C.J. Milbrandt's Blog, page 84

A Serialized Story. On Friday, January 9, I’ll be posting the first installment in a new story set in the Galleries of Stone universe. This prequel offers insight into Harrow history, beginning with the day Aurelius Harrow and Ulrica Rakefang met. As a New Year’s Eve treat, I’m unveiling Deuce‘s book cover, which features the art of Hannah Christenson.

Story Summary: A single misstep during a test of skill could have cost Ulrica Rakefang all her highborn pride. Instead, it lands her at the mer...

Tupper basked in a sunny patch down by the stream, his face tilted to catch the occasional breezes that found their way through the trees. Training had made for several short nights over the last few weeks, so dozing came easily.

—excerpted from Galleries of Stone, Book 2: Harrow

The third and final book in the Galleries of Stone trilogy is due out in February, putting us mere weeks away from the release of Rakefang. Lots of things are happening behind the scenes—cover art, rereads, final edits...

Deuce. Readers of my fantasy trilogy may be interested to know that I’ll soon be telling a new story in the Galleries of Stone universe. Deuce is a series prequel that will deepen your appreciation for Aurelius Harrow’s courage as he courts danger in the form of Ulrica Rakefang.

COMING IN JANUARY

The story begins right here at CJMilbrandt.com, with a new chapter posting every Friday. Cover Sketch. This is a sneak peek at an early stage of the book cover—a rough sketch with test colors—by artis...

Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. “There they go again,” she said.

“What now?” Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. “Boys? What’s the meaning of …!”

He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers.

“Not in the house!” Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs,...

From time to time, I’ll be sharing sketches and illustrations from Galleries of Stone on this blog. These art posts include pieces I’ve commissioned, as well as gift art. Today, I’ll share a study in contrasts. Tupper and Freydolf couldn’t be more different, but they are bond-brothers in the Pred tradition.

The sculptor’s eyes were downcast, and he looked extremely uncomfortable. Tupper was nervous that he’d inadvertently done something wrong and looked to Aurelius. The other Pred was staring...

Byways is listed on GoodReads! Now’s the perfect time to add these titles to your virtual shelves. Also see what I’ve been reading lately by following C.J. Milbrandt.

On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins

Aboard the Train: A Ewan Johns Adventure

Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure

Up the Mountain: A Ganix Johns Adventure

Every Byways book is a story, but it’s also a game. There’s an educational element to this series of kids chapter books. Details in each story are borrowed from its assigned state. (As in the United States of America.) Byways will work through all fifty in order of ratification, so Book #1 covers our first state—Delaware. Sharp-eyed readers will spot cities and towns, icons and emblems, famous firsts and claims to fame. Hide and seek. Search and find. Fun and learning.

Let’s give a quick sampl...

The newcomer had a neat beard and auburn hair clipped close to his head. His green tunic was notched at the bottom, and a sword hung at his side. Ganix perked up when he noticed the golden stars decorating the man’s cloak pin. “You’re a ranger!”

“True!” he replied with a bow. “Warner Robins, at your service.”

Rangers were sort of like knights. They upheld the laws of Liberty and helped people in need. The freckle-faced boy thrust out his hand and said, “Hi! I’m Ganix!”

—excerpted from Byways #4,...

Who’s Who. Now that we’re through the individual introductions, I’m unveiling an index of characters. You’ll find new details about the cast on the Byways Cast Page, so go give it a read-through. When Books 5-7 ready for release in Spring 2015, I’ll add Ganix’s long-term travel buddies. And naturally, we’ll meet other recurring characters along the way, so we’ll keep that page updated. All character portraits are by my cover illustrator, Hannah Christenson. Like them? Like her at Hannah Chris...

Three brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race across their homeland. Three new books in the Byways series are ready for readers! You can purchase them now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

Book #2 • Aboard the Train • A Ewan Johns Adventure • ISBN 978-1-63123-004-2

On the first leg of his journey, Ewan Johns takes the train north into the snowy woodlands. He’s sure he has a great head start, but when Ewan discovers two stowaways, they force him to change his plans.

NOW AV...