Welcome to the Guestbook!
I’m always eager to read your comments about my books and stories, so please feel free to pitch in. Here are a few things for you to know:
1) I answer the messages here personally.
2) No message shows up here until I actually answer it to prevent spam and other inappropriate postings. So there will sometimes be a delay before your message posts, especially if I am traveling.
3) Teachers, a gentle request: Please do not have multiple children send me variants of the same message. A group email is much easier to respond to and not such a drain on my time. My thanks in advance for being alert to this.
Sign the Guestbook!
950 entries.
I first read Into the Land of the Unicorns years and years ago, and it's always been one of my favorites, so I've been trying to track down the books again in ebook format, as I need the text-enlargening features, as much as I prefer physical books. I found the first two and the 3rd-book-split-into-two easily, but I can't find The Last Hunt anywhere as an ebook. Does it not exist as an ebook? Will it ever be turned into one or more ebooks?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Rita -
The fourth book, THE LAST HUNT, will now be split into three parts, making them books 5, 6, and 7 and the revised series. Book 5 is now available, under the title of THE INVASION OF LUSTER. Book 6, which will be called THE WOUNDED TREE is almost ready. Then it's on to Book 7, which I have not yet titled, but which will reveal all the secrets and mysteries and wrap up the story. Hope you'll enjoy these!
BC
The fourth book, THE LAST HUNT, will now be split into three parts, making them books 5, 6, and 7 and the revised series. Book 5 is now available, under the title of THE INVASION OF LUSTER. Book 6, which will be called THE WOUNDED TREE is almost ready. Then it's on to Book 7, which I have not yet titled, but which will reveal all the secrets and mysteries and wrap up the story. Hope you'll enjoy these!
BC
please write more books in the unicorn chronicles!!!
Reply by Bruce Coville
I have many ideas for more books about Luster, but I am not sure I will actually be writing any of them. Sorry. BC
thank you so much for your reply! I just re-downloaded the Guardian of Memory (which for some reason my kindle decided to remove?!) and i also poked around the internet and found another ebook called After the Third kiss and am excited to read more about Graumag's story as I fell in love with her liike I did with Lady Fire Throat. I know I told you before when I posted that I read Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher that I've never been big on dragons, But I Love Yours!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Tracy -
I hope you'll enjoy Graumag's story. The basis for it is in an old English ballad called by various names, but that I read as "The Laidly Worm of Spindlestone" when I was a kid. It was a tale that always stuck with me, and when I was asked to write a story for a book called DRAGONS I got to wondering what it was like to have been turned into a dragon and then turned back again. This story is my answer to that question!
I hope you'll enjoy Graumag's story. The basis for it is in an old English ballad called by various names, but that I read as "The Laidly Worm of Spindlestone" when I was a kid. It was a tale that always stuck with me, and when I was asked to write a story for a book called DRAGONS I got to wondering what it was like to have been turned into a dragon and then turned back again. This story is my answer to that question!
I have a question about the Unicorn Chronicles, it looks like your remarking them in smaller books (at least according to your sale page) and I just wanted to make sure I have them all! I have Into the Land of the Unicorns, Song of the Wanderer, Dark Whispers and The Last Hunt in hardback ,the ebook, the boy with silver eyes and the audiobook.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi Tracy -
Yep, you've got them all. I'm splitting up books 3 and 4 so that the new set will be more balanced. I've made some minor edits and changes but I think you are fine with the ones you have. There is one more short story - "The Guardian of Memory" - that you should probably get.
All best
BC
Yep, you've got them all. I'm splitting up books 3 and 4 so that the new set will be more balanced. I've made some minor edits and changes but I think you are fine with the ones you have. There is one more short story - "The Guardian of Memory" - that you should probably get.
All best
BC
Are you going to make more books?
Reply by Bruce Coville
I certainly hope so!!
Hello!!
I first read Into the Land of the Unicorn and Song of the Wanderer when I was in 5th grade. I was having a conversation with friends today about the most impactful books on our lives, and these two came to my mind immediately. They drove my interest in fantasy from that point on, and through a butterfly-effect have deeply influenced my life as an adult, even 20 years later (I still use a name from Song of the Wanderer as my username for everything online!). Imagine my surprise when I searched for the series online to find out that you've written three more books since then!! Can't wait to read them!
