Our mother was a witch, too, but she hid it better.
I miss her.
Not a single day goes by that I don’t wish for her guidance. Especially about my sisters.
Tess runs ahead of me, heading for the rose garden–our sanctuary, our one safe place. Her slippers slide on the cobblestones, the hood of her gray cloak falling to reveal blonde curls. I glance back at the house. It’s against the Brothers’ stricture for girls to go out of doors uncloaked, and running isn’t considered ladylike. But we’re concealed from the house by tall hedges. Tess is safe.
For now.
She waits ahead, kicking at the dead leaves beneath a maple. “I hate autumn,” she complains, biting at her lip with pearly teeth. “It feels so sad.”
“I like it.” There’s something invigorating in the crisp September air, the searing blue skies, the interplay of orange and scarlet and gold. The Brotherhood would probably ban autumn if they could. It’s too beautiful. Too sensuous.
Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.
What people are saying:
“Spotswood has re-imagined history, entwined with magic and the struggle for power, in a tale so captivating you don’t want it to end. The Cahill sisters are heroines to be reckoned with!” –Andrea Cremer
“The feminist undertones, the descriptions of sumptuous dresses, the dangerous, secretive magic wielding: Born Wicked is like a sizzling, more fun version of The Witch of Blackbird Pond.”–Romantic Times
Released: February 7, 2012
About the author:
Jessica Spotswood lives in Washington, DC with her playwright husband and a cuddly cat named Monkey. She’s never happier than when she’s immersed in a good story, and swoony kissing scenes are her favorite. You can visit her at www.jessicaspotswood.com.
Win a copy of Article 5! Details at the end of this post.
BETH and Ryan were holding hands. It was enough to risk a formal citation for indecency, and they knew better, but I didn’t say anything. Curfew rounds wouldn’t begin for another two hours, and freedom was stolen in moments like these.
“Slow down, Ember,” Ryan called.
Instead I walked faster, pulling away from our pack.
“Leave her alone,” I heard Beth whisper. My face heated as I realized how I must look: not like a conscientious friend who was minding her own business, but like a bitter third wheel who couldn’t stand seeing other couples happy. Which wasn’t true— mostly.
Sheepishly, I fell into step beside Beth.
My best friend was tall for a girl, with an explosion of dark freckles centered at her nose and a cap of squiggly red hair that was untamable on chilly days like this one. She traded Ryan’s arm for mine— which, if I was honest, did make me feel a little safer— and without a word, we danced on our tiptoes around the massive cracks in the sidewalk, just like we’d done since the fourth grade.
When the concrete path succumbed to gravel, I raised the front of my too-long khaki skirt so the hem didn’t drag in the dust. I hated this skirt. The matching button- up top was so boxy and stiff that it made even busty Beth look fl at as an ironing board. School uniforms were part of President Scarboro’s new Moral Statute—one of many that had taken effect after the War—mandating that appearances comply with gender roles. I didn’t know what gender they’d been aiming for with this outfit. Clearly it wasn’t female.
New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC have been abandoned.
The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials and maybe worse. People who get arrested don’t usually come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. That life in the United States used to be different.
In the three years since the war ended, Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs—like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes—and how to pass the random home inspections by the Federal Bureau of Reformation. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And what’s worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.
What people are saying:
“Kristen Simmons’ Article 5 is a gripping, atmospheric story of survival. Alongside a fierce depiction of oppressive government, Simmons has created a bleak portrait of an America lost. I could hardly put it down. Ember Miller and Chase Jennings can be my post-apocalyptic wingmen anytime.”—Kendare Blake, author of Anna Dressed in Blood
“Subversion. Defiance. Desperate, struggling humanity in the face of state-sponsored tyranny. This book was engrossing, unpredictable and thoroughly REAL. Loved it.”–Jay Kristoff, author of Stormdancer
“Fast-paced, emotional and nail-bitingingly intense, Article 5 gripped me from page one and didn’t let me go once.”--Parajunkee.com
“There are only a few books that managed to keep me up at night this year, and ARTICLE 5 is one of them. A MUST read for any fan of the dystopian genre…even if you are not, it’s a must read anyways.”–Book Reader Addicts
Released: January 31, 2012
About the author:
Kristen Simmons has a master’s degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She lives with her husband Jason and their precious greyhound Rudy in Tampa, Florida. Visit her at www.kristensimmonsbooks.com.
