DIABOLICAL by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, 2012):

When “slipped” angel Zachary and his werewolf pal, Kieren, are summoned under suspicious circumstances to a mysterious New England boarding school, they quickly find themselves in a hellish lockdown with an intriguing assortment of secretive, hand-picked “students.”

Plagued by demon dogs, hallucinatory wall decor, a sadistic instructor, and a legendary fire-breathing monster, will they somehow manage to escape? Or will the devil have his due?

Best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith unites heroes from the previous three novels in the TANTALIZE series — including Zachary’s girl, Miranda, and Kieren’s love, Quincie — along with a fascinating cast of all-new characters for a suspenseful, action-packed clash between the forces of heaven and hell.

On sale Jan. 2012 | 978-0-7636-5118-3 | Candlewick Press | Hardcover | YA Novel/Fiction | Interior Design Elements | 368 Pages | Ages 14-up

New Reviews

The Horn Book raves: “It’s a considerable challenge for a series not to lose steam by the fourth book, but this one runs full force on the fires of hell and the sword power of heaven.” The review goes on to praise how “expertly” the characters’ stories are interwoven, praises the novel as a “model for incorporating just enough details from previous books,” and finally, notes that it’s “demonically inspired by Stoker’s Dracula and divinely imagined into the present day.”

Kirkus Reviews cheers: “A smart, playful series… A blend of romance, action and horror, this distinguishes itself from the crowd of paranormal teen fare with the employ of plenty of camp and a healthy dose of dry humor… fans of the first three will thrill to this latest.”

Cynsational Notes

Look for this title in hardcover and e-format. E-book: 978-0-7636-5963-9.

Look for mega Tantalize series giveaways, starting next week and counting down to the January release.

Order now from from Indiebound or an e-retailer.

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

About the Trailer Creator

The Diabolical trailer was created by Shayne Leighton, whose recent projects also include Of Light and Darkness (Book 1: The Vampire’s Daughter)(Decadent, 2011) and a related film series.

The film will feature such talents as Michael Welch (“The Twilight Saga,” “Born Bad”), Cassie Scerbo and Johnny Pacar (both from ABC Family’s “Make It Or Break It”), and Frantisek Mach (“The Incubus”) and Shayne herself (also “The Incubus”).

See the official website for more information.

About the Original Art

“Scholomance Prep” is illustrated by Jeff Crosby. His latest books include Wiener Wolf (Hyperion, 2011) and Harness Horses, Bucking Broncos and Pit Ponies: A History of Horse Breeds, co-created by Shelley Ann Jackson (Tundra, 2011).