Because most philosophies that frown on reproduction don't survive.

Sunday, April 06, 2014

Gilded Ashes: a giveaway!

Fresh off the e-presses: Gilded Ashes, a new novella from Darwin's sister Rosamund Hodge!



A romantic reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, Gilded Ashes is a novella by Rosamund Hodge set in the same world as her debut novel, Cruel Beauty. 
Maia doesn't see the point of love when it only brings people pain: her dead mother haunts anyone who hurts Maia, and her stepsisters are desperate for their mother's approval, even though she despises them. Meanwhile, Anax, heir to the Duke of Sardis, doesn't believe in love either—not since he discovered that his childhood sweetheart was only using him for his noble title. But when Maia's and Anax's paths cross before the royal ball, they discover that love might not be the curse they once thought. And it might even be the one thing that can save them both.
This is short and gripping enough to be read in one sitting, as I can attest. Rose doesn't allow any of her characters to be one-dimensional, and her take on Cinderella gives the elements of the original story a jolt. Why is it that Cinderella never lashes out at her step-family for their cruel treatment of her? Because, in Gilded Ashes, Cinderella has to pretend to be happy all the time lest her mother's ghost do evil things to anyone who makes her little girl cry.

Two lucky commenters will get free copies when we pull names from the tasseled hat at 9 pm tonight. Don't want to wait that long? It's only $1.99, less than a cup of Starbucks and far more memorable.

UPDATE: Alrighty, to the commenters go the spoils! Kharking and Melanie, send us an email at darwincatholic (at) gmail.com to start your evening's enjoyment.

9 comments:

Kate said...

As you were kind enough to give me a copy of Cruel Beauty in your last draw, I think I will scrape up the change to buy this one myself. :-)

kharking said...

I love fairy tale retellings and the preview of Cruel Beauty was fascinating. I'd love another taste of Ms. Hodge's writing.

Melanie Bettinelli said...

If I don't win, I'll definitely pony up the cash.

Unknown said...

Amazing giveaway! Love to win :>

Anonymous said...

I was also a winner of Cruel Beauty, and I preordered Gilded Ashes as soon as I could after I read Cruel Beauty! I've already read Gilded Ashes and loved it!
Also, I bought a hard copy of Cruel Beauty for my daughter and will buy every one of Rosamund Hodges' books as they are published! Thank you, Darwins!

Darwin said...

Ladyhobbit,

I don't know if you saw this news already, then, but Rose's next novel is confirmed for publication in the spring of 2015. The title is Crimson Bound and she described it as: "Little Red Riding Hood meets (genderswapped) Girl With No Hands. With bonus apocalypse."

And Publisher's Weekly announces:

"Kristin Daly Rens at HarperCollins imprint Balzer + Bray has bought, in a six-figure deal, two books in a YA fantasy series by Rosamund Hodge, author of Cruel Beauty. The new series, pitched as "Romeo and Juliet meets Sabriel," re-imagines Shakespeare's story of feuding families and doomed lovers in a city threatened by necromancers and protected by "the Juliet," a girl born in every generation with powerful magic. Publication will start in spring 2016; Hannah Bowman of Liza Dawson Associates negotiated for North American rights."

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/61668-rights-report-week-of-march-31-2014.html

So that should be at least three more books for you! Not like I'm a proud big brother or anything...

Melanie Bettinelli said...

Thanks Darwin and Mrs D!
You should be a proud big brother!

Jenny said...

If I had paid better attention when I first saw this post, I would have entered. Didn't realize the entry period was only one day. Bummer.

You should be very proud of her success.

Melanie Bettinelli said...

I haven't had a chance to write up a review for my blog, but I finished it in a day. Excellent story.