To celebrate his 35th Birthday author Barry Hutchison is going to be giving presents to his readers. The first being a free kindle download of his short horror story The Bone House. The free download will be available for 48 hours from today so make sure you snap up your copy quickly! I have to confess I'm not much of a horror reader but I absolutely loved Barry's fantasy book The 13th Horseman (read my review here) so I'm going to put my big girl panties on and give The Bone House a try!
A chilling horror short story from award-winning author, Barry John Hutchison.
School has broken up and summer is finally here. Fifteen-year-old Laura has plans for six whole weeks of Skyrim and at least one Batman DVD marathon. But when her neighbour and long-time crush, Cethan, takes her into the woods to show her something he has found there, both their lives take a turn for the terrifying...
Barry John Hutchison (writing as Barry Hutchison) is the author of several novels for children and teens, including the award-winning Invisible Fiends horror series. THE BONE HOUSE is the first in a series of short stories published exclusively in ebook format.
The Bone House isn't the only gift Barry has planned for his readers though, there will also be extracts and much more throughout the day at his blog so make sure you don't miss anything.
Those of you who are taking part in the 2013 British Books Challenge might also like to know that Barry is a British author so his books count towards the challenge!
'You are no longer Drake Finn, you are the Fourth Horseman. You are the rider on the pale horse. You are death.'
'Right,' chirped Drake, after a pause. 'Well, that's a turn up for the books.'
Drake is surprised to find three Horsemen of the Apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed. He's even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them. They're missing a Horseman and think Drake is the boy for the job. Does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world?
Barry Hutchison blends riotous comedy with heart-stopping action in this richly imagined fantasy adventure. He isn't worried about the Apocalypse, as long as it doesn't come before tea.
Review:
After an unfortunate incident at school Drake finds himself expelled and is forced to move house to be nearer to his new school. The last thing he expects to find in his new garden shed is three of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse - War, Famine and Pestilence - sitting around playing board games. Even stranger is the fact that they are convinced that he is their newest recruit, the replacement for Death. The old Death apparently got bored of waiting for the Apocalypse to start so he quit and decided to go off on his own to bring about the end of the world. It is up to Drake and the other Horsemen to stop him from succeeding.
Not being much of a horror fan I haven't read any of Barry Hutchison's Invisible Friends books even though I've heard great things about the series. I am a massive fantasy fan though so couldn't wait to pick up The 13th Horseman. Now I'm just left hoping that this is the start to a new series because I haven't laughed so much in ages. If you're a fan of comic fantasy then The 13th Horseman is a MUST read for all ages and one I can't recommend highly enough!
The story is action packed, full of humour and was one I could easily have read in one sitting. I loved the author's take on the Horsemen, he really brought all three of them to life but I have to confess to being a particular fan of Pestilence. You can't not laugh when the Horsemen are on the page playing board games and make sure you watch out for Famine's horse!
While I wouldn't compare the story to the Discworld books I would say that Barry Hutchison has a similar ability to Terry Pratchett in finding the absurd in everyday situations and twisting things to make them hilarious. If you want to get a feel for the style of the book make sure you check out Pestilence's diary on The 13th Horseman website and if you enjoy that you'll love the book. Although I'm still not quite brave enough to try his horror series I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more fantasy books from Barry - they'll be going straight to the top of my wish list.
Source: Received from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review
Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.
Well the exciting news just keeps on coming so I think I'm just going to do a regular roundup with some of the press releases I get sent from various publishers. Some of this I'm sure you'll have already come across but hopefully there will be something new to catch your interest!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you're anything like me you'll have had a collection of the Ladybird Classics when you were a child (I'm pretty sure I've still got most of mine in a box in the loft somewhere!). I loved these books and read them over and over again, a particular favourite was Mick the Disobedient Puppy and there was another one about a carousel horse that came to life but I can't remember the title of it. Anyway, kids today don't have to settle for just the books, they can now have a fully interactive reading experience with the Ladybird Classic Me Books App. Here is the press release to give you all the details:
Sir David Jason joins Adam Buxton and Josie Lawrence for an exciting new update to the award-winning Ladybird Classic Me Books App
London, UK – 26th January 2012 - Due to popular demand Penguin Children’s Books is delighted to announce additional titles in its No1 hit, Ladybird Classic Me Books App, along with an exciting new SAVE feature! Me Books is an innovative picture book app that allows parents and children to interact with and personalize picture books in an entirely new way. The Ladybird Classic Me Books App is available from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch for £0.69.
