Allison van Diepen is the author of Street Pharm, Snitch, Raven, The Oracle of Dating series, The Vampire Stalker and Takedown. Her novels have been named ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers and New York City Public Library Books for the Teen Age. She holds degrees in History and Education, and teaches at an alternative school in Ottawa, Canada.
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Why I think Allison is a Rockstar!
When I first saw all the different books that Allison has written and published, I was amazed! It’s awesome that she’s published such unique stories in such a variety of different genres, and I hear that all her books are really dark and gritty. But that doesn’t surprise me after I read on her bio page that her best friend as a kid was not allowed to play with her because Allison’s stories gave her nightmares. I love that! Now that’s a true rockstar!
Darren took the fall for Diamond Tony, the notorious head of the city’s drug cartel. Two years later, Darren’s finally out of juvie—and determined to get even.
Working as an informant for the police, Darren infiltrates Diamond Tony’s operation. But falling for sweet, innocent Jessica was not part of that plan. She’s a distraction—and a liability. She’s also everything Darren dreamed about while he was locked up, and with her, he has the promise of a fresh start.
When a deadly turf war breaks out between Diamond Tony and the Bloods, Darren gets caught in the crossfire. The cops think he’s playing both sides, and any mistake could be his last. Darren has to stay on his game if he’s going to protect Jessica—and if he’s going to stay alive.
Lines are clearly marked at South Bay High School. It’s mixed territory for the Crips and the Bloods, which means the drama never stops.
Julia DiVino wants none of it. No colors, no C-Walks—it’s just not her thing.
But everything changes when Eric Valienté transfers to South Bay and rolls into her life. Lines are redrawn. And then they are crossed.
Ty Johnson knows survival. The supply game’s in his blood. And now that he’s taken over his pop’s business, Ty’s smarts and skills have earned him some serious street cred. But Alyse knows nothing about Ty’s reputation, and he’s determined to keep it that way. She’s too beautiful, too brainy, too straight-laced to ever get involved with someone who deals. As long as Ty walks the line, life’s pretty sweet.
Then one slip—one serious competitor—and things turn ugly fast. Suddenly Ty’s got to rethink his whole strategy. And for the #1 dealer on the streets, strategy is not just about staying ahead. It’s about staying alive.
Zin is like no man Nicole has ever met, and he carries with him a very old secret. When Nicole uncovers the truth, her love may be the only thing that can save him from it.
Amy is in love with Alexander Banks, a brooding, handsome vampire hunter. There's just one problem: He doesn't exist. Alexander is the hero in a series of popular vampire novels, and Amy has breathlessly followed all his fictional adventures.
Then, late one night, fiction becomes reality.
Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander Banks. In fact, he IS Alexander, come to life from the pages of the book. And he's in hot pursuit of Vigo, the ruthless vampire who has also crossed over into Amy's city. As Amy struggles to unravel the mystery behind Alexander's arrival, she must help him track down Vigo before too many lives are at risk. But attraction, danger, and dark secrets soon collide, leaving Amy to wonder if the greatest thing at stake... is her heart.
Mindy: Hi Allison! Welcome to Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.
Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming release, Takedown?
Allison: It’s about a teen who comes out of juvie and wants to settle a score with a drug kingpin. School Library Journal just called it the “Y.A. version of The Wire”.
Mindy: How would you describe the characters in Takedown and their personalities?
Allison: Our main character, Darren, is smart, determined, and tough as nails. But he also loves his little brother and his girlfriend so much, and would do ANYTHING to protect them. As for Diamond Tony, he brings evil badass to another level. He HAS to be taken down, and Darren’s just the one to do it.
Mindy: What was your favorite scene to write in Takedown?
Allison: The big showdown near the end. It will NOT disappoint!
Mindy: You’ve written both Urban Fantasy and Contemporary. Which is easier for you to write and why?
Allison: You might think the world-building involved in urban fantasy is more difficult, but coming up with a realistic, exciting story can be tough as well. When it’s realistic, you have to play by the rules of nature and of society… and I’ve never been good at playing by the rules. ☺
Mindy: Why do you prefer to write Young Adult novels?
Allison: The teen voice feels natural to me. And I’m a high school teacher, so I’m very connected to my teen self!
Mindy: Do you prefer to write a stand-alone or do you like writing series?
Allison: It’s important to me that all of my books stand alone. BUT I like writing books with connected characters. As a reader, I’ve always enjoyed seeing characters I know return in a different capacity.
Mindy: I've heard that you will have some of your previously published books re-released. Is this true? If yes, which books and in what order? And, which re-release would you most like us to read?
Allison: Yes, STREET PHARM and SNITCH are being re-released alongside TAKEDOWN. They’ve been updated and will have fresh new covers. You can read them in any order, as long as you read them!
Mindy: Do you have any other books in the works? And, if yes, can you tell us something about them?
Allison: I’m writing about a teen who’s witnessed a murder, and falls in love with the leader of a mysterious street gang. Stay tuned! And don’t forget to look me up on Facebook for the latest updates…
Mindy: Thanks Allison for stopping by Magical Urban Fantasy Reads! You're a rockstar!
Allison: Ah, stop it! ☺ Thanks for having me.
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