Hello everyone! Today I am very excited to welcome author Poppy Dennison back to the blog. Poppy first stopped by about this time last year for the release of her first book in the Triad series, Mind Magic. Now that the final book in the trilogy, Soul Magic, has been released, I am thrilled to welcome her back again to talk to us more about it. I really loved it and it was a great ending to the trilogy (see review). Poppy has also brought a copy to give away so be sure to check out details at the end of the post.
Welcome Poppy!
Thanks for having me back J! I can’t believe it’s really been a year since Mind Magic was released. It’s been an amazing year, and I’m thrilled I get to be here with you to talk about Soul Magic.
So as I mentioned, Soul Magic is the third book in your Triad trilogy. We have talked about the books here on the blog, but for folks who are just catching up with the series, can you give a quick overview?
Absolutely! The Triad series (Mind Magic, Body Magic, Soul Magic) follows Simon Osborne, an apprentice mage who finds himself in over his head when he rescues a group of kidnapped werewolf cubs. He falls for the alpha werewolf, a forbidden relationship as it mixes different types of magic. Simon, as a mage, has mind magic; his mate, Gray Townsend, is a werewolf who has body magic. There are also vampires and demons in this universe who possess soul magic. Simon and Gray are caught up in an adventure as they try to discover who kidnapped the werewolf cubs. In Soul Magic, the mystery finally unfolds completely, as the pieces of the puzzle come together and Simon, Gray, and the rest of their pack have to fight for their lives to protect what they’ve come to love.
One of my favorite aspects of this trilogy is the idea of three facets of magic—body, soul, and mind—that each represents different sides of the magical worlds. I really like the idea of all these magical beings having a connection in this way, something I have really only seen in this series. Can you tell us more about this idea and how it developed?
The basis for the three types of magic comes from my personal values. A few years ago, I was a workaholic and all my time and energy went into work. I rarely had time for friends or fun, and forget about reading or expanding my mind! Who has time for that when there’s work to be done? As you can imagine, it wasn’t the happiest of existences. I made some major life changes and realized that I needed more balance in my life—which included expanding my mind, taking care of my body, and nurturing my soul. When I finally sat down to fulfill my dream of writing a novel, I knew I wanted to focus on paranormal elements. I combined the idea of balancing mind, body, and soul with the idea of mages, werewolves, and vampires and Triad was born.
I knew I wanted to write about shifters—I’m a bit werewolf obsessed if I’m honest—and I wanted to incorporate magic as part of the shifters powers. From there, it became about trying to incorporate the idea of balance into the world. I realized that if the types of magic were forbidden from interacting, the world would be out of balance. The story could the revolve around the idea of finding balance in the magical world, which was a perfect analogy for the trials I’d been through in my personal life a few years ago.
One of the other interesting things about this series is the way the key relationships are featured. Simon and Gray, who are the main heroes of Mind Magic, continue to be a major part of the trilogy in the second two books. In fact, despite the fact that Gray is the pack alpha, Simon is really the pivotal character in the trilogy. Was that always your intention from the start?
Triad was originally developed as one novel with Simon as the main character. As I developed plots for the book, I realized I had a lot more than one book on my hands. The world really took over, but Simon was always at the center of it all. I really liked the idea of the alpha werewolf being a secondary character in the story—not that there’s really anything secondary about Gray! Simon, for all of his mage abilities, is really the most human of the bunch. He has doubts and insecurities, he makes mistakes, and he tries to do his best to live up to his full potential. I connected with his character in a really profound way. It’s really hard to let him go in this book, but we might be getting a few more peeks at him in the future.
Cormac has also been with the series from the beginning and is one of my favorite characters. I was so excited to finally get his story here in Soul Magic. In the past Cormac has always come across sort of formal and reserved, but here we see the sexy side of him as well, right from the beginning. Was it fun to play with his character like that after having him always be so controlled?
I have to tell you, the reader’s reactions to Cormac have really surprised me! I’ll tell you a little secret—the first outline of this series had Cormac in a completely different role. Originally, Simon was in a bit of a love triangle with Gray and Cormac. I thought nothing could be sexier than having this adorable self-conscious mage caught up between a sexy alpha werewolf and an older, mysterious vampire. Who would he choose? But boy did Cormac have a surprise in store for me! As I outlined the books and had Cormac trying to win Simon’s love, it was just wrong. I fought it—oh did I ever fight it—but as I worked on the first draft of Mind Magic I realized just how wrong I was. Cormac does love Simon, he’s just not in love with Simon. Once I realized why, the rest of the series unfolded so easily for me!
So—to answer your question—it was so much fun playing with Cormac’s character. See, I always knew he was more dual-natured than even the werewolves of the story. Cormac has a dark past, a past that haunts him, and he uses his formal, reserved nature as a shield to protect himself from getting hurt again. One of the most fulfilling things for me as a writer was watching his character unfold over the course of the three books as Cormac was finally able to drop the act and accept himself for who he really is.
