New Teen Fiction: Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City
I have a vested interest in finding great Young Adult novels because my teen and 'tween are voracious readers. They have totally different tastes in books but have one thing in common: it's hard to keep them stocked with books to read.
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to be introduced to five new Young Adult authors. A few were previously published in other genres and debuting in YA fiction; one was a brand new published author named Kirsten Miller. Miller's Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City made its debut this month.
Imagine a world of tunnels and rooms crisscrossing under the streets of New York. They're really there, and fascinated first-time author Kirsten Miller. "Occasionally, parts of New York’s hidden underground are accidentally exposed. When this happens, I’m always one of the first civilians on the scene," said Miller. The underground world of New York is where twelve year-old Kiki Strike and her band of "Irregulars" operate to save the world in Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City.
Kiki's goal in life is to be "dangerous." She handpicks five girls to form her "Irregulars," each with her own 'special' talent, such as forgery, chemistry, the art of disguise, and audio surveillance. Together, they explore the Shadow City (New York's underground) - and in the process stumble onto an evil plan to take over the world. Robbery, kidnapping, royalty, disguises, mayhem...the Irregulars will need every one of their unusual talents to take it all on and save the world.
Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City is the first book in a series. Each book will focus on one of the Irregulars. The second book is already in the works. "... the story will center on Kiki Strike and her adventures with Oona Wong, who’s a master forger, computer hacker, manicurist, and all-around troublemaker," said Miller.
The book is appealing - what kid isn't fascinated with hidden rooms, tunnels and disguises? What kid isn't convinced they are capable of so much more than adults believe them to be? And how cool is it that one of the book's "coming out" parties was at the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.?
The cover is eye-catching, in the style of manga but more refined. "It’s the creation of a New York artist by the name of Tara McPherson," said Miller. "I had always felt the book needed a cover that was, at the same time, both cute and dangerous. I also knew this was easier said than done. To my surprise, that somewhat bizarre combination appeared to be Tara McPherson’s specialty. I expected McPherson to come up with something amazing, but the mirror image—New York above and the Shadow City below—knocked my socks off," said Miller.
The series is backed by a web site (http://www.kikistrike.com), which includes a blog written by Ananka, one of the Irregulars, and profiles of the Irregulars.
Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City is an edgy adventure and makes a great summertime read for 'tweens and teens.
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to be introduced to five new Young Adult authors. A few were previously published in other genres and debuting in YA fiction; one was a brand new published author named Kirsten Miller. Miller's Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City made its debut this month.
Imagine a world of tunnels and rooms crisscrossing under the streets of New York. They're really there, and fascinated first-time author Kirsten Miller. "Occasionally, parts of New York’s hidden underground are accidentally exposed. When this happens, I’m always one of the first civilians on the scene," said Miller. The underground world of New York is where twelve year-old Kiki Strike and her band of "Irregulars" operate to save the world in Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City.
Kiki's goal in life is to be "dangerous." She handpicks five girls to form her "Irregulars," each with her own 'special' talent, such as forgery, chemistry, the art of disguise, and audio surveillance. Together, they explore the Shadow City (New York's underground) - and in the process stumble onto an evil plan to take over the world. Robbery, kidnapping, royalty, disguises, mayhem...the Irregulars will need every one of their unusual talents to take it all on and save the world.
Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City is the first book in a series. Each book will focus on one of the Irregulars. The second book is already in the works. "... the story will center on Kiki Strike and her adventures with Oona Wong, who’s a master forger, computer hacker, manicurist, and all-around troublemaker," said Miller.
The book is appealing - what kid isn't fascinated with hidden rooms, tunnels and disguises? What kid isn't convinced they are capable of so much more than adults believe them to be? And how cool is it that one of the book's "coming out" parties was at the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.?
The cover is eye-catching, in the style of manga but more refined. "It’s the creation of a New York artist by the name of Tara McPherson," said Miller. "I had always felt the book needed a cover that was, at the same time, both cute and dangerous. I also knew this was easier said than done. To my surprise, that somewhat bizarre combination appeared to be Tara McPherson’s specialty. I expected McPherson to come up with something amazing, but the mirror image—New York above and the Shadow City below—knocked my socks off," said Miller.
The series is backed by a web site (http://www.kikistrike.com), which includes a blog written by Ananka, one of the Irregulars, and profiles of the Irregulars.
Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City is an edgy adventure and makes a great summertime read for 'tweens and teens.