Books with author Will Hill

Prey of the Spirit Bear is a gripping young adult adventure set in America's National Parks where Native American legends and old world monsters roam the lands. The story follows the investigations into strange sightings, raven deaths, and a mysterious crystal skull by a National Parks junior ranger, a Boy Scout, and a reluctant gamer of mixed heritage with blood ties to Native American spirit beasts. The Old World collides with the New where stone arches, caves, and natural bridges connect the realm of Above with that of below. The trio must rediscover lost secrets and stops an ancient threat before monsters are unleashed into the civilized world.National Parks visited include Arches, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Devils Tower, and Great Smoky Mountains. The book includes compelling pen and ink drawings at each chapter heading inspired by southwestern art and landscapes to visually enhance the story. Prey of the Spirit Bear reads swiftly at 384 pages.Prey of the Spirit Bear was recognized by Great Northwest Book Festival 2013 with honorable mention in the teen category and recommended reading.

The Vampire Hunters is a dark and frightening tale about friendships where the face of evil is ever-changing and found in unexpected places. The author applied his experience at scaring adults in Dawn of the Vampire and Vampire Kiss and applied it to unnerve a younger audience. For so many people, image and appearance is important, so books are judged by their cover, not the writing within. That thought inspired this story about a gang of teenagers trying to prove that a strange old man who can't bear the sunlight is actually a vampire terrorizing their town. This burden of proof is put upon the newest members of the group as part of their initiation. As their investigation progresses, alliances within the group change and members disappear, drawn over to the dark side.

The Vampire Hunters is a dark and frightening tale about friendships where the face of evil is ever-changing and found in unexpected places. A gang of teenagers trying to prove that a strange old man who can't bear the sunlight is actually a vampire terrorizing their town. This burden of proof is put upon the newest members of the group as part of their initiation. As their investigation progresses, alliances within the group change and members disappear, drawn over to the dark side.

Whether for land, a chance for a new life, or for gold, California was the magnet that drew thousands of people during the 1840s, 50s and into the 60s. The California Trail was the way many emigrants and Argonauts chose. William Hill's book takes the reader there, starting at the various jumping-off places, across the Great Plains, the Rockies, the deserts, and finally over the Sierra Nevada. It examines the trail s historical development, alternate routes, and some of the available maps and guidebooks. Its extensive use of diaries enhances the reader s experience. Three diarists vividly describe the dreaded crossing of the Forty-Mile Desert and the Sierras. Especially impressive are its nearly 175 first-hand trail illustrations paired with relevant diary entries, comments and matching present-day photos. Most of the historic sites, fine museums and displays along the trail are also described. Revised from earlier edition published by Tamarack Books in 1993.

What’s wrong with Spirit Bear? Who is slaughtering ravens? Why are stone arches fracturing? And where are strange animals and monsters—ogres, tricksters, and thunderbirds—coming from to prowl our National Parks? A gamer skinwalker of mixed heritage, a National Park junior ranger, and a Boy Scout extraordinaire must discover the truth and stop an ancient threat before they become prey of the Spirit Bear.

"My master is the second oldest vampire in the world," she said. "He's more powerful than you can imagine."Like how powerful?"Like a God. Like that powerful."I don't believe in God."She smiled at him again, and this time Jamie saw the white fangs below her upper lip, and he shivered."You should," she said. "You really should."When Jamie Carpenter's mother is kidnapped by strange creatures, he finds himself dragged into Department 19, the government's most secret agency.Fortunately for Jamie, Department 19 can provide the tools he needs to find his mother, and to kill the vampires who want him dead. But unfortunately for everyone, something much older is stirring, something even Department 19 can't stand up against...Age 13+