C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 69

After finishing Book 2, I launched straight into the third volume of Henry H. Neff’s The Tapestry series—The Fiend and the Forge. So far, I continue to be pleased and impressed by Mr. Neff’s storytelling prowess. My only peeve (and it’s a minor, personal one in the grand scheme of things) is that Very Important Things happened in the six-month gap between books two and three. As a writer, I was irked that choices were made off scene and with no explanation as to motivation. Such careful set-...

Let’s take another peek behind the scenes! Book #8 in the Byways series brings us back around to Ewan, who takes a wrong turn and winds up on the wrong mountain. A late spring storm strands him and the girls in a town that has a fine inn, a steamy bathhouse, and a secret. When Tamaqua and Juniata disappear, Ewan has to chase the legend of a dragon.

There’s still snow in the northern mountains.

Here’s what’s behind the header on the cover of Byways Book #8, Down the Stairs: A Ewan Johns Adve...

Doves abide while eagles soar,
but both build nests.”

—HARROW by C.J. Milbrandt

From the author of Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy.I caught wind of a new release from the author of a book I read a couple years ago. Karen Foxlee’s setting in Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy was intriguing, and I liked her spunky asthmatic heroine. I still quote her. “Bring your brain to the party.” Foxlee’s latest adventure promises more mysterious magic. I’m excited to curl up with this one. #BoughtIt

On a completely unrelated note, I keep
trying to spell her last name as Floxlee.
I can’t...

In the seventh book of the Byways series, Ganix lands in a mess of trouble when he decides an enslaved magician needs a friend. Our scampish hero takes his usual talent for mischief to a whole new level—jailbreaks, manhunts, and a secret organization. Across the Line introduces readers to Hurlock, who’s featured in the cover illustration.

Story Excerpt:

Off to one side, on a stage of some kind, Ganix saw another man with dark skin like Luke’s. His hair was twisted into thick ropes, and his...

Zane didn’t fit in with his brothers. He had broad shoulders like the Wilmingtons, and he took after Christina in looks. His thick hair was so fair it almost looked white, and his eyes were pale blue. His last name and the magic flowing through his blood were the only proof that Zane was a Johns.

—ON YOUR MARKS: The Adventure Begins (Byways #1)

We’re taking a look behind the header on Byways cover illustrations. The series title often hides pretty scenes or special secrets. This week, it’s Zane’s turn. On Book #6, we get a dramatic first look at one of the many creatures who call the Wilds their home. Since Zane’s half-wild himself, he gets along well with everything from firebirds to fairy kestrels.

White stone littered the landscape. Round boulders came in every size, and smooth spikes jutted out of the grass like the ribs of a...

Children on all four continents are tested for affinity, but in the foothills of the Gray Mountain, no one remembers stone lore.”

—MEADOWSWEET by C.J. Milbrandt

CJMK. While I don’t have any trouble juggling two pennames, it can be awkward explaining to someone new that I’m two people (give or take). Yep, I’m CJ, author of family-friendly fantasy … but I’m also Christa, author of Christian speculative fiction (angels & demons & heroes, oh my!). Both of me are here in Nashville, TN for the #ACFW2016 Conference.

We’re staying in Hermitage, which is named for Andrew Jackson’s presidential home. Out behind my MIL’s place...