Amanda Hocking's Blog, page 2

June 24, 2015

Read a Kanin Prequel Novelette for Free!

Exciting news! A couple months ago, I wrote a prequel novelette to the Kanin Chronicles called "The King's Games," and now it's available for FREE at Wattpad, for everyone to read. You can read it: here

Kings Game Cover Here's the official synopsis:

Set five years before the events in the Kanin Chronicles, Bryn Aven is struggling to find her place in the secret kingdom of the Kanin—a realm as beautiful as it is treacherous. Born of mixed heritage, fourteen-year-old Bryn has never felt like she completely belonged. Now, with the summer sun thawing the frozen province, the yearly King's Games are about to begin, and an opportunity has arisen to squire for the popular guard, Konstantin Black. Bryn can finally prove herself and earn the respect she craves.

Here's some questions you might have about "The King's Games:"

What's a "novelette?" It just refers to the length of the story. It's longer than a short story, but shorter than a novel or a novella.

Will I be spoiled if I haven't read any or only some of the Kanin Chronicles? No. Since it's a prequel, there are no spoils for the Kanin Chronicles, or even for the Trylle series for that matter.

Where's Ember? The story takes place in June of 2009, and Ember doesn't move to the Kanin capital until February 2010 (after the events at the end of Ascend). So she's just not there yet, but she will be.

Where's Ridley? He's only just retired from tracking, so he's not able to participate in the King's Games, and he hasn't yet taken over the Rektor position. So he's relaxing on the side.

Will this ever be available in print? Right now, I'm going to say no, it will not. But the upside is that it's for FREE at Wattpad, and you can read it now .

For other fun stuff to go along with the release of "The King's Games," I also created a soundtrack for the novelette. You can listen to here at Youtube, and check out the tracklist below.

1.Arctic Monkeys – “Do I Wanna Know?”
2.Big Data – “Dangerous (feat. Joywave)”
3.Daniel Johns – “Preach”
4.The Echo-Friendly – “Same Mistakes”
5.Echosmith – “Cool Kids”
6.Emily Wells – “Becomes the Color”
7.Florence + the Machine – “What Kind of Man”
8.Lorde – “Ribs”
9.Sia – “Free the Animals”
10.Sufjan Stevens – “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross”
11.Tove Lo – “This Time Around”

You can also check out the Pinterest inspiration board I made for "The King's Games." It was fun, because I got to pick more summery images, and that was a nice change of pace after the snowy scenery of the rest the Kanin Chronicles. (Well, more Frostfire and Ice Kissed, because Crystal Kingdom definitely has changes in scenery).

Follow Amanda Hocking's board The King's Games on Pinterest.

So check out "The King's Games" and I can't wait to hear what you all think. It was a lot of fun to write, and it was great digging more into Bryn's past and what it was like for her growing up. I hope you all enjoy it :)

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June 23, 2015

Crystal Kingdom Teaser Quote - Week 1

CK - Teaser 1
Here's the very first teaser quote for Crystal Kingdom, the final book in the Kanin Chronicles. With the ending of Ice Kissed, this one doesn't come as much of a surprise, but it does show that things are looking very dark for Bryn.

Crystal Kingdom will be out on August 4, 2015, and until then, stay tuned for plenty of teasers, giveaways and exclusives materiel.



If you haven’t preordered Crystal Kingdom yet, and you’d like to, here are some ways you can do it:

iBookstore – for ebook 
Barnes & Noble – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Amazon – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Indiebound – for paperback, hardcover, & audio 
Powell’s– for paperback
Books-a-Million– for paperback, hardcover, & audio 
Booktopia (Australia) – for paperback 
Waterstones (UK) – for paperback
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June 22, 2015

The Final Countdown

CK Countdown  

The countdown for the final book in the Kanin Chronicles is now underway. Crystal Kingdom will be out August 4, 2015, and until then, I'll be posting plenty of trivia, teasers, and exclusive material to get everyone geared for the release.

Releasing the final book in a trilogy is always a bit more scary than the first two books. The first two books are about the building up, the final book is about delivering on that build up. I also took a few risks with Crystal Kingdom that I'd been afraid to do with previous books, and in the battle that Bryn is pulled into, the stakes have never been higher.

Another exciting thing about Crystal Kingdom is that it's the most encompassing of all the books. You get to see more of the troll world than ever before. For the first time in either the Trylle Trilogy or the Kanin Chronicles, you get to really see all five troll tribes. Plus, Crystal Kingdom features more familiar faces than it's predecessors (like Finn, Wendy, and Loki).

Some things to look forward over the next 43 days:
giveaways
teaser quotes
Crystal Kingdom excerpts
playlist
inspiraion boards
a prequel novelette called "The King's Games" (which I'll be posting for FREE later on this week)

I'm sure there's more stuff that I'm forgetting, but stay tuned, because it's going to be fun a month and a half.

