The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick: exclusive cover reveal + giveaway

September 2, 2014 2014, cover reveal, giveaway, marcus sedgwick, Wendy 92

I’ve waxed poetic about Marcus Sedgwick many times before. He scared the crap out of me with White Crow, made me think in She is Not Invisible, and moved me impossibly with the dark, moody, brilliant Midwinterblood.

I therefore didn’t even ask what the story was about when Macmillan asked if The Midnight Garden would host the U.S. cover reveal for Marcus’ new book, The Ghosts of Heaven. Seriously, his name is on the cover and that’s all I needed to know–I only just read the synopsis as I was formatting this post! I also flew to answer Ksenia‘s email right away, the whole deal was done in 10 minutes flat. Such is my love for him and his stories. He writes such intelligent, beautiful books that I’m excited every time a new one is announced, because I know each Marcus Sedgwick book holds the promise of a transformative reading experience.

I’m so pleased that we’re able to help unveil his new book to North American audiences today. Are you ready to see this? Ta-da!

ghosts of heaven

What do you think of this cover? I’m so intrigued by the staircase. In the sea. Leading up to the sky. With the space-y graphics. Is he going to heaven? Are there really ghosts? WHAT IS GOING ON HERE.

*pants* *controls self*

I’m really, really excited for this book. It sounds a bit like Midwinterblood with its interlocking stories and melding of genres–while The Ghosts of Heaven blurb doesn’t tell us too much, the  connecting the narratives in Midwinterblood were so well done that I’m sure the new one will be just as  sublimely thought-provoking. Plus insane asylum! Witches! Mad poets! It all sounds spectacular.

I love the unusual colors in this palette as well. Since this touches on some scifi, I think the graphic designer did a wonderful job of hinting at possible puzzles and mystery, along with a masculine presence in the book. The sea and the clouds and golden light also give you a bit of beauty, which is so perfect for Marcus’ gorgeous writing. All in all, a really terrific cover, and one I can’t wait to see on my shelf!

Feel free to grab and share the cover image if you like.

The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick

On Sale January 6, 2015

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

From 2014 Printz award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick comes a bold, genre-bending epic that chronicles madness, obsession, and creation, from the Paleolithic era through the Witch Hunts and into the space-bound future.

Four linked stories boldly chronicle madness, obsession, and creation through the ages. Beginning with the cave-drawings of a young girl on the brink of creating the earliest form of writing, Sedgwick traverses history, plunging into the seventeenth century witch hunts and a 1920s insane asylum where a mad poet’s obsession with spirals seems to be about to unhinge the world of the doctor trying to save him. Sedgwick moves beyond the boundaries of historical fiction and into the future in the book’s final section, set upon a spaceship voyaging to settle another world for the first time. Merging Sedgwick’s gift for suspense with science- and historical-fiction, The Ghosts of Heaven is a tale is worthy of intense obsession.

Marcus Sedgwick was born and raised in Kent in the southeast of England. He now divides his time between a small village near Cambridge, England, and a mountain house in the French Alps. His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards; most notably, Midwinterblood was awarded the 2014 Michael L. Printz Award. You can find him on his website or Twitter to keep up with all his latest news.

vine-divider-final

Enter to win an early copy of The Ghosts of Heaven!

Thanks to our friends at Macmillan, we have 2 ARCs to offer to one of our readers! The book won’t be out until January 15, but you’ll have the opportunity to win one of the earliest copies right here.

All you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form and leave a thoughtful comment below telling us why you’re specifically excited about reading this book.

Open to US and Canadian residents aged 18 and older, or 13 and older with parental permission. Good luck!

Giveaway copies were provided by the publisher.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

vine-divider-finalSo what do you think of this cover? Any guesses as to what’s going on?

I would ask if you were as excited about this book as I am, but I know that is impossible, so I won’t even bother.

Wendy signature teal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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92 Responses to “The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick: exclusive cover reveal + giveaway”

  2. Aimee C

    Witches and in the 1920’s??? You got me hooked right there! Would love to read this!

  7. Sashana

    Which of Marcus Sedgwick’s books would you refer first to someone who has never read his works before? I would love to read one of his books but I don’t know where to start.

  8. Annie

    Even if the premise didn’t look utterly fantastic, I’d probably read it based on that gorgeous cover alone.

