Welcome to the official website of Stuart Daly, author of The Witch Hunter Chronicles and Brotherhood of Thieves.
Latest News
9/03/16
I've landed in Germany! Well, sort of. To be precise, the Brotherhood of Thieves has arrived in Germany.
Check out the cover of the German edition.
I've landed in Germany! Well, sort of. To be precise, the Brotherhood of Thieves has arrived in Germany.
Check out the cover of the German edition.
I'm sure you've noticed the slight change. My German publishers changed the name of the series from Brotherhood of Thieves to Animal Guardians. I really like it. The image of Caspan reminds me of Hiccup from How To Train Your Dragon. I'm more inspired than ever to learn how to read German. And a special thank you to Christa Robbers, owner of the fabulous web portal Kids Best Books, for your special promo of the series.
23/12/15
Hi everyone, and merry Christmas!
I know it's been a while since my last entry. Don't worry - there's no need to be alarmed. I wasn't abducted by aliens or anything, although I guess that would be pretty cool. No, nothing that exciting's happened. I've just been busy writing, and I don't blog much when I'm between projects.
I'm working on several books at the moment. One of them is going into completely new territory for me - dystopian sci-fi.
Anyway, I just suffered from a case of speller's block. I was happily writing away when I couldn't for the life of me remember how to write hadn't. I know, this is sad stuff. I came up with the original variant of haddened, and couldn't understand why it was underlined red by the spell checker. Was my computer starting to die? Was the world going to end? I can laugh about it now, but I was seriously perplexed for several minutes, staring at haddened and wondering what on earth was going on. Like I said - incredibly sad stuff.
Oh, and I cleaned out the garage the other day, blissfully disturbing a colony of huntsman spiders. You'll be delighted to hear that they're now popping up everywhere inside my house. Behind pillows. In the kitchen sink. Behind the Christmas tree. Watching my kids move from room to room is like watching the space marines explore the colony barracks in Aliens.
Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas,
Stuart Daly
Hi everyone, and merry Christmas!
I know it's been a while since my last entry. Don't worry - there's no need to be alarmed. I wasn't abducted by aliens or anything, although I guess that would be pretty cool. No, nothing that exciting's happened. I've just been busy writing, and I don't blog much when I'm between projects.
I'm working on several books at the moment. One of them is going into completely new territory for me - dystopian sci-fi.
Anyway, I just suffered from a case of speller's block. I was happily writing away when I couldn't for the life of me remember how to write hadn't. I know, this is sad stuff. I came up with the original variant of haddened, and couldn't understand why it was underlined red by the spell checker. Was my computer starting to die? Was the world going to end? I can laugh about it now, but I was seriously perplexed for several minutes, staring at haddened and wondering what on earth was going on. Like I said - incredibly sad stuff.
Oh, and I cleaned out the garage the other day, blissfully disturbing a colony of huntsman spiders. You'll be delighted to hear that they're now popping up everywhere inside my house. Behind pillows. In the kitchen sink. Behind the Christmas tree. Watching my kids move from room to room is like watching the space marines explore the colony barracks in Aliens.
Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas,
Stuart Daly
31/3/15
Only one more sleep before The Final Battle hits bookstores! Yay! And don't worry - this isn't an April Fools' prank :). I hope you enjoy the final book of The Brotherhood of Thieves.
All the best,
Stuart Daly
Only one more sleep before The Final Battle hits bookstores! Yay! And don't worry - this isn't an April Fools' prank :). I hope you enjoy the final book of The Brotherhood of Thieves.
All the best,
Stuart Daly
14/2/15
Hi all. The time has finally come for the great unveiling of Book 3: The Final Battle. It's not long until it will be in bookstores. The wait is almost over!
Hi all. The time has finally come for the great unveiling of Book 3: The Final Battle. It's not long until it will be in bookstores. The wait is almost over!
18/10/14
I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last post. Sorry about that. I really don't have an excuse. I've just been busy enjoying life, which, when you think about it, is really the best excuse there is :).
