The Griffin’s Feather
Dragon Rider Book #2
Hardcover | Kindle
Sequel to Dragon Rider Book 1
Written & illustrated by Cornelia Funke
English translation by Anthea Bell
Publisher: Chicken House | Scholastic
Release Date: July 31, 2018

With the imminent threat of human invasion, the silver dragons must relocate to a safe haven in Cornelia Funke‘s children’s fantasy novel Dragon Rider, originally released in the U.S. in 2004 by Scholastic’s Chicken House. In this first novel in the series, reissued by the publisher this year, one young brave dragon named Firedrake teams up with Ben, a lonely young boy, on a fantastical journey to find a mythical safe haven for the dragons that’s threatened by an evil dragon hunter.

Now, the German author, best known for her best-selling Inkheart series, reunites Firedrake and Ben for a new adventure in The Griffin’s Feather. This time around, the boy and his dragon volunteer for a mission to Norway and beyond to help three orphaned Pegasus foals who need a griffin’s feather to stay alive. Unfortunately, a griffin’s feather is not too easy to come by — and going after one is a dangerous feat.

Hooked on Hollywood
Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film Fandom
Paperback | Kindle
Written by Leonard Maltin
Publisher: Paladin Communications
Release date: July 2, 2018

One of America’s most famous film critics, Leonard Maltin, is an expert on the evolution of film, the grit and the glory, the ugly and the oh-so-beautiful. He has gotten to interview some of the most famous people in the world, and gotten them to open up in compelling ways. Not everyone can live and love their career, but Maltin has done so with his newest effort, and he draws you in along with him.

More below on Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film Fandom by Leonard Maltin.

The Quotable Negan
Warped Witticisms and Obscene Observations from The Walking Dead’s Most Iconic Villain
Hardcover | Kindle
Written by Robert Kirkman
Publisher: Skybound Books
Release date: July 3, 2018

On AMC’s The Walking Dead, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is my favorite character. I know, I know… he killed Glenn and Abraham (also 2 of my faves), but it is not his murder streak that makes me love him. It’s his goddamn witty sayings that accompany his actions. It’s his way of finding the humor in everything, even when surrounded by a horde of hungry zombies, or handing out death like a deck of cards. I just about ate up Skybound’s little book about TWD‘s big man.

More below on The Quotable Negan: Warped Witticisms and Obscene Observations from The Walking Dead’s Most Iconic Villain by Robert Kirkman.

Beautiful Scenes From a Fantasy World
Background Illustrations and Scenes from Anime and Manga Works
Paperback
Edited by PIE International
Publisher: PIE International; Bilingual edition
Release date: February 1, 2018

Everyday Scenes from a Parallel World: Background Illustrations and Scenes from Anime and Manga Works from PIE International is a collection of art that displays ordinary life in extraordinary beauty. Works from 39 artists capture the eye and heart. It is no wonder that manga and anime are so popular all over the world.

More below.

Beautiful Scenes From a Fantasy World
Background Illustrations and Scenes from Anime and Manga Works
Paperback
Edited by PIE International
Publisher: PIE International; Bilingual edition
Release date: May 1, 2018

I had the pleasure of running into Smith Publicity, representing PIE International, Inc, a Japanese publisher known for their gorgeous art and design books, at Book Con earlier this month. One of the dazzling titles that caught my eye was Beautiful Scenes From a Fantasy World: Background Illustrations and Scenes from Anime and Manga Works. The cover alone is magical, with gorgeous color amidst a magical scene of caring (look closely). This book displays beautiful fantasy world art, each that tells its own story.

More below.