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Intended as the first in a trilogy, The Salamander Stone is a young adult novel of contemporary fantasy and paranormal horror, featuring monsters, teen angst, and one girl's journey to heal her estranged relationship with her family, as well as herself.
About the author
Heidi Nickerson is a speculative fiction writer who strives to tell irreverent stories with introspection, humor, and action-packed pacing. She particularly enjoys writing tales that highlight the universal elements of folklore and philosophy within everyday frustrations and experiences.
When not writing about monsters, Heidi creates, reviews, and edits marketing material for Morgan James Publishing. She received her bachelor’s degree in english in 2013, and her earlier work as a content writer and copywriter has appeared in a variety of research-based online publications. She currently resides in Richmond, VA, with her husband and two children.
Summary
“By employing a vivid bestiary of creature both mundane and monstrous, Nickerson crafts a fantastical series opener that leaves ample room for future installments.” —Publisher’s Weekly
“Fast, funny, and weird in the best way! The Salamander Stone has the extremely messed up teen angst you’re looking for.”—Travis Baldree, New York Times, USA Today and ABA Indie best-selling author of Legends & Lattes
Ellie Adair isn’t surprised when a vampire appears in the takeout window of her part-time job, and while she’s afraid of the flame salamander attacking her employer’s ice cream store, she’s come to expect these sudden monster attacks. They’ve been happening across the globe for nearly a year, to the point that local governments are beginning to fund towns that organize their own “monster-hunting” militias.
But Ellie’s not concerned with the Beowulf Brigade’s newsletter or the push for vampires to integrate into society. She’s too busy searching for answers about her father's disappearance, her mother's battle with mental illness, her grandfather’s suddenly failing health, and the fact that—just weeks after turning sixteen—Ellie starts transforming into a lumbering, bloodthirsty beast.
In a world where insurance companies offer supernatural creature coverage for monster attacks and restaurants offer hema, a blood substitute for vampires wanting to follow more sustainable diets, Ellie isn't sure which side she's on, but she knows that whatever is kidnapping teens from Errolton High School needs to be stopped. And maybe, with the help of her friends, her monstrous persona can make a difference.
The Salamander Stone is a tale of monsters, teen angst, and one girl's journey to heal her estranged relationship with her family—and herself.
Foreword
- Target fans of YA fantasy/horror, readers of graphic novels/webcomics, high school English teachers, and school/community librarians looking for an action-packed story of monsters and friendship
- Grow email list
- Post regularly to Twitter (6.8+k followers), TikTok (BookTok), Facebook, Instagram, Twitch
- Working with Maggie Siciliano/MomentsNMayhem Social Media Support (BookTok, TeacherTok, 80k+ Followers on TikTok @MomentsNMayhem)
- Conduct regular livestreams on TikTok and Twitch
- Speak as a guest on podcasts and other YouTube channels
- Host launch events and signings online and in person
- Connect with school teachers for virtual or in-person classroom visits
- Set up booths at comic/anime conventions
- Submit to major industry reviewers, including Publishers Weekly and Foreword Reviews
- The book is a clean read for a young adult audience
- Current Endorsements/Blurbs Received
- Webtoon Creator Lumaga (13.8 Million Views, 230K subscribers)
- Author Marta Acosta (Marvel's The She-Hulk Diaries, Simon & Schuster's Happy Hour at Casa Dracula)
- Author Travis Baldree (Tor Books' Legends & Lattes)
