Title: To the Fifth Power (Powers Trilogy Book One)
Author: Shirin Dubbin
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Date of Publication: July 29, 2013
Book Description:
Three years ago, Zola Noite's nemesis killed her sidekick and forced her to watch. The guilt drove her to hang up her cape. Zola knows one thing for certain, as a result. She will never be a superhero again.
Psychologist Dr. Arturo "Fort" Forte specializes in super-powered mental health. He’s the only reason Zola can once again call herself sane—although, truth be told, the heat between them is slowly driving her back to mad.
When three mega-villains escape the prison Fort oversees, all Zola's best laid plans go up in flames. Fort asks her for help, and she can't turn down the man she's come to love. As battles ensue and clues add up, the one thing Zola trusts is called into question: Fort's true agenda and which side he’s on.
About the Author:
Shirin Dubbin is often called a “chic geek,” and she likes the sound of it. Especially since she’s a closet wallflower (albeit one with a fabulous alter ego).When not working in graphic design or hosting The Fantastic Forum—a celebration of comics & speculative fiction—she writes stories inspired by the art, literature, international cinema, and anime she grew up with.
In her own storytelling, Shirin spins tales of sci-fi and urban fantasy with romantic edge. The battle between good and evil, humor, and break neck action are ink to her imagination.
Culturally, she’s half American, half British and very southern; right down to the accent and love of grits. Government reports show a residence in DC, but Shirin lives largely on the astral plane and hopes to meet you there.
Reading in Twilight Interview
1. What inspired you to write this book?
My friend and fellow author, Heather Long, called me up and said, “We’re writing superhero romances.” This was not phrased as a question. Since we’re both huge fans of comic books I said okay. With the challenge accepted my mind immediately went to Gotham. What if Batman were a woman and when her nemesis murders her sidekick the guilt causes a mental breakdown? What if her love interest was a big sexy psychologist with a twisted past of his own?
My friend and fellow author, Heather Long, called me up and said, “We’re writing superhero romances.” This was not phrased as a question. Since we’re both huge fans of comic books I said okay. With the challenge accepted my mind immediately went to Gotham. What if Batman were a woman and when her nemesis murders her sidekick the guilt causes a mental breakdown? What if her love interest was a big sexy psychologist with a twisted past of his own?
2. What characters do you connect with most?
I connect with characters who feel deeply, strategize brilliantly, are quick to quip, and never give up. They also have to be self-sacrificing. I’m big on that.
3. What's your favorite book-turned movie?
Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo came to mind first. Inversely, I need to read Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. I adore both her voice and the movie by Miyazaki.
4. If you could be best friends with one of your characters, who would it be?
I actually am friends with one of my characters. Justice in To the Fifth Power is based on my friend Martin. He passed away a few years ago so Justice is special to me.
5. Can you tell us about any other books you're writing?
The second in the Powers Trilogy is in the works. I’m not saying who the main couple is but they’ve got crazy chemistry and we’ll get to see the entire cast from book one again. Also…can you keep a secret? I’ve got a new pen name and I’ve written a magical realism novella and a paranormal category romance in that voice. That side of me is working on a really cool paranormal New Adult. Lots of snark, action, and steamy lovin’ in that one.
6. What do you do in your spare time?
I try to stay active with anything fun. I love the arts. Theater and live music are faves. I’m also a foodie, so there are lots of dinner parties in my life.
7. Who's your inspiration?
A few years ago my cousin told me my brother was extremely proud of me. My brother pushes me to grow and improve.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island which character do you want by your side?
Justice. Not only because I adore him. He can fly.
9. Team Edward or Jacob?
If I chose either I’d be on Team Cougar (but Jacob has those abs =rowr=).
10. Team Peeta or Gale?
Um, can I go with Lenny Kravitz as Cinna? Please?
11. What are you reading now?
I’m rereading Hitman by Garth Ennis and John McCrea I’ve just finished Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones. I recommend both.
SUPERPOWERED LOVE – The Swag Pack
To celebrate the release of my new superhero romance, TO THE FIFTH POWER, I’ve matched the book up with an equally hard hitting, highflying, romanc-a-thon of a swag pack called SuperPowered Lurve. . .and there are snacks too!
The Amazing Spiderman See clip. First love’s first blush is so amazingly adorkable in this movie. There’s no doubt Spidey is one of the greatest to ever rock a mask, but the romance here starts off awkward then blooms. That love story and its growth center the movie. Plus, there’s spinning and skipping in this clip. D’aww.
