C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 86

COVER REVEAL: Over the Bridge

Byways, Book #3 • Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure

ISBN:978-1-63123-005-9 (e-book)

Releases: October 20, 2014

State by State: New Jersey [learn more]

When Zane Johns reaches his first waypoint, he and his best friend Jovan still need one more person for their travel party. A promising rumor leads them to Trenton Forge, where a young blacksmith has been preparing to journey west.

This title is available for pre-order on Amazon >>

Next Friday (10/10), I’ll do a cover reveal for Byways, Book #4...

COVER REVEAL: Aboard the Train

Byways, Book #2• Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure

ISBN: 978-1-63123-004-2 (e-book)

Releases: October 20, 2014

State by State: Pennsylvania [learn more]

On the first leg of his journey, Ewan Johns takes the train north into the snowy woodlands. He’s sure he has a great head start, but when Ewan stumbles upon two stowaways, they force him to change his plans.

This title is available for pre-order on Amazon >>

Next Friday (10/3), I’ll do a cover reveal for Byways, Book #3,

Over the Bridge: A Za...

REVIEW: Captain Underpants

It’s Banned Book Week, and I’m celebrating in my own way. Fun Fact: Captain Underpants is currently America’s “most banned” book series.

Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets

by Dav Pilkey

The Blue Sky Press (Scholastic)

ages 7-10

The Premise: George and Harold are a couple of fourth graders who don’t enjoy school. These friends use their creative energies to produce their own comics (which are included in the book, elev...

REVIEW: Better Nate Than Ever

It’s Banned Book Week, and I’m celebrating in my own way. Two titles I read over the summer made the list, and I can tell you why.

Better Nate Than Ever

by Tim Federle

Simon & Schuster

ages 10+

The Premise: In a carefully-crafted, half-crazy scheme, thirteen-year-old Nate Foster runs away from his rural Pennsylvania hometown with fake ID, his mother’s ATM card, a couple dozen doughnuts, and a dream. He’s headed for New York City, where he plans to audition for a part in a Broadway musical.

Personal...

COMING SOON: Friday Cover Reveals

I’ve been sitting on secrets for far too long, but patience has its reward. Tomorrow, I’ll do a cover reveal for Book #2, Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure. Zane and Ganix will have their covers unveiled over the next two Fridays. Watch for the addition of cover art to this site. I’ll have pre-order information available soon. ~CJ

Byways Books 2-4 are scheduled for

e-release on October 20, 2014.

FOLKS: Zane’s Team

“I did hear a rumor about a blacksmith down in Old Bridge who’s been wanting to travel to the western colonies. I thought we could check it out in the morning.”

“Guess so,” Zane replied. “But I don’t want them if they’re annoying.”

“What kind of person are we looking for?” Jovan asked.

“Someone quiet, who’ll do as they’re told.”

“Like me?”

Zane rolled his eyes. “You never do as you’re told.”

—Byways #3, Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure

Zane Johns is the second son of Liberty’s Postmaster, a y...

BYWAYS: Sketches for Book #3

Coming Soon. This fall, I’ll be releasing the next three books in the Byways series, one for each brother. Between now and then, I’m offering peeks at some of the details that are falling into place. Story snippets. Character introductions. Cover reveals. Today, I bring more of Hannah Christenson’s sketches, this time for Byways Book #3. Over the Bridge is Zane‘s first solo adventure.

As you’ve probably noticed, Hannah does more than the cover illustrations. Her art also appears at the head of...

BYWAYS: “Banner Boys” are here!

Report! A nice, big box of Hometown Challenge postcards arrived from the printer. I’ll show you the backs of these gorgeous postcards, which were designed by my illustrator, Hannah Christenson. I’m keeping the illustration on the other side—which is called “Banner Boys”—a surprise for now.

Remember, the only way you can receive one of these postcards is to take part in the Hometown Challenge. And if you tell me which of the brothers you’re cheering for, I’ll have them stamp in on your postcard...

MEDIA: Facebook Fanpage

There is now a Facebook fan page for the Galleries of Stone stories by C. J. Milbrandt. Like it!

MEDIA: Facebook Fanpage

There is now a Facebook fan page for the Byways books by C. J. Milbrandt. Like it!