There are so many great characters in this trilogy, and I especially enjoyed young Garon and Riley. Is there any chance we will see more of any of these guys even though the trilogy is over? Or do you feel like their story is all told?
Next to Cormac, the reactions to Garon and Riley have been the most amazing to me, and the most special. Both boys are based on the true loves of my lives, my five nephews! I’ve seen some comments about how real the boys seem, and there is a very good reason for that: it’s because they are real! That said, I won’t be writing novels for Garon and Riley because that would just be too creepy for me. LOL. I hope that the end of Soul Magic fulfills a some of those wishes that readers have expressed for them.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but there are two spin-off novellas in the works for the Triad world. Simon and Gray won’t be main characters in these books, but they will make guest appearances so readers will be able to catch up with them a little bit. I’d tell you who the next book is going to be about, but it’s a huge spoiler!
I also wanted to compliment you on your beautiful covers. I love the look of them so much. And yes, I am a bit slow, but I just noticed how the colors match the colors of magic represented in the book. Very clever!
Oh, the covers. Seriously, Anne Cain is a goddess who has put up with me so sweetly. I knew exactly what I wanted on all three covers from the beginning and Anne worked closely with me so we could make sure that each cover had the right model and the right colors to represent the feel of each book. I was pretty insistent that the covers be easily recognizable as a series, and Anne delivered so beautifully. When she sent me the cover of Mind Magic, I cried. The model on the cover *is* Gray. He’s exactly what I’d imagined and Anne created him. I cannot give her enough praise. I’m in awe of her talent and feel like she’s given me a real gift through her artwork.
And yes, the colors of the covers do represent the colors of the magic! I think you’re the only person who has ever commented on that! [woo hoo!]
So is there anything else you are working on that you would like to tell us about? What can we look forward to from you?
I have two novellas scheduled for release later this year. The first is Born This Way, which is planned for June/July from Dreamspinner Press. Born This Way is about a liger shifter (lion father/tiger mother) who wants to claim his mate. There’s just one problem—he’s been banned from his pride and his mate is a human who is very much involved with them! It’s a fun novella and I’m excited for everyone to read it.
Then, in September, the first spin-off book for the Triad world is scheduled with Dreamspinner. It’s called Wild Magic. I don’t want to give away too much about the plot of this one until more folks have had a chance to read Soul Magic. Like I mentioned earlier, the characters in this one are a bit of a spoiler for the ending of Soul Magic. I will tell you, though, that they aren’t characters you ever actually meet in the Triad world!
If my readers want to learn more about you or your work, where can they find you?
I’m all over the place and always happy to talk to readers.
- Website: http://www.poppydennison.com/,
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poppydennison,
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PoppyDennison
- Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5108648.Poppy_Dennison
Thanks so much for coming by today Poppy!
Thanks again for having me! I’m so proud of this series and can’t tell you how much the love and support for Simon, Gray, and the rest of the crew means to me.
Giveaway
And now we are super lucky because Poppy has brought along a copy of Soul Magic to give away to one lucky winner. To enter just leave a comment at the end of this post by Thursday, May 9th at 11:59 pm EST.
This series sounds great, I am off to add to my evergrowing TBR pile now!
Thanks Allison! I hope you enjoy it! Good luck!
Please count me in. I’d love to finish this series.
Good Luck Joe! I hope you enjoy it!
I’ve heard amazing things about this series!
Aww! Thanks Trix! I hope you get a chance to find out for yourself!
Please count me in. It sounds fantastic!
Thanks Sarah! Good luck!
Loved the blurb! Please count me in. Thanks!!!
Good luck, Gigi!
I have had my eye on this series for a while now. Please count me in. Thanks!
Good luck, Jadore! I hope you get a chance to read them!
Thank you Jay for kicking off the tour and release day by having Poppy visit.
I hope everyone picks up a copy of Soul Magic, I am sure after Mind Magic and Body Magic is it going to be amazing.
Tee hee. You make me laugh. Thanks hon!
Glad you could stop by Lynette!
*gah* can’t spell or write today. I forgot to mention do not enter me in the contest.
Thanks so much for the interesting interview. I’m looking forward to reading the series – I already own “Mind Magic” and am just waiting ’til my budget allows for more book purchases! So…Yes please, count me in! Thanks!
Good Luck Maya! I hope you get a chance to read them! Be sure to let me know what you think!
I already bought my copy but I still wanted to leave a comment. I’m so excited to read this one because I love the series. I didn’t even realize it was out today so it makes it more exciting 😉 Poppy congrats on it coming out and thanks for writing them 😉
Aww! Thanks Leaundra! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
I will let you know and I’m sure it’s going to be great:-)
You know my thoughts on Cormac, and how I’d love to him to have his own series, but I know you are cruel and it’ll never come to be lol.
Happy Release day Poppy, this is the BEST book of the series!
Love ya lots xxxx
You’re such a Cormac girl! Thanks hon!!
Ha! I love Cormac too. Especially sexed up Cormac dancing in the club. A whole other yummy side of him!
I have added Soul Magic to my wish list. I can’t wait for a chance to read it.