  9. Lori

    I really love historical fiction! I am really intrigued by this storyline. It sounds a little spooky!

  10. Hayden Marie

    I’m excited to read the GHOSTS OF HEAVEN because historical fiction with asylums? YES PLEASE. The cover is also fantastic, and I’ve heard wonderful things about the author. Looks great! Thanks for hosting this giveaway and this article! Lots of fun.

  11. Elisquared

    I’m really intrigued by the structure of the book. I think it’s going to be interesting the themes he brings through the stories to tie it together or if they will all be super distinct from each other stories. Love that he’s exploring such deep subjects in a new way. Super excited! I love when authors play with form; it makes the story that much better!

    Thanks for the giveaway!!
    Elisquared recently posted…Cover Reveal – Kissing Frogs by Alisha Sevicny

  12. Effie M.

    I was flailing about all excited-like the moment I saw he had a new book coming out. Without knowing a darned thing about it! But … JANUARY!!! *flails more*

    AH!

    Please don’t make me wait that long.

  13. Lily

    I’m currently kind of obsessed with prehistoric anything (and dismayed at the lack of fiction on the subject), so I can’t wait to see how the “cave-drawings of a young girl on the brink of creating the earliest form of writing” part of the book turns out. The way it’s worded makes me think it’d be actual drawings, but then there’d have to be an illustrator listed, right?

  15. Tiffany

    All I can say is he is AMAZING!! I love this cover I drew me to the book before I even knew what it was about. Can;t wait to see this book in my collection.

  19. Teresa Salvatore

    I love a book that pushes the genre boundaries! This book sounds fab-u-lous and I can’t wait to get my *polite grabby hands* on a copy! The cover is one that would definitely have me picking it up off the shelf! Quick! Batman! To the TBR list!

  21. Lyn Kaye

    Wendy, I have to agree with you – I see his name on a book, and it is SOLD. Midwinterblood is my favorite book, ever, and White Crow was so damn good.

    I can’t wait for this book. I didn’t even read the synopsis. Just like other “auto-buy authors”, his books get added to the list, period.

    That cover is simply amazing. I do love it!
    Lyn Kaye recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #99

  22. Summer

    Between the spiral staircase and the colors, I’m kind of in love with the cover, though honestly, it could have been the ugliest cover in the history of the world and I’d still be eager to get my hands on it. Between Laureth’s relationship with her little brother and how the author handled her blindness, She Is Not Invisible was just one of the loveliest books I’ve read all year, so I’m excited to try more from Marcus Sedgewick.

  23. Hillary R

    I am so excited for this book! I love Sedgewick anyway, but this one almost sounds like Cloud Atlas, only with quark trails on the cover. Can’t wait to read it and recommend it to my teen patrons.

  24. Adelynne

    I read She is Not Invisible awhile ago and I really liked it. Also, the summary looks amazing- “madness, obsession, and creation” is totally my style! :D Thanks for the giveaway!

  28. Nikki Wang

    I haven’t read any of his books but I most definitely need to now! This one sounds AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG and the fact that it starts at the earliest stage of human development is INTRIGUING. And the colors of that cover! GORGEOUS
    Nikki Wang recently posted…Feral by Holly Schindler

  29. Nikki

    The cover alone sold me. I wouldn’t even need this to be a good book at this point, I just want to have that gorgeous cover staring at me all the time!

  31. Alex

    I love the author and I am really excited for this book! Midwinterblood had me on the edge of my proverbial seat.

  33. Shaya

    Midwinterblood is my favorite book, my greatest love (don’t tell my boyfriend). It looks like The Ghosts of Heaven might create a very similar experience for me and I couldn’t possibly be more excited for something.
    Shaya recently posted…The Ghosts of Heaven

  37. Angelique

    That cover is beautiful! Books with beautiful covers can go either way but the title and cover has got me wanting to read it.

  39. Nikki

    I’ve only read one of his books thus far, that being Midwinterblood, and enjoyed it. I find all of his summaries to be rather intriguing and so I will certainly be reading this and others.

  40. Faye D'Social Potato (@kawaiileena)

    For some reason, I liked all of Sedgewick’s covers. It has that surreal dreamy-ish tint to it that I really, really appreciate. They’re always easy to the eyes. With that said, I am very excited to read this book! I’ve read most of his and I haven’t been disappointed so far. I wish I could participate in the giveaway! :( Good luck to all participating!
    Faye D’Social Potato (@kawaiileena) recently posted…ARC Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas – “A Bit of Rants, a Bit of Fangirling~”

  42. Darith L.

    This book sounds really interesting! It seems like it will be a four-part novel? I’m intrigued by how the author will pull this off. And that cover is marvelous!

