Today we hear from new Bookbabbler Lyndsey..

Candor – Pam Bachorz

Oscar Banks is the perfect teenager. Son of the town‘s founder, most popular guy in school and he has the hottest girl in school as a girlfriend. Everyone either wants to know Oscar and be his friend or they want to be him. The thing is, his perfection is only for show. Oscar knows that there is an evil secret behind the town of Candor and one that rules it.

Everyone in Candor is rules by subliminal Messages that are given through the music being played into the town. Oscar is the exception to the rule though as he has figured out a way to counteract the Messages and be able to think for himself. Oscar has his own way of protecting newcomers and getting them out before their minds are no longer their own but then Nia Silva arrives.

Nia is the one girl that Oscar never wants to see changed into the usual Candor resident but helping her means risking exposing himself and what he can do. Will he be able to save Nia as well as keeping himself safe at the same time?

From the moment I heard about this book, I wanted to read it immediately. The I saw the cover. I have never been so put off by a book just because of its cover but this one really made me thing twice about how much I wanted to read it. The UK cover is white with a big orange lollipop with a wasp stuck to it. I am terrified of wasps so having a book taunt me was not something I was looking forward to. However, I did sit the book on my desk for a couple of days before reading it and soon got used to the cover and it ended up not being scary to look at after a while.

Candor is written in the first person, from Oscar’s point of view and it worked very well for me. Having Oscar give a run down of what is happening in Candor and how the town works really drew me into the story and made me believe that Candor really wasn’t the nicest place to live. Oscar is quite a realistic teenager considering that his Dad is a bit more than crazy and the whole town is being brainwashed. I found his dialogue to be witty and clever most of the time but there were others where I thought he was a little more whiney than I had expected. The thing about Oscar is that he isn’t perfect, he is far from it. Bachorz isn’t afraid to show his flaws and they proved how real he is, making me like him even more.

Each of the supporting characters are all also interesting in their own ways. Sherman is desperate to get out of Candor and seems willing to do just about anything for Oscar to get his wish. His desperation is so funny that it made me laugh out loud. Mandy, Oscar’s girlfriend is the perfect picture of what a girl should be in Candor but what was she like before her family moved to Candor?

Then there is Nia, the new girl in town. I loved that I got to learn so much about the real her due to not being taken in by the town’s Messages. Nia enjoys doing a lot of the things that are now banned in Candor, because everyone thinks they’re evil. Her personality was so exciting and fresh compared to the other robotic residents. She was certainly determined to be her own person and not do what anyone else told her to. She was rebellious, loud and funny.

The relationship between Oscar and Nia was beautifully written for the most part although there was one small part that I had a problem with. Things developed quicker than I would have liked but I can overlook that as the rest was so good. Nothing is easy for them to begin with as Nia doesn’t want anything to do with Oscar and I loved that. She wasn’t going to pay attention to him just because he was the most popular guy in school. The way that their relationship developed stayed true to how I had imagined it would do instead of being a fluffy, happy all round relationship.

The background of the town, once revealed, was a very interesting one. There are small hints throughout the story as to why Oscar’s Dad created such a town but I was never really sure until it was clearly stated. Bachorz has created a world that although quite complex in certain ways, is still easy to understand. She really thought of every little detail and that is why Candor (the town) was so perfect.

The idea behind controlling members of the community with subliminal messages has been done before (e.g. Stepford Wives) but Candor puts a new and exciting twist on it. Something that really got me thinking was the what perfect would mean to me. Oscar’s Dad created a town that is his idea of perfect with perfect people but what would it have been like if that was me? I don’t think I would have any idea where to begin even if it was possible. More interesting than the idea itself is that there is one person who has been able to go against the mind control. Oscar isn’t completely immune to the Messages though, he has to work extremely hard to make sure they don’t take over his mind. The fact that it wasn’t easy for him to be his own person was something that added realism to his character.

Candor kept me guessing throughout and I could never really tell what was going to happen at the end. Twists and turns are thrown in all over the place to keep readers guessing. Candor is a fast paced story that will grip you from the very beginning right until the end. There were so many ways that this story could have gone but I was very pleased with how things ended. That’s not to say it ends how you will expect it to though.

