Character Interview and ARC Contest: Gray from Frozen by Erin Bowman

I'm so excited to have Gray from Erin Bowman's (amazing and painful) series Taken and the upcoming Frozen here today! These are some of my favorite books, and I mostly want to kidnap Gray, wrap him in bubble wrap, and hide him from Erin for all the things she puts him through. And if you thought Taken had some punches, wait till you read Frozen. Because. Wow. And ouch.

So let's get to it!


Describe yourself in four words.

This feels like a test...

I'm pretty stubborn. And impulsive. A good shot with a bow and a loyal brother.

Oh, look, I've already failed and gone over. But come on, four words? How can anyone be summed up in four words?


What is your biggest fear?

Losing my brother. I know I act like he's a pain--always playing the parent between us, nagging me left and right--but he's my second half. When he was Heisted, it was like I misplaced a piece of myself, like I was slowly coming undone. Then I got him back and realized I never wanted to go through that again. I don't know how to be without Blaine. I'm lost without him.


So.. you've found yourself in a bit of a tight spot caught between Bree and Emma. I'm going to keep my (very strong) feelings to myself, but what's the hardest thing for you in having a connection to each of them?

This is one of those questions where I'm going to sit here smiling and pretending you didn't ask me something so personal, and you're going to move on to the next topic without batting an eye.

(Kari's insert - I am totally batting eyes here. Darn you, Gray.)


Considering the title of book 2 is Frozen, what's worse for you: Freezing, or being too hot?

Heat's not so bad. It usually lets up when the sun goes down, and on a really sweltering day you can always ditch layers. But extreme cold? There is nothing worse than being unable to get warm, shivering no matter how much clothing you pull on. When you can't feel your toes and a deep breath burns like fire, hibernating animals start looking a lot smarter than humans.


Are you glad Emma followed you over the Wall, after all that happened afterwards, or do you think she would've been better off to stay?

She definitely would have been safer if she stayed behind. But that's not what you're asking, is it?

Here's the thing--It doesn't matter what I think now. Emma followed me because she wanted answers, and now she has them. Now she sees that staying in Claysoot would be the same as living in a locked cell. It's a prison, that place we called home. I'm glad she's out, even after everything. I'm going to get them all out.


What was your first kiss like?

I was twelve. Rosie Santersen dared me to shoot one of Blaine's arrows over the Wall. I told her no, he'd be furious. Then she said she'd kiss me if I did it. So I went and fetched my bow. Blaine was furious. He had me make five new arrows to replace the lost one, but it was worth it.


Boxers or briefs?

Like, boxes and crates? Debriefing sessions during a meeting? I don't know what you're asking me.

(Kari's other insert, I'm choosing to believe this means he goes commando.)

Finally, I have to ask. If you could get back at Erin for all the torture she is putting you through, what would be the first thing you do?

I think I'll hold off on saying anything just yet. Maybe Erin has a happy--or even semi-happy--ending in store for me. I'd hate to give her a reason to upend that.

That said, if something horrible does happen, I hear she hates clowns...


So there you guys have it. If you haven't met Gray before, I hope this entices you to get his book! He's a favorite of mine, that's for sure! And he kind of breaks me. Or maybe that's Erin. Because she's really kind of mean? (In a good way, I think?) (Okay, my heart is still bleeding but whatever.)

And for those of you who have read the first book and are as eager for the next one as I was, I've got an ARC of Frozen up for grabs to one lucky winner! This is US Only, and just fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter!

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