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Matthew Peterson Author of the Parallel Worlds Series
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Information
Online Status: Last On: Jun 17, 2009 - 1:40 PM
Profile Views: 6,283
Member Since: November 30, 2007
Location: Peoria, AZ
ShoutLife Address: shoutlife.com/matthewpeterson
Website: http://paraworlds.com/shoutlife/
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Primary Publishers: Windstorm Creative and Parallel Worlds LLC
Influences:
JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Douglas Hill, Lloyd Alexander
Similar To:
Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Star Wars
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General Interests
Writing, video games, movies
Music
The Church
Books
Paraworld Zero, Harry Potter
Movies/TV
Star Wars, Harry Potter, Princess Bride
Published Works
Paraworld Zero (2008)
Twelve-year-old earthling, Simon Kent, stumbles upon a secret that thrusts him into a bizarre adventure filled with magic, technology and deadly out-of-this-world creatures. He discovers a true friend, confronts his inner demons and becomes the savior to a peculiar race of people, when all he truly wants is to find his way back home.

"...stirring audio adaptation that the whole family can enjoy, perfect for long car trips. Highly recommended."
- Midwest Book Review

"...an exciting page-turner..."
- FantasyBookSpot.com

"...a must read for anyone who loves fantasy and for anyone who loves a good adventure/coming-of-age novel."
- Flamingnet TOP CHOICE Award

"The exciting action of Star Wars with the humor of Napoleon Dynamite."
- Diana Pharaoh Francis, author of the Path and Crosspointe series

"Flame throwing pigeons and demonic dumpsters. Funny and imaginative."
- Maria V. Snyder, award-winning author of Poison Study

"Truly original... Read it. Trust me, you'll have a terrific time."
- Douglas Hill, bestselling author of nearly 70 books

"Fantasy lovers will devour Paraworld Zero... Matthew Peterson uses descriptive writing and likable characters to capture your attention. I was completely intrigued on the first chapter! The world he creates is incredibly unique and captivating."
- ThePageFlipper.blogspot.com

"Enticing and very entertaining, Matthew Peterson creates in Paraworld Zero a very engaging and attention grabbing first novel."
TheCompulsiveReader.blogspot.com

"Peterson deftly blends elements of fantasy and science fiction in this action packed romp."
- The Faerie Drink Review

"Its rollicking adventure style reminds this reader of a cross between Harry Potter's adventures and those of Artemis Fowl. Colorful characters, fast-paced adventure, and clever humor make this an interesting read."
- TeensReadToo.com

"ParaWorld Zero is one of those rare young adult novels that all ages will enjoy... Don't miss this one!"
- SpecFicWorld.com

"The characters are lively and the storyline is fast paced and exciting to read. It's got everything a kid would enjoy reading so you guys should definitely pick this book up..."
- TheBookBinge.com

"Amazing! Harry Potter step back, Simon Kent is a magic welder with a secret history... fun adventures, cool characters, and laughable moments... Definitely a good read..."
- Yellow30Scifi.com

"For a first time novelist Peterson shows a good grasp of what makes a book exciting, injecting his novel with a cracking pace, endearing characters - and the story's breakneck climax is well worth the wait."
- Sci-fi Online

"This sci-fi/fantasy adventure pulls the reader in from the first sentence and keeps the pages turning. Filled with humor, cool new gadgets and spells, and an extremely original premise, this is one book you do not want to miss out on... Two thumbs up."
- MySpace.com/bookchicclub

"Paraworld Zero is a sharply written, highly entertaining young adult novel. It is accessible, fast paced, with enjoyable, realistic characters."
- WormsScifi.com

"The story is a nice mix of SF and fantasy... The strongest part of Paraworld Zero is the ending. Peterson writes an excellent cliffhanger that made me excited about the next episode."
- BookLoons.com

"Saving the planet seems to be impossible. Only a concerted effort of all and Simon's Magic has any chance of success."
- ConNotations (Gary Swaty)

"Paraworld Zero held me in my seat from the first page. An exciting fast-paced adventure, chock full of magic and humor... Matthew Peterson delivered a formidable tale and followed through with amazing results. I for one am looking forward to the second book in this series. It cannot come out fast enough to satisfy my curiosity! While this book contains elements of Harry Potter and Star Wars it is still uniquely in a league of its own."
- MySpace.com/weaversofwords

"I highly recommend this novel to fantasy fans of every age."
- MySpace.com/multiversereviews

"Readers will delight in this first book in Matthew Peterson's Parallel Worlds series... I look forward to the next in the adventures of Simon, Tonya, and their growing gang of friends. I am sure many young readers - and older ones as well - will, too."
- MyShelf.com

"...tale of magic, mayhem, and maturation... action packed... A reasonable blend of science fiction and fantasy, Simon's adventures should appeal to middle schoolers..."
- VOYA

