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Author David Wiley

~ Author of science fiction and fantasy stories, choosing to write the stories that he would love to read.

Author David Wiley

Tag Archives: YA

Release Day for Monster Huntress!

21 Saturday Apr 2018

Posted by David Wiley in Books and Reading, Monster Huntress

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Release, Fantasy, Monster Huntress, YA, YA Fantasy

Holy smokes, people. Today is release day and what an exciting and eventful day it has already been! We’ve been having a Facebook party going on since last night, and you should definitely hop on over there and take some quizzes, share your Dragon name, talk about your favorite underrated authors, and more.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2052224081714312/

And thanks to you, my readers, I am already creeping up on smashing the real sales goal that my publishers had for release day. But that doesn’t mean we can’t aim higher. Be sure to snag a copy today. It is available in a whole host of places, but here’s the Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords links for your convenience.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/monster-huntress-david-wiley/1128332229?ean=9781946382276

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/810426

 

And if you read the book, be sure to let me know what you thought by either leaving a review or by emailing me!

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The Book Knights Blog Tour – Interview

22 Friday Sep 2017

Posted by David Wiley in Books and Reading

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Arti, Interview, J.G. McKenney, King Arthur, Rockstar Book Tours, The Book Knights, YA

THE BOOK KNIGHTS

About the Book:

Title: THE BOOK KNIGHTS

Author: J.G. McKenney

Pub. Date: July 5, 2017

Publisher: J.G. McKenney

Pages: 272

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Goodreads

From the award winning author of EON’S DOOR comes an Arthurian tale like no other. 


When her parents are condemned to death by Morgan Fay for the crime of reading, Arti Penderhagen becomes a fugitive. Hunted by Mordred, the sadistic police captain who recites poetry to enhance his physical strength, Arti escapes to the Isle of Avalon, a sanctuary for outlaws. There she meets an old librarian named Merl who tells her about the Grail Tome, an ancient book in Morgan Fay’s possession that can alter the course of history. Can Arti steal the book in time to save her family?
THE BOOK KNIGHTS is a fantasy adventure in which knights wield words as weapons, librarians are wizards, and books can change the future.

Your book is a modern reimagining of King Arthur, which I think is fantastic. What made you decide to place these characters in a modern setting rather than provide your own spin on the classic tales?

I thought the story would be more relatable to readers if I placed the characters in a modern setting. I want readers to understand how important the power of words is to us now, and make clear the threats posed to our freedom to think and live the way we choose.

Can you tell us a little about Arti, who is the heroine in this story? What inspired you to cast the modern King Arthur as a young girl?

I chose a young girl because I wanted to challenge the classic Arthur stereotype of the active male hero. I wanted Arti to be a model to all those smart young girls and women whose love of books and reading gives them the power to overcome obstacles, no matter how daunting.

When did you first become interested in the Arthurian stories? Is there a particular tale that is your favorite? What makes that one stand out from the rest?

I’ve always enjoyed the Arthurian stories, but rather than one part standing out, I really like how they work together to explore the heroic journey. In writing THE BOOK KNIGHTS, I drew on Arthur’s pulling of the sword from the stone, the Lady of the Lake and Excalibur, and the quest for the Holy Grail. They are all equally important to the story.

Adobe Photoshop PDF

The cover is really awesome. How did you come up with the idea for that design?

I’m glad you like the cover. It’s a representation of the Grail Tome, an ancient and magical book. Arti Penderhagen and her “book knights” must steal the tome from Morgan Fay so Arti can write the book’s final page to change the future and save her friends and family.

Where did you get the idea of reciting poetry to provide a magical effect, such as boosting physical strength? Did you encounter any challenges with the idea?

The power of words is a key theme in THE BOOK KNIGHTS, so I thought it would be cool to have words/poetry used in combat. In the story, it’s referred to as “the strike of words” and I think it really works. The difficulty I faced was in creating a language and a fighting method that were believable but not overly complicated or confusing.

