THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
ANGEL and DEMONS Series
Get a behind-the-scenes all-access pass to Skylar West’s ANGELS AND DEMONS series!
Synopsis:
This series is intended to be read in order! It has a full cast of characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This series is action-packed, full of suspense, and the chemistry and explicit sex scenes are smoking hot!
This series circles around siblings Isabelle, Jax, and Finn and their wild ride of discovery of being Angels and their true place in the world and their fight to save it.
I have an extensive reading knowledge of various forms of worship. Having read the Koran, the Bible, and Buddhist texts. I was inspired by the idea of good and evil and essentially A&D sprung from a desire to share an idea, that things are not always as they seem. That, we, mere mortals are only told a fraction of what's really going on. The series is a big WHAT IF.
What are the sub-genre and tropes? Did your characters lead you to this genre or was that decided before the story began?
This series isn't as paranormal as it is a contemporary series, occurring in our world at this time. There are two heroes, Iver, and Isabelle. One is a hero through design, while the other is created by character and circumstance.
Because the story is essentially shared through several viewpoints, you could also say that in addition to this contemporary, supernatural sub-genres of romance, there is also more than one trope ... the hero, heroine, alpha Dom, and soul mates.
Are you more character or plot-driven?
I would have said plot driven in the past, but I am more character driven now as a writer. I soak in the characters first and foremost then move on to how they could meet, what characteristics they will have, and how to best showcase them.
There are many main and secondary characters in this series, how do you keep them separated in your mind? Do you have a story/vision board above your workspace?
I'm not sure if I should be proud or chastise myself, but I do not have a board or post-it notes and I generally am writing a book and editing another while outlining a third. I do however have a notebook with my current work with me at all times. So I will make a few notes, especially when a series is new as that is when the most research is required.
I like to mix real places and circumstances with my works of fiction. As an example, at the end of book 2, Iver and Isabelle are off on their honeymoon. They end up at Ivers Scottish castle, Balmorton, which is based on a true castle in Scotland owned by the English royal family. The dimensions are also real, but that is where the similarities end.
I know from previous interviews that characters take on a life of their own. Were any of the characters in this series determined to take their own direction instead of where you initially wanted them to go?
Yes, 100%. Originally, Raphe was to be one of the main characters and be one of the storytellers. Hence, First Born Love, a free novella created for my readers and Raphes' back story. Because he is our male POV's best friend, we needed to know more about him.
But as I began to write book 3, I realized I would not be able to blend his story in with the others so I directed the series to be about The Ackles siblings as their roles grew extensively through the series.
Also, I love the character Archer, also know as Permelus and Aquarius. He and Raphe are Iver's best friends, the ones he can depend on no matter what. But again, there was no room for his back story although it is made reference too often throughout the series.
Francesca wrote herself out of the series, lol and Finn needed a new love interest.
Are any of the male POVs based on anyone you know?
Every single male character has traits that are based on the best in the men I know or have known, or how I would imagine they would be in my story.
My husband, my dad, a few friends from school, the ones I am drawn to, share some characteristics with those men in my life.
But a big part of them is based on what I feel my female POV requires in a male POV.
Are any of the female POVs based on anyone you know?
Yes, I don't believe any writer can write a purely fictitious story without drawing on some type of experience.
Isabelle is a drummer and a business owner in her everyday life. She loves music and engaging in playing as long as she isn't the frontman. I played drums for a brief time and was a professional model and dancer as well as an athlete, so I use what I know of the angst, the work ethic, and the operations to build the role of my female POV.
Was there any one character that was harder to write about than the other?
Finn and subsequently, his relationship with Violet.
Iver and Isabelle grew organically and I never had to stop and think about where they were going. I always knew their ending.
Lillith and Jax changed directions on me a few times and they have a few surprises in our last installment, The Savior.