Sir David Jason joins the voice talents of Adam Buxton and Josie Lawrence; the well-known personalities that made the initial launch so popular. New titles include Puss in Boots, Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella ‘Well Loved Tales’, Tootles the Taxi and Nursery Rhymes. These tales will join the existing 13 titles that are available as In-App purchases through the App Store, at £0.69 each.
Sir David Jason explains:
"The first time I clapped eyes on Me Books I was blown away. I knew these beautiful little Ladybird books very well, as we all do, but this new technology really brings something special to the table. It's storytelling with super powers. I thoroughly enjoyed narrating these stories and was so impressed by Me Books I've just bought an iPad for my family."
The additional titles follow on from the critically acclaimed launch of the app in August. Accolades include:
- The Telegraph’s ‘Top 10 kid’s apps, 2011’
- Winner of the Lovie Award 2011
- Apps Magazine - Best Entertainment App 2011 Award
- Shortlisted for the FutureBook Awards – Best Children’s App
The app includes a range of innovative features that create unique and engaging reading experiences, including:
• READ. Me Books brings the picture book app experience back to reading and telling stories. We’ve added nothing to the books themselves, just a new way to bottle the creativity and imagination they inspire.
• LISTEN. Classic stories are brought to life with charming narration from well known voices along with enchanting sound effects. Simply touch the words and pictures to hear them.
• RECORD. We all know you tell the best stories and do the best voices so Me Books lets you do just that. Add your very own narration and sound effects by drawing audio ‘hotspots’ anywhere on the page.
• PLAY. Playing with books is a brilliant way for children to develop their creativity, language and literacy. Me Books allows them to express themselves which isn’t just important, it's a downright hoot.
• SAVE. You can now save up to three versions of each book making it possible to cherish your favourite stories time and time again.
Me Books comes with the beloved Ladybird Classics title “The Zoo” and is available for £0.69 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Eric Huang, Publishing Director Media & Entertainment Penguin Children’s Books, said: “When we launched the Me Books App in August it was an instant success, topping the UK iPad Book App charts in September. Parents who read the same story over and over again to their children naturally start to personalize the story – or focus on details in the illustrations that aren’t in the text. Me Books offer interactive tools to enhance this family reading experience.”
“The response to Me Books has been incredible and the enduring popularity of these classic Ladybird books has been at the heart of it. We're excited to be building on a great start with this update as well as lots more Me Books apps for 2012!" James Huggins, co-Founder of Me Books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been looking forward to reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio ever since I first heard about it, I think this is going to be one of those books that will make me cry my eyes out but hopefully it will leave me feeling good by the end. This book is being published for both the YA and the adult markets with two very different covers. I thought I'd share both covers here & see which one you all prefer. Personally I love the YA cover and am not a big fan of the adult one but do you agree?
YA Cover
Adult Cover
Just in case you've not heard of Wonder before here is the blurb:
The most poignant, moving and heart-warming tale you will read this year; a book to devour in one sitting and press urgently into the hands of your friends and family. A true wonder of a book.
WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial deformity, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
The YA edition is being published in the UK on the 1st of March and the adult edition will be available on the 7th of June. You can visit the Wonder Facebook page for more information.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had an exciting email from Faber and Faber about their new project aimed at 13-16 year olds. Check out the press release below for more information:
FABER AND FABER LAUNCHES THE SPARK - A PLACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHOWCASE THEIR CREATIVE SKILLS
Faber and Faber has launched THE SPARK www.facebook.com/thesparkpage, a place for 13 - 16 year olds who have an interest in creativity and reading. During 2012 THE SPARK, hosted on Facebook, will invite young people to take part in some exciting projects around acting, film-making, writing and music, each linked to and inspired by a Faber Young Adult title. Whilst students aren’t obliged to read the books to take part, we hope that they will not only be inspired to produce some creative work, but will also be encouraged to engage with the related books, and develop a greater interest in reading generally. Our aim is that THE SPARK will become a vibrant community where young people who love reading and creating can meet, talk and share. We have been extremely impressed by the entries for our recent project, run in association with the GUARDIAN, to find a talented young artist to create a new, iconic cover image for William Golding’s LORD OF THE FLIES and we hope that we can discover a similar level of creativity in each of the new projects to be launched this year.