  44. melanie doyle

    Im so excited about this book and for the two lucky readers who will win the advanced copies. The cover art is evocative, mysterious, and dreamlike, perfect for such a beautiful title. Cant wait to read it! Thanks for the opportunity, Wendy!

  45. Amber J.

    The cover reminds me of the Taken series by Erin Bowman with respect to color scheme, which is a good thing. And I’m loving the Stairway to Heaven (hee-hee) on the front.

    The blurb gives me a Cloud Atlas sort of feeling (which I didn’t see or read), so I’m excited about reading this type of story in The Ghosts of Heaven.

  46. Alise

    Seriously gorgeous cover, I agree with what you said about the color, and I love how it changes seamlessly. So pretty. I haven’t read a book by Sedgwick yet but your excitement is contagious! :) I’ll have to read something by him soon.
    Alise recently posted…What You Like v.s. What Others Prefer

  47. Sandy

    I have never read one of Marcus’ book but this book has me so intrigued. I will definitely be reading it.

  49. Sarah J.

    The cover looks amazing! I’ve always been a fan of minimalist covers rather than scenery or complicated designs, but the background on this one is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see what it means.

    I’m very excited for this book! Insanity/madness/mental illnesses have always been a (rather morbid) fascination of mine. I’ve always loved history, too, so I’m predicting that I’ll love this book. Looking forward to the space-travel section, as well! :) You can never go wrong with outer space.

  50. Leandra Wallace

    Love the cover! I’ve always been a fan of spiral staircases. We had one in a bank I worked at one time, going down to the vault. It was so tight that if you weren’t careful, you’d scrape the back of your legs on the sand-paper stuff they had on the steps for traction. And definitely interested in the space voyage to settle another world aspect of this novel!
    Leandra Wallace recently posted…YA Pics & Mugs & Books

  52. Alena Saukova

    Wow, this cover immediately caught my eye! Excited to read this book :)

  53. Lili

    Wow, the cover is AMAZING, and it makes the book more intriguing. Can’t wait!!!! AAAAAHG!

  55. Alice

    Marcus Sedgewick’s books have been on my TBR for a long time, especially since I tend to like dark, thought-provoking stories. This newest book sounds ambitious and intriguing. I kind of love that there’s so much genre-hopping and am curious to see how it all comes together. Also love the cover. I agree about the unusual color palette; it’s pretty but also eye-catching!

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
    Alice recently posted…What’s Up Wednesday (44)

  56. Jenny

    I haven’t read anything by Marcus Sedgewick but the cover and the synops is just too compelling. I think I’ll have to pick up some of his other works the next I’m at the bookstore. I can do with more books!

  61. Vivien

    Well the cover is brilliant!!! And if it is anything like Midwinterblood I am going to love it. If not, then I don’t care and will read anything by this author. That is how much I have enjoyed his work in the past. I do seriously need to get my hands on White Crow. I haven’t checked that one out yet. So behind! Now I have a book I can thoroughly look forward to. I do so love that feeling :D

  62. Amy

    The cover is gorgeous! The synopsis sounds interesting so I’m really looking forward to reading this now. Thanks for the giveaway!

  63. Alexa S.

    WOW! This cover is absolutely fantastic AND it makes me want to read The Ghosts of Heaven, stat. But seriously, I think Marcus Sedgwick has a unique writing style and perspective and would love to read another one of his novels!
    Alexa S. recently posted…The Hybrid Chronicles Read-a-Thon

    • Wendy Darling

      His writing is so utterly gorgeous and different from any other author I’ve ever read–I’m so happy to hear you’re a fan as well, Alexa! And yes, I love that he offers a different perspective, both in terms of his nationality/gender/experiences/personality, but also in terms of his books. All three of the books I’ve read have been very different, and that’s uncommon, especially for YA.

