Masters of the Thread

Woven...I've been waiting for you. I read this story pre-release (cause I'm special) and it is wonderful. I don't say something is wonderful lightly. I am a Plot Nazis. There are so few stories on this earth whose plots I wouldn't want to tweak.  It's my greatest flaw as a reader. 

So, as I read Woven, I was pleased. The story had all the elements I'm looking for in a good book. 

Characters- love Nels, He's a real humble, noble hero.

Relationship dynamics- Nels and Princess Tyra have great chemistry; their cat and mouse game of love never feels contrived.

Setting- love the fantasy world of castles and kingdoms. I mean, I still prefer to live in a Hobbit Hole, but I will happily vacation in Cobblestown. 

And then my brain turned to the plot. As I was reading, there was just one tiny thing (not giving away spoilers...sorry!) that I put in my mental check list as a negative in the story line. I thought, No!!! This happening ruins the love angle...unrequited love is never good. It's like having a Tootsie Roll when you want chocolate. People try to convince you it's satisfying, but really, it's not. 

But then...like the master word weavers these fellas are, they took that bitty tear in the perfect story, put a slip knot around it, and pulled that puppy tight. At that moment, I had to pause and admit- these guys are the masters of the story thread. 

Well done guys, well done. 

Now, I know you'll want to buy this book...perhaps get several for all your peeps, because this story is perfect for all ages...and I have the perfect way to bring them home!

It's a No-Sew Book Bag! 

David and Michael might be masters of the thread, but not me. I've been known to hot glue a hemline rather than handle a needle. I'm just NOT crafty. But, I saw a tee-shirt bag on Pinterest and thought- I can manage that! And I did:

One old tee shirt

 

Cut both sides of the hem 

Cut off the sleeves and set aside

Cut out the collar

Cut the sleeve 

Turn shirt inside out
and tie the "ribbons" you cut at the bottom

Turn the shirt right side out,
use the cut sleeves to tie up the handles at the top.
Viola- you have a new book bag!
Great way to re-purpose an old shirt.
(And no, I'm not showing a photo of the one
on Pinterest...just assume mine is as awesome
as the pro-crafter chicks!) 

WOVEN by Michael Jensen and David Powers King, published by Scholastic

Two unlikely allies must journey across a kingdom in the hopes of thwarting death itself.

All his life, Nels has wanted to be a knight of the kingdom of Avërand. Tall and strong, and with a knack for helping those in need, the people of his sleepy little village have even taken to calling him the Knight of Cobblestown.

But that was before Nels died, murdered outside his home by a mysterious figure.

Now the young hero has awoken as a ghost, invisible to all around him save one person—his only hope for understanding what happened to him—the kingdom’s heir, Princess Tyra. At first the spoiled royal wants nothing to do with Nels, but as the mystery of his death unravels, the two find themselves linked by a secret, and an enemy who could be hiding behind any face.

Nels and Tyra have no choice but to abscond from the castle, charting a hidden world of tangled magic and forlorn phantoms. They must seek out an ancient needle with the power to mend what has been torn, and they have to move fast. Because soon Nels will disappear forever.

Available now wherever books are sold!

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About the Authors:

Michael Jensen is a graduate of Brigham Young University’s prestigious music, dance, and theater program. Michael taught voice at BYU before establishing his own vocal instruction studio. In addition to being an imaginative storyteller, Michael is an accomplished composer and vocalist. He lives in Salt Lake City with his husband and their four dogs. 

Photo credit: Michael Schoenfeld 

Links: 

Facebook

Goodreads

Woven Website

Woven Facebook Page

David Powers King was born in beautiful downtown Burbank, California where his love for film inspired him to become a writer. An avid fan of science fiction and fantasy, David also has a soft spot for zombies and the paranormal. He now lives in the mountain West with his wife and three children. 

Photo credit: Katie Pyne Rasmussen 

Links:

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Blog

Praise for Woven:

"It’s not often that you read a fantasy that feels as epic and original as Woven by King and Jensen. Clever, well-paced, and full of intrigue, it’s a superb read. Highly recommended."

— James Dashner, author of The Maze Runner

"WOVEN reads like a lost classic that was somehow just rediscovered. It has the feel of a comfortable, familiar blanket that's somehow been newly-made of the brightest, most original material possible, and it is pure pleasure to read."

— James A. Owen, author & illustrator of Here, There Be Dragons

"The worldbuilding is dynamic, original and intriguing … and the characters, appealing. A sure bet for high-fantasy fans." — Kirkus Reviews

"This brisk adventure from first-time authors Jensen and King is a charming quest tale in classic fantasy tradition." — Publisher’s Weekly

Rafflecopper Giveaway Link (One of 5 copies of Woven – signed by both authors):

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