Launch Project
ACTING – THE GLIMPSE by Claire Merle publishing June 2012
Launching in January 2012, we’re looking to find a young actor to play one of the characters in Claire Merle’s debut YA novel, THE GLIMPSE, in a series of web films. Entrants are invited to film themselves performing one of two audition scripts available at www.facebook.com/theglimpse and all entries will be showcased on THE GLIMPSE You Tube Channel.
The competition is open to anyone aged 13-18 years old (see terms and conditions) and the winner will be announced in March 2012
Coming soon…
Over the next few months we’ll be launching further projects for musicians/composers, film-makers and writers.
Music – THE CREWEL by Gennifer Albin publishing October 2012
We’re calling on musicans, band-members and singer-songwriters to produce an original music track inspired by Gennifer Albin’s novel CREWEL, to feature in the official book trailer. Launches February
2012
Writers – THE THINGS WE DID FOR LOVE by Natasha Farrant
To coincide with publication of Natasha Farrant’sTHE THINGS WE DID FOR LOVE, we are looking for aspiring writers to submit stories, poems or articles inspired by the themes of love or war. Launches March 2012
Filmmaking – THE FURY by Alexander Gordon Smith publishing April 2012
Alexander Gordon Smith's terrifying new book THE FURY is sure to keep readers awake at night. We’re looking for a young filmmaker to make a trailer for it. Launches April 2012
We hope THE SPARK will inspire creativity and conversation around books and plan to continue with further book-related creative projects in the future.
I'm a massive fan of Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (you can read my review here) so I've been waiting to find out more about the next book in the series. I was very excited that Laini has announced the title of book 2 along with a teaser that you can read on her blog here. Obviously this isn't the finished cover but it is a nice way to announce the title:
So what do you think? I absolutely love it and Days of Blood and Starlight is at the top of my wish list! Have you read Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet? If you haven't you really should get to it ASAP because it's a fantastic read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm loving the trend of using modern technology to add extra features to books and think this is something we're just going to see more and more of now that smartphones are so popular. Have a look at this press release from RHCB to see what they have done with the cover for Lauren Kate's new book Fallen In Love.
RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS AND TRANSWORLD PUBLISHERS BRING LAUREN KATE AND SOPHIE KINSELLA BOOK JACKETS TO LIFE WITH AURASMA
Random House Children’s Books (RHCB) and Transworld Publishers (TWP) have teamed up with Aurasma, the world’s leading augmented reality platform, to bring bestselling authors Lauren Kate and Sophie Kinsella’s book jackets to life.
When fans download a free app on their Smartphone then hold their device over the front cover of the book, the jacket images will come to life. Special video messages from the author can also be viewed by ‘scanning’ the author photos on the book jackets. The app, which works on iPhone and Android Smartphones, as well as iPad 2 and iPod touch, uses Aurasma’s ‘virtual browser’ to recognise trigger images through the phone’s camera, which then generate video content directly onto the device’s screen.
Fans of Lauren Kate can download the FALLEN BOOKS app and bring the front cover of Fallen In Love to life. The SOPHIE KINSELLA app will activate Sophie Kinsella’s new novel I’ve Got Your Number.
Please click here to see the Aurasma-enabled Fallen In Love cover in action:
Gavin Hilzbrich, Head of Digital Marketing at RHCB and TWP comments: “Increasingly our readers are looking for new ways to interact with authors and we’re always looking for innovative ways to market and enhance our publications. Innovation and development is at the heart of what we do and this project is an example of how we can use cutting edge mobile technology to engage our readers. We’re delighted with the outcome and have had a very positive reaction from retailers and have already set the wheels in motion for incorporating AR into future publications.”
Martina King, Managing Director of Aurasma said; “We are delighted to be working with two of the biggest publishing houses, Random House and Transworld Publishers, in the world’s first use of Aurasma on a book. Both Lauren Kate and Sophie Kinsella have millions of loyal followers around the world who we know will love to use their mobile devices to get closer to the story and their favourite authors. Aurasma offers readers the best of both worlds, bringing together the joy of owning a new book with the excitement of watching it come to life with digital content.”
