I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my first picture book is being released by UK-based publisher Books To Treasure this year.
Most of you probably aren't even aware that I have a number of children’s publications to my name. Indeed, ...
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Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally you can get the series in either paperback or e-book from Amazon.com
You can buy Burn Bright in paperback or ebook on Amazon right here.
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Today, I have some important thank-you's to make.
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I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my first picture book is being released by UK-based publisher Books To Treasure this year.
Most of you probably aren’t even aware that I have a number of children’s publications to my name. Indeed, writing for primary school children was my first love. I’ve also written a number of children’s picture book manuscripts and had a dream to publish one of them but it never happened as I got sidetracked into writing for adults.
My dream has finally been realised when Books To Treasure publisher, Adrianne Fitzpatrick gave my story Serious Sas and Messy Magda the nod. This was made all the more meaningful by the fact that Adrianne taught me most everything I know about children’s writing over a decade ago, back when she ran classes.
She’s gone on to have a long career as an editor in Australia and the UK and now has her own publishing house.
In the coming weeks I’ll be able to share the cover with you, but for now please join me in a cheer and the knowledge that when dreams do come true it feels as good as you imagined it would!
I’ll update you with release date and buy details in due course. I’m so excited that I’ll be able to share the book with all my new great nieces and nephews.
Thanks once again to the book bloggers who have taken part in the RE-REVEAL of the Night Creatures covers. You can see some of their brilliant and artistic posts below. I’ll be adding to the list as more come in.
Jaroslaw Kubicki’s art and Astred Hicks’ know how have made, not only Shine Light, but this entire series into an artistic feast for the senses. It’s visually appealing, but the texture of the cover is something special. This really is an element the people who enjoy the ebook format should consider.
There aren’t many books on the shelves at this stage with the attention to detail as The Night Creatures Trilogy, so to own all three in paperback makes me feel privileged.
Characters
This is the wrap up book and the characters have travelled their personal journeys to get to this point; as you can expect they aren’t who they were in Burn Bright. It is up to you as to if you like who they have become.
Favourite
Rollo. But you’ll have to read to find out why.
Least Favourite
Emilia. I know where she was coming from and why she is the way she was, but I still wanted to kick her.
Beginning
Naif and her friends prepares to go back to Ixion.
Storyline
Naif rallies the troops to deal with the issues on Ixion.
Ending
HA! Do you actually think I’ll tell you.
Thoughts
This was a short book, but so much happens that there isn’t a wasted page. Action sequences are strong and easy to follow. If I had to have someone at my back when the … hit the fan it would be Naif, 100%.
Quote
“What the Fross?” Whispered Kero
Lisa:
Welcome to my review of Shine Light by ….who is it by again? Just kidding! By Marianne de Pierres!
(Yes, this is my first official book review in the new year of 2013! I can’t believe we survived the Zombie Apocalypse!)
Cover
Come on, each one of these books in the Night Creatures series, has that smooth and buttery feel to it; I love it!
Characters
Even though Shine Light has a lot of characters, it didn’t introduce many new and important characters. Most of the main characters the reader would already know from the first book in the series, Burn Bright, or would have been introduced to them throughout the second book, Angel Arias.
Favourite
If you asked this question to many other readers, I feel that the majority would lean towards Naif due to her being a strong and leading female character. Who doesn’t like one of those?!
But I actually have to go with Lenior! Your eyes might be bulging out of your head right now, but keep them in there for a bit longer and listen (or read) my reasoning. He is a man of evil and terror, killing people that live on Ixion, just like the other Ripers and Grave Elders. But he pushes all that aside to help this girl he loves; though most of the time he doesn’t show it in the normal ways a man would. He puts himself on the line, he worries about Naif, and he goes out of his way to help her, and try to keep her safe. Safe from being killed by others like him, and that’s why I adore him.
Least Favourite
I don’t believe I have a least favourite in this series. In Burn Bright I liked a lot of the characters, and throughout the second and third book I enjoyed reading and watching those characters develop and change.
