John Scalzi and Justine Larbalestier are talking about “owning” your one star reviews on Amazon. I went to go look mine up, only to discover that, to my shock, I don’t have any one star reviews on Amazon. Given the angst I’ve felt over Amazon reviews in the past, I was sure that some of them had to be one star. No, apparently only two stars. I have my fair share of those.(Don’t worry, though, I have plenty of one star reviews on Goodreads!)

Yet none of them, I think, can possibly top the one I just received for Rampant. A snippet of its (two star) fabulosity:

“I felt as if the author is very self-impressed and narcissistic. Which I guess is fine until it permeates the writing. If you read the jacket cover - all about how wonderful and adventurous she is - and then realize she’s attempted to weave in the myth of Diana goddess of the hunt and that her name is Diana….well too much self homage for me. Nothing redeems this insipid tale.”

Finally, someone calls me out for making the magic system in my book something that was invented by a goddess whose name is the same as mine. I was wondering when that would happen.

Justine’s post is all about Jane Austen’s one star Amazon reviews for Pride & Prejudice. I haven’t read through them, but I sincerely hope that someone calls that chick out for naming her most beautiful Bennett sister Jane, not to mention that annoyingly perfect Jane Fairfax from Emma.

So I got up on the rightest side of the bed this morning. To start with, it’s a gorgeous day outside. Bright and clear, not too cold. And I was in a good mood already because I did some serious work yesterday, and I’m still buzzing from that.

And then I found out that Teenreads.com is recommending RAMPANT on it’s 2009 holiday gift buying guide, What To Give, What To Get.

And then Phoebe Eating shared her thoughts on Rampant:

“It was the premise (in four words: “girls hunt killer unicorns”) that initially drew me in, but the fantastic, battle-strewn plotting and frantic pace that kept me there. For the first time in ages, I stayed up late–too late!–to read, consuming the entire book in two big night-time chunks.”

Also:

“Peterfreund puts a remarkable deal of care into crafting her urban-fantasy world, particularly the mythology behind the unicorns. We’re given a small handful of bloodthirsty species, and she even manages to make two unicorns into believable characters. Though one unicorn, Bonegrinder, is tame, she certainly isn’t a saccharine-Lisa-Frank-kind-of unicorn, but instead a gritty, feisty, and fiercely loyal killer.”

It’s possible Bonegrinder and Phil are going to have to have a cage match for “most popular character in Rampant.

And then, to my surprise, some reviews popped up of Secret Society Girl. Like Helgagrace’s:

“…an action-packed series opener that had me eagerly ordering the second book through ILL.”

And Sarah at Everygirl Blog:

“Usually when I read YA or chick-lit (of which this could be considered both), I find that I dislike the characters. This is an exception. I love Amy and her spunky, bold personality. I love that she has real problems (best friend in love with her, roommate issues, making the grade on that final paper, boy troubles) in addition to her heavy Rose & Grave issues. And the guys in the book—swoon. Oh, boys. I love a good male character who I can fall in love with and, honestly, these books have more than one! Sure, it might not be as problematic as the Team Edward v. Team Jacob debate, but I bet some arguments could ensue about just who is best for Amy.”

And, last but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, Alexa Barry makes my day complete by naming Astrid & Giovanni #6 on her top 10 favorite literary couples of 2009. She shares one of their more… um, close scenes… then says, “Seriously, after this, I don’t know how you’re still a Unicorn Hunter, Astrid!” LOL

Okay then! And now I’m off to squander my good mood making the dogs and house look presentable again. It’s very muddy outside.

There have been a spate of lovely new online mentions of RAMPANT recently. I thought I’d share some quotes:

First, from Caitlin at Addiction to Fiction:

“This book was most entertaining, and very original. I loved the idea of killer unicorns. Before I started the book, I was envisioning sprawling battles with swords and crossbows and majestic yet terrible beasts that are ravaging the unsuspecting population. And I was not disappointed in that regard. What I didn’t expect was how honest the book was going to be about teenage girls and sex. I had completely forgotten the old myth of unicorns being attracted to virgin females, but this book takes it and runs with it. And sex itself it talked about in such an honest and real way. It feels like teenage girls talking about sex. Not an adult having teenage girls talk about sex the way she wishes they would.”

