I have the pleasure of welcoming young adult author Dan Wells to the blog. I am a big fan of his ‘John Cleaver’ series having read ‘I Am Not A Serial Killer‘ and ‘Mr Monster‘ and you can read my review of ‘I Don’t Want To Kill You‘ the third and final instalment of this series later today.
I also have a fantastic giveaway of ‘I Don’t Want To Kill You‘ at the end of Dan’s post so make sure you enter!
Please welcome, Dan…
I Don’t Want To Kill You is the last in a trilogy about a boy named John Cleaver—a teenage sociopath who’s trying to be as good as he can possibly be, even though it goes against everything in his nature. He is obsessed with death and serial killers, and works in his mother’s mortuary because it gives him the chance to be around dead bodies in a “healthy” way, if such a thing is even possible. When his town is threatened by a series of supernatural serial killers, even the police are helpless, and it’s up to John to save his neighbors the only way he knows how: by being an even bigger monster than they are.
The thing I loved most about writing these books was the chance to explore that last little idea: who is the bigger monster? When does “helping the good guys” become “hurting the bad guys,” and what is the difference between them? As one of the characters in I Don’t Want To Kill You says, “You’re trying to stop a killer by killing. Whether you succeed or fail, our community will still have a killer.” Digging down deeply into the similarities and connections between John and the demons he fights gave each book a unique, creepy flavor, and a particular theme that even I didn’t notice until after each manuscript was written.
The first book, called I Am Not A Serial Killer, was about connection. John, as a sociopath, finds it almost impossible to connect with other people in any kind of meaningful way—he can’t feel what others feel or even understand why they feel that way. As with many real life sociopaths, he barely even feels like he’s part of the human race. The demon in that book was literally not a part of the human race, and yet always strived for the same connection, for the ability to link himself with others and become a true member of the community. John and the demon were both missing pieces of themselves, and tried to fill those holes as best they could. In the end, many readers felt as endeared to the demon as they were to the hero, and as scared of the hero as they were of the demon. I love that.
The second book, called Mr. Monster, was about addiction. John has spent his whole life trying to avoid any kind of violent behavior, terrified that once he started he wouldn’t be able to stop—and after the end of the first book, that’s exactly what happens. He’s felt what it’s like to hunt somebody, to terrify somebody, to hurt and even kill somebody, and even though he knows, intellectually, that it’s wrong, emotionally he can barely contain his urges to do it again. He wants the rush of it, the drug-like high that comes from hearing a scream and watching the fear light up in someone’s eyes. The demon in that book is also an addict, though it would be spoiling too much to tell you what he’s addicted to. It drives him, it guides him, it consumes his every thought and action, even when he knows he should be doing something else. The “winner” of their conflict won’t be the strongest or the scariest, but the one most capable of controlling his addiction.
And now we have the third book. I Don’t Want to Kill You is about obsession. It’s about wanting something so much you destroy everything in your path just for one chance to have it, one chance to reach out and hold that one amazing thing that will change your life and solve your problems and make everything perfect. John is obsessed with, quite simply, the demon: he’s not waiting around for another attack, he’s actively hunting it this time, stalking it with a single-minded passion that threatens almost everyone in town. The demon is stalking something as well, but I won’t tell you what. It was fascinating to delve into the mind of a stalker for this book, seeing the way their whole lives become wrapped around that one thing, that one person, that one ideal that they can’t get out of their heads. I Don’t Want to Kill You is the wildest book in the series: it has the happiest moments and the darkest tragedies, it has the deadliest threats and the direst consequences, and in the end it has the biggest question.
How far will John go to get what he wants?
Thanks Dan!
GIVEAWAY!
I have FIVE (5) lovely UK copies of ‘I Don’t Want To Kill You‘ for FIVE (5) lucky winners courtesy of Headline!
All you have to do to enter is the following:
1. Leave a comment for Dan
2. Read Book Chick City’s giveaway policy
3. Fill out this form
4. Only one entry per person
This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and ends Sat 22nd Jan!
GOOD LUCK!
71 Comments
That trilogy sounds just like the kind of thrillride I love when reading! Will have to check the author out whether I win a book or not, that's for sure!!
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Being a fan of Dexter, this trilogy seems to be the kind of story I'll love to read. It's going straight to my TBR list!
