Last Of the Pops A Graphic Novel By Adam Wilson

17 May 2024

Coming to bookstores everywhere October 2024, Last of the Pops is a mixtape for the end of radio. Five interconnected stories soundtracked by a series of mysterious songs being broadcast across long abandoned radio waves- the story is never what you think. Meet some of the key players in this upcoming graphic novel.

Last of the Pops – readfuriously

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A former comic editor, Adam Wilson is one of the co-publishers of Read Furiously and an award-winning comic writer, His works includes Brian & Bobbi, In the Fallout, Helium, the novella What About Tuesday, and the upcoming graphic novel Last of the Pops. He co-writes the graphic novel series The MOTHER Principle and edits the anthology series Life in the Garden State with his partner S. Atzeni.

Find Adam online at: Website | Instagram

Book News: ‘Poppy Playtime Orientation Notebook’, the first of many exciting books that explore the lore of the popular video game series

Jocie McKade

16 May 2024

Mob Entertainment and Scholastic Forge Partnership With Poppy Playtime for Multiple Book Genres for Audiences Worldwide

Mob Entertainment, a rapidly-growing transmedia entertainment company, creators of the successful Poppy Playtime franchise and Huggy Wuggy global phenomena, today announced it has signed a deal with Scholastic Corporation, the global children’s publishing, education and media company. Launching on May 7th, 2024, the “Poppy Playtime Orientation Notebook” promises an unforgettable journey into the enigmatic realm of Playtime Co. and the origins of Huggy Wuggy, the Smiling Critters, and other favorite characters from the hit horror video game.

“This partnership with Scholastic marks a significant milestone for Mob Entertainment, solidifying our commitment to transmedia storytelling,” said Co-founders Zach Belanger, CEO and Seth Belanger, CCO of Mob Entertainment. “Each chapter of our video game series exposes more about Playtime Co. and we are excited that this book gives our fans a new way to go deeper into the story.”

Authored by a brilliant biologist-turned-employee of Playtime Co., the “Poppy Playtime Orientation Notebook” offers readers an intriguing glimpse into the mysterious world of Playtime Co. From the perplexing recruitment of a biologist to the discovery of hidden company secrets, this illustrated manual provides an immersive experience, enriched with handwritten notes and insider revelations.

This animatic-style video narrated by the biologist offers a sneak peek into the book’s contents: Poppy Playtime Orientation Notebook Preview

In addition to the deep lore explored in the “Poppy Playtime Orientation Notebook,” the partnership promises an exciting array of genres awaiting eager readers. The collaboration will explore diverse storytelling landscapes from young adult novels to visually stunning graphic novels.

“Embarking on this exciting new publishing journey with Mob Entertainment will allow us to create expanded stories to create new worlds that will captivate the imagination of fans and new readers alike,” says Debra Dorfman, VP & Publisher Global Licensing Brands & Media at Scholastic. “The release of the “Poppy Playtime Orientation Notebook” is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling (and haunting!) lineup of books.”

The “Poppy Playtime Orientation Notebook” is intended for ages 12 and up. It is available for purchase online at the Scholastic store and local bookstores and retailers.

To learn more about the company and stay up to date on news and announcements, visit www.mobentertainment.com or join the discussion on the company’s Discord channel.

About Mob Entertainment
Founded in 2015 as EnchantedMob, Mob Entertainment was created by brothers Zach and Seth Belanger, who united their passion for art and storytelling. Their dedicated team continually pushes the boundaries of entertainment, delivering top-tier content that entertains and inspires in an ever-evolving industry. Mob Entertainment, creators of the indie horror sensation Poppy Playtime set in an abandoned toy factory, has seen its characters, including Huggy Wuggy and the Smiling Critters, amass a significant following on YouTube and in consumer products. Poppy Playtime is available on mobile, Steam, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Mob Entertainment is on a mission to craft unconventional stories, captivating characters, and exceptional experiences that redefine norms, enthrall audiences, and achieve both artistic and commercial success.

About Scholastic
For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children’s media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children’s learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With international operations and exports in more than 135 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

Sarcaun The Journey by Simone Voltaire Book Trailer

Sheila English

16 May 2024

For millions of years, gifted Gens lived on earth, until they decided to leave to protect their kind from humans. Thousands of years later, Princess Norellyia is sent from Sarcaun on a trip to earth in order to change her attitude. While living with a family on earth, she discovers a secret about the daughter, Melanie. She intervenes and ends up rescuing Melanie from trouble. In the meantime, chaos ensues on the planet of Sarcaun as evil is unleashed through the portal created by her departure to earth. Norellyia finds herself on a journey that will change her life forever.

