My Catchphrases

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Review: Lia's Guide to Winning the Lottery by Keren David

Title: Lia's Guide to Winning the Lottery
Author: Keren David
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's  Books
Publication  Date: 4 Aug 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Money can’t buy you love. But it can buy many other very nice things. Lia’s mum is a nag, her sister’s a pain and she’s getting nowhere in pursuit of the potentially paranormal Raf. Then she wins £8 million in the lottery, and suddenly everything is different. But will Lia’s fortune create more problems than it solves? Everyone dreams of winning the lottery - but what’s it really like?

Review:

I have to admit I really thought I was going to hate this book after reading the first few chapters. I can hear you all screaming WHY? Well it is because Lia is just so gosh darn awful. She spews acid from her mouth instead of words, she is toxic and toally selfish and self-absorbed. I even had to ask Keren if she did improve or I was going to stamp on the book. She told me to stick with her, and yes she had intentionally made her like this. I am so glad she convinced me to stick with it.

Lia's Guide to Winning the Lottery provides great insight into what it would be like to suddenly come into a LOT of money. I am sure we all imagine what we would do with a large lottery win, the houses we would buy, the holidays we would take but have you ever really thought about what you would do to ensure that your financial future was secure. This point was brilliantly crafted into the storyline.

Unfortunately, I hate to say it but Lia is very realistic portrayed, I have been noticing a lot more the type of things girls her age say and OMG they are like that, it must be the hormonal imbalance that makes them evil, lol. It was nice to see Lia's character developemnt through the story via numerous incidents not least  the pie throwing. The way in which the media scrutiny was partrayed was quite scary, although I did think that Lia's mother was a bit shallow I liked the way she used her PR training to manipulate the situation to her advantage.I really liked how Lia was quick to crave normalicy after the worldwind of activity.

The peripheral characters really added balance to the story and WOW was Lia lucky to have friends like that. Lia's father is a lovely calming presence putting no pressure on her at all although you can tell he is stuggling financially with his Bakery in the current econmic crisis. Which I have to say was brutally depicted in the narrative with the closure of shops in the High Street and business on the edge of bankrupcy.

I adored the sarcastic use of the paranormal craze woven into the narrative, it was so so so funny.  Raf's character added another element to the story making you realise just how deceiving first impressions can be. To say I adored him would be putting it mildly.

At first I thought the bold italic writing at the start of each chapter heading was just there to provide ironic humour but the way in which it all came together in the end and tied into the title was amazing.

I am so glad I took Keren's advice and stuck with Lia the character progression from the start of the book to the end was a wonder to behold. I KNOW you will enjoy this as much as I did when you get into it. So don't be afraid of the toxic 16 year old go read it.

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Trailer Tuesday: Soul Beach by Kate Harrison and ARC Give-Away


Title: Soul Beach
Series: Soul Beach #1
Author: Kate Harrison
Publisher: Indigo
Publication Date: 1 Sep 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

When Alice Forster receives an email from her dead sister she assumes it must be a sick practical joke. Then an invitation arrives to the virtual world of Soul Beach, an idyllic online paradise of sun, sea and sand where Alice can finally talk to her sister again - and discover a new world of friendships, secrets and maybe even love . . . . But why is Soul Beach only inhabited by the young, the beautiful and the dead? Who really murdered Megan Forster? And could Alice be next? The first book in an intriguing and compelling trilogy centred around the mystery of Megan Forster's death.


This book is amazing - full review to come but as I love it I wanted to share it with one lucky person. Soooo, I am giving away my lovely ARC.

Just fill out the form below to enter and leave a comment.
UK ONLY (sorry but it is heavy)
You do not have to be a follower to enter but it is nice if you are [ : D ]
One entry per person, duplicate enteries will be deleted.
Closes Midday 16th September

Monday 29 August 2011

MG Monday: Review: A Tangle of Magicks by Stephanie Burgis

Title: A Tangle of Magicks
Series: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson
Author: Stephanie Burgis
Publisher: Templar
Publication Date: 1 Aug 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

After her antics in A Most Improper Magick, Kat Stephenson is back to cause more chaos! Stepmama drags the family to Bath to find Kat's sister a new suitor. But, unknown to most of its gossipy visitors, Bath is full of wild magic. When Kat uncovers a plot to harness this magic in the Roman Baths, she finds her brother Charles is unwittingly involved. Kat must risk her newfound magical powers as she defies the Order of the Guardians to foil the plot and clear her brother's name.

