Freydolf couldn’t help comparing this quiet celebration to the citywide extravaganzas in his homeland. The quarterly festivals were a matter of pride, with those born during each season doing their best to outdo the rest. Presents were lavish and plentiful, and those who had attained another year dressed all in white. Boys grudgingly submitted to having their claws gilded with copper, and girls proudly added a new coin to jingling headdresses.
—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2, Harrow
Pointing to the map, Uncle Vanek said, “North through the forests and mountains. South through rolling hills and rocky coves. Or the central route across the plains and desert. Which path will you choose?”
—excerpted from Byways, Book #1, On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins
FAQ. When it comes to Frequently Asked Questions, the one I’m asked the most lately is … “Three books? Why are you releasing three?” Continue reading BYWAYS: Three Ways
Byways, Book #4 • Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure
ISBN: 978-1-63123-006-6 (e-book)
Releases: October 20, 2014
State by State: Georgia [learn more]
Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Up the Mountain
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]
Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Over the Bridge
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]
Continue reading COVER REVEAL: Aboard the Train
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
Continue reading REVIEW: Captain Underpants
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+
Continue reading REVIEW: Better Nate Than Ever
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.
“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
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. Continue reading BYWAYS: Sketches for Book #3
C. J. Milbrandt 