Book 3 and Other New Books….
I know I don’t update my blog very often. The truth is that I have been writing a lot lately, and if I have a free hour, it’s going to go into preparing this semester’s courses (classes start next week! Yikes! For the curious, I’m teaching an MA class in Fiction Writing and two undergrad courses, one in Renaissance drama—plays not by Shakespeare, but by Marlowe, Jonson, etc.—and another called Fiction Writing for Children) or a new book project I have underway (I won’t say too much about that, except that it is young adult and wholly unattached to anything else I’ve written).
I’ve gotten a lot of emails asking questions about the next book in the Kronos Chronicles. First, I am always thrilled to hear from readers! Second…yes, information! I should give you some! So here it is, right now, the skinny on Book 3.
It is called The Jewel of the Kalderash and it picks up where The Celestial Globe left off. It will be published this fall, in either August or September. I have seen the cover, it is awesome, and as soon as it’s finalized and I’m allowed to do so, I will put it up on my website. Jewel is the last book in the series, and it was HARD to write. I started it in the spring of 2008, I think. Then I stopped working on it for a while and picked it back up sometime in the beginning of 2010. Spring was a mad rush to get it done. Now it’s in the last stages of the editing process, which means that it’s already gone through copy-editing and will soon arrive to me in galleys (which are loose pages printed with images of what the final, published pages will look like). ARCs (advance reader copies) will probably come out this spring, and when they do, I will give them away on this website.
Jewel is the last book in the series. Its last page is the end not just to Jewel, but to the entire, big story that takes place over the three books. I’m very happy with how Jewel turned out, and the last chapter is very close to my heart, and one of my favorite things I have written.
So, what is Jewel about? Here is the summary that will be published on the book, though please keep in mind that it is subject to change:
Petra Kronos’s father has been transformed into one of Prince Rodolfo’s monstrous Gray Men, and Petra is determined to save him. Upon arriving in the Romany homeland to deliver the Mercator Globes, she and her friends Tomik and Neel formulate a plan. But when a long-held secret is revealed, Neel finds himself bound to his country. Petra, Astrophil, and Tomik must embark on their quest without him, and Neel must contend with problems of his own.
The friends are quickly swept up in an epic battle for power. Thrones are at stake. Spies are afoot. Murder is common. Worst of all, Prince Rodolfo is close to becoming emperor, and ruling half of Europe.
How much is Petra willing to sacrifice to defend the people she loves? Her search for answers will take her to castles and cities, through mountains, and even underwater as she tests her strength, and gambles her life.
As she struggles to be free of Prince Rodolfo’s evil plots once and for all, Petra learns just how strong the bonds of friendship can be in this riveting final volume of The Kronos Chronicles.
What else can you expect? Ghosts. New inventions. Romance. Epic battles. Monsters.
You might have noticed my mention that I stopped writing Jewel for a period of time. That was because I was writing a different book. It’s not related to the Kronos Chronicles. It’s a young adult novel. It’s a romance. It’s called Me and the Shadow Society or maybe just The Shadow Society (have an opinion? Prefer one title over the other? Leave a comment!) and it will be published by FSG in fall 2012. I feel like I wrote Shadow ages ago, and 2012 is ages away, but so the publishing world goes! An announcement about the book appeared in Publishers Weekly’s Marketplace, so I’ll just copy and paste part of that here (with a slight edit):
When a mysterious boy arrives at her high school, a girl discovers that she is not human and that her kind are terrorists in an alternate world where the Great Chicago Fire didn’t happen.
Just to be clear, the girl in question—Darcy—is not a vampire, werewolf, angel, fairy, or anything you have ever heard of. I invented my own supernatural creature, and had a lot of fun doing so.
Other news? Avatar: The Last Airbender! I am talking, of course, about the anime series on Nickelodeon, not the live-action movie, which I hear YOU MUST AVOID AT ALL COSTS. The TV series is great, especially if you want to watch something with your kids. It’s funny, has lots of action and good storytelling, with great world-building (like, the Fire Nation? The have the best clothes! The Earth Kingdom? The coolest postal system).
They DO get their mail on time!
