Smugglers Stash

Smugglers Stash and News

Happy Sunday, everyone! I kindly want to kick off this week’s edition of our Sunday Stash to say…

MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! As of this instant, UCLA has a better football record than USC. Suck it Trojans. SUCK IT!

Ahem. Now back to business.

Giveaway Winners:

Our Neil Gaiman giveaway of two copies of The Graveyard Book is officially closed! The sorting hat has spoken. The two lucky winners are:

Allison King (Comment #152)

RKCharron (Comment #31)

Congratulations! Please send us your snail mail address (contact AT thebooksmugglers DOT com), and we’ll get your winnings out to you as soon as possible! Thanks again to all who participated. You all gave some wonderful book and author suggestions that we will be sure to check out!

Some Freaking Sweet News:

Universal has bought the rights to adapt Melissa Marr’s fantastic debut novel Wicked Lovely into a movie! SQUEE! The movie will be produced by Wild West Picture Show Prods. with Caroline Thompson to adapt the book to screenplay (she did Edward Scissorhands – so Wicked Lovely is in good hands!!!). As you may know, we Book Smugglers are Melissa Marr fangirls – we’ve interviewed her, we’ve had guest posts from her, we’ve loved all of her books. In fact, both of us have Fragile Eternity on our lists for best reads of 2009! So we are THRILLED for Melissa, and cannot wait for the film.

Any ideas for your dream casting of characters for the movie?? Some folks over at the Wicked Lovely Forums have some great ideas…I really like the suggestion of Amanda Seyfried as Donia.

In other fantastic-omg-headexplode news, our good friend and honorary book pimp Karen Mahoney has announced….HER VERY FIRST BOOK DEAL!!!! Kaz’s debut novel, a young adult urban fantasy type called The Iron Witch has been sold to Flux (the imprint behind Maggie Stiefvater’s Ballad!), along with its as of yet unwritten sequel (The Wood Queen)! We are so freaking happy for Karen…and now are patiently waiting for our ARCs. *NINJA*

And rounding out the dose of awesomeness is news from blogger buddy Carolyn Crane (aka CJ of The Thrillionth Page). Her urban fantasy debut, due out in March 2010, has a cover! And it’s gorgeous, isn’t it? CJ says:

But I’m sure it’s fine to say that, in a nutshell, Mind Games is the first in an urban fantasy trilogy about a hypochondriac who joins a psychological hit squad. It takes place in a fantastical Milwaukee/Chicago. (Specifically, the Milwaukee/Chicago of my childhood imagination. I lived in suburbs of both cities as a young child.)

Anyway, I’m just so so excited.

As are we!!!!

Other Cool Announcements & Goings On:

You may have seen it around, but last Monday marked the launch of Kristin Cashore’s Fire blog book tour! Over the course of three weeks, each blog on the tour will introduce you to characters in Fire, giving avid fans a little taste of what’s to come.

Fire is the companion novel/prequel to the 2008 success Graceling (which Thea loved). And, we can tease you by saying that Fire is every bit as delectable as its predecessor! The Book Smugglers is one of the last stops on the book tour, so make sure to tune in. The schedule is as follows:

1. Monday, 9/14 – The Compulsive Reader
2. Tuesday, 9/15 – Pop Culture Junkie
3. Wednesday, 9/16 – Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf
4. Thursday, 9/17 – The Page Flipper
5. Friday, 9/18 – Reading Keeps You Sane

6. Monday, 9/21 – Presenting Lenore
7. Tuesday, 9/22 – In Bed With Books
8. Wednesday, 9/23 – Hope’s Bookshelf
9. Thursday, 9/24 – Shaken & Stirred
10. Friday, 9/25 – The Frenetic Reader

11. Monday, 9/28 – SciFiGuy.ca
12. Tuesday, 9/29 – The Book Smugglers
13. Wednesday, 9/30 – Fantasy Book Critic
14. Thursday, 10/1 – Melissa’s Bookshelf
15. Friday, 10/2 – The Story Siren

For more info about the tour, check out Kristin Cashore’s blog.

In other cool book-ish news, Dacre Stoker – descendent of Bram Stoker! – has written an Official Sequel to his many times over Great Uncle’s iconic classic, Dracula.

The official sequel to Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, written by his direct descendent and endorsed by the Stoker family.

The story begins in 1912, twenty-five years after the events described in the original novel. Dr. Jack Seward, now a disgraced morphine addict, hunts vampires across Europe with the help of a mysterious benefactor.

Meanwhile, Quincey Harker, the grown son of Jonathan and Mina, leaves law school to pursue a career in stage at London’s famous Lyceum Theatre. The production of Dracula at the Lyceum, directed and produced by Bram Stoker, has recently lost its star.

Luckily, Quincey knows how to contact the famed Hungarian actor Basarab, who agrees to take the lead role. Quincey soon discovers that the play features his parents and their former friends as characters, and seems to reveal much about the terrible secrets he’s always suspected them of harbouring. But, before he can confront them, Jonathan Harker is found murdered.

The writers were able to access Bram Stoker’s hand-written notes and have included in their story characters and plot threads that had been excised by the publisher from the original printing over a century ago. Dracula is one of the most recognized fictional characters in the world, having spawned dozens of multi-media spin-offs. The Un-Dead is the first Dracula story to enjoy the full support of the Stoker estate since the original 1931 movie starring Bela Lugosi.

Uh, HELL YES!