So, Finn, I needed him to be that sibling that was always in the last place without being weak. He needed to grow but also fight the process without appearing petulant. I feel I accomplished this and love how he develops through the 6 books, with the biggest shifts taking place in the last two.
What is your favorite book in the series?
I have two ... book 3, and book 6.
Book three because there is a major plot twist that I loved writing. My editor commented when she sent back my first edits. I caught her by surprise.
In book 6, there is a transformation that I had been dying to write, that I allude to it in books 4 and 5. There is some foreshadowing there for one of the main characters and once the transformation takes place, it ramps up all his scenes and sex scenes.
I was having to fan myself a few times when I wrote them.
I know that we aren’t supposed to have “favorites” as far as our children, but seriously, who’s your favorite character and why?
I love Iver, he really is the perfect man, mate, alpha. I needed him to stand out against all those hot sexy immortals, so instead of him being perfect, he is perfect for her and that is why he is my fav.
Who is your favorite couple and why did you decide on their dynamics? Angels aside, they come from such different careers and backgrounds? How do you get inside these character’s heads to find their perfect HEA?
I love Lillith and Jax's dynamic. They are so different and for the first two books, he is quite happy to be with someone he connects with as this is a first for him.
In the beginning, Jax's willingness to role-play all of Lillith's fantasies makes him appear almost as an indulgent boyfriend. But as he learns more about himself and his origins, it changes his character and he becomes more of a leader in the relationship, although the two make it clear they are on equal footing.
Lillith goes through some self-doubt at various times throughout the series, primarily after learning of Jax's ancestry. She feels inferior and wonders if she is enough for the larger than life Jax Ackels.
What scene in this series sticks out the most for you? Why?
The canvas painting scene between Finn and Violet was an almost visceral experience. I imagined the paint on my skin as I rolled around and felt like I was there as I typed the scene.
Were any of the books harder to write than others?
Yes. By far the hardest was book 6. I took a break for several months and put out the first two books of two new series. It wasn't coming back to the series that was hard, it was that it was ending. I had to write endings and that was hard.
I love the multiple POVs in this series. It’s not just the hero and heroine, but we get inside the heads of multiple characters throughout this series. I feel that it gives the story further depth. Do you think you will write another book or series following this multiple POV outline?
I will for sure. It gave me tremendous pleasure. Unfortunately for me, Supernatural is not a huge selling genre. So these books didn't do as well as anticipated. Maybe I should have called it fairies and dangerous creatures, lol.
People seem to have a stigmatism about what they think this series is about. I think the naysayers should give it a read.
How long did it take you to write this book/series?
One year for the series.
How did you come up with the title for your book and (if applicable) series?
I loved Dan Browns Angels and Demons book and borrowed that for the series name. When I was writing book one, Fallen Angel, I had originally labeled it Dark Angel Fallen. But for those that have read the series, know that not all the fallen are dark, so I changed it to Fallen Angel.
If you met these characters in real life would you get along?
OMG!!! Yes, I'd like to think we would be besties, lol.
Did you know in advance that you were going to write this as a series or did one of the characters in book one demand their own story?
I originally saw this as a 12 book series and yes, I definitely planned a series and not a single title.
But as I have alluded to in other questions...the characters shifted and the story focused more specifically on the three siblings and their significant others so 6 books made more sense.
There is room for a spin-off series.
If your book/series were made into a movie, which actors do you see as playing your characters?
Iver looks like a Viking and I could see the actor Alexander Ludwig from Vikings playing Iver and the talented young actress Millie Bobby Brown playing Isabelle.
Can you give us a hint as to what we can expect next from Skylar West? Just a small tease?
Hmm, the next big release will be under my alternate pen name Rogue London. A new series with book one hopefully releasing end of September.
Think exotic locations, plot conflicts, and hot sexy Dom's to make everything better, lol :-)
Blurb:
Iver Eriskay, a billionaire immortal, has been given a mission by the archangel Michael, to find the missing savior and keep her safe.