Review:

If A Most Improper Magick (review here) made me want to say things like 'spiffing' and 'jolly good show' let me tell you A Tangle of Magicks made Regency England come alive. I think because I have been to Bath it was so easy to picture the world Stephanie Burgis wove within my imagination. I could clearly picture the Pump Room as it would have been in that time. If you would like to check Stephanie's guest post (here) you will be able to see some photos of the areas mentioned in this book.

I have to be truthful and say that I actually enjoyed this second book more than the first. Whereas the first book laid out some of the history and character interactions interspersed with the magic and action, this second book really allowed the characterisations to shine through. I particularly liked how Kat is starting to see that there are consequences to her actions, even if she is learning it the hard way.

Having been to Bath the imagery really brought the places to life for me. It was wonderful to imagine what the Roman Baths would have been like to Society in Regency England. How the ladies gather to gossip in the mornings, the scandal of the shared Kings Bath and the frolics of college boys in the evening all had me gigling away to myself. The incorporation of mythology into the storyline gave the magic added depth.

I still can't help but compare Kat and her family to the characters in Jane Austen's novels this may just be due to the period setting but as I said the character development in this book was amazing. I did guess the 'bad guy' in the plot but the reasons for the action and manipualtion really did make my jaw drop a wonderful incorporation of history into the narrative, it took me by surprise.

I am really looking forward to seeing what happens to Kat next.

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Sunday 28 August 2011

In My Mailbox 28/8/11


In My Mailbox is a fabulous weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to celebrate the wonderful books received into our houses. BOOKS MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER


For Review from the gorgeous Vivienne at Serendipity Reviews:
I have read the first book The Hollow ( review here) and have the second book The Haunted on my shelf so this is the perfect reason to bump them up my reading pile - I am really looking forward to getting some answers here [ : D ]


 For review from Amazon Vine:
(I seriously squealed when this was on the list - soul-mates need I say more)


For Review:

(I hadn't heard of this one before it came through the door although I am rather intrigued after reading the synopsis)

( I have the first book on my shelf and again this gives me the perfect reason to get round to reading them both together)


For Review by one of my (now) Year 9 pupils:

(this series sounds fantastic - I will be reading it too)

( my year 9 pupil has already read and reviewed the first 2 books for me (here) and (here). I know he is looking forward to finding out where the story is going.

So another wonderful book filled week. It really does make everything better. I have spent the latter part of this week totally immersed in books helping me cope with 'real' life lol.

Hope everyone has a good week, I am back in school on Thursday and actually looking forward to the calm of my library. HUGS



Saturday 27 August 2011

Saturday Spotlight: Guest Post: 5 Reasons Libraries ROCK by Alyson Noel


I cannot tell you how much I love this guest post - go read it and you will see why:


  1. Library cards are a backstage pass to awesomeness! The first day I was let loose among the stacks, library card in tow, collecting piles of books I couldn’t wait to take home, was a moment I’ll never forget.

  2.  Libraries are air-conditioned! Growing up in California in a house without air conditioning made the library a welcome reprieve from the blazing summer heat on days when running through the sprinklers just didn’t cut it.

  3.  Libraries provide a safe and quiet place to hang out. As a kid, the library was the one place the gang of girls who bullied me could not penetrate (they didn’t read—go figure!) it provided safe haven and I relied on it heavily.

  4.  Libraries build community! My local library provides talks, programs, classes, storytime for kids, and more—it’s a valuable asset I can’t imagine doing without.

  5.  Libraries have librarians! Connecting books to readers is important work, and librarians rock that like nobody else!
Now you can see why I love this post especially Number 5 [ ; D ] Thank you so much Alyson for writing it.

Thursday 25 August 2011

Musical Moments: Guest Post: Alyson Noel Top Ten Travel Tunes



That is all I can say about this special Musical Moments Guest Post from Alyson Noel is SQUEEEE and Enjoy


You know how a song can instantly transport you to another place and time? Well, these are my top ten time travel tunes!

1. Every Breath you Take- The Police.

 

This was the #1 love song in high school. It’s intense, loaded with longing, and the lyrics are disturbingly stalkerish. Nonetheless it never fails to remind me of my old high school crush . . .er, whatshisname . . .