Dracula The Un-Dead will officially launch on Monday September 28, and for all you lucky folks in London, there’s a great opportunity to meet Mr. Dacre Stoker and hear him talk about the book. Here’s the venue information:

WATERSTONE’S PICCADILLY – London

Monday, 28 September 2009, 7:00PM

Tickets Β£3 redeemable against purchase of the book on the night

The Great Grand Nephew of Bram Stoker, will be discussing his new novel ‘Dracula: The Un-Dead’, the official sequel to ‘Dracula’ and first story to enjoy the full support of the Stoker estate since the original. Dacre was also able to access Bram Stoker’s handwritten notes and has included in the story characters and plot threads from the original manuscript.

This Week on The Book Smugglers:

Ok, down to official business! We have another packed week for you. On Monday, Ana reviews the long awaited third novel in the Hathaway series from Lisa Kleypas, Tempt Me at Twilight.

On Tuesday, Thea reviews A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, a historical fiction young adult title that won the Los Angeles Book Prize, along with many other awards. (Hint: All those awards? MUCH DESERVED)

On Wednesday, Thea will review and have a giveaway for the recently re-released Ariel by Steven Boyett – a novel that has since its original publication in 1983 become a cult favorite in the fantasy genre. Mr. Boyett has written a long awaited sequel, titled Elegy Beach which will be hitting stores on November 3.

On Thursday, our latest victim, Lusty Reader is over here for our infamous Guest Dare! She’ll be reviewing Fables vol. 1: Legends in Exile.

And finally, on Friday we’ll have a joint review of The Declaration by Gemma Malley, another post-apocalyptic/dystopian young adult title (since you know how much we love those!).

That’s it for now folks! Back to football….

~ Your Friendly Neighborhood Book Smugglers

15 Comments

  • Melissa Marr
    September 20, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    Thx for sharing my glee!

    *smooches*

  • katiebabs
    September 20, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Ninja lego!! *HIYA!*

  • RKCharron
    September 20, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    Hi πŸ™‚
    Thank you for great post.
    I’m looking forward to the upcoming week.
    Great news for great authors!
    Thank you for the giveaway contest, I am eager to read The Graveyard Book.
    Love & Best Wishes,
    RKCharron
    xoxo

  • Carolyn Crane (CJ)
    September 20, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    Hey!! You posted my cover!! Oooh thanks. And Now thanks to you guys, my cover is on the same post as Neil Gaiman and Lisa Kleypas. *g*

    Congrats to the giveaway winners. I so have to get the Graveyard book. I can’t wait to read it.

  • orannia
    September 20, 2009 at 5:12 pm

    *dusts cobwebs off*

    Congrats to the winners of The Graveyard Book and to Melissa Marr! That is such exciting news!

    CJ – it’s got to be said again…I love your cover πŸ™‚

    Ohhh, I’ve been hanging out for Tempt Me At Twilight and have heard some interesting things about Ariel (and want to know more!).

    I will try my hardest to be here when Fire visits πŸ™‚ I tried reading Graceling earlier this month but just….stopped 😳 Am sure it’s me… πŸ™

  • Allison King
    September 20, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    Wow!! Thanks so much !! I can’t wait to read The Graveyard book…I sent you an email with my info!!

    Congrats to the other winner!!

  • Christine
    September 21, 2009 at 8:16 am

    What a stash!

    Carolyn’s new cover art…. The wicked, lovely, amazing movie deal … and Karen’s book deal! Woohoooo! P A R T Y !!!

  • Diana Peterfreund
    September 21, 2009 at 8:38 am

    Hey, check out that screw-shaped alicorn on that unicorn there. Don’t see that very often! (Except in my books.)

  • Karen Mahoney
    September 21, 2009 at 9:54 am

    I am shining with happiness – thank you so much for all your support and, even more important than that, your friendship. πŸ™‚

    Plus, I get to be mentioned in such a cool Stash!!! Melissa’s book deal, CJ’s amazing cover, Ninja Lego… *g*

    Thank you!!!

    Kaz
    *ninja vanish*

  • Karen Mahoney
    September 21, 2009 at 9:55 am

    Of course, I meant Melissa’s film deal… *sigh*

    Never mind, you knew what I meant. I can’t think straight still! πŸ˜‰

    Oh, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what you think of ARIEL…

    Kaz

  • Lenore
    September 21, 2009 at 10:26 am

    Oooh – Interested to see what you say about THE DECLARATION. It was a so-so for me. Loved the premise and world building but not so much the characters. I still need to read the sequel THE RESISTANCE.

  • jennygirl
    September 21, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    I love college football and I was so FREAKING HAPPY that little troll from USC got beat. HA-HA!
    Nothing better than sad little Trojans.
    Oh wait, said little Sooners are always good too.

    And a Dracula sequal endorsed by the family? That’s got to be good. count me in:P

  • Ren
    September 21, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    I really enjoy reading your blog, so I’m trying very hard not to let the fact that you’re a UCLA fan stop me from continuing to read it… As a USC alum this is difficult! But then I just have to remember that we beat your team every year and I kind of pity UCLA fans… so it’s ok. πŸ˜‰

    But all football rivalry aside, keep up the good work! I have found many great books through your blog! πŸ™‚

  • Thea
    September 21, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    Ren – I knew sooner or later an SC fan would come out of the woodwork!

    As a USC alum this is difficult! But then I just have to remember that we beat your team every year and I kind of pity UCLA fans… so it’s ok.

    Except in basketball, you know, where we’re dominant. And that nasty upset in 2006, when we robbed you guys of your national championship dreams in football… 😈 Ok, ok. I’ll be a good Bruin alum and keep it neutral. *whistles innocently*

    Seriously though, thanks for commenting and I’m glad you’re enjoying the site!! We’ll try to keep the good book recommendations coming :mrgreen:

  • Michelle
    March 24, 2010 at 2:12 am

    I think Amanda Seigfreid or whatever her name is. looks too young to be Donia.

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