Welcome back to my first Q and A for the 2021 season. I’m thrilled to be featuring friend and author, Vashti Q Vega today for a little Q & A and some insights about her riveting new book, The Rise of Gadreel, which I recently devoured and reviewed for my first Sunday Book Review of 2021. Vashti’s book is the 3rd in this engrossing fantasy angel series of good versus evil.
No thanks to Amazon for NOT displaying my review on their dot com page as usual, as they seem to treat us Canadians like lepers. But I really did put it up on Amazon too, as well as on Goodreads. But onwards, now that I got that out of my system, let’s get to know more about Vashti and her beautiful book!
About Vashti Quiroz-Vega:
Vashti Quiroz-Vega is a writer of Fantasy, Horror, and Thriller. Since she was a kid she’s always had a passion for writing and telling stories. It has always been easier for her to express her thoughts on paper.
She enjoys reading almost as much as she loves to write. Some of her favorite authors are Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling and George R. R. Martin.
She enjoys making people feel an array of emotions with her writing. She likes her audience to laugh one moment, cry the next and clench their jaws after that.
When she isn’t building extraordinary worlds and fleshing out fascinating characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband JC and her Pomeranian Scribbles who is also her writing buddy.
Blurb:
In The Fall of Lilith, award-winning author Vashti Quiroz-Vega took readers inside the gates of heaven for a front-row seat to Lucifer’s rebellion. In Son of the Serpent, she introduced Dracúl, tormented offspring of fallen angels. Now, in The Rise of Gadreel, Quiroz-Vega is back with the next chapter in her Fantasy Angels saga—a gripping tale of hope and redemption set against the fiery backdrop of a demon’s insatiable thirst for power and revenge.
Lilith is gone, suffering the torments of the damned in hell. Satan, once known as Lucifer, endures endless agony in an earthly prison. Yet their foul legacy lives on, spread by a corrupted priesthood that uses the blackest magic to fan the flames of evil and hate throughout the world.
The former angel Gadreel, who fought and fell alongside Lilith and Lucifer, only to join Dracúl in his fight against them, is weary of war. Repenting of past sins, she wants nothing more than to be left in peace. But when a new threat to humankind arises, Gadreel is given the chance she has prayed for—the chance to earn God’s forgiveness.
Now, with the aid of Dracúl and a trio of uncanny allies—a man of air, a man of stone, and a woman of fire—at her side, Gadreel must find the courage to confront her past and forge a new future for herself . . . and the world.
First Review:
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021
characters. Usually, I write my first draft as it comes out of my head. It
isn’t until I begin my revisions that I then notice that some of my traits
and quirks have made it into some of the characters. Honestly, there are
times that I don’t notice at all until someone I know reads the book and
points it out.
that, I wouldn’t have any writing material (ha-ha). I lead an ordinary life.
That being said, I do have an adventurous spirit and an imagination that
knows no bounds. If I see something that catches my eye or hear
something that winds itself around my ears, I make a note of it. If I run
into someone at the grocery store, pharmacy, mall . . . and they have an
eccentric way of pronouncing certain words or move their hands in an
oddly interesting way as they speak, I make a note of it. I enjoy watching
people and listening to them speak and then writing down any
appealing peculiarities they may have.
today. I think, if people of different races and religions would make an
effort to learn about each other, we would see that we’re all the same in
the basic sense. We all want similar things. If we got to know each other
better instead of believing in the stereotypes shown on TV and in
movies and amplified in the media, we would definitely get along better.
It is impossible for everyone of a certain race, color, or religion to be all
bad or good.
Do you watch TV? If so, what is your favorite show and why?
For some reason, I am obsessed with crime dramas like Criminal Minds,
Law & Order, CSI, Chicago P.D., and others. I have to exercise discipline
because I can watch those all day. My husband always says he doesn’t
understand how I haven’t written a crime thriller already since I enjoy
reading and watching them so much. I’m actually working on one right
now. 🙂
D.G. – Wow, that’s interesting because I love watching a few if those, and police procedurals too, fascinated at what spurs criminals to act as they do – the human condition. Although, I stopped watching Criminal Minds a few years ago as I found it was getting way more graphically violent, which I cannot watch.
Do your books have messages in them? If so, what are the messages you feel are well received by your readers?
