The Rose and the Dagger Blog Tour: Q&A with author Renée Ahdieh

Organized by Penguin Teen 

See below for the full schedule 

First, I want to say that I LOVED The Rose and the Dagger! Shazi and Khalid own my heart, but I came to adore so many of the characters. And though this book has its share of heavy moments – I was definitely crying at one point - the story was such a great mix of action/danger, emotional scenes and swoon. I was so so happy when I finished it. I am a huge fan of duets and this one, which begins with The Wrath and the Dawn, is not to be missed!

Ok, enough with the gushing. Onto the interview:
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Today I'm thrilled to have The Rose and the Dagger author Renée Ahdieh stopping by today to answer some questions.

Lauren: What identities would Shazi, Khalid, Tariq, Artan, Jalal and Despina have if they suddenly discovered they were were-beasts? I basically want to know everyone, but that’s a lot of characters to ask about. Any other characters animal form you want to share?

Renée Ahdieh: I think Shazi would be a were-lion, Khalid would be a were-tiger, Tariq would be a were-falcon, Artan would be a were-dragon, Jalal would be a were-panther, and Despina would be a were-snake.

Lauren: If you found a magic carpet, where would it take you for a ride

Renée Ahdieh: Everywhere!!! But first I’d probably go to Paris. Then Seoul.

Lauren: Shazi visits several different locations in this book – the desert, the city, the mountains, the sea, though it’s clear which one of those she considers her home. But which do you prefer – The city or the country? The sea or the mountains (or desert)?

Renée Ahdieh: I prefer the city, and my heart feels especially at ease by the sea.

Lauren: What’s one quality that Shazi brings out of Khalid and vice versa? Why do you think they resonate so well with readers? Or if that's too subjective, what has drawn you to writing their story?

Renée Ahdieh: I’d say Shazi brings out Khalid’s belief that he is worthy of being loved. And Khalid brings out Shazi’s will to fight—to persevere at all cost.

Lauren: My blog is called Love is not a triangle, and I tend to talk about the subject of love triangles fairly frequently. I even rate them in my reviews. I also like to ask visiting authors their opinions on them. So love triangles: like them or loathe them? I won’t hold it against you if you say ‘like’ (but thank you for not turning this series into one).

Renée Ahdieh: I like a good love triangle. The key is to do it well. I also prefer it if the love triangle isn’t the central focus of the entire story.

Lauren: After The Rose and the Dagger, I’d love to hear more from so many of the side characters, even in novella form. But I can’t wait for any new stories from you. Will you give us any hints about what you’re working on next?!

Renée Ahdieh: Thank you so much for all your kind words! I wish I could share what I’m currently working on, but I can say it’s going to be the start of a new fantasy series!

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About the Book

The Rose and The Dagger

by Renée Ahdieh

Published: April 26, 2016 by G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR (Penguin)

The much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking The Wrath and the Dawn, lauded by Publishers Weekly as "a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance."

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.
In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

Find: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

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About the Author

I live in North Carolina (Go Heels!) with my husband Victor and our dog Mushu. My YA fantasy novel, THE WRATH AND THE DAWN, was published on May 12th, 2015. Its sequel, THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER, was published on April 26, 2016. In my spare time, I like to cook, dance salsa, and wreak havoc on the lives of my characters.

Follow Renée Ahdieh: Goodreads | Website | Twitter

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Blog Tour Schedule

http://www.fiktshun.com	Fiktshun	4/25 - Guest post
Http://www.novelnovice.com	Novel Novice	4/26 - Character playlist - Shahrzad
http://www.nobsbookreviews.com	No BS Book Reviews	4/27 - Gif reactions review
books-wrote-my-story.tumblr.com	books-wrote-my-story	4/28 - Interview
http://www.buttermybooks.com/	Buttermybooks	4/29 - Review & Giveaway
http://www.theyoungfolks.com/	The Young Folks	5/2 - Dreamcasting #1
http://andiabcs.com	Andi's ABCs	5/3 - Would You Rather?
www.bookiemoji.com	Bookiemoji	5/4 - Guest post
Http://lushbudgetproduction.com	Tales of the ravenous reader	5/5 - Character Playlist #2
http://lostinlit.com	Lost in Literature	5/6 - Review & Giveaway
http://www.twochicksonbooks.com	Two Chicks on Books	5/9 - Top 10 list
Http://www.goodchoicereading.com	Good Choice Reading	5/10 - Dreamcasting #2
www.mundiemoms.com	Mundie Moms	5/11 - Character playlist #3
Http://www.loveisnotatriangle.com	Love is not a triangle	5/12 - Interview
http://fangirlish.com	Fangirlish	5/13 - Review & Giveaway