Ray LaMontagne Ouroboros interview

On most days in Ashefield, Mass. It was the best experience Ive had in the studio. LaMontagnes latest is another unpredictable career move. Credit: Jeff Golden/WireImage Its a sprawling, eight-track epic designed to be played on a turntable. I dont think it works in any way except as a whole. But LaMontagnes biggest inspiration came from what hes called a prophet-like vision. I dont regularly practice meditation, he says. But this is as close as I come....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 136 words · Hector Miller

Ray LaMontagne shares 'Hey, No Pressure' off new album

In the lyrics, the singer-songwriter laments watching someone dear to him buckle under the weight of their responsibilities. Anything you want your life to mean/It can mean, he assures them. The words certainly ring true for the artist. Credit: Jeff Golden/WireImage WhenEW spoke to him about the new album,Ouroboros, he said he doesnt force his music. I kind of equate it to the Peter Pan experience, he said of his process....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 97 words · Lisa Martinez

Read a thrilling excerpt from YA novelFlame in the Mist

The story follows Mariko, the daughter of a prominent samurai. She escapes, and learns that the Black Clan was hired to kill her. See the cover and read the excerpt below. The boys sight blurred before him, seeing past the truth. He focused on the story hisubahad told him the night before. A story of good and evil, light and dark. A story where the triumphant sun rose high above its enemies....

May 1, 2025 · 19 min · 4030 words · Sarah Tran

Read an excerpt from Amanda Hocking's new Valkyries duology

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The polluted alley felt narrow and claustrophobic, sandwiched between skyscrapers. In the city, it was never quiet or peaceful, even at three in the morning. Credit: Mariah Paaverud There were more than thirty million humans and supernatural beings coexisting, living on top of each other. My eyes were locked on the flickering neon lights of the gambling parlor across the street....

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 491 words · Kelly Wilson

Read an excerpt from B.A. Shapiro's 'The Muralist'

Shapiro captivated us in 2012 with heraddictivenovelThe Art Forger. According to the label, it once held uniforms for butchers; she hadnt known butchers wore uniforms. Two years ago, shed returned to the States after seven years in France. And she was right. Lee leaned over her shoulder and squinted at the tiny four-by-six-inch canvas she was painting. If you like wooden patriotism. My favorite, Alizee said dryly. Lee squatted, looked more closely at the small panels....

May 1, 2025 · 6 min · 1240 words · Shawn Thompson

Read an excerpt from Catherynne Valente's final 'Fairyland' novel

Catherynne M. Valentes belovedFairylandseries is finally coming to an end withThe Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home. It had legs and fists but only the barest beginning of a face. It did not even have a name. HELLO, said the First Stone politely. It sat on the grass, carefully trying not to crush the violets. September, Queen of Fairyland and All Her Kingdoms, waved back shyly. She hadnt the first idea how to be a Queen....

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 468 words · Julia Martinez

Read an excerpt from E.K. Johnston's 'Spindle' -- exclusive

And see the cover below Last year, E.K. Check them both out, below: i. We were made strong in that desert heat, tempered by sand and blood and bones. We stretched out our hands and our will, and used that which we seized however we wished. Then one of us rose too high, took too much, and was brought down. The world is made safe by a woman. She took the evil that she knew and bound it up with bright iron she had dreamed into existence....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 346 words · Timothy Lawson

Read an excerpt from Gena Showalter's Lifeblood

Excerpt fromLifebloodby Gena Showalter Killians words echo through my mind.Either we fight, or we lose. Fight each other to win the war? I thought I was prepared to give up everything for my realm of choice. Credit: Debbie Bunch I thought I could live with any consequences. But the cost is far too high. Killian, my ML, and Archer, my TL, the boy I loved like a brother. But Archer died trying to save me....

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 454 words · Joshua Morales

Read an exclusive excerpt from 'Our Chemical Hearts'

But I at least thought there would be something, you know? A skipped beat of the heart. A tug at your soul wheresomethinginside you goes, Holy shit. Finally, after all this time, there she is. But three things about Grace immediately stood out, before her ordinariness could save her: 1. Grace was dressed head to toe in guys clothing. Jeans that were meant to be skinny were held on her hips by a belt....

May 1, 2025 · 9 min · 1774 words · Connor Thompson

Read an exclusive excerpt from 'Truthwitch' sequel, 'Windwitch'

Check them both out, below: Excerpt fromWindwitchby Susan Dennard Merik swiveled his wrists slowly. He felt it falling, though. Just as he felt the new, burned flesh on his hands stretching beneath torn gloves. The assassin in the night. The fire on theJana. The attack of a Waterwitch in Pins Keep. Each event had led Merik here, to Nodens temple. To a fresco of the gods left hand. So why not continue using the fear invoked from that name?...

May 1, 2025 · 8 min · 1515 words · Ryan Jackson

Read an exclusive excerpt from Bill Konigsberg'sHonestly, Ben

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Only this time, the object of his affections is a student named Hannah from a neighboring school. Honestly, Benwill be available for purchase on March 28.Preorder it here. Krystina Moran Another part of me couldnt stop my heart from pounding because I was sure Id done something bad. Id never been to Headmaster Taylors office. I sat in the waiting room, which was all wood paneling and high ceilings and sculptures....

May 1, 2025 · 9 min · 1857 words · Theresa Chen

Read Samuel L. Jackson and Danny Trejo's essays from 'Prison Ramen' -- exclusive

FOREWORD by Samuel L. Jackson Hunger! Quite possibly the first thing we feel entering this thing called life. Some of us have been fortunate enough to beat it back on the regular, others not so much. Ive been on both sides of that pronouncement. As a kid, I was well fed by my Southern grandparents, aunts, and neighbors. In the summers, I was on a farm where all I could eat was right at hand....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Jimmy Chandler

Read Willie Nelson's new afterword from 'It's A Long Story: My Life' -- exclusive

Turned out I had nothing to worry about. Reviews were kind and readers even kinder. Ill just catch you up with my comings and goings this past year. I feel like Ive bought so much, its time to start selling it back. Beyond celebrating pots pleasures, though, I remain a staunch advocate of its vital agricultural and medical benefits. This past summer was the thirtieth anniversary of Farm Aid. Im also sad and pissed that, after all this time, the small farmer is still struggling....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 373 words · Ronald Fitzpatrick