So where are we with Book 3? Well, I finished the first edit last week. My editor, the fantastic Cristina Briones, now goes over the entire book again with a fine-tooth comb (the poor thing), scouring for any last few changes that need to be made. It looks like we're going back to the original plan of an April 2015 release for the book. I've also seen the first roughs of the cover. All I can say is wow! This one is going to knock your socks off.
In other matters, The Wardens is set for an April release in Germany next year. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I'm sure it will inspire me to learn German (for the third time).
Things will start slowing down in the publishing world as we approach the Christmas break, but don't worry. I'll keep you posted of any developments regarding Book 3, such as the finished cover. Here's something that might whet your appetite. How about the title of Book 3? Yes? I thought you'd be interested.
I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last post. Sorry about that. I really don't have an excuse. I've just been busy enjoying life, which, when you think about it, is really the best excuse there is :).
So where are we with Book 3? Well, I finished the first edit last week. My editor, the fantastic Cristina Briones, now goes over the entire book again with a fine-tooth comb (the poor thing), scouring for any last few changes that need to be made. It looks like we're going back to the original plan of an April 2015 release for the book. I've also seen the first roughs of the cover. All I can say is wow! This one is going to knock your socks off.
In other matters, The Wardens is set for an April release in Germany next year. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I'm sure it will inspire me to learn German (for the third time).
Things will start slowing down in the publishing world as we approach the Christmas break, but don't worry. I'll keep you posted of any developments regarding Book 3, such as the finished cover. Here's something that might whet your appetite. How about the title of Book 3? Yes? I thought you'd be interested.
Brotherhood of Thieves 3: The Final Battle
I bet that's got you thinking. If you're looking for action and lots of Rolandish (I think I can use this word) antics, The Final Battle is going to deliver.
All the best,
Stuart Daly
All the best,
Stuart Daly
31/8/14
The wait is almost over! Tomorrow Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders hits bookstores. YAY!
It's amazing how quickly time passes. It doesn't seem that long ago that I started writing the opening sentence. And now I'm about to start editing Book 3.
For those of you who can't wait to get your hands on a copy of The Highlanders, here are some things to think about that should tie you over:
Which of the friends (Caspan, Roland, Sara, Kilt and Lachlan) would be best at:
1. Entering a caber toss competition?
2. Wielding a claymore? (this is a massive two-handed sword, by the way)
3. Playing the bagpipes?
4. Imitating a Caledonish accent?
5. Interpreting an ancient map?
That should keep you busy for a while.
Cheers,
Stuart Daly
The wait is almost over! Tomorrow Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders hits bookstores. YAY!
It's amazing how quickly time passes. It doesn't seem that long ago that I started writing the opening sentence. And now I'm about to start editing Book 3.
For those of you who can't wait to get your hands on a copy of The Highlanders, here are some things to think about that should tie you over:
Which of the friends (Caspan, Roland, Sara, Kilt and Lachlan) would be best at:
1. Entering a caber toss competition?
2. Wielding a claymore? (this is a massive two-handed sword, by the way)
3. Playing the bagpipes?
4. Imitating a Caledonish accent?
5. Interpreting an ancient map?
That should keep you busy for a while.
Cheers,
Stuart Daly
26/7/14
Most of my past few posts have been about Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders. But what of Brotherhood Book 3? Well, I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that I've just finished the final chapter. Now for a few weeks of editing before I send it off to my publisher. Already we're deep in discussion about the cover illustration. We're also thinking about having it out in bookstores February 2015!
Only a little over a month now until The Highlanders hits bookstores!
Most of my past few posts have been about Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders. But what of Brotherhood Book 3? Well, I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that I've just finished the final chapter. Now for a few weeks of editing before I send it off to my publisher. Already we're deep in discussion about the cover illustration. We're also thinking about having it out in bookstores February 2015!
Only a little over a month now until The Highlanders hits bookstores!
25/6/14
The final tweak has been made and the cover is ready. So, without further ado, here is the cover for Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders (I think a flurry of bagpipe music would be appropriate right about now)
The final tweak has been made and the cover is ready. So, without further ado, here is the cover for Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders (I think a flurry of bagpipe music would be appropriate right about now)
17/6/14
Ready for some big news about Book 2: The Highlanders? The cover illustration's almost ready!! That's right. There's one final tweak to be made before I post it here later this week, so make sure you pop by for the great unveiling.
