James R. Hannibal's Blog
January 21, 2019
Clockwork Dragon Release Giveaway
The Clockwork Dragon, book three in the Section 13 adventures, is on the way. Jack, Gwen, and a bunch of dragons arrived in stores on 5 February, but don’t wait. Order by 20 February and get a prize pack!**
Order your hardcover or ebook of The Clockwork Dragon, send us proof of purchase, and we’ll send you a prize pack worth more than twice the cost of the book.***
Not only that, we’re extending this offer two weeks into the release period. That means you have until 20 February to order!
To receive a prize pack, you must send us a picture of your receipt along with a valid U.S. address via the “Contact The Ministry Express” tab at the top of this page, or send via theministryexpress@gmail.com.
Here’s what’s inside:
We’re very excited about this prize pack, especially the collectable
challenge coins, but we’ll get to that in a moment. First, here’s the
list of what you’ll receive for each book ordered when you send us proof
of purchase.**
[image error]
One All Forms Must Be Completed pen; gunmetal finish, stylus
on top. This is the nicest pen ever to emerge from our Tinkers Guild
shop. Plus one Clockwork Dragon cover art notepad. The pen and pad make a
perfect combination when you need to jot down clues.
[image error]
One Ministry of Dragons In Case of Dragon Attack bookmark
(both sides shown). They may push the envelope of danger while
corralling dragons, but the Dragos are all about safety. The back of
this bookmark tells you steps to take in a fire—approved by the Ministry
of Dragons and FEMA.
[image error]
Eight stickers! Four large Ministry of Dragons seal stickers. Slap one on the front of a notebook to let the world know you are ready for any dragon it sends your way. Plus four mini The Clockwork Dragon cover stickers, good for sealing notes passed to other agents.
Plus FOUR secret society challenge coins. All new editions.
Four coins in total. Both sides of each coin shown in pictures. More info below.
Check out these coins:
[image error]
Yes, we are excited about these coins!
Our new coins are each two inches in diameter, with dual metal finish
and sculpted edges. They are true collectables, and you get all four
with each pre-order prize pack. Don’t miss out!
For the release of The Clockwork Dragon, we commissioned brand new
secret society challenge coins. Members of our four secretive ministries
carry these coins for positive identification. You know you can trust
the bearer of a challenge coin (most of the time).
What are you waiting for? Get your prize pack!
Order your copy of The Clockwork Dragon and send us your receipt.
**Prize packs will be shipped to valid U.S. addresses only. Coins available while supplies last. Proof of purchase required. One prize pack per book ordered. Receipts must be dated prior to 11:59 pm, 20 February 2019. Screenshots or PDFs of receipts and addresses may be sent to theministryexpress@gmail.com or via the Contact The Ministry Express page on this blog. Receipts will be accepted until 15 April 2019.
***Retail value of a complete and shipped prize pack exceeds $35. Suggested retail cost of a single hardcover is $16.99
Clockwork Dragon Pre-order Giveaway
The Clockwork Dragon, book three in the Section 13 adventures, is on the way. Jack, Gwen, and a bunch of dragons arrive in stores on 5 February, but don’t wait. Pre-order now and get a prize pack!**
Order your hardcover or ebook of The Clockwork Dragon, and we’ll send you a prize pack worth more than twice the cost of the book.***
Not only that, we’re extending this offer two weeks into the release period. That means you have until 20 February to order!
To receive a prize pack, you must send us a picture of your receipt along with a valid U.S. address via the “Contact The Ministry Express” tab at the top of this page, or send via theministryexpress@gmail.com.
Here’s what’s inside:
We’re very excited about this prize pack, especially the collectable
challenge coins, but we’ll get to that in a moment. First, here’s the
list of what you’ll receive for each book ordered when you send us proof
of purchase.**
[image error]
One All Forms Must Be Completed pen; gunmetal finish, stylus
on top. This is the nicest pen ever to emerge from our Tinkers Guild
shop. Plus one Clockwork Dragon cover art notepad. The pen and pad make a
perfect combination when you need to jot down clues.
[image error]
One Ministry of Dragons In Case of Dragon Attack bookmark
(both sides shown). They may push the envelope of danger while
corralling dragons, but the Dragos are all about safety. The back of
this bookmark tells you steps to take in a fire—approved by the Ministry
of Dragons and FEMA.
[image error]
Eight stickers! Four large Ministry of Dragons seal stickers. Slap one on the front of a notebook to let the world know you are ready for any dragon it sends your way. Plus four mini The Clockwork Dragon cover stickers, good for sealing notes passed to other agents.