FALLEN IN LOVE, publishing 2nd February 2012 is a riveting collection of four intertwined love stories featuring the Fallen characters. Since the publication of the first book, Fallen, in December 2009, Kate’s series has become a bona fide smash hit with close to half a million copies sold in the UK alone. All bestsellers in the United States, the novels of the Fallen series: Fallen, Torment, and Passion, have become international sensations, hitting No.1 slots in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, rights have sold in 33 countries and counting. The final novel in the series, Rapture, will be released in the UK in June 2012 taking readers on a journey that will close the chapter on Luce & Daniel’s love forever. Hilzbrich comments ‘With almost 50% of teenagers in the UK owning a Smartphone (and an even greater number having access to an iPod touch) we knew that a large percentage of Lauren Kate’s fans would have one of these devices close at hand, and mobile phones play a very central role’
Random House Children’s books will also be creating augmented reality covers for two further titles this year; broadcaster Simon Mayo’s debut ITCH in March and Starters, a futuristic thriller by Lissa Price in April.
I’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER is published in hardback on 16th February (priced £18.99) and is the eagerly-awaited new standalone novel by Sophie Kinsella. It is the hilarious story of a young woman who loses her mobile phone and stumbles across another discarded phone. Through emails, text messages and mysterious phone calls, she becomes mixed up in the life of the owner in a way she could never have expected. With a mobile phone at the heart of the storyline, augmented reality is the perfect method to allow readers to connect with the author and the plot. Sophie Kinsella is the author of 11 number one bestselling novels including the fabulously popular Shopaholic series; her novels have sold over 6 million copies in the UK and Ireland.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last but not least if you're looking for a little pre-apocalypse fun make sure you check out the new 13th Horseman blog. I'm really looking forward to reading Barry Hutchison's next book - I'm sure it's going to be a really fun read! It releases in the UK on the 1st of March so look out for my review towards the end of February and in the meantime here is a bit more information about the book and the new website:
The apocalypse is coming. There’s no way out of I’m afraid. Nope, not even through that sneaky door labelled “exit” – it’s fire and brimstone for us all.
But hey! Let’s not be downbeat about it! Why not laugh your way to the end of the world with some commentary from one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse himself? Ok so he might not be the most mysterious or powerful of the four, but he’s probably not the ugliest anyway. Pestilence has set up his very own blog to document the lead up to the end – which you can read at http://www.the13thhorseman.com/
Conveniently the countdown to the end of the world coincides with the publication of the hilarious new book from Barry Hutchison, The 13th Horseman on the 1st of March. Barry has created this innovative blog to feature all sorts of extra information on the lives of the horseman. You can now learn why exactly Toxie the Hellhound owes them one, where Pest got that nasty rash and watch Death descend into madness (well, waiting for an apocalypse for thousands of years can be pretty boring). The end of the world has never been so entertaining.
You can find out more about Barry and his books here:
Drake is surprised to find three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed. He's even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them. They're missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths and they think that Drake is the boy for the job. At first he's reluctant to usher in Armageddon but does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world?
An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So that's all the news I have to share with you today, hopefully you found it interesting!
I thought it would be fun to start spotlighting new releases that different publishers have coming up over the next few months for us to look forward to. I'm constantly looking for new books to add to my wish list and thought it would be a nice way of spreading the bookish love with other bloggers. I'm not sure how regular the posts will be yet but I have quite a few lined up already and we'll see how things go over the next few months. So in the spotlight today we have . . .
HarperCollins have some fantastic new YA releases in the coming months that I'm very excited about reading! For more information check out the HarperCollins website.
First up we have Muse by Rebecca Lim, this is the 3rd book in the Mercy series. I have all 3 books on my to read pile and I really must hurry up and get started on this series! Muse was released on the 27th of October so you can go out and grab your copy now. Visit Rebecca Lim's Facebook page for more information.
There's something very wrong with me. When I wake up I could be anyone...
Mercy is thrust into the excessive world of fashion when she awakes in the body of a troubled Russian supermodel, Irina: bitchy, hot-tempered and known to be dabbling in things she shouldn't, Irina is on the verge of a very public breakdown.
