Dame Kaz
So today is The Day. It feels like such a long time coming, but this is the day that my debut novel releases in the US (it came out in the UK last week). Even though some (most?) online sites are still saying February 8th for The Iron Witch, it should be two weeks earlier than that… i.e. Tuesday, January 25th 2011. Today!!
When I first came up with the ideas that eventually became a novel, I was on my first vacation in a long time. I was in Portugal, actually, lying on a beach (under lots of shade – I burn easily!), and trying to make sense of the weird dreams I’d been having about a girl running through twisted woodland, chased by monstrous creatures riding on the back of a giant, fire-breathing black dog. Uh-huh… My brain is a strange place. 
Those images, combined with my geeky interest in alchemy and my growing interest in the ‘Armless Maiden’ folklore, all came together and ended up as The Iron Witch.
I can’t believe my book is finally going to be out there in the world! I honestly think it’s still sinking in…
Click on the cover image to read the first two chapters.
Donna Underwood is 17 years old and, although she grew up within our modern world, she has been protected by the Order of the Dragon – a secret society of alchemists operating out of Ironbridge, Mass. After the attack on her and her family ten years’ ago, Donna has iron tattoos branded into her hands and arms – tattoos which give her difficult-to-conceal super strength. The Iron Witch sees her finally having to get involved in the ‘silent’ war between the alchemists and the dark elves when her best friend, Navin Sharma, is abducted. She also meets a hot, half-fey guy who is willing to help her out – but what’s in it for him? (That’s Xan, and he’s already picking up a bit of a fanbase in the UK. *g*)
Anyway, that’s pretty much what it’s about: what will Donna give up in order to save her best friend? Is she willing to hand over the secrets of the alchemists?
I hope you’ll give the book a chance, and I’m happy to give away TWO signed copies to two of our readers here at the Deadline Dames. Thanks for all of your support – I’m proud to be a Dame and it’s been awesome to share this journey with you all. The giveaway is open to everyone, no matter where you live.
Leave me a comment here – there aren’t any rules other than just to throw your name into the ‘pot’ – and I’ll pull two winners after the closing date of Saturday (end of the day, anywhere) January 29th. I’ll announce the winning names next time I post.
Cheers,
Kaz 
About Karen
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations! Sounds like a great story. And the cover is beautiful.
Congratulations and happy release day
Congrats on your US release Kaz!! You know I love it already
Congratulations darling! I hope you enjoy your day <3 I'm sure tons of great reviews will appear around the blog-o-sphere today ^^
Congratulations, Kaz! It’s great to have a British urban fantasy author make a real debut in the States! Looking forward to reading it. x
Congrats on this moment finally arriving!! I’d like an entry!
Oooooooooooh!!! I want a signed copy! I’ve been wanting this book for ages now! BUt a signed copy? I want!!!
Wahoo! Congratulations, Kaz! May this be the start of a wonderful career.
i like the cover can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations!
Wow, I had never heard of the “Armless Maiden” folklore before. Now I can’t wait to see how that’s been included in THE IRON WITCH. Congratulations on the release!
The cover is gorgeous! I saw it in my local Tesco right next to Cat Clarke’s ENTANGLED!
Please don’t enter me, as I ordered a copy. I just want to say congrats to the lovely Kaz!
Congrats! Sounds like an great book!
Thanks!
Katie
Woo-hoo! Hurray for US book day! And for signed copy giveaways
That sounds fun and different. congrats on the new release.
Yay!!! Congrats– loading copy to my Ipad asap : )
Yay!!! Congrats!! Such an amazing accomplishment : )
YAY, its finaly released. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
Unfortunatly i havnt had the joys of reading it yet, even though it was released last week, im still waiting for it to be delivered even though it was pre-ordered in advance
Congratz! You book is so shiny. And alchemy is awesome. It’s part of the reason I love chemistry. Combining basic ingredients to create something spectacular. A lot like writing, actually.
Congrats on the release!
I can’t wait to finally read this!
Wow, this is so exciting! I agree that the cover is stunning. I’d love to add my name to the pot
Super, super awesome, best of luck!
Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
I soooo want to read this book. I have been hearing good things about it. Enter me please.
A huge congratulations on your debut! I’d somehow missed this one (and I love this blog) so it’s being added to my to-read list right now, free copy or not
This is very exciting, Karen
They were really promoting your book at ALA (even though they ran out of ARCs fast)!
Cool. I read the excerpt and got sucked in already. I’ll have to add this to my To Read list
Cool cover too.
Kaz, Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you! You better go out and celebrate. Enjoy this moment.
It looks fantastic! Can’t wait to read it.
Congrats on the release! I can’t wait to read it. =)
Congrats on your book release.
Congratulations! The story sounds like a winner, can’t wait to read it!
