Guardian by Katie Hines will soon arrive

As the second part of the VBT Writers on the Move blog tour for August, I want to introduce Katie Hines' book Guardian.

First, let's learn a bit more about the author through her biography:

Katie Hines has been writing snippets here and there as long as she can remember. When in 8th grade, she wrote a short story called, “Underworld.” Then, in high school, she wrote several poems that were published in an anthology.

Marriage and raising two children contributed to putting away writing for a few years, but she came back to it while in her 40s. Since that time, she has been a contributing feature writer and columnist for a local newspaper, has written several features articles for another area newspaper, and wrote religious and humor articles for an online Catholic ezine.

Her short story, “My Name is Bib,” was published by the Loch Raven Review in October, 2008.

Finished with Guardian, Hines is currently working on another middle grade urban fantasy novel, as well as a couple of chapter books, and is extending “My Name is Bib” into a full young adult novel.

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Now, we'll learn more about the book through the synopsis provided by Katie in her media kit.

Imagine you have made a secret promise that can lead you to the discovery of an incredible treasure and an ancient power. But in order to fulfill that promise, you must defeat an age-old sect that is determined to claim the treasure and power themselves.

Drew Newman is ready to tell his friends a secret, but two strangers burst on the scene, demanding an ancient, magical, book. He plummets into a world of uncertainty and fear as his home is invaded and he desperately tries to find the book.

Aided by the mysterious Jean-Paul, Drew’s search takes him and friends to Oak Island, Nova Scotia, where he continues his search. Joined with his Grandpa Ian and cousin, Zea, the tension ratches up when Drew is kidnapped and he encounters the head of a sect that wants the book, a magical talisman and a treasure, for themselves.

Sprinkled with magic, Guardian explores the commitment of a boy determined to fulfill his promise to his mother and claim an uncertain destiny.

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Guardian will be available for advance ordering in about a month through 4RV Publishing.


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Introducing Katie Hines

The VBT - Writers on the Move August rotation starts today, August 1. 4RV Publishing has several authors who take part: Linda Asato, Lea Schizas, Crystalee Calderwood, Katie Hines, and me, Vivian Zabel.

Today I get to combine hosting a VBT member and introducing one of the 4RV authors. I will be giving more information about her book August 3.



Several months ago, Katie Hines submitted a manuscript to 4RV Publishing, a fantasy. Now, I read some fantasies, but I’m not a fanatic fan of the genre. However, I like good writing. Guardian made a good first read, but I hadn’t made a final decision. I didn’t know how teens would react to the story, how much editing would be needed, none of the details involved in accepting a manuscript.

At the time the company was extremely busy, and manuscripts were piling up faster than any of the editors could thoroughly go through them and decide what we wanted to accept. One of my grandsons, an avid and very exacting reader, found Guardian and read it.

He brought it to me and informed me that we needed to accept the book. He said it needed some work, but it would be worth it.

Ahh, he’s not a babe, so I can’t use the quote “from the mouths of babes” exactly, but he knew what he was talking about.

One of our excellent illustrators prepared a cover. One of our best editors is working with Katie. When the final revisions are finished, Guardian will be one of the best books in the fantasy genre, all due to a talented author -- Katie Hines.

Monday I will discuss the book more and show the cover.


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