Thursday, January 26, 2012

Bookanistas Review and Giveaway, The Death of Yorik Mortwell!


Okay, so anyone who knows me or my writing knows I'm a huge fan of creepy, so when I was sent a copy of THE DEATH OF YORIK MORTWELL, by Stephen Messer, I was entirely thrilled! 


I've always been a fan of the "underdog", and well, you can't get more underdog than poor Yorik, a little servant boy whose life is taken when he's purposefully hit by a rock by a spoiled rich boy who lives in the manor he serves at. Even in death, poor Yorik doesn't have it good. Once again he's a servant to a Princess who wants him to spy on the manor. 


I'm not going to give too much away, but this story has many twists and turns, wonderfully fascinating characters, and let's just says our hero, Yorik, learns some important lessons about life (in death), and by the end of the book he realizes he doesn't need to serve anyone anymore. 


So you have this beautiful macabre story by Mr. Messer (who is an awesome guy, btw), along with the fantastic illustrations of the one and only Gris Grimly! All combined this makes for a fantastically creepy-rific novel and I'm a little sad to have to give away this lovely signed hardcover, but hopefully it will go to a good home. 


Things of note: This book is a quick read, coming in at 175 pages, so if you know any children daunted by huge books, this compact novel won't scare them away. The book takes place in the Victorian age, but never fear, the prose are very attainable to all levels of readers. Readers who like a touch of creepy (think Tim Burton, not Wes Craven) should really enjoy this book. 


Here is what the School Library Journal had to say about The Death of Yorik Mortwell:
Gr 5 8—When spoiled Master Thomas of Ravenby Manor throws a rock at orphaned servant Yorik Mortwell, the 12-year-old falls from a tree and dies. Now a ghost, Yorik quickly acquires a new master, the Princess of the Aviary Glade, who demands that he haunt Ravenby—"You're a ghost and you've got to haunt something"—and to spy on it. Upon returning to the estate, Yorik goes in search of his servant sister, Susan. He encounters a pack of demon-hounds, Master Thomas, and the Yglhfm, evil Dark Ones that sit on shoulders whispering and wreaking havoc. Yorik must find how to defeat them. Full-page, macabre illustrations appear throughout. Lemony Snicket, Harry Potter, and Neil Gaiman enthusiasts will appreciate this engaging, eccentric adventure.—Krista Welz, North Bergen Public Library, NJ 


To learn more about Stephen Messer and his books, please visit his website and check out the interview Team Member Dawn Lariamore had with Stephen last year, talking about his debut novel WINDBLOWNE, which garnered fantastic reviews! 


To enter the The Death of Yorik Mortwell giveaway:
1. Follow this blog, because I will be soooo happy that you did. ;)
2. Leave a comment.
3. Take a midnight stroll around a creepy graveyard (this rule is optional).


Congrats, Stephen! Winner will be announced on Wednesday of next week! 

Now check out these other fabtastic Bookanista reviews & giveaways! 
Christine Fonseca  brings you a special Guestanista review of SPRINKLES AND SECRETS
Shannon Messenger delights in DEAD TO YOU – with giveaway
Beth Revis interviews TEMPEST author Julie Cross – with giveaway
Jessi Kirby takes a shine to the SURRENDER and new POSSESSSION covers
Stasia Ward Kehoe adores IN HONOR
Jen Hayley gushes over THE GIRL WHO LOVED A CITY
Veronica Rossi  is crazy for INCARNATE
Nikki Katz marvels at A MILLION SUNS
Gennifer Albin   is on fire over CINDER
Tracy Banghart  is all about THE OTHER LIFE 
Jessica Love wonders at THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

22 comments:

  1. Gotta say, this book looks really good! What an interesting concept...and fun. (I mean, as fun as a book about death can look and all....)

    Shelley

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    1. Shelley, it's an awesomely creepy little novel! ;)

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  2. Claudia Mills1/26/2012

    Love this book!!! Don't enter me, already have it!

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  3. Wow - this sounds amazing! And I love the cover. Creepy and cool!

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  4. Wow, I love this cover, Hilary. Thanks for pointing me in its direction.

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  5. Hi Hilary. I'd like to enter my name in the draw, it sounds like a fun read. I've joined your blog via GFC, walk in the graveyard, matbe not:^)

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    1. Carl, I don't blame you on the graveyard part. ;)

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  6. Would love to win this book!

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  7. This book sounds awesome! I'm a huge Tim Burton fan (and so are my stepkids), and I'm guessing I'd love this and so would they :)

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  8. This book sounds awesome! I love creepy and I know a few children who do too. I'm glad I stopped by!

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  9. You guys won't be disappointed! It's fantastically wicked and witty!

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  10. I'm extremely intrigued by this book. I hope I win because I love anything Tim Burton, and if this has the same feel I'm sold.

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  11. This book looks so good! LOVE your website!

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    1. Thanks, Tori! I love the purdy colors! ;)

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  12. Sounds so good! I should stop finding books I want to read or I'll go crazy! LOL
    It's very cold in here, but I'll take a walk in a creepy graveyard anyway. Very gothic!

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    1. You won't be disappointed! This is a great book!

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  13. Hi, Hilary! I keep hearing about this book, and would be thrilled for a chance to win a copy. Hooray for creepy, quirky middle grade!

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  14. hi miss hilary! wowee what a cool givaway! for sure you could put my name in the pot for this one. i looooove creepy stories and its even got cool illustrations. wow! how cool is that. i got my fingers crossed i could win that book.
    ...hugs from lenny
    president of the RATS RULE! fan club. :)

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    1. Lenny, you're in! I like your title, President of the RATS RULE Fan Club! Very nice! ;)

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  15. sounds like a GREAT BOOK! Would like to enter giveaway :)

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