Harken to the Signature

I'm late; I'm late. 

It was a week ago that I received my signed copy of Harken in the mail. It's a shiny, black paperback with the now-familiar cover image. 

Now I have all three of Kaleb Nation's books, all signed. I can't say that for any other author, so it's rather special. 

Harken (Volume 1)

Harken in Print--and Signed

Just a quick note today. You'll remember me going on about Kaleb's Nation's newest book, Harken, earlier this year. While it was first released as an ebook only, it is finally coming out in paperback. Those of us who still adore physical books are pleased. Plus, the first 2,000 preorders will get a signed copy. Click here to order yours. 

Oh, and here is the announcement video about the physical book:

Harken to This Tale

Why, you ask, after talking so much about Harken before the book came out, do I suddenly go quiet when it is finally released? The reason is that I can promote a book I haven't read before it's out, but once it becomes available, I feel that I have to have read it to say anything more.

But one week has given me time to read in the morning over breakfast, in the evening over dinner, and sometimes during commuting. In a way, I think it's better that I didn't zoom through the book. One thing I must say: you know by now that I vastly prefer (personally--I'm not making a statement about which is better) hard copies of books and Harken is only out as an ebook for now. So I read it with the Kindle Cloud Reader, sometimes on my laptop and sometimes on my phone. It being my first time using it, Kindle's reader was surprisingly good, but I still feel like I would have a better grasp on this book if I had a solid copy of it to flip through. When it does come out as a physical book, you can be sure I'll get it right away.

Anyway. This was an intriguing, entertaining read. In comparison to the Bran Hambric books, Harken is more serious and more edgy. It isn't without smiles, but it contains a great deal more of the tear-type. A touch of mystery, a good smattering of thrills, and the warmth of human affection make up its main parts. That's one of the things I find myself enjoying about Kaleb Nation's books: the idea of family that is within them, in one way or another.

Given that I make inevitable comparisons between stories, Harken reminded me of four things. Villette by Charlotte Bronte for the themes of identity (sorry: this is one of the books I have my head buried in right now for my honors thesis). Battlestar Galactica for much the same reason, along with others that will be obvious for anyone familiar with the series (it's because I'm finally getting close to finishing this show right now). This book called The Outsiders that I read in sixth grade and really liked; the comparison has to do with the characters and the colliding of worlds, so to speak. And The Host, also for reasons obvious. Well, Michael also reminded me of Peter Pan at one or two moments, but that may be too random (or not?).

I'm not really going to talk about the plot, at least for now. I feel like this story is still new enough (and not yet finished, since there are at least two more books to follow) that I can leave that for later. What I will say is that Harken is driven by characters, characters relatable because of their fears and worries and failures but also because of their hopes for success and love for each other. It's the goodness, despite all the tragedy that is in this book, that drives it ultimately. That's what make this book compelling.

Oh, yes, and I've updated my Kaleb Nation tote. Yes, that's his signature on it from the book tour for Bran Hambric: The Specter Key.

As you can see, I added an homage to Harken's early days before we knew the title and word was spread for the book using #Secret Kaleb Book. Goodness, how perfect were the marketing strategies for this book given its plot . . .

Harken Release Party Livestream

It is now the middle of the week--have you made plans for Saturday night yet? No? Well, I have an idea for you.

As I have been reporting, Kaleb Nation's newest book, Harken, is coming out (in Kindle edition only for now--which means it's only $2.99) in just a few days. Given that it's an ebook, we can all conveniently go and get it right at midnight. So to keep us in entertained suspense until then, Kaleb Nation is hosting a livestream starting at 8 PM PT on Saturday the 12th.

And viewers will have the chance to win prizes: a book poster, wristband, autograph, etc. To be counted toward winning, RSVP for the livestream here. Less than four more days.

Harken Preview Chapters: So It Begins

Hopefully you've all been keeping up with my posts on Kaleb Nation's upcoming novel, Harken. This afternoon, the first three chapters of the book were released online (the book comes out on 1/13/13).

Harken is already distinguishing itself from the Bran Hambric books. These first three chapters are edgier and less quirky, but still intriguing. There are layers of mystery and some unexpected twists, including the reason why there is an eye hidden in the "a" of the book title. And Chapter 3 does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving us all counting down the next month before the book comes out.

Until then, head over to readharken.com and download the preview chapters for yourself. It'll be an hour or two's reading well spent.