Yay! Thanks Karl! I hope you enjoy it! Be sure to let me know what you think!
I have really enjoyed this series! I am excited to see what happens next! Congrats on the new release!
Thanks Juliana! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
I have book 2, Body Magic and need to get caught up with the series. Thanks for the opportunity at the giveaway!! Congrats on your New Release!
Z.
Thanks Z! I’m so excited about Soul Magic! Get caught up so you can tell me what you think! 🙂
Goody another great series for me to read. Please count me in.
Thanks
I love a series too, Leni! Good luck!!
I love all the covers on the books, they’re very eye catching.
Thank you, Penumbra! Anne Cain did such amazing work on these covers. I’m so lucky I got a chance to work with her!
Love this series.Count me in please,thank you.
Thanks Cornelia! Good luck!
Need to complete the trilogy, so count me in please.
Good luck Venecia!!
Oh boy, I’ve been waiting for Cormac’s story. Really looking forward to seeing where the plot will go too. Also I’m looking forward to seeing those future works in June/July and September.
Thanks H.B. I hope you enjoy and my upcoming work. It’s going to be an exciting year for me! *g*
Sounds like a great series, count me in!!! Gonna add this to my TBR list. I just love reading a great series and am looking forward to reading this!
Thanks Darlene! Good luck!!
Such beautiful, compelling covers! Sounds like a great series that addresses mid, body, avid soul–cool!
Urb
brendurbanist at gmail dot com
Thank you Urbanista! I’m thrilled with Anne Cain’s cover art and love hearing that others adore them as well. Good luck!
Please count me in!! I would love to be able to read this series!!!
Good luck, Crystal!
Great interview, Poppy. <3
Thank you sweetie! <3
Series, shifters, magic – sounds like heaven to me! Please count me in!
LOL. It sounded like heaven to me too, Kim! Good luck and I hope you enjoy them!
I just read Mind Magic not too long ago and loved it! I’m so excited to realize the next two books follow Simon as well. Yay. 😀
Thanks Ashley! I know the format is a little nontraditional, but I loved the idea of continuing SImon’s story while introducing new love stories as well. What can I say? I’m a sucker for lots of love. *g* Good luck!
Yay! I’m looking forward to finishing this series. The first two were terrific.
Thank you Meghan! I’m so glad you enjoyed Mind Magic and Body Magic! Good luck!
I have read your books before and really enjoyed them. I need to get one of these.
Thanks so much, Debra! Good luck!!
This series has been on my list for a while now. Please count me in! Thanks!
Good luck, Antonia! I hope you enjoy them!
The series sound super interesting! And the little snippet you gave away for Born This Way sounds really interesting too. I will be looking forward to its release! Please count me in the giveaway. Thanks!
Thanks Cynthia! I had a blast writing them and hope you’ll read them! Born This Way is such a fun book. I can’t wait for everyone to get to read it too!
Please count me in – I enjoyed the first one and have Body Magic in my tbr pile – love the covers as well 🙂
Thanks Sarah! Anne does such amazing cover art! I’m thrilled with her work on this series! Good luck!
I bought Mind Magic when it first came out but it’s still in my Kindle’s TBR pile. Lovely interview and thanks for the contest.
Thank you, Jess! I hope you get a chance to read Mind Magic soon! You’ll have to let me know what you think! Good luck!
OOhh!! I’m always looking for new reads, and this sounds right up my alley. Great interview, and thanks for the contest.
Yay! Thanks so much, Anne! Good luck!
I can’t wait to read this book. This series has it all. Action ,humor and love.
Aww! Thanks Traci! What a lovely thing to say! *hugs*
Love your books! Thank you for the interview, always nice to hear directly from the author 🙂 Can’t ignore the covers either, even though someone has already mentioned it, they are beautiful and really stand out.
Please, count me in for the giveaway (hope I am not too late) and thank you for contest! 🙂
Thank you so much, Mammarella! I love answering questions about my books…the trick is to not giveaway any spoilers! LOL. And yes, Anne did such an amazing job with the covers. I’m in awe of her talent! Good luck!
I read the first two and I loved them!!
Thanks so much, Amy! I can’t wait to hear what you think of Soul Magic! Good luck!
Oh, great interview – Born This Way sounds great 🙂 Please count me in – thank you, Poppy!
Mary
Thank you Mary! I’m excited for everyone to read about Hart and Dayton in Born This Way! Good luck!
I must have it!!! I’ve been waiting on the third to read the last two together. 🙂
LOL! Is it bad that I did a little Lord of the Rings and said “my precious” after I read your comment? So sweet of you, and I really hope you enjoy Body Magic AND Soul Magic! Good luck!
Really enjoyed book 1 but never got around to getting books 2 & now 3. Would love to win a copy!
Thanks SusieQ! I really hope you enjoy Body Magic and Soul Magic as much as you did the first book! Good luck!
I’ve been waiting to read until I had the all the books in the series. A chance at a free copy is always nice.
I’m the same way Lisa! I like to read them all together! Good luck!