The last time I had you tell me who your favorite character was in any mythology legend.  Now, I want you to FIND ME A PICTURE of your favorite character/god/creature in any mythology legend.  Please send your entries to contests@bethannmasarik.com by February 29.  If you do, you will be entered to win a gift pack valued at about $100 dollars.  This prize pack includes: an autographed copy of The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness by the illustrator, and me a never before seen picture of Selene & Damien, a totebag, a personalized mug, & a keychain, plus the stuff listed above.  Pretty sweet huh?  The winner of the scavenger hunt will be announced on March 4th. GOOD LUCK!




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1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for having me today, Jacquelynne! Come on guys! I'm giving away some pretty awesome stuff! You've got all week to enter, but don't wait too long!

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