From Lea at YA Book Queen:

“Unicorns totally kick butt. I never thought I could actually take ‘Killer Unicorns’ seriously, but Peterfreund makes it all believable. After the first chapter, I was hooked.”

“The fight scenes were awesome, and so well described. I felt like I was there, witnessing everything. Even the descriptions of the unicorns were awesome, because I could tell just how deadly they were (seriously!).”

Kate at Read This Book gives it a gold star and says:

“Wow! I could not put down this book and despite the fact that I was rather unwell when I read it. From the first chapter, you’d be enchanted by the world of killer unicorns. Rampant possesses a nice mixture of romance, action and adventure. Detailed gruesome battles, heart-pounding action, vivid desciptions of unicorns and fantastic dialogue. It’s no question that Diana Peterfreund is an amazingly talented writer.”

Liyana at LiyanaLand (on break from trying to guess the title of the sequel) named Rampant her book of the month for November and says:

“I loved the fighting sequences and the training scenes. As I’m writing this, I’m still in RampantLand, and goshdang it! The view there is amazing. The descriptions are breathtaking, the writing is superbly lucid and the characters are just fantastically detailed.”

And, last but not least, Angela at DarkFaerieTales has this to say:

“Overall, I think Rampant is an excellent read. These rabid and deadly unicorns will absolutely terrify you. This book has it all, from making out, to fight scenes, flesh eating mythical creatures, deadly kills, heartbreak, and downright gore. The pacing of the book is good and the premise is certainly engaging. I actually bit all of my nails off while reading this book. Many thanks, Ms. Peterfreund.”

And also:

“The love story between Astrid and Giovanni is actually pretty devastating. Astrid grapples with her physical and emotional reactions to Giovanni, and looks to him as a way out of the death and destruction. Giovanni is older and more experienced, and views his relationship with Astrid as more than physical gratification. Their relationship will certainly be fraught with difficulty and full of sacrifice for both parties.”

I save that quote for last because it really made my day. I absolutely love the response that Rampant has received from readers — I love Astrid, and Phil, and Cory, and Bonegrinder, I love the Cloisters and the battle sequences, and it means so much to me that readers love them too.

I also love Giovanni. I find the relationship between Astrid and Giovanni to be pretty devastating myself, and there are certain scenes with the two of them that make me cry every time I read them. I realize that he’s not a vampire or a fallen angel or any of those other enigmatic and enchanting boys YA heroines are wont to meet in their biology classes, He’s not a werewolf, a demon, a fairy, or a unicorn hunter. To me, this is not a downside. I like human boys very much. I married one. There’s a reason that Giovanni has been crafted the way he is.

I don’t believe love conquers all. Rather, I believe that love gives you a reason to attempt said conquering. And those who have read the secret society books and the five romances in that series know that sometimes, that’s not reason enough. I love that the Dark Faerie Tales review appreciated Astrid and Giovanni’s love story. I can’t wait for you all to read ASCENDANT and see where it takes them.

Perhaps you caught me on television yesterday. I appeared on the syndicated show Better, which airs in 54 cities, talking about RAMPANT.What gorgeous production values they have there at Better!

If you didn’t catch the show, you can see it now, online! I love living in the future.

Now, if only CBS would stop being jerks and put How I Met Your Mother back on the internet. I am happy to watch ads. I just don’t get TV reception.

Hi, everyone, it’s me, your absentee blogger. I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting this place of late (I know I’ve owed folks more on the “nice guy” thing for, like, weeks) but I’ve been so busy! Florida, St. Louis, New York City, the KidLitCon — and then revisions, revisions revisions! It’s been a whirlwind.

For instance, this weekend I spent all day Saturday (from about 6 AM to 10 PM) at the KidLitCon here in DC. I attended panels on how authors, bloggers and publishers can work together, a panel on the new FTC guidelines work (and “guidelines” is really the appropriate word here, because the takeaway message I got from the very nice FTC rep was that everyone needed to chill out), and got to hang out with some amazing authors, including Laurel Snyder, Amanda Brice, Caroline Hickey, Pam Bachorz, Paula Chase Hyman, and Varian Johnson.