Giveaway:
Kristen has been kind enough to contribute a copy of Article 5 for a giveaway!
Just comment on this post to enter.
For extra entries:
-Be a follower of this site (just click “Join this site”) or a follower on Twitter [+1 entry each].
-Link to this contest on Twitter, Facebook, etc. [+1 entry per each link].
Please list your extra entries in the comments.
The contest is open in the US only, and ends on February 22nd at midnight EST.
To whoever should have the misfortune to review this closed—but still unresolved—case, I extend my condolences. I tell you truly that all persons involved have been insufferably odd.
All we know directly of Miss Natalie Stewart, disappeared at age seventeen, is what you will read here in what was left behind as an absurd testimonial.
Herein you shall find pertinent newspaper articles enclosed by Miss Stewart regarding Lord Denbury and his infamous portrait. There are also letters from involved parties.
I am left to conclude that everyone involved is a certifiable lunatic. Should you wish to indulge yourself and read a young lady’s foolish reveries on such highly improbable events, so be it. Should you believe any of it, I hope you have no business with the New York Police Department now or in the future.
The Picture of Dorian Gray meets Pride and Prejudice, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
New York City, 1880. Seventeen-year-old Natalie Stewart’s latest obsession is a painting of the handsome British Lord Denbury. Something in his striking blue eyes calls to her. As his incredibly life-like gaze seems to follow her, Natalie gets the uneasy feeling that details of the painting keep changing… Lord Denbury’s soul is trapped in the gilded painting by dark magic while his possessed body commits unspeakable crimes in the city slums. He must lure Natalie into the painting, for only together can they reverse the curse and free his damaged soul.
What people are saying:
“You’ll love it if you love murder mysteries with a supernatural twist… the story is so different from other fantasy novels that have been coming out recently. This chilling tale will draw you in and keep you guessing until the very last page!”–Seventeen Magazine
“Hieber applies some real imagination to the story…A good romp with effective suspense.”–Kirkus
“This smart novel will have wide appeal.”–Shelf Awareness
“A hypnotic web of suspense and romance…”–Booklist
Released: November 8, 2011
About the author:
Leanna Renee Hieber graduated with a BFA in Theatre from Miami University, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London. She adapted works of 19th Century literature for the stage and her one-act plays such as Favorite Lady have been produced around the country.
Her debut novel, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in her Strangely Beautiful series, landed on Barnes & Noble’s bestseller lists, won two 2010 Prism Awards (Best Fantasy, Best First Book), and has been optioned for adaptation into a musical theatre production currently in development. Foreign rights have been sold to Poland and Thailand. DARKER STILL: A Novel of Magic Most Foul, hit the Kid’s/YA INDIE NEXT LIST as a recommended title by the American Booksellers Association. Foreign rights have been sold to China (Complex translation, via Taiwan) and Turkey.
Leanna’s short fiction has been featured in anthologies Candle In the Attic Window and the upcoming Willful Impropriety: Tales of Society and Scandal and the upcoming Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (TOR). A member of performers unions AEA, AFTRA and SAG, Leanna works often in film and television and lives in New York City with her real life hero and their beloved rescued lab rabbit. You can visit her at http://leannareneehieber.com.
When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father. By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this “vacation” has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up.
But understanding love, especially when you’ve watched your parents’ affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? Can you even know it until you’ve lost it?
What people are saying:
“The author does a terrific job of keeping the plot moving by using poetry to her advantage. Reluctant readers will appreciate the brevity while poetic souls will appreciate the format.”–School Library Journal, Starred Review
“A verse novel with real depth to accompany all that white space.”—Kirkus Reviews
“The formal variety of Tregay’s poems creates an immediacy that should maintain readers’ interest and sympathy for Marcie. With multiple shredded relationships and friendships, there’s more than enough angst to go around, as Marcie rages against the decisions her parents have made, as well as her own.”—Publisher’s Weekly
“Although the words are simple, the themes of Love and Leftovers are not.”—VOYA
“Amazing. The most delicious love story I’ve read in ages.”–Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author of SHINE
Released: December 27, 2011
About the author:
Sarah Tregay is a graphic designer. When she isn’t jotting down poems at stoplights, Sarah can be found hanging out with her “little sister” from Big Brothers Big Sisters. She lives in Eagle, Idaho, with her husband, two Boston terriers, and an Appaloosa named Mr. Pots. You can visit her at www.sarahtregay.com.
Win a signed copy of The Gathering Storm! Details at the end of this post.
