I just got author comps for the Czech edition of A Kingdom Rises, the final novel in my Crown of Three fantasy trilogy for younger readers. Check out that gorgeous cover art!
New Fiction Bubbling Under
February 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Yes, I know, you haven’t seen much new fiction from me recently. This year that’s going to change.
First up, in July 2018, Simon & Schuster will publish the Crown of Three Epic Collection. It’s a three-volume box set collecting together my trio of fantasy novels for young readers, written under the pseudonym J.D. Rinehart – Crown of Three, The Lost Realm and A Kingdom Rises. Okay, maybe these books don’t quite fall into the ‘new’ category, but it’s a thrill to see them all smartly packaged up like this.
The real ‘new’ comes at the end of the year, however, when you’ll be able to get your hands on my brand new novel. Call me a tease, but I’m holding off saying too much about it until a little nearer the publication date. So what can I tell you? Well, it’s a fantasy novel. It’s closely connected to some of my earlier fiction. It’s also a little strange.
Right now I’m looking forward to the imminent copy editing process with my publishers – a smashing bunch of people I’ve worked with before – while simultaneously having tremendous fun putting together a book trailer and accompanying website. With the publication date some way off, you might think it’s crazy to start such nonsense now, but with my animation render times going rapidly through the roof I figure it makes sense to get ahead of the game.
In fact, the image at the top of this post is one of the trailer test frames. If you’re familiar with my fiction, this sneaky peek may give you a clue as to what’s in store …
3rd Strike Reviews “A Kingdom Rises”
January 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment
A Kingdom Rises is the third and final novel in my Crown of Three fantasy trilogy for younger readers, and was delighted to discover the review site 3rd Strike has given the book a healthy 8.5/10 score. Here’s an extract from the online review:
“J. D. Rinehart (Graham Edwards) does a great job keeping the young Game of Thrones vibe intact … The conclusive part of the Crown of Three trilogy offers the same qualitative and exciting storyline as its predecessors … the characters still evolve, the story remains entertaining for young and old and you’ll get a satisfying ending.”
As the review also points out, the book is definitely big on battles, so if you’re in the mood for action on a grand scale, this is the one for you!
3rd Strike Reviews “The Lost Realm”
January 11, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Having devoured Crown of Three, my fantasy novel for younger readers, review site 3rd Strike has tucked into its sequel, The Lost Realm. Here’s an extract from the online review of the Dutch edition:
“J. D. Rinehart (Graham Edwards) shows he can come up with an interesting plot that still runs very strongly in this second installment of the series … The Lost Realm is an exciting continuation of the story that was slowly being laid out in the first issue. In this book you’ll see how the powers of the [triplets] evolve and how their arduous quest truly kicks off. If you were into the first book, this one will surely push you to the edge of your seat in this constant struggle to finally liberate Toronia from the evil that runs amok.”
I would be failing in my duty, however, if I did not share this warning from the reviewer:
“Before you know it, the casualties are piling up, again invoking that Game of Thrones for teenagers vibe, which actually works quite well for this series. That being said, perhaps for some ten-year olds this series might be a bit too violent, as some gory scenes are described in detail.”
You have been warned!
The Lost Realm Cover Choice
December 15, 2016 by 1 Comment
I’m spoiled for choice. Having just received the German and Czech editions of The Lost Realm, my fantasy novel for young readers, I just can’t decide which cover I prefer. Do you have a favourite?
The Lost Realm is the second volume in the ongoing Crown of Three series, written under the pseudonym J.D. Rinehart. The final volume in the saga, A Kingdom Rises, will be published by Simon & Schuster on May 30, 2017.
The Lost Realm – Review Roundup
September 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The reviews are stacking up on Goodreads for The Lost Realm, the sequel to Crown of Three – my fantasy novel for middle grade readers. In fact, the book has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating on the popular bibliophile’s website. Here’s what a couple of readers have to say:
Somewhat darker than the first, but an excellent read. Full of action, adventure and magic, and intrigue, this is truly a great series for kids who want a Game of Thrones like read.
