Frostborn in the Read & Review Club of Cavalier House Books

Caitlin G. (14) is a Read & Review Club member for Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, Frostborn, and she writes:

Louisiana. Caitlin has read

"Anders has beautifully written a fun and energetic middle grade book filled with many adventures.... The people that would enjoy this book are the people that have enjoyed books such as Magisterium by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black and The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann. Because of the magic and adventures present in this book and the challenges that relate to the common struggles in life, I recommend this book to people that have read similar books. This book was a very good read and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in this series, Nightborn."

Frostborn: A Fantasy Adventure for Gamers and Fans of History

A nice Frostbornreview from A Library Mama:

"This is a fantasy adventure great for those who love games and historical fantasy. Karn and Thianna have to use cunning as well as Thianna’s battle skills to defeat their enemies, and both of them must confront their various prejudices – serious themes underlying battles against treachery, zombies, wyverns, and an ancient dragon. I have several young readers I’d be happy to give this one to, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series."

Reflections from the Road: Wilkerson Middle School

Yesterday, I was the guest speaker at Wilkerson Middle School's Dream Big Read! brought about by the Birmingham American Federation of Teachers with books donated from First Book. The morning event was designed to celebrate the joy of reading--a very important thing--but I almost didn't make it. Last Sunday, I came down with a horrible case of the flu, and while I apologetically tried to bow out, the organizers begged me to come anyway--even if only for a quick 15 minute appearance. I didn't want to let people down, so despite reservations and ill-health, I agreed.

And I'm so glad I did.

Birmingham AFT President Richard Franklin introduced the Dream Big Read! event by telling the students that they had been selected for this program because they scored the best in their category, not just in Birmingham, but in the state. As I understand it, Wilkerson has repeatedly been named a Torchbearer school. This is a special honor, as Torchbearer schools must meet a host of demanding state and federal criteria, and, despite coming from a high poverty area of the city and dealing with the related disadvantages, the amazing students of Wilkerson have managed to beat the statistics and perform marvelously on state and national tests. Franklin's speech was on the importance of reading, not only on your own, but also with your family.

Through First Book, the kids--slightly over 300 students--were given book bags that contained a Percy Jackson hardcover, a Spider-Man book, an Avengers book, some others... But my own publisher Random House Children's Books, when they learned last week of my visit, kindly donated 300+ copies of the Frostbornarc, which they rushed to the school so that the students could begin reading ahead of my trip.

The result was that when I walked to the podium, I saw that every one of the students in the audience was holding the Frostborn arc! I had been nervous, because this is the first talk I've given without my Powerpoint presentation and the aid of all the fabulous artwork it contains in support of the Thrones & Bones series, so having an already-receptive audience helped overcome the lack of pictures. But I needn't have worried. The students were great -- really enthusiastic, fun, polite, and as bright as I'd heard. About a third of them had already begun reading the book too! Far from doing just the minimal 15 minutes, I went a good 30-40 minutes and the organizers even had to cut our Q&A off with a lot of hands still in the air when I ran out the clock.

Afterwards, a few kids asked me to sign their arcs, and when others saw I would do this, well, the teachers had to quickly organize a line. I signed most of 300 arcs, which was wonderful because I got another point of connection with Wilkerson's great students. A pleasure to meet them all. I hope they enjoyed the day as much as I did.

I drove out on a rush of adrenaline. Which carried me through about lunchtime. After which, I was stupidly useless for the rest of the day! But I'm very glad I made the trip.

Many thanks to Terri Michal from Birmingham AFT, Birmingham AFT President Richard Franklin, and Wilkerson principal Ms. Trarsha L. Maddox, as well as the staff, students, and teachers of Wilkerson.

Nightborn Book Description

The publishers description of Nightborn,book two in the Thrones & Bones series, has gone live.

Publication Date: July 14, 2015 | Age Level: 8 - 12 | Grade Level: 3 - 7

From the author of Frostborn comes Book 2 in the acclaimed Thrones and Bones fantasy-adventure trilogy for fans of Lloyd Alexander and Brandon Mull.