I don’t want to enter because I already have my copy *GLOATS* but I just wanted to say what a cool story of the beach…the image…that’s a really romatic way to begin a novel. And I LOVE the armless maiden imagery!!
Kaz! i can’t wait to read this one
Congratulations on it finally being released. I bet you’re super excited 
Congrats!
I thought this was an lovely book, with a gorgeous cover and a neat concept.
Which reminds me, I wrote a review… I wonder where I put it.
Congrats on the release! How exciting. Really looking forward to reading it.
Congrats on the release.It sounds like an awesome book.Beautiful cover.
Congrats! I have this book on my list to read.
Hope you have a great celebration for this momentous day.
Congrats on your debut novel! You must be so excited, scared, happy, nervous, etc. etc.
I hope to someday feel the same, hehe. Looking forward to checking the book out!
Congratulations on the release! I hadn’t heard about your book coming out (due to my temporary vacation from market-watching) but I’ll be sure to add it to my list, as it sounds interesting.
Of course, if I win a copy then I won’t need to.
Congratulations! I’m really looking forward to reading this. The cover is really gorgeous too!
Congrats!! I am DYING to read this one!! It sounds AwEsOmE!! Count me in please!!
Congrats! I’d love to have a copy for my classroom and all of my book-grubbing teenagers! I’d get to read it first, though ; )
beautiful cover!! Happy release day!
PLease add me to the draw. I have been drooling over this book for MONTHS! I would treasure a signed copy! Congrats, I can’t believe the day is finally here.
Yaaay! It’s on my wishlist
Congratulations on your release!
Congrats! Your book looks so good.
Just finished reading the first two chapters. Can’t wait to read the rest of it. Adding it to my list. Congratulations and please do enter me.
*throws name in the pot*
Even if I don’t win, I’m going to go grab a copy at the bookstore. ^-^ Congrats!
congratulations on your wonderful book I read the first two chapters and it is excellent.
Congratulations and happy release day!!!
This looks like a must-read. The synopsis grabbed me without reading the first two chapters. I wish you much success.
congrats and best wishes. I would love to put “my name in the hat” Looking forward to reading your story.
Sounds like a great book, can’t wait to read it!
Congrats- it looks great! Please enter me.
Pretty Please!!!!!!!!! Even if i don”t win, I will buy it, I just read the first 2 chapters, love it!!!!
Oh this book looks amazing. I love the cover and the story plot. I cannot wait to read it . Thank you for putting it out there for us!
Congrats on the soon release! I know I have been waiting in anticipation to read it since I heave read such great snippets online.
Happy reading everyone!
Congrats on your book. I would love to be entered.
Super excited for you!!!
Julie
This Looks Amazing. I love the cover. I love the story. It’s release has been on my new calender for awhile. Thank you!
Congratulations on your release!
Congrats!! I can’t wait to read this ~ it sounds fabulous, and I LOVE THE COVER.
I would love to be entered! The Iron Witch sounds amazing!
Patricia
Congrats on your [US] release!! I am so excited to finally get my hands on The Iron Witch. Especially since you’ve been flaunting photo’s from your various different cover arts on twitter. Oh you tease, you
Please enter me!!
Congrats on your [US] release!! I am so excited to finally get my hands on The Iron Witch, especially since you’ve been flaunting pictures of your various different gorgeous cover arts. Oh you tease, you
Please enter me!!
(Sorry if this posted twice, I accidentally closed this tab before I looked to see if it posted properly).
Happy Book Birthday Kaz! Can’t wait to dive in and read TIW!!! Congrats you totally deserve it!
OKAY…I’m in the pot & treading for my life. Just need someone to stretch out a little further…maybe with a book? To pull me out *sigh* Enough goofing…I would love to have this
I always enjoy stories with witches in them so I can’t wait to read this book.
Woot Woot! Congratulations! I can not wait to get my hands on a copy of Iron Witch! And a signed copy would be wonderful! Please enter me!
Thanks
Kate
mleger0546 AT rogers DOT com
Wow, I’d never heard of the Armless Maiden before!
tossing my name in.
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read this!!
I love your Riley Jensen Series so I can not wait to read this book.
Happy Book Birthday! I cannot wait to read it.
Congratulations on the book release! I’m looking forward to reading your book!
I read the first couple of pages from your excerpt – can’t wait to read the rest! Congrats!
Congratulations! it have been great to see all the photos form for debut in uk and know share with you your debut in US.
Congrats!
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hey, way to go on the book release! The first two chapters have sucked me in so far! Congrats, and hope you have a great writing career!
i’m following this book around…hope i win this time
Congratulations! Sounds great.
ooooh! me please! i have a copy on pre-order, but if i win a copy, i can just give the other one to my niece [who has asked for this for her 15th BDay]
sooooooo excited!
