Book Review: Sophia McDougall - Mars Evacuees - Published by Egmont

I've been really looking forward to reading this book for a year or so now.  Now I have finally had the chance to read it, the question has to be . .  . . was it really worth the wait? It certainly wasn't what I was expecting, as I was anticipating something more serious and perhaps with a little bit more depth in the detail. However it is an adventure for the 9+ age group and what an adventure it turned out to be. The story rocketed from the very first page, and yes, I really enjoyed it, and so, I think, should you....

The plot for this story is brilliant. It is very imaginative - just imagine that earth has been invaded, in this case by a race called the Morror,  who fly around in invisible spacecrafts with invisible spacesuits. No-one can actually seen them, but earth needs to defend themselves from their attack. As a result, the government evacuates a group of children to Mars to train as cadets for the Exo-Defence Force. From this part on, the book should be entitled chaos in space as we read about laser shooting robot goldfish ingenious, earth eating flying worms, or something along those lines. Never mind the alien monsters and 300 crazy kids that have been left on Mars, with no adult supervision, after the adults mysteriously go missing. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? That's all I am going to say about the story, as I don't want to spoil your reading pleasure. I'm sure that you are starting to get the idea.

What you will find is a fresh, fast-paced space romp. A group of children fighting to save themselves from themselves in order to rescue the galaxy. This is science fiction where children rule. This book, in my opinion. is one of the best reads for me this year and one of the most exciting books that you will find for both boys and girls.

The story is both witty and smart. It is full of friendship and brilliant characters, good times and bad times as well as a few sad times. However these are all explored wonderfully by Sophia.  It's a joy to read; it has got all the ingredients required to pull off a magical space story. I particularly loved the craziness, playfulness and care free attitude that is evident through this book. This makes me, as on older reader, feel like a big kid and sometimes in this world this can be a wonderful feeling again.

I DON'T think that you can say that you've really lived until you have read this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series which is, I think, out in August 2014.

Published by Egmont UK - 27, March 2014

BIG BOOK COVER REVEAL - SOPHIA McDOUGALL - MARS EVACUEES

Check out the post that supports this reveal on Sophia's blog Here

Book Cover Synopsis: The fact that someone had decided I’d be safer on Mars, where you could still only SORT OF breathe the air and SORT OF not get sunburned to death, was a sign that the war with the aliens was not going fantastically well.

I’d been worried that I was about to be told that my mother’s spacefighter had been shot down, so when I found out that I was being evacuated to Mars, I was pretty calm.

And, despite everything that happened to me and my friends afterwards, I’d do it all again.  Because until you have been shot at, pursued by terrifying aliens, taught maths by a laser-shooting robot goldfish and tried to save the galaxy, I don’t think you can say that you’ve really lived.

SophiaMcDougall: http://sophiamcdougall.com/blog/

Twitter: @McDougallSophia 

Andy Potts Book Cover Illustrator - Website http://andy-potts.com/
Twitter: @AndyPottsTweet 

Published by Egmont (27 Mar 2014) - All images are subject to copyright...

Press Release: Egmont Press Acquire New Series - Sword of Kuromori by Jason Rohan -

                        

Egmont Press acquires major new series, Sword of Kuromori  

Egmont Press is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a major new fantasy adventure series set in modern Japan for readers of 9+. Sword of Kuromori is by debut author Jason Rohan.

Stella Paskins, Fiction Publisher at Egmont Press, pre-empted World rights in a three-book, six-figure sum deal from Anne Clark at Anne Clark Literary Agency. The first title in the series will publish in May 2014 and will be a lead title on Egmont’s list.

“I am massively excited about Sword of Kuromori,” commented Stella Paskins.  “Jason’s mix of page-turning action with smart dialogue and sparkling characters is brilliant. The fusion of hi-tech and ancient myth works really well and readers are going to devour this world of breathtaking battles and exotic monsters.”

Jason Rohan said, “As a long time admirer of Japanese culture, I’m honoured and thrilled to be bringing this rich and vibrant folklore to a wider audience. I’m also humbled by the faith that Stella and the Egmont team have placed in me by committing to three novels, and I can’t wait to see what ideas the design team come up with, given the wealth of source material.”

Jason Rohan has worked as a staff writer for Marvel Comics in New York and as an English teacher in Japan, where he lived for five years. He returned to the UK and now lives in West London with his wife and five children.

News: Michael Grant, meets the winner of GONE Online on the EDF Energy London Eye

                                      

Author of the bestselling GONE series, Michael Grant, meets the winner of GONE Online on the EDF Energy London Eye

www.gone-online.com

On Saturday 4 May, the bestselling author of the GONE series, Michael Grant, met the winner of GONE Online.  The game was created to celebrate the publication of LIGHT, the sixth and final book in the GONE series, which was published on 28 March and topped the children’s bestseller charts in both the UK and Ireland.

