Hello and Welcome to today's HARKEN Blog Tour! I'm honored to be kicking off Kaleb Nation's tour for his newest YA book, HARKEN! I'm thrilled to have Kaleb on the blog today to talk about his book!
Supernatural secret societies control our world. Don’t trust anyone. *Explosion*.
What is something you admire most about your character Michael? What was it about Michael's story that made you want to write it?
I really connected with Michael because he is NOT a perfect person. In fact, in the beginning of HARKEN, he’s a bit of an overconfident jerkface who uses his gift of reading eyes to make money and buy himself a nice car. But I admire him most for his willingness to change himself. He is open to correcting his faults, to learn from other people, and to listen when someone says he’s wrong.
It’s his overconfidence that makes him so much fun to write. He’s brazen because he has nothing to lose as an outsider with a scary gift and few friends. But instead of being crushed about it, he takes being an outcast and owns it.
I like that you've created this world that is driven by a conspiracy theory and has a supernatural element to it. Which element of your story did you enjoy creating the most?
I loved weaving Reptilians into the book. There is a popular belief among conspiracy theorists that reptile-like creatures disguised as humans do control our world. As I was writing the book, I was able to visit countless websites and listen to podcasts interviewing people who say they’ve met the creatures in real life. It was thrilling to throw my skepticism aside, get lost in their research, and put the best parts into the book.
Harken is the first book in the titled series, and starts things off with a bang. What can we expect to find in the next book?
Everything is about to get a lot more intense. The Guardians are very upset over what Michael did in HARKEN. They have no qualms with taking their anger out on the entire world just to be rid of him. But even secret societies have secrets of their own.
I can’t say much about it yet but there are a lot of clues to the second book in HARKEN.
If you were able to write in one of your favorite fictional characters into Michael's world, who would that be and why?
Katniss Everdeen. She has such a brave personality and wouldn’t be afraid of telling Michael off when he’s being stupid. I think she and Michael would get into LOTS of awesome arguments.
What's one book you've read as an adult that you wish you had, had as a teen?
Looking For Alaska by John Green. It’s one of the best-written books I’ve read. I would have gotten all of my tears out years ago instead of ending up a college student on a train, nearly sobbing on my way home.
*****
Cover 1
REJECTED BECAUSE: It looks too much like a signal summoning Batman to save the city from the scorched-black forest below… if Batman’s name was HARKEN.
Cover 2
REJECTED BECAUSE: It doesn’t really say much about the book besides the fact that there are TREES. LOTS OF TREES. But we’re getting somewhere with the introduction of the black and white and yellow.
Cover 3
REJECTED BECAUSE: It’s close, but not all the way there. Something’s missing on Michael’s hand…
(Also, this HARKEN logo looks like Michael spilled glue on his hands)
About the Book
Michael Asher is almost an ordinary California teenager, except for his unexplainable ability to see a glimpse of a person’s thoughts through their eyes. After surviving an assassination attempt, he discovers that he is at the center of a worldwide conspiracy higher than any earthly power. A clandestine organization with authority over world leaders, celebrities, and the wealthy desperately wants him dead. Tumbling into a web of international secrets, Michael is forced to search for the identity of the puppet master and dig up the truth that humanity is not being told.
Purchase Harken (for $2.99), Add it to Goodreads and read the first 3 Chapters.
Purchase Harken (for $2.99), Add it to Goodreads and read the first 3 Chapters.
About The Author:
Thank you to Kaleb I have the following to giveaway:
- a HARKEN poster (SIGNED)
- a HARKEN glow in the dark wristband
- a postcard (SIGNED)
- a glow in the dark silver ring.
To enter, please LEAVE A COMMENT with your email address below.
