So I’ve finally got some cover art to share for Dark Frost, the third book in my Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series. This isn’t the final version of the cover, but this is pretty much what it will look like. I like the way the overall style/theme from the first two covers continues with this one.

Also, here’s the back cover copy for the book. Please note that it does contain some spoilers for Kiss of Frost. So if you haven’t read Kiss of Frost yet, you may want to skip over the back cover copy for Dark Frost:

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall.  I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me — again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects — and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school.  But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way.  The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom.  So why do they have it in for me?  It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me — and I’m in for the fight of my life.

You can read the first chapter of the book here, although once again please note that it does contain some spoilers for Kiss of Frost.

Dark Frost will be released on May 29, 2012. The book is up for pre-order at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve sold three more Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy books to my publisher, Kensington. Huzzah!

I’ve gotten a lot of nice comments and e-mails about the series, and I’m really happy that I’m going to be able to write more adventures for Gwen, Logan, Vic, and the rest of the Mythos Academy gang. Right now, it looks like the title of the fourth book will be Crimson Frost and that it will be published in January 2013, but that is still tentative right now. When I get more updates, I’ll let you know.

I’m not sure if these six books will let me finish out the series or not. I was thinking about writing seven books for the main story arc of Gwen battling Loki and his Reapers of Chaos. If the series does well, I may end up writing more than seven books or maybe doing a spinoff series or something like that. So I’ll see how it goes.

In the meantime, I’m doing the happy dance.

So it’s time to start thinking about Christmas presents. Well, actually past time, since Black Friday has already come and gone, and Christmas is only a few weeks away now.

I always buy several books for the folks on my holiday list, and of course I ask for books for myself too. Here are some books and other things I’m thinking about giving and hopefully getting this holiday season. Maybe one of these items will help you out with your shopping list too:

ACTION-ADVENTURE THRILLERS

The Affair by Lee Child: Wheezley and I both like the Jack Reacher series, so I’ll probably be getting this latest book in the series for him … and then read it myself later on. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Just don’t tell Wheezley that, though.

Dark of the Moon by John Sandford: I like Sandford’s Prey books, and this spin-off series featuring the character of Virgil Flowers looks interesting. I might get this one for my dad.

Thick as Thieves by Peter Spiegelman: I’m a sucker for books about thieves and heists, and this sounds like a cool thriller.

FANTASY BOOKS

Happily Ever After anthology: I actually bought this one for Wheezley a while back, but if you have someone who likes fairy tales on your list, you might consider this book. It features by a variety of authors, including Neil Gaiman and Holly Black.

Hexed by Kevin Hearne: Earlier this year, I bought Hounded, the first book in the Iron Druid series, for Wheezley. He enjoyed it, so he’ll probably be getting this one too.

Chicks Kick Butt anthology: I’ve had my eye on this urban fantasy anthology for a while now. It features stories from several authors, including Rachel Vincent and Jenna Black. Plus, I think that’s a really cool cover.

Zombies: The Recent Dead anthology: The title says it all — this anthology features zombie stories, including one by Neil Gaiman. Wheezley may end up getting this book, along with a DVD set of the first season of The Walking Dead television show. Nothing says holiday spirit like zombies, right?

ROMANCE

Baby, Don’t Go by Stephanie Bond: My mom and I like contemporary romances, and we’ve both enjoyed the other books in this series, so I’ll probably be getting this one for her.

A Place Called Home by Jo Goodman: I’m interested in checking out this contemporary romance, which features a couple thrown together when they are named joint guardians of their late friends’ children.

A Texas Christmas anthology: I’m in the mood to read some holiday stories, and this anthology features stories by four authors, including Jodi Thomas. I love westerns, so I may get this one for myself before Christmas.

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins: I’ve enjoyed some of her other books, and I’m looking forward to reading hew newest contemporary romance.

YOUNG ADULT

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George: I love fairy tale retellings, and this one is based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses. This looks like a fun take on the old story.

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter: This is the second book in Carter’s Heist Society young adult series about a group of teen thieves. (Did I mention that I like books about thieves?) I enjoyed the first book, Heist Society, and plan to get this one too.

OTHER GIFT IDEAS:

Kindle Fire: This looks to be one of the big e-reader sellers this holiday season, along with the Nook Tablet.

Notables stationary items by Harlequin: I think the vintage covers on these stationary items are really cool. I have some of the matchbook notepads, and they’re great to tuck into your purse or jot down a quick note on.

Swarovski pens: If you have someone who enjoys writing letters, you might consider buying one of these crystal-filled pens for her. And look, there are even a couple of Hello Kitty pens, including this one.

So there you have it. Some of the books I hope to give and get this year and some other gift ideas. What about you guys? Which books do you want to give or get for the holidays? Anyone getting an e-reader for Christmas? If so, which one?

Is over at:

My Keeper Shelf

Are over at:

Small Review

Tynga’s Reviews