I would love for there to be a sequel so that I can find out what happens to Oscar, Nia and the rest of the town. Candor is a completely thrilling book that will have you thinking for days after finishing it!

Thanks, Lyndsey – great review and glad you enjoyed it! Thanks to Egmont for sending us a copy.

Last week we brought you our review of castle of Shadows, so now onto the sequel, out this month, City of Thieves..

City of Thieves - Ellen Renner

“The final shock of it hit home. The Petches were thieves, and they had stolen him.” Tobias is on the run. From the father who betrayed him…from the mother who couldn’t comfort him…from his own desperate fear. But when he falls into the clutches of his uncle’s sinister gang of thieves, his fear grows. And soon Toby realises, his nightmare has only just begun…” (from Goodreads)

City of Thieves starts some time after Castle of Shadows ends, and the whole of Quale are gathered together to watch the hanging of Alistair Windlass. Charlie is now Queen of Quale, and is stuck in the Castle with her mother, the Dowager Queen.  But soon the people find out their most wanted criminal has escaped, and Tobias Petch vows to leave the Castle and find him, no matter what it takes. However, he doesn’t get very far before his uncle Zebediah forcibly recruits him into “the Family”, and Tobias must learn the trade of thieving in order stay alive.

Thanks, Liz. Ellen’s our ‘author in residence’ this month, so read the books and then ask her anything you like in our forum or on our Facebook page.

Today we catch up with Stephanie Burgis, author of A Most Improper Magick, out this month.

Which were your favourite books from your childhood?

I was a book addict from early childhood – two of the things I got in trouble for most often were sneaking books to the dinner table and reading during class! – so this list could go on for ages. Some of my very top favourites, though, were Joan Bauer’s Squashed, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Virginia Euwer Wolff’s The Mozart Season, Elizabeth Peters’s Crocodile on the Sandbank, and JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

(I’m going to stop here for the sake of space, but I do also have a whole page on my website that’s devoted to more of my favourite books: http://www.stephanieburgis.com/about/favorite-books.php )

Being fans of historical fiction ourselves, what drew you to writing in this genre?

I’ve always been a major history geek – in fact, I used to get out of some of my chores by trading good stories from history to one of my brothers in exchange! I also got a Master’s degree in music history, focusing on the music and politics of late eighteenth-century Europe. So it was almost a given that I would want to give my novels a historical setting – and ever since my dad read me Pride & Prejudice, when I was eight years old, I’ve been head-over-heels in love with the Regency era.

Tell us about Kat Stephenson

Kat is loyal, loving, headstrong, impulsive, smart, skeptical, and determined to make up her own mind about everything, no matter what anyone else might think! Her mother was a notorious witch whose reputation was ruined by the public practice of magic, and if Kat wanted to redeem herself in the eyes of good society, she’d avoid magic like the plague. However, Kat has no intention of doing that – especially when there are highwaymen to fight and husbands to find for both of her older sisters!

A Most Improper Magick is book 1 in the series, so what else can we expect and when?!

There will be at least two more books in The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson, coming out once a year. Book Two, A Tangle of Magicks, will take place in Regency Bath and involve scandalous rakes and wild magic.

To pick up on a current thread in our forum, if you could live with any literary character, who would it be and why?

I would absolutely love to live with Amelia Peabody (from CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK) – she’s smart, strong, supportive of other women, and always taking off on fabulous adventures in Victorian Egypt!

What do you love to do when you’re not writing?

I love to visit castles and historical museums, read books (of course!), and play with my wonderful toddler son.

Thanks, Steph. We will be bringing you our review of A Most Improper Magick soon…

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Dwayne..

Mistress of the Storm – ML Welsh

Verity Gallant knows she’ll never be as pretty and popular as Poppy, her perfect little sister – she doesn’t quite fit in. But when a mysterious stranger hands her an ancient red book, everything changes. Verity becomes embroiled in a tale of dark magic and intrigue; she uncovers old rivalries and discovers new friends. Together, she, Henry and Martha explore the secrets stirring in the ancient harbour town of Wellow. But what will it take to stop a powerful witch hell-bent on revenge?