Beginning
Naif isn’t on the island anymore. She finally escaped in Angel Arias, by a hair, and had no plans on coming back to the island. Until, that is, she found that the Grave Elders, and Ripers, who run and terrorize the island are killing the people who reside on it, for their own needs. To save her friends and others, Naif heads back to Ixion on a pirate ship.
Middle
Getting back to the island isn’t the hard part, but what is, is convincing not only her friends but others about what’s really going on, on this island of forever darkness…and dealing with a man she loves, but can’t stand at the same time.
End
Personally I thought the ending went by really fast, maybe because I was reading at lightening speed to see how the story ended, or because I didn’t want the story to end, either one of those. And since the ending was so kick…butt, I don’t want to say or comment on it, because I don’t want to give it away!
My Thoughts
After reading Burn Bright, it became one of my favourite books. I loved Angel Arias as well, and due to all the enjoyment I got from the first book, I had unrealistic expectations for the second. But Angel Arias reached every single one of those expectations, but yet I still favoured Burn Bright. After reading Shine Light, Burn Bright is still a good book, but Shine Light is now my favourite in the Night Creatures series!
Krista:
Cover
The cover is brilliant! The artwork for this series is what originally drew me to pursue getting a copy of Burn Bright. It represents a dark tale with a very strong, young female lead character. The artwork is beautiful and represents the feel and appeal of the story. All three covers are amazing, and I love the colours.
Characters
I couldn’t be more proud of Naif, her character development throughout the series is a constant. With everything that is thrown at her and the determination and unending days of fighting, she never falters on what is in her heart and what she believes is true and right. We see many characters come and go throughout the series, several die and several stop in just for their purpose to leave the reader not knowing where their story ended up. But all have brought this series full circle and I don’t think there could have been a better ending.
Favourite
Naif is by far my favourite character, but there are so many that are dear to my heart that it seems unfair to name just the main character.
Lenoir, Liam!, Suki, the Uthers, all great characters.
Least Favourite
I of course have never been much fan of the Ripers, but that Cal! Man, talk about close-minded, she ruffles my feathers.
Beginning
Jumping right into the story from book two we find Naif and her group making plans to re-enter Ixion. Who will be going, staying and what has to happen. With some dialogue to refresh the readers memory on where we left off in the last book.
Storyline
Naif must find her brother and his group again to get all of the fighters on Ixion to rally together to fight the Ripers and Night Creatures. They can only win if they get the upper hand and get as many of the baby bats to rise up and fight; to realize that there is something wrong with the island and stand against it.
Ending
It was a perfect ending. I stayed up until 1am to finish reading the last half of the book because it was so intense. I miss this series already and can only hope that there will be more! Please!!! I don’t want to go as far as saying there was a twist ending, but with the story behind the darkness of Ixion… I would never have imagined that in a million years! Very sci-fi fun and engaging.
Thoughts
I was apprehensive going into the book because I really do not want this series to end. The world is so imaginative and dark and I just didn’t want to leave it. I tried to take it slow and savour it but as the story really got going I just couldn’t stop. I was amazed at the imagery that is brought to the story. An incredibly dark world, with evil people and creatures varying from harmless to incredibly dangerous. From characters like the deformed Liam, to the mysterious Uthers and the different people on each Island. I feel that we barely even got to see a corner of this world and I want to visit each Island. I feel like a part of this whole story is missing and I want more! Naif was by far the best main character ever, she was perfect for the lead voice and I’m proud of her, up into the very last page.
Quotes
It had seemed so mysterious when she’d first come. Sinister but beautiful: a place like nothing she’d known, redolent with musk and moonflower and haunted by strains of music that fired her senses. Back then she’d found it hard to resist its lure, but now she felt only apprehension and a desire to make Ixion safe.
Despair threatened to overwhelm Naif as she held the gentle creature’s paws. Nothing she had ever seen before had made her as sick to her stomach, or feel as hollow from its sheer callousness. Even in Danskoi, she had not been as appalled.