2. Desperate But Not Serious- Adam Ant.

 

High School. Sophomore year. I was desperately and quite seriously hot for Adam Ant and I am not ashamed to admit it. Embarrassed But Not Ashamed.

Lol me too

3. Schools Out- Alice Cooper.

 

Every time I hear this I’m instantly transported to the last-day-of-school-summer-blowout-pool-party a friend and I hosted at the end of sixth grade. We were only twelve, but I’m telling ya that party was epic!

4. Ca Plane Pour Moi- Plastic Bertrand

 

Straight from my Francophile stage when I fake-smoked Gitanes, replaced OMG with Mon Dieu!, and listened to this song more times than I care to admit.

*snort*

5. Lush Life- John Coltrane

 

My first love introduced me to jazz. He died unexpectedly a few years back, but whenever I hear this song I can’t help but think of him.

6. Diamond Dogs- David Bowie

 

I had a super-cool older sister who listened to Bowie. Whenever she left the house I would listen to all of her albums and try on her clothes and make-up—then completely deny it once she caught on.

7. I Want Candy- Bow Wow Wow

 

One of my very first concerts was a Missing Persons & Bow Wow Wow double header. Annabella Lwin was just fourteen and completely amazing, and I was entranced!

8. Maybe I’m Amazed- Paul McCartney

 

I’m not sure that he knows it, but this song reminds me of my husband. I’m so grateful and amazed that I met him, and I get chills when I hear it!

9. Round Here- Counting Crows

 

Reminds me of when I was working as a flight attendant and living in NYC—mostly because of that line that goes: Round here we stay up very, very, very, very, very, very late! Also, Adam Duritz was the first celebrity I ever served on a flight, though many would follow!

10. Pinball Wizard- Elton John version

 

With this song blaring in the background, my best friend & I would watch her older brother set himself on fire then jump from the tree fort to the pool when their parents weren’t home. He later became a Navy Seal.

OMG and I thought it was sacrilege to use the Elton John song rather than The Who 

Thank you so much to Alison for writing this guest post - I adore how certain songs trigger memories. 

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Mini-Review: Night Star by Alyson Noel

Title: Night Star
Series: The Immortals #5
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: MacMillan Childrens Books
Publication Date: 3 Mar 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads (as this is book 5 in the series it contains spoilers for the previous books)

Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever’s tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she’s determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.

Hidden in one of Ever’s past lives is a terrible secret about Damen—a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that’s so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she’s thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.

Now it’ll take everything she’s got—and bring out powers she never knew she had—to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen’s past hold the key to their future?

Review:

I have deliberately chosen the long synopsis from Goodreads to get you up to speed with the story but to also explain why I am only doing a mini review of this book. As you can probably tell from the synopsis a lot of the questions relating to Ever and Damon's past history are revealed throughout this book. 

Plot threads are nicely tied up, even if it was in a way I was not expecting at all. Characterisation went off the charts, all the key players are spotlighted, their strengths and weaknesses are revealed. Mistakes and regrets are scrutinised, not only by themselves but they are revealed to other people, making them more 'human' I would say. The only character I really had a problem with was Ever's Aunt Sabine, her treatment of Ever in this book and her prejudice towards psychics and alternative therapies was totally beyond me. She is a very intelligent and caring woman so I could not reconcile her treatment of Ever with the character I had built in my imagination.

Interactions lead to a deeper understanding of the people involved in the plot. Haven is totally kick-ass in a psychotic way, but even at her lowest there is always a glimmer of the insecure girl underneath.  Miles also went up in my estimation 100%, I completely loved the direction his character undertook.
I honestly cannot go into detail about the storyline because so much comes together and yet even more is revealed opening up a new 'can of worms' so to speak.

What I will say is, if Ever annoys the hell out of you through this series then this book will make up for it in spades. Go read it NOW.

Review: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

Title: Dark Flame
Series: The Immortals #4
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 27 Sep 2010

Synopsis: From Amazon

Once it seemed being immortal was a gift to Ever Bloom - now it's a curse. And she's a danger to herself.
Ever has been dabbling in Magyck - seeking to explore her own powers, hoping to find a future for her relationship with Damen. But she's not in control - in fact, the magyck has bound her eternally to her immortal enemy, Roman. Whenever he's near, she feels his heartbeat, his breath, his blood racing in her veins. Ever is in deep - and the one person who might be able to help her must never find out what she's done . . .