Varian Johnson, me, and Paula Chase-Hyman at “Meet the Author” at KidLitCon

On top of that, I met some amazing librarians whose blogs I totally intended to come straight home and check out… except:

My train to New York City left at 7 AM the next morning. Yikes.

So, after sleeping all the way to New York, I arrived, checked into my hotel (Luggage = one tiny suitcase and one enormous bag of killer unicorn cookies) and betook myself downtown to Books of Wonder. The other authors at the signing included John Connolly, Marissa Doyle, John Hulme, Daniel Kirk, Sara Beth Durst, Dan Poblocki, and Michael Wexler — and I am now the proud possessor of all their books.

Also at the signing: my editor, Sharonluvscats (in her awesome unicorn jacket!), Cassandra Yorgey, my uncle Tom (who drove down from Buffalo to see me!), a whole bunch of my college friends, and Mitali’s dad.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO BRAVED THE CRAPPY WEATHER AND CAME!

Sharon’s AWESOME unicorn jacket

Me and Sarah Beth Durst, who has an awesome rundown of the whole event on her blog.

It was a really fun signing. Instead of doing a reading (which always makes my palms sweat in fear), we all got a chance to talk about the kernel of the idea behind our books. And regular blog readers know I can go on forever about the ideas behind killer unicorns. After our presentations, a school principal came up to me and said she was buying Rampant because it sounded very educational. I hope, upon reading it, she decides there’s enough mythology, monasteries, and museums mixed in with the making out and the manslaughter.

See what I did there? What a wordsmith.

After the signing, Sarah Beth Durst and Sarah Cross and I went to a nearby bakery and had ridiculously rich hot chocolates with ridiculously large marshmallows in them. Then Sarah Cross and I went to dinner and caught up, since I hadn’t seen her since Team Castle. We caught up for, um, five hours. Eventually, the people at the restaurant took our teacups and water glasses away and refused to keep refilling. Getting the hint, we betook ourselves to Grand Central Station and kept catching up in the lobby until we finally, reluctantly, admitted we should both probably go home and get some sleep.

The next morning, I woke up, packed up my killer unicorn cookies:

And headed off on my day of extra special secret fabulous promotional events. I did a television appearance (more on that soon), a video interview (more on that a little less soon, but still not so long from now), and had nice long chats with my editor about — ahem — secret books I may or may not be writing (see column at right).

And then I came home to Sailor Boy and Rio and TempDog #4, who all missed me madly. And I spent all of Tuesday playing catch-up.

So, there you have it! Why I’ve not been around. Sorry.

In other news, I’ve got winners of the fabulous Kristin Cashore Giveaway, and here they are:

MICHELLE OF THE SPIRAL PATH (comment #7)

SARA OF THE HIDING SPOT (comment #16)

And here’s how it works. You two email me and tell me whether you want Graceling or Fire. First come, first served.

1. I’ve been working really hard on revisions for KU2.
2. Which have been hampered sadly, by Pantalaimon’s timely/untimely (depending on which Apple Genius you ask) death.
3. I have been doing some home repairs chez Diana
4. Which include a massive tree removal operation which rendered my office about 12 times more sunny, which I’m sure I’ll appreciate in the coming winter months but which makes me think I should have gone for an anti-glare screen in my new computer. Also, I’ll probably want to plant something new so I have some shade next summer.

But, don’t worry. I’ll be back soon. Like when Fed Ex decides to get off its butt and deliver my new computer. Stupid Columbus Day.

In other news, check out this great new review of Rampant from In Between the Pages:

I loved Astrid. She kicks butt in so many ways. Plus, she’s a science nerd like me. Chem major all the way! The characters were all very layered and unexpected, with none of them conforming to stereotypes. The jock was extremely nice and grounded, while the girls who appeared to be nasty ended up having hearts. Then there were the boys. Who doesn’t love a guy that enjoys art and speaks Italian? (melt)

Recently, I met with Bethanne Patrick of The Book Studio and spoke with her at length about the secret society girl series as well as Rampant. The interview is now available. Go listen to me talk about feminism, politics, killer unicorns, and hot guys.

