Happy New Year - The five best books that I read in 2021
2021 is coming to an end, and I’d like to wish you all a very happy new year. While I don’t quite have any news to share about the future of James and the Supers, I do have something else to share: my top 5 books that I read this year! If you’re looking for a great read to kick off 2022, check out any of these:
#5 Till We Have Faces - C.S. Lewis
Till We Have Faces is one of C.S. Lewis’s lesser-known books, but it quickly became one of my favorites. This retelling of the mythological story of Cupid and Psyche is a wonderfully written meditation on life and love.
#4 A Gentleman in Moscow - Amor Towles
This book was … difficult. At times it’s charmingly bright and clever, and at others it’s deeply sad and introspective. Amor Towles creates an enchanting, rich world while confined just to a single hotel. It’s a story of small moments contained within a larger, more epic tale.
#3 The Anthropocene Reviewed - John Green
The only nonfiction book on this list, and in my opinion the best thing that John Green has ever written. Even if you’re not a fan of his young adult stories, you should check this book out. Green’s essays will leave you contemplating every aspect of the human experience.
#2 Rhythm of War - Brandon Sanderson
If you’re a fan of Brandon Sanderson’s epic Stormlight Archive series, this book needs no introduction. Rhythm of War continues the story of Kaladin, Dalinar, and Shallan, and the 1200 pages absolutely fly by. As a writer, I’ll never understand how Sanderson churns out so many pages of high-quality fiction so quickly. Even if you’re not a fan of fantasy novels, I highly recommend you check out the Stormlight Archive.
#1 Piranesi - Susanna Clark
This. Book. It’s not just the best book that I read this year, it’s also one of my favorite books I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. The atmosphere created in the writing is astounding, and the story leaves a sense of melancholy that will stick with you long after you turn the final page. Do yourself a favor and don’t look up anything about the story before you read this fantastic book.
Honorable mentions: Tree of Smoke, The Great Divorce, The Pearl
What are the best books that you read this year? Let me know!
That’s all for now. Here’s to a very happy 2022!
We Finally got a HardCover Super!
Hey, friends. It’s been 8 months since Super was published (wow!), and I have some exciting news - it’s now available in hardcover!
The amazing cover art (by Jennifer Bruce) looks stunning in the larger hardcover format, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Take a look:
I’ll be honest, I’m not a very good photographer.
As you probably know, most new books are released in the more expensive hardcover version first, then eventually they come out with the affordable paperbacks we all know and love. So why did we go backward with Super?
Well, I have a little secret (shh) - Amazon is currently beta-testing hardcover books for certain authors that self-publish through them. When I got the opportunity to try it out, I had to take it - even if it’s a bit backward than the norm. And I’m glad I did - there’s something really special about seeing my creation in hardcover form, like the books I used to pour through as a kid.
Speaking of which, to celebrate this new release, for a limited time we’re selling a special signed copy for just $10! Check it out here. And if you don’t want my terrible handwriting in your book, you can get the normal version on Amazon for regular price!
That’s all for now, folks. Time to get back to work on the sequel to Super!
Reflecting on the Launch of Super + Answering Your Questions!
Hello, friends!
It’s been two months since the launch of Super, and I’ve been completely blown away by the support it has received. After years spent working on the book, it was terrifying to finally share it with the world. But all the kind words and enthusiasm made all of the effort more than worth it. Sincerely, thank you to everyone that has read and supported the book. We managed to peak at #12 in the Amazon charts in the book’s category, and that would have never been possible without all of you.
An extra thanks to everyone that took the time to write a review. Indie authors don’t have the marketing budget of a big publisher, so reviews are extremely helpful in helping new readers discover the book. If you haven’t already, feel free to leave an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads.
Now, the sappy thanks aside, let’s get to answering some of the most common questions I’ve received from you, the readers!
When’s book two coming?
I’m thrilled that some of you are already looking forward to the sequel to Super. Rest assured, I’m hard at work on James, Rocky, and Katie’s next adventure. It’s currently in the early stages of drafting, but keep on the lookout for more news soon.
Who created the cover art?
The fantastic cover art was created by Jennifer Bruce. You can see more of her work on her website www.jenniferbruceart.com/, or on Instagram @jbruceart.
Minor Spoilers for Super below. If you haven’t finished it, stop reading now!
How much of the story of the Chintamani Stone is true?
I had a ton of fun researching the mythology of the Chintamani Stone while writing the book. As the myth goes, the Chintamani Stone, sometimes known as the Philosopher’s Stone, is a wish-fulfilling jewel that grants its holder great power. Nicholas Roerich was a real Russian painter and mystic who traveled through Asia, and many of his painting were inspired by his travels. The Star of the Hero is one of his actual paintings. Whether it really contains clues leading to the Chintamani Stone … well, who can say?
The Star of the Hero by Nicholas Roerich. The inspiration behind the cover art and much of the middle portion of the book.
That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more exciting news in the coming months.
Have any questions or comments? I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me an email or contact me on Instagram, and I’ll be sure to get back to you.