Plus FOUR secret society challenge coins. All new editions.
Four coins in total. Both sides of each coin shown in pictures. More info below.
Check out these coins:
[image error]
Yes, we are excited about these coins!
Our new coins are each two inches in diameter, with dual metal finish
and sculpted edges. They are true collectables, and you get all four
with each pre-order prize pack. Don’t miss out!
For the release of The Clockwork Dragon, we commissioned brand new
secret society challenge coins. Members of our four secretive ministries
carry these coins for positive identification. You know you can trust
the bearer of a challenge coin (most of the time).
What are you waiting for? Get your prize pack!
Pre-order your copy of The Clockwork Dragon and send us your receipt.
**Prize packs will be shipped to valid U.S. addresses only. Coins available while supplies last. Proof of purchase required. One prize pack per book ordered. Receipts must be dated prior to 11:59 pm, 20 February 2019. Screenshots or PDFs of receipts and addresses may be sent to theministryexpress@gmail.com or via the Contact The Ministry Express page on this blog. Receipts will be accepted until 15 April 2019.
***Retail value of a complete and shipped prize pack exceeds $35. Suggested retail cost of a single hardcover is $16.99
November 1, 2017
The Fourth Ruby is Here!
Well, not the ruby itself. To find out where the ruby is hidden, you’ll have to read the book and follow the clues with Jack and Gwen. But the book is here.
If I’m honest, the book isn’t here either. Not here here, anyway. But it is in bookstores. Or you can find it *face palm* here on this blog by going to the links tab.
Ancient mysteries? Diobolical villans? A Thieves’ Guild with their own underground city? Yes, please! Read below to find out what it’s all about, then check out the book by Mr. James R. Hannibal, the unofficial chronicler of London’s most ancient and most secret agencies.
It’s been a year since Jack Buckles discovered the Keep beneath Baker Street, an underground tower no Section Thirteen was ever supposed to see; a year since his dad fell into a coma. Nothing has been the same since. Jack’s tracker abilities are on the fritz, Gwen’s not speaking to him and, what’s worse, there’s a pounding voice in his head calling for “the flame.”
Jack and Gwen are framed for the theft of a historic crown jewel—the Black Prince’s Ruby, one of three cursed rubies said to bring knowledge, loyalty, and the command of nations to whomever wields them all. Now, they must retrieve the other jewels before the true thief does, or risk unleashing a reign of terror unlike anything history’s ever seen.
July 3, 2017
The Fourth Ruby Pre-Order Giveaway
Get a Section 13 Prize Pack with Secret Society Challenge Coins, Metal Agent Cards, and more![image error]
Uncle Percy here. It’s that time again. A new Section 13 adventure with Jack Buckles and Gwen Kincaid is on the way, set to arrive this fall. But you can start your fun now. We’re offering a pack of free prizes for every U.S. pre-order, valued about the same as the hardcover book itself!
Here’s what to do
Pre-order The Fourth Ruby, the latest adventure in the Section 13 series.
Send your receipt and a U.S. address to section13sweeps@gmail.com
Screen shots of a web receipt or photos of a paper receipt will work great.
We’ll send you a 2017 Section 13 Prize Pack.
It’s just that easy.
And by the way, if you pre-order more than one book, you’ll also get Gwen’s magnifying glass plus more coins and agent cards.
A Section 13 Prize Pack includes:
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Two round The Lost Property Office cover stickers
Four Ministry of Secrets seal stickers
“All Forms Must Be Completed” pen
[image error]
The Lost Property Office cover magnet
The Fourth Ruby cover magnet
The Fourth Ruby 2018 magnetic calendar
One Secret Society Challenge Set with:
Ministry of Secrets coin
Ministry of Trackers coin[image error]
Ministry of Secrets agent card (etched metal)
Ministry of Trackers agent card (etched metal)
(Two coins total per pack. Both sides of coins pictured for reference in full pack photo)
But don’t stop there. Order two or more books and also get:
[image error]
One Secret Society Challenge Set for each additional book ordered
Gwen’s metal magnifying glass
Remember: Send your proof of purchase and a United States address to section13sweeps@gmail.com.
Looking for a place to pre-order? Click here and try any The Fourth Ruby link.
GIVEAWAY RULES
Giveaway entries must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern on 30 October 2017.