Against the glamorous background of opulent Milan, Mercy continues her increasingly desperate search for Ryan to lead her back to her immortal lover, Luc. But this time Mercy is aware that her memories and powers are growing ever stronger - and she begins to doubt Luc as The Eight reveal more of her mysterious past. Are Luc's desires as selfless as her own or does he want her for a more terrifying purpose?
Next we have The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon, this is a debut I'm really excited about. It's nearly at the top of my to read pile so keep an eye out for my review coming soon. This book was also released on the 27th of October & I'd love to know what you thought of it if it's one you've already had a chance to read it. Visit Leigh Fallon's website for more information.
Their love was meant to be.
When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÃs.
But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.
Coming into 2012 we can look forward to Supernaturally by Kiersten White which will be released on the 5th of January. I really enjoyed the first book Paranormalcy when I read it earlier this year (read my review here) so I'm looking forward to the sequel. Visit Kiersten White's website for more information.
A lot has changed since Evie escaped from the International Paranormal Containment Agency with her shapeshifter boyfriend, Lend. She spends her days at school like a normal teenager, eagerly awaiting the weekends when Lend comes home from college and trying not to be killed by overly enthusiastic soccer players in her gym class.
Evie's world, in fact, has become overwhelmingly normal. And Evie is shocked to realise that normal can be . . . kind of boring. Then Raquel appears, asking her to help out at IPCA again. As Evie dips back into her former life, she learns that things are changing in the world of paranormals . . .
Also released on the 5th of January is Stormswept by Helen Dunmore. I haven't read anything by this author before but I was sold as soon as I saw the cover then after reading the description & finding the story was about a Mer boy I knew it this would have to go on my wish list! As this is the 5th book in the Ingo series I guess I'm going to have to start at the beginning though so I've got a lot of catching up to do! Visit Helen Dunmore's website for more information.
Morveren lives with her parents and twin sister Jenna on an island off the coast of Cornwall.
As Morveren and Jenna's relationship shifts and changes, like driftwood on the tide, Morveren finds a beautiful teenage boy in a rock pool after a storm. Going to his rescue, she is shocked to see that he is not human but a Mer boy.
With Jenna refusing to face the truth, Morveren finds herself alone at the worst possible time. Because when the worlds of Air and Mer meet, the consequences can be terrible . . .
Dancing Jax by Robin Jarvis is already available in hardback but as of the 2nd of February you'll be able to pick up the paperback version. Just in time for the release of the second book in the series Freax and Rejex that comes out in hardback on the same day. For more information you can visit Robin Jarvis' website.
At the end of a track, on the outskirts of an ordinary coastal town, lies a dilapidated house. Once, a group of amateur ghost hunters spend the night there. Two of them don't like to speak about the experience. The third can't speak about it. He went into the basement, you see, and afterwards he screamed so hard and so long he tore his vocal cords.
Now, a group of teenagers have decided to hang out in the old haunted house. Dismissing the fears of the others, their leader Jezza goes down into the basement . . . and comes back up with a children's book, full of strange and colourful tales of a playing-card world, a fairytale world, full of Jacks, Queens and Kings, unicorns and wolves.
But the book is no fairytale. Written by Austerly Fellows, a mysterious turn-of-the-century occultist, it might be the gateway to something terrifying . . . and awfully final.
********************
Five months have passed since the publication of the devilish book discovered in Dancing Jax. It is on its ninth reprint and tens of millions of copies have been sold in the UK. The entire country is now under its evil spell.
Yet a tiny percentage of the population have proven to be immune to the words of Austerly Fellows. With the critical eyes of the rest of the world turned towards Britain, the Ismus decides to send the children for an intensive holiday camp, where they will study the sacred text and learn to embrace it.
But after the holiday is over, the children are told their stay has been extended. A barbed wire fence is put up around the site. And it soon becomes apparent that the place is not a camp and the children are not guests. They are prisoners of war . . .
On the 12th of February you will be able to get your hands on a copy of The Flask by Nicky Singer. This looks very different to the kind of book I usually read but it sounds like a very emotional story & I'm really curious about it. You can find out more at Nicky Singer's website.
