The television host Mr Rogers was known for carrying around a quote from a social worker in his wallet. The note said:

“Frankly, there isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.” 

In storytelling, we call this the principle of  Make Me Love, or as Andrew Stanton says in his Ted Talk: Make me Care.

In my life I have lived in story. I have found myself diving deep into the depths of words scattered across pages, searching for friends, adventure, and a sense of wonder. The job of a story teller is to do just that. To open a black box and invite a reader in, and to quickly close the lid so they can’t escape. But that only happens when an author has obeyed the principle of “Make us Love / Make me care.”

The incredible covers created by Kirk DouPonce (Dog Ear Designs) for Nadine Brandes Out of Time Series are absolutely captivating. They provide that invitation and that principle of story- Making me want to care and love.

One can’t help but be left with questions: who is this girl? Where is she heading? And what is she searching for?

Pravin Blackwater is not the most likely hero one would expect. But once we hear her story, like those in her world, we can’t help but love and care for her.

This series is one of the most intriguing dystopian series I have ever read. With quotable prose that pulls you in and traps you until the early morning hours.

I’m sad- in some ways to see it come to an end. But like all great characters I have traveled with- the adventure may end, but the story goes on.

The last book in the Out of Time Series is being released this October. And I’m excited to see where our friend Nadine Brandes takes it!!!

Don’t hesitate to jump into this world.

The links for book 1 A Time to Die and book 2 A Time to Speak are below.

So jump in- Be encouraged- And get lost

A Time to Die

A Time to Speak