Pre-order Giveaway: Must send proof of purchase and a valid United States address to section13sweeps@gmail.com to be eligible for the giveaway. Gifts will only be sent to United States addresses. Pre-order one book and receive one Section 13 Prize Pack (one pen, six stickers, three postcard magnets, one Ministry of Secrets Challenge Coin, one Ministry of Trackers Challenge coin, two metal agent cards). Pens may vary due to changes made by supplier. Pre-order two or more books and receive one Section 13 Prize Pack plus a magnifying glass. Additionally, orders of two or more books will receive one agent card set and one coin set for each additional book ordered. James R. Hannibal and his publishers are not liable for giveaway items damaged in transit.
February 27, 2017
Boys, Families, and Section 13
For two years I ran a monthly book club with middle grade boys from our church family. It taught me a lot about the age group, and the literature available. Running that book club also had an immeasurable impact on how I would write The Lost Property Office.
The boys and I started with classics and historical books that we could connect to on a manly level, like My Side of the Mountain or Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, but we also wanted to read some contemporary works—maybe broaden our horizons beyond survival stories. As I searched for selections, though, I noticed a trend. The families in popular secular middle grade books were beyond broken. In the most popular series, the parents were dead and the hero’s adopted family was both comically and tragically abusive. In the next most popular series, the hero’s mother didn’t make it past the first couple of chapters. His step father was abusive, and his father was . . . well . . . an absentee Greek god—as in the original version. Thus, we turned to Christian books for our first few contemporary selections, but the stories were similar. In the first book we tried, the hero’s parents were divorcing and losing touch with him. In the next book, the hero’s adopted father attempted to kill him. These books were not what my heart was yearning for as a guide and teacher.
Children need windows to look through and mirrors to see themselves in, meaning they need to read about different types of families. And families don’t always look the same. But whether the hero was adopted, or helping a single mother deal with adversity, I wanted a story where the love between parent and child, brother and sister, became the center. When I finally confessed this to my wife, we could not come up with a suitable book, and so she told me to write the book myself.
The Lost Property Office opens with a family in crisis and a young teen thrust into becoming the man of the household—with a sister who isn’t exactly cooperative. Jack may react to all this change with teen angst, but the reader is never in doubt as to the love he holds for his mother and sister or the love they hold for him. And that love continues through the story until the family is whole again. When I finally handed the manuscript over, I was terrified because I hadn’t read anything like it in recent months. How could a story with a loving family survive in a market filled with abusive step-parents? But then something wonderful happened. People connected with the Buckles family. Jack’s story became a Book Expo America Buzz Book. Sony optioned it for film.
As it turned out, others had similar ideas. In April, former children’s laureate Dame Jacqueline Wilson vowed to restore “lovely dads” to children’s literature. In a Publishers Weekly interview, a YA agent described seeing and selling more books with a “family or sibling story at their heart.” Suddenly, this story I had worried so much over was at the crest of the wave. Who knew?
God knew. I felt called to write The Lost Property Office for the broadest possible audience. I wanted children from all types of families to have that mirror or that window into love-centered family relationships. Sadly, I’ve missed my chance to read this book with my middle grade boys’ book club. They grew into highschoolers on me while I was busy writing. But I hope they’ll read the Section 13 books anyway, and enjoy stories that shows the love between a mother and child, brother and sister, and father and son.
December 3, 2016
Uncle Percy’s Secret Society Secret Santa Gift Guide
Uncle Percy, here. Quartermaster extraordinaire. And I’m back to bring you this year’s Secret Society Secret Santa Gift Guide.
If you’re new to the world of The Lost Property Office and London’s hidden Elder Ministries, let me catch you up. There are four secret societies that serve the British Crown—the dragos of the Ministry of Dragons, the crumbs of the Ministry of Trackers, the toppers of the Ministry of Guilds, and the spooks of the Ministry of Secrets. No matter which of these secret societies fits your loved ones best, this little guide will give you a leg up in finding that special something to brighten their Christmas morning.
As always, our jolly journey begins with the Crumbs at the Ministry of Trackers.
Our apprentice clerks—who helped me build this list—have a particular love of puzzles and codes. This year, along with the usual themed underwear and spyglasses, they’ve asked that you stuff their stockings with a cryptex puzzle pod or anything from UGEARS, makers of functioning wooden puzzles.
And what about our fully fledged agents? Well, nothing says I am the master of my domain like having the ability to boss your whole house around—literally, the house. I’m talking smart home technology. Don’t tell Mrs. Hudson, but I had the Baker Street clerks work late to research this one. We’ve discovered three major competitors, but the unanimous choice is the Amazon Echo. Now starting its third year, Echo is the most vetted and versatile of the smart home hubs.
