Book Review & interview: Hurricane by Jenna-Lynne Duncan

 Hurricane
Author: Jenna-Lynne Duncan
Publisher :  Divertir Publishing LLC
Pages : 208 (Paperback)
Published : August 9th, 2009




This is a paranormal tale which included a multitude of paranormal elements and characters.  Not only was the story creepy and intriguing but there was also a love element.  Besides the turmoil of being hunted by a witch, falling for a distant guy and having dreams in which she can see the future, the main character is also fleeing from the biggest hurricane to hit New Orleans! 
For me, this book was a page turner.  There was so much happening and just when it thought I was about to get off the roller coaster, it took off for another spin.  There are so many elements to this story, so many characters and forces at work, I thought the title was really fitting.  Although the hurricane is one point in the story, there were so many additional things and plots that I felt that the story in and of itself was a hurricane.  I felt I was being swept up into the hurricane with the characters, wondering where we all would end up.  The story moved along quickly and was very fast paced.  The thing I think I most enjoyed about this book was when I thought I had figured something out, I was wrong.  I like being surprised by something that I thought I had so cleverly figured out and am wrong about.  It adds fun and excitement and this story definitely did this for me.  When I finished this story I wanted to read more, I didn't want the characters' story to end, and luckily for me, it's not going to.  Jenna-Lynne is working on her next book in the series and I cannot wait to dive back into the hurricane and see what they have in store for me next!

Read the interview I did with Jenna-Lynne on her first novel Hurricane, down below. 

1.       1.  This is your first novel, how did you feel while going through the process of writing and having it published?

The writing came naturally for me. It was my first shot at a novel but I have written short stories before. I love to write and read a lot. I was surprised at the publishing process. It is not what I thought, let’s just say that. Nonetheless, I was very lucky to have it accepted for submission on my first query. I had heard all the horror stories about getting a book published and I wish I had done more research but in the end I have come out very knowledgeable.

2. What was your inspiration for Hurricane?

Hurricane was based on a short story about a kidnapping I wrote when I was younger. The setting of New Orleans and Katrina fit naturally as I am from there and couldn’t think of a better place to set it. A lot of the details came to me in dreams. I get so wrapped up in the characters that if I’m lucky, I will dream about my story.

3. Now that Hurricane is out in stores, do you think you will create a series?

Yes, I wrote Hurricane with the intention of making it a series. I am currently hard at work writing the sequel and have plans for a third.

4. Where do you like to write and what was most fun about creating this novel?

I like to write very early in the morning. I just kind of crank it out and then go back in and re read it the next day. Rinse, and then repeat!

5. Hurricane is a YA book, do you have plans to work on more YA books or perhaps branch out to adult fiction?

I am open for anything! I love YA though and in addition to book two in the Hurricane series, I am writing some other YA novels. No matter the genre, I love writing romance and don’t think any of my novels will be without a romantic element.

6. What would you like people to know most about Hurricane or why they should buy this book?

A portion of the profits from each sale of Hurricane will be donated to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. (www.Habitat-NOLA.org)

Hurricane is a novel that really means a lot to me because of the setting of New Orleans. I tried to emulate that precise culture and atmosphere that is unique to New Orleans so readers can share in my love for the city. A lot of people who live in or have visited New Orleans, share in the intrigue for this mysterious city so I think it is something a lot of people can identify with. It is also unique as it is a YA novel about Katrina. The Katrina experiences in the novel were real experiences. Most of the places in the novel are real places including the Lalaurie mansion. Madame Lalaurie is an old ghost story and I was more than happy to put an interesting spin on it.