I just finished reading The Celestial Globe here in Austin, Texas, and several of my higher level students in my 4th grade class have joined me. For the record, they (and myself, especially) absolutely ate it up! Your author’s voice is refreshing (not to mention it also provides plenty of examples for me during our Writer’s Workshop), and the only sadness we feel is that we have to wait for another few months to get Book 3. Everyone in our class has voted for Cabinet of Wonders in the 2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Book Awards, and we hope Celestial Globe makes next year’s list. Kudos!
(My kids beg of you not to ink a movie deal. They’ve had enough great young literature ruined by the big screen, thank you very much!)
Dear Gareth,
What a lovely comment to read! Thank you, and your students, so much! I’m curious: what do you do for your Writer’s Workshop? Not necessarily with my book, but in general. I don’t remember having anything like that in 4th grade, but would have LOVED it.
As for a movie deal, I haven’t signed one as of yet!
Dear Jenny,
I know you and Mordicai love that line, but I just don’t get the funny. Why is that funny? Maybe I need to rewatch that episode…just saw the 2-part “Black Sun” episode.
Hello Marie.
I’m a great fan of your books.
I just finfished reading ‘The Cabinet of Wonders’ I’m from the Netherlands, so i hope the third book wil be translated in dutch!
Dear Jesper,
I hope so, too, and I’m so glad you enjoy my books! I know that the sequel is definitely translated into Dutch, with one of my very favorite covers:
http://www.lemniscaat.nl/Jeugd/Kinder-%20en%20jeugdboeken/titels/9789047702795/De%20magische%20globe
I can’t read the website, though, so I’m not sure if the translation is out yet…
Yes, i bought the second book a few weeks ago, but i’m not started reading it. I’m very curious, so it won’t take long before i am going to read it.
Hello oh-so-fabulous author and her extremely dedicated fans,
I’m Julia, I’m 13 years old, and I am a HUGE fan. I just wanted to let you know that you are an amazing writer. I love your books. I finished The Celestial Globe what seems like ages ago and it feels like an eternity until The Jewel of Kalderash will be released. For now I am giving in to reading and rereading some of the better fanfictions of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and the 39 Clues. But enough about my not
asamazing-as-I-wish-it-was life. If someone was to ask me if I was for Team Edward or Team Jacob, I would reply by asking them if they are on Team Tomik or Team Neel (or maybe even Team Kit). I am deeply depressed that the Kronos Chronicles is coming to an end. You absolutely must write more books after this. I have recommended this to a friend of mine and am currently anticipating a positive response. Well, it seems I am running out of things to say… I’ll see you next time at the Sign of the Spider, i guess. Byeall of my fangirl-acquired love,
j
I am so excited about Jewel (which has a fantastic title, just like its predecessors)! Did you know that on Amazon, the release date is in October. I remember you had said August, so now I’m curious.
Anyway, yay for new books! Personally, I prefer The Shadow Society. It also sounds less middle grade than adding the “me.”
Dear Julia,
Thank you so much! You are very sweet to say such nice things. The publication of Jewel of the Kalderash feels like a long time from now for me, too! I am also anxious to see it out in the world. As for your comment about “Team Tomik or Team Neel (or maybe even Team Kit),” all I can say is that I think you will enjoy the romance in the third book…or I hope so, anyway! And I promise that I will write more books. In fact, I’m already working on another one…
Dear Shveta,
Thanks for being excited! I did not know about that publication date on Amazon. Hmm…I will ask my editor. It IS possible it would come out in October. And thanks for your opinion about the title. I think I agree with you.
Dear Marie, I am 13 years old and I live in Kansas City, Missouri. I am in book club at my school and my best friend Ivor asked me to read “The Cabinet of Wonders.” I didn’t know anything about it but decided to read it. I loved it
In my opinion, it is put in the same list as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and The Chronicles of Narnia. I also love the character Petra. She doesn’t care about the consequences of her actions and she is just an amazing person. Also I really liked John Dee. Is he going to be in the “Jewel of Kalderash?”
Thankyou for writing.
Dear Alden,
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you and your friend Ivor like my books!
John Dee has been a very fun character for me to write, because his ideas about what is good and bad are very different from every other character in the book. And he is sneaky and clever, and it is always fun to write sneaky and clever characters. As for whether he will be in The Jewel of the Kaldersh….maybe!