Open internationally
GRAND PRIZE INFO:
Through out the tour you can enter to win a HARKEN-themed Kindle PaperWhite &
Prize Pack. To enter the Grandprize giveaway, please fill out this form
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BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
2/9 – MundieMoms.com
2/10 – Youtube.com/ElizzieBooks
2/11 – EvesFanGarden.com
2/12 – PageTurnersBlog.com
2/14 – TwilightMoms.com
2/15 – MTGreviews.com
2/16 – NovelSounds.net
2/18 – NovelToyBox.wordpress.com
2/19 – NonReluctantReader.com
2/20 – Fangirlish.com
2/21 – IntoTheHallOfBooks.com
2/22 – MeMyShelfAndI.com
2/23 – Youtube.com/LittleBookOwl
2/24 – NovelThoughtsBlog.com
2/25 – VysBlog.com
I like the rejected book covers the first 2 remind me of when the book was called secret kaleb book and not Harken :D but the book cover that is Harken is the best.
ReplyDeletebrookbgnll@yahoo.com
I'm really glad that they decided to use that book cover! Very nice! I think Callista and Katniss are very much alike. :)
ReplyDeleteMy email is harkengurl@gmail.com :) you know...just in case haha
Deletedeenarenee@ymail.com
ReplyDeleteI definitely think they made a good choice using the current Harken cover :)though I do really love the first one!
ff5girl@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Kaleb went with "the" Harken cover. The other ones I feel don't really represent what the book is about. Also the book is freaking fantastic, I encourage everybody to read it.
I'm ashamed that I only noticed the scales on the final book cover right now.
ReplyDeletelangelclouca@gmail.com
Venatrax@gmailc.com I'm glad they chose the cover that they did. It looks AMAZING :D
ReplyDeleteI love the rejected cover art, there so awesome but i definitely think that you made a good choice with the current cover. My favorite rejected cover is probably the first but that may just be because i'm a big batman fan :)
ReplyDeletecailetlatham@ntlworld.com
So proud of Kaleb
ReplyDeleteGreenangel1616@aol.com
Tbodda@rocketmail.com Awesome book! :)
ReplyDeleteYay happy for Kaleb.
ReplyDeletekatie.halliday@hotmail.co.uk
I remember when I found Kaleb on Youtube years ago and I'm so happy to see how successful he's become.
ReplyDeleteallisonstroup@yahoo.com
aud.rose@me.com
ReplyDeletelove this author and how hilarious he is!
nathlarson@hotmail.com I'm so proud of you Kaleb. Seems like yesterday when the Bran Hambric books were released, and now you're out with Harken!! :D
ReplyDeletebubblegum651@gmail.com
ReplyDelete:) I seriously cannot wait for the next one..
madisoncho@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI actually really like cover one!
The reasons why they have taken the final book cover are really good and I like the picture of the final book cover the most. I haven't read Kaleb Nation's book HARKEN, but I really like to read it soon! I know now that HARKEN is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteGracejcloud@gmail.com
I have not loveD any bOok as much as huNger games unTill I read harken, and That is saying something. on my Reading list for favorite book series harken is nUmber 3 out of all the bookS i have read ever. also i Think that kAleb is an iNspiration to YOung writers everywhere! ThaNk You KalEb for creating one of my favorite wordls to escape too.
ReplyDelete(There is a secret message hidden in the capitol letters of this comment enjoy.)
I'm now imagining a fanfic where Bran stumbles into a Reptilian cult. *shakes head* spring.gaines@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that the original Harken coveres weren't choosen. Not like in a bad way or anything but that final one fits the book just perfect! ashleyrodriguez606@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis is just awesome :D Can't wait until the second book arrives
ReplyDeletenuria.deandres.masa@gmail.com
lilianxcheng AT gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am relieved Harken ended up with its final cover and not the first two. Those almost reek with boringness. The second reminds me so much of S. D. Crockett's After The Snow.
I actually really like the 1st book cover, but i'm happy with the one they chose. It fits the book really well.
ReplyDeleteThe final cover looks amazing! I've been a big fan of Kaleb since I was fourteen years old and I still look up to him for writing inspiration. Congratulations on the book, Kaleb! emyrox567@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteDarith8ly@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I bought the book on my kindle! Excited to read it :)
Fantastic giveaway! And can't wait to see what Kaleb does with the rest of the series. dodgej4@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHaha! The last rejected cover does look like Michael spilled glue on his hand! And the one with the tall trees over top is beautiful.
ReplyDeletebirdyanddoggy@gmail.com
I really like the cover that Kaleb chose for Harken in the end. I'm not an original fan from when it was still a secret book, but, thanks to a friend, I'm now an absolute fan and I'll be looking forward to every book he has to offer from now on.