CHAPTER ONE
Fall 1888, Saint Petersburg, Russia
An afternoon spent solving quadratic equations would have been infinitely more pleasant. I smelled like a salad. Cucumber slices for soothing puffy eyes. Blackberry vinegar for brightening dull skin. Goat’s milk and honey for softening rough hands. I politely declined when my cousin offered a pinch of her goose lard and pomegranate facial cream.
It was Friday afternoon and our lessons had been cancelled at the Smolny Institute so everyone could prepare for the ball. Because dressing up like a doll was much more important than studying literature or learning arithmetic.
Matrimony. That was the true mission of the Smolny Institute for Young Noble Maidens. It was nothing more than a meat market for Russia’s nobility, where princes from all across Europe sent their daughters, intending them to marry off well. So there I sat, Katerina Alexandra Maria von Holstein-Gottorp, Duchess of Oldenburg. Great-great-granddaughter of Empress Josephine on my mother’s side, great-great-great-granddaughter of Katerina the Great on my father’s side. Princess of the Royal Blood. Royal meat for sale. I would have rather been dead.
Once I told Maman I wanted to attend medical school and work at one of Papa’s hospitals in Saint Petersburg or Moscow. I always accompanied her to the Oldenburg Children’s Hospital when she made her charity visits at Christmas and Easter. I thought it would be wonderful to take care of sick children and discover cures for diseases. But Maman was horrified at the idea.
“What man would marry a doctor?” she asked, not bothering to wait for an answer. “What a foolish notion!”
As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.
What people are saying:
“Bridges could become a worthy successor to Libba Bray with this historical fantasy. Her lush settings, secret rituals, and paranormal creatures make for an atmospheric political adventure… Katiya is a strong female hero whose further adventures are worth following.”–Voya
“An atmospheric and complicated vampire tale that’s worth the effort of reading it.”–Kirkus
“An imaginative, complex blend of history and magic.”–Publishers Weekly
Released: January 10, 2012
About the author:
By day, Robin is a mild-mannered writer of fantasy and paranormal fiction for young adults. By night, she is a pediatric nurse. Robin lives on the Gulf Coast with her husband, one soon-to-be teenager, and two slobbery mastiffs. She likes playing video games and watching Jane Austen movies. THE GATHERING STORM is her first novel. You can visit her at www.robinbridges.com.
Giveaway:
Robin has been kind enough to contribute a signed copy of The Gathering Storm!
Just comment on this post to enter.
For extra entries:
-Be a follower of this site (just click “Join this site”) or a follower on Twitter [+1 entry each].
-Link to this contest on Twitter, Facebook, etc. [+1 entry per each link].
Please list your extra entries in the comments.
The contest is open in the US and Canada, and ends on January 26th at midnight EST.
Win a signed copy of A Closer Look! Details at the end of this post.
It was New Year’s Eve, but I didn’t care how I looked—jeans and a sweatshirt, hair in a ponytail—done deal. Babysitting for a two-year-old could be messy so that outfit was a safe bet.
Too early to leave, I wandered into my younger brother Kyle’s room. He was packing video games for a sleepover at his friend Rob’s house.
“Got big plans for the night?” Kyle asked.
“While you’re frying your brain playing those stupid things, I’ll be making a cool ten bucks an hour.”
“For babysitting a kid that’s asleep?”
“It is New Year’s Eve. I could’ve gone to a party or done something else instead.
“Yeah, right—as if anybody asked you.”
Jerk. I hadn’t expected any party invites, and besides, I’d accepted this job over a month ago, so I was already booked even if something else had come along.
“Bite me,” I told him. “Next time you’re hard up for cash, don’t come to me looking for a loan.”
“Aw, you know I didn’t mean it,” he said. Then he Kyle-smiled me. That always worked on Mom, not on me. But I never could stay mad at the brat for long.
Freshman year is going well for Cassie, a standout sprinter about to move up to varsity, and Tommy, that cute sax player, has asked her out. But in a matter of weeks, Cassie’s got a secret: her hair has started falling out and she’s doing everything possible to hide it. Cassie’s horrified when she learns that it happened before, when she was three, and a trip to the dermatologist confirms what she’s feared—that all her hair may fall out. Cassie has alopecia areata and there’s no effective treatment. Eventually she confides in Tommy, but soon after, when he suggests they chill out as a couple, Cassie feels betrayed. Then at a crowded track meet, Robin, a rival on the team, exposes her secret. With her worst fears realized, will Cassie ever again be able to face her classmates, teammates, and most of all Tommy?
