Heather Terrell is joining us today to answer a few questions about her new book, FALLEN ANGEL (Published December 28th 2010 by HarperTeen) which is being described as described as HUSH HUSH meets EVERMORE. The new Fallen Angel series is about Ellie and Michael – two otherworldly teenagers – who find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict between fallen angels and the fate of the world.
And don’t miss the rest of the FALLEN ANGEL book tour through Teen Book Scene.
Interview
ATUF: FALLEN ANGEL capitalizes on two of the hottest trends in fiction right now: vampires and angels. Did you deliberately set out to unite these two or was it serendipitous?
HT: Fallen Angel does use the biblical story of the fallen angels to explain the origin of the vampire legend. But, I didn’t select these topics – or unite them -- because of their wide appeal to readers, although I hope readers do like my marriage of the two! Actually, the idea for Fallen Angel came from research I did for my third historical novel, Brigid of Kildare, on apocryphal gospels. When my agent later explained that angels were becoming popular, I was shocked!! It actually made me start to wonder how – and why – so many writers gravitated to a similar subject around the same time.
ATUF: On your website you say that, “FALLEN ANGEL tackles one of those big unanswered mysteries – do vampires really exist?” and that the apocryphal Book of Enoch was your inspiration for the mythology in the series. Can you tell us a little about what sets your vampires/angels apart from the rest?
HT: Fallen Angel is different from many of the supernatural books out there because it is so heavily grounded in historical research. I firmly lodged the origin of the vampire legend in the biblical tale of the fallen angels that is briefly described in Genesis, and explained in much greater detail in the second century, apocryphal Book of Enoch. It explains how – at the beginning of time – God sent angels to help mankind, but instead, the angels fell in love with humans and had children with them. These children -- half-men and half-angels – were called Nephilim. According to the Book of Enoch, God was so furious at this act of creation that he banished the angels to earth until the end of time when the “Elect One” would come to judge. Thinking of these legendary banished angels roaming the earth – awaiting the end-days -- made me wonder if their presence could explain the legend of the vampire.
ATUF: Two of your previous stand alone historical suspense novels and now your new paranormal YA series all have religious overtones. How difficult is it to reinterpret and fictionalize various religious traditions in your writing?
HT: I’ve found it very tricky to incorporate long-standing religious stories and beliefs in my fiction. I always try to be respectful of those beliefs and traditions, while at the same time shed new, interesting light on those stories. I also want to make sure I don’t alienate readers who do not adhere to those religious beliefs. So I try to tread lightly, while still firmly. However, given that I engaged in a retelling with the history of the Virgin Mary in Brigid of Kildare and with angelic lore in Fallen Angel, I’m obviously drawn to the reinterpretation of religious stories despite the challenges!!
ATUF: What have some of the challenges been when transitioning from writing historical suspense to paranormal YA? Some of the benefits?
HT: One of the major challenges I faced in shifting from the historical, adult realm to the young adult world was to make sure that my characters ring true to the readers. I try to be careful that the characters’ dialogue, their relationships, their concerns, the setting, and even the characters’ clothes seem authentic . . . as it’s been a few years since I was a teenager! Otherwise, I write my stories the same way, because I know both sets of readers are intelligent, inquisitive and imaginative.
ATUF: ETERNITY is the next book in the Fallen Angel series. How many books do you have planned in the series? Are there any other projects can we look forwarding to reading from you soon?
HT: Right now, the Fallen Angel series is designed as a two-book series. The sequel is Eternity, which explores what happens when Ellie comes to grips with her destiny and learns that whoever holds the key to her heart also holds the key to mankind’s salvation – or destruction. That said, if readers enjoy the series, I have story treatments that could expand it to a three-book series with a prequel. I hope I have the opportunity to do that!!
ATUF: What are some of your favorite titles/authors in the paranormal genres?
HT: Oh, there are so many!! My love of the paranormal genre actually started long ago with the Ann Rice vampire books. She has a way of merging legends that is truly masterful and innovative. More recently, I’ve come to adore Claudia Gray, Cassandra Clare, Charlaine Harris, Suzanne Collins, and of course, Stephanie Meyer.
ATUF: Can you tell us about your favorite scene in FALLEN ANGEL?
HT: My favorite scene in Fallen Angel is the first one I envisioned, which also happens to be the very first one I wrote. It is the opening scene of the book, where Ellie thinks she is dreaming of flying and spies one, or perhaps two, mysteriously compelling guys on the beach. I think I like it best because I actually have many dreams of flying similar to that one – although without the guys on the beach!
ATUF: If FALLEN ANGEL were ever made into a movie, who would your dream or, to keep things interesting, nightmare cast be?
ATUF: Finish this statement with as much/little detail as you like: You'll like FALLEN ANGEL if you like...
HT: Ever wondered exactly who you are and precisely what you are destined to do with your life.
ATUF: Thanks so much for stopping by Heather. Come back anytime!
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Heather is the author of the historical novels The Chrysalis and The Map Thief, which will appear in more than ten countries, as well as Brigid of Kildare. She is also the author of the upcoming young adult series, entitled Fallen Angel.
Visit Heather online: Want to read more from Heather Terrell? 1. Fallen Angel (my review) 2. Eternity (2011)   The Chrysalis The Map Thief Brigid of Kildare    |
Book Info
FALLEN ANGEL by Heather Terrell
When Ellie Faneuil first sees Michael Chase she feels an instantaneous connection. But she does not realize how much they have in common, including the ability fly and to see what others are thinking - not to mention a taste for blood. Reveling in their new powers and their growing feelings for each other, Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way ... together.
But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict between fallen angels that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.
In this electrifying novel Heather Terrell spins a gripping tale of soul-mates, supernatural powers and a truth that will change Ellie and Michael‘s world forever.
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