Coming in October: 'Do You Believe in Monsters?'
Book 2 of the popular teen and young adult fantasy series 'Dark Circles' is on the way!
DARK CIRCLES (teen and young adult fantasy series)
Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic? (debuted May 25)
Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters? (coming this October)
Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles? (coming February 2024)
When a writer takes readers on a magical journey, the author gets the pleasure of coming along for the ride. This has certainly been true for me! I’ve been having a blast writing Dark Circles, my teen and young adult fantasy series. The fantastical adventures of young Charlie and his courageous friends have captured my imagination. I’m as eager to see how it all turns out as my readers are!
One of the most rewarding parts for me has been working with an international team of illustrators and designers to produce the covers of my books. Our creative juices have been flowing like a river! And the time and effort has been well worth it. The cover of Do You Believe in Monsters? is now finished … and I love it! But I’m not going to reveal the complete cover just yet. Maybe in a couple of weeks? 😎
For those of you who have already enjoyed book 1 and are waiting patiently for book 2, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. As a special thank you, my newsletter subscribers will be given the opportunity to preorder Do You Believe in Monsters? at a discounted price before the book goes on sale to the general public.
Every Friday, I have been sending you the opening paragraphs from a chapter of Do You Believe in Magic?. I’ve also been breaking down each excerpt with comments about context, themes, and conflict — as well as including writing tips. You’ll receive the Chapter 9 excerpt this Friday morning.
Past excerpts
Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8
Here are some review excerpts and also a brief synopsis of book 1:
"Transcends fiction and fantasy by exploring the struggles of those coming of age."
—Chris Worthy, Upstate Parent magazine"Melvin shows his literary mastery as he weaves elements of potential and transformation."
—Ann Allen, The Charlotte Observer~~~
After discovering a magical waterfall deep in the forest, a boy and his dog embark on an epic adventure in a fantastical world filled with monsters and magic.
In the real world, Charlie is a 13-year-old nerd picked on by bullies. But in the fantasy world, he becomes a wizard wielding formidable powers.
Standing in his way is a vile monster bent on destruction.Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will have the courage to stand at Charlie’s side when the war begins.
~~~
"Be prepared for a full-blown launch into a fantasy realm loaded with magic, monsters, courageous acts, and a dash of sweet romance."
—Chris Harold Stevenson, award-winning author of everything fantasy and paranormal
"If the first book of this new series is any indication, you are in for a big treat and wild fantasy ride."
—Dave Scheiber, nationally renowned journalist and author
Special purchase prices: Do You Believe in Magic? is currently on promotion. The ebook has been discounted to 99 cents. The paperback has been discounted to $8.99.
Promotional note: Book 3 will complete the series. Do You Believe in Miracles? will debut in February 2024. The cover for book 3 is already in the works!
I have thoroughly enjoyed "Do You Believe in Magic?" and am looking forward to "Do You Believe in Monsters?" What a story Jim Melvin is telling! Big time adventure.