Amazon Echo $179.99It is, however, a bit of a give a mouse a cookie scenario. The Echo hub pairs with other available tech packages to allow your favorite quartermaster to control the lights, doors, thermostat, and who-knows what else, all while ordering dinner, setting appointments, and a host of other activities. If you live in a smaller flat, the less expensive Echo Dot will suffice. In a larger house, adding Echo Dots to each floor will give you total control. Yes, Google has their own version, but it is far less vetted, and frankly, the clerks and I believe it to be a Ministry of Secrets plot.
Speaking of the spooks, what do you get for the spy who has everything?
More spy gear, of course!
Our Secret Society Secret Santa journey continues down the Thames to the Ministry of Secrets.
And here we have a bit of one-stop, online shopping.
Whether you’re talking spook spuds, spook sprites, or active spook agents, you’ll find what they want on the website of the International Spy Museum Store. For the younger spies, you might try the Ultimate Spy Kit or the Spy Girl Mission Kit, or build your own goodie bag from their expansive collection.
For agents in their prime, though, you’ll still find what you need: everything from wallet-size survival tools to lipstick power banks, to WiFi USB cuff links. Your imagination (and your bank account) really are the the limit. But beware. These are spooks we’re talking about, so don’t think they won’t turn your gifts around and use them against you.
That brings us to the toppers of the Ministry of Guilds, and this year’s guide for giving to guildsmen focuses on the Tinkers Guild.
The clerks and I have found the tinker gift that keeps on giving. Apprentice and journeyman tinkers alike will love a subscription to Tinker Crate from the makers of Kiwi Crate. Each month, a box will arrive with a different DIY project that produces something cool. Gavin, the ten year-old who waters the plants at my flat, demonstrated his latest Tinker Crate project for me. It’s top quality work. The guild fathers should take a sharp look at this boy (and this monthly crate service).
For the master tinkers, we have something a little more advanced. One tinker that I’m particularly fond of shared with me an automotive project he completed. This Sequential LED Kit, sold for $269.95 by the Mustang Project (not to be confused with a horse charity of the same name), offers a quick tinkering project and years of fun by modifying the break lights of a hot rod. Don’t fret. This gift idea is not mustang-specific. The website has plug and play projects for every tinker’s favorite car. And yes, there are two mustangs in that tinker’s garage.
Thanks for noticing.
Finally our little yuletide trip around London brings us to the Ministry of Dragons, exchanging gadgety goodness for medieval merriment.
The most fun-filled drago gifts this year can be found on craft sites like Etsy. For instance, what little dragon-fighter wouldn’t want a pair of these dragon scale gloves to keep them warm? This pair comes from , but there are a host of colors and materials to be found from various vendors. And if gloves aren’t your drago’s thing, how about his or her very own dragon egg? A good many can be found on Etsy, but my personal favorite nest of decorative serpent shells is found on FaerieMagazine.com. The eggs there are truly spectacular.
Then again, drago knights of a certain age might be hoping for something even more special. and the clerks and I have come up with the perfect thing. Brian at DBK Custom Swords & Scabbards is an amazing artist. Does this gift cost more than a few bob? Absolutely. But what better way to tell your knight I love and respect the testosterone-fueled warrior within you than the gift of a deadly medieval weapon and a finely-crafted scabbard to hold it.
And so we’ve come full circle, back to the fireside in my office at the Ministry of Trackers Keep.
Wait. What do we have in these stockings? Why, one more gift that suits any secret society agent. The Lost Property Office is a perfect fit for every crumb, drago, spook, and topper. And with that gleaming foil cover, you don’t even have to wrap it.
But don’t take my word for it. This story is recommended as a hot holiday gift by both Publisher’s Weekly ShelfTalker and The Los Angeles Times. And it’s great for ages 8 to 80. So give The Lost Property Office a Christmas whirl. You can get it directly from Simon & Schuster for 40% off and free shipping, making this beautiful hardcover the price of your average stocking stuffer.
That about “wraps” it up for this year’s Secret Society Secret Santa gift guide. From all of us at the Ministry of Trackers, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
I think it’s time for some tea.
November 28, 2016
Section 13 Pre-order Sweepstakes Winners
In a random drawing that included the ministry’s best QED drones grabbing confetti from the air, the following names were chosen:
Grand Prize – $500 Amazon Gift Card
Michael Lewis
Runners up – $25 Murder By The Book Gift Card
Stephanie Rogers
Christine Tonkin
Jennifer Widner
Mina Gerhart
John Ogden
That’s it. Congratulations to all! And thank you to ALL our pre-order entrants. The Ministry of Trackers appreciates your support, and we hope you enjoyed your gift packs!
