I never say “squee.” I mean, what kind of word is that, anyway? Surely there’s a better word for a woman of a certain age to use when she’s excited about something. A dignified word like: Topping! Oh Topping, Muffie. I’ve got some rather good news.
Oh screw it, Muffie.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
I am very happy to report that my little book has scored a hat-trick and has now received THREE STARRED REVIEWS! This one is from the really wise and discerning folks at School Library Journal.
I’m so delighted I’m going to hold a GIVE-AWAY OF THE BOOK! Just comment between now and midnight on Sunday and I’ll announce the winner on Monday morning. No extra entries for tweeting, joining or Facebooking, but you will certainly get my eternal gratitude if you do!
Here’s the SLJ review for your perusal (the bold is mine):
COAKLEY, Lena. Witchlanders. 400p. S & S/Atheneum. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2004-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2006-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up–After the death of his father, Ryder is forced to take over the care of his troubled mother, Mabis; two younger sisters; and the farm. Though they live in the foothills of the “Witchlander” mountain territory and Mabis was raised as a witch, Ryder scoffs at their supposed magic and resents the tithe he is obliged to pay for protection against the Baen people. Years earlier, the witches drove the Baen out of their territory and the groups now live as acrimonious neighbors. Ryder watches his mother battle her own demons as she deals with an addiction to a hallucinogenic flower called “maiden’s woe.” While under its influence, she chances upon a frightening vision of monsters set to destroy the Witchlanders. Meanwhile, Baensman Falpian has been exiled for a winter season to mourn the death of his twin brother. With only his massive hound to keep him company, he begins to discover that he holds the coveted ability to sing magic–a powerful accomplishment sought by the Baen. Ryder and Falpian find themselves oddly drawn toward one another despite being pitted on opposing sides of a decades-old hatred. Singing together increases their latent powers, leading them to realize that they are extremely powerful spiritual twins. But will this be enough to save their people from monsters–and from one another? This ambitious tale is tautly spun. Coakley’s world comes to life with exquisite detail and imagery; readers will feel the chill of the frost and smell the crackling bonfires. High fantasy lovers will gobble up Witchlanders.–Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ
35 Comments
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About Me
Hi! I'm Lena, a young adult fantasy author from Toronto.
What a great review, Lena! Congrats. I haven’t yet read your book but I’m planning too soon — ESPECIALLY if I win the give-away! 🙂
Regards, Susan
Congratulations, Lena! You deserve it 🙂
Sometimes the reviewers really do get it right!! Congratulations, Lena. I’m eagerly awaiting a sequel here!
Cheers, Christie
I need this book -please send me a copy
audie(at)wickerness(dot)com
Congratulations Lena, three great reviews! I enjoyed your talk at the last Canscaip meeting by the way. And did you say free book, who wouldn’t want a free book……sign me up.
I loved Witchlanders the first time I read it and I’d love it even more if I had my own copy. Sign me up! And congrats on the new starred review, you really deserve it.
I would love to win it!
Looks like a great read for my 8th grader and of course me as well. Good Luck Everyone!
So awesome. Congrats!
Lena,
Topping! (Not fishing for the book BTW. Just wanted to say I flat out think you are faboo.)
Congrats on the fantastic review!!! Squeee all you want!!
This has been on my to-read list since the first review I read.
I love a plot that can weave opposing forces into a oneness. Sounds like you’ve created characters who have mastered this dastardly deed. Awesome!
I certainly did gobble up Witchlanders, and I’m hungry for more! Congrats on your starred review! Sometimes a squee is the only appropriate response 🙂
Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!
I have read some great YA fiction lately and I look forward to reading your book.
Great review.
I loved the trailer, (and your post on how to make one inspired me to get going on mine) so I know I’d love your book. I have no doubt your great reviews are fully earned.
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read your book 🙂
Wow congrats . The world you have created sounds amazing and i cant wait to get my hand on it.
Congrats!! I would love to win the book also! 😀
Congats Lena, I have bought your books for my neice for Christmas
My teen readers would this addition to our library! Congrats – wish I could write a 3 star book!!
Congrats! This review makes me want to read it even more. Just wish I had the money to buy it 😐
Congratulations! I’m dying to read this!
Stephanie
What a wonderful review. Congratulations. I would absolutely love to win Witchlanders.
One of the best feelings is a great review. Congrats!
How could I not leave a comment when I want to read Witchlanders so badly? Congrats on the hat trick!
I have been looking for a copy of WITCHLANDERS everywhere in Australia! But I can’t find it! I’d love to be entered in the competition – thank you! And congrats!
Can I just say, you guys are all fantastic! And Brittany I’m thrilled to hear someone’s even HEARD of my book in Australia!
I decided that if I got at least thirty entries I’d actually give away 2 copies–and it looks like I’ll get that! Good luck, everybody!
I’ve had this one on my to-be-read pile for some time. It looks really good. Winning a copy would bump it up to the top. 😉
I have read Witchlanders, and it’s brilliant. One of my favorites for the year. Congrats on the reviews – here’s hoping for a load of nominations, too!
That is so awesome. Congratulations!
Congratulations! This is amazing! So happy for you, Lena. 🙂
I have read so many good reviews for this book. Congratulations to you! Squeeeee! 🙂
But of course they loved Witchlanders it’s a fantastic novel! Congrats! I would love to win a copy!