Lucy Woodcock, aged 18, whose gaming alias was Dionysus, won the game beating over 2,400 players to the prize.  She wins an Apple iPad and met Michael Grant during a trip around the EDF Energy London Eye. Lucy is from Wolverhampton and is a college student at Dudley Sixth in the West Midlands.

GONE Online (www.gone-online.com) was launched in March and ran over 6 weeks, seeing a series of mini games released on a weekly basis.  They were designed to challenge, infuriate and test the players’ skills.  Some games rewarded time and speed, others ability and knowledge of the books.  Using the latest in location-based marketing, players could pick up extra points by checking in with their smart phones at specific locations – bookshops or libraries.

By the close of play, over 53,000 games had been played with 57 million points scored in total.  Lucy Woodcock was a clear winner scoring over 226,000 points.  She comments, “I started playing the games because I really wanted to meet Michael Grant, and I wanted to see what the games were like especially the word search and the quiz. After playing them for a little while I got into the competitive element of the games and I was really enjoying playing them.” 

The game is hosted on a dedicated website and can also be played on smart phones.  Players of any age were able to play but only UK residents aged 21 years or under were eligible for the competition.  The game is still available to play, although no prizes are now available.

Michael Grant comments, “I am amazingly bad at games, so I’m particularly impressed by the fans who have done so well.  Thanks to them for their enthusiasm and support.  It’s very humbling.  Thanks to all who played and all who outscored me … which was probably everyone.”

GONE was the first instalment in the epic teen series which has become hugely popular with teenagers internationally and has been lauded by Stephen King as ‘exciting, high-tension … told in a driving, torrential narrative that never lets up.’  

Over 400,000 copies of the books have now been sold in the UK alone.

Lucy Woodcock continues, “I first started reading the series because the cover caught my attention while I was in a book shop, I read the blurb and I was interested in reading them so I bought GONE. When I'd finished reading it I was really impressed! I searched online to find out when the next one would be out because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to everyone. I was really glad that it wasn't a book that censored the violence because that's what made the story more realistic (except the powers) knowing that anything could happen to them at any time and not everyone would be able to cope with being trapped, especially teenagers. I've loved following the books and trying to guess how the FAYZ happened, what the Gaiphage was or how little Pete was involved, although I wasn't impressed when Michael killed my favourite character! I was really happy with how the series ended overall, even though it was really emotional.” 

Mike Richards, Marketing Director at Egmont Press, comments, “This competition was part of a broader campaign for the publication of LIGHT and we’re delighted that it has been won by such a big fan of the series. We’re also celebrating the book having launched straight into the bestseller charts and I take a good deal of personal pride in outscoring Michael in the first trivia game.”

Michael Grant's - Gone Online - Will Be Gone...... Plus Light Book Trailer

One week of play left in the game based on Michael Grant’s best-selling series of books, GONE

www.gone-online.com

There is just one week to go until the prize-winning period of Gone Online comes to an end. The game is based on the bestselling GONE series by Michael Grant and celebrates LIGHT, the sixth and final book in the series, which was published on 28 March.  It has already topped the bestseller lists in both the UK and Ireland.

So far the game has been a hit with over 2,000 people playing more than 35,000 games between them, since the launch on 11 March.  People are playing Gone Online all over the world, from the UK and Ireland to the Ukraine and Uganda. To date, players are based in just under 70 countries.

Over 200 players have already won prizes, including limited-edition wrist bands, book tokens and full sets of the books.  However, the final prize, an Apple iPad and the chance to meet Michael Grant in a private capsule on the EDF Energy London Eye on 4 May, is still up for grabs.  The winner will be the highest scorer when the game finishes, on 22 April.

Gone Online comprises a series of mini-games released on a weekly basis and inspired by content from the books.  Some of the games test knowledge of the books while others can be played by anyone – and they can be highly addictive!  To date, players have clocked up over 500 hours of game play.  Gone Online is available on all devices and incorporates the latest in location-based marketing and social sharing, with players picking up extra points by checking in with their smart phones at specific locations – libraries and bookshops - and sharing the game with their friends.

After the 22 April, fans of Gone Online can continue to play, though no prizes will be available.

Press Release: Michael Grant's - Gone Online Goes Virtual - Egmont Press

                                     

Gone Online 

A new online game based on Michael Grant’s GONE series for teens marks the sixth and final book

www.gone-online.com

To celebrate the publication of LIGHT, the sixth and final book in Michael Grant’s bestselling GONE series, Egmont Press has created an online game, Gone Online, based on the books.  It launches today, Monday 11 March.