First off, the events.

I’ve got some exciting new events in store to celebrate the release of RAMPANT, including one in New York City! (I will keep you updated on my Manhattan appearance and release the details when details are, y’know, finalized.)

This weekend of course is the big Florida launch party. We’re finalizing the details now and it’s going to be so much fun! The entire catering menu is an homage to the Roman setting of RAMPANT. There’s going to be pizza and Italian bread and cheese and gelato and prosecco for the over-21-ers and Italian sodas for the underage…I’m super-excited.

And actually, my trip to Florida has me bouncing from top to bottom. Friday night’s the party, Saturday night my family is having a super special dinner in Tampa, and Sunday we’ll be attending a Bucs game. It’s going to be a whirlwind adventure!

I just need to figure out who is taking care of Rio and TempDog#4 while I’m away. I’m pretty sure I’ll have to split them up, which is too bad. I totally caught them making out earlier this evening. Rio, apparently, likes younger guys.

And then, as soon as I’m back, it’s off to St. Louis for the NINC Conference. the last time I was in St. Louis, there was a horrific blizzard, and the entire city shut down. I’m hoping for warmer weather and open restaurants. Fingers crossed. But I can’t wait! I’m roomming with my mentor, the fabulous Julie Leto, and I’m going to dinner with my agent, and I’m sitting on a panel with Sharon Shinn and Julie Kenner, and I’m moderating another with Ridley Pearson (!!!) And in between, I’m probably going to do some stock signings out and about in St. Louis.

In other news, my toe still hurts. No sandals for me this weekend. Sad face. I was all set for a pedicure with little unicorn heads on my toes, too. Possibly decapitated. Definitely fanged.

In other OTHER and FAR MORE INTERESTING news than Stuff About My Mangled Toe, we have more RAMPANT reviews, coming atcha (spoiler-free, too!):

Christy Finn at Finntastic raves:

That tension there kept me hooked (well, along with all the unicorn attacks that would come and the bloody mess that it would leave behind) all throughout the novel. I kept reading, hardly glancing up, hardly eating until I was twenty pages from the end. I needed to know: how would it end. I knew, even as I bought this book, that there would be another to come… now, I just hate that I have to wait until Fall 2010 to get my hands on it.

The characters in the book are incredibly diverse. Phil has an air of rebellion around her, a devil-may-care attitude, and yet she shows such love for her cousin Astrid, I just love her all around. At one point, your heart breaks for her. Cory, the ultra-focused unicorn hunter that was the first to arrive, comes off somewhat misunderstood. And Lilith, Astrid’ mother, who had told her of the existence of unicorns for years. At first, I was ambivalent towards her. But later… later, I strongly disliked her.

And Giovanni. (Slight swoon here). It’ll be fun to see how his role grows as the series progresses.

Perhaps where Diana shows her strength is not only in the prose that she writes. It’s fluid. There’s a strong Voice in the work. The descriptions are vivid, elaborate at times. If you’ve read her other work, none of this will be a surprise.

But the details! The history! The richness! The retelling, recreating of worlds and histories. The revelations that come, little by little, and never at a rush… great timing, excellent pacing, but extraordinary details.

LyraRoses says:

5 out of 5 stars...
The imagery that is used wraps you up in how Astrid feels, as you follow her through her decisions. She is a great role model for girls. As she is strong willed and has as true sense of honor. You understand the why behind all her decisions. I love her relationship with her cousin, Phil. They make a great team. I really enjoyed it and hope that there will be another story where we see what happens to the characters later on.

And Kate at Read this Book! wrote:

Wow! I could not put down this book and despite the fact that I was rather unwell when I read it. From the first chapter, you’d be enchanted by the world of killer unicorns. Rampant possesses a nice mixture of romance, action and adventure. Detailed gruesome battles, heart-pounding action, vivid descriptions of unicorns and fantastic dialogue. It’s no question that Diana Peterfreund is an amazingly talented writer.