What people are saying:
“Readers will be rooting for Cassie and the way she proves that losing your hair doesn’t have to mean losing your spirit.”–Margaret Peterson Haddix, author of Among the Hidden, an ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults
“A Closer Look is heart-wrenching and funny. Cassie’s spirit and voice will keep readers intrigued, and athletes especially will identify with her grit.”–Rich Wallace, author of Wresting Sturbridge, an ALA Top 10 Book for Young Adults
“A Closer Look is a sensitive and honest novel full of authentic details that is sure to resonate with readers. Cassie is as real and alive as the girl at the next desk in homeroom, and teens will empathize with her struggle with shame and self-image.”–Erika Tamar, author of Fair Game, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and NY Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age.
“…This engrossing and well-written story will have readers empathizing with Cassie as she struggles to deal with this life changing condition.”–Children’s Literature, reviewer: Denise Daley
“There are a lot of great YA’s out there, but it has been a long time since I read one as hard-hitting and in-your-face as A Closer Look… –Rita Hubbard, Young Adult Book Central.
Released: November 1, 2011
About the author:
Karen DelleCava has always loved to write. Her mom still has all her creative writing assignments from middle school to prove it. Her fiction, crafts and party plans have appeared in Highlights for Children magazine. Karen earned a BS in Business Administration from Montclair State University. She’s member of the SCBWI and volunteers for the NY Metro Chapter. She also works part time as a yearbook consultant. When she’s not reading teen fiction, writing or playing Scrabble, you’ll find Karen jogging, biking or hopping around on her patio doing step aerobics. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two sons. A Closer Look is her first young adult novel. Visit www.karendellecava.com to read all of Chapter 1.
Giveaway:
Karen has been kind enough to contribute a signed copy of A Closer Look for a giveaway!
Just comment on this post to enter.
For extra entries:
-Be a follower of this site (just click “Join this site”) or a follower on Twitter [+1 entry each].
-Link to this contest on Twitter, Facebook, etc. [+1 entry per each link].
Please list your extra entries in the comments.
The contest is open in the US and Canada, and ends on January 18th at midnight EST.
I once read that football was invented so people wouldn’t notice summer ending. But I couldn’t wait for summer vacation to end. I couldn’t wait for football. Football, dominator of fall – football, love of my life.
“Blue forty-two! Blue forty-two! Red seventeen!” I yell.
The cue is red seventeen. JJ hikes me the ball. The defense is blitzing. JJ slams into a freshman safety, knocking him to the ground. The rest of my offensive line destroys the defense. Nice. The field’s wide open, but my wide receiver isn’t where he’s supposed to be.
“What the hell, Higgins?” I mutter to myself.
Dancing on my tiptoes, I scan the end zone and find Sam Henry instead, and hurl the ball. It flies through the air, a perfect spiral, heading right where I wanted it to go. He catches the ball, spikes it, and does this really stupid dance. Henry looks like a freaking ballerina. With his thin frame and girly blonde hair, he actually could be the star of the New York Ballet.
I’m gonna give him hell for his dance.
This is my senior year at Hundred Oaks High, and I’m captain, so I’m allowed to keep my players in line. Even though he’s my best friend, Henry has always been a showoff. His antics get us penalties.
Through the speaker in my helmet, I hear Coach Miller say, “Nice throw. This is your year, Woods. You’re going to lead us to the state championship. I can feel it… Hit the showers.” What the coach actually means? I know you’re not going to blow it in the final seconds of the championship game like you did last year.
What girl doesn’t want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn’t just surrounded by hot guys, though – she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that’s just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there’s a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team… and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.