ReplyDeletemedith.medith@gmail.com
alejandradgomez@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy favorite cover of the rejected ones was actually the second one, but I'm still glad you chose the one you did.
P.S. WHAT ABOUT BRAN HAMBRIC!!!!!
So cool to see the different stages of the cover!
ReplyDeletemandilynn @ chater . net
I liked the first rejected cover a lot! Geeze I never noticed what was on Micheal's hand on the cover. Having Katniss in the HARKEN book would be too cool for words.
ReplyDeletequietgalaxyandsilentplanets@gmai.com
I loved this book! The coverart is great! My email is sohaley@frontier.com
ReplyDeletelooks awesome! can't wait to get my copy!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to finally read it! I really like the final cover, it is def the best. Though the other ones are quite nice to. ::)
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing book! I liked some of those cover ideas, but the finished project is definitely the best! I agree with some of the other comments that Callista is very similar to Katniss in some ways.
ReplyDeletemy email is: twilight_addict107@hotmail.com
This is a great book! But I love the cover that they chose, a lot of times the rejected covers are a lot better, but the harken cover is soooo awesome! It'll print very well too.
ReplyDeleteriyarshah@gmail.com
I loved this book! I really love the cover that was chosen, it fits the book perfectly.
ReplyDeletelesli.j.ransom@gmail.com
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the first cover and the 2nd feel like i;m more drawn to that style of art i guess :D
ReplyDeletereadtomes@gmail.com
augustomoitas@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHarken is a nice change from Bran Hambric. The Bran Hambric books were amazing, but Harken is even better. The rejected covers remind me of The Secret Kaleb Book. I've read Harken three times and can't get enough of it. Having my name in the book was a WONDERFUL way to start out 2013. I can't wait for it to come out in print! I'm very excited for the sequal!
ReplyDeletekgirl9829@gmail.com
Harken is really an amazing novel. Kaleb has gone sooo far since Bran Hambric, and I can't wait for his next novel!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing all of the covers that didnt makemthe cut!!! Oliviapap101@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing all the covers!
ReplyDeletecrazydavisgirl@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love how Kaleb had the 1st rejected cover art as the background for secretkalebbook.com :) Love Harken and I can't wait for the rest of the series!
jeanpaul.collet@yahoo.com.mx I love the 1st cover!
ReplyDeleteI love all the rejected Harken covers! Thanks for the giveaway! :D
ReplyDeletevintagevictoria71089@yahoo.com
It's cool to see the process. mskpm130804@gmail.com
ReplyDeletesamanthadagr8@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe chosen Harken cover is definitely the most interesting one! (joyce.vanherck@hotmail.com)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds amazing! And I love the cover! :]
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the giveaway!
marijana.sitar at yahoo dot com
Harken is the best well-written book I have read. I love the cover they chose! The other covers are good, but they don't represent what the book is about. sarcastic9614@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway...it's so awesome that it's international.
ReplyDeletemy email is: just.andreeam@yahoo.com
Cheers!
Can't wait to read! I love Kaleb (as does my husband!)
ReplyDeletemysticsandmoonbeams(at)hotmail(dot)com
I don't really like the three rejected ones. The one they picked IS AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteyo308boy@hotmail.com
Great book Kaleb!! Looking forward to reading book two!!
ReplyDeletejosiee67(at)gmail(dot)com
The final cover is definitely the best! Perfect choice :)
ReplyDeletesofybeth(at)gmail(dot)com
Sis.ling@Hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe best was defiantly the last! The 2nd to last one looked silly. d: kaylanoble13@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHa, totally didn't realize what was on his hand in the current cover until it wasn't there on one of the rejected ones...
ReplyDeletesprints42@gmail.com
my email astarabriarart@pc-traxx.com
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeletehanifealbayrak@outlook.com
Sounds like a great read and something my teen would love. Are more than two books planned for this series?
ReplyDeletebooks4me67 at ymail dot com
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ReplyDeleteLove the book, and Kaleb is amazing!
ReplyDeleteisabelsong5000 at gmail dot com
:) Thanks!