Sunday, August 19, 2012

Book Review: Urchin King


Paul, the quintessential street urchin, has spent the last nine years of his life barely eking out an existence in the back alleys and public squares of the town of Wynburgh -- completely unaware of his secret heritage. All of this changes when he's roped into an elaborate scheme that has him taking the place of the sweet, yet mentally challenged heir to the throne. Placed squarely in the path of a conniving wizard and an evil necromancer, Paul has to use all of his street smarts to outwit them and save the members of the royal family he has come to love.

Author Katharina Gerlach successfully combines an easy to read writing style with some first-rate storytelling in this appealing fantasy novel for young adults. Even though the set up, at first, seems to be similar to Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper, the similarity ends once you get past the “pair of princes who ‘coincidentally’ resemble each other.” Urchin King is a completely original story that stands on its own and is a lot of fun. Recommended.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Giveaway Winner! (and other news)


A hearty congratulations to Angie Forney, winner of my Goodreads book giveaway. A signed copy of Dragonfriend will be heading Angie's way later this week!

In the meantime, work continues on Giantkiller, sequel to Dragonfriend. Even though I had to take a break to finish up a draft of a 'Littlest Pet Shop' script (animated half-hour to air on The Hub -- psst! It's going to be really funny) and generate some premises for two other shows (prayers and/or positive vibes welcome!) I'm almost at the end of the second to last chapter. Yes, I'd say I've officially entered the "light at the end of the tunnel" phase of the program. Updates to come!

Eater of the Dead: A Dragon Friend Excerpt

Just in time for Halloween! Check out a featured Dragon Friend excerpt on the BestSelling Reads blog: "The spooky season is upon us! H...