Make sure you also check out my Facebook page for the latest news on The Highlanders. Over the next few days I'll post some more interesting facts about Caledon.
I'm sure you'll also be interested to hear that I'm finishing off the final chapters of book 3 at the moment. I'll then spend a month or two editing before I send the manuscript off to my publisher. Full steam ahead for Brotherhood of Thieves!
Ready for some big news about Book 2: The Highlanders? The cover illustration's almost ready!! That's right. There's one final tweak to be made before I post it here later this week, so make sure you pop by for the great unveiling.
Make sure you also check out my Facebook page for the latest news on The Highlanders. Over the next few days I'll post some more interesting facts about Caledon.
I'm sure you'll also be interested to hear that I'm finishing off the final chapters of book 3 at the moment. I'll then spend a month or two editing before I send the manuscript off to my publisher. Full steam ahead for Brotherhood of Thieves!
23/5/14
We're getting closer to the release of Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders, so I think it's time to start whetting your appetite a little. As you know, the Four Kingdoms is based off Medieval Europe, with Andalon being England, Salahara as North Africa, Saxstein as Germany and Vorkslagov as Russia. Caledon also gets mentioned in The Wardens. This is a country north of Lochinbar, the north-eastern duchy of Andalon. Given the mention of tartans and bagpipes, I'm sure you've been able to work out that Caledon is my version of Scotland. I'm also sure that you've been able to work out that it will provide much of the setting of Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders.
Want to know some interesting parallels between Caledon and Scotland, and why I decided to include this country in the series? Skip over to my Facebook page. Beginning tonight, I'll post a few interesting facts that I'm sure will grab your interest for Book 2. No major spoilers of course. So please pop by. If you're lucky you might even catch me online and we can have a little chat about the series.
Cheers,
Stuart Daly
We're getting closer to the release of Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders, so I think it's time to start whetting your appetite a little. As you know, the Four Kingdoms is based off Medieval Europe, with Andalon being England, Salahara as North Africa, Saxstein as Germany and Vorkslagov as Russia. Caledon also gets mentioned in The Wardens. This is a country north of Lochinbar, the north-eastern duchy of Andalon. Given the mention of tartans and bagpipes, I'm sure you've been able to work out that Caledon is my version of Scotland. I'm also sure that you've been able to work out that it will provide much of the setting of Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders.
Want to know some interesting parallels between Caledon and Scotland, and why I decided to include this country in the series? Skip over to my Facebook page. Beginning tonight, I'll post a few interesting facts that I'm sure will grab your interest for Book 2. No major spoilers of course. So please pop by. If you're lucky you might even catch me online and we can have a little chat about the series.
Cheers,
Stuart Daly
7/5/14
Despite being as tech savvy as a Neanderthal, I've finally worked out how to add a Facebook Like button. I'm not joking - it took me three hours to work this out. (I only hope now the link works). Please, oh please bring back the Middle Ages, when messages were sent via trusty ravens.
Despite being as tech savvy as a Neanderthal, I've finally worked out how to add a Facebook Like button. I'm not joking - it took me three hours to work this out. (I only hope now the link works). Please, oh please bring back the Middle Ages, when messages were sent via trusty ravens.
6/5/14
What's going to happen in Brotherhood of Thieves Book 2? What's it going to be called? Will Caspan and Kilt reconcile their differences? Will the Roon crush Andalon? Will Roland reveal his grandmother's secret recipe for the ultimate sausage?
If you've been wondering about these important matters then continue reading, because I'm about to reveal the title and blurb for Brotherhood of Thieves 2.
Drum roll please ...
Take a steadying breath ...
Ready? (I hope so, because I can barely contain myself)
Here we go:
What's going to happen in Brotherhood of Thieves Book 2? What's it going to be called? Will Caspan and Kilt reconcile their differences? Will the Roon crush Andalon? Will Roland reveal his grandmother's secret recipe for the ultimate sausage?
