Saturday, June 9, 2018

{Blog Tour, Character Interview, & Giveaway} The Electrical Menagerie by Mollie E. Reeder


Hello, sweet Spirits! Today, I'm delighted to share my first blog tour here at The Book Sprite -- an exclusive look at The Electrical Menagerie, a debut novel from author Mollie E. Reeder!

About the Book



BOOK ONE OF THE CELESTIAL ISLES

The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt.

Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively -- but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially -- but none of the scruples.

To save their show, Carthage and Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, a shot at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians -- but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there's more at stake in this contest than the prize.

Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide... and it's the lies Carthage and Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything.

"Dazzles from start to finish. In Carthage and Huxley, Sherlock and Watson fans will find another dynamic duo whose ready wit and sizzling banter (and inevitable personality clashes) never fail to delight. You'll be calling for an encore performance."
~Gillian Bronte Adams, author of The Songkeeper Chronicles

Amazon // Goodreads


Character Interview: Sylvester Carthage


Welcome, welcome, Mr. Carthage! I'm so glad you can join us here, today! First off, would you mind introducing yourself?

My name is Sylvester Carthage. Thank you for having me. I'm not sure what to say about myself. Huxley told me to prepare to recite my biography, but I doubted you wanted me to read from a script. Even I'm not interested in what I've already done -- I'd rather talk about the future.


Sylvester Carthage art by Randi Lynn Jackson.
I understand that you are the creative mind behind the Electrical Menagerie. What inspired this unique robotic roadshow?

Well, I don't know how old you are, and I suppose many young people now have grown up with electricals serving in the home -- it seems nowadays even the most middle-class families have an electrical maid, or a footman -- but I didn't. We didn't even have electricity.

When I experienced electricity for the first time, I knew that mankind had turned a tremendous corner. We are no longer limited by darkness, or by distance, or by what already exists.

I could have a live menagerie, but then it would just be what already exists. My electrical menagerie is limited only by imagination -- which is hardly a limitation at all.


You work alongside Mr. Arbrook Huxley, is that correct? How did you two meet?

It was on Astoria Isle, where I did magic on the corners for many years. One morning, after a show, he came straight toward me and started talking without any introduction. I was so taken aback I confess I may have seemed stupidly slow to respond.

But I have since chalked that up to his being foreign. On Fallsbright, apparently, one may engage a total stranger without any sort of preamble.


In a matter of time, you could have the opportunity to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. What makes you think you can do this?

When I was a street magician, I was oft rained on, I was spit on once or twice, and I went hungry many nights. There is something inside me -- perhaps something foolish, but powerful nonetheless -- that just didn't care. I can abide pain, I can abide hunger, but I can't abide anything less than to accomplish what I set my mind to.

This, for me, is more than a contest. It's the culmination of a lifelong journey, and I will stand on that stage on Celestia.

As for what I'll do when I get there -- well, I have more than a few new inventions and illusions up my sleeve. But you'll have to watch the show. A magician never gives away his secrets.


Thank you for your time, Mr. Carthage! Any final words of wisdom for the audience?

There are many people with no belief left in them at all. You must choose to believe anyway, despite those people -- in all of the good things that go unseen.

About the Author



Mollie's first job was with a major theme park, where she operated a roller coaster, fixed parade floats, and helped Scooby-Doo put on his head. Now, Mollie is a movie producer and the author of character-driven science fiction / fantasy novels for adults who never outgrew imagination. Her favorite things include Jesus, dinosaurs, and telling cinematic stories that blend glitter and grit.

Website // Twitter // Instagram


Giveaway



Explore the world of The Electrical Menagerie by entering to win this Celestial Isles prize pack, which includes: "High Victorian" playing cards by luxury playing card company Theory11, handmade galaxy mug by DeVita Designs, science-and-engineering-themed pocket notebook set by CognitiveSurplus, and a tin of Electrical Menagerie themed tea (over a $50 value)! US only.

Click here to enter!


Tour Schedule


Monday, June 4th

Book Spotlight – Sarah Ashwood's Newsletter

Author Interview – New Authors Fellowship

Review – Finding Kat Heckenbach

Tuesday, June 5th

Review – Seasons of Humility

Book Spotlight – Fairies, Fantasy, and Faith


Wednesday, June 6th

Guest Post – H.L. Burke's Blog

Character Interview – Kyle Robert Shultz

Review – Bold Reads

Thursday, June 7th

Review – Inspired Chaos

Guest Post – J.L. Mbewe

Review – Scriblerians

Review – The Bibliophile of Beaverton

Friday, June 8th

Author Interview – Bethany A. Jennings

Guest Post & Review – The Elven Padawan

Author Interview – Shannon A. Hiner

Saturday, June 9th

Author Interview, Character Interview, & Review – Katelyn Buxton Books

Review – K.M. Carroll, Author – fun, fantastical escapes

Character Interview – The Book Sprite

Monday, June 11th

Blog Tour Wrap-Up – Unicorn Quester


Thanks for reading! ❤

~Serethiel

1 comment:

  1. This was SO good! I loved getting to know Carthage better and hear his drive for why he does what he does. I also would LOVE to see his tricks so I guess I better get to a performance quickly! ;)

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