November 1805. In the midst of a blizzard in Montreal, a young man and his father stumble across an old man, unconscious in the snow. Scattered around him are the petals of winter flowers and a journal containing an incredible story…
It is 1770, and following the expeditions to the New Worlds, the colonies are experiencing a botanical gold rush amidst a new craze for exotic flowers. Scientists want to study them, traders want to sell them and the rich and royal want to decorate their homes with them. Adventurers and botanists are dispatched to plunder the tropical forests of the far-flung colonies.
Francis Masson, a timid Scottish under-gardener at Kew Gardens had never hoped for adventure, until he is tricked into applying for an expedition on the Resolution with the great Captain Cook. His mission is to find and bring back a beautiful exotic flower to be named after the Queen. Masson knows that he is hopelessly underqualified, but duty to his King and Country, and most of all, the promise of wealth, renown and respectability are too much to refuse. Arriving in South Africa, amidst a difficult political situation, Masson accepts the first offer of help he receives – from the shady merchant Adrian Schelling and the slave trader Willmer. This proves a costly mistake, and Masson soon finds himself abandoned and under suspicion for espionage in the South African tropical forests. By chance, he encounters the eccentric and fearless Doctor Carl Thunberg. Masson isn’t sure whether to trust him but knows he has no choice, and together they set off to find the flower with Schelling hot on their heels. But little does Masson know that he will make a far more precious discovery; one that will make him question everything he holds dear.
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GERMAN POWERHOUSE BASTEI LÜBBE UNLEASHES LITERARY PROJECTS, APPS IN THE U.S. FOR THE FIRST TIME
With finesse in digital publishing, the company shares stories across various platforms
After more than 60 years of success in the European literary market, German publishing giant Bastei Lübbe is venturing into brand new territory and launching projects in the United States for the first time.
The revolutionary publishing company is expanding with the introduction of new book series and digital apps beginning this spring. Making its American debut, Bastei Lübbe has a strong reputation for issuing popular fiction titles by esteemed authors and up and coming writers.
Bastei Lübbe has proven to be a master of innovation by taking on projects beyond traditional publishing. The company is rolling out its fact-based, cross platform project “Netwars – Out of CTRL” starting this spring, which includes a graphic novel app simultaneously made available in five languages, an e-book series, audio book series and several interactive video documentaries for television and the web. Netwars will be available on IOS, Google Play, Amazon and Samsung.
“These are exciting times for digital publishing and especially for our team at Bastei Entertainment,” said head of international sales Colin Lovrinovic. “Netwars is a great example of how we work. It’s a gripping story told through various channels, which gives you the possibility to dive incredibly deep into it – or to just choose your favorite medium.”
A successful IPO and tirelessly working to develop engaging cross vertical products puts Baste Lübbe in a unique strategic position regarding the early digital capture of new markets.
Bastei Lübbe is the publisher behind “Cotton FBI,” the most successful crime series in Germany with 1 billion copies sold. And after only 11 weeks, its e-book series “Apocalypsis” by German author Mario Giordano hit the 1 million mark for downloads in China. Its “Laura’s Star” app for children hit No. 1 in iTunes in three separate categories.
Bastei Lübbe is based in Cologne, Germany but will be launching several hundred foreign language titles over the next months through its digital publishing arm Bastei Entertainment. The company is the largest independent trade publisher in the country and a major player in the audio book industry.
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REVIEW
This was a thoroughly adventurous and exciting story. I couldn't wait to give it a read, especially when I learned that part of it was set in South Africa, my home country. And, being a fan of historical reads, there was just so much to love about this book. It was well-paced and held me captive throughout.
I was sucked into the story from the first page and as the mayhem and adventure continued across the seas to Cape Town, the plot only became more thrilling and action-packed. I enjoyed being taken back in time and it was interesting to go on the journey with Masson as he traversed this new land, while finding out the hard way whom was friend and whom was foe.
This book was filled with twists and turns - betrayal, lies, and a beautiful tale of love, lost and found. A definite must read if you are looking to be taken on an incredible journey. A stunning read.
For more about Bastei Lübbe's current and upcoming releases go to the JKSCommunitcations Virtual Tour Page
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