OMG – I’m totally going to make a bookstore run now – I’ve been holding off so I can get some of my other books read, but I NEED to buy this. LOL
Lucy the kitten wants a signed copy.
I’ve never heard of the Armless Maiden story before, so thank you for linking us to it!
I can’t wait to read all your books!!
It sounds really intresting because of witches I dont think there are a lot books with witches in them and eleves I dont think Ive ever read a book about elves hoping to read it soon(:
Congrats on a fabulous release Kaz!!!
Dottie
WooHoo! two shorts and a full length novel – congratulations!
Savor the feeling.
COngrats!!!! You really deserve lots of success and I’ve been reading lots of good things about the book, so I’m sure you’re gonna be just a great debut novelist!
Have fun in doing what to do and keep up the good work!
Congratulations, Kaz!!!! I’m so happy for you, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Congratulations on the release of The Iron Witch, Dame Kaz! I wish you mega sales and much success with it and I look forward to reading it myself!
Congratulations!
Another “must read” book, it sounds amazing!
Thank you for the chance to win it and for making it international.
I’ve already ordered my copy, but I would actually love a signed copy. Congratulations Kaz, so happy for you and hope it does brilliantly!
xxxxxx
Thank you for the chance to win it and for making it international.
Congratulations!
This book looks fabulous! I’m glad I heard about because now I really want to read it. I don’t have this book yet and I signed copy would really make my day. I love book, especially signed ones because then they seem more real. Anyways, congrats on your new book!
Sounds awesome! Congrats on the release!
This looks super fantastic and will be on my to-be-read list for sure!!!
Can’t wait to read this! Been a looong wait!
This book sounds really great, and I’d love to read it.
I can’t wait to read both of these books
I can’t wait to read your book it sound like my kind of book
Oooh yay! This is exciting for you! Hope to read soon!
This sounds really interesting. It’s getting added to the list.
I’m way excited that you’re publishing a new book! I CAN”T wait to read it
The book sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to read it. Congrats!
Congrats to you! Sounds like a great book
I can’t wait to get a copy, it will be my post move treat.
Congratulations again, Kaz! And I honestly can’t decide between Navi or Xan. Both are hot!
I would love to win this book, but if I don’t, I’ll still probably end up reading it sometime.
Congrats on The Iron Witch. Sounds amazing.
I can’t wait to read The Iron Witch. Congrats on the release!
I just love authors who give away books… they’re so nice and generous and they actually seem real as opposed to just seeing a picture of a face on the back cover. I’ve never actually won anything, but you never know, right? I’m hoping and hoping and hoping that I win something someday. This book is especially important because my best friend really wants it and a signed copy would just knock her out!
*cross fingers*
thanks!!!
Now that I’ve read the first two chapters, I don’t think I’ll be able to live again until finishing the whole book.
KAZ!! Congrats – again! Of course, throw my name in the hat, but I will be getting this book, one way or another! : )
I heard about this book and I cannot wait to read it!!! Best wishes on everything!
Congrats on the book! I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Thank you also for the chance to win it.
Congratulations! Sounds exactly like my kind of book, can’t wait to get started :]]
I am hooked! I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations and I hope you have much success!
PS would love to win a copy too
So excited to get my book-hungry paws on this one! Thanks for writing, authors seriosuly have saved my soul from the dark pits of normality and conforming to ‘the man.’ So just thought I would give ya a shout out of gratitude! Who luvs ya? *thumbs pointing* THIS KID!
Congrats on your book release! Can’t wait to read it.
Can’t wait to read this book. Would love to win it!
I bet it feels wonderful to actually have a piece of YOUR writing out there for the world to experience. Congrats on that. Your book truly sounds interesting.
Sounds like an amazing read! I can’t wait to pick it up. The idea of the fay and witches so closely related in the same story should make for a thrilling ride through the pages. Best of luck in the opening week!
It sounds really interesting. Looking forward to getting a copy to read.
Wow, just dropping by to say THANK YOU for all the amazing comments. I’ve read every single one so far.
I’d love to reply to a few, but I think that’ll make my job harder when it comes to sorting out a winner (with random.org), so I will just leave my good thoughts here for everyone to see.
Very exciting to see so many entries! You still have until Saturday – keep ‘em coming!!
Cheers,
Kaz
I would love to read this book sound interesting!!!!1
Can’t wait to read this one!
Congrats! Sounds like a wonderful story. Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for hosting such an awesome giveaway!
FINALLY! A book where the GIRL has super-strength! I’m pretty sure I’ve never read anything like it. It’s ALWAYS the guy! So nice to see a kick-ass heroine! Congrats!
Oh, and hot fey boys? NICE.