Twelve-year-old Jess is grieving for her beloved Aunt Edie, and anxiously awaiting the birth of her twin brothers, when she finds a mysterious glass flask hidden in a desk. The flask is beautiful to Jess, and soon she starts to believe that it contains a magical life-force. When her half-brothers are born critically ill, Jess becomes convinced that their survival depends on what's happening to the flask . . .
Through Jess's stunning narration, Nicky Singer explores the meaning of life, and the interconnected nature of all things - in a way which is entirely accessible to young readers.
An unforgettable standalone novel from Nicky Singer, author of the sensational, award-winning FEATHER BOY.
I absolutely loved Divergent by Veronica Roth when I read it earlier this year (read my review here) so if you haven't tried it yet then it's a book I would highly recommend. I have to say I love the new cover for the paperback version that is being released on the 12th of February, the colours are so pretty that I may have to buy a new copy! Visit Veronica Roth's website for more information.
For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs.
Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead . . . .
She turns to face the future in a world that's falling apart.
Watch out for Slide by Jill Hathaway on the 1st of March, this one sounds really creepy and I'm very curious about it! Visit Jill Hathaway's website for more information.
Vee Bell hates having narcolepsy. But collapsing at school is nowhere near as bad as the truth. When Vee passes out she slides randomly into other people's heads and ends up seeing through their eyes. So when Vee finds herself in the head of a killer, standing over the body of a cheerleader, she's beyond freaked.
Vee knows that this was no suicide. And when another cheerleader turns up dead, everyone is a suspect. Struggling to understand her terrifying and unwanted 'gift', Vee is tangled in a web of secrets, lies and danger . . .
She sees through the eyes of a killer . . .
Now this is one I'm really looking forward to - The 13th Horseman by Barry Hutchison. Another March the 1st release this has been described as Pratchett meets Python and that just makes it a must read for me. For more information visit Barry Hutchison's website.
Drake is surprised to find three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed. He's even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them. They're missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths and they think that Drake is the boy for the job. At first he's reluctant to usher in Armageddon but does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world?
An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure.
The 1st of March is a busy day as you'll also be able to pick up a copy of Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress by Sarwat Chadda. This is aimed at a younger audience than most of the books I read but it looks like a fun story and I like the fact that it is set in India so am looking forward to giving it a try. You can visit Sarwat Chadda's website for more information.
Ash Mistry hates India. Which is a problem since his uncle has brought him and his annoying younger sister Lucky there to take up a dream job with the mysterious Lord Savage. But Ash immediately suspects something is very wrong with the eccentric millionaire. Soon, Ash finds himself in a desperate battle to stop Savage's master plan - the opening of the Iron Gates that have kept Ravana, the demo king, at bay for four millennia . . .
Breathtaking action adventure for boys of 8-12. Ash Mistry, reluctant hero, faces ancient demons . . . and comes into an astonishing, magical inheritance.
I love Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series (I read the first 3 books before I started blogging & really need to catch up with the series) and I love well written short stories so I'm really excited about Faery Tales and Nightmares which will be released on the 6th of March. Visit Melissa Marr's website for more information.
Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments, dark and light, by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from under the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to sinister intent - relentlessly. From the gentle tones of a storyteller's cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favourite characters from Marr's Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with . . . or to fear. Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr's stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.
An enthralling collection of short stories featuring favourite characters from Melissa Marr's bestselling WICKED LOVELY series.
On the 29th of March we have the release of my most anticipated book of 2012 - The Rising by Will Hill. Department 19 is one of my favourite books of 2011 (you can read my review here) so I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel! It's already been a long wait for this so March can't get here fast enough for me. Visit Will Hill's website for more information.
DEPARTMENT 6 IS THE ARMY. DEPARTMENT 13 IS MI5. DEPARTMENT 19 IS ALL THAT STANDS BETWEEN YOU AND THE END OF THE WORLD.
After the terrifying attack on Lindisfarne at the end of the first book, Jamie, Larissa and Kate are recovering at Department 19 headquarters, waiting for news of Dracula's stolen ashes.
They won't be waiting long.
Vampire forces are gathering. Old enemies are getting too close. And Dracula . . . is rising.
I already mentioned that book 3 in Rebecca Lim's Mercy series was published in October, the really good news is that we don't have to wait too long for the final book in the series. Fury will be available on the 29th of March! Now I love series but I hate the long wait between books so this is great news for me, I'm going to have to get started on these books soon so I'm caught up in time for the last installment.