Dear marie,
I am 13 years old and live in paris, texas, and i must say i LOVE your books very dearly and i had just finished the celestial globe today, we were out of school so i read all day and finished in one day! I was about to have a panic attack when i got on barnesandnoble.com and they didnt have a 3rd for the nookbook. I did lots of research looking for any clue that there was a 3rd one, and almost panicked when on one website it said there wasent going to be a next, but i soon found ur website and am SO greatful! but sad that i have to wait….. oh well. Thanks for the good readings anyway!
Madison
Dear Madison,
Oooh, you were out of school today? Was it a snow day (I somehow don’t think so, since you’re from Texas, but maybe! We have had a LOT of snow days in New York City)? I am delighted to know you were reading Celestial Globe on your day off!
I’m sorry, too, that you and anybody else who likes my books has to wait for a few months! If it were my choice, the book would be on the shelves now! But it takes a long time to turn a manuscript into an actual book.
Thanks so much, and I hope that you like The Jewel of the Kalderash (book 3)!
Dear Mrs. Rutkoski,
I simply adore your books! I am currently writing a book of my own and have you in the “this book was inspired by…” thing. I’m sorry I can’t give you my name or email address. I desperately want to. I think I love them so much because I like the idea of magic and I’m very into the Middle Ages. Also, I’m a tremendous nerd who wants to be an architect, so I don’t have many friends. I love your books because it talks about friendship so much. My ideal world would be a lot like Petra’s (with fewer crimes, fewer death sentences, and better architecture.)
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you! I think being interested in magic, the Middle Ages, architecture, and friendship sounds like a winning combination.
Good luck with your own writing!
Marie
as much as i want to give my name, i cant. so im just gonna stick with yo dude. btw i LOVE avatar the last airbender. i’ve watched the whole series and rewatch it in my spare time. the earth kingdom does have the koolest mail delivery. as for your book,the new one that is, LOVE it 2. i hope you don’t tottaly write neel out. i hope he could go on the adventure 2. it would be awesome. so plz put neel back in. not that i don’t like tomik, but neel is just AWESOME. your writing is great.
btw, i love your stories. u r such a great writer, im writing my own story and ur stories r great inspiration. LOVE ur work.
im so sorry to keep bothering u, but i love ur work and think u r the most amazing author ever. for school i have to write 2 short stories, but since i LUV writing, i don’t mind. i read some other comments, one of which adressed a Team Tomik or Team Neel. in case u haven’t already guessed, i am on team NEEL
but, me and my selfishness to keep talking about me aside, which team are u on? again, BIG HUMONGUS COLLOSOL fan.
btw, yo dude happens to be a girl. im so sorry to bother u again, its just that i think it would be great to have an author as a friend and if i would have the wonderful chance to meet an author, i would meet u. i read the comments, again, and u said someone would be happy with the romance, i think it would be great if neel could go on the adventure, just because i love neel so much. but i also think that u will write the book in the most wonderful way it could be
Hi Yo dude—
Thanks for your enthusiasm! I promise you and everyone else that Neel is in Book 3. Petra is still the main character, but Neel, Tomik, and Astrophil all play VERY significant roles.
Good luck with your writing, and I’m so glad that you like the series!
Ms. Rutkoski,
I noticed your interest in Writer’s Workshop above and wanted to let you know how we use it in our classroom. Briefly, our Writer’s Workshop is a block of the day usually 30 – 45 minutes where students are able to write about topic they choose and are guided only by certain formats we are studying. Other times they are able to free write on any topic in any format that they would like to use. We’ve used both of the books in the Kronos Chronicles series as our classroom read-alouds and they have made great examples about how powerful a writer’s imagination can be! You have been a true inspiration to them all. Your novels have also provided many, many lessons in the use of vocabulary, word choice and decoding strategies. Our whole class thanks you – we simply can’t wait for book 3!
Dear Alicia,
That sounds great! I wish I had something like that when I was in school. Good for you for arranging time like this for your students!
yessssssssssss! book 3 is coming out! i can’t wait!
also, the book whose title you are debating should definitely be called ‘The Shadow Society’. so much much cooler than ‘me and the shadow city’. i can’t wait to read both of the books. Fan Forever!
