Blog Tour: VANGUARD by Ann Aguirre An Interview & Giveaway!

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for VANGUARD by Ann Aguirre! I freaking love this series!!!

I have an interview with Ann to share with you today! And make sure to enter the giveaway below!

Haven't heard of VANGUARD? Check it out!

Title: VANGUARD (Razorland #4)

Author: Ann Aguirre

Release Date: July 25, 2017

Pages: 368

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Audible

The Razorland saga continues. Since the war ended, Tegan has dreamed of an epic journey, so when she has the opportunity to sign on as ship's doctor, she can't wait. It's past time to chart her course. Millie Faraday, the kindest girl in the free territories, also yearns to outrun her reputation, and warrior-poet James Morrow would follow Tegan to the ends of the earth.

Their company seems set, but fate brings one more to their number. Tegan will battle incredible odds while aiding Szarok, the Uroch vanguard, who has ventured forth to save his people. Szarok is strange and beautiful, like a flower that blooms only in the dark. She shouldn't allow him close, as such a relationship is both alien and forbidden. But through stormy seas and strange lands, she will become stronger than she ever knew.

Now on to the interview!

Ann Aguirre Interview Two Chicks Interview 7/17/2017

Hey Ann!! First I want to say welcome back to Two Chicks on Books I’m glad you could stop by for a chat it’s been a while! VANGUARD was freaking AWESOME and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about the events leading up to VANGUARD and the characters? Will we see Deuce and Fade or is this story all Tegan’s?

The book takes place about ten months after the closing events of Horde, though certainly before the fairy-tale style epilogue. Tegan has been studying with Dr. Wilson, and then a pivotal event occurs, freeing her to pursue a grand adventure of her own. This is definitely Tegan’s story, but there are a few scenes with Deuce and Fade, and yes, you do get to find out whether their first child is a boy or a girl and what the baby’s name is!

It’s been 4 years since HORDE! Why did you decide to re-visit the Razorland series after a fairly long break?

​

I got so much reader correspondence asking what happened to Tegan and whether she eventually ended up with James Morrow, that I jokingly said, "If there's enough interest, I'll write a companion novel!" To be honest, I intended to leave that open and up to reader imaginations, but then my editor asked if I would actually do that, because it seemed there was sufficient demand for a companion story. After some reflection, I decided I would be happy to tell Tegan's story. And then I did. :)​

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

Definitely not. While I do pull dialogue from the way real people talk, my characters live only my head.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

My favorite is Szarok by far. My least favorite POV was James Morrow, but that’s just because he’s up against Tegan and Szarok.

What is your favorite passage/scene in VAGUARD?

I love the scene where Tegan and Szarok are stranded on the island and she teaches him to kiss.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

A lot of ‘stranded on a non-desert island’ type stuff. I had to figure out what resources they would plausibly have in a skerry located up near Newfoundland.

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

Varen from Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

What inspired you to write YA?

My kids. They were asking me when they were around thirteen and fifteen, “When are you going to write something we can read?” and the Razorland trilogy was born. I discovered I really liked writing for teens and just kept going.

Lightning Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

Oblivion by Kelly Creagh

False Hearts by Laura Lam

The Prey of Gods by Nicky Drayden

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Have been sorted every time, on every test, including official Pottermore, twice, as HUFFLEPUFF

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter

Favorite Superhero?

Groot

Favorite TV show?

The Master’s Sun

Sweet or Salty?

Both

Any Phobias?

Heights

Falling

Clowns

Insects

Porcelain-faced dolls

Large crowds

Small spaces

Dead things

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

Spirits by the Strumbellas

2017 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and it was SO FUN. Baby Groot forever.

Thanks so much Ann for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read VANGUARD!

About Ann:

Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Tumblr

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of VANGUARD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/17/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

7/18/2017- YA Books Central- Review

7/19/2017- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Guest Post

7/20/2017- Fiction Fare- Review

7/21/2017- Adventures of a Book Junkie- Interview

Week Two:

7/24/2017- Reese's Reviews- Review

7/25/2017- Novel Novice- Guest Post

7/26/2017- Perspective of a Writer- Review

7/27/2017- YA and Wine- Interview

7/28/2017- A Gingerly Review- Review

Grab the first 3 books!