– Sebastian, you are a Watcher angel. How do you feel about the recent trend and love teen girls and women have for angels in YA literature?
Sebastian shrugs. It’s not something I’d thought about too much until recently. I always believed most humans would find the reality of how we live terribly boring. After the war and until a short time ago most lived just like everyone else. Your doctor or the young guy working in the animal shelter could be one of us. There are certain people more attuned to what’s going on. Humans can’t see us as we really are but some feel something isn’t right anymore. It might explain the trend. We are all on the brink of something big and humans need to reassure themselves we are here and that we care enough to want to fight for them.
– Is there any angelic misconceptions that drive you nuts, or you wish people understood?
Hmm. That angels fall in love every time they rescue a human. He laughs. It simply doesn’t happen that way. He frowns and scratches his jaw thinking the question over. Okay, seriously. Not all of us wanted to be human. Being human isn’t that great. There are parts that aren’t so bad, like music, but your emotions are messy; your bodies are weak and wear out quickly. I hate it when humans presume all angels are jealous. We aren’t. My choice had nothing to do with wanting this life. From what I recall, many of us were happy just to watch and stayed behind when the rest came here.
– You’ve seen so much throughout human history. What was or has been your favorite time period? Favorite human advancement or invention?
Wow, there are so many. When humans were still tied to the ground we could fly but there are limits to how far we can go. Do you know the story of Icarus?
Icarus was the child of Daedalus. Daedalus built wings of wax and feather to escape the island where they were exiled, but warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun. Icarus, in his excitement did just that. His wings were destroyed and he fell to his death. I am trapped here, just like Icarus was on the island, but there is always the temptation to go too high, to try to reach heaven.
In the early 1600’s telescopes were invented. I apprenticed with a person named Galileo while he worked on his early version. It improved on earlier prototypes and for the first time in a very long time, I felt I was really among the stars again. I continued to work with several astronomers right up to the mid 18th century.
– One thing I was very interested in discovering in Ember was your relationship with Brie. You referred to yourselves as siblings but it seems as though the relationship is complicated and unique. Could you explain more about the bonds between certain angels?
Sebastian looks down, for the first time breaking eye contact. He picks at a thread on the seat beside him as he speaks. It’s not unique but it is rare and we have no name for it. Draven and Ananchel share a similar connection. His voice is quite with a note of melancholy. The bond goes deeper than blood or love. I don’t know why some were created this way. It’s one of those things I don’t remember. Some form of protection maybe. I guess you could say Ambriel was the pin than held me down. We are opposites in so many ways but fit together. For a time I was completely lost without her. I’m not sure I can make you understand. A connection like ours is strong…was strong. We used to be able to sense each other anywhere. Falling ended that.
– I don’t want to give away any spoilers of the story, but I must say that you had me swooning at several different parts. The book discusses angels who fell to experience human love and relationships, but it is clear through Brie and Gabe’s relationship that love can be experienced and shared within an angelic relationship as well. What is different about falling in love with a human or sharing those experiences with a human girl versus an angel?
Sebastian looks up again and his expression seems to brighten for a moment. I would have thought that was obvious. He smiles. Longevity. I don’t have a frame of reference but from what I can tell, within a relationship love is love. I’ve seen angels in relationships with humans, it can be intense but fleeting by comparison. He chews his thumbnail and hums thoughtfully but holds his gaze steady. A frown crinkles his brow as if reminded of something unpleasant. Before you say it, I know Candra is human, but she’s something else too. Anything could happen.
– At the end of Ember, we are left with the feeling of something brewing. Sebastian, do you have any thoughts on what the future may hold for the Watchers, and for you and Candra?
We don’t have much time left and I have a feeling not everyone will live through this. Ultimately, whatever happens in the end will be up to Candra. She is strong but only time will tell if she’s strong enough to make the choice that will save us all and if I’m strong enough to let her.
– Awesome! Thanks Sebastian! And thank you, Carol, for the really fun read! This is the second book that I’ve read of hers and both have been a lot of fun, and very steamy 🙂 To follow Carol’s journey, be sure to visit her blog, send a ‘what’s up’ on Twitter (@caroloates), or friend her on Facebook.