Karn Korlundsson is a gamer. Not a riddle solver. But in order to rescue his best friend, Thianna Frostborn, he will need to travel to the faraway city of Castlebriar (by wyvern), learn how to play a new board game called Charioteers (not a problem), decipher the Riddle of the Horn, and tangle with mysterious elves.

Meet Desstra. She’s in training to join the Underhand—the elite agents of the dark elves. When she crosses paths with Karn, she is not all that she appears to be.

Everyone is chasing after the horn of Osius, an ancient artifact with the power to change the world. The lengths to which Karn will go in the name of friendship will be sorely tested. Who knew that solving a riddle could be so deadly?

The novel includes instructions for playing the board game Charioteers. Visit ThronesandBones.com for additional games, maps, character profiles, and more!


Praise for Thrones and Bones: Frostborn:

“Future fans of Tolkien and George R. R. Martin can happily cut their serial-fantasy teeth on this first book of an eventual series.” —Kirkus Reviews 

“A fun, fast-paced, and highly enjoyable tale.” —Garth Nix, bestselling author of the Abhorsen trilogy

“A powerful, fast-paced tale. . . . The setting is rich, the characters well-defined, and the danger ever-paramount.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred

“An excellent choice for readers new to the genre. The themes of staying true to oneself, teamwork, and individuality will resonate with readers.” —School Library Journal

“The most delightful fantasy I have read in ages. . . . Put me on the waiting list for book 2!” —Amy Plum, international bestselling author of the Die For Me series

Frostborn named a Staff Pick by Mockingbird Books

Frostborn has just been chosen as a Staff Pick by Mockingbird Books, the seventh independent

bookstore or library to do so! Katie of Mockingbird writes:

"If you’re like me and are on the lookout for fast but enjoyable reads to squeeze into a busy schedule, look to Frostborn. Anders is a veteran of the fantasy genre and it shines through the first installment of Thrones and Bones. We’re given two young leads who are forced to confront their duties, fates, and families which intertwine after an ancient spell is broken. There is Karn, a reluctant heir to his family’s farm and avid board game player. There is Thianna, a half-human and half frost-giantess eager to prove herself to both humans and giants alike. The pair is as unlikely friends as they are heroes, but it is their differences that ultimately prove to be their greatest weapons."

Update: Oh and look.... Frostborn is also a Staff Pick at Eagle Harbor Book Co. of Bainbridge Island, Washington - which makes 7 bookstores and one library that have made Frostborn a Staff selection! Alison of Eagle Harbor writes:

"Karn is destined to take over the family farm in Norrongard. His only problem is he’d rather be playing the complex board game Thrones and Bones. Living in the mountains of this Nordic-like land is Thianna, half human, half frost giantess and unable to fit into either group. These two unlikely allies join forces to survive in the wilderness and fight off dragons, undead warriors and an evil uncle."

Update 2: Book Shop Santa Cruz has just named Frostborn a Staff Pick as well. Tera of the Book Shop writes:

"Twelve-year-old Karn is a master gamer when it comes to playing Thrones and Bones. He’s not so good at striking hard bargains for the sake of his father’s tribe. If only there wasn’t so much pressure on him to be the next leader! Likewise, Thianna is a disappointment to her clan of ice giants, standing at only 7 feet tall, half the size of her peers. The two unlikely friends meet when their different tribes converge on an icy mountain for a tense round of trading. When unexpected enemies attack, they find themselves on the run, outracing wyverns and avoiding avalanches. Pulling on little-known Norse mythology, this brilliantly accessible fantasy really is for all those Percy Jackson fans clamoring for a new series."

Nightborn: Thrones & Bones Book 2

The cover for Nightborn (Thrones and Bones 2)has just popped up on Amazon. Once again, the amazing Justin Gerard has outdone himself. I'm thrilled with the art, and so glad to be able to finally share it with the world. And yes, those are manticore pulling the chariots.

Reality Bomb: The Doctor Who Season Finale

I am a guest today on the 17th episode of Reality Bomb, a Doctor Who podcast. We discuss the

recent season finale and a host of related topics.