"The author has mastered the formula for injecting a constantly increasing level of tension in his story... This series should become a bestselling set of stories. We rated it an almost perfect five hearts."
- HeartlandReviews.com

"I am utterly amazed at how engrossed I was by this book... This book makes you feel the magic and imagination of childhood all over again."
- BookPleasures.com (Kelly Moran, Author and Reviewer, www.authorkellymoran.com)

"Lewis, Rowling, and Tolkien on steroids... an imaginative and creative coming of age adventure."
- TheReadingTub.com

"'Imaginative' is the best word for this book. The science fiction genre is overcrowded in today's market, but Peterson's Paraworld Zero is one of those novels that stands out among the rest... Paraworld Zero is an impressive novel: not only is its concept creative, but Peterson manages to explain everything and tie up any loose ends in the story line and still leave it open for future excitement."
- LiteraryMagicMag.com

"I really enjoyed this book. It was totally outside my genre of books that I read but [I was] so happy to have read it. I can't wait to read the other books in this series and see how Simon evolves."
- CindysLoveOfBooks.blogspot.com

"Mr. Peterson has begun what looks like could become the next big young adult series. I was spellbound from the very beginning... The descriptions of each new situation brought the scenes to life..."
- FallenAngelReviews.com

"PARAWORLD ZERO was the absolute best YA novel that I have ever read!"
- BookReporter.com (Word of Mouth)

"The story follows young Simon Kent, an orphan and a victim of bullies, as he is suddenly catapulted into a series of adventures by an encounter with a young student of magic. Tonya transports Simon to another "paraworld," one of many parallel universes. They have various adventures with Puds, ancient secrets, magic, space travel, etc."
- School Library Journal

"I am deeply impressed with this book. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and a honest Star Wars fan and this book combines what I love of both of them... I have a feeling I'm going to be re-reading this one quite a bit."
BookwormExtraordinaire.blogspot.com

"readers will find themselves drawn into the rollicking adventures"
- YABooksCentral.com

"Packed with Star Wars-like duels and terrifying creatures, it is a great cross between fantasy and sci-fi."
- Brattleboro Reformer

"...a well-written, well-narrated piece of literature... Paraworld Zero is for readers who enjoy stories of strange worlds, stranger creatures and some of the strangest (but good) characters to be ever audioed."
-ReaderViewsKids.com

Buy Paraworld Zero Online

Groups
"THE MISSION" , Bryant Sterling/MUSIC INDUSTRY , C.BEING FOR JESUS USA MINISTRY , Christian e-zines index , iWrite , Lost Genre Guild , Media Room for Literary Art
QuickLinks: About - Photos - Blog - Friends - Guestbook

About Matthew Peterson
UPDATES for my young adult fantasy novel, Paraworld Zero:
- Hit the BarnesAndNoble.com Bestseller list!
- Hit the Amazon.com category bestseller list!
- Placed First in the Indie Excellence Book Awards!
- Placed First in the DIY Book Festival (twice)!
- Placed First in the London Book Festival!
- Placed Second in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards!
- Placed Third in Preditors and Editors Best SF Novel Awards!
- Became a Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Awards Finalist!
- Became a Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist (twice)!
- Received the Flamingnet Top Choice Award!
- Received honorable mentions at the Hollywood, New York, New England, and Beach Book Festivals!

Young Adult Fantasy

The audiobook is now available! Click here to listen to a sample.

Matthew Peterson is an award-winning short story writer, second degree black belt in karate, Eagle scout, computer programmer, and former missionary. He also has uncanny luck with firsts, from getting accepted to the first and only university he applied to (Brigham Young University), becoming the Director of Information Technologies from his first and only job interview after graduating with a business management degree, and even marrying the first woman he dated in college. He wanted twins, and, miraculously, his first two children were red-headed twins. He won first place in the first writing contest he entered, and the first publisher he sent his book to bought the rights to publish it. He hopes his luck with firsts will continue on with his debut novel, Paraworld Zero.

- Wrote Paraworld Zero, a science fantasy novel published January 2008 by Blue Works (Windstorm Creative)
- Won first place in the WritersWeekly.com Fall 2004 contest against 500 entries
- Two-times quarter-finalist in the Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future contest
- Two honorable mentions in the 2007 Writers Digest contest, which had 19,000 entries
- Placed in the Science Fiction Writers of Earth, Ralan's Spectravaganza, and SpecFicWorld short story contests

To buy Paraworld Zero or to learn more about the series or author, go to www.ParaWorlds.com