So there you have it. ‘Cause I know the only reasons you guys come here is to read Rampant reviews, right?

Kidding.You’re probably bored to tears and wonder when I’m gonna post another photo of Rio. But the thing is, Rio is deathly afraid of books for some reason (ahem, shoemaker’s kids go barefoot, I’m guessing), and she refuses to pose with Rampant. And until she does, I’ve instituted a moratorium on her modeling days. Adolescent rebellion my mangled toe!

Luckily, we’ve got a few stand-ins. This is Tiff’s cat. Hi, Tiff’s cat!

Tiff’s Cat is currently enjoying pride of place as the first cat ever featured here on my blog. I’m not so much a cat person, though I love my niece and nephew-cats, Hobbes and Hera.

And, naturally, I love any cat who loves Rampant. Tiff’s cat is hereby named an honorary member of the Order of the Lioness.

Wait, what was that, Rio? You’re jealous? Jealous enough to submit yourself to Mommy’s whims, perhaps?

Okay, you can be in the Order of the Lioness as well. There’s my little girl.

Lori at Pure Imagination says:

This is the first book I have read by Diana Peterfreund. I don’t know what I was expecting from killer unicorns but this wasn’t it!
The Story is so original. Who would have thought you could take a beloved mythical creature and turn it into a savage beast. While at the same time time making us fall in love with Bonegrinder. Peterfreund did it wonderfully.

and also:

Giovanni is another of those YA males to add to your list of Boys We Love. That list is getting long!
I’m enthralled with the world Diana Peterfreund has created. A world with vicious mythical creatures, poisons, remedies, magic and lots of action. I look forward to reading more by this author and I can’t wait for a sequel! 4 Stars!

Tales From the Hollow Tree lists RAMPANT as “what’s hot in YA”.

Pikealicious Books took advantage of the Harper Collins Browse Inside feature to read the first five chapters of RAMPANT for free, and says:

I was hooked. I never thought I would be interested in a book that boasts about killer unicorns, but I am- and I cannot wait to finish it. I was really disappointed that I would have to wait a bit before I either get the one copy that I am on the waiting list for the book through the library, or I visit the bookstore this weekend and buy it for myself.

She brings up a really good point: RAMPANT is available at libraries all over this fine nation of ours. Why, the NYPL alone has 44 copies. Does your library have a copy? If not, have you requested that they get one? If you’re a librarian, have you emailed me for your library’s free RAMPANT bookmarks? Now’s your chance!

And last but certainly not least, the book blog at The Baltimore Sun puts RAMPANT on it’s list of “Books to read that aren’t THE LOST SYMBOL.” Which I find to be one of the most awesome booklists to be on ever.

Alexa at Not Enough Bookshelves reviews RAMPANT (spoiler -free) and even gives away a free signed copy she snagged last weekend! She says, in part:

Although the plot of Rampant is intriguing and fast paced what really lifts the book to my favourites shelf is narrator, heroine, and reluctant unicorn hunter, Astrid. She’s such a great character, strong, smart and funny but also vulnerable and confused. I loved her emotional growth and her struggle to reconcile her hunter abilities with the life she wants. And, of course, I loved her romance with Giovanni, Diana writes such good boys and such good kissing scenes.

So drop by Alexa’s blog and enter for your chance to win a free copy! (Since I know the only reason you may not have run out to buy your own already is budgetary concerns.)

Amuse Books also reviews Rampant:

Thus begins the adventure in Peterfreund’s Rampant.  A bit Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a bit Roman Holiday and yet very much it’s own unique creation, Rampant leads it’s readers on a journey into another land.  The city of Rome is it’s own character in the novel, along with girls from around the world who gather there to train to do battle against the reemergent Unicorns.  As for Alexander the Great, you’ll just have to read the book to see how he fits in.  You won’t regret it.  Rampant is the best new YA book I’ve read this year.

Just thought you guys might want to know.

In other news, TempDog#3 came and went so fast I didn’t even get a chance to take pictures of her! I’m picking up TempDog#4 today, who will be a little bit more of a challenge than the others, I think, owing to the fact that he’s a…puppy. Gulp. Wish me luck, people.