Introducing Karina Kantas
Where did the idea for the story come from?
A lot of In Times of Violence is biographical, experiences I went through when I was a teen and some of it is fiction. I’m a huge fan of S.E.Hinton’s novellas. The Outsiders hit me the strongest.
They were outsiders. Never felt like they belonged anywhere, but they had a family and a bond so strong they would die to save the other. That’s what I was looking for a band of brothers that would respect me for who I was and would love me as a sister even though I wasn’t blood.
Summarise Your Book In Ten Words.
2021 Outsiders on motorbikes. A story about wanting to belong.
Give a quote from the books, one that says little but speaks volumes.
‘I needed to smoke though, It was my way of leaving everything behind and going into my own world. Just for a short while I didn’t have to think about anything, not even myself. It was as if I was in another place with nothing around me but peace and calm. Only the effect would wear off and reality crashed around me.’
Give a short summary of what the book is about.
After her 18th birthday, Jade knew she had to get away from her alcoholic mother and clingy boyfriend. She wanted to experience life out of her crummy village. And boy did she get that experience. Not long after moving in with her distant aunt and cousin, she soon saw the Tyrants, a street gang who road motorbikes in the summer. Jade knew that this was the family she’d been looking for and she’d have the adventure she craved. But she got more than she bargained for. Not just from a rival gang, but by falling in love with her boyfriend’s brother.
A dangerous love triangle that could have got them killed. But they weren’t willing to give each other up, even with the threat. But sadly, they left it too late.
What genre is it?
Mature YA urban thriller.
How many pages is it?
122
Why do you think the readers will want to read it?
This is a coming-of-age story, that many will be able to relate to. It contains all the right ingredients to make the story and exciting and a riveting read.
Where are you located?
Greece but I’m from the UK where the story is based.
Description
In Times of Violence
Urban Romance Young Adult Edition
Jade had been sheltered most of her life. Living in an isolated village with only sex and drugs to entertain. Her mother is an alcoholic and her father doesn’t give a damn.
Her only way out is to beg her Aunt to allow her to stay as a guest in their London house.
Jade meets fate head on in the form of a gang leader, Marcus, president of the Tyrants. She finally finds a family that loves and respects her and they are not BLOOD. Nothing comes easy to Jade and she is forced to fight to keep her title and status. Then just when life starts to go right, one-night changes everything.
A raw emotional story about love, betrayal, and sacrifice.
“In Times of Violence had an addictive storyline. I actually got up in the middle of the night to finish reading it. I loved Jade, although I don’t fully understand her or her motives.”
“Do not miss this book. Jade, Marcus and Dylan will bring out the feels.”
“Remember it’s not always blood relatives that make a family!”
Excerpt
“You’re not fit to be a mother. You’ve no idea how to look after yourself, let alone a child. You should be giving me respect. Do you know who I am, Mum?” Although tempted to tell her everything, I decided to keep my mouth shut. “For the first time in my life, I’m happy, and I have a life, no thanks to you. I have a great boyfriend and loads of friends. So, if anyone deserves respect, it’s me.”
She looked livid, and seemed ready to pounce, which would have been a big mistake on her part. Although my mother, I’d gladly take her down a peg or two.
“I think you better get out of here before I lose my temper,” I warned.
“This is my house. No one tells me what to do in my own home,” she shouted, spilling her drink on the floor.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Calm down, Mum. Why don’t you get another drink before you have a heart attack.”
She didn’t find that amusing and charged at me. “You little bitch. I’ll teach you not to talk to your mother like that.”
I stood my ground and pushed her away. She fell drunkenly to the floor. If she wanted a fight, she would get one. She sat on the floor glaring at me, trying to decide what to do next. Luckily for her, she made the right decision. Pushed herself up from the floor, she patted down her blouse and looked at me before turning around.
“You’ve got minutes to get out of my house then I’m calling the police.”
That was fine with me. I’d packed what I wanted.
Karen J. Mossman 