Ahem. Moving on …
Rip Tide by Kat Falls is the eagerly anticipated (by me) sequel to Dark Life, which is a futuristic tale where the seas have risen, life is crowded on land, and the new frontier is the ocean floor. I gave a huge cheer for Kat when I read Dark Life, because she has injected a wonderful new life into science fiction for middle grade. I’ve talked about the dearth of science fiction in middle grade, and the few authors who excel and get those books on the shelves…well, my hat is off to you. This sequel to the original fish tale looks to be filled with more exotic creatures and frenzied action (and danger)!
I borrowed mine from the library, but you can buy Kat’s book here and check out her website. Kat is a fellow Illinois author and led me to the Write by the Lake workshops in Wisconsin. I expect many more awesome books from her in the future!
Empire of Ruins: Hunchback Assignments 3 by Arthur Slade is the next MG/YA steampunkery fun I can’t wait to get my hands on. When I recommended The Dark Deeps, (Book 2 of Hunchback Assignments) I fell in love with Modo, the courageous boy who hides his hideous face from an intolerant world and shifts his features to serve as a spy for the Permanent Association in defense of Victorian Britain. Only later did I find that Arthur Slade has a slew of other books, for adults and children, a cool writerly blog and was just an all-around nice guy. He’s forayed into e-publishing his back list, so check out the great finds there.
You can buy the Hunchback series here as well as visit Arthur’s website and blog.
Last, but definitely not least, the sequel to The Familiars has arrived!
The Familiars: Secrets of the Crown by Adam Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
I was so excited for this book to come out, I accidentally bought it twice! (Don’t ask how these things happen; sometimes I think only half my brain is actually powered at any given time.)
Book 1 of The Familiars charmed my socks off with the delightful adventure of three animal companions (familiars) and the young wizards they belong to. Aldwyn, the alley cat that’s passing as a familiar, goes on one mis-adventure after another with a bird named Skylar and a frog named Gilbert. Andrew & Adam are blog touring right now to promote their book(s), including a hilarious video interview with the characters.
You can buy Secrets of the Crown or like The Familiars FB page to see all the latest news, interviews, and sundry fun.
As I find myself in possession of an extra copy of Secrets of the Crown, I’m hosting a giveaway!
Requirements:
1) Leave a comment
2) Be a follower
3) Tweet/FB/spread the word (optional but always appreciated)
Drawing will be held on Monday September 12th!
Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!
UPDATE: And the winner is … Diane C!! Thanks to everyone who entered!
I wanted to participate in this Random act of kindness but I think I'm going to push it off until next week, even if that is too late. Wait – it's never too late for a random act of kindness. 🙂
Signed copies of GOLIATH are available here:
http://www.puddnheadbooks.com/event/scott-westerfeld-goliath
@JJ Dude! You are my new best friend! Clicking over to order now … 🙂
I hear such good things about Westerfield. How mature is it? Compared to, say, The Hobbit?
I hear such good things about Westerfield. How mature is it? Compared to, say, The Hobbit?
I have Leviathan sitting on my shelf, and I know I'm going to love it, but I keep getting delayed in getting around to reading it.
I hate when life does that.
@Bryan Reading level on Westerfeld's Leviathan series are high (5.6 = fifth grade, sixth month) and I would say they are "mature" in the sense that there is a lot of geopolitical intrigue (but the books are very clean, very appropriate for middle grade, ages 8-12). If you have a smart whippersnapper, they'll gobble them up. Probably too much complexity for your average 5-7 year old.
@Bryan The Hobbit is reading level 6.6, but probably more intellectually accessible for younglings.
My son is DYING for Goliath! And, believe it or not, I've been looking forward to Secrets of the Crown! Great post. My drool-crazy desire is for James Dashner's DEATH CURE. 🙂
I'm eagerly awaiting GOLIATH, too.
I just gave you a blog award, Susan. Come and git it! http://www.gailshepherd.blogspot.com
Bought a book twice, now that's passion. I got a laugh out of that, as I just today went out and bought my second copy of Camus' The Stranger.
@Catherine Well, at least you did it on purpose. 🙂
Great giveaway! I've only read one book by Westerfield but I really enjoyed it.
I love this meme, and I haven't read any of those, yet. This is great.
Wow, I'm really behind on my reading.
I should do a random act of kindness. Oh my gosh, which book to choose??? *head explodes at the thought*
I think I'm the odd one out here because I avoid books that aren't stand-alones.
I know.
I'm lame.
So many books to add to my to-read list. I love hearing what books others liked or are looking forward to. Thanks for sharing!
@meredith We can squee together! 🙂
@Kelly Did you read Uglies? #alsoawesome
@Cherie I love to share! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I absolutely adore Leviathan and Behemoth, and can't wait for Goliath. I can't wait for the other three series, either 🙂
jlynettes @ hotmail . com
Ooh! There are some new series there I haven't heard of that sound amazing. I am really looking forward to Westerfeld's sequel.
Sounds like a fun book! count me in. I'm following you 🙂
@Ms Saba Thanks for the follow! 🙂
I'm totally ready for Goliath too!
Love that you " accidentally" bought the book twice 😀
I'd love to win a copy of Secrets of the Crown!
Thanks for the giveaway.
wordspelunker AT gmail DOT com
Already devoured Leviathan and Behemoth so I, too, am looking forward to Goliath *squeeing with giddy delight*
The other books you mention sound wonderful. Will have to check them out.
Your mom lent me the first one which, I'm reading now…. Being the HUGE animal person that I am, OF COURSE i love it!!! I'd like to win a copy… But… whomever does win it.. yay for them.
@Diane My mom told me you liked it! I thought you might! 🙂
I'm really looking forward to Goliath too! I understand the fangirl thing!!! The Familiars books look really enticing too. I can never resist animal-human teamwork (Loved the Golden Compass – you've read that, haven't you? – the movie doesn't do it justice).
I just fangirled Bethany Wiggins' first release, Shifting. I love this trend toward more people gushing about books they love!!! – especially the debut authors and new releases (but I love the older favs too. I can never gush enough about Hunger Games and LOTR)
I haven't read any of these books but they all sound wonderful. I need to get through my TBR list faster. 🙂
@Jon I can't wait to see what trickery Westerfeld is going to play on us! 🙂
these do look exciting, and I know at least two friends who are also drooling for Westerfeld. LOL! Yay! Happy reading~ <3
Wow, love all those books too… good taste:)
@tfwalsh Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Hey, I think I've been hanging out here for a while: I'm familiar with all these authors and their first books – they are all on my to-reads list (except Leviathan. Already read that one – been saving Behemoth to read when Goliath comes out). Anyway, I guess this means I have to hurry up with my TBR list since the authors now have 2nd and 3rd books coming out!
I'd love to win Secrets of the Crown since I'm planning to buy the first one anyway!
Okay, that's weird, I thought this list seemed outdated since Goliath is out (though I still haven;t gotten to it.) DUH!!!! I just checked the date. That is SOOOO weird that my browser took me to an old post of yours!!!! (really, I'm not crazy blogger lady). Okay, off to find your more recent post!!!