On the seventeenth episode of Reality Bomb we have another supersized episode featuring our final panel review of Series 8 that includes Lori Steuart, Jon Arnold and Children's Fantasy author Lou Anders (Thrones and Bones: Frostborn). We also have a conversation with Cat Smith and Lindsey Mayers about Missy / The Master. And Titan's Doctor Who tenth Doctor comic book writer Nick Abadzis tries (and possibly fails) to get The Twin Dilemma into the Gallery of the Underrated. All this plus Listeners' Letters, poltical attack ads you need to hear... and host Graeme Burk gets an offer he can't refuse!

Birmingham Public Library says "a great pick for kids who enjoy fantasy movies like The Hobbit and even Frozen."

The Birmingham Public Library has posted an absolutely glowing review of Frostborn.

"This novel has much to offer to a variety of readers. It can appeal to both boys and girls, since the point of view switches from Thianna to Karn equally. It’s also a great pick for kids who enjoy fantasy movies like The Hobbit and even Frozen. It is a great middle grade read for upper elementary and middle school students, but it would make an excellent read-aloud for kids who aren’t ready to tackle it on their own yet. I can’t recommend it highly enough. The characters display growth, courage, brains, and resourcefulness that I think kids will identify with and hopefully emulate. Also, the author, Lou Anders, is a Birmingham resident. I love to support local authors, especially when their books are so good!" Mollie McFarland, Springville Road Library

Books for Percy Jackson Fans and Books for Tweens

Earlier this week, A Book Long Enough has included Frostbornon its list of "Percy Jackson Read-Alikes: Mythical Fantasy for Kids 9-12" and today Tween Us has selected my book for it's list of "5 books tweens will love that make great gifts."

They comment (referencing a child I believe): "This is the first in an adventure-filled, Viking-inspired series. Amanda said that she appreciated that the story is told from two perspectives, one male and one female, and they are both equally well-rounded."

Washington, DC independent bookstore Politics and Prose just released their "2014 Children and Teens Department Favorite" newsletter and included Frostborn among their choices. They say:

"Neither Karn nor Thianna, the two heroes of Thrones and Bones: Frostborn (Crown, $16.99), really fits into their world. Karn is a merchant’s son who would rather be playing his favorite board game than learning how to haggle. Thianna is a half-giantess who is mocked by her peers for her comparatively short stature. When their paths cross at the annual market of the humans and the giants, however, they start to recognize their strengths. That is, when they aren’t on the run, trying to survive duplicitous uncles, clever dragons, undead kings, and even fouler beasts. They make an unlikely duo, but author Lou Anders makes them, and their world of trolls and wyverns, gripping and emotionally resonant.  Ages 9-13.  ENR"

Nightborncomes in at #9 on Aleksandra's Corner: Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait to Get! 

Alexksandra writes: "The first Thrones & Bones book Frostbornwas absolutely amazing, and one of my fav & best reads in 2014, and can't wait for more! No cover yet, but at least there's a title, and sounds awesome!"

Reflections from the Road: Windycon 41

This past weekend, I was at Windycon 41, where it was my privilege to be the Editor Guest of Honor. no longer an editor.
I've enjoyed being the EGoH at quite a few cons over the last ten years, but Windycon will always have a special place as it marks the very nearly, almost certainly, surely absolutely last time I get to be a guest of a convention in this capacity, as I am

The convention was held at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, Illinois. I arrived Thursday night, just in time for the guest reception dinner, then Stephenson--a dear friend that I haven't seen in five years, and who came from Los Angeles just to hang out--and I braved a brisk walk in the 27 degree weather to visit Beer House, where we sampled several varieties of brown ales and stouts.

The next morning, Stephenson and I headed into downtown Chicago for a visit to David Bowie Is, an amazing retrospective of my favorite musician's life and work, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. The exhibit was phenomenal, both for me as a huge Bowie fan and for Stephenson who is not. We came out of it with a real sense of how much drive the man has and how incredibly hard he works on everything that he takes on board, from acting to recording to costume and set design to artwork. Really an incredible show. Highlights for me was seeing a clip from his critically acclaimed run on Broadway in The Elephant Man, to seeing the Verbalizer (the software program he co-developed to aid and inspire writing lyrics) at work. Very moving morning for me, personally that I am grateful I was able to see.

