New fantasy novel by Toronto author to be published by Thomson Gale

Toronto, ON May 1, 2007 – For years, stories and poems by Daniel Arenson have appeared in various publications, including Flesh & Blood, Chizine, and Orson Scott Card’s Strong Verse. His debut novel, the epic fantasy FIREFLY ISLAND, is now forthcoming from Five Star, an imprint of Thomson Gale Publishing.

When asked about the pending release of his debut novel, Daniel said, "I wrote FIREFLY ISLAND while living in Israel. It began as a distraction during wartime, and I’m obviously delighted that the book found a top-notch publisher like Thomson Gale, and the response so far has been very encouraging." Born in Israel in 1980, Daniel Arenson lived in Manitoba and New Jersey before settling in Toronto, Ontario.

Gordon Aalborg, an editor at Thomson Gale, wrote that FIREFLY ISLAND "would have to be in the top three speculative fiction titles I have dealt with. Damned good stuff!" A fellow Five Star fantasy author, Jon Baxley, said, "I wish Daniel great success. His book deserves it." Uwe Jarling, a prominent fantasy painter, added, "Daniel is an awesome fantasy author. If you are interested in fantasy, his book Firefly Island is a MUST READ."

So, what kind of story is FIREFLY ISLAND? Daniel answered, "It’s a fantasy adventure in the tradition of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. A cruel king, his flesh made of stone, tyrannizes the enchanted Firefly Island. No sword or arrow can harm him. Aeolia, a servant girl, can magically share feelings and senses—even pain. Only she, by hurting herself, can hurt the mad monarch. But can she save the island from his grasp?" Readers will have to wait for the book’s release in August to find out.

The novel features cover art by Thorsten Grambow. The book’s website, DanielArenson.com, includes artwork created specifically for FIREFLY ISLAND by renowned painter Stephanie Pui-Mun Law. The website also includes sample chapters, information about the world of FIREFLY ISLAND, free stories by Daniel, writing tips, and more.

FIREFLY ISLAND, by Daniel Arenson, ISBN 9781594146015, Five Star (Thomson Gale)


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For review copies or to schedule an interview, please contact fireflyisland@danielarenson.com.