Smugglers Stash and News

You may have seen it around, but last Monday marked the launch of Kristin Cashore’s Fire blog book tour! Over the course of three weeks, each blog on the tour will introduce you to characters in Fire, giving avid fans a little taste of what’s to come.

Fire is the companion novel/prequel to the 2008 success Graceling (which Thea loved). And, we can tease you by saying that Fire is every bit as delectable as its predecessor! The Book Smugglers is one of the last stops on the book tour, so make sure to tune in. The schedule is as follows:

1. Monday, 9/14 – The Compulsive Reader
2. Tuesday, 9/15 – Pop Culture Junkie
3. Wednesday, 9/16 – Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf
4. Thursday, 9/17 – The Page Flipper
5. Friday, 9/18 – Reading Keeps You Sane

6. Monday, 9/21 – Presenting Lenore
7. Tuesday, 9/22 – In Bed With Books
8. Wednesday, 9/23 – Hope’s Bookshelf
9. Thursday, 9/24 – Shaken & Stirred
10. Friday, 9/25 – The Frenetic Reader

11. Monday, 9/28 – SciFiGuy.ca
12. Tuesday, 9/29 – The Book Smugglers
13. Wednesday, 9/30 – Fantasy Book Critic
14. Thursday, 10/1 – Melissa’s Bookshelf
15. Friday, 10/2 – The Story Siren

For more info about the tour, check out Kristin Cashore’s blog.

In other cool book-ish news, Dacre Stoker – descendent of Bram Stoker! – has written an Official Sequel to his many times over Great Uncle’s iconic classic, Dracula.

The official sequel to Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, written by his direct descendent and endorsed by the Stoker family.

The story begins in 1912, twenty-five years after the events described in the original novel. Dr. Jack Seward, now a disgraced morphine addict, hunts vampires across Europe with the help of a mysterious benefactor.

Meanwhile, Quincey Harker, the grown son of Jonathan and Mina, leaves law school to pursue a career in stage at London’s famous Lyceum Theatre. The production of Dracula at the Lyceum, directed and produced by Bram Stoker, has recently lost its star.

Luckily, Quincey knows how to contact the famed Hungarian actor Basarab, who agrees to take the lead role. Quincey soon discovers that the play features his parents and their former friends as characters, and seems to reveal much about the terrible secrets he’s always suspected them of harbouring. But, before he can confront them, Jonathan Harker is found murdered.

The writers were able to access Bram Stoker’s hand-written notes and have included in their story characters and plot threads that had been excised by the publisher from the original printing over a century ago. Dracula is one of the most recognized fictional characters in the world, having spawned dozens of multi-media spin-offs. The Un-Dead is the first Dracula story to enjoy the full support of the Stoker estate since the original 1931 movie starring Bela Lugosi.

Uh, HELL YES!

Dracula The Un-Dead will officially launch on Monday September 28, and for all you lucky folks in London, there’s a great opportunity to meet Mr. Dacre Stoker and hear him talk about the book. Here’s the venue information:

WATERSTONE’S PICCADILLY – London

Monday, 28 September 2009, 7:00PM

Tickets £3 redeemable against purchase of the book on the night

The Great Grand Nephew of Bram Stoker, will be discussing his new novel ‘Dracula: The Un-Dead’, the official sequel to ‘Dracula’ and first story to enjoy the full support of the Stoker estate since the original. Dacre was also able to access Bram Stoker’s handwritten notes and has included in the story characters and plot threads from the original manuscript.

This Week on The Book Smugglers:

Ok, down to official business! We have another packed week for you. On Monday, Ana reviews the long awaited third novel in the Hathaway series from Lisa Kleypas, Tempt Me at Twilight.

On Tuesday, Thea reviews A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, a historical fiction young adult title that won the Los Angeles Book Prize, along with many other awards. (Hint: All those awards? MUCH DESERVED)

On Wednesday, Thea will review and have a giveaway for the recently re-released Ariel by Steven Boyett – a novel that has since its original publication in 1983 become a cult favorite in the fantasy genre. Mr. Boyett has written a long awaited sequel, titled Elegy Beach which will be hitting stores on November 3.

On Thursday, our latest victim, Lusty Reader is over here for our infamous Guest Dare! She’ll be reviewing Fables vol. 1: Legends in Exile.

And finally, on Friday we’ll have a joint review of The Declaration by Gemma Malley, another post-apocalyptic/dystopian young adult title (since you know how much we love those!).

That’s it for now folks! Back to football….