I first read Into the Land of the Unicorn and Song of the Wanderer when I was in 5th grade. I was having a conversation with friends today about the most impactful books on our lives, and these two came to my mind immediately. They drove my interest in fantasy from that point on, and through a butterfly-effect have deeply influenced my life as an adult, even 20 years later (I still use a name from Song of the Wanderer as my username for everything online!). Imagine my surprise when I searched for the series online to find out that you've written three more books since then!! Can't wait to read them!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Kelly -
Many thanks for this delightful message. I have felt guilty for years over how long it took me to finish the Unicorn series. The only justification I have for the unconscionable lagtime is that I felt an urgent need to get it right! I hope they will live up to your expectations!
Many good wishes,
BC
Many thanks for this delightful message. I have felt guilty for years over how long it took me to finish the Unicorn series. The only justification I have for the unconscionable lagtime is that I felt an urgent need to get it right! I hope they will live up to your expectations!
Many good wishes,
BC
I love your books. I became a fan because my mother in 1991 was giving the book Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher by her library teacher. It was the first book she ever read by herself, and she loved it so much that 26 years later when I was 6 she gave it to me for my birthday. We read it every night. When I was 10 I read it again all by myself.
I love your book because it has dragons and a sense of adventure. I loved the part when hatched the dragon Tiamat and all the trouble they got into. This book inspired me to make a little a book about a dragon named Havoc leaving his cave for the first time in a world without dragons, and he meets a dragon that lives in the ocean. I want to read more of your books, but Jeremy Thatcher will always be my favorit.
I love your book because it has dragons and a sense of adventure. I loved the part when hatched the dragon Tiamat and all the trouble they got into. This book inspired me to make a little a book about a dragon named Havoc leaving his cave for the first time in a world without dragons, and he meets a dragon that lives in the ocean. I want to read more of your books, but Jeremy Thatcher will always be my favorit.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Dear Jeffrey -
First off, my apologies for taking so long to respond to this lovely message. The guestbook is supposed to send me a notification when anyone posts a new message, but sometimes the system messes up and I don't get the alert.
It makes me truly happy to know that both you and your mom have gotten such enjoyment from reading JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER. I have published over a hundred books, and if I had to guess which one will be around longest after I am gone, JEREMY would be the one I would point to.
It especially pleases me to know that you were inspired to write your own dragon book. I urge you to save that book - it will mean a lot to you in years to come!
All good wishes,
BC
First off, my apologies for taking so long to respond to this lovely message. The guestbook is supposed to send me a notification when anyone posts a new message, but sometimes the system messes up and I don't get the alert.
It makes me truly happy to know that both you and your mom have gotten such enjoyment from reading JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER. I have published over a hundred books, and if I had to guess which one will be around longest after I am gone, JEREMY would be the one I would point to.
It especially pleases me to know that you were inspired to write your own dragon book. I urge you to save that book - it will mean a lot to you in years to come!
All good wishes,
BC
Dear Mr. Coville-
Thank you so much for writing and continuing to write such excellent books. The empathy and sensitivity you have for children in all types of family situations shines through your work, and was especially comforting to me as a child of divorce when most protagonists of the books I read either had married parents or were orphans.
Ten years after first picking up your BOOK OF NIGHTMARES I'm still freaked out by "There's Nothing Under the Bed," a true testament to your craft (and probably the story most responsible for setting me down the path of the horror fan, moreso than any other children's horror). I also loved your unicorn stories---both the Chronicles and A Glory of Unicorns. Your adamant insistence on unicorns as creatures of innocence and freedom was unique in my experience---as a teen and even now as a post-adolescent reader the trend seems to be that pure, sincere appreciation of magical creatures is for dorks, and that cool kids only read about unicorns (or dragons, or aliens) that are dangerous and "edgy."
Perhaps that's just nostalgia talking. What I mean to say is, your works have impacted me deeply, and now as a twenty-one-year-old I still hold a special place in my heart for them. The people who manage to make it to your website and work up the courage to leave a note in the guest book are but a fraction of the number you have touched in an immensely positive way.
I hope you and yours are in good health, and thank you again for being such a light in the world.
-Derek
Thank you so much for writing and continuing to write such excellent books. The empathy and sensitivity you have for children in all types of family situations shines through your work, and was especially comforting to me as a child of divorce when most protagonists of the books I read either had married parents or were orphans.
Ten years after first picking up your BOOK OF NIGHTMARES I'm still freaked out by "There's Nothing Under the Bed," a true testament to your craft (and probably the story most responsible for setting me down the path of the horror fan, moreso than any other children's horror). I also loved your unicorn stories---both the Chronicles and A Glory of Unicorns. Your adamant insistence on unicorns as creatures of innocence and freedom was unique in my experience---as a teen and even now as a post-adolescent reader the trend seems to be that pure, sincere appreciation of magical creatures is for dorks, and that cool kids only read about unicorns (or dragons, or aliens) that are dangerous and "edgy."
