Tag Archives: Amy Plum

Amy Plum-Interview with the Author

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Amy Plum-Interview with the Author

With the May 2013 final installment IF I SHOULD DIE in Amy Plum’s Young Adult Revenant series, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce the author and ask her some questions about the series and life in Paris, France.

Amy PlumTRC: Hi Amy and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the May 17,2013 release of IF I SHOULD DIE, the third full-length storyline in your
young adult Die For Me series.

We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself?

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Amy:  I grew up in Alabama in a super-religious family. When I was eighteen I went as far away as I could imagine (Chicago). And realizing that wasn’t far enough, I went even farther once I graduated (Paris). I taught myself to read when I was 4, and books have been my life ever since. I have two kids who refuse to speak English because they know I understand them when they speak in French. And I have a thirteen year old Ridgeback-mix (dog) name Ella who was very happy to move from New York City (she’s a rescue dog) to the French countryside where she chases cats and lizards all day.

TRC: You are currently living in Paris, France-The City of Light. Aside from the obvious ambiance, culture and fashion, what was the precipitating factor behind your move and eventually your decision to remain in France?

Amy:  I went to France when I was 22 and FELL IN LOVE with Paris. Like crazy mad I-must-live-here in love. So I found an office job through an American company and moved here when I was 23. My five years in Paris furnished me with the most amazing experiences, many of which I used in the DIE FOR ME books. Kate kind of re-lives my twenties, minus the evil zombies.

More recently I was living in the countryside, in the Loire Valley, which is really beautiful but really boring. Every time I visited Paris I got this rush like I had drunk 20 coffees, and walked around its streets trying not to smile too big. (And thus look like a crazy tourist.) So last year I took the plunge and moved back to the city that I love. And now I will never leave.

TRC: How much of an influence have your experiences in Paris France had on the DIE FOR ME series?

Amy:  Every place I talk about is a place that I’ve been. Which helps with the descriptions! ☺ I kissed a boy on the Pont des Arts. (He was British, and wasn’t immortal, so it didn’t work out.) I rode around Paris on a scooter behind a handsome French artist. I have eaten in the restaurants I describe, have hung out in the antiquities gallery that I stole to be Papy’s, and constantly hang out in the museums that are in the book. Without my Paris experiences, DIE FOR ME wouldn’t exist.

If I Should DieTRC: May 17, 2013 saw the release of IF I SHOULD DIE. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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Amy:  I like to describe my series this way: DIE FOR ME is a romance. UNTIL I DIE is a mystery. And IF I SHOULD DIE is a thriller. There is murder, passion and magic galore, as well as an epic battle between good and evil. That’s all I can say. ☺

TRC: Do you have any plans to continue the series e.g. perhaps with a short story or novella for each of the ‘secondary’ characters similar to DIE FOR HER?

Amy:  Well, I wrote DIE FOR HER because my readers voted for it. HarperTeen had asked me to do a novella, and I let my fans vote on which character’s POV it should be from. If HarperTeen asks me to do anything else with the revenants, it wouldn’t take much arm-twisting for me to comply.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (e.g. logistical, research, geographical etc) did you encounter writing this particular series?

Amy: I’m a “pantser.” (Flying by the seat of my pants.) I don’t outline. I don’t even know what I’m going to write every day until I sit down in front of my computer and start typing. And that is rather stressful, especially when you’re creating a new type of supernatural being who needs rules for functioning and a complete history since the beginning of time. I just had to wait for the story to come to me, and sometimes it took a while!

TRC: You blend a paranormal storyline with the reality of the modern world. How did you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing believability or content?

Amy:  I thought of a term when I started writing the book: “plausible paranormal.” I wanted my story to feel like it could be happening right down the street from you. Like it made sense enough that you wouldn’t be incredulous if you found out it was true. That for me was important because I really wanted my readers to feel like they knew the characters and live the story with them.