If you haven't preordered Crystal Kingdom yet, and you'd like to, here are some ways you can do it:

iBookstore – for ebook 
Barnes & Noble – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Amazon – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Indiebound – for paperback, hardcover, & audio 
Powell’s– for paperback
Books-a-Million– for paperback, hardcover, & audio 
Booktopia (Australia) – for paperback 
Waterstones (UK) – for paperback
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Published on June 22, 2015 12:51

May 11, 2015

Thank you!

Ice Kissed has been out for almost a week, and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who picked up a copy and/or left a review for making the first week so great. As an author, it's always a terrifying releasing a new book, because you never know for sure how people will react to it. Will they like it? Will they hate it? Or worse - what if nobody reads it? 

But thanks to fantastic readers like you, you've made Ice Kissed's first week in the world a great one. I've gotten so many lovey, excited, and supportive messages from readers (and I'm still replying to them all, so sorry if I haven't gotten back to you yet), and it makes all the nerves, anxiety, and sleepless nights that accompany the launch of a new book worthwhile. So thank you guys, VERY MUCH.

If you haven't picked up Ice Kissed yet, check out this post with links for excerpts, trivia, and places to buy:  Ice Kissed is Out!

For those of you that have picked up a copy of Ice Kissed - whether it be ebook, paperback, hardcover, audio, or even a library book - you can enter the Ice Kissed in the Wild  contest. It's going on until Friday, so enter while you still can. The Watersong giveaway has ended, and the winners have been contacted via email. I will have more giveaways to come over the course of the summer, though, so keep an eye out on the Giveaways & Contests .

If you have questions at the end of  Ice Kissed - as I know some of you do - I'll be answering spoiler-y questions over at Goodreads all week, about the Kanin Chronicles and the Trylle Trilogy. So if you want to stop by and ask questions, it'll be fun. Ask:  here .

And finally, people have been asking when the final book in the Kanin Chronicles - Crystal Kingdom - will be out and if it's available for preorder. The answers are: August 4, 2015 (which is only 85 days from today), and yes, it is available for preorder!

Here's the official synopsis of  Crystal Kingdom , and preorder links below.

The one person who can help Bryn Aven is her greatest enemy, the enigmatic Konstantin Black. Konstantin is her only ally against those who have taken over her kingdom and threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. But can she trust him?

As Bryn fights to clear her name, the Kanin rulers’ darkest secrets are coming to light… and now the entire troll world is on the brink of war. Will it tear Bryn from Ridley Dresden, the only guy she’s ever loved? And can she join forces with Finn Holmes and the Trylle kingdom? One thing is certain: an epic battle is underway—and when it’s complete, nothing will ever be the same…

iBookstore – for ebook 
Barnes & Noble – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Amazon – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Indiebound – for paperback, hardcover, & audio 
Powell's– for paperback
Books-a-Million– for paperback, hardcover, & audio 
Booktopia (Australia) – for paperback 
Waterstones (UK) – for paperback
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May 5, 2015

Ice Kissed is Out!!

The day is finally here! Ice Kissed is out!

Cover - (Kanin #2) Ice Kissed

Return to the world of the Trylle in the second book in the bestselling Kanin Chronicles


In the majestic halls of a crystal palace lies a secret that could destroy an entire kingdom…


Bryn Aven refuses to give up on her dream of serving the kingdom she loves. It's a dream that brings her to a whole new realm…the glittering palace of the Skojare.

The Skojare people need protection from the same brutal enemy that's been threatening the Kanin, and Bryn is there to help. Being half Skojare herself, it's also a chance for her to learn more about her lost heritage. Her boss Ridley Dresden is overseeing the mission, but as their undeniable attraction heats up, their relationship is about to reach a whole new level--one neither of them is prepared for.

As they delve deeper into the Skojare world, they begin to unravel a long-hidden secret. The dark truth about her own beloved Kanin kingdom is about to come to light, and it'll change her place in it forever…and threaten everyone she loves.

Here are all the ways you can get your hands on a copy:

iBookstore – for ebook 
Barnes & Noble – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Amazon – for paperback, ebook, hardcover, & audio
Target – for paperback 
Indiebound – for paperback, hardcover, & audio 
Booktopia (Australia) – for paperback 
Waterstones (UK) – for paperback

While you're waiting for your copy to of Ice Kissed arrive (or download), here are a few fun things you should check out:

Enter the contest to win a signed a bookplate

Watch the teaser trailer for Ice Kissed

Listen to the Ice Kissed playlist

Take the recap quiz for Frostfire and get a refresher before diving into Ice Kissed

Look at the Pinterest inspiration board for Ice Kissed

Check out the dream cast board for the Kanin Chronicles

Read about the various tribes and spruce up on troll facts

Scroll through my Ask Me Anything at Wattpad

 

 
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Published on May 05, 2015 04:53 Tags: amanda-hocking, books, ice-kissed, kanin, new-book, paranormal-romance, preorder, teen, trylle, young-adult

May 4, 2015

New Contest & Answers to the Ask Me Anything!

