Posted by Karen in Slider | 3 Comments
Guardian of the Dead
In less than a day I had been harassed, enchanted, shouted at, cried on, and clawed. I’d been cold, scared, dirty, exhausted, hungry, and miserable. And up until now, I’d been mildly impressed with my ability to cope.
At her boarding school in New Zealand, Ellie Spencer is like any ordinary teen: she hangs out with her best friend, Kevin; obsesses over her crush on a mysterious boy; and her biggest worry is her paper deadline. Then everything changes: In the foggy woods near the school, something ancient and deadly is waiting.
Debut author Karen Healey introduces a savvy and spirited heroine with a strong, fresh voice. Full of deliciously creepy details, this unique, incredible adventure is a deftly crafted story of Māori mythology, romance, betrayal, and war.
“Smart, hilarious, and wholly unique. Healey makes juxtaposing totally modern characters with numinous and ancient magic look effortless.” – Holly Black (the Modern Faerie series, The Spiderwick Chronicles)
“It’s been a long time since a debut novel grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go. Quite simply, GUARDIAN OF THE DEAD is my favorite kind of read—creepy, funny, sexy, smart, and sometimes just downright, pull-the-covers-up-to-your-neck-and-pray-for-morning frightening. This book completely rocked my socks.” - Libba Bray (A Great And Terrible Beauty)
“Guardian of the Dead is funny, heartbreaking and always interesting: Ellie is one of my favourite heroines.” – Sarah Rees Brennan (The Demon’s Lexicon)
“A fresh and original urban fantasy debut with none of the usual suspects. More please!” – Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness series, Liar)
“Guardian of the Dead is an action-packed tale with an uncanny balance of romance and mystery. I found myself mesmerized by the legends and stories woven into modern-day New Zealand.” – Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush, Hush)
GUARDIAN OF THE DEAD is out 1 April 2010, from Little, Brown in North America, and Allen & Unwin in Australia and New Zealand.
Guardian of the Dead sounds so completely awesome, and I can’t wait to get it, but I was just wondering if it is going to be a stand-alone novel, or the first of a series?
Also, I saw what you said about the Demon’s Lexicon and have to add that it was tied for my all time favorite book of 2009, and that I once-upon-a-time got to meet the author and she is packed full of even more awesomeness than you would think possible.
Anyway, can’t wait to read about Ellie when she finally gets here (and hopefully sequels with Ellie, too)!
Guardian of the Dead is currently a stand-alone, but there are sequel possibilities – it’s not a world I’m eager to leave!