| Updates: |
- Paraworld Zero hit the top-50 BarnesAndNoble.com bestseller list!
- Received an honorable mention at the Beach Book Festival!
- Became a Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist!
|
Special: Pre-order the audiobook now and get it for half off! Click Here for details.
|
Twelve-year-old earthling, Simon Kent, stumbles upon a secret that thrusts him into a bizarre adventure filled with magic, technology and deadly out-of-this-world creatures. He discovers a true friend, confronts his inner demons and becomes the savior to a peculiar race of people, when all he truly wants is to find his way back home.
|
Upcoming events that Matthew will be attending:
- Thursdays at 9 am, The Author Hour Talk Radio Show (I'm the host!)
- April 10, 2010, Grand Desert Day in Morristown, AZ
- April 20, 2010, Apache Elementary
- April 21, 2010, Coyote Hills Elementary
- April 26, 2010, Cotton Boll Elementary
- April 28, 2010 at 1-3 pm, Alta Loma Elementary in Peoria, AZ
- May 4, 2010, Vistancia Elementary in Peoria, AZ
- May 2010, Zuni Hills Elementary
- May 11, 2010, Ira A. Murphy Elementary
|
 | |
Note: All prices subject to change.
|
|
Simon Kent is just an ordinary teenager trying to cope with the loss of his parents and the bullies at the local high school . . . or so he thinks. After meeting an outspoken girl with strange hair that changes colors with her mood, he is swept into a futuristic world filled with dragonlike creatures, vast technology, and enslaved giants.
But Simon also stumbles upon a secret: He can perform magic in this parallel world! While fighting mystical creatures, unraveling an ancient mystery, and even experiencing his first kiss, Simon discovers that he, an outsider from Earth, is the only person who can save the high-tech planet from an impending doom.
|
|
 |
Matthew Peterson and his book, Paraworld Zero, was featured on NBC (channel 12 KPNX in Phoenix, AZ) and on The Artist's Craft (channel 10 in Raleigh, NC). Matthew was also a guest blogger and featured author on several websites in Dec, Jan, and Feb including ShoutLife.com and FreshFiction.com.
|
 |
In 2008, a news article centered on Matthew Peterson's book, Paraworld Zero, life and writing was published by 75 to 100 newspapers with an estimated readership to be in the millions. An email was also sent to over five million opt-in scifi/fantasy readers.
|
 |
Planned Television Arts scheduled 18 morning radio interviews for Matthew in January, which included USA Radio and its 275 nationwide affiliates. Over 5 million listeners heard the interviews. Matthew has many hours of acting and teaching experience. View the full Radio Interview Schedule
|
 |
Matthew exhibited at the 2008 BookExpo America in Los Angeles (booth #5741), the 2008 Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis (booth #1326), the 2008 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (booth #929), and the New York Book Festival. He is also participating in several fantasy/science fiction conventions including WorldCon, Nebulas, CopperCon, TusCon and World Fantasy Con.
View Matthew's full schedule and announcements here.
|
Click Here to see our $150,000 marketing plans.
Includes ads in The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, The Bloomsbury Review, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
Awards & Reviews From Authors, Publications and Websites
"It’s always a pleasure to find a new writer who is comfortable in that marvelous borderland between fantasy and science fiction. Even more of a pleasure to find one with flair and humour and a truly original imagination.
"What do you get when the effect that produces parallel worlds also creates the phenomenon that we loosely call magic power? You get a lot of really weird beings with slightly faulty technology bursting into the lives of…well…some really weird people. You also get murderous villains, mighty warriors, goddess-like women, impossible problems and some of the wildest chases since the Keystone Kops. More fun than a barrel of computer games.
"Read it. Trust me, you’ll have a terrific time on that borderland. Especially in the company of Matthew Peterson."
– Douglas Hill (bestselling science fiction / fantasy author of nearly 70 books)
|
"The exciting action of Star Wars with the humor of Napoleon Dynamite. I think Paraworld Zero has strong potential to be popular among readers."
– Diana Pharaoh Francis (author of the Path and Crosspointe series)
"Flame throwing pigeons and demonic dumpsters. Funny and imaginative."
– Maria V. Snyder (award-winning author of Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study)
"Paraworld Zero doesn’t just take you to a parallel universe of strange beings and galactic battles where everything is ruled by magic; it takes you through a parallel journey of the heart. Matthew Peterson weaves a wonderful heartfelt story that any coming-of-age adolescent can relate. As Simon, Tonya, Thornapple and Har struggle with their own preconceived ideas and prejudices, they learn to trust, love and appreciate one another."
– T.L. Gray (author of the Necromancer series)
| |
Flamingnet TOP CHOICE Award (Nov 2007)
"...I greatly enjoyed the story... a must read for anyone who loves fantasy and for anyone who loves a good adventure/coming-of-age novel."