Review:

This is the fourth book in The Immortals series so this review may contain spoilers for the previous books. you have been warned [ ; D ]

It has been a while since I read the 3rd book in the series as I saved the 4th and 5th books to read when I knew the date for the last in the series was going to be published so I wouldn't forget what was going on and could compulsively read one after the other. You don't believe me then how come I have Alyson Noel week [ : p ] One thing I would like to say before I get into the review is, I am really grateful that Alyson stated how many books were going to be in the series, that way you know that you are going to get resolution and like me you can save the books to read in succession. I do feel that some series goes on for far to long and resolution isn't achieved and readership drops away. What do you guys think?? Sorry for some randomness at the start of my review but it was on my mind.

As I said it has been a while since I read Shadowland but there are nice little recaps woven into the narrative that bring the storyline back to life, I think it is necessary to read this series in order otherwise you will miss a lot of the nuances of the plot and interaction of the characters that really add depth to the storyline. I had however, forgotten how annoying Ever can be.

Ever must be one of the most annoying protagonists well ever (no pun intended lol) yet without her stubbornness and ability to ignore any advice she is given, leading her to make the most glaring wrong decisions the story wouldn't work. I have to admit that one of the reasons I compulsively turn the pages is to find out if she actually does develop into a 'nice' person.

The research into the alternative therapies, positive thinking, crystals, herbs, Wicca is just fantastic. Having done a HND in Complimentary Therapies I know a little more than the 'average' person about these things and the grounding in all of these just blew me away. It makes me realise why I was drawn to it in the first place. Philosophy, karma and positive thinking is something we should try to incorporate more of in our daily lives.

There isn't so much as a love triangle in this book as a smorgasbord of hot boys options for Ever to pick all with there own particular charms that are missing in the others, or so Ever thinks. Although I have always been a Damen girl myself, I can really see Jude's charm and Roman's sex appeal, so I can't really blame Ever for her indecision. There are a number of plot twists with regard to Ever's relationships, misdirection is the name of the game but which direction is the right one.  
 
I have to mention the title of the book, Dark Flame, and how the wonderful metaphor of passion being a dark flame was depicted in the narrative. Imagine a flame burning inside you, how easily it consumes everything until nothing else matters but extinguishing that flame. You can identify with it can't you, I can (yes even at my age).

Despite or because of Ever, Alyson Noel's The Immortals bring out the best in me. They inspire positive thinking and a desire for good karma (yes,I know you think I am nuts now but they honestly do). For me I cannot think of higher praise to give this series than that - to be inspired to be a better person by reading these books.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Alyson Noel Week: Special Immortals Give-away

This week to celebrate Alyson Noel week I have not one but 2 prizes to give-away, so you get even more chances to win [ : D ]

First prize:


This gorgeous The Immortals tote bag
(you are so lucky I am giveing this away when I opened the parcel from the publisher and saw it I was drooling but that isn't all. Inside the tote you will get these:


Just to get you started on the series if you havent reade it a copy of the first book Evermore and a gorgeous The Immortals T-shirt (I want it I want it I want it)

Second Prize:


As I have the set of these fabulous books in the school library I am giving away my personal copies of the sirst three books in the series. the yahve been gently used and are in very good condtion, Shadowland is the Hardback copy. I like to share the book love [ : D ]

To enter just fill out the form below and leave a comment.
You do not have to be a follower to enter but it would be appreciated [ : D ]
One entry per person, duplicate enteries will be deleted.
Open to UK and EU only (sorry)
Closing Date Midday 16th September.


Trailer Tuesday: The Immortals Series by Alyson Noel

 


 
Wow




I don't think it would be fair to the people that haven't read the series to show the trailers for all the books [ ; D ]
Check back later for an amazing give-away!!!!!!

Monday 22 August 2011

MG Monday: Review: Shimmer by Alyson Noel

Title: Shimmer
Series: Riley Bloom #2
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 5 Aug 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a little time-off. But then Riley encounters a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, Rebecca is furious about being murdered during the slave revolt of 1733. Her uncontrollable anger is keeping other ghosts, who also died in the revolt, trapped in a shimmering bubble. And when Bodhi and Buttercup inadvertently fall into Rebecca's trap, Riley is the only one who can save them.

