My new book, Horizon, is out today, March 28!
What’s It About?
A group of Brooklyn kids on a robotics team are flying to a competition in Japan. But on the way their plane is seized by a mysterious force and crashes. When they step from the wreckage, they find themselves stranded, at odds, and in a jungle full of strange and terrible creatures!
Basically, it’s like Hatchet, but geekier. And like Lord of the Flies, but way less depressing. And like Lost, except the characters are lost but the writers aren’t.
Explosions! Survival! Who will lead them home?
Is There a Trailer?
No. I mean, yes:
Is This Book Standalone?
“Standalone”? I barely even know what that word means.
Horizon is the first in a seven-book series, one of Scholastic’s multi-author, multi-platform deals, like 39 Clues and Spirit Animals. I wrote the first novel myself and outlined all seven of the books, but six other authors will write the rest. They have to catch all the balls I’ve thrown in the air. (Suckers.)
The second installment is by Jennifer A. Nielsen, and the other authors are secret for now. But trust me, there are some cool people involved!
What Does Multi-Platform Mean?
Computer stuff!
There’s a Horizon game for computers, phones, and tablets. Download through your phone/tablet store or play through your browser right here. Also at that link is a big community of other fans exchanging clues and secrets and game hints.
I’m a gamer from way back (me in the 1970s, basically) so the game has been a blast to work on. My robotics team characters are based on the smart, nerdy kids I hung out with around the gaming table.
Here’s a discussion between me, my editor, and the game’s designer on the Scholastic podcast.
Wasn’t This Book Supposed to Come Out a While Ago?
Yes, January 17. But the super high-tech, fancy cover broke the printing factory, so it was delayed. That’s life on the cutting edge, my friends.
Our scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could make this cover, they didn’t stop to think if they should.
Are You Touring for this Book?
Yep, I’m headed all over the country for both this book and Spill Zone, my graphic novel. All tour details can be found right here.
Cities include: Holmdel NJ, Canton CT, Collegeville PA, Raleigh NC, St. Louis MO, Pasadena CA, Menlo Park CA, Washington DC, Athens GA, Buford GA, Dallas TX, Parma OH, St Paul MN, Santa Cruz CA, Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Austin TX, Coral Gables FL, Rhinebeck NY, and New York NY.
What’s the Age Level?
Fairly high middle grade. In other words, it’s closer in age and feel to my Uglies books than, say, Zeroes.
Read and excerpt or buy the book online by clicking here.