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Jake Hits Stands In One Week!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Just wanted to pass on a head’s up that Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow is due to reach stores on Tuesday, April 28th. Over the past couple days; I've been fielding a few questions about the book and its intended readership.
As most of you know, Jake is my first foray into writing for a younger audience. Growing up, I devoured a slew of boy's adventure stories, and in this series, I wanted to try to recapture some of that magic. Skull King is full of chases, mysterious deaths, strange creatures, and weird science. In other words: the same as you'll find in ALL my books.
Then you might wonder, who's the intended audience? While I do acknowledge that the series is geared for the middle-school crowd (the same age as the Harry Potter books), I refused to dumb-down the story-line. It's as twisted and complicated and full of surprises as any of my adult books. There's also a bit of romance, a vein of magic, and a cast of characters that range from cheerleaders to Neanderthals.
In the end, I believe any kid (boy or girl) would enjoy this adventure--along with anyone who's a kid-at-heart. So I hope you all grab a backpack and join me on this first adventure!
Comments
Name: Trish Date: 2009-04-25
I have high hopes for this one Jim, I am using it in my diabolical plan to turn my neice away from the cult that is Stephanie Meyers! I infected her with the reading bug and hope to equally infect her with a love for your books :)
Name: Mihir Date: 2009-04-22
Count me in ;)
Name: Cherei in Texas Date: 2009-04-27
As one who was lucky enough to get an ARC.. I LOVED the story!! I still ordered a copy.. as the ARC didn't have the pics. And, I promised our son.. he could have that copy! Personally, I LOVED it! It's the kind of book that will excite youngsters.. and have them hiding out under the covers, reading it with a flashlight! I can picture you as a young Jake.. spending half of your time getting skinned chins.. and the other part of your time soaking in every bit of the curiosities our planet has to offer! Y'all are gonna LOVE the book!! I won't give away the plot.. just suffice to say.. it's fast and fun! A grand adventure!
Name: Fred Spector Date: 2009-04-27
Dear Jim, I still and always will read "Kids" books. All the great ,so called, children s authors never write down to youngsters.You are included. I'm looking forward to devouring the book...Thanks, Our Granddaughter is only two,but my internal 14 year old surrogate will be her proxy. Fred
Name: Erica K Date: 2009-04-27
I've been anxiously awaiting this book! I read kid's books all the time (both with and without my kids who are 3 and 5). This one will be waiting on the shelf for them when they're old enough! Keep them coming! erica :)
Name: Sandra Malench Date: 2009-04-28
Kudos to you for resisting the urge to "dumb-down" your book. As I child, I went for the more challenging books - with a dictionary at my side in case the going got rough. Kids are not clueless, only adults who think they are. I can't wait to get my hands on your newest book!! Adventure is great at any age!
Name: Pam Date: 2009-04-28
I started reading kids' books to know what my kids were reading. It didn't take long before I was reading them for pleasure. "Jake" was sent to my Kindle this morning, so I'll read it after work. Like the rest of your books though, I'm sure this will be one I'll have to have a "real" copy for my bookshelf! I'm eagerly awaiting "Doomsday Key"!
Name: Autumn Date: 2009-04-28
Jim, Thank you for bringing the world of science, fun and mystery to another generation. I devoured your books and enjoyed each one. I am anxiously awaiting the Doomsday Key's arrival! Until then, I will be happy to read your children's books to my 4 & 5 year old! Thank you. P.S. When are you going to put Colorado on your tour?
Name: Paula Date: 2009-04-29
I'm very excited about this book coming out! I'm an avid fan of "kids" books and loved the Harry Potter series, so I know I'll love "Jake". As a matter of fact, I've ordered from Amazon all the books I used to read as a kid, i.e., "Island of Blue Dolphins", "Steel Magic", etc. and read them over and over again. I can't wait to add your book series to my collection. Thanks and keep on writing the fabulous books you write. I love all of them!
Name: Dianne Giddens Date: 2009-04-30
Wow! I am really looking forward to getting my hands on this book! I love kids' books as much as those written for a strictly mature audience. Harry Potter, the Narnia books, the Prydain Chronicles--those are all some of my very favorites of all time. I am sure there will be another title to add to my list when I have finished your first "Jake" tale.
Name: Pat Norris Date: 2009-05-14
This 65 year young person enjoyed the premise of The Skull King's Shadow. However, I was a tad bit disappointed in that it's a serial. I was expecting a "stand alone." Would have waited for the complete set and read them all, sequentionally. You might want to advise future readers of the fact. Otherwise, it's anotherl great work.
Name: S.L. Dwyer Date: 2009-04-24
I can add another grandson to your readership with this new book. As adults also loved reading Harry Potter, I am sure we will enjoy Jake as much.