If you've been wondering about these important matters then continue reading, because I'm about to reveal the title and blurb for Brotherhood of Thieves 2.
Drum roll please ...
Take a steadying breath ...
Ready? (I hope so, because I can barely contain myself)
Here we go:
Brotherhood of Thieves 2: The Highlanders
Passing two fiendishly difficult tests is just the beginning . . .
All Caspan, Roland, Sara, Lachlan and Kilt need to do to become treasure hunters is undertake two final trials. The tests are riddled with deadly traps and impossible puzzles, like in the real Dray tombs the Brotherhood explores.
It's vital that they pass, because the Brotherhood needs them for an urgent mission – one that could save their Kingdom. The five friends must ride their Wardens to the north, into the highlands. They must locate the powerful ancient weapon hidden there. And they must bring it back to the King.
But the burial mound they seek is far from abandoned. It's inside a giant camp crowded with enemy warriors. How can they ever succeed?
Passing two fiendishly difficult tests is just the beginning . . .
All Caspan, Roland, Sara, Lachlan and Kilt need to do to become treasure hunters is undertake two final trials. The tests are riddled with deadly traps and impossible puzzles, like in the real Dray tombs the Brotherhood explores.
It's vital that they pass, because the Brotherhood needs them for an urgent mission – one that could save their Kingdom. The five friends must ride their Wardens to the north, into the highlands. They must locate the powerful ancient weapon hidden there. And they must bring it back to the King.
But the burial mound they seek is far from abandoned. It's inside a giant camp crowded with enemy warriors. How can they ever succeed?
I bet that's caught your attention :)
Oh, and I should add that The Highlanders will be published on the 1st September this year. So only 4 months to go!!
Oh, and I should add that The Highlanders will be published on the 1st September this year. So only 4 months to go!!
4/5/14
This only comes around once every year, so here we go:
This only comes around once every year, so here we go:
17/4/14
Thanks to everybody who entered the Guess the Name of Book 2 Competition. Some of them were very creative. One had me in stitches and would have been worthy of something that Roland would have come up with. But, sadly, nobody guessed the correct name, so no lucky winners this time. But don't be discouraged. I don't want anybody who entered to feel cheated, so I'll give you all another chance to enter a competition I'll run later in the year.
So what have I been up to? Well, writing of course. I'm about halfway through book 3 now and about to start editing book 2.
I just got back from Fiji last week. I spent a week snorkelling, kayaking and gorging myself at the buffet. The coral and tropical fish were magical, and I can't wait to go back again. So a big HI to all the friends I made at Plantation Island Resort, especially Rob and Sam and the staff at the Cocohut.
All the best,
Stuart Daly
Thanks to everybody who entered the Guess the Name of Book 2 Competition. Some of them were very creative. One had me in stitches and would have been worthy of something that Roland would have come up with. But, sadly, nobody guessed the correct name, so no lucky winners this time. But don't be discouraged. I don't want anybody who entered to feel cheated, so I'll give you all another chance to enter a competition I'll run later in the year.
So what have I been up to? Well, writing of course. I'm about halfway through book 3 now and about to start editing book 2.
I just got back from Fiji last week. I spent a week snorkelling, kayaking and gorging myself at the buffet. The coral and tropical fish were magical, and I can't wait to go back again. So a big HI to all the friends I made at Plantation Island Resort, especially Rob and Sam and the staff at the Cocohut.
All the best,
Stuart Daly
13/4/14
Hi all. A lot of people have been visiting this site lately so I thought I'd venture into the unknown and create a Facebook page. I'm a bit hesitant about all this as I do appreciate my privacy. I think it's only fair to Caspan, Sara, Roland, Kilt and Lachlan that I do this for them. So please pop by my Facebook page and have a look. I'll post some interesting facts about the books that I'm sure will rouse your interest.
And only one more day until the competition ends. Keep sending me your suggestions for the title of book 2.
