Bloggers of the Deep Tour - Q&A with Zoraida Córdova

I'd like to welcome Zoraida Córdova to the blog. Zoraida is the author of the upcoming book The Vicious Deep, out May 1 from Sourcebooks Fire. 

With THE VICIOUS DEEP, you've built a world filled with all sorts of mythological creatures. How and why did you choose mermaids as your main focus?

I think mermaids lend themselves well to coming of age. They are part of two worlds. When you're 17 and on the brink of such changes, sometimes it feels like you just don't know where you fit. For Tristan, it's literal. Besides, mermaids are just cool. 

Who are some of your favorite merfolk throughout literature/mythology/film history?

One of my favorite novels growing up was Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli. It made me realize that I could write a mermaid novel. I recommend it to fans of Greek mythology and love stories. 

I once read a post where a selkie author talked about how selkies are way cooler than vampires. So same question to you, tell me how mermaids are cooler than all the other supernatural beings out there and why they're the next big thing. 

I didn't consider them the next big thing when I was writing the book. I think it happened by accident. What are the chances that all of these authors shopped their mermaid novels at the same time? It's crazy right? Mermaids have always been more mysterious than other supernatural creatures to me. Partly because they haven't been done to death. But also because there is so much in the sea that hasn't been discovered yet. 

What sort of offering would you bring if you were meeting The Sea King?

Bacon. Because if Tristan had been thinking clearly, he would've done the same thing. 

When is book two set for release and any hints as to what readers can expect?

I believe The Savage Blue is slated for Spring 2013. Let's just say Tristan couldn't even see this coming. 

What tips do you have for someone trying to break into YA?

Read. It's that simple. Reading accomplishes two things: craft building and market knowledge. 

A huge, huge thanks to Zoraida for the q&a and for Sourcebooks for helping set it up!

The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Córdova

I am super excited to be participating in Zoraida Córdova's Bloggers of the Deep blog tour! Check back tomorrow for the official stop -- a Q&A with Zoraida!

And I know The Vicious Deep is not out until May 1 (mark your calendars) but I wanted to go ahead and post my review this week as well. So here goes!

The storm came from nowhere, the sky rumbling with sudden clouds and a massive wave looming over Coney Island. In the midst of all of this, Tristan Hart sees a girl and -- without a second thought -- dives into the tumultuous waters. Three days later he washes up on shore with no memory beyond jumping in to save the girl. From this moment on, Tristan's life is forever changed. Tristan discovers that he is part of a long and noble line of merfolk, a direct descendant of The Sea King himself. In fact, the only male heir. And the race is in trouble. But is Tristan the right one to save them?

First off, Córdova truly captured summer in this book. I could taste the salt spray and I really wished I was on a beach somewhere with a fruity drink while reading the book! 

This first in the series is fresh and fun. A totally original teen paranormal featuring merfolk like you've never seen them before. Córdova's writing is witty and snarky, her plotting is smooth, and her characters are really unique, aside from the typical teen things like girl issues and boy issues and high school. 

And of course, a cliffhanger of an ending. See there's a quest and Tristan has to find some things, all very Greek mythology in feel. Some action, some romance, such a fun read! 

So don't forget: put The Vicious Deep in your must read list! Mark your calendar for May 1 (or pre-order from your favorite place). And come back tomorrow for a Q&A with the author herself!