Buy HERE.

Which Regency Romance Should you Read Next Based on Your Favorite Bridgerton Character

Jocie McKade

16 May 2024

Having a hard time picking your next historical romance read? Let the dazzling personalities from everyone’s favorite period piece help you with that…

A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley

An impulsive kiss makes for a fake courtship that turns heart-poundingly real in this sparkling Regency romance featuring three sisters grasping to maintain their position and find love in a society where reputation is everything. Fans of Penelope Featherington, the misleadingly demure authoress about to get her due in this latest season will adore Georgina Wilcox, a similarly unassuming lady who will prove herself as adept with music as Penelope is with a pen, and as ready for a passionate love story.

Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday

This Bridgerton meets Ted Lasso romance brings a modern sensibility to Regency charm, that readers with a soft spot for fan favorite, the unconventional Eloise Bridgerton, will adore. Archibald, the Earl of Harcourt, embarks on an annual adventure with his best friends, only to have their plans upended by the unexpected arrival of childhood friends, Clementine and Olive Morgan. When the spirited Clementine proposes a scandalous arrangement, Archie must navigate the complexities of friendship, desire, and societal expectations in this hilarious bromantic comedy.

The Groom List by Ella Quinn

Lady Alice navigates the Season with her checklist of musts for a suitable husband, but when she encounters the charming Marquis of St. Albans, Gifford, during a morning ride, her expectations are challenged. Giff needs to wed to secure his estate, but his lighthearted demeanor clashes with Alice’s serious intentions, devotees of Anthony Bridgerton, an earl with initially mercenary marriage intentions but a true heart at his core will find a character to root for in Gifford because as doubtful Alice is of him, when his true character is tested, she realizes that true worthiness transcends any checklist.

Damned if I Duke by Anna Bradley

Lovers of Simon Basset, the prickly yet charming duke determined not to wed will find his kindred spirit in Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford, in the scandalous romance. Prudence Thorne seeks retribution against Jasper, whom she believes wronged her family. But when her blackmail scheme goes awry, they find themselves reluctantly married. Despite initial animosity, Prue and Jasper discover a passionate attraction, as they navigate the complexities of their forced union, they realize that true love may not conform to society’s expectations.

Accidentally His by Sabrina Jeffries

Madame Delacroix, the industrious and astute modiste to the ton in Bridgerton does not seem interested in marriage, so viewers enticed by the idea of one for her may want to turn their attention to Lady Verity, a woman dedicated to her work at Elegant Occasions, Regency London’s top choice for event planning. Intent on avoiding love after a past heartbreak she nonetheless finds herself entangled with the charming but secretive Rafe Wolfford, a viscount’s heir. Their courtship, initially a ruse to uncover espionage, becomes complicated by unexpected desire.

The Lady Plays With Fire by Susanna Craig

Julia Addison navigates the glittering society of the Regency era London while crafting biting reviews as a witty theatre critic for Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses. Tensions rise when she finds herself in a theatre box with none other than Graham, the Earl of Dunstane, the man who secretly penned the last play she panned. Readers rooting for the burgeoning artist, Benedict Bridgerton, who is attempting to establish his artistic merit independently of his laudable family name will feel a connection to Graham. As he and Julia navigate a tumultuous relationship, will love conquer all or will challenges extinguish their fiery affair?

Reprinted with permission from Kensington Books.

Ed Rahill To Release Historical Memoir “One Mile at a Time”

Jocie McKade

15 May 2024

Debut Book Tells Rahill’s Heartfelt Journey of Overcoming Impossible Odds Through the Power of the Human Spirit

Ed Rahill, first-time author, cross-country road race record holder, and former CEO of NextEra Energy’s GridLiance, announces the upcoming release of his historical memoir, “One Mile at a Time,” launching on June 15, 2024. Originally conceived as a letter to his children, Rahill’s memoir evolved into a profound exploration of life’s complexities, blending the thrills and challenges of road racing with the poignancy of personal redemption.

In his compelling narrative, Rahill leads readers through the exhilarating realm of cross-continental road racing, seamlessly intertwining tales of personal struggle, heartbreak, and eventual triumph. Rooted in his grandmother’s timeless wisdom, Rahill’s memoir serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, transcending mere storytelling to become a beacon of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

“In life, as in road racing, it’s not about the destination but the journey. Every mile, every twist, and every turn teaches us something new about ourselves,” says Rahill. “The challenges we face and overcome define who we are and the legacy we leave behind.”

