Patrick is very charismatic and children just love him. We had a line almost out the door! We sold over a 100 books and continue to sell them daily.
     Michelle Price, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Inc. Kennewick, WA

I wanted you to know how pleased we were with the autograph party you had here at our store on Tuesday afternoon, the 10th of February. We had no idea of the enthusiasm that your talks and your book would generate.

It was the best autograph party we have ever had here; I certainly hadn't thought we would sell as many books as we did. I had ordered 15, half of which were gone by the time you came here; I had tried to order 30 more from PARTNERS in Seattle but they were out, so it was fortunate that you brought 75 with you; and after we ran out we had orders for 60 more! That is a total of 150!

As I told you just before you left, I wish you would come back every week!

I hope the successes you have been having with this first in the series continues and grows; it is a fine book and it has obviously turned many children to reading. One can't ask for anything better when trying to support and encourage reading programs.

It was a great pleasure to meet you and have you here at the store, and we look forward to seeing you here again soon.
     Philip Klindt, Klindts Booksellers, The Dalles, OR

What a pleasure to discover your wonderful book The Dark Hills Divide. This book ranks with the best of the British YA authors including J. K. Rowling, Eoin Colfer, and Philip Pullman. The reason these books are as popular as they are is they do not talk down to nor diminish the reader in any way. I believe your book is in every way equal to those titles.

An added bonus to The Dark Hills Divide is your main character Alexa Daley, having a girl as the heroine is great! So many young women and girls do not have a heroic main character to identify with. All to frequently, the female characters end up as a side-kick and Alexa is very much in charge of her own destiny.

We were very pleasantly surprised at the huge turn-out for your book talk and signing. Usually first time authors attract 20 to 50 people and sell 15 to 20 books. For your event we ordered 40 copies, as word spread, we ordered more copies from our distributor, taking the last of their stock, and ended up buying 88 additional copies from you, selling over 180 copies to a very enthusiastic group of parents and children, (400 to 500 easily) the night of your appearance.

I have been hosting author events since the late 1980's, at the University Book Store and here at Third Place Books and this ranks as one of the best and most enjoyable of my career. The extreme professionalism of your book, including the editing, cover design and marketing is not something we routinely see in a self-published book. Your presentation style, easy, and relaxed, is inviting to children and adults alike. We look forward to your return!
     Judith Chandler, Author Events Coordinator, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

I have gotten many remarks from students and teachers on how awesome your presentation was.
     Suzette Irvan, Sacajawea Elementary School

I am a teacher at Sacajawea elementary in Richland, Washington. Our school hosted Patrick Carman on the 22nd of January (2004) and we were overjoyed with his presentation to our students. Mr. Carman was enthusiastic and engaged the students in his presentation. He did an excellent job of relating the process of writing and shared personal experiences that left a lasting impression on our students and teachers alike. It was easy for the students to understand and get excited about his book. I am excited to say that Mr. Carman’s visit exceeded our expectations and we look forward to hosting him again in the future and reading the second book in his trilogy.
     Mrs. Barbi L. Wolf, Sacajawea Elementary

Patrick's presentation was engaging and age appropriate. His use of analogies and props were excellent. Patrick showed he's a regular person like the kids, but at the same time empowered the kids to set goals for themselves, to read, and to write. Patrick supports teachers in their efforts to encourage kids to be their best. He left everyone feeling as if they could go back to class and start their own book.

Thank you for coming. You made a positive difference.
     Shannon Griggs, 5th grade teacher from The Dalles, OR

Mr. Carman has a great rapport with kids. As a 30 year teaching veteran it was exciting to watch him keep 100 kids spellbound for 40 minutes.
     Jack Drummond, 5th grade teacher, Jefferson Elementary School

"The Dark Hills Divide weaves magic and heroism into a classic tale of good and evil."
     Elizabeth George, Young People's Librarian

"As a librarian, it is a thrill to be able to recommend that truly good book for which readers always search. A good book is like a free vacation, a form of escape - The Dark Hills Divide fits that description."
     Beth H. Hudson, Reference Librarian

"The Dark Hills Divide is a great adventure story for all who are curious about what is just out of our reach (or sight). Patrick Carman's storytelling has made his first book one of our store's bestsellers within the first month of being released. We can't wait for the next two volume!"
     Joyce Bruns, co-owner, Book and Game Co., Walla Walla

"My daughter and I loved Alexas, as well as the twists and turns in the tale of The Dark Hills Divide. We couldn't wait to turn each page!"
     Michael Wenberg, author of Elizabeth's Song (Beyond Words Publishing)

"I sure enjoyed reading your book! I finished the book a few days ago. I liked Alexa, Yipes, and Murphy the best. My dad let me stay up late and read, because I couldn't stop!"
     Kasey Wilcox, 9-year-old student, Walla Walla, WA

"This was the best book I've ever read, because of the fantasy story, the mystery, and the adventure and the action. And also the descriptions of the characters and places. I recommend this book to you if you like to jump out of your seat and have a really fun time reading a book.
     Houston, 11-year-old student, Walla Walla, WA

"Thank you for coming to our school! I have finished reading your book and it was great! My favorite character is Alexa. I can't wait to read the next book!"
     Michellie, 9-year-old student, Walla Walla, WA

"I stumbled upon The Dark Hills Divide as I sought another book to read aloud to my soon to be eight-year-old daughter. Somewhat tired of works about young male wizards and frontier American girls, I was refreshed by the main character, Alexa. Intelligent, resourceful, self-confident, all characteristics I wish to be role-modeled for our daughter. Likewise, she thoroughly enjoyed this story and seemingly could follow the plot line and characters without difficulty.

"As mentioned by another reviewer, I also thought of "The Chronicles of Narnia" as we read about the magical world of Bridewell, talking animal characters and the struggle of good versus evil. Unfortunately, we were so eager to read the book in its entirety that little time was left to contemplate the author's true intent. I look forward to re-reading the book this time to my son. This will give 'Dad' another shot at understanding the greater tale being told here."
     Tim Davison, posted on Amazon.com

"Patrick Carman takes you through the fascinating and captivating Land of Elyon. It is so fun to see the misadventure and mischief Alexa gets into as she tries to get outside the walls of her city. Alexa's interaction with the animals will enchant young readers and entertain the old. This book is full of surprises, you feel a warmth as you read it, the same warmth Alexa gets as she snuggles up to read in her favorite chair at the library. If you want to transport your kids into a land as vivid as their imagination, then read them The Dark Hills Divide. I can't wait for the second book."
     Jgonzo22, posted on Amazon.com

"As a fan of classic childrens' literature, I found The Dark Hills Divide to stack up well against some of the best. If you like adventure with a mysterious puzzle at the heart--you will not be able to put this book down. The Dark Hills Divide features vidid settings: A walled city; deep forests and magical pools, as well as a truly wonderful main character who you will certainly identify with (and pull for). Carman could prove to be an author to watch."
     Matt McKern, posted on Amazon.com