I can’t wait for the last book! I’ve been reading the first two over and over again! It’s the best series I’ve ever read! Every time I go and re-read it I find new things I love about the books!
I’m wondering as a wanna-be writer someday, do you have tips, or publishing ideas? Because the main thing I really hope to happen is be a published author someday. It’s my biggest goal….after learning how to not burn everything I bake….
Dear Zayla,
Thank you, and I think you (and Shveta, in one of the comments above) are right about “The Shadow Society.” That will probably be it.
Dear Kate,
It is a serious compliment that you have re-read my books! I adore re-reading books, and always hope that I’ll write something a reader will return to.
As for publishing, or tips…I think it’s admirable to want to be a published writer, though I think publishing and writing are two very different things. I guess, for writing, the most fundamental things are:
1. Read. A lot. Mostly good things, even if they’re difficult, but there is nothing wrong with occasionally reading something that’s fun, if not wonderfully written. Seeing what NOT to do can be useful to a writer.
2. Exchange writing with a friend. Learn how to give good feedback on writing (it will help you see your own work more clearly) and how to take feedback.
3. Be as aware as possible of the world around you.
As for publishing, wait until you have a polished final draft of a novel, then pick up The Writer’s Market or just google search for agents who represent the kind of books you write. Only try to find an agent if you are SURE you are at a stage where you are ready to have one. You’ll have to learn how to write a query letter, but you can probably find examples online or in The Writer’s Market.
But don’t put the cart before the horse (the cart is publishing; writing is the horse).
Good luck!
Marie
I LOVE these books! I got The Cabinet of Wonders for Christmas in 09. I then went to a waterpark with it and I spent more time reading then I did in the water! Of course i then had to get The Celestial Globe as soon as possible. Reading is my escape and it’s even more enjoyable when I find a series or a book that I love (like these). It seem like it will be forever till the 3rd comes out and I already can’t wait! I’ve already read the first two multiple times! Thank you for being and amazing writer!!
P.S. I want Astrophil!!
P.P.S.I freaked out when he went to sleep for the first time! I thought he was dead!
Thanks, Mia! You spent more time reading than in the water at a waterpark? You sound just like me!
I’m sorry, I know it seems like forever until The Jewel of the Kalderash comes out. It feels like that to me, too.
I would also like to have an Astrophil!
Dear Marie,
I love the Kronos Chronicles! They are very suspenceful and adventurous the type of books I love! Can’t wait until The Jewel of the Kalderash comes out! It comes out on my sister’s birthday and she loves those books also! Can’t wait!
Thanks, JayJay101! I’m glad you like the suspense and the adventure—I enjoy writing it!
will petra and kit reunite? I really want to know please reply ASAP!THESE ARE MY FAVORITE BOOKS EVER! AND I HAVE ENCOURAGED MY FRIENDS TO READ THEM!
Thank you, Kat! I already answered your question in a comment in response to your comment on another post. Though…actually, I didn’t answer it. Sorry! I said that I really shouldn’t tell you whether Kit’s in Book 3, or if they reunite. But I will say that I love Kit. I see him as flawed, but with the potential to grow into a great person.
Thanks for encouraging your friends to read the books. And if you want to try to win an advance copy of Book 3, the information is here:
http://www.marierutkoski.com/
I’m just a simple monk -
Dear Marie,
Does Kit come back in the 3rd book or does Petra meet someone new? Thank you for being one of the best author’s ever
I can’t wait for the next book
!!
I absolutely love your books! I love the action and I love how you explained the characters personalities so well! I’m so excited that a third book is coming out
Thanks so much, Can’t-leave-her-name!
I loved writing the character of Kit, and when I wrote Book 2 I hadn’t decided whether I wanted him to return or not. So while I can’t tell you whether he comes back in Book 3, I can tell you that I left myself that option while writing The Celestial Globe. If you read The Jewel of the Kalderash, find out the answer, and want to ask me why I chose what I did, email me!
I can also promise you that there is romance for Petra in Book 3.
Hi again Maria
I Can’t stop reading your books over and over again.
Anyway as I read it i fell into the book as if it was real life. I loved it
!! The funniest part is gotta be is When Neel’s eye was yellow on one side and dark brown on the other. Neel is my favorite character well after Petra and Astrophil of course.That’s why I think Petra and Neel should be together. 