Everything that has happened to Mercy over millennia has made her who she is.
Love. Vengeance. Truth.
Hell Hath no fury like Mercy . . .
Fury is the culmination of the spellbinding Mercy series.
An angel searching for answers, for her destiny . . .
Like a lot of people I'm fascinated by the story of the Titanic so Fateful by Claudia Gray really appeals to me. This is another March the 29th release and it's definitely on my wish list. You can visit Claudia Gray's website for more information.
The Titanic is the most luxurious ship ever built, but for eighteen-year-old Tess Davies it's a prison. Travelling as a maid for the family she has served for years, Tess is trapped in their employ amid painful memories and family secrets.
When she meets Alec, a handsome passenger, Tess falls helplessly in love. But Alex has secrets of his own . . . and soon Tess is entangled in a dangerous game. A sinister brotherhood has followed him onboard. And Tess is now their most powerful pawn.
Tess and Alec fight the dark forces threatening to tear them apart, never realising that they will have to face an even greater peril before the journey is over . . .
A tragic tale about falling in love on the world's most infamous ill-fated sea voyage as heroine, Tess, discovers darker secrets that lie beneath the doomed crossing . . .
So what do you think of the upcoming HarperCollins titles? Do you already have some of these on your wish list? Which books are you most excited about getting your hands on?
Today I'd like to welcome 12 year old Kain to Feeling Fictional, he is back today with his third review! Thanks for writing another guest review for me Kain!
Kyle wakes up in hospital... in the Darkest Corners.
In this hospital the surfaces aren't clean, and the instruments are not used for healing.
But it's about to get much, much worse.
The doctor is ready to see him now...
The Invisible Friends Series:
Mr Mumbles
Baggie Maggie
The Crowmaster
Doc Mortis
The Beast
Kain's Review:
The Invisible fiend Doc Mortis was an enjoyable book, but not one of my favourites as it’s a bit repetitive. I do like the way it started as an apocalypse then said 17 days later…
The way the author described the way the main characters body was feeling, they also did a good way of describing the environment. One bit I find a bit strange if not morbid is a chant that someone does. But overall I score this 3/5.
Thanks for Reading,
KAIN
Source: Received from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review
Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.
To celebrate the release of Doc Mortis, the fourth book in the Invisible Friends series by Barry Hutchison I'm thrilled to be able to share this exclusive extract from The Rise of Doc Mortis short story.
The story is being told in 5 parts so here are links to the blogs hosting each section (I'll add links to the relevant posts as soon as I have them):
Doc slashed with the scalpel and swung with his briefcase, as the birds closed in around him. The air was filled with their screeches and caws and the whumming of their greasy black wings
‘Get… away!’ Doc cried, as one of the birds dug its claws into his shoulder and lunged at his neck. Doc brought the scalpel up sharply, slitting the bird open from stomach to throat. It fell backwards, but half a dozen others rushed to take its place.
With the snap of a beak, a chunk of his ear was torn off. He twisted, knocking the crow away, but leaving himself open to an attack from behind. Three more of the birds flew at his back, digging their claws into his tweed coat, pecking hungrily at the base of his neck.
‘Filthy creatures! Get… get away from me!’
He stumbled forwards, contorting his body as the birds tore at his flesh. The scalpel hand shot out and a wing landed on the ground at his feet. He swung with the leather case and another bird went down with a satisfying thonk.
But it wasn’t enough. They were all over him now, all claws and beaks and wings, burying him beneath a squawking mound of black.
‘You see what happens, boy?’ cackled the scarecrow, watching on. ‘You see what happens when you go messing with the Crowmaster?’ He laughed again, that sickening ss-ss-ss-ss, like air escaping from a tyre. ‘Bet yo’ sorry now, ain’t ya, boy?’
Doc tried to run, to get away, but the hurricane around him made it impossible. He staggered, tripped, then fell face-first onto the ruined tarmac. As the crows moved in for the kill, he clutched his case tighter, screwed his eyes shut, and steeled himself for the pain.
A second later, the darkness evaporated. He could see, even through his closed eyelids - the brilliant glow of a blinding light.
