C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 70

#amreading: Karen Foxlee

From the author of Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy.I caught wind of a new release from the author of a book I read a couple years ago. Karen Foxlee’s setting in Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy was intriguing, and I liked her spunky asthmatic heroine. I still quote her. “Bring your brain to the party.” Foxlee’s latest adventure promises more mysterious magic. I’m excited to curl up with this one. #BoughtIt

On a completely unrelated note, I keep
trying to spell her last name as Floxlee.
I can’t...

BYWAYS: Behind the Header

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.

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...

Zane didn’t fit in with his brothers. He had broad should...

Zane didn’t fit in with his brothers. He had broad shoulders like the Wilmingtons, and he took after Christina in looks. His thick hair was so fair it almost looked white, and his eyes were pale blue. His last name and the magic flowing through his blood were the only proof that Zane was a Johns.

—ON YOUR MARKS: The Adventure Begins (Byways #1)

ART: Tupper Makes a Friend

BYWAYS: Behind the Header

We’re taking a look behind the header on Byways cover illustrations. The series title often hides pretty scenes or special secrets. This week, it’s Zane’s turn. On Book #6, we get a dramatic first look at one of the many creatures who call the Wilds their home. Since Zane’s half-wild himself, he gets along well with everything from firebirds to fairy kestrels.

White stone littered the landscape. Round boulders came in every size, and smooth spikes jutted out of the grass like the ribs of a...

Children on all four continents are tested for affinity, ...

Children on all four continents are tested for affinity, but in the foothills of the Gray Mountain, no one remembers stone lore.”

—MEADOWSWEET by C.J. Milbrandt

CHIT-CHAT: Nashville

CJMK. While I don’t have any trouble juggling two pennames, it can be awkward explaining to someone new that I’m two people (give or take). Yep, I’m CJ, author of family-friendly fantasy … but I’m also Christa, author of Christian speculative fiction (angels & demons & heroes, oh my!). Both of me are here in Nashville, TN for the #ACFW2016 Conference.

C. J. Milbrandt & Christa Kinde

We’re staying in Hermitage, which is named for Andrew Jackson’s presidential home. Out behind my MIL’s place...

BYWAYS: Behind the Header

Another week, another behind the scenes peek at a Byways cover illustration! This one’s a milestone of sorts since it’s the first time one of the brothers appears in his animal form. Ewan (the eldest) can Change into an elk. Fun Fact: All the Johns family members who can Change will shift into the form of an animal that’s native to North America. It’s just one more way the series ties to the 50 States.

Elk for Ewan, Raccoon for Ganix, Wolf for Zane

Here’s what’s behind the header on the cov...

#amreading: The Second Siege

So happy I bought The Tapestry series. Finished Bk1: The Hound of Rowan and immediately grabbed Bk2 off my shelf. Mr. Neff’s story does not disappoint! (And yes, that is a Vietnamese Coffee Smoothie w/ Boba from my favorite local shop.)

Oh, yes! I also have a snapshot “in the wild” from when I was reading Bk1.

That’s my “Ganix” backpack. : 3

Tupper no longer blended in with the rest of the Flox. He...

Tupper no longer blended in with the rest of the Flox. He dressed too well, walked too carefully, and wore his hair in the Pred manner.

—RAKEFANG by C. J. Milbrandt