What made me start reading your books is that I live in Texas and like to read Bluebonnet books . It just 20 really good books you probably have already heatd of it.
Which leads me to a question , why did you decide Neel shouldn’t be in the adventure?
you probably HEARD of it. sorry typo
It just 20 really good books you probably have already HEARD of it.
Hi Fae,
Thank you so much!
Who knows? Maybe Petra and Neel will be together in Book 3.
I’m not sure what you mean about Neel not being part of the adventure….I mean, he pretty much is, in all three books, though he’s not always part of PETRA’S adventure, I suppose (since he and Petra are up to different things for most of The Celestial Globe).
WOOT
Im so excited. Been waiting a long time! honestly the only other series that have hooked me like the Kronos chronicles are the Harry Potter series and the Wicked series.
That is a huge compliment, Veronica! Thank you!
Dear marie,
I am a HUGE fan of the Kronos seires. The Jewel of Kaleras, and I got some of my friends to read your books and they LOVE them. And I heard about the bluebonet books. I REALLLLLLLLLLY want Petra’s in the book to get her dad back to normal. I have a question, is this going to be the last book?
Thank you, Jessica! Petra wants to get her dad back to normal, too. And, yes, The Jewel of the Kalderash (book 3) will be the last. I hope you enjoy it!
I love your books soo much! Your my fav author
I really cant wait for the other books. So is the romance between petra or tomik? can u give me a hint?? x
I can’t wait for the The Jewel of the Kalderash! All of you’re books are amazing, and I just wish that the series never ended (like I did with Rick’s Percy Jackson Series) because it’s amazing! I was sad to hear that The Jewel of the Kalderash was the last book, but I bet it’s gonna be really good.
I like both of the titles, but I guess it’s better to keep it simple. I’d go with The Shadow Society.
I do agree, movies are always messed up, but it’s interesting to see what they do. I was disappointed with the Percy Jackson movie. They could have done better. I just finished reading Michael Vey (amazing book) about an abnormal kid who overthrows a guy imprisoning him, his normal friend, his ‘girlfriend’, and other electric kids. It reminded me of this series a lot, and made me more excited for the new book. I can’t wait for the new MV book either, but it’s a newer book, so I guess I’ll have to…
Anyways, you’re definitely one of my favorite authors, first or second.
Thanks!
P.S.
You should sign books in Oklahoma, because I want one. Oh well.
Annie: Thank you so much! I really shouldn’t say too much about the romance in Book 3, except that it’s definitely between Petra and SOMEBODY. I hope you will like it!
James: I’m so glad to know you like my books! Thank you. It would be fun to write more books in the Kronos Chronicles series, but I really felt like The Jewel of the Kalderash ended things properly. We’ll see if you agree!
Thanks for the advice about the title of my other book. I have in fact decided that the title should just be The Shadow Society. I hope I will have a cover for it soon.
I don’t know the Michael Vey book, but I will check it out.
As for signing books, I don’t know when I’ll next be in Oklahoma (though I would enjoy going), but if you’d like to email me at mariekrutkoski@gmail.com and get my address, you can always mail me a book or books, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and I will sign it and mail it back. Check with you parents about this.
Is the new book out in Oct 5th? Because on my eReader, (Nook Color by B&N) it is out on October 5th, but of course it would probably be easier on an eReader.
I’m sorry, I meant Oct. 25.
Dear Marie,
!
I absolutly LOVED your series of the Kronos kronicles!
I don’t think I have ever read that much in my hole entire life, I almost finished the last book ” the jewel of kalderash” in one hole day!
I’m a very HUGE fan!
And I think your work is AMAZING
I’ve always liked fantasy books and now I LOVE them more then ever
And I was wondering if you would ever have a chance to do some book signing in Toronto?
Chronicles***
Hi James,
The book came out in late October!
Hi Caley,
Thanks so much! What lovely compliments! I’d be happy to do a book signing in Toronto some day. We’ll see—it all depends on my publisher or whether I happen to be traveling there for other reasons…
Thank you, Annie!
I wish I could give you a hint, but you’ll see for yourself in The Jewel of the Kalderash!