I need more of this series now!! So glad it turned out to be such a good read.
And Homewood Public Library rates the book as:
Highly recommended for grades 4-6.
Want to know more? Here’s the blurb for The Lost Realm:
The kingdom of Toronia is being torn apart by civil war. The only hope comes in the form of illegitimate triplets, who are prophesied to kill the king and rule together in peace. Separated at birth and scattered throughout the realms, the triplets face a desperate fight to secure their destiny. Will they survive long enough to rule?
The resurrected King Brutan and his army of the dead control the city of Idilliam. Outside, Elodie and Tarlan are trying to hold their own army together and find a way to rescue their brother Gulph who is trapped inside the city. Or is he? Gulph has found a passageway to the lost realm of Celestis, which lies beneath Idilliam. Meanwhile, Tarlan and the wizard Melchior set out on a quest to restore the wizard’s powers, leaving Elodie and her army to keep watch. But Elodie is betrayed, her troops slaughtered, and she is taken captive by Lord Vicerin, her former guardian, who is determined to use her to get to the throne.
Seemingly further from the throne than ever, the triplets will need to use all of their strength and abilities if they are to survive—let alone rule.
Just Published – The Lost Realm
June 1, 2016 by Leave a Comment
It’s June, which means you can now buy The Lost Realm, my new fantasy novel for young readers. It’s the second volume in the ongoing Crown of Three series, and picks up the action right where the first book left off:
The kingdom of Toronia is being torn apart by civil war. The only hope comes in the form of illegitimate triplets, who are prophesied to kill the king and rule together in peace. Separated at birth and scattered throughout the realms, the triplets face a desperate fight to secure their destiny. Will they survive long enough to rule?
The resurrected King Brutan and his army of the dead control the city of Idilliam. Outside, Elodie and Tarlan are trying to hold their own army together and find a way to rescue their brother Gulph who is trapped inside the city. Or is he? Gulph has found a passageway to the lost realm of Celestis, which lies beneath Idilliam. Meanwhile, Tarlan and the wizard Melchior set out on a quest to restore the wizard’s powers, leaving Elodie and her army to keep watch. But Elodie is betrayed, her troops slaughtered, and she is taken captive by Lord Vicerin, her former guardian, who is determined to use her to get to the throne.
Seemingly further from the throne than ever, the triplets will need to use all of their strength and abilities if they are to survive—let alone rule.
The Lost Realm – Crown of Three
February 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Yikes! Not only can you now buy Crown of Three – my fantasy novel for middle grade readers – in paperback, but you can also preorder the sequel! Yes, the hardback edition of The Lost Realm will be published by Simon & Schuster on May 31, 2016. Interested? Here’s the blurb:
The kingdom of Toronia is being torn apart by civil war. The only hope comes in the form of illegitimate triplets, who are prophesied to kill the king and rule together in peace. Separated at birth and scattered throughout the realms, the triplets face a desperate fight to secure their destiny. Will they survive long enough to rule?
The resurrected King Brutan and his army of the dead control the city of Idilliam. Outside, Elodie and Tarlan are trying to hold their own army together and find a way to rescue their brother Gulph who is trapped inside the city. Or is he? Gulph has found a passageway to the lost realm of Celestis, which lies beneath Idilliam. Meanwhile, Tarlan and the wizard Melchior set out on a quest to restore the wizard’s powers, leaving Elodie and her army to keep watch. But Elodie is betrayed, her troops slaughtered, and she is taken captive by Lord Vicerin, her former guardian, who is determined to use her to get to the throne.
Seemingly further from the throne than ever, the triplets will need to use all of their strength and abilities if they are to survive—let alone rule.
Here’s what Publishers Weekly had to say about Crown of Three:
With a complicated mix of politics, interweaving plotlines, and a heavy (and quite gruesome) body count, this novel reads like Game of Thrones on a mellow day—definitely aimed at the older end of the middle-grade audience.
According to Imagination Soup, who listed Crown of Three in their latest “Best Books for 11 Year Olds” roundup:
It’s a great adventure story with cool creatures, a few zombies, danger, and epic kid-power.