Review:
This is the second installment of the Riley Bloom series a companion series to The Immortals therefore this review may contain spoilers for the first book Radiance (review here). You have been warned.

I have to say that Riley's character has really developed after the events at the end of Radiance, although she still has her bratish moments she does learn from them. She has developed a keen self analysis that helps her deal with some tricky situations. However, she is very impetuous often with dramatic consequences, saying that she does trust her intuition which is a theme through Alyson Noel's books, that we should all trust our intuition to help us make the correct decisions. Normally we (I mean me) over-think things or are influenced by other people instead of going with what we feel. A lesson for all of us I think.

Riley has a deep sense of family loyalty and love yet her loneliness is palpable via the narrative. She needs someone to share her feelings with. As yet she just sees Bodhi as her instructor in Soul Catching and is a bit dismissive of him, but I do think a real relationship could be brewing between the two.

Bodhi is a complex character (the name always make me think of Patrick Swayze in Point Break) bits and pieces of Bodhi's 'life' are threaded through the story giving him substance and providing insight into his character.

The way in which slavery was portrayed with brutal honesty and not skirted over was admirable and Alyson Noel did a terrific job of conveying the horror of slavery to a Middle Grade audience, the harsh reality of it brought to technicolour life. The cycle of violence was brilliantly portrayed and not something I had thought much about before.

I really admired how the use of forgiveness helped people move on. Believe me some days are easier than others to forgive.

A really great continuation of Riley's story that develops not only the characterisations but the understanding of the world Riley now inhabits 'Here and Now'. Little tidbits of information as to the further development of this series has left me impatiently waiting for the next installment.

A brilliant paranormal series for Middle Graders.

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Sunday 21 August 2011

In My Mailbox 21/8/11


I love having books cos you know BOOKS MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER [ : D ] and this weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren is a great way of celebrating the books I have recieved.


For Review:

(OMG I screamed the house down when I opened this - I love this series so so much)

(these are going to one of my guest reviewers before going on tour and the library)

(this just sounds fantastic I am so looking forward to reading it)


Gifted from Publisher:
(this has me chomping for the book-torture I tell you-torture)

That's it for this week guys but aren't they all just gorgeous book babies [ : D ]

Have a great week and don't forget to call back all this week for ALYSON NOEL WEEK

Saturday 20 August 2011

Saturday Spotlight: Alyson Noel Week Schedule

As you may have noticed from the banner in my sidebar - I am hosting:
 

ALYSON NOEL WEEK 

next week on the blog. Yes, the entire week is dedicated to Alyson Noel because well her books are aces and you should read them [ : p ]

I am quite proud of the banner I was able to make *pats self on back* so I hope you will join me for the week.



Monday 22nd August - Review: Shimmer - A Riley Bloom Novel

Tuesday 23rd August - Trailer Tuesday: Immortals Series plus an awesome give-away

Wednesday 24th August - Review: Dark Flame & Mini Review: Night Star

Thursday 25th August - Musical Moments: Alyson's Top Travel Songs

Friday 26th August - Review: Everlasting

Saturday 27th August - Saturday Spotlight: Guest Post by Alyson Noel


So what do you think - fantastic isn't it SQUEEEEE

On My Library Wishlist


Title: Zeus: King of the Gods
Series: Olympians
Author: George O'Connor
Publisher: First Second
Publication  Date: 5 Jan 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads
George O'Connor is a Greek mythology buff and a classic superhero comics fan, and he's out to remind us how much our pantheon of superheroes (Superman, Batman, the X-Men, etc.) owes to mankind's ORIGINAL superheroes: the Greek pantheon.
In OLYMPIANS, O'Connor draws from primary documents to reconstruct and retell classic Greek myths. But these stories aren't sedate, scholarly works. They're action-packed, fast-paced, high-drama adventures, with monsters, romance, and not a few huge explosions. O'Connor's vibrant, kinetic art brings ancient tales to undeniable life, in a perfect fusion of super-hero aesthetics and ancient Greek mythology.
Volume 1 of OLYMPIANS, ZEUS: King OF THE GODS, introduces readers to the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon, telling his story from his boyhood to his ascendance to supreme power.

