Book 3 is coming, look busy
Warning: contains mild visual spoilers for book 3...
Greetings, mortals!
This month, my brain is about to explode with pre-publication checklists and sudden realisations that I’ve forgotten to do something vital. Because….Loki 3 is coming out NEXT WEEK and I am not ready. I’m not sure I’m ever ready.
I used to assume that launching new books would get easier the more I released but, seven books in, I think it’s time to accept that it won’t, and hurl myself into the fear and chaos each time like it’s a completely new experience. Here’s a Tik Tok I made about it in one of my favourite places, Abney Park Cemetery.
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Loki goes North
I went on my first tour abroad recently. In a coals/newcastle turn of events, Loki’s published in Norway.
It was brilliant to meet all the kids in Oslo. And particular thanks to the teacher who allowed himself to be turned into a monstrous villan in one character making exercise…
And please enjoy an obligatory Fjord picture.
Loki on telly!
Some eagle-eyed pals spotted that Loki book 2 was on Ted Lasso! Thanks Tom and Laura and everyone who sent pics!
(Obv there’s no such thing as gratuitous cats…all cats should be included in any picture they want to be in.)
Here we go…
So, as I said, Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Ruling the World is out next week. Here’s a graphic of my various public events, if any of them are local to you? I’ll also be going on a schools tour to Cornwall, which I’m very excited about. It was Scotland for book 2, so feels suitable going to the other end of the UK.
About book three
A Bad God’s Guide to Ruling the World was my favourite Loki to write so far. In it, Loki backslides, and delving into the darker reaches of his mind was a lot of evil fun. It owes a debt to Lord of the Rings, too, which was my childhood passion (and, let’s be honest, past childhood too…my 18th birthday was a LOTR fancy dress party. I was Frodo, if you’re interested). The myth it’s based on is about a dwarf called Andvari whose ring Loki steals (well, he wouldn’t call it stealing exactly) leading to Andvari cursing the ring. After that, anyone who possesses it is doomed. And, unluckily for Loki, it comes into his possession during a school play. Bad Things ensue. Here’s a little sneak peek at a couple of pages….minor spoilers only. Such as the name of the handsome god who isn’t Loki…scroll past these pics if you don’t wanna be spoiled at all!
Joke of the day
This meme made me laugh a LOT.
Books of the month
There are some INCREDIBLE books coming out in June. Here are some of my faves that I was lucky enough to get proofs for.
For younger children (3+):
For younger Loki-aged readers (8+):
My Family and Other Romans by Marie Basting - funny and truly bizarre. Marie is a unique writer who will throw you images you never expected to see, with a brilliant family adventure story featuring Romans, LARPing and celebrity cameos.
City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak - this is one of the most exciting new authors I have come across in years. She’s created something truly special - a magical middle grade story set in the 19th century that grapples with the reality of that time, with a genius magic system that had me overly invested in what time of magic I would practice, and opening children’s eyes to the truth of the British Empire that they might not have beeen taught at school, all wrapped up in a compelling, page-turning story.
The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder by Kereen Getten - perfect Famous Five style escapism but with added class war, and set on an island of Jamaica. Truly joyous, and well-observed when it comes to friendships between children, with all the tensions and power dynamics at play.
Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend by Lizzie Huxley-Jones - A welsh-inspired fantasy romp with brilliant characters, witty dialogue and awesome action. I haven’t quite finished it so don’t tell me the ending!
For older Loki-aged readers (11+):
Bite Risk by S.J. Wills - a truly gripping werewolf conspiracy thriller. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things and all things creepy and compelling.
June feels like an amazing month of books, there are so many in my pile I haven’t managed to get to yet. This one by Lorraine Gregory looks intriguing for example.
Here we go…
So. The tour is about to begin. Better go and wash my Loki t shirts. In the meantime….you can still preorder a signed and doodled Loki until tomorrow afternoon from Pickled Pepper or Wonderland!
Louie xx
I may have read that headline in Rowan Atkinson's voice from Johnny English...