C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 48
May 21, 2018
BYWAYS: Portraits
Meet Ian Johns, father to the three boys who are caught up in an epic race across their homeland.
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Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Twice widowed, the Postmaster has three sons, all half-brothers, and the boys don’t get along. In order to help them bond, Ian plans a tour of the countryside in the hopes that travel will bring his sons closer together. Somehow, the plan is twisted around, and the trip becomes a race.
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May 15, 2018
#amreading Daring Doings
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Alex and the Ironic Gentleman is a quirky adventure of the punny, tongue-in-cheek, intentionally (and intensively) whimsical sort. The Ransomed Crown is the fourth book in the Saga of Roland Innes, which is set very much alongside the legend of Robin Hood. And The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan is fourth installment in the Enola Holmes mystery series (which I wholeheartedly adored and cannot recommend more).
May 8, 2018
#amreading Puzzling Cases
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The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets is the third in the Enola Holmes mystery series, in which Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister decides to take private action when Dr. John Watson goes missing. Ghostly Echoes is the third of four books in the Jackaby series, in which the cases always have a paranormal twist. And Tommy Black and the Coat of Invincibility is a magical historical storyline, set during WWII.
May 7, 2018
BYWAYS: Behind the Header
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In the seventh book of the Byways series, Ganix lands in a mess of trouble when he decides an enslaved magician needs a friend. Our scampish hero takes his usual talent for mischief to a whole new level—jailbreaks, manhunts, and a secret organization. Across the Line introduces readers to Hurlock, who’s featured in the cover illustration.
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Story Excerpt:
Off to one side, on a stage of some kind, Ganix saw another man with dark skin like Luke’s. His hair was twisted into thick ropes, and his...
May 2, 2018
#BookADayMay for 2018
30 Days, 30 Books. This is a fun challenge I put to myself last year. Let’s try it again for 2018! My goal is to read a book a day (middle grade, of course) in May. I’ll update this calendar throughout the month. Or watch for daily tweets on @Elymnifoquent …
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April 30, 2018
BYWAYS: Jovan Johns
Jovan Johns. He’s not one of the three brothers in the race. He’s their second cousin (their dad’s uncle’s grandson) and Zane’s best (and only) friend. Musical and bookish, Jovan bears a strong resemblance to the rest of the Johns family.
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April 23, 2018
BYWAYS: Omnibus Editions
For your Bookshelf. Nothing encourages kids to read and reread a series like having copies on your home bookshelves. The award-winning Byways Books are available as both paperbacks and hardcover library editions. (Contact CJ via email if you’re interested in ordering author-signed copies.)
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April 9, 2018
BYWAYS: Illustrations
Every one of the Byways Books includes beautiful full-color art by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Here’s a sampling from Book #13, Among the Tents: A Ganix Johns Adventure.
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March 27, 2018
#amreading Adventurously
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Tommy Black and the Staff of Light has a historical setting (WWII) and involves the dwindling strength of mages worldwide. The Case of the Left-Handed Lady is the second Enola Holmes mystery (and is just as good as the first). Outlaw Princess of Sherwood brings a new facet to the story of Rowan Hood’s outlaw band.
March 26, 2018
BYWAYS: Laurel Johns
“Were you checking on your couriers?”
“I do like to keep an eye on things.” Ian was the founder of all of Liberty’s post offices. His couriers delivered letters and packages throughout the land. As often as he could, he flew far and wide to visit them.
Laurel laughed. “Liberty’s couriers watch the sky, checking to see if the Postmaster is watching.”
“My friends love it when I drop in for a chat!”
“You’re lucky Uncle Vanek keeps things running smoothly around here whenever your wings are restl...
