July 19, 2005, TURNERSVILLE, N J - Local author Diana Hignutt will be visiting several area bookstores this August to support her newest fantasy novel, Empress of Clouds (Behler Publications, ISBN 0-9748962-4-1, trade paperback, $16.95). Despite being almost completely overshadowed by the massive marketing power of Harry Potter, Hignutt’s novel has been quietly receiving critical acclaim, solid reviews and award nods since it was released early this year. Many publishing industry observers expect Hignutt’s popularity to take off, and top agents are currently reviewing her work. Publishers Weekly applauded the novel as “commendably brisk” and “superior fantasy fiction,” while radio host Louie Free (AM1360, Cleveland) has dubbed her work, “Harry Potter for adults.” Kristan Ryan, editor at awomanswrite.com says Hignutt is “one of America’s next great rulers of the fantasy world.” Empres of Clouds earned both finalist status at the 2004 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award for Science Fiction and semi-finalist status for the 2005 Independent Publishers IPPY Award for science fiction/fantasy.
Hignutt’s fast-paced faerie-tale thriller about a warrior prince transformed into a princess also offers local readers some familiar territory. Much of the book’s action takes place in the Pine Barrens of the mythical kingdom of Lorm, complete not only with vistas which could have been taken from South Jersey’s pinelands, but with mysterious blue holes, and creatures Hignutt calls Pine Devils (clearly based on the legendary Jersey Devil). Empress of Clouds is only Hignutt’s second novel, but already publishing experts expect her to go far. Jenna Glatzer, author and editor of AbsoluteWrite.com says, “One day soon (Diana Hignutt) will have people lined up outside bookstores to see her.” To which Hignutt adds, “I hope it starts this summer, but J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter is one tough rival.
August Events:
August 15, 2005, 7:30pm - Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 200 West Route 70,
Marlton, NJ 08053, phone 856.596.7098
August 20, 2005, 1:00 - 4:00pm - Between Books Bookstore, 2703 Philadelphia Pike,
Claymont, DE 19703, phone 302.798.3378
August 26, 2005, 7:00pm - Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 1805 Walnut Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19103, phone 215.665.9958
For More Information: Contact Pete Chamlis, Behler Publications pete.behlerpublications.com 888.265.5923
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