She pressed the bleeding wound on Naif’s hand to her own wrist, mingling their blood. “Now and forever,’ she said with humbling formality. ‘You are my family.”
Today the SHINE LIGHT blog tour moves toConfessions of a Booky Monster where Cels hosts a post about Markes. For those of you a bit undecided about Markes, I think this will help you make up your mind.
Still waiting for someone other than April Mary Hobson to CRACK THE CODE! It’s not hard guys. Think QWERTY!
Well the Perth trip has been so much fun – four days of the SwanCon convention and then a great coffee/drinks evening with readers and friends. Below are a selection of photos so far!
SwanCon
Coffee Evening – great night full of chat about books and films and TV, and more books.
The time has come to make arrangements. I have contacted those who registered to come, so if you haven’t heard from me, please comment below or email me via the website.
For those who would still like to be a part of this fun event, there is time!
I am having an intimate evening with friends and readers at bar and coffee restaurant while I’m in Perth.
And to make the evening even more special, I have a special guest.
We’ll be chatting, giving away grab bags and signing books and CD’s. However, you must register with us if you want to come, as the date, venue and time are being kept secret.
Retra – now called Naif – has escaped from Ixion, the island of ever-night. She doesn’t know if her friends on the island survived the battle between the Ripers and the rebels. But she does know that she must return home, behind the sealed walls of Grave, to find out why the Ripers have been seen there talking to the councillors. What links the two worlds?
Editorial Reviews
PRAISE FOR THE NIGHT CREATURES BOOK 1: BURN BRIGHT
* ‘Brilliant storytelling. Riveting and unforgettable.’ Lauren Kate, author of FALLEN
* ‘I seriously LOVED this book … It’s dark and wild, unpredictable and somehow enchanting.’ inkcrush.blogspot.com
* ‘Absolutely raw and intoxicating … Do yourself a favour and pick up BURN BRIGHT if you’re a fan of dystopian fiction.’ nicegirlsreadbooks.com
Belinda Says:
Cover
Jaroslaw Kubicki’s illustration and the design work by Astred Hicks blend so very well. In my mind this cover is somewhat resembling Ruzalia.
Characters
Naif is complimented beautifully by the supporting cast.
Favourite
Liam. He’s sure of himself and tells Naif when she’s being somewhat dim. He’s kind hearted and strong. I wouldn’t mind having him as my tour guide.
Least Favourite
The Elders. Well, if you’ve read Angel Arias you’ll know exactly why, and if not… there is a scene towards the end that cements my decision.
Beginning
Naif has to convince Ruzalia to allow her to go back to Grave to investigate why a Riper was seen in conversations with an Elder.
Storyline
It is a great adventure of dodging guards, dogs and locals who would tear them up and turn them in. They need to find out who is behind so many of the evils happening on Ixion.
Ending
Be careful what you wish for. Information can be dangerous and so can trying to catch an air ship when you’re on the run.
Thoughts
My heart was running a mile a minute for most of the book. The tension was thick and wonderful. I was saddened by the shortening of one character’s plotline and thrilled to know the third book will give me some answers. That sneaky Lenoir is gonna cop it.
Favourite Quotes
“Stupid you.” Liam
“You might land on the bridge. But you might not.” Jarrold
Lisa Says:
Cover
I can’t imagine how much hard work was put into making The Night Creatures’ covers! They both look amazing, not only are they awesome book covers, but their pieces of artwork, they are so pretty, and you can tell whoever worked on it put a lot of elbow grease and care into them!
Characters
What I really liked about the characters, were their names! A lot of them, are uncommon here in the states, I’m not sure if that’s the same in Australia. How different they were, and how they sounded when said out loud, made them very intriguing.
Favorite
I really like a few characters in Angel Arias, but I really enjoyed Jarrold. He was just that little piece of comedy, in such a serious situation! He just seems like the perfect little brother, that would do anything to help out.