Also, don't forget to add Harken on Goodreads. 

Harken Cover Reveal

Continuing with my theme of Kaleb Nation's brilliance in marketing, just minutes ago we received the release of the cover art for his upcoming novel, Harken. The cover release--this isn't even the book trailer, yet look at it:

Now we see why everyone was encouraged to write the book title on their hands; it seems obvious now, but I never considered that this image was the book cover. This cover definitely looks different from Bran Hambric--though does anyone else think that the curve in the "H" looks like the Hambric half moon?

My curiosity continues. 1/13/13

Harken Is Coming

Last week, I let you know about Kaleb Nation's upcoming novel, formerly known as the Secret Kaleb Book. Well, guess what? It now has a title, release date, and more detailed summary. Secret Kaleb Book has transformed into Harken.

The release date is less than two months away on January 13 of 2013, which is much sooner than I was expecting. This is for sure one I'll be pre-ordering. Here is Kaleb's announcement video:

I've also been able to catch a bit of the livestream tonight celebrating the title announcement--if you hurry, you may still be able to view some of it on YouTube. And though I could probably say more, I will wait until the preview chapters have been released (which you can sign up for on the readharken website.

# Secret Kaleb Book

Kaleb Nation is great at marketing.

If you don't know who Kaleb Nation is, let me just briefly say that he's an author, blogger, and YouTuber--click on his name in the tags at the end of this post to read my other posts about his books and such.

Two years ago, he did a "30 Days to Bran" promotion where he made a video every day for the month leading up to the release of Bran Hambric: The Specter Key. The newest Nation project has been going around the name of "Secret Kaleb Book." You can hear a little bit more about it by watching one of Kaleb's videos on the book here. While it's exciting that the actual title will be revealed in less than two weeks, I think some of us will feel sad about leaving behind our secret, insider nickname. As a way of building up for the novel, people have been tweeting pictures with the name, usually written on their hands, along with the book's slogan of "don't trust anyone." So I had to join in on the writing-on-hands fun, too:

You'll notice that my writing-on-hands skills improved on the second try, though my photography didn't. Anyway, it's exciting to see this happening: it's books approached by the modern audience, a type of marketing that wouldn't have taken place not just two hundred years ago but ten or less.

Optimism Over Pessimism.

Today is kind of trying to be "one of those days." But I don't want to allow that.

I don't have class on Fridays, but I had a meeting on campus for a group project, so I had breakfast and did some reading, then took my bike over. The weather today is probably the warmest of the year so far, which is nice . . . but also, well, warm. After my ride, I go to our designated meeting spot and wait. Two people had emailed that they wouldn't be able to make it, and as I was waiting one more person emailed the same message. But I thought, well, that's okay, there are still about three more people. So I sit there. And I wait. And then I take out a book for another class and start reading so as not to waste time. One o'clock turns into 1:15, then 1:30; I leave at 1:40, not having seen any of my group.

Oh, well, I say, as I go back to my bike to head home. Then as I'm waiting at an intersection just by home, I see a thorn in my front tire. I pick it out and listen to air squeezing out of the inner-tube. I contemplate how much money is in my bank account while hurrying to pedal the last half-block before all the air is gone. I get home hungry, thirsty, and grumpy.

But it's still okay. Thirsty is easily remedied by water, and I found a nice apple to snack on while watching Kaleb Nation's newest video. The video turns out to be great, and my smiles chase away the grumpiness (most of it, at least).

I used to be obsessed with the word "balance." Sometimes, like now, I'm reminded of why. Sometimes it's too easy to fall into pessimism, but even a single optimistic bit can tip that balance right back in favor of contentment. And that, in turn, is why even YouTube videos can serve many purposes: they can be that one spark that brings you back up and into focus. (Which I certainly need since I, once again, find myself needing to read hundreds of pages this weekend . . . )

Kaleb Nation Book Signing

Last night was the launch for Kaleb Nation's book tour for Bran Hambric: The Specter Key. Again, I was sorry to find, walking into Changing Hands, that it was the first time I'd been there since his first signing there last year. My excuse: I haven't been buying many new books except pre-orders, which I get off of Amazon because that's easiest. My new goal: to go to Changing Hands again before the third book in the series comes out.

