karen andrea

About

Karen Andrea is a writer specialising in the children and Young Adult market and living in London, UK. The Enchanted Library is her debut novel for 8 to 12's (and adults too!) It's an uplifting story about the adventures of Max Milford, when he is fostered by his grandpa and discovers a library of living books in a long-deserted room. It aims to promote literacy and self-belief.
When not reading or writing, Andrea is getting hyper on good coffee, people-watching in cafes, running children's workshops, practising yoga, cycling or hanging out with friends.

A King Under Siege

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Description

Richard II found himself under siege not once, but twice in his minority. Crowned king at age ten, he was only fourteen when the Peasants' Revolt terrorized London. But he proved himself every bit the Plantagenet successor, facing Wat Tyler and the rebels when all seemed lost. Alas, his triumph was short-lived, and for the next ten years he struggled to assert himself against his uncles and increasingly hostile nobles. Just like in the days of his great-grandfather Edward II, vengeful magnates strove to separate him from his friends and advisors, and even threatened to depose him if he refused to do their bidding. The Lords Appellant, as they came to be known, purged the royal household with the help of the Merciless Parliament. They murdered his closest allies, leaving the King alone and defenseless. He would never forget his humiliation at the hands of his subjects. Richard's inability to protect his adherents would haunt him for the rest of his life, and he vowed that next time, retribution would be his. B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree!

Story Behind The Book

Like many authors’ books, mine was inspired by a dream. I lived in Spain a few years ago and during siesta I'd visit a local bookshop to remind myself of my dream of becoming a published author one day. The bookshop was promoting Cervantes (of Don Quixote fame) and Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Shadow of the Wind) as the two best selling Spanish authors of all time. When I began thinking over the key to Zafon’s success, I imagined the elderly author’s spirit instructing the young author from beyond the grave. That night I dreamed vividly of a young boy discovering the magic of an abandoned library and reawakening its spell. I grabbed my notebook, feeling the tingly tug of inspiration. The Enchanted Library was born...

Media Links

LibraryThing

🔗 http://www.librarything.com/work/8471254

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Mumsnet UK

🔗 http://www.mumsnet.com/Reviews/ChildrensBooks/1764-the-enchanted-library-karen-andrea/age_range=17

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Flipkart- India

🔗 http://www.flipkart.com/enchanted-library-karen-andrea/1849231826-b0x3ful5rf

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Literary Consultancy

🔗 http://www.literaryconsultancy.co.uk/success.php

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UK writing events calendar

🔗 http://www.writewords.org.uk/calendar/

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Twitter by Faithless percussionist

🔗 http://twitter.com/sudhaha

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Trade press review

🔗 http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/obiter/reviews-books-cast-a-magic-spell

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Children's book illustrator's blog

🔗 http://createdbythestar.blogspot.com/2008/12/black-and-white-work.html

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Twitter by writer/ booklover

🔗 http://twitter.com/NQuentinWoolf

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Newstin

🔗 http://www.newstin.cz/show-document.a?edition=us&document_id=118415924

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DIPNET recommended read

🔗 http://www.dipnet.org.uk/recommended-reads/list/category/childrens-fiction/

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Oh Baby! shop, London

🔗 http://www.ohbabylondon.com/blog/index.php?/archives/164-Enchanted-Library-event-at-eastside-books.html

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Alternative Health - top 10 books

🔗 http://www.alternativehealth.co.uk/alternativhea-21/listmania/R2XUQJ2HQ7ZOS7/203-3192299-7951909

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writing article

🔗 http://www.writersnews.co.uk/newssept09/andrea.asp

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amazon top 500 review

🔗 http://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Library-Karen-Andrea/dp/1849231826?tag=freado0c-20

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press review

🔗 http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/content/redbridge/recorder/whatson/story.aspx?brand=REConline&category=whatsonBooks&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=whatsonnewham&itemid=WeED26%20Aug%202009%2017%3A35%3A06%3A993

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Book tour - Borders, Islington 3rd October 2009 at 12noon

🔗 http://islington.borders.co.uk/events/islington/70/

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Reviews

'An instant classic' - TCM reviews, September 2009 'The Enchanted Library is a delightful read and a wonderful example of the healing power of books and the imagination. With its beautiful illustrations and original storyline, it is a must-have addition to any children’s library. It is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds, but parents will love it too.' - DIPNET (Diversity in Publishing) 'A great yarn! It sends wonderful messages to kids to believe in their own abilities. I can't wait for it to enchant our library shelves.' - Anna Sutton, junior school teacher, London. Brilliant, when's the next one coming! Bought this as a gift for my niece and this was her exact response after reading it. "i thought the book was really gr8 and i think it shud b made in2 a film and if it woz i wud definatly buy it cant w8 4 nxt 1" I'll now be looking out for more books by this author! - Jo, Amazon reviewer UK 'Original, intriguing, streetwise.' - Martyn Bearsdley, Sir Gadabout Books. 'This is a wonderful book about magic and the wonders of the imagination. I loved it! Max Milford is a lonely orphan, longing for a family to love him, and friends to like him. He gets a suprise call to go and live with his grandad in a rambling old house. The school bully quickly latches onto Max, because he has a phobia of reading and writing. Max finds surprising solace when he discovers a library of talking books in an abandoned room. The book characters are warm and brilliant and funny, and befriend Max, leading him to solve an intruiging mystery, and to believe in himself again. Its aimed at 8-12's, but I think parents will love it too.' - Mumsnetter review 'A charming and exciting book,' - Law Gazette

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