Mistress of the Storm is the perfect read for younger teens who enjoy a hearty dose of mystery and for those who are transitioning from children’s book to young adult novels. Set in the small town of Wellow, Mistress of the storm follows the events of Verity Gallant’s life following the day she finds a mysterious man handing her a red book.

The book is generally presented in three parts. I found the first part to be about introductions. The book spends a good number of pages introducing characters with importance to the plot. It was disorienting with so many characters being simultaneously presented, but as the book progresses one begins to understand their role better. More questions about the mystery is added here than answers. The combined effect was for me, a little confusing, but it does get better as the book progresses. The middle part reveals the history and the more magical side to the book. The thrill increases, and the characters undergo a lot more changes and interact more with each other. The third and final part is where the action occurs. I liked it particularly because this is where everything is unraveled and all questions are answered. It has elements of folklore, magic and the general theme of good against evil, which is what really led me to believe that Mistress of the Storm is a particularly good book for younger teens. It is still rooted in the magic that kids adore in children’s book, but with a more edgy, more mature side that makes it close to a young adult book.

The characters in this book are well portrayed. Verity isn’t a particularly strong girl – she does not seem to stand up to bullies and keeps to herself; but her flaws gives her the best platform to mature and her strength and courage becomes clear at the end of the book. It was easy to symphatise with her and feel outraged with the antagonists. I feel it will appeal even more to children as they will relate easily to the many colourful characters. All of the important characters were given their resolutions, one I feel strongly about. It shows how the book is neatly outlined. There were little surprises in this book, none of which are big twists in themselves. I must admit there were times where I felt the narrative dragged and could just have gone straight to the point. I am also partly unsure that some of the characters are particularly important. Not that I mind them being in the book, I simply think it could have done with less. Nonetheless, characters give this book variety so they do seem to have their purpose at least.

To those who’d enjoy mystery with a hint of magic, Mistress of the Storm is the book for you!

Thanks, Dwayne, and thanks to Melanie Welsh for sending us a copy. It’s in our shop now.

Today we hear from Jack Christie, our Day of Deliverance hero..

I am going to start writing all this down because I am not sure where it is really going to end and whether it’s finished yet.  It’s been all quiet on the Revisionist front for a good few months, but they’re still out there and everyone at VIGIL seems to be getting twitchy. It’s not helped by what happened today. Angus and I were down at old Gino’s – I’ve got to tell you that Angus’s eating habits are getting worse –  a Ginochino and four chip butties. Gross. When that last chip butty started to leak and the ketchup went all over the place – tell you, it looked like some kind of nuclear accident. Anyway, Angus had the bright idea of going up to the old fire tower at the top of the forest on the bike. We’re not supposed to be up there for a start. Anyway, first we nearly mow down this hiker on one of the trails and then when we get to the fire tower at the top of the hill (great views by the way), we find that someone’s been living up there. There’s all his stuff there and, here’s the spooky bit, there  are a couple of books – one called ‘Principles of Quantum Mechanics’ and the other is Shakespeare and it’s opened at an entry in Hamlet, and it’s one of the speeches that I have learnt for the school play we’re doing with Beattie.  How weird is that? But that’s nothing to what happens next. Even Angus is getting a bit spooked at this point, we don’t know who this guy is or whether he’s going to come back at any minute so we decide to leave. Just as we go, I see a letter pinned to the back of the door. It’s addressed to me. Yep. Me. I nearly have a heart attack. I rip it open and… this is what it says:

“Jack,

I had hoped to be able to meet you in person and have time for a proper talk. However, I fear that VIGIL may soon learn of my location and therefore I have had to leave in haste. This is a sad time for me. You already know about my exile from my former colleagues in VIGIL. It grieves me that, because of this, I have not been able to see you or your mother over the past nine years. But now, I also find myself in disagreement with my friend Pendelshape and the Revisionist team. We were once so unanimous in our opposition to VIGIL. But now. . . Some months ago we started work on a new timeline simulation – one that aims to bring about great good for humanity. However, I could not accept further development of this simulation before I knew that you could be safely isolated from VIGIL and brought over to our side. Pendelshape and my Revisionist colleagues have become frustrated by my attitude, to say the least. We have argued and now, fearing their retribution, I have left them. Furthermore, with your safety in mind, I have, as of today, taken the unprecedented step of warning VIGIL of what I know of Pendelshape’s plans. I now find myself alone in the world – a fugitive. I never wanted to put you in this position or to expose you to all you have experienced. However, I live in hope that we can one day meet and that you will join me in my mission.