All the best,
Stuart Daly
Hi all. A lot of people have been visiting this site lately so I thought I'd venture into the unknown and create a Facebook page. I'm a bit hesitant about all this as I do appreciate my privacy. I think it's only fair to Caspan, Sara, Roland, Kilt and Lachlan that I do this for them. So please pop by my Facebook page and have a look. I'll post some interesting facts about the books that I'm sure will rouse your interest.
And only one more day until the competition ends. Keep sending me your suggestions for the title of book 2.
All the best,
Stuart Daly
31/3/14
Well, he we are. It's the eve of Brotherhood of Thieves hitting bookstores. Yay!
It's a strange feeling I always get the day before my books go out. It's a bit like worrying about how your child will go on their first day of school. Will they get picked on or be overlooked, or will they be accepted and make a host of new friends? So if you happen to see The Wardens sitting all lonely on a bookshelf tomorrow, go over and introduce yourself. I'm sure you'll quickly make great friends with my new hero, Caspan. And as for Roland - well, you have been warned!
I've put some more thought into a competition we can run for Book 2 in the series. If you read my previous entry, you'll know that I'm not going to reveal the name of Book 2 just yet. Why? Well, I'm going to give all of my loyal readers a chance to be rewarded. I'm going to give you a fortnight to read The Wardens (I think that should be enough time), and tell me (just click on the Contact Info tab at the top of this page to send me an email) what you think will be the name of Book 2. The lucky person who gets it right will have a very special reward. They will be immortalised in the world of the Four Kingdoms (this is where Brotherhood of Thieves is set) by having a character in Book 3 named after them! I bet that's caught your attention.
So hurry off to the bookstores tomorrow, grab a copy of The Wardens, get reading, and send me an email before 14th April with the name of Book 2. Who knows - you might be the lucky reader who stands alongside the Brotherhood in Book 3.
Happy reading,
Stuart
Well, he we are. It's the eve of Brotherhood of Thieves hitting bookstores. Yay!
It's a strange feeling I always get the day before my books go out. It's a bit like worrying about how your child will go on their first day of school. Will they get picked on or be overlooked, or will they be accepted and make a host of new friends? So if you happen to see The Wardens sitting all lonely on a bookshelf tomorrow, go over and introduce yourself. I'm sure you'll quickly make great friends with my new hero, Caspan. And as for Roland - well, you have been warned!
I've put some more thought into a competition we can run for Book 2 in the series. If you read my previous entry, you'll know that I'm not going to reveal the name of Book 2 just yet. Why? Well, I'm going to give all of my loyal readers a chance to be rewarded. I'm going to give you a fortnight to read The Wardens (I think that should be enough time), and tell me (just click on the Contact Info tab at the top of this page to send me an email) what you think will be the name of Book 2. The lucky person who gets it right will have a very special reward. They will be immortalised in the world of the Four Kingdoms (this is where Brotherhood of Thieves is set) by having a character in Book 3 named after them! I bet that's caught your attention.
So hurry off to the bookstores tomorrow, grab a copy of The Wardens, get reading, and send me an email before 14th April with the name of Book 2. Who knows - you might be the lucky reader who stands alongside the Brotherhood in Book 3.
Happy reading,
Stuart
27/3/14
I mentioned in my previous update that we're about to start editing Book 2 of Brotherhood of Thieves very soon. Well, last night I received a special email from my publisher, revealing the first rough of the cover. I don't want to give anything away but it's looking fantastic.
I'm privileged to have Jeremy Reston doing the cover illustrations. You might not be aware of this, but Jeremy also does the covers for Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband, and I'm blown away at how he captures the spirit of each book in his drawings. Once it's finished and I'm given the green light I'll post it here. I'm keeping the title a mystery though. Once The Wardens hits bookstores next Tuesday, I'm sure some clever readers might be able to guess the title of Book 2. Hmm, maybe we might be able to make a competition out of it. I'll give it some thought and get back to you shortly.
All the best.
I mentioned in my previous update that we're about to start editing Book 2 of Brotherhood of Thieves very soon. Well, last night I received a special email from my publisher, revealing the first rough of the cover. I don't want to give anything away but it's looking fantastic.