It lasted for less than a second, but a second was all it took. The birds stopped attacking at once. They flew off in panic, dazzled and dazed by the sudden light.
‘What did you do? What did you do to my babies?’ the Crowmaster screeched. He stumbled forwards, arms raised in front of him, then slumped sideways into a tangle of weeds as if no longer able to maintain his balance.
Cautiously, Doc raised his head. Even though his eyes had been shut, white spots swam before them. By the time they cleared, a man in sunglasses and a long leather coat crouched before him, a hand reaching down.
‘Come on,’ the man said. ‘The light won’t stop them for long. We have to get out of here.’
Doc slid the scalpel back up into his sleeve, before allowing the man to help him up. He turned and looked at the Crowmaster, still lying in the grass. The tools in his bag cried out to be put to use.
But the birds were already settling, their beady black eyes beginning to recover. There was no time for revenge. One day, perhaps, but not right now.
Doc turned to the man in the sunglasses. ‘Thank you, my friend,’ he said. ‘Please, lead the way.’
#
For several minutes they skulked along deserted streets, through grubby alleyways, across overgrown parks. Around them, the night was filled with screams and howls, and other noises unlike any Doc had ever heard before. His heart raced through the sheer hellishness of it all.
‘What is this place?’ he asked, as the man in the black coat led them through the burned-out remains of a restaurant. ‘What happened here?’
‘A new arrival, huh?’ the man said, curtly. ‘You’re in the Darkest Corners. It’s where we go when they don’t need us any more.’
‘Where we go…?’
‘Imaginary friends,’ the man said. He scanned the street beyond the restaurant’s doorway before venturing outside. ‘Where the forgotten imaginary friends go.’
‘Ah,’ said Doc, nodding. ‘I see. I am understanding, I think.’
‘You’re lucky I found you when I did. Most people don’t survive more than a few minutes. Those crows would’ve torn you to pieces.’
‘Yes,’ Doc admitted, touching the scratches on his neck. ‘Yes, I think they would.’
The man stopped. ‘What’s your name, by the way?’
‘Mortis. My name is Doctor Mortis.’
‘Adam,’ the man said. ‘Nothing else, just Adam.’
‘A pleasure to meet you,’ Doc said, flashing a yellow-toothed smile. In truth, he was rapidly becoming bored with the man’s company. He shifted his hand and the handle of the scalpel slid into his palm.
‘Likewise,’ Adam said. ‘So, what… you’re a doctor?’
‘I am… a surgeon,’ Doc said, nodding. His index finger pressed against the back of the blade, ready to strike.
Adam pulled of his sunglasses as a smile lit up his face. ‘Really? Wow. That’s… that’s fantastic! You’re just what we need!’
‘We?’ Doc asked. His eyes fixed on a spot just to the right of Adam’s windpipe. His muscles tensed.
‘Yeah. Me and the kids,’ Adam said, nodding enthusiastically. ‘I run this shelter for kids who’re lost and alone here. It’s not much, but it’s safer than them being out on the streets.’
Doc felt the fine hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. ‘You have… a children’s home?’ he asked, his voice a low whisper.
‘Yeah,’ Adam nodded. ‘Yeah, something like that. And, well, I’ll be honest with you, we could really use a doctor. Maybe, if you don’t mind, maybe you could come with me? See what you can do for the sick ones?’
Doc bit down on his lip as a shudder of excitement rippled along his spine. ‘Mind?’ he said, hoarsely. ‘Oh, I do not mind. I do not mind at all.’
His grip relaxed on the scalpel. ‘Take me there,’ he urged. ‘Take me to the children.’
‘Really?’ asked Adam. ‘You’ll really come and help them?’
‘Oh my, yes. I’ll make them better. I’ll make them all better.’ Doc felt the leather case quiver softly in his hand. ‘Children are my speciality.’
******************************
There are still lots of exciting posts to come on the blog tour so make sure you check them all out! I've included links to all of the blogs to make things easier for you.
4th August - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - On publication day watch a video of Barry talking about Doc Mortis
7th August - Empire of Books - Review of Doc Mortis and find out about Barry's biggest fear
8th August - Gripped into Books - Review of Doc Mortis and Barry's top 10 horrifying reads
9th August - Books for Teens - Review of Doc Mortis and Jesse's Invisible Friend