Perhaps that's just nostalgia talking. What I mean to say is, your works have impacted me deeply, and now as a twenty-one-year-old I still hold a special place in my heart for them. The people who manage to make it to your website and work up the courage to leave a note in the guest book are but a fraction of the number you have touched in an immensely positive way.
I hope you and yours are in good health, and thank you again for being such a light in the world.
-Derek
Reply by Bruce Coville
Dear Derek -
First off, my sincere apologies for being so tardy in responding. The Guestbook is supposed to send me an email to alert me when someone posts here, but sometimes the system gets wonky and I don't find out. I am very sorry for the delay.
I got a kick out of your memories of "There's Nothing Under the Bed." I think it's the scariest story I ever wrote. (Years after she worked on it, my editor told me she still had nightmares about it sometimes!)
Your appreciation for the Unicorn Chronicles, and my portrayal of the unicorns, speaks to me deeply. I realized way back in high school that I was a "dork" and there really wasn't anything I could do about it, so I've tried to embrace that identity (which, despite the sneering attitude behind the term I think has a great deal of positive and good energy).
I truly appreciate this message. I hope you are well and thriving, and I wish you much joy in your life.
BC
First off, my sincere apologies for being so tardy in responding. The Guestbook is supposed to send me an email to alert me when someone posts here, but sometimes the system gets wonky and I don't find out. I am very sorry for the delay.
I got a kick out of your memories of "There's Nothing Under the Bed." I think it's the scariest story I ever wrote. (Years after she worked on it, my editor told me she still had nightmares about it sometimes!)
Your appreciation for the Unicorn Chronicles, and my portrayal of the unicorns, speaks to me deeply. I realized way back in high school that I was a "dork" and there really wasn't anything I could do about it, so I've tried to embrace that identity (which, despite the sneering attitude behind the term I think has a great deal of positive and good energy).
I truly appreciate this message. I hope you are well and thriving, and I wish you much joy in your life.
BC
I've been reading the unicorn chronicles since I was in the 7th grade (1996). I still have my original copy of Into The Land Of The Unicorns. I recently started reading them to my 5 year old before bed and he is absolutely in love. His favorite character, of course, is the squijum.
I hadn't known that there was a fourth book and was very upset to see it was going for $100 on ebay. I'm SO excited that it's being re-released. I cannot wait to get to reading it with my son. We're just finishing up Dark Whispers, but I'm thinking of going back and reading Enter The Whisperer and Secret Of The Delvers.
I'm so thankful for this series and all the joy it brought me as a child and that it is now bringing my child!
I hadn't known that there was a fourth book and was very upset to see it was going for $100 on ebay. I'm SO excited that it's being re-released. I cannot wait to get to reading it with my son. We're just finishing up Dark Whispers, but I'm thinking of going back and reading Enter The Whisperer and Secret Of The Delvers.
I'm so thankful for this series and all the joy it brought me as a child and that it is now bringing my child!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Greetings, Jennifer!
Thanks for this lovely message. I cannot tell you how it delights me that you are reading this to your 5 year old and that he loves them. That said, I should warn you that as the series goes on it does become darker. I mean, the threat of Beloved is real, and it escalates.
Bringing back the series has been a true joy, but was also more difficult than I anticipated, as I am working diligently to make the stories even better and more cohesive!
Thanks for sticking with me for all these years! Also, please tell your son I said hello!
All good wishes,
BC
Thanks for this lovely message. I cannot tell you how it delights me that you are reading this to your 5 year old and that he loves them. That said, I should warn you that as the series goes on it does become darker. I mean, the threat of Beloved is real, and it escalates.
Bringing back the series has been a true joy, but was also more difficult than I anticipated, as I am working diligently to make the stories even better and more cohesive!
Thanks for sticking with me for all these years! Also, please tell your son I said hello!
All good wishes,
BC
Dear Bruce Coville,
Thank you for writing Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher. We love your adventurous and magical tale. We enjoyed reading about how Jeremy finds Mr. Elive’s Magic Shop and raises Tiamat.
Here are some of our favorite parts:
We loved the part when Tiamat visits the dinner table. We roared with laughter when Mr. Thatcher dunked his head in the mashed potatoes. We also liked the part where Tiamat gives the art teacher, Mr. Kravitz, a hot foot. Hilarious!
Finally, it was so humorous when Mary Lou gave Jeremy the Love Letter of Doom, but very embarrassing for Jeremy.