Fabulous review of a later book in this series at CSI Librarian (here) but I thought I would start with the first book in the series and hope really hard for the rest. 
There is a Olympian Week taking placed across the US 4-10th October to celebrate the release of the second book in The Heroes of Olympus series The Son of Neptune.  As this coincides with Children's Book Week  I am hoping to run a Olympian Week in the school library with lots of activities and books about Greek Mythology. So you can see how fantastic it would be to have this series as a resource for that project [ : D ]

Title: Oh. My. Gods.
Series: Oh. My. Gods. #1
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: 14 May 2009

Synopsis: From Goodreads

A modern girl’s comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods. When Phoebe’s mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe’s plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That’s right, they’re real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes—supersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they’re on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

As you have probably noticed I like to work to a theme [ : D ]  Plus I want to read this one myself.

Title: Athena the Brain
Series: The Goddess Girls #1
Author: Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: 6 April 2010

Synopsis: From Goodreads

Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic Greek myths about Athena and Persephone in the Goddess Girls series!
Athena the Brain: Finding out she's a goddessgirl and getting sent to Mount Olympus Academy brings new friends, a weird dad, and the meanest girl in mythology--Medusa!

Goddess Girls series, ages 8-12, Aladdin paperbacks
#1 Athena the Brain
#2 Persephone the Phony
#3 Aphrodite the Beauty
#4 Artemis the Brave
#5 Athena the Wise (April 2011)
#6 Aphrodite the Diva (August 2011)
7 & 8 to come in 2012 
Ohhh I just love the sound of this series. Another where the whole series would be fantastic for the library.

Saturday Spotlight: Amazing New Storytelling Experience with Michael Grant

I am really having trouble expressing myself with the details about this amazing project so I may cut and paste the press release so you can understand the concept better than I can explain it lol.


 

Press Release:

BZRK (bə’zərk)

A unique transmedia storytelling experience that brings together the worlds of gaming and YA fiction

Egmont has teamed up with Michael Grant, author of the bestselling GONE series and media studio The Shadow Gang to launch BZRK.

This unique storytelling experience brings together the worlds of gaming and YA fiction and is backed by a team of digital specialists including Rich Silverman, writer on Alternate Reality Games for Heroes (‘Evolutions’) and The Dark Knight (‘Why So Serious?’). 

BZRK is a thriller aimed at the Young Adult. It is an edge-of-your-seat story delivered in a new way that will engage digital natives, gamers and readers. Grant describes the story as, ‘A battle for the soul and freedom of the human race carried out simultaneously in the world we know, and in a very different world that is both familiar and utterly strange. It's a world where a single mistake can lead to death or, perhaps worse, to irreversible, shrieking madness.’ 

The story begins this September with an Alternate Reality Game (ARG) and will unfold across multiple channels including an iOS/Android game app and a storyline delivered through the web and social networks. GOBZRK.com, a comprehensive hub website, will provide continuity for the entire experience leading up to and beyond the release of BZRK book one in February. 

‘A key principle of the BZRK experience is that each piece is original,’ said Michael Grant. ‘We are not interested in essentially telling the same story over and over again in different formats. Each piece of this - the ARG, the app, the site and the books – is a story unto itself, each revealing an aspect of the world of BZRK.’ 

Cally Poplak, Managing Director, Egmont Press said: ‘BZRK is a brilliantly original thriller. What particularly excites me is that it shows that a cracking story is what matters, and all formats, whether digital or print, serve that story, taking it to where the audience is.’  

‘It’s an approach that encourages a community to form and participate in the story as it unfolds, which is a new way to publish for teenagers, added Mike Richards Head of Marketing for Egmont Press. ‘Layers will be added through different media over six months before BZRK book one is even released.’ 

Grant says, ‘You have never seen this before. That’s my promise. You have never seen anything like this world, you’ve never seen this action, you’ve never seen this level of disturbing intensity. By the time you are through the world of BZRK you will be crawling out of your skin.’   
‘You may think you know what to expect.  You don’t.’


This is a fantastic concept and I am racking my brains to see how I can incorporate into the library especially as we now have the screen and projector. Hopefully with the multi-media experience it is going to get a whole lot more people reading *crosses fingers* 

If you have any ideas on how to incorporate it in the library please let me know [ : D ]

 
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