Anyway, the signing was great. Kaleb still found some tidbits to add to his spiel in the beginning for those of us who know his basic story already. In the Q&A, I asked about how he uses the computer versus paper for writing (since there are some writers out there purists about the power of pencil and paper). He brought up timing as a positive for the computer; I have to agree with this one. There are moments when writing with a pencil almost seems tedious (though it usually also gives me a feeling of greater connection with my words).

When I brought my book up to be signed, I also brought a gift: a sort of 3D thank you card done with oil paint on a small canvas. I realize I never took a picture of it while it was still in my possession, but Kaleb said he would put it in a vlog, so I imagine I will see it again.

I also brought up my latest canvas bag for him to sign. It has both books and websites stitched on it. If you go to Kaleb's Facebook, you can see a picture of my hands holding it up. I also got a picture with him, which will probably be showing up on there later; I'm afraid to see how I turned out. I thought I was over my dislike of pictures, but some things do linger, don't they?

Bran Hambric: The Specter Key

I really am late with this post, I know. I finished Kaleb Nation's The Specter Key Sunday, and it is now Wednesday. (Let's just not mention how long I have gone without reporting my thoughts on The Professor. . . ) So here is my take.

I enjoyed The Farfield Curse. I remember saying also that it had its "moments" of description. But I approached that book being a fan of Kaleb's websites, etc. Now The Specter Key has made me a Bran Hambric fan. The world in these pages was always its own; now Kaleb has filled it with all the minute details. We don't just hear, for instances, about gnomes from Polland himself and see some in a restaurant through windows; there are a couple on a plane that Bran defends. We are not just told that Bran, like his mother, has the capacity to choose great evil; we see how he might begin to make the wrong choices, even for the right reasons (like saving his friend, Astara). It all becomes much more solid.

Perhaps my favorite part: the humor. It was good in the first book; it only gets better in the second. Is Mabel really cleaning the wrecked Wilomas house with a fishbowl-like cover on her head? (Mabel is a clean freak, if you like -- she's always surrounding herself with pills and detoxifiers and the like). Mr. Rat shows up again? And again? (I still don't know whether Mr. Rat is a totally random character as he seems or if his strange intertwining with the plot will come to have some other meaning). Etc, etc. The humor really makes this book a blast to read.

Two things I enjoyed very much in this book: Nim and the bus scenes. Okay, so the series does involve magic, but a fairy was not something I was expecting; hence, Nim was a lot of fun. As a commuter, there was something priceless in seeing Bran having to get a ride on a bus: all of the people going on and off and the strange way conversations, when they do happen, can occur.

Now I can say with assurance that this book is worth buying, so again I ask that you help Kaleb Nation reach his goal of getting on the bestseller list by pre-ordering it. I'll be at the launch of the book tour at Changing Hands tomorrow; should be cool.

The Specter Key

It has arrived: Bran Hambric: The Specter Key by Kaleb Nation. This book comes out on 10/10/10, but Amazon in its wonderfulness got it to me today. I would love to tear into it right away, but I had decided to reread the first book, The Farfield Curse, so I need to finish it first. One hundred pages are left; who thinks I can do it tonight? It wouldn't be a problem except that I have some other work to get done first.

As I mentioned in my last post, Kaleb is trying hard to get this book on the bestseller list (through pre-orders), so if you haven't already, please go and pre-order it. 

Support Kaleb Nation

I notice that I like to take an interest in certain people, their careers and such. I was like this with the band Blondfire. The two I'm most liking to support right now are Kaleb Nation and The Hillywood Show.

If you'll go backwards one year, you will find my thoughts on Kaleb Nation's first book (the book post is here and the book-signing write-up is here). Since then, I've kept up on Kaleb's vlogging/blogging. The sequel to Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse comes out on 10/10/10, and Kaleb is rallying the Nationeers for something epic this time.

Namely, to get Bran Hambric: The Specter Key on the New York Times bestseller list.

Perhaps you reaction this way: I've never heard of this person -- how can he have such bold plans? Not so bold: it's a well-thought out battle plan, and the people who do know who Kaleb Nation are have an equal boldness. I think this wish may be in actual danger of coming true.

The way to make this happen is to get as many people as possible to pre-order the book. This way all of those sales will count for the same period of time. So I urge anyone/everyone to click the link to preorder Kaleb Nation's second book and help one author realize a dream. (Especially since today happens to be his birthday -- what better way to celebrate?) Also, you can take a look at the book trailer here. Be sure to check out the rest of the videos on Kaleb's channel; he's doing a video a day for the countdown to The Specter Key.