I'm privileged to have Jeremy Reston doing the cover illustrations. You might not be aware of this, but Jeremy also does the covers for Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband, and I'm blown away at how he captures the spirit of each book in his drawings. Once it's finished and I'm given the green light I'll post it here. I'm keeping the title a mystery though. Once The Wardens hits bookstores next Tuesday, I'm sure some clever readers might be able to guess the title of Book 2. Hmm, maybe we might be able to make a competition out of it. I'll give it some thought and get back to you shortly.
All the best.
25/3/14
Greetings all. We're getting close to the launch of The Wardens, so I thought I'd share with you a review from Goodreads. Kurt wrote:
Brilliant!!! I absolutely loved this book, having read and enjoyed the authors previous work I think this time he has really written something special. The story and characters were all really well formed and it provides a thrilling page turning read, I rarely burn my way through a book as quickly as I have this, but i just couldn't put it down. Highly recommended especially for fans of Ranger's Apprentice.
Eagerly awaiting the next one in the series.
Thanks Kurt! It takes a lot of time to write a book and it makes it all worth while when I read a review like this.
A few lucky people like Kurt have already read The Wardens, courtesy of the uncorrected bound samples that do the rounds in bookstores and libraries before the official release date, but for everybody else the wait is almost over. In seven days Brotherhood of Thieves: The Wardens hits bookstores. Yay!
So what have I been up to? Well, I'm on holidays, taking a well-deserved break from teaching. I've done a lot of travelling - Los Angeles and Hawaii - and will be heading off soon to Fiji. I'm really looking forward to doing some snorkelling and laying back in a hammock. Who knows - I might even get some writing done. This is such a change for me. As Winter's my favourite time of the year, holidays normally involve a trip to Europe to explore snow-covered castles and eat pork knuckles.
Now that the topic of writing has been raised, I should mention that Book 2 is written and with my fantastic publisher, Zoe. She finished reading the unedited draft a few weeks back and called to say how much she loved it. We'll start the editing process now, and plan on getting Book 2 into bookstores later this year.
Oh, and have I mentioned Book 3 yet? No? Ah, well, I'm the process of writing Book 3 of Brotherhood of Thieves. I'm in for a few tough months, juggling editing and writing, but my creative juices are flowing and I'm getting a lot done.
That's all for now. Hope to see you back here on 1st April for the official launch of The Wardens.
Take care.
Greetings all. We're getting close to the launch of The Wardens, so I thought I'd share with you a review from Goodreads. Kurt wrote:
Brilliant!!! I absolutely loved this book, having read and enjoyed the authors previous work I think this time he has really written something special. The story and characters were all really well formed and it provides a thrilling page turning read, I rarely burn my way through a book as quickly as I have this, but i just couldn't put it down. Highly recommended especially for fans of Ranger's Apprentice.
Eagerly awaiting the next one in the series.
Thanks Kurt! It takes a lot of time to write a book and it makes it all worth while when I read a review like this.
A few lucky people like Kurt have already read The Wardens, courtesy of the uncorrected bound samples that do the rounds in bookstores and libraries before the official release date, but for everybody else the wait is almost over. In seven days Brotherhood of Thieves: The Wardens hits bookstores. Yay!
So what have I been up to? Well, I'm on holidays, taking a well-deserved break from teaching. I've done a lot of travelling - Los Angeles and Hawaii - and will be heading off soon to Fiji. I'm really looking forward to doing some snorkelling and laying back in a hammock. Who knows - I might even get some writing done. This is such a change for me. As Winter's my favourite time of the year, holidays normally involve a trip to Europe to explore snow-covered castles and eat pork knuckles.
Now that the topic of writing has been raised, I should mention that Book 2 is written and with my fantastic publisher, Zoe. She finished reading the unedited draft a few weeks back and called to say how much she loved it. We'll start the editing process now, and plan on getting Book 2 into bookstores later this year.
Oh, and have I mentioned Book 3 yet? No? Ah, well, I'm the process of writing Book 3 of Brotherhood of Thieves. I'm in for a few tough months, juggling editing and writing, but my creative juices are flowing and I'm getting a lot done.