TRC: How thoroughly do you plan out your characters and story before you begin the first draft?

Amy:  Zero. ☺ The first thing I thought of for the book was that I would have a female main character. And the first thing I got was the sentence, “Ten days after my sixteenth birthday, my parents died in a car accident.” Everything else sprung from that, and I “met” the characters at the point where they showed up in the storyline.

TRC: Do your characters direct the storyline or do you have a semblance of control?

Amy:  They tell me what they’re doing. I just listen the best I can and write it down as truthfully as possible.

TRC: What was/is the inspiration behind the Revenant storyline and the characters we have grown to love?

Revenant Series

Click on the links for our reviews of:   Die For Me / Until I Die / If I Should Die

Amy:  I wanted to write about a supernatural being, but couldn’t find an existent being that I wanted to write about. I ended up mixing “god,” “zombie,” and “guardian angel,” and that’s how the revenants were born.

TRC: Is there anything you would like to have changed in the series now that you look back on the storylines?

Amy:  Nope. I’m just happy I got through the whole thing without having the parts I love edited out. The end product is exactly what I want it to be.

TRC: Writer’s block is a very real phenomenon for many writers. How do you handle the pressure and anxiety of writer’s block?

Amy:  I don’t get writer’s block. (Knock on wood.) I get lots of days where I don’t feel like working, but that’s because I have a problem focusing. Once I force myself, the stories come.

TRC: What five things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Amy:  I would like to be able to start writing 2 books per year and to write a range of YA, middle grade, and adult books. My goal since about ten years ago was to get a story in The New Yorker magazine. Maybe in the next 10 years I’ll achieve that too! ☺

TRC: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

Amy:  There are so many people who have influenced my life. The person who inspired me to become a writer was probably Madeleine L’Engle, who I met briefly in New York when I was 22. The biggest influence on who I’ve become was probably my dad. He was the cruel dictator type—abusive and intolerant—and I have, both unconsciously and consciously become who I am by reacting against everything he stands for.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Amy: I am currently working on AFTER THE END, a 2-book series that HarperTeen is releasing starting May 2014. It’s totally different from DIE FOR ME! Set in the U.S. with a different type of magic. 😉

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: caramel

Favorite Dessert: crème brulee

Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch t.v.

Last Movie you saw: AFTER EARTH.

Dark or Milk Chocolate: dark

Favorite Flower: for smell—lilacs, for beauty—peonies

Last Vacation Destination—Texas, for a writer’s retreat

TRC: Thank you Amy for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the amazing success of your DIE FOR ME series. We wish
you all the best.

Amy: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.

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If I Should Die (Revenant #3) by Amy Plum-a review

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IF I SHOULD DIE (Revenants #3) by Amy Plum-a review

If I Should Die

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2013

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

Revenant Series

REVIEW: IF I SHOULD DIE is the third installment in Amy Plum’s Young Adult Revenant-Die For Me series.

A bit of background into the storyline: Revenants are immortal, re-animated humans who feel the need to continuously sacrifice themselves to save humans. As part of their immortality, the Revenants must enter a once-monthly hibernation where their spirit becomes Volant and they have the ability to separate mind from body, and communicate with other Revenants while not in corporeal form. And in these cases-their bodies are protected from harm by family and friends.

If you have not read the first two storylines, this review may be a bit spoilerish as the events of this particular book focus on re-animating a Revenant whose body has been destroyed by their enemy. Believing he is the Champion who would have saved the Revenants from certain destruction, his powers were to be used in the war between good and evil-stolen by a one time Revenant who had plans to usurp control of former kindred and friends. But this particular Revenant is not the Champion and his Volant spirit is continuously pulled towards his final death. When the true Champion is discovered, the aura will be a beacon for others to follow.