Yes. All my books have messages in them: “there are always
consequences to evil deeds” is a predominant message in my Fantasy
Angels series. There are also messages of good and evil, physical and
internal suffering, deception, revenge, hope, and redemption in my
stories. I don’t believe in sugarcoating evil people or their acts. I
understand that good people do bad things at times, but sometimes a
person is just evil and enjoys doing bad things. I enjoy making that
distinction.
D.G. – As one who has read almost all your books, I can verify those messages threaded in them.
Excerpt from The Rise of Gadreel
In this excerpt, my main character Gadreel and her close ally, Dracúl meet
Sabina for the first time. Although the three of them become close friends later, Dracúl and Sabina have a rocky start. (This excerpt is in Gadreel’s POV)
“My name is Sabina,” she said.
“What are you doing here?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m a plague doctor trying to save these people, like the sick
man said. They suffer from the plague.”
“I have seen plague doctors before, but none dressed quite as elaborately as you,”
I said. “All the doctors I have met have been men. I had no idea female doctors existed. What plague were you treating them for?”
“One of many afflicting the people of this land. And perhaps you’ve never met a
female doctor before because I am the first.”
I picked up the mask from where she had placed it on the ground. As I examined
it, I caught whiffs of lavender, mint, camphor, cinnamon, and sage. The herbs and spices were mixed with straw and filled the beak.
“I don’t understand. Why do you wear such garments and this mask stuffed with
herbs and straw?” I asked.
“To protect myself from disease and miasma, of course.”
“What is miasma?” I asked. She stared at me like I should have been aware of this.
“Miasma is a noxious form of bad air that spreads disease. The herbs and essential oils in the nose of my mask protect me from inhaling the bad air. I also rub essential oils and herbs on my body and on the bodies of the sick.”
“You’re a witch.” Dracúl jumped to his feet. I raised a hand, stopping him where he stood. “Is this true? Are you a witch?”
“I am. As well as a plague doctor.” She shifted on the ground and glanced at
Dracúl. “I practice white magic, but I’ve put no spells on these people. I’ve only used natural remedies to try to cure them. But what has worked five hundred times before hasn’t worked here.”
Dracúl lumbered to my side, pointing at Sabina, his eyes fixed on me. “A witch is
a witch to the church, whether she applies white or black magic. She practices witchcraft, so I thereby accuse her of heresy.”
“You’re wrong!” Sabina cried out as she jumped to her feet. “I come from a long
line of witches, and we’re not all the same. Does the church damn you as a devil?”
Dracúl lurched and clutched his heart as if struck in the chest by the hilt of a
sword. He swallowed hard, and his hands trembled.
“I had no more choice being born a witch than you had being born a devil . . . or
did you choose to be so?”
“I did not.” Dracúl’s emotional pain seeped out in his words. He stared at the
ground as he spoke, his tone much softer than before.
Sabina’s eyes followed something from the area above my head to my arm. A
purple emperor butterfly landed on my forearm. Afterward, a kaleidoscope of butterflies hovered around me, sporting iridescent wings that shone blue or purple in the light. Some landed on my shoulders, arms, and head, while others continued to float about.
“It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen butterflies. Not a single milk thief has
fluttered by since I arrived here. Perhaps they stayed hidden from the state of the world,” she said softly, as though shouting might scare them away. “Yet here they are. They are drawn to you. Butterflies represent hope, change, and life. You must be someone extraordinary. Who are you?”
I held out my hand, and a butterfly landed on my palm. “I see you,” I tell it. “Now
go. Do what you’re meant to do.” At once, the butterflies swirled to the sky in a colorful tornado, vanishing into the clouds. Sabina stood motionless, gawping at me.
* * *
I loved this book and the excerpt. Thanks to Vashti for visiting here today and sharing some of herself and her writing.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VashtiQV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vashtiqvega/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vashti-Quiroz-Vega/e/B00GTXG5W4/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vashtiwrites/
DGKayewriter.com 
Debby, a wonderful interview with Vashti and I love learning more about her life and interests.
Vashti, first the name of your dog is inspired! Scribbles!! Just perfect! Oh, I used to be a criminal TV addict until I think I overdid it and had to take a break. They are great shows to watch and how exciting that you are now writing a criminal book. Your husband must be chuffed that he was right all along!
Good luck with Book 3 in the series and congratulations for all the great reviews. Debby, I’ve heard from friends in Canada who have also tried to post on Amazon on America without any luck. Grrr… same for us over here! Oh well, they’ll always play by their own rules!
