DEADZONE Release Day!

It’s here! It’s finally here – DEADZONE releases today!

This is Book 2 of the HORIZON series begun by Scott Westerfeld, which tells the story of a group of young survivors of a plane crash who quickly realize they are somewhere very unlike the earth they thought they knew. You can see the trailer for that HERE.

In DEADZONE, they must cross a blood red sand to get closer to what they believe is a chance for rescue, but slithering beneath the surface are predatory sand grabbers. Above the surface, it’s even worse: launch scorpions, robotic sand mites, and yes, even acid snot rivers! New friendships will form, and others will be pushed to their limits. And just when they think they’re ready for what comes next, they’re wrong.

If you haven’t yet read HORIZON, please give it a try. I loved it and wanted to make a book 2 that became even more dangerous. The original outline called for a character death, but I suggested to the editor doing something worse than death. He said, “What’s worse than death?” And when I described it, he said, “Yes, that’s much worse! We’re doing it!”

Copies of the book may be in your school or public library – if they’re not, ask the librarian for them. If you want to own a copy, you can find it at your school book fair, your favorite bookstore, or at any of these online sources.

INDIEBOUND

BARNES AND NOBLE

                        AMAZON

                                                    INDIGO

Here’s an excerpt from one of my favorite scenes. Javi has discovered an object that has made him invisible to his friends…

The rope was visible to the edge of the field, then vanished just as Javi had. It was a strange sight, as if the rope were floating on its own, moving and bobbing gently with Javi’s invisible movements.

Oliver giggled. “Javi, it looks like you’re dancing!” he said.

Javi seemed to take this as encouragement. The rope moved more dramatically, swaying back and forth and then jiggling. Yoshi couldn’t figure out what Javi might be doing to make it move that way. Suddenly, the pink ponies shirt reappeared out of nowhere and landed on the blood sand. He must’ve taken it off and tossed it. Being moist with sweat, the shirt immediately sank into the depths of the sand. Yoshi figured Javi would be okay with that.

“We can understand ditching the shirt, but if you toss out any other clothing, we’re going to ask you to stay invisible,” Yoshi teased.

Javi’s laughter rang out as the rope shook. It was a little disconcerting.

Javi seemed to get back to business after that. The rope went taut as he apparently moved toward the cylindrical object. There was a long moment of stillness and silence.

And then Javi’s bloodcurdling scream rang out across the desert.

“Pull him back!” Akiko said.

“Go help him!” said Kira.

“Quiet!” Yoshi said. He drew his sword, while Molly and the others pulled hard on the rope. Javi lurched back into view, falling back onto the sand and slipping partway beneath the surface. He wasn’t moving.