That's all for now. Hope to see you back here on 1st April for the official launch of The Wardens.
Take care.
25/12/13
Merry Christmas! I hope Santa's been kind and filled your stockings to the brim.
It's been a hectic morning, but the roast is now in the oven and the kids happily playing with their presents, giving me a chance to post the cover of Book One - The Wardens. So, without further ado, here it is!
Merry Christmas! I hope Santa's been kind and filled your stockings to the brim.
It's been a hectic morning, but the roast is now in the oven and the kids happily playing with their presents, giving me a chance to post the cover of Book One - The Wardens. So, without further ado, here it is!
I'd love to hear what you think of the cover. I love it. It's great seeing my new hero, Caspan, riding his magical guardian.
Time to head back to the kitchen. Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas Day.
Time to head back to the kitchen. Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas Day.
16/12/13
It's not much longer and we'll be coming to the end of another great year. I'm going to be spending a lot of time over the course of the next two weeks catching up with family and friends, so thought I'd use this as an opportunity to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas.
The cover of the first book in Brotherhood of Thieves has been finished. To keep the suspense running a little longer and to give you all a special Christmas present, I'll post the cover and reveal the title of Book One on this website on Christmas Day. I know you'll be busy opening presents and sitting down to roast dinners and all, but please pop by this site and have a look. I'd love to hear what you think.
I've been on holidays for a week now and working steadily on Book 2. My publishers need it finished by early February, so the pressure's on. I'm up to the last few chapters, so should have no problem meeting the deadline. I've just got to make sure I don't get too caught up catching up on some of my favourite tv series.
Oh, as an interesting observation, did you see that it snowed on the Sphinx and the pyramids the other day? How bizarre.
See you back here on Christmas Day!
It's not much longer and we'll be coming to the end of another great year. I'm going to be spending a lot of time over the course of the next two weeks catching up with family and friends, so thought I'd use this as an opportunity to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas.
The cover of the first book in Brotherhood of Thieves has been finished. To keep the suspense running a little longer and to give you all a special Christmas present, I'll post the cover and reveal the title of Book One on this website on Christmas Day. I know you'll be busy opening presents and sitting down to roast dinners and all, but please pop by this site and have a look. I'd love to hear what you think.
I've been on holidays for a week now and working steadily on Book 2. My publishers need it finished by early February, so the pressure's on. I'm up to the last few chapters, so should have no problem meeting the deadline. I've just got to make sure I don't get too caught up catching up on some of my favourite tv series.
Oh, as an interesting observation, did you see that it snowed on the Sphinx and the pyramids the other day? How bizarre.
See you back here on Christmas Day!
28/10/13
I hope you've all been well. What a past month it's been. I was lucky to have finished the first book in the series (title to be revealed very soon) just in time for the Frankfurt Book Fair. I'm happy to announce that offers for the first two books in the series have been made by two overseas territories. I've also been working with my editor and publisher, making book one as good as it can be. Then there's been the first drafts of the cover. All I can say is Wow!
I'll post an image as soon as it's finished and clear to go.
Take care.
I hope you've all been well. What a past month it's been. I was lucky to have finished the first book in the series (title to be revealed very soon) just in time for the Frankfurt Book Fair. I'm happy to announce that offers for the first two books in the series have been made by two overseas territories. I've also been working with my editor and publisher, making book one as good as it can be. Then there's been the first drafts of the cover. All I can say is Wow!
I'll post an image as soon as it's finished and clear to go.
Take care.
24/9/13
Thanks again to Random House's Book Buddies! You can read some of their comments about Brotherhood of Thieves on the Random House website here.
What a great way to read books before they get published - and give authors advice on how they can improve their stories. There's a link on the Random House page on how you too can join Book Buddies.
Oh, and some exciting news about the cover. The same team that do Ranger's Apprentice are going to do the covers of Brotherhood of Thieves. I think I'm more excited than anybody. I can't wait to see what they come up with.