Least Favorite
I don’t really have one, but I wished we could learn more about Joel, and Ruzalia. They’re both so mysterious, and play huge roles in the series, but we don’t know much yet. Hopefully in the next book
Beginning
To be honest, I was a little confused (nothing new, in the life of Lisa). There was just a lot going on, and a lot of different people. After re-reading it for the second time, I felt stupid for not catching on the first time. I would recommend reading the beginning slowly, a lot happens in a little bit of time!
Story Line
Had my attention in it’s grasp from the beginning to the ending! A few times throughout the book, it was hard for me, not to just turn to the ending and read what happens! It was very suspenseful!
Ending
The ending was keeping things open for the third book, I’m just glad they finally got on the ship, and are leaving Grave! And I was so happy that Liam was allowed to go too! He seems like such a sweet guy!
Overall Thoughts
LOVED IT! High expectations for the rest of the series!
2 Favorite Quotes
“Fross!” -Jarrold.
“Naif wanted to reassure him; erase his worry.”
Krista Says:
Cover
AMAZEBALLS! The picture does not do the cover justice. When you are holding the actual book in your hands it’s soft, it’s got vibrant colors and the colors just seem to melt into each other. Great visual and so velvety soft. Gorgeous
Characters
Favorite
My absolutely favorite character in this book was Liam. I am so interested in how the night creatures interact with each other. How they view the world as a creature and of course what they have been through.
Least Favorite
Brand, a backstabber, not sure if anybody like that could be trusted, by anyone.
Beginning
What I love most about this series so far is the constant action going on. Right from page one you are thrown into this fantastic world of light and dark, creatures and pirates. Naif is one of the best main characters to have, as she is very sympathetic to all of them and their struggles to try to just exist in such a complicated world, with so much anarchy and politics happening.
Storyline
As Lenoir tells Naif “Times are Dangerous” it’s so true. There is not one island that is not going through some kind of turmoil. What I would really enjoy to see is if this series takes off and we get to see Naif or other characters travel to some of the other places we have not seen yet. Visit the people and the way they live and interact would be awesome. This is the first series that I have seriously considered doing some fan fiction for, it speaks to me that much. In this 2nd book in the series we see Naif and Markes travel back to Grave, there is constant movement, decisions and interactions between new and fantastic characters that all play a steady part in getting the answers they need and their quest.
Ending
Ah! that ending. Had my heart beating fast, not sure what was going to happen next! I loved that it does not end on a cliffhanger, but you just are not sure until that very last page what is going to happen.
Overall Thoughts
I read through it so fast that I feel that I need to go back and re-read it immediately to catch everything I missed in my fierceness. Besides the fast pace of the story and the new characters introduced, seeing the Island of Grave through both Naif’s and Markes’s eyes was like hearing about 2 different places. Naif’s childhood was so locked-down that Markes seemed to have lived on a whole other island, so as we travel through Markes’ hometown and the difference between the two was so imaginative all on it’s own. We do not see acutal chapters written from Markes’ view, but through the dialogue back and forth throughout the book.
Favorite Quotes
Well my favorite quotes would give some spoilers away but here are a couple other’s I liked.
“Naif felt his tentacle caress her again, This time, though, he was holding something as well. It was rough hessian and the smell from it was putrid, like something dead a few days. She tried to push him away but his tentacle was strong and persistent, not withdrawing until he’d wiped the cloth over her.”
“You slow. Is Dangerous.” His tentacles curled down, gripping the ends of the wood. As they watched he slid off the crate and nudged it away. Underneath was a grate, filthy with sludge. He plunged his tentacles into the gaps and pulled it aside. “There is drop.”
Supanova is my favourite event and I always have a huge amount of fun there catching up with friends. Below are some snaps from the weekend for you to enjoy. The last one is Belinda and I wearing Bat Wing Ears!
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my first picture book is being released by UK-based publisher Books To Treasure this year.
International Edition - Jarek Kubicki
