Justine Manzano – The Order of the Key
If you have a story in your head, stick to it.
-Justine Manzano
On pub day for The Order of the Key, Justine Manzano imagined herself as an Oscar winner and wrote in her blog post, “I’m prone to hysterics and over-the-top happiness.” Justine’s YA Urban Fantasy novel was out in the world after a long gestation and ready to take its readers on a fast-paced, action-packed adventure.
Still in its infancy, readers who have yet to experience The Order of the Key can expect this setting when they open the book and enter a world of monsters, aliens, and superheroes:
Jacklyn Madison never expected to be attacked by a beast on an evening snack run. Add a rescue mission enacted by a trained regiment of teenaged warriors, and her night officially becomes just like a scene from one of her beloved comic books. Turns out, her parents were once members of The Order of the Key, gifted humans that protect humanity from creatures spilling through inter-dimensional rifts. Unable to control her newfound abilities, Jacklyn and her family rejoin the Order.
After an attack on their headquarters leaves Jacklyn questioning their leadership, Kyp—the boy who led her initial rescue—reveals a darker secret. The Order’s leader may be corrupt, and Jacklyn’s questions could put her family in danger. Drawn into the search for proof, Jacklyn must use her guts and magical brawn to protect her family, her friends, and herself from the monsters spilling from rifts, and those hiding within the Order.
(from Justine Manzano’s website)
Justine Manzano has said she has only two things in common with her character Jacklyn: her hometown of The Bronx and that she’s a smart mouth geek. However, the good versus evil theme certainly stems from Justine’s vibrant, enthusiastic personality – her ability to create heartfelt characters that do the right thing when other characters don\’t, keeping it all fantastical. Having a strong sense of family, Justine Manzano feels just as connected with significant people who she’s not biologically related to – another subliminal theme in The Order of the Key.
A second novel by Justine Manzano, Never Say Never, is scheduled for release on June 15, 2021.
When she’s not writing or spending time with her husband and son, Justine Manzano works as an editor at WriteHive. They are a literary organization that provides free services to people of all backgrounds who don’t have access to paid edits. Justine is passionate about championing beginning writers.
Another organization Justine is proud to be associated with is Boogie Down Books, “A Bookstore Without Walls.” It’s a pop-up in the Bronx, N.Y. that focuses on children, teens, educators, and caretakers. Signed copies of The Order of the Key are available via their pop-up (location listed on their website) or their contact page.
Readers, authors, bloggers, podcasters, book clubs: Justine Manzano is available via her contact page. Also listed are various ways to bond with her – You, who she considers her tribe.
Justine Manzano’s social media icons are shown on the bottom of her website pages.
Justine, the scene on this postcard in The Bronx, NY is beautiful! It’s a pleasure to imagine being there. Thank you for sending it for my collection. 🙂
~Anita~