BOOK HIGHLIGHTS

Personal Struggles

This memoir is about more than road racing; it also chronicles Rahill’s struggles with love and loss in his quest for self-discovery.
Readers are offered a poignant exploration of the human experience coupled with the importance of courage when facing uncertainties.

Power of the Human Spirit

The lessons leading to Rahill’s success were instilled by his grandmother, who said: “You know you’ve lived a good life if you can look back and honestly say the world is a better place because I was here.”
An inspiration to dream big with unwavering determination, even in the face of life’s most daunting obstacles.

Road Racing + Love of Cars

Rahill’s lifelong passion for cars and road racing was sparked as a boy while watching the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans — the winner is the car traveling the greatest distance in 24 hours.
With a record-breaking cross-country time from Boston to San Diego, Rahill cemented his place in history for endurance road racing and a deep reverence for the thrill of the open road.

Men Adrift: New Book Release Shows Why Fathers & Sons Are Angrier Than Ever

Jocie McKade

15 May 2024

“The wild truth of what it is to be a man across generations…”

From the dynamics of fatherhood and marriage, to personal battles against aggression and alcoholism, each story in the collection explores the complex realities of gender expectations and a growing sense of toxicity in private life and public discourse.

About the Author:

Known for his topical and trenchant storytelling, Murphy is also the founder of 1455, the literary non-profit, which produces a podcast, newsletter, and other publications, including the e-zine Movable Type. He has been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and has contributed to The Huffington Post and The Good Men Project, and many others.

Quotes from the Author:

“This book is a magnifying glass, an exploration of what it means to be a man today. By bringing these stories into the light, I hope to offer not only understanding but also a space for conversation and perhaps healing.”

Praise For The Book

“An insightful and necessary book.” —Karen E. Bender, author of Refund, Finalist 2015 National Book Award

“For those of us who powered through complicated relationships with fathers. For those of us who still struggle with what being a man means and what it doesn’t mean. Sean Murphy offers a beautiful, honest, and heart-rending portrait of what it means —Brian Broome, author of Punch Me Up to the Gods, winner, 2021 Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction

“This Kind of Man continues where Raymond Carver left off, offering a clear-eyed look at American masculinity adrift, with a nod to the women sharing the same lifeboat.” — Louis Bayard, author of The Pale Blue Eye

Availability

“This Kind of Man” will be available at all major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores across the country.

My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me by Terry Karger

Sheila English

15 May 2024

The movie star, the singer, the sex symbol, the so-called “dumb blonde” – all things that Marilyn Monroe is known as, and yet her story goes far beyond that. How did she build her career in Hollywood? Who was she close to – her family, her friends, her lovers – and who was really there for her? Was a successful young woman’s life cut short by suicide, or is there more to the story? Most importantly, who really was Marilyn Monroe? My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me reveals the intimate details of the star’s life and the environment of Hollywood and the United States at the peak of Marilyn Monroe’s career. https://www.amazon.com/My-Maril-Marilyn-Monroe-Hollywood/dp/1637583265/

DANIEL FREEDMAN AND CROM’S DARK FANTASY SERIES RETURNS WITH “BIRDKING” VOLUME 3

Jocie McKade

14 May 2024

Dive into the award-winning series!

Dark Horse Books presents Birdking Volume 3, the third installment in Daniel Freedman (Kali, Raiders) and CROM’s (Raiders, Golden Campaign) critically acclaimed series. Written by Freedman and illustrated by CROM, the dark fantasy series picks up right where it left off in Volume 2, with Bianca and Birdking in trouble.

Nothing has gone right. With Birdking out of commission and most of her friends lost, Bianca finally reaches the golden city of Atlas. But when she finds herself too eager to pay her debt to the All Father, she risks losing the only thing she has left: herself.

“Volume 3 marks a huge turning point for both Bianca and Birdking,” said Freedman, “ and we couldn’t be more excited for readers to experience the next stage of their journey and relish in their self-discoveries and hard-fought triumphs.”

Birdking Volume 3 (136 pages, 10.1875” x 6.625”) will be available in bookstores on November 26, 2024 and in comic shops on November 27, 2024. It is now available to preorder at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, tfaw.com, and your local comic shop and bookstore for $19.99.

