‘Spirit Animals’ authors set to visit Provo City Library
Last September, the world of Erdas was unveiled, and four children chosen to decide its fate.
As part of a long-held tradition, children in Erdas, when of age, must undergo a ritual to discover if they have a spirit animal — a rare and powerful mystic bond between human and animal. Though far removed from each other, each of those children underwent the ritual, carefully observed by cloaked strangers. Each experienced a bright flash of light, and each witnessed the distinct figure of an animal — a wolf, a falcon, a leopard and a panda.
Now Conor, Abeke, Meilin and Rollan must use their new-found bonds and the power they bring to save Erdas from the malevolent, ancient force that is threatening it.
That haunting premise builds the foundation for one of the latest Scholastic book series, “Spirit Animals” — a multi-platform, multi-author interactive series that is the first of its kind.
The high-action book collection is set to come in seven parts, each composed by the writing skills of a different, best-selling author. It also brings with it a literal opportunity for readers to join in the action at spiritanimals.scholastic.com, where visitors can create their own hero, summon and discover their own spirit animal, then fight alongside book characters to save the world of Erdas from the darkness befalling it.
The adventures in Erdas actually began right here in Utah County with local best-selling author Brandon Mull. Known for his highly popular “Fablehaven” series as well as “Beyonders” and “Five Kingdoms,” Mull was recruited by Scholastic to write “Spirit Animals Book One: Wildborn.”
The book and series debuted last fall at a worldwide launch event at the Provo City Library.
Now Provo City Library is inviting the public to take another inside look at the continuing series with another meet-the-author event, this time with three more of the “Spirit Animals” creators. The event, part of a “Spirit Animals” national tour, will feature best-selling author of the “Shiver” trilogy Maggie Stiefvater, who made her contribution to “Spirit Animals” by penning “Spirit Animals Book Two: Hunted.”
The third installation in the series, “Spirit Animals Book Three: Blood Ties” was co-written by authors Garth Nix of the “Keys to the Kingdom” and “Seventh Tower” series and Sean Williams of “Twinmaker” as well as the “Troubletwisters” series, which he co-wrote with Nix.
Both Nix and Williams will be featured at the library’s event with Stiefvater, and all three authors will visit with guests about their own contributions to the series.
So far, of the seven books set to be part of the “Spirit Animals” series, the first three books have been released, with “Spirit Animals Book Four: Fire and Ice” set for release this July.
In addition to Mull, Stiefvater, Nix and Williams, Scholastic is calling on the help of four additional best-selling authors for completion of the series. Lined up for the fourth sequel in the series is Utah author Shannon Hale, known for her work on “Rapunzel’s Revenge,” “Ever After High” and the Newberry Honor-winning hit “Princess Academy.”
The fifth book, which has no set release date yet, will be written by “Jeopardy!” champion and “Wings of Fire” author Tui Sutherland with the sixth book assigned to “Endangered” author Eliot Schrefer.
Wrapping up the adventure is Marie Lu, best-selling author of the “Legend Trilogy.”
The Provo City Library’s upcoming “Spirit Animals” event will include activities for all ages and is free to the public, though a ticket is required. Those interested in attending can get their tickets in advance for sure admission by visiting the Provo City Library Children’s Desk, with standby lines available the night of the event for those who do not have a ticket.
’Spirit Animals’ National Tour event
Where: Provo City Library, 550 N. University Ave.
When: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free with a ticket. A standby line will be available the day of the event.