Throwdown Thursday: Swag vs. None

Throwdown Thursday is a weekly thing (hosted by the Neverending Shelf and thanks to All Things Urban Fantasy who opened my eyes to it) where we tackle books with similar characters, covers, themes, etc. to determine which one rocks more. It is up to YOU to determine the winner.

Stacia Kane's UK and US cover art for the Downside books, Unholy Ghosts, Unholy Magic and City of Ghosts took the spotlight of last week's Throwdown. The leading covers through visual preference were . . . . the US -- with the UK ones being a close second. Love the explanations that accompanied these votes!

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This week, I'm pitting the existence of promotional items from authors such as bookmarks, rack cards, bookplates, cover flats and swag such as pens, stickers, magnets, badges and posters against not having them at all.

Possessing any, where do your feelings lie? Possessing none, would you like to?

Do you find use out of them? Treasure them? Never use them?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments . . . .

'Four centuries ago, Irena and Alejandro would have succumbed to the need smoldering between them — if a demon and a monstrous bargain hadn’t shattered the possibility of love. Torn apart by shame, Irena avoided Alejandro for centuries — until a vampire’s call for help throws her into his arms again.

Alejandro can control fire, but he’s never been able to control — or quench — the flames between him and Irena. And he knows Irena, hardened by her hatred for demonkind, will never accept that he now works at a demon’s behest. But even as he fights for a second chance, a shocking betrayal and a deadly prophecy shake the foundations of the Guardian universe, and all Hell threatens to break loose...' -- Demon Forged.

'Long before she was transformed into a Guardian and trained to fight demons, Rosalia knew darkness all too well. Raised by a demon, Rosalia learned to guard her heart—and her soul—until she found a man worthy of her love. Once, she thought that man would be the powerful vampire, Deacon…until he betrayed the Guardians.



After losing everything to the lies of a demon, Deacon lives only for revenge—and is taken aback when Rosalia offers to help. A vampire who has nothing—who is nothing—isn’t worthy of her attention. But Rosalia wants to do more than just look, and the explosive need between them can’t be held in check. And when Deacon’s vengeful quest creates a dangerous alliance of their enemies, she will be his only hope...' -- Demon Blood.

*Rack cards and bookmarks via Meljean Brook's site.

This Throwdown will remain open until 14th July, 2010.

'Seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas, where nanotech is fused with Victorian sensibilities—and steam.' -- The Iron Duke.

'“Brook brings together two broken heroes in the high-stakes sixth Guardian paranormal romance… Fans won’t be disappointed.”' —Publishers Weekly* -- Demon Blood.