Wishing you both a fabulous weekend! Hugs, Annika xx ❤️
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Hi Annika. Thanks so much for visiting and adding to the conversation. The first 4 comments here mentioned the interest in crime dramas, lol. Are we we writers all drawn to police procedurals? LOL. Yes, Amazon can be quite discriminating when it comes to us Canadians and Brits! Happy weekend to you too my friend. ❤ xx
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Hi, Annika! I’ll let Scribbles know how much you like his name. 😀 I definitely limit how much I watch. I know crime shows can be a bit much sometimes. You’re so right, Amazon does play by their own rules. When I published ‘The Fall of Lilith’ I had the same problem, the international reviews did not show up on the .com until much later. Then when I published ‘Son of the Serpent’ all reviews automatically showed up on Amazon .com from the start. Now, I’m back to the same problem. Oh, well. What can you do? My husband was the person who encouraged me to take my stories out of the show box and publish them. He’s always been supportive that way. I’m so happy you enjoyed the post! Thank you for the visit and great comment!
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I enjoyed this Q&A, ladies! And can relate to much of it 😀
Vashti, wishing you all the very best with this latest book in the series. I’m working my way through my TBR! 🙂
Debby, it’s lovely to see Vashti here today. Thanks so much for hosting 🙂
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Hi Harmony. Thanks for dropping by and leaving your kudos for Vashti. So glad you enjoyed. ❤ 🙂
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I’m glad you enjoyed the Q & A, Harmony! Thank you for the kind wishes and support. 😀 xo
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I loved this interview with Vashti, Debby – especially reading about her love of crime dramas and the message in her books. What a fabulous extract. Toni x
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Hi Toni. Thanks bunches for reading and so glad you enjoyed. Looks like crime dramas may be an addiction for many of us writers, lol 🙂 xx
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Yay! I loved your comment, Toni! I’m happy you enjoyed the interview and excerpt. Thank you very much! 😀 xo
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Yes, I like watching ‘Whodunnits’ too. I like trying to figure it out before the ending! Enjoyed reading this interview, Debby. x
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Thanks so much Stevie. Go figure we’re both detective-like, lol. ❤
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I do the same thing, Stevie! I think we love the challenge of solving the case. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Thank you for stopping by.
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Hi, Debby! Thank you for welcoming me to your lovely blog once more. I visited Amazon CA and saw your wonderful review. Ritu also wrote a review on Amazon UK that didn’t make it to Amazon.com either, so don’t take it personally. 😉 I guess Amazon will put them all on their .com when they’re ready. I’m so happy to be here again. Thank you for sharing Denise’s review. I also enjoyed your comments to my answers. I’m so grateful for you. ❤
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It’s a pleasure having you over Vashti. And I’m thrilled to be sharing your beautiful books here today – not your average fantasy story, with touches of realism strewn through. I hope my readers take advantage of your generous sale on the first two books so they too can enjoy the whole series. ❤ xx
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I’m so happy you enjoyed the series. I appreciate you, Debby! ❤ xo
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Thank you Vashti. I appreciate you too. ❤ xx
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This interview reveals how Vashti is close to realism despite her focus on fantasy. The way she incorporates values without preaching them is the hallmark of her books. I have always admired her talent.
Thank you Deb for your challenging questions, they bring out the best of Vashti’s books.
Wishing her great success with her new release.
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Thanks so much Balroop. Indeed, Vashti has a magical way of including many real life issues through her fantasy story. That’s why I enjoy her books so much. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. ❤
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❤ Vashti
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Oh, Balroop, you just made my night! Thank you for your lovely comment. The admiration is mutual. ❤
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Thanks for sharing this lovely Q&A with Vashti, Debby. Her comment about people not being tolerant of difference in any form makes me reflect on how little much of humanity has learned from our horrible history and how little things have changed over time. Of course, I am happy to note that there are many people who are different now, lack of tolerance is no longer a blanket feature of societies. There are lots of enlightened and lovely people out there to help improve things and spread a positive message.
