Meet Ruby and Blane from Catherine Stine's Ruby's Fire

Today I have Ruby and Blane from Catherine Stine's Ruby's Fire with me. I know you'll love them, but first, here's a little about Ruby's Fire:

“Seventeen year-old Ruby and her little brother Thorn, have only known a life blighted by the extremist Fireseed Cult. The night Ruby is set to be claimed by one of its cruelest and oldest leaders, she makes a bid for freedom. With Thorn in tow, she stumbles into the world beyond, and finds an opportunity for a fresh start in Skull’s Wrath under the guidance of Nevada Pilgrim, a woman who may not be all she seems. Ruby's new life could bring her friendship, love, even fortune, but nothing comes without a price. Is Ruby's talent for elixirs keeping the roof over their heads, or do some of her associates have a more sinister and lucrative interest in them? Life outside a strange cult isn't without its dangers, and the experience leaves Ruby transformed and communing with the Fireseed more closely than she ever would have imagined. Stine delivers a thrilling adventure led by an exciting cast of characters, and the romance is really well handled.”   -YA’s The Word

Ruby

Seventeen year-old Ruby’s afraid of how beautiful she is because it’s always gotten her more attention than she wants. She has wild blond hair and a halo of curly bangs. She’s a master of mixing elixirs, a skill her father taught her when they hunted cave lizards and milked out their venom. She wears a belt brimming with pouches for catching lizards and beetles. She grew up in a strange desert cult, but she never realized how dangerous it was until the night she escaped. That’s why she still needs Oblivion, a sleeping drug that she concocted, but would like to kick.

Blane

Eighteen year-old Blane is the resident bodyguard at The Greening. He’s also a student there. He has massive shoulders and a chiseled face, yet the crafty glint in his hazel eyes and his spray of honey-hued freckles suggest a lighter, even playful side. He escaped East Coast sector where he lost his entire family, including his beloved dog, Cloud, in a horrific tsunami. There’s a rumor going around that his mother was a geneticist and his father was a brain surgeon back in the day, but Ruby doesn’t believe it because Blane likes to mess with her head. Blane spends a lot of time surreptitiously tracking Ruby, trying to figure her out.

Now, welcome Ruby and Blane!

Tell us, Ruby, what do you really want in life?

I want to earn enough money from my elixirs to buy a big wave-colored house out in Vegas-by-the Sea. I’d save my mother from the cult, and install all of my friends there. I’d hire a special tutor for my little brother, Thorn, so he can retrieve the sentences and phrases that the elders beat out of him.

Blane?

I want a good meal of northern Restavik boar. I want to play soccer. I want my dog, Cloud back. I want to be with people who bring something to the equation. (Gives Ruby a long, soulful stare) I want to be left alone.

(Ruby elbows him)

Liar!

Blane, what’s your favorite color?

(He glances over at Ruby, then away). Yellow, blond, like her hair.

Ruby?

Blue, the color of waves. I imagine them constantly—the bluest ever. If I win a finalist spot in the Axiom contest, I’ll get to see the Pacific.

Blane

I’m going to win a finalist spot. You’ll have to contend with me. Do you think you’d be able to stand a ride on a hovercraft together?

Ruby

(Slides a finger down the bridge of his nose, and says slowly, teasingly) As long as you bring something to the equation.

Thanks, Ruby and Blane!

Catherine's been generous enough to offer a giveaway in addition to letting us spend time with her characters. To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find Ruby's Fire on:

Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

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