Praise for the Birdking series:

“Onomatopoetic sound effects and rushing anime backgrounds make the battle scenes sing, while the use of monochromatic backgrounds and vivid facial expressions make the quiet moments incredibly powerful. About as carefully paced and deftly balanced as a story can get.”—Booklist, starred review

“CROM’s character designs are memorable, and he balances cartoony and artsy details with dramatic battle scene.”—Publisher’s Weekly

“Birdking mixes all the standards of fantasy adventure – enchanted swords, unrealised legacies, warring kingdoms, mystical artefacts – in a first chapter that adeptly balances world-building history with character study… for most readers it will be CROM’s stunning art that leaps out at them from the book shelves.”—Broken Frontier

“CROM’s art is iconic and powerful and Daniel Freedman’s writing carries this whole dream-like departure from the day-today to dizzyingly new heights of high adventure.”—Comicon

“All this compelling mystery creates a book that’s much more than the sum of its parts… It’s a book that will make you desperate to explore its world, hungry for more fantasy.”—AIPT Comics

Dark Horse Comics

PODCAST:: The Power of Friendship with Author Eileen Garvin on Book Lights

Jocie McKade

14 May 2024

The Power of Friendship with Author Eileen Garvin on Book Lights

LISTEN HERE!

Eileen Garvin is a beekeeper and writer who lives in Oregon. Her debut novel, The Music of Bees, was a national bestseller and named a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, a Good Housekeeping Book club Pick, a People Magazine Best New Book, an IndieNext Pick, a Library Reads Pick, a Christian Science Monitor Pick, a Washington Post Best Summer Reads, and named a Most Anticipated Book of 2021 by BookRiot, Bookish, Nerd Daily, The Tempest, Midwestness and others.

Her new novel, Crow Talk, is available now! You can learn more at: https://www.eileengarvin.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights – shining a light on good books!

HERE’S A LOOK AT CROW TALK:

Frankie O’Neill and Anne Ryan would seem to have nothing in common. Frankie is a lonely ornithologist struggling to salvage her dissertation on the spotted owl following a rift with her advisor. Anne is an Irish musician far from home and family, raising her five-year-old son, Aiden, who refuses to speak.

At Beauty Bay, a community of summer homes nestled on the shores of June Lake, in the remote foothills of Mount Adams, it’s off-season with most houses shuttered for the fall. But Frankie, adrift, returns to the rundown caretaker’s cottage that has been in the hardworking O’Neill family for generations—a beloved place and a constant reminder of the family she has lost. And Anne, in the wake of a tragedy that has disrupted her career and silenced her music, has fled to the neighboring house, a showy summer home owned by her husband’s wealthy family.

When Frankie finds an injured baby crow in the forest, little does she realize that the charming bird will bring all three lost souls—Frankie, Anne, and Aiden—together on a journey toward hope, healing, and rediscovering joy. Crow Talk is an achingly beautiful story of love, grief, friendship, and the healing power of nature in the darkest of times.

Behind The Words With Janet Stilson

Jocie McKade

14 May 2024

We are welcoming author Janet Stilson to the blog today. We’ll be talking about her latest cyberpunk science fiction novel UNIVERSE OF LOST MESSAGES.

Our readers want to know what inspired you to start writing novels?

It took me a while to fall in love with writing books. I was first attracted to short stories, and then film and television scripts. Novels seemed a little intimidating, like swimming from Cuba to Key West à la Diana Nyad. In other words, an endurance test, minus the sharks but with the occasional mental monster. Then I had an epiphany: the chapters in a book could be thought of as short stories linked together by an overall storyline. More like a patchwork quilt, or a series of lily pads. That made the process seem much more exciting.

Working on books became liberating—the ability to create an entire story. Screenwriters are just one element in a storytelling creative process. Their scripts are like skeletons, and other creatives add layers to it—actors, directors, cinematographers, so many others. Novels gave me the freedom to write descriptions that were more immersive, to convey characters’ feelings and thoughts more clearly, and to explore all five senses—including taste, smell, and touch.

How did you come up with the concept of a universe filled with lost messages in your latest novel?

Every now and then, an email that has some importance gets trapped in my junk mail folder. It seems to happen to just about everybody. In trying to find some humor in the situation, I imagined a place, somewhere out in the upper stratosphere, where all those missing messages are trapped. One thing led to another.

What about science fiction appeals to you as a writer?

I’m going to back into the answer to that question. I recently listened to an interview featuring Emily St. John Mandel, talking about the inspiration for her novel Station Eleven, which I love. She said that what interested her, in telling that apocalyptic pandemic tale, wasn’t the horrific aspects of what happened during the height of the crisis. Rather, she wanted to explore reasons for hope as time went by, after the initial period of shock and terror. One of her recurring quotes in the novel is “Survival is insufficient,” which is from a Star Trek episode.