As the Paris House of Revenants prepares to go to war with the Numa, they struggle with their feelings and emotions. Once again unrequited love will force two of their household members to make decisions that will affect the lives of the others, while another will sacrifice himself to save a friend. In the end, the Paris Revenants numbers will dwindle as two will face the final death and another must come to a decision regarding who and what it is he wants.

Amy Plum has written a storyline that has brought some finality to this particular ARC of the series but has also opened up several potential avenues for a spin-off series for a couple of former Paris Revenants. Amy has taken the world of Revenant’s and Volant’s and, written a storyline for the young and the young at heart. As a YA storyline, Amy (thankfully) avoided the messy love triangle although there was a definite possibility for a heartbreaking end. The love between Vincent and Kate is strong enough to withstand death and it would have withstood competition from one of their own.

The world of the Paris Revenants is awash in French history and the sights and sounds of Paris at night: and more of the history of the Revenants and the Volant is revealed when the search for a way to save one of their own requires a history lesson that dates back hundreds of years if not more. Amy reunites the characters from her previous storylines in a final struggle against a common foe and along the way, reintroduces the readers to a Revenant who has struggled to find his place among his kind.

The storyline is fast paced. There is rarely any down time to consider what has happened as the plot pushes forward with the impending war between the Revenants and the Numa. The central characters are likeable and the reader is able to relate to and empathize with their sorrow and pain. 

Overall, IF I SHOULD DIE is a fitting conclusion to this particular series. There is nothing overwhelming or philosophical in its presentation but in the grand scheme of love and ever lasting life-what would you sacrifice to save your one and only?

Reading Order
1. Die For Me
2. Until I Die
2.5 Die For Her
3. If I Should Die

Reviewed by Sandy

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UNTIL I DIE (Revenant #2) YA by Amy Plum-a new release review

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UNTIL I DIE (Revenant #2) by Amy Plum

UNTIL I DIE (Revenant #2) YA by Amy Plum

UNTIL I DIE is the second book and new release (May 2012) in the Young Adult Revenant series by Amy Plum. Revenants are immortal, re-animated humans who feel the need to continuously sacrifice themselves to save humans. As part of their immortality, the Revenants must enter a once-monthly hibernation where their spirit becomes Volant and they have the ability to separate mind from body, and communicate with other Revenants.

Forging ahead several months, Kate and Vincent’s relationship has grown into one of love and longing, but a new threat has surfaced and this threat comes from one of their own. And Vincent’s desire to please Kate will force the couple to look into different options so that they will be able to spend a lifetime together without the recurring pain and threat of death.

It is New Year’s Eve in Paris, and the celebration is both happy and sad knowing fellow Revenants Charles and Charlotte must leave the Paris family home. Charles unexpected spiral into depression (following the death of a child) and subsequent exposure to the numa (species of Revenant turned evil), places the remaining Revenants at risk for future attacks, and as his twin, Charlotte will accompany her brother where ever he chooses to go. But replacements have already been procured, as we are introduced to Violette and Arthur-two of the oldest Revenants in Europe. Although the couple is well respected and admired, there is something that does not bode well for either Kate or her sister Georgia.

Violette and Arthur’s association with each other is a concern for Kate. Although as close as any family, there appears to be a continuous struggle for power, and one that Violette appears to be winning. But when Arthur appears to reject Kate’s membership as one of their own, it is Violette’s new friendship with Kate that will force the family to look closer into the lives of those they trust most.

At this point the ‘bad guy’ scenario is obvious, but not to the characters in the storyline. As a reader it can be slightly frustrating watching the story develop knowing what will happen next, but like the first book DIE FOR ME, the story is fast paced and there is rarely a moment to breathe. Amy Plum’s ability to keep the story moving is wonderful, especially in a Young Adult storyline where many other authors tend to focus on the ‘whoa is me’ and angst of the teenage relationships. Kate and Vincent’s relationship is touching. Vincent believes he has waited 90 years to find the love of his life, his soul-mate and he believes that his love is Kate. Their connection is true, not imagined but the inevitable and required deaths (as a Revenant) by Vincent writes like an unfolding tragedy. Yet knowing the pain it causes Vincent to reject his own death, Kate continues to search for a way to help prevent Vincent’s need to sacrifice over and over. But the search will place everyone, including her family, at risk from attack.