About J.G.:

J.G.

Although the name on my books is “J.G.” McKenney, you can call me John. I’m a writer and a teacher. I also consider myself a book knight, but you’ll need to read my latest novel to find out what that’s all about.

My fascination with fantasy and adventure began at a young age when I discovered works like THE HOBBIT and THE CALL OF THE WILD. That early love of reading has matured into a need to tell stories that transport readers into worlds full of wonder and enchantment. It’s an addiction I don’t intend to kick. The problem is I’ll be dead long before I can write all the books I’ve got in my head. There…just thought of another one.

In the winter, if I’m not at work keeping tabs on my Co-op students, you’ll find me at home working away on a manuscript, reading someone else’s book, or walking with my wife and best friend, Wendy. If it’s Friday afternoon, I’ll be playing hockey with the boys.

Summer’s my favorite season because it gives me more time to write. It’s also the time for boating, swimming, and reclining in my zero-gravity chair under the shade of the maple trees next the lake shore. Oh, and walking with my wife. If it’s Thursday afternoon, I’ll be playing golf with…you guessed it…the boys.

I’d love to hear from you. Follow me on Twitter @JGMcKenney or reach out through my “Contact Me” page with your questions or comments. I’ll let you know about my promotions, including when I offer free books!

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE BOOK KNIGHTS, US Only.

3 winners will receive an eBook of THE BOOK KNIGHTS, International.

Rafflecopter link:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2628/?

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Book Review: The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova

19 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by David Wiley in Book Review, Books and Reading, Fantasy, Young Adult

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Elise Kova, Fantasy, Loom saga, Steampunk, The Alchemists of Loom, Xpresso Book Tours, YA



The Alchemists of Loom
Elise Kova
(Loom Saga #1)
Publication date: January 10th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Her vengeance. His vision.

Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds’ resistance fell to the Dragon King. Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market. There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne. His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragons’ society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse. But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

 

Author Bio:

Elise Kova has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she is not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens Series as well as the upcoming Loom Saga (Keymaster, 2017).

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The author is also offering some preorder swag, check it out:

http://elisekova.com/pre-order/

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My Take: Wow, this book blew me away and took me on a thrilling adventure with some memorable characters. This was my first book of Elise Kova’s, but I can promise it will not be the last of her books that I read. My biggest objection, upon finishing the book, was that the next book was not available yet!

I love books with dragons in them, and I love it even more when an author does something nontraditional with them. It was why Rachel Hartman’s Seraphina struck a chord with me, and why this book does the same thing. It has dragons, but not in the way you would ever expect. It is interesting how separate the dragon society is from those operating on Loom, yet how critical they are to the magic and technology on Loom. Two thumbs up based solely on the usage of dragons in this book.

Yet the real show-stoppers are the characters in the book. The three major characters, Cvareh, Ari, and Florence, work in a wonderful dynamic with each other that somehow finds some great synergy. Each of them has parts of their past they would like to forget or hide, or some aspect of their goals and desires that remain hidden from the others. Cvareh and Ari can barely get through a conversation without threatening to tear each other apart. And that is half of the fun, seeing the banter and interplay between those three characters as they are swooped in unexpected directions by their quest.

The biggest disappointment, if I had to pin one down, was the ending. It promises much to come in the next book, yet therein is the problem: it builds things up for the next book. It is certainly not something that you would want to pick up if you prefer books to tie everything up in nice, neat, perfectly resolved packages. But for me, that just intensifies the desire to get my hands on the next book.

The steampunk-esque fantasy world that Kova created is beyond description. To do it justice, I would have to go into such depth that it would inevitably allow spoilers to creep in. Needless to say, you will get swept up in this world on an adventure you’ll not forget with these characters. Preorder it now. This should be on EVERY Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Steampunk/YA reader’s wish list for 2017, and it is coming very early in 2017. Don’t miss out on this one, I imagine many people will be talking about this book all year long.

**Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Tour: A Bond of Venom and Magic by Karen Tomlinson

16 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by David Wiley in Book Release, Books and Reading, Fantasy, Young Adult

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A Bond of Venom and Magic, Fantasy, Giveaway, Karen Tomlinson, The Goddess and the Guardians, Xpresso Book Tours, YA



A Bond Of Venom and Magic
Karen Tomlinson
(The Goddess and the Guardians #1)
Publication date: October 14th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

The Wraith Lord is hunting; his prize, the key to unleashing darkness and Chaos upon the eight Kingdoms.

For Diamond Gillon the war raging in the south seems a remote danger until her home is brutally attacked. Having lost everything she holds dear, Diamond is catapulted into a terrifying new world in which legendary beasts arise, magic is condemned and half blood fae, like her, have no rights. Despite her growing feelings for her saviour, Commander Hugo Casimir, he remains a paradox – not only is he a heartless killer, he is owned by the cruel immortal fae queen; a queen who will murder her own people for magic.

As Diamond’s circumstances become ever more perilous she is drawn deeper into Hugo’s world and discovers the lengths to which he will go to save what he holds dear. Will Hugo become her friend, her protector, or – an enemy not worthy of her trust?

A Bond of Venom and Magic is a tale of two people bound by magic and secrets, but trapped in the complexities of love and betrayal. It is the beginning of an epic journey, one that will test Diamond’s resolve and determination to battle an evil that threatens not only her world but that of Eternity, the land of The Guardians and The Goddess.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

You can get the first 5 chapters for FREE if you sign-up for Karen’s newsletter!

—

EXCERPT:

The window warrior spun swiftly in front of the door, facing Hugo with his sword drawn. Clearly he wanted to give his lord time to escape, even if that meant his own death. Before the door banged shut downstairs, Hugo stormed forward. The warrior flicked his wrist. Diamond gasped. Red magic. No Avalonian had red magic anymore. It ripple across the room like a wave of shimmering heat. Hugo roared, but not in pain.

Leaning into the onslaught of power he grinned with fiendish delight, darkness rippling around him. A shroud of silver-flamed shadow devoured the red wave, even as his powerful body charged forwards.

The warrior swore, desperately raising his sword in defence. Clearly he had expected a different reaction to his magical attack. Hugo’s wrathful bellow filled the room as he drove his sword down. Metal jarred and sparked.

“You took her from me! I can smell her blood. Now you will die!” he promised, his voice nothing like his own. It was more animalistic than Diamond had ever heard.

The warrior blocked Hugo’s blade with skill and precision. Red magic meant the ability to control heat and fire. Hugo’s blade began to glow as the other fae heated it like it had come out of a furnace. Hugo grunted but did not let go. The white-hot metal did not burn him through the glove of darkness rippling around his hand.

“Stop this, commander! We are not your enemy,” the warrior panted, blocking and spinning away from Hugo’s blades with utter confidence and no small amount of skill.

Hugo did not answer, his only response was to blast the red magic away with a veil of darkness, parrying a strike and bringing his other blade down with such force the window warrior stumbled, almost driven to his knees. Hugo blocked the warrior’s sweeping sword strike and stabbed him through the shoulder, before mercilessly slashing across the male’s thigh. A move meant to incapacitate. The warrior dropped to one knee but somehow still managed to block Hugo’s killing blow.

“Commander! Stop! She will be safer with us. If you take her back to the palace, the Queen will kill her! You know she will! We need Diamond to live! All of us do!” he panted, desperation in his voice now.

Diamond gasped as she saw the warrior’s hand drop to his boot and grasp the handle of a small concealed knife.

“Hugo!” she yelled, fighting her bonds with all her might. Pain screeched through Diamond’s wrists as the silk tightened. She screamed. It was going to cut off her hands!

