This week, Storythreads dives into Kiersi Burkhart‘s YA fantasy, Castle of Lies, in which magic, machinations, and queer romance abound. (Released May 7, 2019) Thelia isn’t in line to inherit the crown, but she’s been raised to take power however she can. She’s been friends with Princess Corene her whole life, and she’s scheming to marry Bayled, … More REVIEW: Castle of Lies by Kiersi Burkhart
This week, I have the pleasure of reviewing Game of Secrets, a YA Victorian thriller, by Kim Foster, who just so happens to be Canadian, in keeping with this month’s theme. (And British Columbia-based at that–Woot! Represent!) Game of Secrets is an intriguing blend: part Red Queen, part X-Men, part My Fair Lady. The novel … More Review: Game of Secrets by Kim Foster
As a kid growing up in the Harry Potter generation, I devoured fantasy novels—and since a new HP book only landed on the shelf every two years or so, there were plenty of other fantasies to feast on in the meantime. But it was rare to find a fantasy with a Canadian flavour. That changed … More Canadian Corner: J. Fitzgerald McCurdy
New year! New reads! Below, in no particular order of awesomeness, you’ll find five fantasies for YA fans that I am particularly looking forward to… Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman Expected publication: February 27th 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers Hartman’s dragon adventures, Seraphina and Shadow Scale, soared with musical prose … More Five YA Fantasies to Fanboy about in 2018
Timekeeper by Tara Sim Paperback Release: Oct. 31, 2017 Publisher: Sky Pony Press Available in Canada through Thomas Allen & Son 404 pages Goodreads About the book: Two o’clock was missing. In an alternate Victorian world controlled by clock towers, a damaged clock can fracture time—and a destroyed one can stop it completely. … More BLOG TOUR: Timekeeper by Tara Sim
Still seeking to feel foolish—or read foolish? Now’s the time to double the fun with this Jester & Fool Book List #2! Below, you’ll find my recommendations for Middle Grade and Young Adult novels featuring court jester characters. If you haven’t already, you can check out the first list, which highlights picture books and chapter … More Jester & Fool Books PART 2
For March, I have the special pleasure of doing a guest post for the wonderful folks at The Book Wars, an awesome site devoted to children’s lit reviews and interviews. This year, their March theme is books by indigenous authors. Through my own interest in children’s books and my work over the last five years … More Indigenous Children’s Literature Resources
Well, we’ve turned the page on 2016 and are getting into the swing of the new year, but if you’re still seeking fresh inspirations for 2017, I thought I would look back on three of the writing resources that I came to love last year. They’ve been useful for me—maybe they will be for you … More 3 Wonderful Writing Resources
Happy New Year to all! We have reached the 10th and final stage of a hero’s journey plot line and a fitting stage it is for January 1st because this is the Resolution. Over the course of the hero’s journey, the character has been thrust out of their Ordinary World with a Call to Adventure … More The Hero’s Journey – Resolution
The end of the beginning is nigh! We move on to the third stage of a Hero’s Journey plot line, “Crossing the First Threshold.” This stage gives us some of the most iconic images in the history of children’s literature. It marks the moment when the plot of a story transitions from the Beginning (Act … More The Hero’s Journey – Crossing the Threshold
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