SALT LAKE CITY – Utah authors have a strong presence in the literary community, many earning top spots on the New York Times Bestseller list.
They've written best-selling books like "The Beyonders," "Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25" and "Janitors." But these Utah authors know how to throw a party.
Friday, a group of six authors, five from Utah, got together for the launch of Brandon Mull's long-anticipated final book in "The Beyonders" series.
"They're really, really exciting," said "Beyonders" fan Dylan Schreiber.
Mull is one of over 10 Utah authors to have a book at number one on the New York Times Bestseller list. His launch party resembled a rock concert with music and sketch comedy. He says the goal is to get kids excited about reading.
"I want my books to take readers on a fun ride," says Mull. "First and foremost, I want to write the kind of books that kids will read on purpose, you know, that they would read for fun."
But more and more young adult novels appeal to adults as well, perhaps because they want to see what their kids are reading. Moms at Friday's launch say the books are a great pastime for their kids.
"They are well written, they are full of great characteristic traits that I want my kids to learn," says mom Amber Mortensen.
Also at the book launch, international best seller Christopher Paolini, author of "The Inheritance Cycle." He says in a world of changing media, imagination and stories are one thing that will never change.
"Stories are such a part of what it means to be human," says Paolini. "We all love stories, they help us understand the world around us. No matter how we tell those stories, whether it's film or television, it all comes down to words, to language. That’s how we tell a story."
Parents say one of the most exciting parts about the launch is being able to meet the authors and get their autographs. It helps them become more than just a name on a page.
More information on Brandon Mull’s new book can be found on his website, brandonmull.com