The lives and loves of the Revenants are revealed as the story progresses. Charlotte’s love for a fellow house-mate is unrequited, and with the realization that he may have feelings for another, Charlotte is willing to step aside and let nature take its course. Jean-Baptiste and Gaspard’s connection surprises Kate, and the death of a spouse will affect Kate and Vincent as it will mirror their future together. Georgia, although no longer welcome at the Home due to her prior relationship with the numa, will develop feelings for one of the elders, and we hope to see what Amy has in mind for another possible human/Revenant love. And Violette-well let’s say-looks and actions can be deceiving-even among family and friends.

UNTIL I DIE is a wonderful addition to Amy Plum’s Revenant series. The book closes on a cliff-hanger that will keep you guessing as to the truth about what really happened. I am looking forward to the final instalment-IF I SHOULD DIE-May 2013.

reviewed by Sandy

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DIE FOR ME (YA) Revenant #1 by Amy Plum

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DIE FOR ME (YA) Revenant #1 by Amy Plum

DIE FOR ME (YA) by Amy Plum

DIE FOR ME is the first book in Amy Plum’s YA Revenant Trilogy. With the May 2012 release of Until I Die, I had the chance to read the premiere story. Set against the backdrop of modern day Paris, France, Die For Me can easily cross several genres including paranormal and urban fantasy.

Following the death of their parents, Kate and Georgia Mercier made the decision to return to their father’s birthplace in Paris France. Every summer the girls had vacationed at their grandparents home in Europe so the lifestyle and ambiance would be relatively familiar and easily accepted. But Kate’s depression worsened as the summer wore on and with the new school year approaching, something or someone would have to change.

Vincent is a revenant-an immortal who was once human. Revenants are re-animated humans who feel the need to sacrifice themselves continuously to save the lives of others. In his nearly 90 years, Vincent has only loved once, but he is drawn to Kate like a moth to fire. She is young, beautiful and alone. And on the occasions he has had the chance to talk, he has made a fool of himself. But there is something about Kate that he needs, he wants and he knows that falling in love with a human would place everyone in danger.

We are introduced to Vincent’s fellow revenant’s-the twins Charlotte and Charles, Ambrose, Jules, Jean-Baptiste and Gaspard. As part of their re-animation, the revenants must go into a once monthly ‘hibernation’ to refuel, but it is during this down time that their bodies are susceptible to attack and death-their mind and body will separate and the spirit becomes Volant-with the ability to leave and communicate with the others.And each time they ‘die’, their body must be recovered before medical science and the authorities take possession. As the relationship between Vincent and Kate develops, so does their ability to communicate during Vincent’s times of dormancy. Seemingly rare between a human and a revenant, so too is their ability to share one body, but Kate and Vincent are connected at a higher level than most.

Like every paranormal storyline, there is always the dark side. The numa-are a species of revenant who have chosen the bad side of life while human and now face eternity fighting a war against the good. But it will be Kate and her sister Georgia that will become pawns in the numa’s hunt to discover the current location of the revenant household and take out the lives of everyone close.

Die for Me is an interesting storyline. The characters make light of their re-animation, liking themselves to zombies without the grotesque bodies, but the premise of a self-sacrificing being who feels the need to die over and over to save others has its’ moments. Like all YA storylines, there is denial about love and need, as well as the risk of hurting someone you love, but I must give kudos to Plum, for she writes a story that shows respect for the adults as well as the young. Look for my review of UNTIL I DIE in May.

AMAZON Kindle: $2.05 Die For Me
KOBO: $1.99 Die For Me
B&N NOOK: $1.99 Die For Me

Reviewed by Sandy

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