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Hi Robbie. Thanks for chiming in here. I totally agree with you – I think humanity is still only slowly opening their eyes. We always have so much to learn. And Vashti’s book will ultimately teach us that if we pursue the road to conquering evil, we will prevail. ❤
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You’re too kind, Debby. Thank you. 🙂
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Just sayin’ 🙂 x
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Robbie, I believe that with the advent of the internet and social media people have slowly come around, but there’s still a lot that needs to change. I’m hopeful that some day we would see each other as one race––the human race. 🙂
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Wonderful review Debby and Vashti.. and we enjoy those crime programmes too and enjoy solving the murders before they do… lovely to find out more about you and what inspires you to write..I will share in a blogger daily on Monday.. have a lovely weekend..hugs to you both ♥
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Thanks so much as always Sal for sharing. And I guess we all learned something here from comments – writers love solving crimes LOL ❤ xx
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I’m happy that you enjoyed the Q & A, Sally! Welcome to the club! Ha, ha. I guess we writers have inquiring minds. Thank you for sharing, my friend. I appreciate all that you do for the writing community. Have a great weekend! Hugs & Kisses ❤
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❤
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I loved this interview! I was thrilled to read you are writing a crime thriller. I admit to loving those types of shows too, but I tend to watch the older stuff. Good news!
Thanks for hosting Debby:)
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Hi Denise. Thanks so much for dropping by. Are you talking about Columbo? Lol? 🙂 xx
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Hi, Denise! Welcome to the club, ‘Writers Who Love Crime Shows!’ Ha, ha. What older stuff are you referring to? I’m so happy you enjoyed the interview. I woke up one morning with all these ideas for a crime thriller, and I wrote a bunch of notes. I’m working on the outline now. I have a lot of research to do, and it won’t be easy, but I’m looking forward to it. Have a great weekend! 😀 xo
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Congratulations to Vashti on the wonderful review from Denise. I must get to this. i really enjoyed the other books in this series very much. A lovely Q and A ladies, wishing you much success! xxx
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Thanks so much Marje. And good to hear you’ve read the others in this series. You’ll be in for a treat. Hugs ❤
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Hi, Marje, I’m thrilled with the reviews I’ve gotten so far for this book. I’m happy you liked the other books in the series. I hope you enjoy ‘The Rise of Gadreel’ just as much or more. Thank you very much!
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Congrats to Vashti! A wonderful review from Denise and fun interview, Debby. I was particularly interested in Vashti’s response where she talked about bad acts versus evil. So interesting. I noticed that in the first book too. Great excerpt!
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Thanks Diana. Almost similar to your latest series and world events that inspired your muse ❤
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Hi, Diana! I’m beyond ecstatic that you enjoyed the excerpt. It’s that feeling you get when a fellow fantasy writer that you admire approves your work. I’m glad you enjoyed the Q & A too. Growing up in a religious home and reading a myriad of religious books through the years, it’s become clear to me that sometimes good people behave badly and they shouldn’t be confused with evil people who take joy in hurting others. Thank you!
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This is a fantastic Q&A! Vashti, I had to laugh out loud at your comment about living an ordinary life. I can relate to that so much. But in the imagination, there are no boundaries, as is evident in your work. I love the overarching theme of good vs. evil. You chose a wonderful excerpt here. Thank you, Debby for hosting and for all the awesome questions. Best wishes, Vashti!
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Thanks so much Jan for dropping by and leaving your good will. So glad you enjoyed. 🙂 xx
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Thank you for your kind words, Jan. I’m happy you enjoyed the interview and excerpt.
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The book sounds excellent and a typically fascinating Deb interview. TV shows–I used to love the police stories but have moved on to survival stories (like Life Below Zero). There’s a lot of similarity between those two genres.
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Hi Jacqui. Thanks so much for your kudos, and yes, there is a lot of similarity between the two. 🙂
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Hi, Jacqui! Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I’ve been curious about that show. I will check it out. Thank you, again.
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I wish Vashti success with her books, including this one.
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Thank you Norah 🙂 x
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That’s so sweet, Norah. Thank you!
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Great interview, Vashti and Debby. I’m more of a reader of crime and thriller stories, so I’m eager to hear more about Vashti’s WIP (although I must catch up with her early work as well). I don’t watch a lot of TV these days, but I’m also a follower of those programmes. I love horror and have never written a horror story, but I keep thinking about it. I also enjoy reading historical fiction but it is not a genre I’d consider writing, so I guess the two things don’t necessarily go together.
Good luck to Vasthi with her projects, and I look forward to the next interview, Debby.
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Thanks for adding to the chat Olga. Yes, I hear you. I love historical fiction, though would never attempt to write it. As you know, I don’t read horror. A good crime thriller is always a good read in between my favorite – nonfiction reads. ❤
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Hi, Olga! Thanks you for stopping by and for your awesome comment. I appreciate your support. ❤
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