1. In what countries are ARCHON and its sequels being published?

ARCHON and its sequels are to be published in the English language on a global basis, and this includes the United States, United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe, and Asia among other countries. It will also be published in the native language of Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Russia.

2. Where do you get the ideas for your novel/novels?

My inspirations are many and varied ranging from everything to favorite books, to music, to popular movies. I take a lot of imagery and inspiration from anime and manga as well, both of these being personal hobbies. Since I was very young I always loved reading about mythology and world religions, and I was in the Catholic school system from kindergarten until my senior year of high school.

3. How much of your religious views are in your writing?

Very little, actually. I do believe in the existence of demons and angels, but not as they are portrayed in my own novel, which should be viewed as its own mythology. However, I do believe that demons and angels are alien beings very superior to us that should not be either trifled with or reduced to Hallmark figurines and Halloween costumes.

4. Your first book, ARCHON, is very dark and violent? Why?

ARCHON is actually the darkest installment of the trilogy, with the idea that there is light on the horizon. The first book is very gothic with all the traditional trappings of the genre, while its theme is inner pain, or the idea that most people hide themselves behind masks to be protected from the hurt others can cause them. My protagonist Angela is one of the lone exceptions to that rule as she bares her inner thoughts and self rather bluntly and openly.

As for the violence, the book has many action scenes and the idea was to push the reality that the supernatural is far from glamorous and romantic, but can be very deadly.

5. I was expecting this book to be a paranormal romance. Why aren’t there more love scenes in ARCHON?

ARCHON is not paranormal romance but rather is a paranormal thriller with an epic plot. While love and its lack or presence is the motivating force behind almost all the major characters, true love between people grows gradually and in a realistic way with all the gritty highs and lows in-between. Most paranormal romances work on the concept of lust or instantaneous infatuation. My intent was to write a real romance into the book where infatuation is revealed for the obstacle to real love that it can be.

6. I found the plot to be a little confusing. Why did you write it that way?

Not everyone finds the plot confusing, but you do need to pay close attention to what is going on in the story to get the most enjoyment out of the book. It isn't the best book for speed-readers or for someone expecting a forgettable read for the beach. Also, remember that ARCHON is a paranormal thriller and the plot of the first book is based on mystery. If I came out and told you everything all at once, there would be no reason to keep reading!

ARCHON also works as a gateway to a larger story, merely introducing many of the major characters. Trust me, if I could have written 600 pages more, I would have!

7. What character is your favorite?

Angela evolves into an incredible personality over the course of all three books, but besides her, I would have to say it is a tie between Troy and Israfel. Both are main players in the story, and ARCHON only introduces them. Israfel especially is a very rich and complex character who is not the villain he seems to be . . .

8. Did you intentionally write Stephanie Walsh to be a typical sorority girl? I hate girls like her!

Yes and no. Stephanie has a lot more depth than what she shows on the surface, but in a sense, I did write her to be a play on this type of character as they are usually portrayed in YA fiction.

9. Are ARCHON and its sequels adult or young adult novels?

They are both but probably shouldn't be read by teens younger than sixteen.

10. Where exactly is Luz and when does the story take place?

Luz is an island-city that was taken over by the Vatican and it is located off the American Continent. ARCHON begins in what we could consider a future a century from our present time, but I would also say that it is more like an alternate universe.

11. Why is it always raining in Luz? Couldn't there be a lot more sunshine?

In the world of ARCHON, the dimensions or Realms of the universe are collapsing, beginning with Earth. This makes the weather extremely unstable. Most people have interpreted it as a sign of the Archon's coming. Thus the intense and oppressive storms.

12. How much time do you spend writing?

If I am writing a first draft or making major revisions to a novel, it can take me up to eight hours in one day. Sometimes I will be awake until 2 in the morning!

13. Could you read a story I send you?

Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow for me to read others' stories at this time. But if you need someone to critique your work, you should definitely be able to find a good writer's group or even a conference in your general area.

14. How long ago did you develop the idea for ARCHON and its sequels?

ARCHON began its development six years ago, when I was graduating college. But it has undergone significant revisions since then.

15. You have a faerie named Tileaf in your story. How do faeries figure into this mythology?

One theory explaining the origins of faeries is that they were originally angels, but when Satan rebelled they were not wicked enough to be cast into Hell as demons.

In THE BOOKS OF RAZIEL faeries are angels who became disillusioned with Heaven and came to Earth to start their own kingdom.

16. Is the Book of Raziel real?

Yes! The Book of Raziel is a real text called a grimoire (or book of magic) said to have been penned by the angel Raziel himself. Raziel was supposedly the angel who knew all of the universe's secrets, and writing them down, he then gave the book to Adam and Eve until it was passed down through further generations to its present form. There are sections of the book that are said to be unreadable without Raziel's help. Most scholars believe the book was actually written in the Middle Ages. In legend, the Book of Raziel was made of sapphire.

17. Why aren't your angels and demons typically either pure good or pure evil? Why can't I tell if a character is a villain sometimes?

The angels and demons of ARCHON, while still being superior and otherworldly, are very much creatures like you and me. This means that they have their own goals, dreams, and desires, and behave in a realistic manner where the line between good and evil is blurred. For instance, what is evil in one culture is not considered wicked in another. Since they are alien creatures, they have a different moral and value system than humans which does not always correspond to our own.

18. How soon will Book Two be published?

Book Number Two in THE BOOKS OF RAZIEL trilogy is tentatively titled COVENANT and should be published in early 2013.

Do you have any more questions that weren't answered here? If so, email me at sabrina@sabrinabenulis.com and I'll help you as best I can!