Dad”

This letter – it’s from Dad. I can’t believe it. And then it all comes together. He was the guy we nearly knocked over in the woods on the bike, and he’s been holed up here – a fugitive from VIGIL and now from this own guys – the Revisionists. Now he’s running away. I’m confused and I’m scared. And judging from the letter, I’m not the only one who’s scared. He’s talking about a new timeline simulation.  That might be gobbledygook to you – but I know what that means – after all I was the one that got transported back in time to 1914 to the assassination in Sarajevo and nearly got killed in the process. Basically, it sounds like the Revisionists are planning to try and make another change to history. I’m with VIGIL on this one – it’s incredibly dangerous – and if that is their plan they will need to be stopped.  I’m standing there, trying to work out what it all means, what to do, I’m thinking about Dad and if I’ll ever see him again… and then it all kicks off. The whole tower starts shaking and there’s a helicopter landing outside (yes – a helicopter) and a bunch of Landrovers and some guys with dogs. It’s VIGIL. They’ve been tracking my movements (of course – how could I forget) and they’ve already worked out that something’s up. I look at Angus and he knows what I know.

It’s starting again.

Jack Christie is the main character in Day of the Assassins and Day of Deliverance. We will be bringing you our review of both books soon, and to celebrate the launch of Day of Deliverance, we have 1 copy to giveaway to one Bookbabbler. If you’d like it, comment on this post, retweet it, or Facebook ‘like’ it, and we’ll pick a winner Wednesday at 8PM (UK only). Thanks to Templar for sending us review and giveaway copies. Both books are available to buy from our shop now.

Today we have a review from Connor..

The Time-Travelling Cat & the Great Victorian Stink – Julia Jarman

Topher’s amazing cat, Ka, has time-travelled again; she has left him the clue: CAppeLLis Following her, Topher finds himself in Victorian London where disease is rife and the Thames is clogged with stinking sewage! Topher discovers a plot to kill Joseph Bazalgette, the man who is trying to save the city. Determined to foil it, Topher must first escape from an arch-criminal and his den of thieves. This is the sixth adventure of the “Time-Travelling Cat”.

This is my 2nd book review and I am enjoying it! Time-Travelling Cat & the Great Victorian Stink is very enjoyable to read and is weird at points. My favourite part is when Topher, the main character, is walking through a sewer with his cat. Topher time travels on the back of a bird! It is full of fantasy which makes it more exciting! It has taught me things about Victorian history in a fun way. I felt some of the spirit from those times, and used my imagination. This a great book, I would recommend it to my friends.

Thanks, Connor and thanks to Andersen Press for sending us a copy. It’s in our shop for you to buy now!

We recently carried out an interview with Gillian (click here to see it), which brought to our attention the forthcoming Betrayal book, so we knew we’d just have to read the first book in the series, Immortal, in the hope it’d make us ready and eager for Betrayal. You can win a copy of Immortal here, too, to get you ready and eager for Betrayal..

Immortal

Welcome to Wyldcliffe, the place that haunts my present, my past, and my future.

Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn from her home near the sea to become the newest scholarship student, strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave her drowning in loneliness.

Evie’s only lifeline is Sebastian, a mysterious and attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie’s feelings for Sebastian blaze with each secret meeting, she begins to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. As the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.,

Betrayal

There are the small betrayals: the unkind word, the petty lies. And there are the betrayals that break hearts, destroy worlds, and turn the strong sweet light of day into bitter dust.

When Evie Johnson started at Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, her life changed in ways she couldn’t possibly have envisioned: the discovery of her link with Lady Agnes, her special bond with Helen and Sarah, and their sisterhood in the astonishing secrets of the Mystic Way. Above all, Evie’s love for Sebastian has turned her world upside down.