Then, after a great lunch at Doc B's Fresh Kitchen, it was time to return to Lombard for the first panel of the convention. Fairy Tales for Children and Adults was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed the comments from A. Lee Martinez on the panel and Gene Wolfe in the audience. Thanks to Rachel Neumeier for moderating!


Friday night we met up with three very dear friends, Eric Frederickson, Jill Frederickson, and Dave Roberson. I haven't seen any of them in eleven years, but we picked it up like no time past.

Saturday morning I did a Frostborn presentation (hi Wink! hi Dean!), then demonstrated the Thrones and Bones board game in the Gaming room. Here, Dave Roberson shows what a real Viking should look like when playing this game. Thanks to him and Eric Frederickson for help, and to Dean Kastle for a challenging game.

Then I visited Kid's Programming for a Kookieklatch, where I gave my Frostborn presentation to a group of enthusiastic kids (and a few adults). Then we all make Viking faces. (Thanks to Jim C. Hines for the photo!)

That evening a large group went to Greek Islands for a dinner organized by Mike Resnick, then I spent some time catching up with Tim Akers and his wife Jen, who had driven up not for the con but (kindly) just to see me. Then more time with old friends (though I didn't get enough time with Elizabeth Bear and Scott Lynch, sadly, who were just coming out when I was turning in).

Overall, Windycon 41 was a fun time made funner by friends old and new. Thanks very much to all the staff and volunteers, including but not limited to Deb Kosiba (Chair), Lisa Ragsdale (Children's Programming), Debbie Landmann, Rachel Landmann, Richard France, Cait Rupp, and Johnny Haberland (Guest Liaisons), Pat Sayre McCoy (Programming), and everyone I didn't meet but who worked hard to make it a successful and enjoyable con!

Podcast: Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans

I'm a guest this week on Speculate! the Podcast for Writers, Readers, and Fans. Hosts Brad and Greg talk with me about Frostborn,the various games (board, card, and online) spun around the book series, Norway, and editing the editor. Check it out!

They say:

In this episode we talk for the second time to Lou Anders, former editor at Pyr Books during an award-winning career and author of Frostborn,the first book in the middle grade fantasy series Thrones & Bones. We talk about what it’s like to transition from editor to author, how Lou’s somehow managed to get even busier in his new career, and why Kermit the Frog serves as an inspiration…even in Norway! We really enjoyed chatting with Lou again, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

WindyCon 41: Here I Come

Tomorrow, I am heading to Lombard, Illinois for WindyCon 41, where I am the Editor Guest of

Honor. This will be a bit of a special convention for me, as I am no longer an editor! So this is most probably, pretty definitely, nearly absolutely the last time I get to be that type of a GoH!

For those attending WindyCon, here is my schedule:

Friday

3:00 PM
Fairy Tales for Children and Adults
Same or different? Should they be? How do they serve different audiences.
L. Anders, T. Bogolub, A.L. Martinez, R. Neumeier (M), F. Salvatini,
J. Stockman
Lilac A - 90 min.

6:00 PM
Guest Reception
The Guests of Honor are invited to gather in the green room for light refreshments before heading over to Opening Ceremonies.
Green Room - 1 hour

7:00 PM
Opening Ceremonies
Don’t miss out on this rare chance to see all of our Guests together in one room! Join us as we kick off the convention weekend!
Junior Ballroom BC - 1 hour

Saturday

10:00 a.m. Frostborn: Art and Writing
GoH Lou Anders introduces the experience that is Frostborn--a book, a board game, and, of course, the art. Lou's viking-inspired creation is heavily illustrated, and Lou will be giving Windycon a behind-the-scenes preview of the art and writing of his new adventure series. This first book of the "Thrones & Bones" series will appeal to fans of Rick Riordan, Brandon Mull, and Lloyd Alexander.
L. Anders
Grand Ballroom GH - 1 hour