Instead of killing the warrior, Hugo kicked his assailant in the chest sending him sprawling. There was a solid thud as the warrior’s head smacked into the wall and he stilled. Hugo immediately twisted to Diamond, dropping to his knees in front of her. Blood ran from her wounds, dripping down the chair arms.

“Keep still,” he ordered, pulling a dagger and slicing through the silken rope.

Sobbing with relief, she sagged against him before the pain started in earnest. Her fingers burned as blood rushed back in. Diamond whimpered, not sure what to do with herself.

Thoughts of the window warrior escaped them both. Hugo quickly slashed strips of material off his tunic. Dropping his blades he firmly bound her wrists, trying to staunch the heavy flow of blood. For a moment he leaned his forehead against hers and gripped each wrist as she fought to control her panicked sobs.

“Shh. It’s alright. You’ll be fine now. Breathe, Diamond. In…out…with me. That’s it.”
Slowly her mind returned to her. With her head leaning against Hugo’s, they shared the same warm breath. She closed her eyes, her body responding to his. Her breathing slowed until it mirrored his own and she could swear she heard the distant beat of his heart.

The scuff of boots on the wooden floor had Hugo on his feet in front of her, blades ready. Diamond looked on as he faced the bleeding warrior, his face icy and calm.

“We are not your enemy,” the warrior panted. Equally calm and with slow intent he sheathed his own blades.

“Kill me if you must. But you know if you take her back to the palace, the Queen will destroy her. Let her come with me, commander. Please. I give you my word I will keep her safe,” the warrior appealed, holding his bloodied hands out to Diamond.

Hugo looked down at her, his brow bunched. Diamond shook her head frantically and grabbed at his tunic. He couldn’t be considering it.

 

Author Bio:

Karen Tomlinson is the author of The Goddess and the Guardians series of Young Adult fantasy books. Book one A Bond of Venom and Magic will be released October 14th 2016.

Karen has always been an avid reader. Her taste in books is eclectic but she likes nothing better than an exciting fantasy, set in a new and magical world. She lives in Derbyshire, England, with her husband, twin girls and her dalmatian, Poppy. Karen trained as a nurse and currently works as a resuscitation and clinical skills trainer, this involves training a wide variety of health care professionals and medical students in acute patient care. In addition to writing, and reading whenever she can, Karen likes to keep active. She has been training at Shotokan karate since being thirteen, likes walking, mountain biking and (for something completely different) cake decorating. She is currently working on book two in The Goddess and the Guardians series.

About me!

As soon as I could read I spent hours getting lost in the new worlds books could give me. Spending my pocket money had to be done (obviously) but not on sweets, well, not many…I spent my money on books. Back then it was Enid Blyton’s Famous Five which sparked my young mind. I didn’t rest until I had the whole set, then I migrated to the secret seven…(there was no Harry Potter then) As a teenager I would trawl through all my mum and dad’s discarded books. It was probably highly inappropriate for a thirteen year old to be reading swoony Mills and Boon romances followed by Ian Flemming, Alistair Maclean and Wilbur Smith!

Because I read anything and everything I could get my hands on back then, I now have an eclectic taste in books. I will read anything that catches my eye and absolutely love illustrated book covers! In my late teens I discovered fantasy and that genre has stayed my firm favourite. I am and will always remain a complete sucker for a fantasy with kick ass characters and worlds steeped in magic and romance!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

GIVEAWAY!

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Cover Reveal: ECHO Campaign by Taylor Brooke

11 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by David Wiley in Books and Reading, Cover Reveal, Sci-Fi, Young Adult

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cover Reveal, ECHO Campaign, Limitless Publishing, Sci-Fi, Taylor Brooke, The Isolation Series, YA

Check out the new cover for the second book in Taylor Brooke’s Isolation series, which is set to come out in just a few weeks. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think of the cover, as well as if the book/series sounds interesting from the information provided here. It is good enough to make me interested!

