The Clock Is Ticking… Cover Reveal for DARK DAYS by Kate Ormand!

You may have heard me mention my fab writing buddy Kate Ormand's forthcoming debut novel, DARK DAYS, a few times recently (OK, a lot of times). Well, the day has finally arrived when I can do more than just talk about it. Because Kate has had the go ahead to share the cover, and has asked me to do the big reveal!

Here's the blurb from Amazon (where you can also preorder it):

The future world has been divided into sectors—each the same as the other. Surrounded by thick steel fences, there is no way in and no way out. Yet a cyborg army penetrates each sector, picking off its citizens one by one, until no one is left. Behind the sectors’ thick walls, the citizens wait to die. Few will be chosen to survive what’s coming; the rest will be left behind to suffer. A new world has been created, and its rulers are incredibly selective on who will become a citizen. They want only those with important roles in society to help create a more perfect future.

Sixteen-year-old Sia lives in one of the sectors as part of a family that is far too ordinary to be picked to live. According to the digital clock that towers high above her sector, she has only fifteen days to live. Sia has seen the reports and knows a horrific death is in store for her, but she is determined to make the most of her final days. Sia refuses to mourn her short life, instead promising herself that she’ll stay strong, despite being suffocated by her depressed mother and her frightened best friend. Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people.

Does that sound good or what? And here – drum roll please – is the cover! 

I am so excited about this book. It's out on 3rd June from Sky Pony Press, and if you're a fan of DIVERGENT and THE HUNGER GAMES, you will love it. 

About Kate Ormand

Kate Ormand is a YA writer represented by Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors Ltd. She lives in the UK with her family, her partner, and a cocker spaniel called Freddie. She recently graduated from university with a first class BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art Painting. In her spare time, she loves long walks with Freddie, reading teen novels, and painting her nails. Kate is also a member of an online group of UK-based authors and illustrators called Author Allsorts. And she writes children’s picture books as Kate Louise. DARK DAYS is her first novel. You can see more about Kate and her writing by visiting her website (www.kateormand.wordpress.com) or on Twitter (@kateormand).

Cover Reveals and Revamps (and Award News)!

Last Thursday, the US cover for ACID was revealed over at Pub(lishing) Crawl…

Isn't it great? I'm so happy that Delacorte decided to use the same image as the UK edition (I mean, how can you top it, really?), and even more excited that the US edition is going to be a hardcover. I've already seen a jacket proof, and it looks amazing. I can't wait to see the finished book. If you head over to Pub Crawl, you can enter a giveaway for a signed ARC (US only, sorry). What are you waiting for?

I've also got some news about the cover for THE FEARLESS - it's had an update, and I think it's wonderful. I love the fiery colours behind Cass – they really stand out, and it goes even better with ACID's cover now, too. If you want to see the old and the new cover side by side, head over to Kate Ormand's blog. I'd love to know which one you prefer!

And last week, I found out ACID has been shortlisted for the NE Teen Book Award, along with Laura Lam's PANTOMIME, Kerry Drewery's A DREAM OF LIGHTS, Paula Rawsthorne's BLOOD TRACKS, Alison Rattle's THE QUIETNESS and Matt Whyman's THE SAVAGES. What a list! Huge congratulations to everyone else on the shortlist. I can't wait to see who wins.

THE FEARLESS - News!!

I have two pieces of exciting news about my next book, THE FEARLESS (Corgi, 3rd April 2014 in the UK).The first is that US readers will get to read it too – Delacorte will be publishing it in 2015!

And the second is that IT HAS A COVER.

THE.

FEARLESS.

HAS.

A.

COVER.

It's another masterpiece by Larry Rostant, and the fab Kate Ormand is revealing it over on her blog today. So go, take a look, and then come back here and tell me what you think!

*Does a happy dance*

ACID Cover Reveal & Signed ARC Giveaway!

So, this cover is probably the worst-kept secret on the internet as it's been up on Amazon and Goodreads for a while now, but for anyone who hasn't seen it… here it is! Isn't it gorgeous? I am so, so thrilled with it, and the cover model looks EXACTLY how I imagine Jenna to look. I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her, would you?

From the back cover:

ACID - the most brutal police force in history.
They rule with an iron fist.
They see everything. They know everything.
They locked me away for life.

My crime?
They say I murdered my parents.
I was fifteen years old.

My name is Jenna Strong.

Squee! A huge thank you to Larry Rostant and the design team at Random House Children's Publishing for coming up with such an amazing, badass cover! And even more gigantic thank yous and mince pies/gingerbread Santas to all the awesome book bloggers who are posting ACID's cover on their blogs today as well: Serendipity Reviews, So Many Books, So Little Time, Bookangel Booktopia, Pug's Story Corner, My Favourite Books, Books 4 Teens, Sister Spooky and Readaraptor!

So, do you want to win a SIGNED ARC of ACID? Of course you do! To enter, leave a comment below this post, along with some way of getting hold of you - Twitter handle, email or blog link. The competition will run until midnight GMT on Sunday 31st December 2012, and is open internationally. I'll announce the winner on Monday, 1st January 2013 to kick off the new year in style!

The giveaway is now closed - congratulations to @mcrogerson (comment number 70) who won the ARC!

Happy Christmas, everyone!