Angela Guilherme
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"it has the happiest moments and the darkest tragedies'
how creepy is that? the last installment sounds intriguing. I better check the other two.
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I can't wait to read this series! It sounds like exactly my cup of tea! I'll be picking it up asap. =)
Ringingbell02@aol.com
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That really sounds creepy but compelling.. sociopath as the main "hero". I would give it a try!
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I agree with Birgit, the trilogy sounds great, I have decided to this year read books that I would not necessarily read and this set of books sounds just in that category!
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This sounds like a really difficult idea to both write and read. It intrigues me to read this story of a young sociopath coming to life in front of my eyes but it also scares me a bit.
A great combination I would like to read.
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This sounds really scary! I'd love to read it.
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I have a whole house full of YA readers: 3 teenagers and myself and somehow this is our first exposure to this author. I'm with whoever mentioned that "if they won they's have to get the prior two workds". We're gluttons that way…have to get every last word!
FUN CONTEST!
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Whoa, what a great plot line for a series. And you have to be a great author to make it come alive like that.
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This trilogy sounds great! This is so going on my tbr pile.
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Looks like a great series of books! Looking forward to reading it soon!
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Sounds scary – but in a good way. Now I'm curious.
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I am, like Landslide, a big fan of Dexter, and I would love to read this triology! I put it on my "to read" – list
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I couldn't wait for the first one and actually purchased it from the UK so I could get it faster. I bought the second one shortly after it came out and finished it in one night. Now I am dying, and dreading, to read this last installment. Totally awesome series.
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Forget Dexter for a minute, Dan has created an amazing character in John. Don't get me wrong, I love Dexter but this series really is amazing in the struggles of a possible serial killer.
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Forget Dexter for a minute, Dan has created an amazing character in John. Don't get me wrong, I love Dexter but this series really is amazing in the struggles of a possible serial killer.
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I'm a big fan of the series and I can't wait for the third. John is fantastically scary, but we can't help but love him anyway.
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Your books have been spectacular so far, Dan, I can't wait to read the third!
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Dan is probably tired of the Dexter comparisons, not that they aren't a valid thing to be discussed. I've found John Cleaver a far more compelling character. And the fact that Dan's books have direction put them way ahead. Dexter meanders quite a bit.
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I've been following Dan on Writing Excuses and his blog since late 2008 when his, Brandon Sanderson's, and Howard Tayler's little fifteen minute show changed my writing life for the better!
Finally, in December 2010, I devoured IANASK, and can't wait to scarf down the other two. Dan, you're awesome! And Book City Chick, thanks for holding such an AWESOME contest and for hosting Dan Wells, an a-may-zing author, on your blog!
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I've read the first two. I hadn't thought of them as books about connection and addiction, but that's very apt.
The final paragraph of book 2 has me chomping on the bit for book 3.
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Haven't heard of the books but reading the post certainly made me curious. Would definitely check this trilogy out! Thanks.
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Since reading the last sentance of Mr. Monster I've been waiting on pins & needles for Book III! Can't wait! Big fan !
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Loved the previous 2, and can't wait for the new book, especially with the way Mr. Monster ended. Wish it was out here in the US!
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this sounds like a geat series!
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I LOVE these books! Dan, you're amazing!
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I read the first book and I really liked it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
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Dan Wells is one of my all time favorite authors. He even attended my neighborhood book club when we read I Am Not A Serial Killer and joined in the discussion. What a gentleman to give of his time. I would love a copy of I Don't Want to Kill You.
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Fantastic interview! I list to "Writing Excuses" regularly and am an avid fan of Dan's novels. Here's hoping I can win a UK copy!
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Hi Dan. You're books sound really interesting. Am going to have to pick myself up some copies!
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Hi Dan,
I can't wait to read your third book…despite the fact I have not forgiven you for the cat.
For all of you who haven't read the first two books, I highly recommend them. They are fast paced, well written horror romps through the psyche of a compelling main character! Go get 'em and be prepared to read them straight through without stopping to breathe.
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I enjoy ther Dexter series but that is a TV series and these are novels so comparisons are not really fair.
This sounds like a new slant on a similar (but not the same) idea.
I have not read the first two books but if I get lucky enough to win this one and I enjoy it, I will certainly add the other two to mu wishlist.
Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.