 

ECHO Campaign
Taylor Brooke
(Isolation #2)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: November 1st 2016
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Brooklyn Harper’s worst nightmare has become her reality. She has been captured by Isolation…

Trapped in a white-walled labyrinth by Juneau Malloy, Brooklyn is faced with the horrors of Isolation’s finest training yet. The skills she learned as an Omen Operative in Camp Number Eleven are put to the test in the form of brutal assessments of her strength, skills, and fortitude. Confused and disheartened, Brooklyn and the group of renegade Omens prepare for whatever trials Isolation has in store for them.

Juneau has caged her once again, but Brooklyn is far from broken…

When Brooklyn finds out her best friend Gabriel is alive, she goes on a violent rampage in search of her, but instead earns herself a stint in solitary confinement. Juneau attempts to tame Brooklyn through grueling exercises before offering her one radical choice. Brooklyn must hand over her freedom in order to spare her friends. She’ll become a showpiece Juneau will auction off to the highest bidder for her skills in assassination, defense, and combat.

There must be a way out, and the renegade Omens have to find it…

Brooklyn has no intention of becoming Juneau’s latest achievement. During a mind-warping training simulation, Brooklyn uncovers Isolation’s greatest secret and their darkest mistake. Juneau Malloy has created something far more sinister than the Omens, and it’s ready to eat the world alive.

As the battle with Isolation intensifies, Brooklyn is faced with her most dangerous choice yet…

Save her friends—or save humanity.

Add to Goodreads

*Designed by Deranged Doctor Design*

Sequel to:

28240333

 

Author Bio:

Taylor Brooke is the author of the sci-fi adventure trilogy The Isolation Series. She started out as a freelance makeup artist, and quickly discovered her love of elves, zombies, mermaids, kaiju, and monsters of all kinds. After receiving eight professional certifications in special effects makeup, working on countless projects, and fleshing out a multitude of fantastical creatures, she turned her imagination back to her one true love — books. Taylor has had a knack for writing since she was a little girl, and received recognition for her skills throughout grade school and junior college. When she’s not nestled in a blanket typing away on her laptop, she can be found haunting the local bookstore with a cup of steaming hot tea in her hands, scanning the shelves for new reads, or hiking one of the many mountains that surround her home in Oregon.

Tumblr / Goodreads / Twitter

 

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Book Review: Atlantis in Peril by T.A. Barron

18 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by David Wiley in Book Review, Fantasy

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Atlantis in Peril, Fantasy, review, YA

Atlantis in Peril CoverWelcome back for another review, this time of the second book in the Atlantis series.

Title: Atlantis in Peril

Author: T.A. Barron

Publisher: Philomel Books

Blurb: The second in the Atlantis trilogy by New York Times bestselling author T. A. Barron

In Atlantis Rising, Promi and Atlanta saved their homeland by transforming it into the magical island of Atlantis. They had hoped that would keep it out of the clutches of the evil spirit warlord Narkazan. But Narkazan has returned, more determined than ever to conquer the spirit realm and Atlantis as well. Will the destiny of the mystical isle lie in the boat of Greek sailors who wash up on shore? The powers of the ethereal oceanglass? Or will the growing bond between Promi and Atlanta cause the strongest magic?

With his trademark action, adventure and suspense, master of fantasy T.A. Barron explores the magical world of Atlantis and how its inhabitants’ actions sow the seeds of its destruction.

Praise for Atlantis in Peril:

“Barron’s trademark fast-paced action with a twist of humor will pull readers along.”–School Library Journal

Praise for T. A. Barron’s novels:

“Brilliant, significant, and illuminating . . . an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure.”—Lloyd Alexander

“A crescendo of miracles.”—Madeleine L’Engle

“Interesting and august . . . compelling.”—The New York Times

“In the best tradition . . . classic.”—Parents Magazine

My Take on the Book: My first comment, and perhaps among the best praise I can offer, is that I believe J.R.R. Tolkien would have whole-heartedly agreed with many of the main ideas being raised regarding nature versus industry/technology.