GONE was the first instalment in the epic teen series which has become hugely popular with teenagers internationally and has been lauded by Stephen King as ‘exciting, high-tension … told in a driving, torrential narrative that never lets up.’  Over 400,000 copies of the books have now been sold in the UK alone.

Gone Online can be played at www.gone-online.com over a six week period.  It draws on content from all five of the books so far and leads up to the much-anticipated publication of LIGHT, on 28 March.  Starting with four games at launch - Zeke Zap, Word Search, Hacker and a GONE quiz - there will be further games and challenges released on a weekly basis until the winner is announced. 

The object of the game is to score as many points as possible.  Highly addictive, the games are designed to challenge, infuriate and test your skills, and to get you completely hooked.  Some of the games will reward time and speed, others ability and knowledge of the books.  Using the latest in location-based marketing, players can pick up extra points by checking in with their smart phones at specific locations – bookshops or libraries.

The winner of the game - the highest scorer at the end of the six weeks - will win an Apple iPad and the chance to meet Michael Grant in a private capsule on the EDF Energy London Eye on 4 May.  Participation will also be rewarded with prizes along the way, including signed editions and book tokens as well as never-before-seen content such as extra chapters and video messages from the author.

Michael Grant comments, “If you’ve been reading the GONE series all along, you probably know that we have reached the end. I have to admit that I felt a bit sad typing the last sentence of LIGHT.  It seemed strange that I would no longer be spending quite as much time with the gang.  I was concerned that some of you, the true fans, might have a bit of withdrawal.  So now you can play the game, which is all about the GONE universe. You do have to read the books to play some of the games so I consider this gaming of the best kind.”  

Gone Online was created with the help of special think tanks –children from Horniman School in South London and Stoke Newington School in Hackney, East London.   Thirteen year-old Maliaka from Stoke Newington comments, “I love the different dilemmas and problems that the children have to go through to survive the FAYZ.  I am very excited about the idea of a game based on the series. It has been one of my favourite books to read so I can’t wait for the game.  I loved being involved with coming up with ideas for the game. It was really fun to get our heads together to make it as great as possible.  I spend any free time I have reading and I play games either with my family or friends. I love books and all the different characters and stories. It is like travelling through different worlds. ”

Mike Richards, Marketing Director at Egmont Press, comments, “We wanted to have some fun with the publication of LIGHT and give the fans of the series something challenging with a great prize – and it doesn’t come much better than being locked in a revolving glass pod with Michael Grant. Publishers are becoming more creative in the way that they connect authors with readers and I think this is a good example of that. I particularly like the element of the game that connects readers with bookshops via a physical check-in, which reinforces the idea that this is all about a game experience around Michael’s amazing novels, not for its own sake.”

Gone Online is hosted on a dedicated website and can also be played on smart phones.  Players of any age can take part and you don’t have to be a fan of the books, but it will certainly help.

After the initial six week competition, fans of Gone Online can continue to play, though no prizes will be available.

About the series

The six books in the series, published by Egmont Press, are GONE (2008), HUNGER (2009), LIES (2010), PLAGUE (2011), FEAR (2012) and LIGHT (28 March 2013).

The story starts when everyone over the age of 15 disappears in the blink of an eye, leaving hundreds of children trapped in a Californian town encased by a mysterious, impenetrable dome.  Inside, it is a matter of survival.  With no adults there are no rules and somehow the physics of the universe as we know it have changed, causing some of the children to develop strange powers.

Michael Grant 

Michael Grant has always been fast-paced.  He’s lived in almost 50 different homes in 14 US states, and moved in with his wife, Katherine Applegate, after knowing her for less than 24 hours. His long list of previous occupations includes: law librarian, cartoonist, bowling alley mechanic, restaurant reviewer, waiter, documentary film producer and political media consultant.  

Michael and Katherine have co-authored more than 150 books, including the massive hit series Animorphs, which has sold more than 35 million copies. Working solo, Michael is the author of the internationally bestselling series GONE and the ground-breaking transmedia trilogy BZRK. Michael, Katherine and their two children live in the San Francisco Bay Area, not far from Silicon Valley. 

PUBLISHER NEWS:EGMONT PRESS ACQUIRES MAJOR NEW SERIES - MARS EVACUEES BY SOPHIA McDOUGALL

EGMONT PRESS ACQUIRES MAJOR NEW SERIES, MARS EVACUEES!

Egmont Press is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a major new series for readers of 9+, Mars Evacuees, by bestselling adult author Sophia McDougall. 

