In the first book, you meet Denni Laevary, a completely normal girl who lives in the UK with her not-so-normal boyfriend, Amos. She doesn't realize that their relationship is in his complete control, literally. Amos is what is called a Mind Breaker; he can control people by simply touching them and willing them to do whatever he wants. Denni has no clue that this world exists until the handsome Coffee Shop barista, Jack, realizes what Amos is doing. But how does he know this? Well, because Jack is a Mind Breaker, too, and to relieve Denni from the lie that was her life, he injects her with the serum that turns her into one as well. She's sucked into the world of absolute control, and the people who threaten to use it for evil. Along the way, she meets other Mind Breakers, and begins to realize that sometimes protecting her friends is more risky than she could ever imagine.
Next, I've got an exclusive interview with the stunningly gorgeous Chandler Dollahite, who portrays Alivien, and who is also the cover model for "Instead of This" (you can follow her on Instagram @mschannysteele)
Q: What was it like shooting as Alivien, and what did you do?
A: Shooting as Alivien was everything and more that I could have ever wished for! I was told only a little about her character, but that's all I needed to know. I have portrayed strong women before, but Alivien is so alluring in the fact she is such a dynamic character; she's tough and strong, but has a very big weak point. She's outspoken sometimes, to a fault, but she would lay down her life for people (mostly for her true weakness, Liz), and her only weakness won't give herself fully to Alivien, so it's beautiful but also tragic at the same time. As for shooting...I told Megan I was going to buy a bumper sticker that said "Dunked by Duke" because I was the only character that had to do 2 separate shoots in freezing water :) Call me lucky! The first bit was just Alivien (you can see that in the BTS video). I knew her background—girly, but she'll kick your butt—so I put together a black dress and motorcycle boots. I met Rebecca (Liz) the same day as we shot together, and we clicked very quickly (which is important when you have to jump into a character that loves her). It was easy to love the person Rebecca is, to want to protect her, and that's how I felt while we shot outside: portraying love, but also the tragedy of it not being fully reciprocated.
Q: In what ways do you connect with Alivien?
A:Alivien is a good listener and she really cares about people, no matter what her tough exterior gives off. You learn that as soon as she sees Denni in distress; she automatically asks her to tell her what's wrong, what's going on. Alivien listens to Amos, however, you see her firey side with Liz right off. She likes to block out her anger and hurt by using sarcasm and pretending like it just doesn't get to her. I can majorly relate to that because it's exactly like my own personality. She's been hurt by Liz, but of course she cares, and Liz's indifference makes it harder, so she automatically starts to make fun of Liz's house and furnishings. I'm very much one to bury my own emotions, just like Alivien.
Q: What other jobs have you done?
A: I've been a part of Insurgent (as a Dauntless rebel!) and in Mockingjay Part 2 (as a Capitol citizen). Ironically, I always seem to be cast as the tough-girl, kick-butt characters, which is totally the opposite of my personality!
Chandler was such a doll to talk to and get to know, and I was so excited to be able to interview her.
For Alivien in this next book, I really hope that her relationship with Liz grows stronger and that she will eventually be allowed completely into Liz's heart, because it's clear how much affection they have for each other. I also predict that her powers will soon be a dangerous force to be reckoned with, especially if a certain someone takes control of her in order to harm the others. Either way, I love seeing Livie's story gradually unfold as the books continue on.
Last on my blog tour is my piece of the cover reveal "puzzle"! To check out the previous puzzle pieces, check out:
www.novelstosong.com
www.abbeybooksandmore.blogspot.com
And to see more of the puzzle pieces, check out:
Tomorrow: www.analoves.com
October 26: www.alwaysandforeverfangirling.wordpress.com
October 27: www.abookwithbea.wordpress.com
OR, If you want to just check out Megan's page on Tuesday, the link to her blog is:
www.meganduke.blogspot.com
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That's it for today guys! I will be blogging more, hopefully, once I can fully get out of my reading slump, and for any special review requests or posts, find me on social media!
Instagram: @thebooklioness