What people are saying:
“Whoever said football and girls don’t mix hasn’t read CATCHING JORDAN! I stayed up all night reading – I couldn’t put it down!”–Simone Elkeles, New York Times Bestselling author of the PERFECT CHEMISTRY series
“I fell in love with the hero on page 1, and CATCHING JORDAN just gets better from there. This feel-good romantic comedy about high school football is the novel I’ve been waiting for. I loved it!”–Jennifer Echols, author of LOVE STORY, ENDLESS SUMMER, GOING TOO FAR and FORGET YOU
“CATCHING JORDAN has it all: heart, humor, and a serious set of balls. With a clever, authentic voice, Kenneally proves once and for all that when it comes to making life’s toughest calls — on and off the field — girls rule!”–Sarah Ockler, bestselling author of FIXING DELILAH and TWENTY BOY SUMMER
“A beautiful novel with a competitive spirit both on and off the field. With a real and captivating depiction of high school relationships, CATCHING JORDAN shows the same reverence for the human heart that it does for the game of football.”–Karsten Knight, author of WILDEFIRE
Released: December 1, 2011
About the author:
Miranda Kenneally is the author of CATCHING JORDAN, a contemporary YA novel about football and femininity, coming in December 2011. Other books include THE GIRL I USED TO BE (fall 2012) and BAD, BAD THING (spring 2013). Miranda is the co-creator of Dear Teen Me. The Dear Teen Me Anthology will be published by Zest Books (distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) in late 2012. She enjoys reading and writing young adult literature, and loves Star Trek, music, sports, Mexican food, Twitter, coffee, and her husband. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook. Miranda is represented by Sara Megibow at Nelson Literary Agency.
Win a copy of Mindi Scott’s Freefall! Details at the end of this post.
Just when I’m starting to think she might be dead or something, the phone rings. I lunge for it, banging my shin on the coffee table and sending Mom’s ashtray tumbling to the floor. Ashes scatter on the burnt-orange carpet.
“Mom?”
No answer.
“Mom?” I say again.
“Hello, there.” It’s a man’s voice, low and fakey-smooth. At first I’m scared it’s Drake. Then he says, “I’m calling from Rainier Collection Services. Is this Ms. J. Calhoun?”
I put on my politest voice. “Sorry, you must have the wrong number.” Then I set the receiver down with a click and remind myself for the zillionth time not to answer without checking the caller I.D. Sinking onto the couch, I study the new bruise on my shin, just above my ankle bracelet Mom made me for my birthday last year. I don’t know what I’m getting myself so worked up for. Mom has had to work late plenty of times.
I close my eyes and listen. It’s almost eleven, and the only sounds are the thunk our kitchen clock makes and the swoosh of cars hydroplaning through the lake-size puddle in the street outside. I keep waiting for one of those cars to stop and Mom to come swooping into the apartment with her jasmine-and-cigarette smell and her “Hey, honey pie, you still awake?” and her big, husky laugh. But the cars just roll on by.
I’m kind of wishing the Professor would call, take my mind off Mom.
Stevie is used to taking care of herself. But one night her mom never comes home from the club. That’s the night Stevie’s life turns upside down. It’s the night that kicks off an extraordinary summer: the summer she has to stay with annoyingly perfect Aunt Mindy; the summer she learns to care for injured and abandoned birds; the summer she gets to know Alan, the meanest boy in high school.
But most of all, it’s the summer she finds out the truth about Mom.
What people are saying:
“Flyaway is so good I read it in one sitting. I had intended to set it aside for later, but I read the first sentence, and then the next, and by then it was too late; I was hooked!”– Han Nolan, National Book Award winner
“Fans of Ellen Hopkins and Jay Asher: Prepare to fall in love with debut novelist Helen Landalf. Filled with bighearted love and gritty realism, Flyaway rings with bittersweet truth.”–Justina Chen, author of North of Beautiful
Released: December 20, 2011
About the author:
Helen Landalf is a debut novelist. She lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, where she’s also a Pilates instructor and children’s dance teacher. She has two stepsons. You can visit her at www.helenlandalf.com
Giveaway:
Helen has been kind enough to contribute a paperback copy of another powerful contemporary realistic novel for a giveaway: Mindi Scott’s Freefall!
Just comment on this post to enter.
For extra entries:
-Be a follower of this site (just click “Join this site”) or a follower on Twitter [+1 entry each].
-Link to this contest on Twitter, Facebook, etc. [+1 entry per each link].
Please list your extra entries in the comments.
The contest is open in the US and Canada, and ends on December 28th at midnight EST.
When high school junior Sara wins a coveted scholarship to study ballet, she must sacrifice everything for her new life as a professional dancer-in-training. Living in a strange city with a host family, she’s deeply lonely-until she falls into the arms of Remington, a choreographer in his early twenties. At first, she loves being Rem’s muse, but as she discovers a surprising passion for writing, she begins to question whether she’s chosen the right path. Is Rem using her, or is it the other way around? And is dancing still her dream, or does she need something more? This debut novel in verse is as intense and romantic as it is eloquent.