Here are a few questions we have:
1. Why is Tiamat’s egg multicolored, but Tiamat isn’t?
2. Why did Tiamat choose Jeremy?
2. What happens to Jeremy after the book ends? Will Jeremy have the connection with Tiamat until he dies?
4. What other books of yours do you recommend we read next? We have read The Monster’s Ring and Jeremy Thatcher.
We would love it if you could please try to write another book with Jeremy Thatcher in it. How about a book where Jeremy Thatcher gets the ring and Russell Crannaker gets Tiamat? A swapping book? Or, what if Jeremy meets Russell?
Sincerely,
Ms. Bachmuth’s Third Grade Class
Thank you for writing Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher. We love your adventurous and magical tale. We enjoyed reading about how Jeremy finds Mr. Elive’s Magic Shop and raises Tiamat.
Here are some of our favorite parts:
We loved the part when Tiamat visits the dinner table. We roared with laughter when Mr. Thatcher dunked his head in the mashed potatoes. We also liked the part where Tiamat gives the art teacher, Mr. Kravitz, a hot foot. Hilarious!
Finally, it was so humorous when Mary Lou gave Jeremy the Love Letter of Doom, but very embarrassing for Jeremy.
Here are a few questions we have:
1. Why is Tiamat’s egg multicolored, but Tiamat isn’t?
2. Why did Tiamat choose Jeremy?
2. What happens to Jeremy after the book ends? Will Jeremy have the connection with Tiamat until he dies?
4. What other books of yours do you recommend we read next? We have read The Monster’s Ring and Jeremy Thatcher.
We would love it if you could please try to write another book with Jeremy Thatcher in it. How about a book where Jeremy Thatcher gets the ring and Russell Crannaker gets Tiamat? A swapping book? Or, what if Jeremy meets Russell?
Sincerely,
Ms. Bachmuth’s Third Grade Class
Reply by Bruce Coville
Ahoy Ms. Bachmuth's Third Grade!
I am so delighted to know that you are enjoying JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER. I truly believe that out of the 105 books I have published, this is the one more likely to live on after I am gone.
It makes me happy to know that you enjoyed the dinner table scene, because I had so much fun writing it. It made me laugh out loud when I was working on it, which doesn't happen all that often!
About your questions:
1. Why is Tiamat’s egg multicolored, but Tiamat isn’t?
A. The egg is a swirl of colors because Tiamat is not finished developing. Once she has, her color settles.
2. Why did Tiamat choose Jeremy?
A. When Jeremy came into Mr. Elives' shop he was the right person at the right time. Because of his dad he had some knowledge about how to deal with animals, and also (and more important) he had an open heart!
3. What happens to Jeremy after the book ends? Will Jeremy have the connection with Tiamat until he dies?
A. I purposefully left that unanswered, so that each reader can fill in the answer for her or his self.
4. What other books of yours do you recommend we read next? We have read The Monster’s Ring and Jeremy Thatcher.
A. I would definitely say that you should go on to JENNIFER MURDLEY'S TOAD!
I do not know if I will ever writer another Magic Shop book. I do sometimes think about having some of the Magic Shop kids get together.
Thanks again for being such faithful readers. May your lives to come be filled with a bazillion fabulous books!
Your friend,
Bruce Coville
I am so delighted to know that you are enjoying JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER. I truly believe that out of the 105 books I have published, this is the one more likely to live on after I am gone.
It makes me happy to know that you enjoyed the dinner table scene, because I had so much fun writing it. It made me laugh out loud when I was working on it, which doesn't happen all that often!
About your questions:
1. Why is Tiamat’s egg multicolored, but Tiamat isn’t?
A. The egg is a swirl of colors because Tiamat is not finished developing. Once she has, her color settles.
2. Why did Tiamat choose Jeremy?
A. When Jeremy came into Mr. Elives' shop he was the right person at the right time. Because of his dad he had some knowledge about how to deal with animals, and also (and more important) he had an open heart!
3. What happens to Jeremy after the book ends? Will Jeremy have the connection with Tiamat until he dies?
A. I purposefully left that unanswered, so that each reader can fill in the answer for her or his self.
4. What other books of yours do you recommend we read next? We have read The Monster’s Ring and Jeremy Thatcher.
A. I would definitely say that you should go on to JENNIFER MURDLEY'S TOAD!
I do not know if I will ever writer another Magic Shop book. I do sometimes think about having some of the Magic Shop kids get together.
Thanks again for being such faithful readers. May your lives to come be filled with a bazillion fabulous books!
Your friend,
Bruce Coville