Inkwell Guest: Jean Murray

Today I have paranormal author Jean Murray. She’s taken some time out to answer a few questions about her writing and her books.

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Thanks for stopping by today, Jean! It’s always a pleasure to have another paranormal author here. What made you want to write paranormal romance?

My journey to writing was an odd one or at least I’ve thought so. I always had these stories running through my head to “pass time.” Never once did I think to write them down. I describe my journey to writing as enlightenment, as if someone flipped a switch. Want to guess what the trigger was? Yes, my first paranormal romance. It opened a whole new world for me. I’m attracted to paranormal romance because there are no limits to creativity– a place where humans can be not-so-human with abilities, skills and strength beyond our capacity. Heroes can cry-love-rage on scales not normal to our society’s expectations. Heroines are lethal warriors and vulnerable in the same breath. Not to mention the amazing world behind the characters. Paranormal romance stimulates dreams of a strange or different world from our own. I’m in love!

Where do you find your inspiration?

I love to delve into mythology, find that unanswered question and exploit it. For my Key to the Cursed series, I turned to Egyptian Mythology, specifically the afterlife. It has always fascinated me the complex belief Ancient Egyptians had about the soul and its journey to the afterlife. What about the gods that ruled this world and the spells cast upon the tombs to protect the dead from evil spirits? I don’t think it gets any better than that.

Who is your favorite author?

I enjoy dark paranormal. I’ve really grown to love JR Ward and her amazing contribution to series based novels. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series has amazing and complex characters that are not perfect by any means, but demonstrate an amazing amount of loyalty to each other and their mates.

Tell us about your upcoming release, SOUL AWAKENED.

I’m so glad you asked about it. The Key to the Cursed series follows three sisters and their fated mates, Gods of the Underworld on a journey of love redemption and war. Soul Awakened, the second book, revolves around Kendra, the youngest of the Carrigan sisters. Kendra, a young Egyptologist and demi-god in waiting, must release Bakari, the God of Death from his tomb. He is their only hope of ending the curse against humankind, but the god who awakens is not the same after years of torture at the hands of their enemies. Bakari awakens to an unbearable hunger for the one woman he does not deserve. His salvation resides in Kendra alone. Only one problem—his brother (Bomani) wants her for himself.

Back Cover Blurb:

LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR

Kendra, a young Egyptian Archeologist and demi-god in waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian Death god from his cursed eternal sleep, but by doing so she inadvertently binds herself to him changing her life forever. She may have to sacrifice her innocence and possibly her soul to save him before he becomes his family’s worst enemy.

SINS OF THE PAST BECOME SINS OF THE FUTURE

Bakari awakens to a world at war and a woman who has tethered his soul to hers. The god who awakens is not the same after years of torture by his enemies. Kendra is his only hope at salvation, but does he want it? The only thing standing in his way is Bomani, Legion Commander, who vows to keep him from the one thing he craves—his parvana. His butterfly.

Is this book related to SOUL REBORN?

Soul Reborn is the genesis to the series. I had so much fun holding back the secrets in this book until just the right moment. Lilly is the strong Alpha female that is risking her life to correct her mistake. Asar has been hunting the goddess who stole his soul, and will stop at nothing until everyone responsible is dead. Little does he know the huntress who has captured his heart is on his hit list.

THE HUMAN REALM, HIS BATTLEFIELD.

Asar, the Egyptian God of the Underworld, has been tortured and left soulless by a malevolent goddess, relegating him to consume the very thing he was commissioned to protect. Human souls. Now an empty shell of hatred, Asar vows to kill the goddess and anyone involved in her release, but fate crosses his path with a beautiful blonde huntress who has a soul too sweet to ignore.

DEADLY SECRETS BETTER LEFT UNEARTHED.

Lilly, fearless commander of the Nehebkau huntresses, is the only thing standing in the way of the goddess’ undead army unleashing hell on earth. But Lilly has a secret—one she is willing to sell her soul to keep. If the Underworld god discovers her role in the dig that released the goddess, she will lose everything, including his heart.

What other things are you working on?

I wish I could type as fast as my brain creates stories.

I’m actually working on Soul Unleashed, the third book in the Key to the Cursed series (Kit’s story) and two secondary character novellas. Kit’s book is going to be pretty dark, but will still retain the love of two tortured souls—Kit and Kamen. Humans’ most dark and vile secrets will be revealed in this story. This book will be the finale to the trilogy and the final battle with Apep. Kit and Kamen will have their HEA. Their love demands to be heard.

FIGHTING FATE HAS CONSEQUENCES

Kit, a Nehebkau huntress, wants nothing to do with her heritage as a god, when it has only caused her suffering and pain. Not to mention her nanny is a foreboding and dangerous God of the Underworld, who tests her conviction.

WHEN CONTROLLING TEMPTATION IS NOT ENOUGH

Kamen has sworn to protect the Mother Goddess’ offspring, but Kit is a handful. Her insistence on thwarting him tests his control. She doesn’t know what she’s playing with— a beast that hungers for her soul. One taste and her fate is sealed.

Thank you, Michelle for having me here today.

About Jean:
Jean Murray was born and raised in a small town on the east coast. In her pursuit of a nursing degree, she aspired to see the world and joined the Navy. One of the benefits of her membership in the Armed Forces, she has had the opportunity to travel and live in different parts of the world and the United States. Her travels abroad have given her the opportunity to experience different cultures. It inspired her to delve into Ancient Egyptian myths and legends for her Key to the Cursed series from Crescent Moon Press.

Find Jean at:
Author Website | Key to the Cursed | Wicked Romance Blog – promoting readers, writers, bloggers and authors
Facebook | Twitter | Soul Reborn Trailer | Soul Awakened Trailer | Key to the Cursed Trailer

Find her books at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks
Available in eBook and Print