Sarah Hughes, Fiction Publishing Director at Egmont Press, bought two books with UK and Commonwealth rights in a keenly contested auction from Catherine Clarke at Felicity Bryan Associates. The first title in the series will publish in Spring 2014. This is Sophia's first book for children.

Mars Evacuees is the story of a group of children who are evacuated to Mars when their future on Earth is under threat. None of them knows what to expect at their destination. And when the adults in charge of them disappear, they are on their own…

                                                        

‘This is my first major acquisition since arriving at Egmont in December,’ said Sarah Hughes.  ‘I was looking for a very special project: something that not only has fantastic child-appeal and editorial integrity but that also has a killer hook. I didn't expect one to cross my desk so quickly and I am thrilled. Sophia has a lightness of touch and an eye for the kind of detail that makes her writing incredibly distinctive and memorable.’

Sophia McDougall said, ‘I first had the idea for Mars Evacuees when I was nine; I was fascinated by Michelle Magorian’s novels of children evacuated to the English countryside or to America in WWII, and I wondered, in a future war, where else could you send people? Obviously Mars. And what would happen to them next? It’s taken me almost twenty-five years  to come up with the answers, but I’m so happy to be going to Mars at last with Egmont – I was so impressed by their energy and enthusiasm for the book.’

Sophia McDougall is the author of bestselling Romanitas trilogy (Orion/Gollancz). Her short stories have been published by Jurassic Fiction, Solaris and NewCon press. She has appeared on Radio 3's Night Waves discussing Mars in literature with Samira Ahmed and A Clockwork Orange with Will Self.   She was a panellist at the 2012 'How the Light Gets In' arts and philosophy festival in Hay.  She is 33 and lives in London

Book Launch Post: Louis Nowra - Into that Forest - Book Review

                                                  

If you have read any of my previous posts, then you will have seen that I've been very fortunate to read some cracking books at this start of this new year, already. Yet again (if this book is anything to go by) then we are in for another feast of delight. It would be fair to say that I was not expecting this book - it was a very delightful surprise. In fact I knew nothing about it, or the author, until it arrived on my doorstep. Therefore, I would like to send a big thank you to Egmont for sending this to me and making my day.

The first thing that I'd like to comment on is related to the production of the book. It has been produced as a hardback with a really attractive dust jacket and a beautifully finished binding (and end pages) which are particularly well produced and eye-catching. The book is illustrated with small black and white sketches, which also work very well alongside the story. It's nice to see that so much effort has been put into the making of this book. Especially when so many people, and the market in general sadly, are turning to e-books and other similar formats due to ease and price.

This is one particular story which you will not easily forget. It is a book that reads like a true story - it will leave you questioning whether the events really did or did not happen. It's a story about two girls who find themselves lost in the Tasmanian bush after a tragic accident. The girls find a saviour in the form of two fierce Tasmanian tigers. Everything is viewed from the perspective of Hannah O'Brien - told through a brilliant and extraordinary voice. 

It's a particularly captivating read following the survival of the two girls. It has a lot of uncomfortable twists and turns - it is one that will definitely have your heart strings tugged in many directions. I loved the sea adventures that were depicted within the book. However, I don't want to say too much more as I really don't want to spoil any part of the enjoyment for when you grab your own copy, which I hope you do!

This is a beautifully poignant story about survival and relationships. It will certainly leave many lasting memories. Breathtaking in detail and setting, realistic to the core and a rare book that will both shock and move the reader at the same time. This is another early recommendation from myself, but with this book expect some tears so have the tissues ready.

Published By Egmont 7th January 2013 - ISBN: 9781405266437 - (Hardback)

News:Egmont launches Electric Monkey Imprint 2012

                                             

   High Voltage Reading
August 2011:Egmont Press has announced the launch of it's new YA imprint,Electric Monkey,creating a recognisable identity for its rapidly growing range of teen/YA fiction.


The imprint will launch in February 2012 with three books for teenagers:BZRK the brand new series from Michael Grant,author of the bestselling GONE series;OLIVER TWISTED by JD Sharpe and CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein.


Approximately two books a month will be added to the imprint through out the year and appropriate backlist titles will be incorporated at reprint.


The core readership for Electric Monkey will range from 12-15 although with the current interest in YA fiction by adult readers and bloggers,some will inevitably extend to older audience. The list is intentionally broad in focus,and isn't led by one particular genre or gender.


First two books are to be published 6 February 2012 are:


Elizabeth Wein - Code Name Verity - P/B 978 1 4052 5821 0 

Two young women become unlikely best friends during WWII, until one is captured by the Gestapo. Only in wartime could a stalwart lass from Manchester rub shoulders with a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a special operations executive. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted to each other. But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in "Verity's" own words, as she writes her account for her captors. Truth or lies? Honour or betrayal? Everything they've ever believed in is put to the test...