What people are saying:
“Stasia Ward Kehoe’s sinuous verse compellingly weaves this story of high level dance, scandalous romance and personal sacrifice.”– Ellen Hopkins, NYT Best-selling author of CRANK and PERFECT
“Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe is a sexy, poignant, and beautifully written coming of age story that will enchant readers of all backgrounds.”–Sarah Gundell, NovelNovice
“Intense, haunting, and ultimately hopeful. AUDITION captures the hazy space between dream and nightmare with honesty and fluid grace.”– Holly Cupala, author, TELL ME A SECRET
“Sara’s coming-of-age tale is one of passion and romance, colliding with her vision of whom she ultimately hopes to be. Her confused feelings are believably expressed, and her attitudes toward her friends and the adults in her life will ring true, especially to those readers who are also involved in the performing arts…Kehoe’s tale will appeal to teens yearning for a life on the stage and give them food for thought via an easy read.”–School Library Journal
Released: October 13, 2011
About the author:
Stasia Ward Kehoe grew up dancing and performing on stages from New Hampshire to Washington, DC. She now writes books for young adults and choreographs the occasional musical. Visit her online at www.stasiawardkehoe.com.
Book tour:
Stasia is kicking off Stages on Pages with 11 other authors who write about the performing arts–dance, theater, music–and were/are performers themselves, in addition to being writers. Check out their books, giveaways, and book trailer!
Tiki jumped as the dark figure loomed over the corner where she sat, pretending to be half- asleep. Thick, black hair hung low over his forehead, shadowing his eyes. The glittery light of the pub illuminated his face as he leaned toward her, and the fear that bubbled in her stomach dissipated as she recognized him.
“Rieker.” Tiki spoke in a low voice. “What are you doing here?” His timing couldn’t be worse. “Are you following me again?” She’d identified her mark and was just waiting for the right moment to make her move.
“Me follow you?” Rieker gave an arrogant snort. “Now why would I do that?” He jingled the coins in his pocket as if to taunt her. “I’ve been workin’ the World’s End for a few months now.” He leaned an elbow on the plank table, a mug of ale clutched in his hand. “Maybe you’re followin’ me.” He looked her up and down with a mocking gaze. “Because I’d swear I’ve never seen your pretty face in here before.”
Tiki forced an insincere smile. “Maybe you weren’t looking hard enough.” She tugged the bill of her cap down to hide her features. Dressed in breeches and a man’s oversize jacket, Tiki was perfectly disguised— no one but Rieker would have known she was a sixteen-year-old girl. And even he hadn’t known until two months ago.
Orphaned and picking pockets in London’s Charing Cross station to support not only herself, but her ‘family’ of orphans, sixteen year-old Tiki steals the Queen’s ring and thinks she’s solved their problems. That is, until Rieker, a pickpocket from the North End, suspects her in the theft and tells her that the ring is really a reservoir that holds a truce between the British and Faerie courts.
When he warns her that the fey will do anything, including murder, to recover the ring, Tiki is unsure whether to believe him or not. To complicate matters, Rieker seems to know something about the unusual birthmark on Tiki’s wrist. But when Tiki and her family are threatened the game changes.
In a dazzling debut that takes you from the gritty slums of Victorian London to the glittering ballrooms of the Royal Palace to the menacing Otherworld, you won’t want to miss this thrilling tale of mystery, adventure and romance.
“…an intriguing, beautifully written blend of historical fiction, mixed with the perfect dose of romance, mystery, and faerie lore, all set within the time period of Victorian London.”—Katie Bartow, Mundiemoms.blogspot.com
“If you’re interested in historical fiction, urban fantasy, faerie stories, strong female protagonists, and impeccable world building, read this book. If you’re not? Read it anyway, and find out why you should be!”—Candace Cunard, teensreadtoo.com
“The plot-driven story immediately immerses readers into the underworld of old London.”—VOYA
“Hamilton’s debut gracefully mixes fantasy, Dickensian London, and a dash of romance.”—Publishers Weekly
Released: September 27, 2011
About the author:
Kiki Hamilton believes in faeries. And magic. Her novel THE FAERIE RING, tells the story of a young orphan in Victorian England who discovers the reality of faeries. Though she has a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University and has worked in a variety of management positions, her first love is writing YA stories of fantasy and adventure. Kiki lives near Seattle, Washington, where it only rains part of the time. Visit her website at:www.kikihamilton.com.