That being said, this was a good sequel to the first book. It certainly moved the plot forward in the trilogy and paved the way for the events of the upcoming third book. We get to spend some time with the two main characters from the first book, Promi and Atlanta, and gain access to two other important viewpoints in chapters throughout the book. There is still action and mystery and some excitement woven into the pages. It serves its purpose well for what it is: the second book in a trilogy. Yet that is also where its biggest stumbling block comes into play.

The action, excitement, and tension are all building throughout the book. And the ending does resolve one of the main problems that come up in the book. Yet there is a feeling of much to be desired with how quickly it ends, with so many things unresolved until the third book. This book is over a hundred pages shorter than the first one which is another reason to feel a little cheated by how many big things are waiting for the next installment. I completely understand the desire to have an impressive conclusion to the trilogy, and I don’t doubt that Barron will deliver, but I want that third book in my hands now so I can see how it all wraps up! Waiting is the worst part of a situation such as this – the first book delivered some closure in its final pages with hints of promise toward future adventures to come. This book hints at resolution but I could not see it standing on its own as a solo book should a reader just pick it up and begin with this one.

All things said, this is a good second book. If I had read it at a time when the third was also available perhaps the ending would have been a great thing because it would have sent me straight to the book store to pick it up and see how it all ends. This book is certainly worth reading, as is the series, and I would still give an honest, heartfelt recommendation to anyone to pick it up and read it because it was a good book in a good series, which is why there is any reason to be disappointed that there wasn’t more in the second book.

Final Verdict: Go read both of these books! These are excellent novels in the YA Fantasy genre and certainly worth reading through at least once!

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Young Adult Giveaway Hop – Atlantis Rising and Atlantis in Peril by T.A. Barron

13 Thursday Aug 2015

Posted by David Wiley in Books and Reading

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Blog Hop, Giveaway, YA

young adult giveaway hopTomorrow begins a giveaway of two books to one lucky winner: Atlantis Rising and Atlantis in Peril by T.A. Barron. These are the first two books in his Atlantis trilogy and I have personally read them both (check out my review of the first book and the second book). I can honestly recommend these as great YA Books. The main characters (and villains) are memorable and the humor in the book is enjoyable. They are both fast-paced with action and adventure, the magical and the mystical all rolled into 2/3 of a great series. Check out the press release below for the second book in the series and be sure to enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom for your chance to win these two books and then hop along to some of the other blogs who are hosting YA book giveaways!

Atlantis in Peril CoverFrom the Press Release for Atlantis in Peril:

A Dream of Destiny, Greeks Bearing Gifts, and Narkazan’s Revenge

All Lead to ATLANTIS IN PERIL

Chapter Excerpt from the Second Book in the Atlantis Saga by T.A. Barron Available Online Now

Ambition, greed, revenge, sacrifice and love—all figure in T.A. Barron’s ATLANTIS IN PERIL ($17.99, May), the sequel to Atlantis Rising and second book in the Atlantis trilogy. With his trademark action, adventure and suspense, T.A. Barron explores the world of Atlantis and how its residents’ actions sow the seeds of its destruction. A chapter excerpt of the upcoming book is available online: http://www.tabarron.com.

When Promi and Atlanta transformed their native land into the magical island of Atlantis, little did they know an advanced civilization would arise only a few years later threatening their homeland once again. As Promi struggles with his feelings for Atlanta, Narkazan discovers the weakness between the spirit realm and the mortal world and plots his revenge. Will the desire for power win over the power of love to conquer and save all? Readers will toggle between the spirit and mortal world as Promi races to save residents and loved ones in both realms. Booklist summarizes ATLANTIS IN PERIL well stating: “Story lines related to love and family relationships, environmental responsibility and destruction, and good overcoming evil are all in play as readers reach a sinister cliff-hanger of an ending.”

