Published by Greg on 01 Feb 2010
Hello! Thanks for coming by writingandsnacks.com, the official website of Greg van Eekhout (that’s me). I write books and stories for kids and adults. Norse Code (2009) is a fantasy novel for grownups. My first book for young readers, Kid vs. Squid is on sale now wherever books are sold.
:: News Item - Summer 2010 ::
Kid vs. Squid has been picked by independent booksellers for the Summer 2010 Kids’ Indie Next List. Coolest thing is? I get to display this groovy badge:
KID vs. SQUID
(for readers aged 8 to 12)
KIRKUS REVIEWS SAYS:
Drawing together a memorable supporting cast that ranges from a half-human Atlantean princess to a genial shark-man (“Howdy-do. Swim with us to shore or we’ll eat your legs”), van Eekhout chivvies the plot along at a lively pace to a hold-your-breath climax and a deftly choreographed resolution. He also leaves the main characters around for sequels — which in this case, at least, could be a Good Thing.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL SAYS:
Van Eekhout carefully balances his tongue in his cheek with some really creepy situations, and the result is a humorous fantasy that will rush over young readers like a tidal wave.
NORSE CODE
(for adult readers)
Is this Ragnarok, or just California?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY SAYS:
Short story author van Eekhout makes a successful leap to long fiction with this thrilling urban fantasy. As human civilizations crumble, Valkyries prepare for Ragnarok by using DNA testing to select perfect warriors for their army of the dead. Resurrected NorseCODE operative Mist loses faith in the project after a tragic accident, and she goes AWOL. After Mist encounters the near-forgotten god Hermod as he investigates portents of doom along the California coastline, the two journey into the afterlife of Helheim, where they make some unexpected allies. With deities scheming and ancient prophecies coming true, can a reluctant Valkyrie and a world-weary god prevent the apocalypse? … van Eekhout is an author to watch. (Review Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)
SHOW AND TELL AND OTHER STORIES
(for adult readers)
A chapbook sampler of six short stories, doodles, and author’s notes, available for order from Tropism Press.
PAUL DI FILIPPO (ASIMOV’S SCIENCE FICTION) SAYS:
Van Eekhout’s language is zestily inventive, his story premises splendidly wacky, and his execution flawless. Whether he features Santa Claus as an end-times superhero á la Captain Future (“In the Late December”) or posthuman school kids striving for a good grade (the title story), he can be counted on to amaze, entertain, and illuminate the sapient condition.