Much appreciated.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
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I now know far far more about embalming than I ever wanted to but I could not put the first two books down. They really are great, even for someone (like me) who isn't really a reader in that genre. I cannot wait for the third one.
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John sounds like the kind of grey hero I like reading about – will look forward to reading about his obessession!
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Cant wait to read this trilogy. I will have to get them whether I win one or not sounds like my idea of reading heaven.
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I have to agree with everyone is saying away with the Dexter comparisons.. Dan Wells has created a character in John Cleaver who deserves to be recognized in his own light.
I can easily say that the this series was easily among my favorite reads in 2010 and eagerly anticipating the conclusion, which just based upon people comments, I can't wait to read. If the other 2 books were excellent and everyone is saying the 3rd one is best of the trilogy, you can understand why I'm a little giddy to read it.
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sounds like a fab read – can't wait to give it a try!
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This sounds like a set of books i'd really enjoy, I look forward to reading them
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I love this concept! Sounds outstanding!
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I have not read any of you books as yet but your books sound really interesting will have to seek one out the next time I'm at the bookstore
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This trilogy has been on my radar for a very long time. I better start reading
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I don't think things will end well for John – seems he's gone too far down a slippery slope now. I'd really like to read the trilogy – what I find most fascinating (and creepy) is that I feel any one of us could be like him, thinking we are doing the right thing in the first instance and then everything spiralling out of control. Thrilling stuff!
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I just recently added this series to my wishlist. It sounds awesome!
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Wow, all of your books sound fascinating, I would love to read them!
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Sounds great – I've put on my 'To Read' list – Many thanks
@philibaldi
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this sounds brilliant really want to read
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I have heard lots of good things about this series, I have bought the 1st book and it should be arriving anyday, so I will be enjoying it soon.
Whenever I start reading a new series, I usually get the first book from the library and if I like it I usually buy the series after that.
When I went to the library to get I am not a serial killer, they didn't have a copy, but they did have a copy of I Don't Want To Kill You on order.
Why would anyone order the 3rd book and not order the 1st or 2nd?
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This book sounds creepy! One of my fave kinds of books.
Adding it to my TBR list.
adsanders77 at gmail dot com
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This series reminds me of Dexter, but it's certainly interesting, I'd like to read it!
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Sounds like a terrific horror book. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read it. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com
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Oh wow! This trilogy sounds wickedly awesome. I love to watch the documentaries on serial killers and what makes them kill, so this sounds exactly like my kind of book. Its a nice contrast to YA fiction, more sinister and creepy!
holz_twilight@msn.com
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Sounds like a thrilling read!
lgm52@hotmail.com
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This trilogy seems so dark and creppy, but amazing too! They remind me of Chelsea Cain books! It's going to my TBR pile! Thanks for the giveaway!
sweet.sayumi@yahoo.com.br
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Sounds like an exciting series. Count me in and thanks for the contest.
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I really should get the series
I already wanted to read the books, but now I want to read them even more! Great post & thanks for the giveaway!
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sounds like a great series. very dark but engaging!
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This sounds like an incredibly compelling read. Definately going on my books to read list
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I'm reading (and loving) the second book, so I just can't wait for the final installment…sounds so creeping great!
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I agree w/Landslide! Sounds deliciously twisted, and the trilogy is going on my Amazon Wish list!
-Nancy Gazo
1bookwyrm@bellsouth.net
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wow. I havent heard of this series but im happy i did! Im gonna read them alll!!!!!!
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Ive never heard of this series, but im happy i did! Its def on the top of my to read next list!
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The premise of the trilogy sounds very intriguing. Even though it is not the kind of book I normally pick up, I have to say, curiousity is getting the better of me…
Thanks for the giveaway!
chibi.pooh@gmail.com
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As a big fan of the series, I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on this one!
@jaimecheese
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Book sounds fab would love to win. But if i do i think i'd have t buy the others in the trilogy to read first
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I love trilogies and once you start you have to go all the way to the end
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I have been wanting to see read this book. I have just started watching Dexter too, it's great! Definitely into this genre right now
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The book sounds great and if I don't win I will probably buy. Thank you for the giveaway
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This book sounds great, I like dark reads
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Dan really must possess a compulsive Hyde alter ego else writing such a story would have been impossible. That also makes him something like R.L.S!
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Your book sounds great
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