11:00am
Autographs
L. Anders, L. Erlick, C. Gannon,
E. Hull
Autographing Tables - 1 hour

2:00 PM
Thrones & Bones Board Game Demo
Lou Anders' fantasy adventure series Thrones & Bones takes its name from a board game that appears in the first book, Frostborn.Come learn about and play the actual Thrones & Bones game that appears in the novel. Loosely based on ancient Scandinavian board games, Thrones & Bones is a strategy game with a fantasy twist.
L. Anders
Gaming - 1 hour

3:00 PM
Kookieklatch
Enjoy some special snacks while listening to some stories read by our Editor Guest of Honor.
Lou Anders, Lisa Ragsdale
Kids Programming - 1 hour

Sunday 

2:00 PM
Closing Ceremonies
This is your last chance to see all of our amazing guests. The party award winners will be announced, and you will find out what we have in store for you next year!
Junior Ballroom BC - 1 hour

Frostborn Is The Fantasy Adventure Book I Wish I'd Had When I Was A Kid

This high praise from io9 will have me giddy all week. Charlie Jane Anders (no relation) proclaims in the post's title that "Frostborn Is The Fantasy Adventure Book I Wish I'd Had When I Was A Kid", then goes on to say "Lou Anders' new novel Frostbornis one of those middle-grade fantasy books that you'll buy for your kid, just so you can have an excuse to read it yourself. The highest compliment I can give Frostbornis it gave me Lloyd Alexander flashbacks."

I'm also thrilled when Charlie Jane writes, "The theme of not fitting in is present in both characters, but it's different enough for each of them that they wind up complimenting each other rather than reinforcing. Thianna's status as a mixed-race kid who gets bullied by the other kids is poignant, but it's never overplayed. And Karn's desire to be something other than what his father expects is a much subtler form of identity crisis — you can see the two of them learning from each other pretty much from the moment they meet."

Reflections from the Road: Oak Mountain Middle School

Yesterday, I spoke to 400 kids at Oak Mountain Middle School in Birmingham, Alabama.

The kids were divided into two groups, with a fun activity session in between.

First, I spoke to 200 first in the gymnasium. Kids sat on the floor and I had a wireless microphone, which is my favorite set up because it lets me walk out into the audience and ask questions. (where I was impressed with what the OMMS students knew about historical Viking helmets.)

Next, they put me in the library, and children who purchased Frostborn were allowed to take their lunches into the library and talk with me while they ate. We did two 20-minutes "lunch with Lou" sessions. I didn't realize how short their lunch period is, so only the second session really got to play, Thrones & Bones. But we played four quick games then, and that was a blast.

Then, after I got my own lunch, I went back to the gymnasium for another presentation to 200 kids.

Highlights of the visit included talking with one particularly enthusiastic fan (Hi "H"), being asked to sign a book with the rather odd "To 'Dad'" for someone's father to daughter Christmas present, and meeting "the Asian Viking." I queried this and the boy explained, "My dad is from Norway and my mother was born in Singapore." So there you go.

A big thanks to Library Media Specialists Whitney Howton and Kim Piper, for making this such a wonderful visit.

Thanks also to Little Professor Book Center for facilitating preorder sales.

Watch. Connect. Read.: A Glimpse of Neverland

Today, I am a Guest on K-5 teacher/librarian Mr. Schu's Watch. Connect. Read., with a piece called A Glimpse of Neverland, where I talk about the inspirations for my novel Frostborn and some of my favorite books growing up.

"When I was young, an uncle gave me a large, coffee table edition of The Hobbit. I read the book over and over, and I studied the pictures. I taught myself to draw the goblins and I went around singing “Fifteen Birds in Five Fir Trees.” I played Dungeons & Dragons, and I adored films like The Dark Crystal."