What a great way to read books before they get published - and give authors advice on how they can improve their stories. There's a link on the Random House page on how you too can join Book Buddies.
Oh, and some exciting news about the cover. The same team that do Ranger's Apprentice are going to do the covers of Brotherhood of Thieves. I think I'm more excited than anybody. I can't wait to see what they come up with.
23/9/13
Welcome to my new website. I hope you like it. I decided to create a new one after the constant headaches I received when typing on the old one. Yes, the black background was appropriate to the dark themes of The Witch Hunter Chronicles, but the stark contrast with the white text was a little hard on my eyes.
This new site also heralds the birth of my new series, Brotherhood of Thieves. The first book is set for release in April 2014.
So what's the new series about? I won't give away too much at the moment, but it started off as a spin-off series of The Witch Hunter Chronicles. Armand and Francesca were going to play a cameo appearance in the first chapter, but I decided to go with something completely new. I had great fun writing the Witch Hunter series, and I hope to finish it off one day, but you'd be surprised how much research went into each book. This time I didn't want to get bogged down with copious amounts of historical information. It was time to let my imagination run completely free. I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.
I suppose the best way to introduce Brotherhood of Thieves is to let you read the blurb my fantastic publisher, Zoe Walton, wrote and presented in her sales pitch to the team at Random House Australia:
A secret brotherhood of treasure hunters. An invading army coming ever closer. Five young apprentices. The race is on.
Life as a thief is cold, miserable and hungry. Caspan leaps at the opportunity to compete to join the Brotherhood of Thieves – a secret order sanctioned by the king. What the Brotherhood seeks are the lost magical weapons of an ancient race that will help them defeat the Roon, the invading army who creep ever closer.
Defeat seems inevitable. Unless Caspan and his fellow recruits – Roland, Lachlan, Sara and Kilt – can set aside their differences and use their new skills to help turn the tide. With swords strapped to their belts, riding magical beasts called Wardens that come only to their call, they leave the sanctuary of their training ground for their first mission. Will it be their last?
A few lucky teenagers from Random House's Book Buddies have had the opportunity to read the initial manuscript. Their reviews couldn't have been more enthusiastic. I'd like to think that some of them will come across this website one day, and, if so, I'd like to give them the warmest thanks for their kind words.
The next big announcement will be the title, followed by the cover of book one.
Till next time,
Stuart Daly
This new site also heralds the birth of my new series, Brotherhood of Thieves. The first book is set for release in April 2014.
So what's the new series about? I won't give away too much at the moment, but it started off as a spin-off series of The Witch Hunter Chronicles. Armand and Francesca were going to play a cameo appearance in the first chapter, but I decided to go with something completely new. I had great fun writing the Witch Hunter series, and I hope to finish it off one day, but you'd be surprised how much research went into each book. This time I didn't want to get bogged down with copious amounts of historical information. It was time to let my imagination run completely free. I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.
I suppose the best way to introduce Brotherhood of Thieves is to let you read the blurb my fantastic publisher, Zoe Walton, wrote and presented in her sales pitch to the team at Random House Australia:
A secret brotherhood of treasure hunters. An invading army coming ever closer. Five young apprentices. The race is on.
Life as a thief is cold, miserable and hungry. Caspan leaps at the opportunity to compete to join the Brotherhood of Thieves – a secret order sanctioned by the king. What the Brotherhood seeks are the lost magical weapons of an ancient race that will help them defeat the Roon, the invading army who creep ever closer.
Defeat seems inevitable. Unless Caspan and his fellow recruits – Roland, Lachlan, Sara and Kilt – can set aside their differences and use their new skills to help turn the tide. With swords strapped to their belts, riding magical beasts called Wardens that come only to their call, they leave the sanctuary of their training ground for their first mission. Will it be their last?
A few lucky teenagers from Random House's Book Buddies have had the opportunity to read the initial manuscript. Their reviews couldn't have been more enthusiastic. I'd like to think that some of them will come across this website one day, and, if so, I'd like to give them the warmest thanks for their kind words.
The next big announcement will be the title, followed by the cover of book one.
Till next time,
Stuart Daly