Now Evie returns to Wyldcliffe for another term and more danger. Surrounded by enemies, she lives every day in fear that Sebastian will fall into the darkness of servitude to the Unconquered Lords. The Wyldcliffe coven is plotting to destroy Evie and use Sebastian to secure their own immortality. Evie and her sisters must master the power of the Talisman before it is too late. But could it be Sebastian himself who will ultimately betray Evie?

I read Immortal and literally as soon as I’d finished it, got in touch with Gillian asking to read Betrayal! Why? Immortal tells two stories, that of Agnes set in the past, and then of Evie set in the present day. There’s history, romance, adventure and the Mystic Way, so plenty to keep your interest. I liked Evie and Agnes and their stories are both told through each chapter, coming together as the book progresses. From the first chapter, I knew I was going to enjoy it and I found I was keen to read on at the end of every chapter, as there was just enough intrigue to keep you going on. The ending is worth waiting for, with each storyline tied up, but left open for you to want to read Betrayal…

Betrayal, without giving too much of Immortal away, continues very much where we left off. Evie has a greater understanding of Wyldcliffe’s history and powers in this book, and so this is less of a journey of discovery and more a journey full of danger and adventure. It doesn’t keep you guessing in the same way that Immortal does, as you’re there with Evie in possession of more knowledge and racing against time with her to save her beloved Sebastian. This book moves at a faster pace, as you know the back story so it can jump straight into the action. As with Immortal, you’ll want to keep on reading and again, the ending’s just perfect.

These are great books, and are both available in our shop now. We do have one signed copy of Immortal available for one lucky Bookbabbler, so if you’d like to be entered into the draw, comment on this post, retweet it or Facebook ’like’ it. We’ll pick a winner on Monday at 8PM – good luck!

Ellen’s our ‘author in residence’ this month, so we’re hearing about her books. Liz has been reading Castle of Shadows..

Castle of Shadows – Ellen Renner

No clue about why the Queen vanished had ever been found. Until now…”

The day Charlie discovers a scrap of paper that could solve the dark mystery of her mother’s disappearance, her world changes. Forever. Charlie and her friend, Toby, must race against time on a dangerous mission to uncover the sinister truth. But in this shadowy world of secrets and lies, there is more to fear than they can possibly imagine…(from Goodreads)

Castle of Shadows begins with the introduction of our heroine, the rather unruly Princess Charlie. After her mother had disappeared, Charlie’s father, the King, chose to seclude himself from the Castle in order to build towers with packs of playing cards. Due to her father’s absence, Charlie is now forced to take orders from Mrs O’Dair, the horrible woman in charge of the Castle.  But when Charlie finds a letter from her mother in an old library book, she begins to question her mother’s disappearance and finds herself unsatisfied with the answers she is being given. With help from Tobias, the gardener’s boy, Charlie digs deep into the past in search for the truth and encounters dangers unlike anything she has ever known before.

I really enjoyed Castle of Shadows; it was exciting and dangerous and one of those books that you just can’t put down. The main character Charlie is strong-willed, fiery and determined, and will do anything to find out more about her mother and protect her father. Tobias, who is equally determined but very loyal and full of snark, starts off as just another servant, who enjoys teasing the Princess. But when the pair are forced to trust each other and form an alliance, a begrudging bond eventually leads to friendship and Charlie and Tobias learn to stand up for themselves and one another, and stay with each other no matter what.

Other characters I really liked were Mr. Moleglass and Mrs O’Dair. Mr Moleglass is so kind and helpful and always worrying about the children’s safety; he really cares about the people and the kingdom. Mrs O’Dair, on the other hand, is the perfect villain; a mixture of bitter, angry and crazy with no remorse. I also liked the Resistance’s part in the book, and I think that they had a great impact on Charlie and the decisions she made. Another thing I enjoyed was the description of Charlie in dresses and petticoats. It still makes me laugh to think of her sweating and huffing and puffing in these clothes she obviously hates.

Overall, Castles of Shadows is a wonderful book that pulls you in and keep you reading until you’re finished. Recommended for ages 8-12 and young teens.

Thanks, Liz. City of Thieves, the sequel to Castle of Shadows, is out this month and we’ll be bringing you our review of it next week.

