Richard Peck is a prolific author of fiction for adult and young readers. His latest book would likely be considered for the latter, but his style includes a lot of sly winks at human society that grown-ups are likely to pick up on too. Secrets at Sea is available now in hardcover from Dial Books. It’s illustrated throughout by Kelly Murphy. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans. Helena is the oldest of four mouse siblings who live in the walls of the Cranston estate. It is 1887 when the nouveau riche Cranstons decide to take a cruise ship to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter. The Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love.” There are more reviews available at Amazon.
Novel
New Adventures of Bone
Bone: Legacy is a new trilogy of illustrated fantasy novels set in the universe of Jeff Smith’s award-winning Bone comic book series. The first novel, Quest for the Spark by Tom Sniegoski, is being released by Graphix this coming February. It’s illustrated by Jeff Smith himself, too. The story goes like this: “Twelve-year-old Tom Elm is just an ordinary turnip farmer from the Valley, but he’s always felt destined for something bigger. So when he discovers everyone in his village is asleep and plagued by nightmares, he assembles a band of unlikely heroes. They must fight to preserve the Spark — a divine light born at the core of a vast, dark nothingness called the Nacht.” That band of heroes includes new members of the Bone folk, young rat-creatures, and Roderick the Raccoon, among other popular Bone characters.
Tasakeru
It’s an anthro-themed web novel series called Tasakeru, created and written by Brian Stanley. Here’s what Brian himself had to say: “The Tasakeru website has recently broken 11,000 hits and won distinction in the annual Web Series Writing Month competition. The aim of the story is to do something very different with the ‘talking animals’ genre: Using warring mammal species as allegories for human conflict. It’s chiefly inspired by [Brian Jacques’] Redwall, but unlike the latter series there are no clear-cut good and evil species. The story focuses on a group called the Outcasts, who have been banished from society but will eventually affect the survival of their world…” The Tasakeru website also features helpful background information on the story and characters, as well as a gallery of illustrations and fan art.
It’s called “Mink”
The first novel by Robyn Rolison-Hanna, entitled Mink, is out now in paperback from Arctic Wolf Publishing. This is from the web site (www.zetothemink.com): “Count Zeto Pantaleone Ulderico is a pampered and coddled mink noble whose spoiled and privilege life comes to a screeching halt when he and his cousin, Muccino, are trapped and taken by Guiseppe Tucci to his mink farm. Plagued with night blindness and no ability to track or scent, Zeto can no longer depend on his name or position. With the aid of the beautiful mink named Ardrianna and a cast of fellow cellmates, they attempt an escape in hopes of obtaining freedom before they become articles of fashion in Milan’s haute couture. Set in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, Mink is a stirring tale of adventure, courage and the quest for survival. It follows this very special mink on his journey through harrowing trials posed by adversaries and predators. It is about pathways and bridges that must be crossed against incredible odds.” The book is illustrated by Olga Dunayeva, and more of her work can be seen at the web site also. Mink can be ordered on line through Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
Burning Wild
Another hot animal-themed erotic romance novel… Burning Wild by Christine Feehan (out now in paperback, from Jove) tells the story of Jake Bannacotti. One of the world’s richest and most ruthless men, Jake also has the ability to shape-shift into a leopard. He is feared by all who know him… until the day when he rescues a young woman named Emma from a firey car crash. Taking her to his secluded ranch to heal, he soon finds himself falling prey to passions that his instincts as a hunter have not prepared him for…