If you forgot to pre-order or you’re wondering what this is all about, don’t fret. You can order The Lost Property Office today by clicking on the book title in this paragraph or from any of the retailers under the Links tab on this blog (on a few sites it is currently 43% off – hello Cyber Monday). It’s not too late to get the book for a loved one for Christmas. The Lost Property Office is one of ShelfTalker’s Top 20 Books for Holiday Giving this season!
Winners will be notified by E-mail and gift cards will be shipped ASAP.
August 23, 2016
SECTION 13 PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY/SWEEPSTAKES
. . . and more!
Pre-order The Lost Property Office anywhere, send us your proof of purchase and a U.S. address, and you’ll receive a Section 13 Swag Pack.
Pre-order more books and get a Section 13 Challenge Coin or a scarf like Gwen’s!
PLUS . . . Every book pre-ordered earns you an entry into the Lost Property Office Sweepstakes. Five readers will win $25 gift cards to the Murder By The Book bookstore (can be used online). And one grand prize winner will receive a $500 Amazon gift card. See below for details.
Pre-order one book and receive:
One Section 13 Swag Pack including an “All Forms Must Be Completed” pen, LPO post-it pad, three stickers, Union Jack temporary tattoo, and a magnetic LPO 2017 calendar
One LPO bookmark with key
Pre-order two to four books and receive:
One Section 13 Swag Pack as listed above
Bookmarks with keys to total the number of books ordered
One Section 13 Challenge Coin (both sides pictured).
Pre-order five or more books (because Christmas is coming) and receive:
A Section 13 Swag Pack as listed above
Bookmarks with keys to total the number of books ordered
A Section 13 Challenge Coin for EACH BOOK ORDERED (start your own secret society)
And . . .
An official The Lost Property Office scarf, purple and black striped like Gwen Kincaid’s (photo on the way).
Remember: Every book ordered will earn you one entry into the sweepstakes. Send your proof of purchase and a United States address to section13sweeps@gmail.com.
GIVEAWAY/SWEEPSTAKES RULES
Must send proof of purchase and a valid United States address to section13sweeps@gmail.com to be eligible for the sweepstakes and pre-order giveaway. Giveaway/sweepstakes entries must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern on 7 Nov 2016.
Sweepstakes: Each book pre-ordered and verified with proof of purchase will earn one entry into the sweepstakes (e.g. a verified five book order will earn five entries). Drawing will occur within two weeks of 8 Nov 2016. Five winners will be selected to receive $25 gift cards to Murder By The Book. Cards may be used online at http://www.murderbooks.com/ . One grand prize winner will be selected to receive a $500 Amazon Gift Card.
Pre-order Giveaway: Gifts will only be sent to United States addresses. Pre-order one book and receive one LPO bookmark plus a Section 13 Swag Pack (one LPO pen, one LPO post-it pad, three stickers, one temporary tattoo, and one magnetic calendar). Stickers, pens, temporary tattoos, and keys may vary from those pictured. Pre-order two to four books and receive one LPO bookmark for each book ordered, one Section 13 Challenge Coin, and one Section 13 Swag Pack. Pre-order five or more books and receive one LPO bookmark for each book ordered, one Section 13 Challenge Coin for each book ordered, one Section 13 Swag Pack, and one official LPO black and purple striped scarf. James R. Hannibal and his publishers are not liable for giveaway items damaged in transit.
August 8, 2016
Tweens Read August Day 7: James R. Hannibal & The Lost Property Office
Tweens Read August is a 14 day event taking place for the first two weeks of August. Follow the link below for my guest blog “Birth Defects and Super Heroes” in which I discuss the real neural phenomenon behind the tracker powers of LPO hero Jack Buckles
Source: Tweens Read August Day 7: James R. Hannibal & The Lost Property Office
May 10, 2016
Sony Pictures Options The Lost Property Office
Publishers Marketplace has announced the sale of film rights for THE LOST PROPERTY OFFICE by James R. Hannibal to Sony Pictures Entertainment.
This is a dream come true. I am utterly thrilled that a studio with Sony’s caliber will bring the characters like Jack and Sadie Buckles, and Gwen Kincaid to life. Here is the simple—and yet, for me, world changing—announcement on Publishers Marketplace:
Thank you so much to Dana and Sara for working so hard to make this happen. Onward!!
![[image error]](https://i0.wp.com/theministryexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_9816.jpg?ssl=1){kind=link}