Today we hear from Saxby Smart author, Simon Cheshire. We did hear from Saxby a few weeks ago – just click here to read his post.

Which books did you love when you were a child?

I think if I had to pick just one, it would be Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’. I read a lot of science fiction: if it had spaceships in it, I read it. And I loved Marvel Comics, too. The Spider-Man comics of the ’60s are still my favourites.

Your characters are often spies, detectives and crime busters – how do you think up the storylines?

There’s a quote from George Orwell on my website, about how writing a book can feel like a long bout of a painful illness. I know exactly what he meant. Each of the eight Saxby Smart books has been harder to write than the last. Storylines kind of evolve out of a weird mental soup, if that makes any sense at all!

If you had to choose, which of your characters would be your favourite and why?

I suppose it would have to be Saxby Smart, he’s sort of the kid I wish I’d been at that age. I was always the quiet kid at the back of the class who never spoke up, but Saxby is very self-confident. I guess he’s my alter ego. But there’s a character called Tom Bland, who appeared briefly in one of the Saxby stories, who’s getting his own book soon called “Pants On Fire”. I absolutely love Tom Bland – he’s a horrible snob, and totally self-deluded, and he’s a joy to write about. “Pants On Fire” is the funniest thing I’ve ever written, I think. It’ll be out in the next month or two.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m just putting the finishing touches to “Saxby Smart’s Detective Handbook”, which is a non-fiction title all about the world of real-life crime and detection. That’ll be published in October.

What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Being able to live in a world of your own, most of the time. Real life is over-rated, I prefer to retreat from it as much as possible. Of course, that’s also the worst thing about being a writer. You can drive yourself batty. I fell off the cliff into madness many years ago.

And finally, if you could be any fictional character, who would you be?

Doctor Who. Last time they re-cast that role on TV, they missed me off the shortlist AGAIN! What are they PLAYING at?

Thanks, Simon. You can find out more by visiting Simon’s website here.

Today, Liz shares a review with us..

The Badness of Ballydog – Garrett Carr

Something is coming…something big. May knows it, but no one will listen to her. She is an outcast due to her odd ways and freakish ability with animals. Andrew knows it, but he has his position as gang leader to maintain. Ewan knows it, but what can he do? The sea creature is the biggest living thing on the face of the earth. And it won’t stop until it has destroyed Ballydog. Can three teenagers save the baddest town in the world from its fate? Is it even worth saving?

The Badness of Ballydog focuses on three young teenagers and their lives in the small town of Ballydog.  The book begins with Ewan moving to Ballydog from Northern Ireland as part of the witness protection program. He doesn’t fit in with his classmates at school, but he’s not the only one. May can speak to animals, and they’ve been telling her something bad is coming to town. But with everyone she knows thinking she’s “soft in the head” who will believe her? Andrew has been having nightmares, and finds himself drawing ominous pictures of a monstrous creature he’s never seen before, except in his dreams. Even his gang members have started to question his odd behaviour. Is Ballydog really in danger? And if so, what can these three kids do about it?

The Badness of Ballydog is a page-turning read full of adventure and action. The description allows you to picture everything clearly in your head like a movie, and it’s almost as if you’re right there in Ballydog with the characters. Though some of the language takes a bit of getting used to, it really adds to the setting and helps make the characters seem realistic and current. I liked how each character was introduced separately, with separate focus on each person’s back-story.  One thing I wish we knew more about was Ewan’s father and why the family were forced to move, but I’m sure more will be revealed about this in the sequel, Lost Dogs.

My favourite part was the introduction of Alexander Bam Brilski Teodors, aka The Hunter. He was funny and witty and the three teenagers just didn’t know what to make of him. I also liked the seeing the friendship develop between Andrew and Ewan and May. The Badness of Ballydog is a book full of wit, suspense and great one-liners, and is based on an interesting and original concept. There are quite a few sort sentences, so the writing can seem a little choppy at times, but I thought it was a very engaging novel.

In conclusion, I enjoyed The Badness of Ballydog and would recommend it for ages 8-12 and younger teens. I look forward to read the next book in the series.

Thanks, Liz. Thanks to Garrett Carr for sending us a copy.