In the final book in Julie Kagawa’s popular dystopian vampire Blood of Eden trilogy, kick-butt heroine Allie Sekemoto finally gives in to her monster side following the death of her love, Zeke. She’s on a mission to hunt down psychopathic vampire Sarren, and her journey takes her to the last vampire-free zone remaining—Eden.
Without spoiling anything for fans, what are you most excited about in The Forever Song?
This is the finale. The end of Allie’s story. I guess what I’m most excited about is the final battle, watching everything that has been building since book one come to a head. There’s a desperate race against time, lots of fighting, that moment when everything seems lost and, of course, sacrifice, heartache and death. Who will come out of it alive? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
There are so many great vampire books. What drew you to share your own vision of the vampire myth?
Funny story: Back at the beginning of my writing career, I told myself I wasn’t going to write a vampire story. I felt there were already so many great ones out there, and I didn’t have anything new to add. I was actually discussing the idea of a post-apocalyptic world with my agent when she asked me what I thought about writing a vampire book. That’s when I got the idea of combining the post-apocalyptic world with the vampire mythos, and from there the Immortal Rules was born.
“And while it’s difficult and bittersweet for me to say goodbye to Allie and co., I’m satisfied with how their story came to a close. I know I left them in the best place I could.”
What’s the hardest part about finishing a trilogy? Is it difficult to say goodbye to these characters?
The hardest part of finishing a trilogy—any series really—is giving the readers an ending that is satisfying but still stays true to the book and the characters. They’ve been through a lot with your heroes; you don’t want to leave them feeling cheated or that there were too many things left unanswered. You want them to close the book with the knowledge that, even though there were some unexpected twists, turns, heartbreak and losses, the story couldn’t have ended any other way. And while it’s difficult and bittersweet for me to say goodbye to Allie and co., I’m satisfied with how their story came to a close. I know I left them in the best place I could.
Of all the many books you’ve written, who is your favorite character and why?
Oh goodness, I don’t think I can answer that. I love them all in different ways; I honestly couldn’t choose a favorite. Though the most entertaining character, from the Blood of Eden series anyway, would have to be Jackal. I love his snark and his sarcasm, and the way he says exactly what’s on his mind, regardless if you want to hear it or not. He’s ruthless and selfish and violent, and makes no excuses for it. He knows he’s a monster, and he’s perfectly fine with that, but he’ll occasionally have moments of wisdom and nobility that shock everyone. He was one of the most interesting and surprising characters I’ve written about, and I love the arrogant bloodsucker to pieces.
If you could take one of Allie’s traits for yourself, what would it be?
Her mad katana skills? I don’t think I need to be more stubborn, lol.
What’s next?
My next series is one I’m super excited about. It’s called Talon, out in November 2014, and it’s about modern-day dragons and their secret war with the Order of St. George.