Speaking of people I like to support, I just have to share my new wall-art:

The bottom autograph (which I got a couple months ago) is from The Hillywood Show's New Moon Parody, while the top one (from their Dark Knight video) I just recently got. I do mean to add more in the future, until this wall is positively brimming Hillywood.

A Two-Sided Experiment

Kaleb Nation, of twilightguy.com fame and author of the Bran Hambric series, is at it again. This time, he is reading Shiver by Maggie Stiefvatar and in place of the blog posts he did for Twilight, there will be vlogs. Now, I have come to enjoy Kaleb's vlogs in the same way I enjoyed twilightguy.com, so I'd like to watch these vlogs. And I've always thought it would be intriguing to read twilightguy.com while simultaneously reading Twilight (except that it would almost be like reading spoilers since Kaleb is so perceptive to what's going on) . . . so I have decided to read Shiver along with shiverguy.com. In addition to this, I downloaded Barnes and Noble's digital version -- I'm also experiencing their eReader. I've only used the Mac version as of now; I may try out the iPhone app later on just to see what it's like, but no promises.

The first vlog is up already, and my, does this promise to be a reading experience like no other.

Kaleb Nation Book Signing

I did end up at Changing Hands Bookstore last night for Kaleb Nation's book signing (promoting his new/first book Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse.) There's one benefit of living in a city: I can actually go to events like this. I'm still trying to figure out whether I like that more than looking outside and seeing more than buildings and pavement and cultivated grass and more buildings.

I'm a little ashamed to say that I'd never been to Changing Hands. It's such a famous place, and I've certainly been close by many times. I took a look around before the signing; they have a great selection. I'll make it a point to go back.

And on to the signing. It's strange seeing someone in person after only seeing pictures/videos of them online, but it was great to be able to go. Kaleb has too many talents: he can do public speaking just as well as writing. He also read the book's prologue. It's always interesting to hear an author read their own work; you get to hear just exactly what these words are in their minds. There are so many ways you can interpret words on a page, so hearing them shows you how the writer interprets them. And here is my first signed book (minus a picture book from 2nd grade, I'm not counting that one . . . ) :

I asked him to date it because it is his first tour, that date will mean something in a few years. It's epic. Last bit of info: the letters for the sequel are TSK. I'm thinking "The Secret . . ." Maybe "Kingdom?" That just sounds like Atlantis, though. There's also "King" and "Second" . . . how about "The Second Kurse?" It could be an intentional typo . . .

I had to leave quickly to finish writing a paper, study for a Latin quiz. Speaking of which, I have half an hour until that quiz, so I'd better glance at my notes again before I need to rush off.

Bran Hambric

Alright, here is the book I was reading last week: Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation. I was only a few chapters in on my last post, but guess what attached itself to my hands all weekend long, allowing me to finish on Sunday night?

First, a little background. I started reading Kaleb's site, twilightguy.com, around March. It's a blog that recorded his thoughts on reading the Twilight books, chapter by chapter. What I loved about the posts was the unique perspective Kaleb had, with random humor and keep perceptiveness. So I started to get . . . curious about his book. Finally, I gave in and preordered it about a week in advance (it was just released on September 9th.) I still wasn't expecting to be particularly drawn in; I just wanted to support Kaleb and maybe find some of his humor in the book. Especially since I'd read the first four chapters online already, I didn't expect any more.

But Bran Hambric is about as unique as twilightguy.com. It's a teen read, dealing with magic and mysterious pasts, yet it's its own world. I think people are often tempted to create a fantasy (or halfway fantasy, like this one) setting based off of the ones they already know. While there are elements that we all love to keep, this can hinder originality. Kaleb Nation's originality isn't hindered. Neither the setting nor all the turns of the story are predictable. I especially like that when we learn about the main character Bran's past, we don't learn that he is some great, mythical figure destined to set all the world to right. We learn that he has a vast potential for evil, if he chooses. But by Bran not choosing to follow that, we get into some great themes about choice and identity.

There are still a few rougher corners, I think, given that it's a first novel, though in such a way that it can be passed over. I prefer to look at the good things. We have some parallelism in the plot (Bran's choices and Rosie's), some intriguing imagery, and yes, great humor. In fact, that's what makes this book worth reading: it's fun.

You can purchase it at these links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders.

The book signing tour will be in Tempe next week; I think I'll just have to go.