Jonathan Rogers: Feechies, Feechies, and more Feechies!

In case you haven't heard of Feechies, like those featured in Jonathan Roger's latest novel, The Charlatan's Boy, I wanted to remind readers of Mr. Roger's earlier Wilderking Trilogy, which is still one of my favorite all-time fiction series for young readers or any age readers. In order they are:

• The Bark of the Bog Owl
• The Secret of the Swamp King
• Way of the Wilderking

Get to your local bookstore or online as quick as you can to enjoy this awesome trilogy...lots of action, allegory for the Believer, and did I mention Feechies?!

The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers

The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers is a return to the land of Corenwald and did I mention...FEECHIES!! Now, I've just told you enough to buy the book right there, but in case you didn't know what a Feechie is (how uncultured can one be?) then these fellers dwell in the swamps of Corenwald, wear skins, are covered in gray mud, and resemble the most backwood, imbred people you've ever heard of (do I hear banjos playing?)

However, the Feechie folk are also some of the most fun characters to read, that I've found in any recent fiction. The Charlatan's Boy is no exception. Only this time, we have a young ugly duckling who has spent his life as a sideshow act as the Wildman from the Feechifen Swamp. We get an up close and personal look at the life of this boy--his joys and disappointments--as he travels with lowdown medicine man type who's only interest in the boy is how much coin he get off of exploiting him.

There's a great finish to this story that promises more to come...what are you waiting for? Go get it...now! Did I mention it's got FEECHIES in it?!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson. Playwright Peterson (Behold the Lamb of God) spins a whimsical fantasy novel that will appeal to both adult and YA readers. When the three Igiby siblings find a mysterious map, they embark on an adventure to discover family secrets about the father they never knew and a hidden treasure that many have long desired to find. Leeli, the youngest, can sing with a beauty that captivates dragons; Tink, the middle sibling, has the makings of a king; and Janner, the eldest, possesses a bravery that will protect them all. But the children's curiosity get the entire Igiby family into trouble with the Fangs of Dang—frightening, scaly-skinned, lizard creatures that drip venom—who have ruled the land of Scree since the Great War. Soon, the Igibys are scrambling for their lives. Peterson's style is lighthearted and funny, but following the Igibys' story requires patience and attention to detail and character so as not to get lost. The sheer amount of names, places, creatures and history Peterson invents will frustrate some readers—it is so complicated that he inserts explanatory historical footnotes throughout (though many are amusing).

“So good–smart, funny, as full of ideas as action.”–Jonathan Rogers, author of The Wilderking Trilogy

“A wildly imaginative, wonderfully irreverent epic that shines with wit and wisdom–and features excellent instructions on how to cope with Thwaps, Fangs, and the occasional Toothy Cow.”–Allan Heinberg, writer/co-executive producer of ABC’s Grey's Anatomy, and co-creator of Marvel Comics Young Avengers

“Sometimes, in order to find out who we were supposed to be, we need to get lost in other worlds: Oz, Camelot, Narnia. In On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, Andrew Peterson provides new and needed places like Aerwiar, Skree, and Glipwood–places where we need to get lost and found.”–Michael Card, author of The Hidden Face of God and The Parable of Joy, and singer/songwriter of more than thirty albums

“Totally fun! Andrew Peterson, a natural storyteller in the oral tradition, has nailed the voice needed to translate a rip-roaring fantasy tale to the written page.”–Donita K. Paul, author of DragonSpell, DragonKnight, DragonQuest, and DragonFire

Ethan Hawk Leaping Over Hurdles

Update: "Ethan Hawk and the Realm Shift," as survived its first scrutiny at a major publisher. The Editor's "reader" liked the sample chapters and book proposal and the editor has requested more to submit to the "sales board." There is still plenty of competition, as fantasy manuscripts are plentiful, but I take it as good news...so far :)

In the meantime, I'm busy pecking away at the second novel of the "Book of the Prophets" series: Ethan Hawk and the Order of Shaddai.

I always wonder when going from one novel to the next in the series, if I'll be able to maintain the level of intensity and action in the story without having to rehash what I've done before. So far, so good. EH and the Realm Shift is action packed and the second is managing to write itself out in the same fashion. This has to be one of my favorite series to write so far and I certainly hope the Lord will grant my petition to be able to share it in print :)