Read the full review
|
| |
FantasyBookSpot.com Review (Nov 2007)
"This book follows the Harry Potter template of wizards and magic, the discovery of great wizardly power, and likely a secret destiny to be fulfilled. It combines Star Wars aspects as well, as we see space ships, laser guns, and a group that wishes to bend the ‘paraverse’ to their worldview. These are definitely all elements that a young adult would find very exciting, along with the camaraderie among Simon and the new friends [he] makes, some teenage crushes, and some funny scenes within the story. It’s a [fast]-paced story with lots of action and character interaction among the kids. Tonya has hair that changes color with her moods, which is an element that I think can really draw in a child reader’s imagination. It has plenty to offer to make it an exciting page-turner for its young adult audience..."
Read the full review
|
"Its rollicking adventure style reminds this reader of a cross between Harry Potter's adventures and those of Artemis Fowl. Colorful characters, fast-paced adventure, and clever humor make this an interesting read."
– TeensReadToo.com (ReadingJunky) read
"Fantasy lovers will devour Paraworld Zero... Matthew Peterson uses descriptive writing and likable characters to capture your attention. I was completely intrigued on the first chapter! The world he creates is incredibly unique and captivating."
– ThePageFlipper.blogspot.com read
"Enticing and very entertaining... We'll be eagerly looking forward to the next in this funny, unique, and imaginative series."
– TheCompulsiveReader.blogspot.com read
"Peterson deftly blends elements of fantasy and science fiction in this action packed romp."
– The Faerie Drink Review & Poised at the Edge read
"ParaWorld Zero is one of those rare young adult novels that all ages will enjoy ... funny, fast paced, and enough twist and turns to keep you reading all the way to the end. Don't miss this one!"
– SpecFicWorld.com (Note: this review came directly from the editor, Doyle Eldon Wilmoth, Jr)
"The characters are lively and the storyline is fast paced and exciting to read. It's got everything a kid would enjoy reading so you guys should definitely pick this book up..."
– TheBookBinge.blogspot.com read
"Amazing! Harry Potter step back, Simon Kent is a magic welder with a secret history.... fun adventures, cool characters, and laughable moments... Definitely a good read..."
– Yellow30Scifi.com read
"For a first time novelist Peterson shows a good grasp of what makes a book exciting, injecting his novel with a cracking pace, endearing characters - and the story's breakneck climax is well worth the wait."
– Sci-fi Online read
"This sci-fi/fantasy adventure pulls the reader in from the first sentence and keeps the pages turning. Filled with humor, cool new gadgets and spells, and an extremely original premise, this is one book you do not want to miss out on... Two thumbs up."
– MySpace.com/bookchicclub read
"Paraworld Zero is a sharply written, highly entertaining young adult novel. It is accessible, fast paced, with enjoyable, realistic characters."
– WormsScifi.com read
"The story is a nice mix of SF and fantasy... The strongest part of Paraworld Zero is the ending. Peterson writes an excellent cliffhanger that made me excited about the next episode."
– BookLoons.com read
"Saving the planet seems to be impossible. Only a concerted effort of all and Simon’s Magic has any chance of success."
– ConNotations, by Gary Swaty (page 19) read
"Paraworld Zero held me in my seat from the first page. An exciting fast-paced adventure, chock full of magic and humor... It is very rare that you don't guess the ending of the book until you get to the ending and that is what Paraworld Zero was like for me! Matthew Peterson delivered a formidable tale and followed through with amazing results. I for one am looking forward to the second book in this series. It cannot come out fast enough to satisfy my curiosity! While this book contains elements of Harry Potter and Star Wars it is still uniquely in a league of its own. Matthew Peterson has a delightful imagination and a wonderful sense of humor. I look forward to reading more of his books."
– MySpace.com/weaversofwords read
"I highly recommend this novel to fantasy fans of every age."
– MySpace.com/multiversereviews read
"Readers will delight in this first book in Matthew Peterson’s Parallel Worlds series... I look forward to the next in the adventures of Simon, Tonya, and their growing gang of friends. I am sure many young readers - and older ones as well - will, too."
– MyShelf.com read
"...tale of magic, mayhem, and maturation... action packed... A reasonable blend of science fiction and fantasy, Simon's adventures should appeal to middle schoolers..."
– VOYA
"The author has mastered the formula for injecting a constantly increasing level of tension in his story... This series should become a bestselling set of stories. We rated it an almost perfect five hearts."
– HeartlandReviews.com read
"I am utterly amazed at how engrossed I was by this book... This book makes you feel the magic and imagination of childhood all over again."
– BookPleasures.com read (Kelly Moran, Author and Reviewer, www.authorkellymoran.com)
|
|
Matthew Peterson donates around 13% of his gross earnings to charitable organizations, some of which help clothe and feed the needy.
|
|