First, before I get into the contest, I wanted to say that I'm working on answering the questions for the Ask Me Anything at Wattpad. I have some answers posted now, and I hope to get them all answered by tonight. There were a lot of great questions, and you can check out my answers: here.

One of the most exciting/terrifying parts about releasing a book into the wild, the way  Ice Kissed will be tomorrowis knowing that readers will have the book in their hands, reading it. My part with the book is done, and the book has to make it's way in the world on it's own now. One thing that makes it a little less terrifying (and is just a lot of fun) is seeing readers with the books.

So far Ice Kissed, I thought I would ask for pictures of your copy of  Ice Kissed with you, your best friend, your sister, your pet - whoever wants to pose. I personally hate posing for pictures, and I suckered my dog Isley into it, so that's why I thought I'd extend it beyond a selfie.

Isley and Ice Kissed But since I'm asking for something, I should give you something in return, right? I'm giving away 100 signed bookplates (which fit very nicely inside Ice Kissed, I must add.) Want to get your hands one? Here's how:

1. Send a picture of you (or your BFF, sibling, cousin pet, etc) with a copy of Ice Kissed (paperback, hardcover, audio, ebook, library book - all count as long as the cover of the book is somehow in the picture) to hockingbooks@hotmail.com. Be sure to put "Ice Kissed in the Wild" in the subject line.

2. To earn additional entries, post the picture on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and/or Facebook. Tag me in the picture when possible with the hashtag #IceKissed. Be sure to include your username(s) and where you shared it in your email so I can put the bonus entry to your name. You can earn up to four bonus entries if you post on all four social media sites, but you do not have to post on all four if you don't want to or don't have an account.

3. Although you can enter multiple times, only one prize will be awarded per person.

4.This contest runs from today (May 4, 2015) until May 13, 2015. Emails must be sent by 12:01 am on May 14, 2015. Winners will be chosen at random and contacted by May 17, 2015.

5. The giveaway is open internationally.

If you haven’t preorderd Ice Kissed yet and you’d like to, here are some ways you can do it:
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April 30, 2015

April 28, 2015

Final Ice Kissed Teaser Quote

Ice Kissed Teaser - Week 7 With one week until Ice Kissed hits the shelves, this will be the final the teaser quote, so I thought I'd end it with a kiss.

If you missed any of the teaser quotes and want to catch up, you can check out the Gallery . If you're dying for Ice Kissed, you should read the exclusive excerpt: here . And don't forget to enter the to giveaways under the Giveaways & Contests button.

If you haven’t preorderd Ice Kissed yet and you’d like to, here are some ways you can do it:

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April 27, 2015

Giveaways, Q&As, and an Excerpt - Oh My!

I'm doing a Q&A over at Wattpad. How it will work is from April 27th (today) until May 3rd, go to this page here, titled Ask Me Anything, where you can ask me anything - about Ice Kissed, my writing process, my dog Isley, whatever.

The only thing I'll ask from you is to please check my FAQs first to see if I've already answered the question. I don't mind answering the questions again, but I do get really excited and do a happy dance every time I encounter a question I haven't had before. Ask me questions: here .

Then May 4th, I'll be answering the questions that have collected on Wattpad. I'll try to answer most of them, but it depends on how many questions I get, and how long it takes me answer. And I'll be giving away 5 signed bookplates to my favorite questions!

You can also check out my Wattpad profile and other excerpts, including the newly posted excerpt from Ice Kissed. You can read it: here , and you can check my Wattpad profile out: here .

There are two new giveaway starting today - one for the entire Watersong quartet, and a quick one for an ARC of Ice Kissed . Go here to enter the Watersong giveaway, and go here to enter the Ice Kissed ARC giveaway.

Be sure to keep checking the Giveaways & Contests button on the main page, because I'll be adding more throughout the summer (including a really fun one next week). The giveaway for the UK editions of Frostfire and Trylle: The Complete trilogy has ended and winners have been contacted.
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April 24, 2015

Calling All Artists.

Every now and then, readers show me artwork they've created based on my books. Sometimes it's character drawings or re-imagining of book covers or stylized quotes. Once it was a beautiful tattoo of a siren. (I count tattoos as art). But all of them are amazing and especially meaningful to me. I don't know how to explain the excitement and gratitude I feel seeing readers interpretations of something that I made up inside my head.

One thing I knew that I wanted to do with my new website www.hockingbooks.com was have a place to showcase some of the fan art that I receive. Right now, in the Gallery , I have Book Covers and Teasers, but I would like to have a gallery for fan art.

If you have any artwork you'd like to share based on or inspired by any of my books or characters - whether it be hand drawn or computer generated, paintings, tattoos, collages, anything really - send an image of it to hockingbooks@hotmail.com. Please also include how you'd like to be credited and the title of the image (if any).

If you just want to share with me but you'd rather I not post it, that's okay, too. Just let me know in the email. I just love seeing what you guys come up with!
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Published on April 24, 2015 12:29 Tags: amanda-hocking, artists, fan-art, fanfic, gallery, hollows, kanin, my-blood-approves, trylle, virtue, watersong