Isabelle has dreamed of becoming a famous musician. At twenty years old, that is all she cares about. Then a tall, gorgeous stranger enters her life, and when they touch, sparks fly.
Isabelle tries to control the bolt of electricity she feels every time the sexy demigod, Iver Eriskay, is within range. But how long can she resist his pull? Will Isabelle accept Iver's dominance and protection?
If you love dominant men and strong female characters, then you'll love this first installment of Skylar West’s Angels and Demons series.
Publisher’s Note: This sci-fi romance is the first of a new series. It contains a theme of power exchange.
Blurb:
It's not about love for Iver, although he has that in spades for Isabelle. It's about keeping her alive.
Isabelle has accepted her immortality and her reason for being with the handsome, dominant demigod, Iver Eriskay. What she learns next will not only shake the foundations of her identity but the folds of humanity.
As Isabelle and her family lean into the demands being placed on them, who becomes the weakest link? And are love and loyalty enough to see them through?
If you love dominant men and strong female characters, then you'll love the second installment of Skylar West’s Angels and Demons series.
Publishers Note: This is a steamy sci-fi romance containing graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.
Blurb:
For Iver and Isabelle, the honeymoon doesn't last. As a new threat looms on the horizon, the fragile balance the pair have worked so hard to build is about to crumble.
Isabelle’s brother, Jax, is completely in love with Lillith, but he wonders if they have what it takes for the romance to last, while Finn battles against an increasing sense of unease with his partner Francesca.
Book three revs things up in the Angels and Demons series, new love, new hopes, and new threats will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Publisher's Note: This steamy action-packed romance contains graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.
Blurb:
The immortals are facing a new challenge as the nightmares plaguing them turn into reality.
Iver and Isabelle have enjoyed a short respite from attacks by the demon forces and business responsibilities in New York. Now, safely ensconced in Balmorton Castle in the Scottish Highlands, they turn their focus to the birth of their babies.
A demon of massive proportions is coming. When Jax and Isabelle are captured, the immortals find themselves journeying on a path never traveled by demons or angels. Deep in the abyss, there is only one creature that exists, and they are about to meet.
Will the encounter be their end? Or will the creature older than time give them safe passage home and back to the ones they love?
Publisher's Note: This steamy paranormal romance contains graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.
Blurb:
Iver becomes aware of a new plot to take down his brother-in-law, Finn. In disguise, Iver escorts Finn and his girlfriend Violet to Russia for an art opening featuring Finn’s work.
All the immortals know that Finn is considered the weakest of his siblings. Even the trip to the abyss, to save Isabelle and Jax, hasn’t changed that fact. He knows the demons are gunning for him.
Finn stands at the precipice of two doors. But only one will give him the power to save his love, Violet.
Will Finn find the strength and resolution to wear the mantle he was destined to wear and rescue his true mate?
Publisher's Note: This paranormal fantasy contains a theme of power exchange and graphic sexual scenes. If these are offensive to you, please do not read.
Blurb:
Iver
I had lived and fought for thousands of years, always winning the war. Why was one lone female so difficult to protect?
My gaze never faltered as I watched and waited for some sign that my wife was alive. Hours passed, as I fought the urge to tear down the world to find her. My barely contained wolf growled, and from my depths, a lone howl filled the night air. I promised when I got my hands on her, she would learn that her place was by my side.
Isabelle
Since returning from the lagoon, I had packed Sandalphon away. Like a toy a child had grown bored with, I didn’t want anything to do with my angel self.
The eve of war is upon us and Iver has become so much more than an offspring of a fallen. He has morphed and his wolf is the stuff of legends, huge, winged and coming for me. I have disobeyed him and when he finds me, I will feel his wrath. Shivers of anticipation race down my spine as he pursues me, his words echoing in my mind… You are a very naughty girl, Isabelle, and you will be punished...
Publisher's Note: The steamy conclusion to the Angels and Demons series contains graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.
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