View the Book Trailer!
Photos
Photo Gallery Folders:
Conventions (19), Matthew Peterson (1), My Younger Years (10)
Blog
Cammy, the ex-Communist Russian Tortoise   6/17/2009 - 1:39 PM
We got a new member of the family last month: a Russian Tortoise (at least, we're pretty sure she's a Russian). I jokingly named her Commie (after the old communist Russia), but my wife quickly put an end to that and renamed her Cammy (my wife keeps ... (login or sign up to read more)
2 views - 0 replies
Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards!   5/23/2009 - 2:23 PM
Paraworld Zero is a finalist for the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the audiobook category! That's over 12 contests my book has placed in so far! http://www.indiebookawards.com/2009_winners_and_finalists.php Audiobook category A... (login or sign up to read more)
2 views - 0 replies
Winner of the Indie Excellence Book Awards!   5/11/2009 - 1:07 PM
I was just informed that Paraworld Zero is a winner of the Indie Excellence Book Awards in the DVD-Fiction category (includes the audiobook and E-Book). http://www.indieexcellence.com/indie-results-2009.php#32 That brings the total awards/honor... (login or sign up to read more)
11 views - 0 replies
Twilight Series Removed from Deseret Book   5/02/2009 - 5:32 PM
I couldn't resist. Here's an interesting article about how the Twilight books were taken off the shelves of the Deseret Bookstores because of customer complaints. http://www.sltrib.com/themix/ci_12193772 Since I'm an active LDS (i.e. Mormon) auth... (login or sign up to read more)
10 views - 2 replies - Most Recent Reply: 05/02/09 - 10:41 PM
Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist   3/12/2009 - 4:16 PM
Paraworld Zero became a Foreword Magazine Book of the Year finalist in the audiobook category. I'll find out in a month or two if it won. http://forewordmagazine.com/botya/search2k8.aspx?srchtype=category&srchval=5 Check out my latest ne... (login or sign up to read more)
3 views - 0 replies
Top Friends (277 total)
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Recent Guestbook Comments (3)  
Jo-Anne Vandermeulen on 6/18/09 - 7:43 AM
Good morning Matthew;

Congratulations on your new YA fantasy novel. I'll be sure to follow your success.

Thank you for accepting my friendship. Such a wonderful group here on Shoutlife.

Have a wonderful day.

Blessings;

Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Internet Promotional Manager Professional Support Network for Writers
http://www.premiumpromotions.biz/ http://www.gr5mom2.wordpress.com
*You Write - We Promote* *Conquer All Obstacles*

Follow me on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/prempromotions
Sylvia on 5/09/09 - 2:37 PM
YOU ARE A WARRIOR BY GOD'S DIVINE CHOICE.

gods armor Pictures, Images and Photos

You are destined to win. Never let go of that promise. Cling to it, fight for it, and keep your heart and head always firmly affixed to it. See Genesis 32:22-32.

We are told by the prophet, Hosea 12:4, how Jacob wrestled for the promise of God to be fulfilled in His life. He wept and made supplication; prayers and tears were his weapons. It was not only physically and intellectually, but spiritually that he wrestled. It was by vigorous faith and holy desire that he won. He was left with a dislocated hip to remind him of his weakness, but he had an enlarged heart of faith to remind him that God was his strength and a keeper of His word.

You are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. You are strong and you are able to stand against the evil that is coming against you. Against your body! Against you peace and wholeness of life! Against the use of your tongue to speak God's truth! Against the will of the Father in all areas of your life! God will put strength in you. And you shall stand with Him against your enemies. Against all that stands between you and your full inheritance in Christ, both here in this world and in the one to come. Against all that the curse encompasses, including sickness and disease. Against everything that is necessary for life and godliness, even here and now and eternal life in the world to come. You can do all things because in you dwells the fullness of your God. You are strong because God says you are strong in Him and He commands you to say it even in your physical frailty and weakness!!! God's command is, "Let the weak say I am strong". It is not what you see, feel and hear from your flesh, the world, and devil, but what God has promised you in His infallible word that allows you to walk in His power. Lay down your worldly weapons, take up the sword of the Spirit (See Joel 3:10); put on the whole armor of God and with prayer and supplication let the weak say, I am strong. Joel 3:10. The battle is the Lords but the wrestling is yours. 2 Chronicles 20:15; 1 Samuel 17:47. In this world we will have trouble and plenty of it. But in Christ you have overcome the world. Take up your cross and march right into the very depths of God's heart where the abundance of life Christ promises you awaits. WE ARE THE OVERCOMING COQURERING BODY OF CHRIST!!!! LET US MARCH BRAVELY INTO THE BATTLE FOR THE WAR HAS ALREADY BEEN WON.

May the mercy and grace of our Lord be your comfort always!
And may the fullness of God's splendor descent upon you daily!

Sylvia xoxoxo

Richard on 5/02/09 - 10:04 PM
Welcome,Matt
where in Alabama, I'm in Enterprise anput 30 min from Dothan