In a similar way, I wanted to write the kind of dystopian story that isn’t all bleak or seems like an intellectual exercise. I really believe that no matter how dark the future might be, it will also be filled with humane acts, moments of humor, and an inventive spirit.

I also felt there were futuristic stories inside me that hadn’t been written before—that I could offer something fresh. The two novels in “The Charismite” series imagine what the media business will be like a few decades into the future. In my role as a journalist, I’ve spent time inside big media companies and talked with their executives about new shows and technology. I’ve also observed how powerful sources of information are used and abused. A passionate vision emerged in me, to tell a speculative story with an eclectic assortment of characters tackling life-or-death problems related to all that.

Who is your favorite character in science fiction?

Kizzy in Becky Chambers’ “Wayfarers” series. When she first shows up in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, Kizzy is a so-called mech tech aboard an airship. And her conversation with other people and sentient beings made me smile. To give you a taste of her, here’s how Kizzy is first described:

“Her black hair was tied back in a lopsided bun, held together with a frayed, faded ribbon. She wore an orange jumpsuit smudged with grease and gunk, patched on the elbows with bright fabric and big stitches. There were hasty notes handwritten on her sleeves, things like “CHECK 32-B—OLD WIRES?” and “DON’T FORGET AIR FILTERS YOU DUMMY” and “EAT.” Perched on her flat nose was a set of curious optical lenses. Rather than just one lens per eye, there were no fewer than half a dozen attachments welded onto hinged supports. Some bulged and magnified, others flickered with tiny digital panels.”

Is that crazy cool or what? I want to be Kizzy’s bestie!

What are some recurring themes in your work?

The one that is most prominent is “searching for the truth.” It’s kind of an occupational obsession for a lot of journalists.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Try to write nearly every day—even if it’s only 300 words that you hate. That’s the way to build the mental muscles that you’re going to need. Become a creature of habit, in that regard. Don’t think that you need to have some huge surge of inspiration every time you sit down to write. Nine times out of 10, the surges come because you’ve sat down no matter what. Maybe days or weeks will go by before you really get a creative burst. You’ll have those revelations more frequently if you sit there in your “sailboat” beneath limp sails, gazing at a flat-calm ocean that never seems to end. Believe me, it will. That’s part of the work.

Also, newcomers should realize that first drafts almost always suck, unless you’re a genius. Hate people like that, LOL! I refer to it as plowing virgin soil—full of rocks and annoying roots. Just get through it and know that while it might be tough and frustrating, the writing will become easier with each successive draft. At least, that’s my experience.

Finally, find your people. Mentors are amazing gifts. But I’m talking about other writers whose work you admire and who are at roughly your same level of success and learning. Form writing groups with them, or simply give each other feedback on an informal basis whenever it’s needed. Honesty and kindness are both critical. You don’t want people who are brutal critics, but instead offer constructive advice or perspective. With the right circle of people, your work will improve and some of those friends may provide a shoulder of support when you get some tough rejections or are in a writing slump.

And about those rejections: they are pretty much guaranteed. A lot of them. But if you feel passionate about writing, you’ll develop the mental armor to get past them. With diligence and careful examination of your work, you’ll improve.

What are you working on now?

Some short stories. After working on Universe of Lost Messages over a long stretch, writing briefer tales provides some variety. They are also a great way to germinate ideas for more elaborate stories in the future.

Thank you so much, Janet for joining us today! Readers, UNIVERSE OF LOST MESSAGES releases today! Make sure you snag a copy!

Here’s a quick look………

What if your child has special powers and can get people to do almost anything? What happens if the child is abducted?

Izzie and Tristan were never mere humans. They are Charismites, with almost god-like powers of magnetism. And they couldn’t be more different. Izzie is a reckless, playful megastar whose popularity far exceeds that of any other celebrity. Tristan is a nature-loving recluse, almost completely unknown to anyone beyond a protective biodome.
Their worlds explode when they are abducted by The Fist, a power-hungry political group with a master plan to control the hearts and minds of all people on Earth and satellite colonies beyond. But the plan only works with the help of Charismites.

Their families don’t have much to go on until a feisty, street-wise teen, Cheeta, discovers clues about the Charismites within a strange metaverse filled with millions of missing messages. But will they actually find them? And can they destroy The Fist before they take over the planet?

Filled with an eclectic cast of characters, a slow-burn romance, humor, and wonderful descriptions of a sensual and sometimes violent world, Universe of Lost Messages is a stand-alone sequel to Janet Stilson’s beloved novel, The Juice. Fans of William Gibson, Margaret Atwood, dystopian novels and science fiction thriller books will devour this masterful adventure.

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