  64. Alycia

    I read my first Sedgwick in the month of August (Revolver) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderfully written and quite intense! Looking forward to trying another…. I hope to win! :)

    • Wendy Darling

      I have heard such wonderful things about REVOLVER! I have to read that one soon. I came into the Sedgwick fanbase quite late as well, but I’ve loved every book that I’ve read, and “intense” describes WHITE CROW and MIDWINTERBLOOD as well. It’s going to be such a treat for both of us to work through the rest of his catalog. :)

      • Alycia

        I’m even more excited to try more titles of his….intense books are my fav! :)

  65. Lindsey Breuer

    Wow, that is certainly a striking cover. Can’t wait to finally read She is Not Invisible, and then to add this title to my list.

    • Wendy Darling

      SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE is very good–it taught me a few things I hadn’t considered in regards to someone who’s blind, and I enjoyed the story. It’s a much gentler book than his others that I’ve read, but I like that he tries out different genres and is constantly challenging himself–and us!

  66. Tammy

    This is totally a case of cover-love. I want to see what’s written on the pages just because of beautiful outside.

    • Wendy Darling

      All three of the books I’ve read by this author have bee so great that I’ve no doubt that the contents will match that beautiful cover, Tammy. I’m glad he got an eye-catching one for this latest book, because he certainly deserves to be read.

  68. Pili

    I’ve had Midwinterblood in the TBR wish list forever and now reading that you loved it, I guess I must move it up soon!

    The cover and the title in themselves are extremely intriguing! I love the graphics at the top of the cover as well as the colours chosen! Adding this one to the TBR wish list too!

    Thanks for sharing, Wendy!
    Pili recently posted…Tell Me Tuesdays #10!!

    • Wendy Darling

      I never know how people will react to MIDWINTERBLOOD–it’s so different from other YA books, almost more like literary adult fiction. I love it, though, and I hope you’ll find the story and characters as gorgeous as I did.

      This one looks/sounds so good, too! I can’t wait to find out what’s behind all the pieces on the artwork.

  69. Brenda

    Wonderful cover. Interesting choice of colors and I like the way the spiraling staircase links to the mad poet’s obsession, as well as the sci-fi pieces that represent the spaceship voyage.

    • Wendy Darling

      The colors are somehow both somber and light–this’ll really stand out on a bookshelf, I think. I like your interpretation of the staircase linking to the mad poet as well! Such an interesting mix of ideas. I’d normally be wary of so many different components, but his other book MIDWINTERBLOOD was a crazy blending of genres and time periods as well, and it worked beautifully.

    • Wendy Darling

      Which book did you read, Kristen? I’ve only read 3 so far myself (although I have 3 others I’ve purchased, which I’m saving for a rainy day), and they’ve all been so different!

      I love this cover, too. Glad you entered the giveaway!

  71. Carina Olsen

    Oh! I love this cover. <3 It looks gooorgeous. And oh, I really, really want this book. <3 Have only read one book by this author so far, but I did really enjoy She Is Not Invisible :) So I cannot wait to read this book too. <3 Thank you for sharing Wendy :)

    • Wendy Darling

      His other books are very, very different from SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE, hah. But I love that he’s constantly switching things up–his writing is beautiful, and his stories are so original. I hope we both love this one, Carina!

  72. Tracey

    The cover is wonderful! I love the orange and purple tones and the long spiraling staircase. I’ve had my eye on Midwinter Blood for a while now. The Ghosts of Heaven sounds just as good.

    • Wendy Darling

      Yesss, where is that guy going? I MUST KNOW.

      Do give MIDWINTERBLOOD a try sometime, too! It’s strange and beautiful, and a book that really stays with you.

    • Wendy Darling

      Hi Yuko! He’s a UK author, so it’s not a translation. I can’t vouch for this for certain, but think the majority of the text would be the same, except for possibly swapping Americanized spelling or a word here and there. I do believe the UK version is out before ours, so you can always order it from The Book Depository if you want 100% original Sedgwick.

    • Wendy Darling

      Oh no, not “might” need to change that, you just NEED to change that. ;) I think his books are love it or hate it type deals–they are often bizarre and other-worldly, but that’s what I love about him. Unlike anything else out there, I hope you do give his books a try sometime.

  75. Sandy S.

    What an amazing cover! I love the transition of color from the water to the sky. The steepness of the twisting stairs with book’s font is perfect. Thanks for the giveaway.

    • Wendy Darling

      Yes! The gradiations in color are my favorite part. I’m so curious as to how all these images play into the story–it’ll be fun to find out!

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