T. A. Barron is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Merlin Saga, which has sold millions of copies worldwide and was recently optioned for a major motion picture by Disney. He is the winner of the 2011 de Grummond USM Medallion for “lifetime contribution to the field of children’s and young adult literature.” Always a believer that every child can be a hero,  T. A. Barron founded the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which honors outstanding young people who have made a significant difference to communities and our environment.  He lives in Colorado with his family. For more information, please visit http://www.tabarron.com

ATLANTIS IN PERIL by T.A. Barron

$17.99 272 pages Ages 10-up

ISBN Number: 978-0-399-16804-8

Published by Philomel Books on May 5, 2015

For review copies, interviews and image requests please contact:

Brooke Calabrese, Goodman Media International

212.576.2700, x242

bcalabrese@goodmanmedia.com

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Review: Atlantis Rising by T.A. Barron

30 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by David Wiley in Book Review, Fantasy

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Atlantis, Barron, Fantasy, MG, review, YA

full_atlantisrising

Blurb: From T.A. Barron, the New York Times bestselling author of the Merlin Saga, comes a new fantasy world about the origins of Atlantis, perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings, Eragon, The Beyonders, Percy Jackson and the Olympians and, of course, T. A. Barron’s Merlin Saga.

In a magical land called Ellegandia, a young boy named Promi scrapes by, stealing pies, cakes and sweets to survive. But little does he know that his country is a pawn in an ages-old war between good and evil, battled both in the spirit realm and in the human world. Harboring secrets of his own, Promi teams up with a courageous girl named Atlanta and the two vow to save their land — and each other — no matter the cost. But their vow has greater repercussions than they ever could imagine—in fact, it may just bring about the creation of Atlantis, an island cut off from the rest of the world, where magic reigns supreme.

With his trademark action, adventure, and poignancy, master of fantasy, T.A. Barron explores a new mythology—the origin of the legendary isle of Atlantis.

I am a huge fan of King Arthur. I have read dozens of books and many more short stories about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. But I have a confession to make: I still have not read any of the Merlin Saga by T.A. Barron. It is a shameful secret, I know, and one I hope to correct soon. When I was approached with the chance to review the first two books in his new Atlantis series, I knew that I had to agree. What better way to make up for this shortcoming than by reading and reviewing his new series? Besides, I had just learned, through reading the letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, that Tolkien was partially inspired by the Atlantis legend. It was perfect timing to dive into an Atlantis series so I took the plunge.

I was not disappointed.

The main character, Promi, is memorable and is exactly the sort of person you can’t help but to cheer for. He finds himself wrapped up the web of an ominous prophecy that predicts the end of all magic which, in Atlantis, would mean a drastic change for everyone there. Why? Because magic is tailored in to many aspects of Ellegandia, including the boots that Promi wears (they magically adjust to the size of his feet). I love the imagined setting of Ellegandia – the diverse people and creatures that live in or around Ellegandia and the elements of magic woven into it. The Listener magic is an interesting system that is central to the events of the story and it creates some intriguing sacrifices and situations for Promi. The supporting cast of characters is wonderful and the nature surrounding Ellegandia, home of fascinating magical creatures and Promi’s friend, Atlanta, captures the imagination.

I can’t say enough good things without spoiling the essence of the book. It is written for Middle-Grade/Young Adult readers which makes this a fast-paced page-turner of a book. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys magic, fairies, tales of prophecy, moments of daring and swashbuckling adventure, sweet food and journal entries, the Atlantis mystery/mythology, or nature. This was a great read and I can enthusiastically recommend this one to just about everyone that I know and will do so in the future.

Also, from August 14th-23rd I will be featuring a giveaway on this website for a copy of this book, as well as its sequel. So make sure to come back around that time to enter for a chance to win a free copy of two great books.

Final Verdict: You should read this book! You won’t regret it.

A free copy of this book was provided by Goodman Media International, Inc. in exchange for an honest review of the book. The opinons stated above are my own and were not in any way influenced by any outside parties.

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