 J D Sharpe - Oliver Twisted (and Charles Dickens) - P/B 978 1 4052 5817 3
"Flesh," the woe-begotten moaned at Oliver, baring teeth which were ragged and black. "Flesh" came another moan, and he turned to see two more behind. They began to shuffle towards him, barefoot. The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless, orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods and if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you forever. On the advice of a corpse, Oliver flees his ghastly orphan life to seek his destiny in the dark streets of old London Town, despite the perils of the woe-begotten zombie-infested journey. There he meets the shadowy Dodger, the evil old soul-stealer Fagin, and the menacing Bill Sikes, who is more beast than man. But will Oliver Twisted be the world's salvation, or its downfall?!


And then three more book published 5 March 2012


Jo Schreiber - Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick - P/B 9781 4052 5943 9
Michael Grant - BZRK - H/B 978 1 4052 5993 4
Laura Jarratt - Skin Deep - P/B 978 1 4052 5672 8


Some electrifying reading ahead for 2012.

G.N Hargreaves - Douglas - Picture Book Choice March 2011

FROM THE HOME OF THE MR. MEN
COMES A BRAND NEW BRITISH HERO

DOUGLAS – A DOG IN A BILLION

Giles Hargreaves follows in his famous father's footsteps
as his first creation is published today

London 28^th March 2011 – Today Giles Hargreaves, son of Roger Hargreaves – the creator and illustrator of the Mr. Men, releases his first children’s book, Douglas.

Douglas is a story about a dog. Not just any old, run-of-the-mill, everyday, ordinary dog, but an extraordinary dog. A dog in a billion. A dog called Douglas.

Douglas doesn’t go for walkies, he would sooner go for a spin in his shiny red sports car. And that is not all. Among his many talents, this sophisticated fellow toots on the tuba, goes skiing and plays a fiendish game of chess. Douglas can do anything. What a dog!

But there is one thing Douglas can’t do. One thing he desperately wants to do, but can’t, no matter how hard he tries. Douglas cannot wag his tail, poor chap. And this makes him feel glum. Very glum indeed.

Can a little bird called Basil help Douglas make his dream come true?

David Riley, Managing Director of Egmont Publishing Group said, “We are delighted to be working with Giles Hargreaves to help bring Douglas to the attention of the world: his trials, tribulations and achievements should be celebrated. It’s been forty years since the launch of Britain’s best-loved children’s book series The Mr. Men, and now the Hargreaves family brings us another classic British character.”

Douglas is published in traditional picture book format on the 28^th March at £5.99. 

It features beautiful full-page illustrations and quirky vignettes, plus a sheet of utterly adorable stickers so you can take Douglas with you wherever you go!

Paul Howard - Children's Illustrator - New Debut Fiction - Superfly

About the Illustrator/Author
Paul Howard’s charming illustrations have won him acclaim from both the publishing industry and children across the world. Paul was born at home in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on April Fool’s day in 1967 and went on to study a Graphic Design course that specialized in illustration. Paul’s career in illustration began when he was asked by a friend to do some drawings for a book. Paul went on to illustrate another book...and another...and another. Paul has won numerous awards including a ‘Best Book To Read Aloud’ Blue Peter Award for "The Bravest Ever Bear" by Allan Ahlberg. He has also won a Primary English Award for Kathy Henderson's "Year in the City" and "Full, Full, Full of Love" by Trish Cooke was shortlisted for the 2004 Sheffield Children's Book Award.

Paul Howard's First New Series For Egmont Press - Published 2011

After 19 years as an illustrator, Paul Howard has proved he's a man of more than one extraordinary talent with the news that Egmont Press have signed up his debut fiction series, Superfly.Written and illustrated by Paul, the series will chronicle the adventures of Superfly a tiny insect super-hero who pits his wits against Bugville's dastardly villains including the colourful Electro Slug. The books will have black and white illustrations, in a distinct new direction for Paul and be targeted at both boys and girls aged 7+.Egmont Press's Fiction Publisher Leah Thaxton is delighted with her latest acquisition:"I have long admired Paul's work – but the moment I saw a fragment of the script that was Superfly, I was truly bowled over. How has Paul managed to keep a lid on this kind of talent and irrepressible humour for so long?!"Paul Howard illustrations feature in some of Egmont Press's best known picture books, including Jill Tomlinson's bestselling The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark.The first Superfly title is scheduled to be published in January 2011 and the second in August of the same year.