Reflections from the Road: Randolph School Part 2

Today, I returned to Randolph School to teach four back-to-back one hour writing workshops. My ScripTips workshop generally runs about two hours, sometimes longer. But for the 7th grade English classes of Randolph, I condensed it into a one-hour presentation. From approximately 8am to noon, I taught this x4 for some very smart and fun kids. Thank you to Nichole Liese, the English teacher whose classroom I took over for half a day. Also thanks to students Jack and Dave who gave me a tour of Randolph. And to everyone who participated. I had a blast, and the students' questions helped me articulate some of my points in ways I've never done before. Thanks for spending the first part of your Halloween with me, Randolph!

Reflections from the Road: Randolph School of Huntsville, Alabama

Today, I spoke to 320 kids across grades 5 to 8 at the Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama. It was a terrific time. The presentation was held in their auditorium, and we set the Thrones & Bones trading cards out on every chair before the kids entered (and while some were helping set up), so there was a lot of excitement before I ever stepped up to the podium. And that excitement carried throughout the talk. There's nothing more fun than a large room full of enthusiastic kids and me with a wireless microphone. That energy is so amazing!

I'm going back tomorrow to teach four back-to-back one-hour writing workshops to their 7th grade English classes. Can't wait!

Thank you to all the students and teachers of Randolph, especially Kelly Kessler, Middle School Library Associate, who arranged the event. Thank you also to the Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Jones Valley Mall, who kindly arranged preorders to have copies of Frostborn on hand for the signing afterwards. (And thanks to Trish King, who snapped these pictures--because I completely forgot to take some!).

Staff Pick: A Game of Thrones for Young Readers

Books Inc has named Frostborn a Staff Pick (the sixth bookstore to do so). Their review, from Anna from Books Inc. Palo Alto says:

"Frostborn is a magical and exhilarating story that’s perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Fablehaven. I can even see it going as far as being a Game of Thrones for young readers. Dragons, wyverns, after walkers, and giants all play a part in this story making it exciting and magical. Anders’ use of Viking mythology also plays a subtle roll in Karn’s history and the legends of Norrongard, which always has me wanting more. We need more Viking stories! I loved it, and it’s definitely worth picking up!"

Frostborn: Autographed Editions

Want an autographed edition of Frostborn but can't get to a signing?

Well, now ThinkGeek has them for sale! Follow the link to get you own autographed (and rune-stamped) edition of Frostborn (Thrones & Bones book one).

Frostborn: Two New Reviews

Two new reviews of Frostborn (Thrones and Bones)appeared today.

The first is from Random Musings of a Bibliophile, who calls my book "a fun, adventurous MG fantasy with wyverns, frost giants, barrows, and one very large dragon."

I'm particularly gratified by this paragraph:

Both Karn and Thianna have strong characters and their development happens in a believable and wonderful way. They find the power within themselves they need to do what must be done, coming to terms with the things that were holding them back, and learning so much. This is woven organically into the story of their adventure. I loved their friendship and how it developed over time. This too was realistic. They start out wary of each other, as most children are and break the ice with rough play. Karn and Thianna are different, but respect each other's differences and honor each other's strengths. It's a partnership that works well.

And can't complain about "...the pace is quick. It is hard book to put down and vastly entertaining. This is a perfect read for young fantasy fans, particularly ones who like fantastical creatures."

Meanwhile, I am just thrilled by a review that was posted on LitPick, from a 13 year old reviewer in Arizona, who gave Frostbornfive stars and said:

I really liked Thrones and Bones: Frostborn. It was very thrilling, adventurous, and funny. It was also fairly descriptive, like when the author, Lou Anders, described Helltoppr's draug minions as smelly, rotting, undead beings. One of my favorite parts in the book was where Karn and Thianna faced the dragon, Orm, and they outsmarted him. This book didn't really feel like it had any bad parts to it, other than a few very minor parts where it confused me a bit. My favorite character was Karn because he was a boy who always wanted to go adventuring to explore lands near and far. I would recommend this book to anyone aged eleven through seventeen or to readers who enjoy books with action, suspense, and excitement, yet can also handle a minimal amount of death.

Reflections from the Road: NYCC video on YouTube

Filmed at New York Comic Con courtesy of Suvudu, I talk about Frostborn,the Thrones & Bones board game, Viking helmets, and... my fear of oatmeal.