Leap Authors Are Winners in Contests

We’ve had some amazing news from our Leap Books authors for October. Author Judith Graves won first place in the Surrey International Writers’ Conference 2013 writing contest (writing for young people category).

Also, INHABITED, the thriller stage play she cowrote debuted on October 30. It made the local news. Here's a trailer for the show:





Watch for a new book release from Graves in November, KILLER’S INSTINCT, cowritten with Dawn Dalton. This dark tale of teen monster-hunters comes highly recommended by Jacqueline Mitchard, author of What We Lost in the Dark and The Deep End of the Ocean, who said:

"What could be creepier than hunting down your own zombie mommy? And what could be more psychologically satisfying to a teen because … it's just pretend? Isn't it? I wanted to squeeze my eyes shut tight and turn away from the sublimely dark and smart Killer's Instinct. But how could I? A single page in, I was hooked."

And by Gary Braver, bestselling and award-winning author of Tunnel Vision:

"Killer’s Instinct by Dawn Dalton and Judith Graves is a clever and fast-paced thriller that raises the bar for monster-hunting tales. Nuanced and well-crafted, this novel is told from the points of view of four distinctly defined young characters—Hyde, a hulk in sheep’s clothing; Kain, the wild card, Caddock, the unit jock, and Hope, both gifted and cursed with a sixth sense. Hope's inner strengths and compassion make her a fitting role model for teenage readers, yet her vulnerability renders her a satisfyingly sympathetic heroine. Killer’s Instinct is going to knock other YA monster-battling books off the shelves."

Cover designer: Gaetano Pezzillo
Photo: Siiri Kumari
Model: Johanna Taiger

BOOK BLURB

Where there is NO life – there’s Hope…

Hope has always been a bit of a freak. But when her mother crawls from her grave and her undead corpse goes MIA, Hope’s last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster slayers seems the only course of action. And the best bet at tracking her mother down.

Author Maria V. Snyder took first place in the Golden Leaf Contest for her paranormal novel, Scent of Magic. This award, given by the NJ Romance Writers of America, is presented for excellence in romance fiction. Because this is Maria’s third win in this category, next year she’ll be inducted into the NJRW Hall of Fame.

Maria Snyder’s latest release with Leap Books, STORM WATCHER, debuted on October 25. The book stars Luke, the youngest son in family of search-and-rescue dog trainers. He has to face his deadly fear of storms to prove that he and the dog he's training belong in the family business.

Watch for the e-book release on December 15. Maria's first contemporary novel for middle grade has been praised by Kirkus:

"Intertwining family relationships, weather science and search-and-rescue dog training, this coming-of-age story relays themes of friendship, grief, challenge, fear and responsibility without didacticism or melodrama.
A welcome addition to the middle-grade library."

Additional praise for the book:

“STORM WATCHER is a brilliant and beautiful tale of how the simple, honest love of a dog can help a lonely boy find his way out of the darkness. Subtle, powerful and highly recommended.”

~ Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Fire & Ash and Rot & Ruin

"Best-selling author Maria V. Snyder’s debut novel for young readers, Storm Watcher, is a thrilling, heart-warming canine caper. Thirteen-year-old Luke loves dogs and is fascinated with weather data—but storms terrify him. With lightning quick action, humor, and lots of dogs, Storm Watcher will delight readers. Also the scientific and math insights into weather will appeal to educators and inspire readers to create their own weather science projects. Highly recommended!

~ Linda Joy Singleton, author of THE SEER and DEAD GIRL series

"Snyder's lightning strikes again with STORM WATCHER's tale of ordinary people fighting to become heroes in the face of things they fear most. Luke's story is by turns funny, touching, and achingly real, as Snyder harnesses a lifetime of expertise about meteorology, dogs, and life in small towns."

~ Morgan Keyes, author of the Darkbeast series

Be sure to check out Maria’s special website, Storm Watcher Kennel, to learn more about the book, strange weather phenomena, and take a quiz to see what kind of a storm you are.

Both books -- Storm Watcher and Killer's Instinct -- were selected for the Children’s Book Council’s Hot Off The Press listings and are featured on the CBC homepage.

Leap Books extends mega-congratulations to Maria and Judith on their awards and latest releases.