The Avengers
TO THE FIFTH POWER is the first in the Powers Trilogy. In the series a team of superheroes break into duos to fight very personal battles, and to unwittingly fall in love. I chose The Avengers because it is the linchpin to the love stories in Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and various versions of The Hulk (incredible or otherwise). And because it hints at a romance I’m anxiously hoping to see: Hawkeye and Black Widow.
Blink* - Doctor Who episode (see clip). Whether you’re a Doctor Who fan or not, there’s no denying the genius of everybody’s favorite episode, Blink. It’s frightening, heartbreaking, and utterly magnificent. It also features the most perfect love story ever told in 10 minutes or less. Remember this line: “I have until the rain stops…”
Hancock
Uh huh, this is a movie about a FUBAR superhero. It’s also a story of epic love and sacrifice. The three main characters forfeit the most important things in their lives for each other. That’s amazing on its on. Also, sexual tension, thy name is Will Smith and Charlize Theron. Pure sizzle.
Hellboy 1
Never did the words “I love you just the way you are” “stay” take on more meaning than in the romance of Liz Sherman and Hellboy. She’s surly as hell and he’s from there. Yet somehow we adore them both. Not only does this team up get the job done, they get each other.
Megamind
There’s a line in TO THE FIFTH POWER, “So what? Even villains fall in love.” In Megamind, a super villain with a huge blue cranium and an ace reporter take us on a classic rock infused joy ride, showing us just how fun the fall can be.
Superman 2
If you’ve seen Man of Steel and enjoyed it you’ve got to watch Superman 2, starring Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Actually, you’ve got to see Superman 2 whether you’ve ever seen another Superman movie or not. Reeve and Kidder have become the prototype for this iconic power couple. Their snappy banter reminds you of a 1930’s film and their chemistry will blow up your lab. Bonus: Terrance Stamp as the villain. Oh my Zod!
This Little Piggy* – Justice League Unlimited Episode
The Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series told some of the finest DC Comics stories to ever hit screens. I recommend watching both from beginning to end. But, if you’re only interested in the romance, Batman and Wonder Woman have a serious love thang going. It’s clutch your pearls worthy. In this episode Batman does things we never thought he would to save Wonder Woman from a bad case of being hogtied.
POWER UP SNACKS
I can’t set you loose on a marathon of such epic proportions without offering a few snacks. If you win, you’ll also power up with these:
Moose Munch or Popcorn Mix – Misfits TV Series
I’m sad I wasn’t able to include the love story of Alisha and Simon from the British television series Misfits. This snack is in honor of them and an ongoing joke about pick n’ mix (it’s an UK thing).
Tortuga Rum Cake – Hancock
I’ll let the movie’s hero speak for himself.
Rail Crossing Crowd #2, “I can smell alcohol on your breath!”
Hancock, “That's cause I've been drinking, b--!”
Chocolate and banana chips - Doctor Who
The Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, is featured in the Blink episode above. In his honor we have Endangered Species chocolate (he’s the last of the Time Lords, after all) and banana chips—his favorites.
The Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, is featured in the Blink episode above. In his honor we have Endangered Species chocolate (he’s the last of the Time Lords, after all) and banana chips—his favorites.
There you have it. Have fun. But use your power wisely.
~Shirin Dubbin
* TV episodes to be delivered digitally through winner’s choice of Amazon or iTunes. Physical items open to US Shipping
9 comments:
This is one awesome giveaway!!
What an awesome giveaway! :) I too am hoping for some Black Widow/Hawkeye romance in the next Avengers movie. And Hellboy happens to be my favorite superhero OF ALL TIME. The pamcakes, the kittens and the epic romance. He is just so damn awesome! *squeals* Can't wait to read this book now, sounds like just my kind of thing!
I adored this book and love love love love that you wrote it
@Anna, I adore Hellboy too, and the movies are so much fun.
@Heather, Thank you. I love that the Boomers series is going strong too. Can't wait for book 2.
Thanks for sharing your interview and giveaway. Sounds like a great book. evamillien at gmail dot com
This looks like a great book! It's refreshing to see a female "superhero" type instead of the typcial vampire/fairy/warewolf craze that has been going on.
Cheers from Spain!!Good giveaway.Thnks for sharing with us.
Great interview! The book looks really cool.
Thanks everyone! I had fun writing Zola and Forte, and I'm having even more fun with the second book. Can't wait to give the swag pack away!
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