Congratulations! I am dying to read this book
Congratulations! The plot sounds so intriguing, and I can’t wait to read it.
This sounds very interesting, can’t wait to read it!!
Ooh! Your book sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to read it! Congrats on your US release!
Sounds interesting! I’m excited to read more. I absolutely love the cover too!
Happy Release Day!
P.S. – You put the end date as February 29th! I think you meant Jan. 29th.
After reading the first two chapters, I’m really excited about this.
Oh, and Congratulations!
This sounds super exciting! I cannot wait to read this!
Awesome. This sounds like a wonderful book
Your book sounds awesome! I’m excited to read it.
Congrats! The teasers amazing!
I look forward to reading the rest!
This is definitely on my to-read list. This cover is gorgeous and the story sounds like it is too! Congratulations!
Definitely going to read this whether I win it or not! Love to win a copy though, obviously. Haha. Thanks for giveaway! <3
This book sounds amazing, congrats! Can’t wait to get my hands on it
I seriously cannot wait to read this
Thanks for the contest!!! <3
I’d love to get a copy of this book to read, review on my blog, and share with my 8th grade students! Sounds really good!
This sounds awesome ! I hope I win ! xD
Oh my! This made my day by far! So happy for you Karen! This giveaway sounds exciting!
sounds like a great book! I would love to have it! XD
I can’t wait to read it. It sounds like a great book! Especially since it has a hott guy in it!
Congrats!! I’m really looking forward to reading it
This sounds like a very good read and I’m excited for it to come out!
Wow! That sounds like quite an interesting read!
Sounds absolutely fantastic
Can’t wait to read it!!
Yay! Congrats! I seriously can’t wait to read this! Thanks for the chance to win!
Congrats! I wish you the best in sales.
Congrats!!! I’m excited to get my grubby hands on one.. *why is it I always get coffee or chocolate stains on a new book…?*
Jess (The Cozy Reader) : Thank you! I have fixed the date – well spotted.
Kaz
Hey, your book sounds sooo awsome, I think I would like drop down and die if I got a signed copy, and maybe froth at the mouth a little. Thanks!
Been hearing too many good things about this one! Count me in!
Congrats! I can’t wait to read The Iron Witch
I love the cover!
Congrats, I can’t wait to read it! (I scrambled after an ARC at ALA mw, but one of the many snowpocalyses(es) delayed Flux’s shipment, so it didn’t come in until the last day, when I was already gone! THE AGONY… Lol)
I just read your first two chapters the other day and was dazzled – please do enter me in this giveaway!
Congrats!!! It sounds amazing! Please enter me too! Can’t wait to read your story
Congratulations!! I would like to entered please.
The first two chapters were amazing, I can’t wait to read the rest and a free signed copy would be awesome!!!
Congrats on the book… Love the cover.
Can’t wait to read.
Thank you for this contest!
Kelly M
I can’t wait to read it, and then donate it to my library
How exciting! Best wishes to you
Would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway!
mybookishways[at]yahoo[dot]com
Congrats on your debut! May it be the first of many. I look forward to reading it.
Congrats on the release – I have been dying to read this one!
Book looks great can’t wait to read it.
This sounds like an awesome book!
Sounds great! I’d love to read it. (:
The book sounds awesome, I can’t wait to read it!
Congrats! This book has been on my “To Buy” list for quite a while. Can’t wait to read it.
Congrates! It must be amazing to see your imagination in print!
Wow, Congrats! I read the summary for this book and it sounds sooo cool! I’ve always loved anything to do with alchemy and alchemists… so awesome! Enter me please~
Ooh. Can’t wait to read this book.
Hi Kaz! Congratulations on the release! The Iron Witch is one of the ‘hype’ books. Lots of people want to read it and I’m sure it will be a great success!
I read that bit about Xan and I knew I had to get this. Or I could win it. Winning it would be nice though *hint, hint*. Either way, I’m going to end up reading The Iron Witch one way or another.
Congrats on your debut!
I must say this sounds like a very interesting novel. I’ll end up reading it one way or another, but a signed copy would be amazing! (Otherwise it’s going and pestering the library to buy a copy=laughs=)
Best of luck!
Happy release day!! I can’t wait to read this book.
I’m so excited for your book! Thanks for running this contest.
Can’t wait to read your book!! I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time!
Yes! Can’t wait to read it. Hope I win!
The book was awesome!! Congrats = )
This looks like such an awesome book, I’d love to win a copy!
I read an excerpt and it sounds like a great read! I hope i’m not too late to enter the contest, but either way this one is definitely going on my goodreads “to-read” list!
Wow thanks so much! I can’t wait to read it!
Well, this is me…. Wanting to read your book:)
Looking forward to this one!!