Guestbook « Peter Lerangis

AquaBubbly23 wrote on January 3, 2012 at 7:25 PM

Hi Mr. Lerangis. I just wanted to say that you are an AWESOME, EPIC writer! I am completely in love with The 39 Clues, and I heard your book will be long! Even longer than Into the Gauntlet! I am so excited! I love long books!
I am sure it will be great! I have big hopes that the love triangle between the three Cahill agents will get spicier. I mean, the side romance is killing me! I know that maybe it will forever continue like this, but my hopes are more to one side than to the other...
Again, your stories are awesome!

Sincerelly,
AquaBubbly23

Admin Reply:

Thank you, thank you! I hope it won’t bee too much of a disappointment, but the length of the book is the same as the length of Book 2, about 192. (Some of the on-line sites picked up the wrong page count for reasons none of us can understand.) But I have a feeling you’ll still like it!

Emerald Cobra wrote on January 3, 2012 at 5:01 PM

Hi Peter! Since someone already got Jonah's code decoded, here is the answer: (drumroll please) it's "We found the treasure. Report to leadership." Whoa. I'm so getting Dan on the line. I think I know what "the treasure" is.......

[ringgggggggggg] "Hello? Dan?" Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz "Dan?" Bzzzzzzzzzz "Dan?!" Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz [static] "I-ii'm here. This is Dan. The vespers have caught us! [more static] [connection breaks]

Uh, oh! They're in trouble! I'm going to check the security cameras....... [running]

[running back] "AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Help-"

Admin Reply:

Excellent! (But I would double-check the word “treasure.” I got a different word.) Hey, wait, weren’t you the one who wrote it??

AgentSpy292 wrote on January 3, 2012 at 3:31 AM

I've also solved Jonah's code--should I post up the answer?

Also, question for Mr. Lerangis:

Do any of the names of people, organizations, etc. have special significance or meaning (in that they are named the way they are)? If any of this information is a spoiler, then please just tell me that other unmentioned parts of the answer is confidential for the moment.

Have a Happy New Orbit Around the Sun (for those of you who are scientifically minded), and for the others, Happy New Year!

Admin Reply:

Happy New Orbit to you too, and yes, by all means, post your answer! As for your question, I confess I’m scratching my head. There are dozens and dozens of names of characters, places, and organizations in the series. Did you have anything specific in mind?

EkaterinaAssassin52/ Bonita wrote on January 2, 2012 at 7:11 PM

Hey! I got the first post with the food idea you gave me!!!!! [pl-popup content="http://www.the39clues.com/messageboard/show/11690" title="" width="1000" height="640"]http://www.the39clues.com/messageboard/show/11690[/pl-popup]
(Some of the other food items come in later) PLEASE check it out! Tell me what you think.
EkaterinaAssassin52/ Bonita

Admin Reply:

Ha! It’s great! (And it makes me hungry.)

Emerald Cobra wrote on January 2, 2012 at 5:09 AM

Happy new year everybody!

I know the answer to Jonah's code (hmmm......I thought Jonah says codes aren't bling-happy), but I'll give other people a chance. The answer shall come out in......1/12/12 (special day indeed!) unless anyone figures it out before then. If anyone feels......code-ful in this new year new month, here are some challenging codes: (Peter- You could "prize" these codes too......please?)

Level 1:
Kbovbsz gvo

Level 2:
SSL
RXA
EKC

Level 3:
.../-/./.-/.-../-/....
-.-./.-../..-/./...

Level 4:
Qdjurg Pborev

Level 5:
ODDSonly 1-../-.--/---/---/--./--/---/./-/..-./.../---/-./..../..../.-./.-.. 1--./.-../..../..--/.../.-/../.-.. (Some typo in that......)

-Emerald Cobra

Admin Reply:

OK, Guestbook readers — go for it. (No one has gotten the previous one yet!)

Nicolas wrote on January 2, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Hi Peter,
Is there any chance you can visit Ward School in New Rochelle,NY? Then, I will ask my Principal to host you. So, if you can just tell my Principal to have Nicolas in Ms Douglas' class host you like......
show you around and be the one to ask you questions in the auditorium when the classes see you and maybe you can sign my books.
Your Fan Nicolas

Admin Reply:

Hello, Nicolas! I would love to visit your school. Here’s how it works: in order to visit, I must be invited by someone at your school who is in charge of author visits — a teacher, librarian, PTA officer, etc. That person may contact me via the “Author Visits” link at the top of this webpage, which has all the necessary information. Thanks for asking, and I will hope to hear from your school!

Ben wrote on January 2, 2012 at 12:53 AM

Mr. Lerangis,
What made you want to be an author?

Admin Reply:

Hello, Ben. I don’t even remember ever not wanting to be an author. I think I was just born a storyteller. Part of it probably had to do with the fact that I was the oldest in my generation so I was always entertaining my younger siblings and cousins. And part of it was that I always loved to read books more than anything else. They transported me to different times and worlds, and I was fascinated to learn how my favorite writers were able to do that. I dreamed of doing the same thing myself.

David wrote on January 2, 2012 at 12:45 AM

I am from Brazil, and a lot of fans ask if Amy and Dan would go there sometime. If you can answer it, thanks! And I would like to post this question (and maybe answer) in my website, can I?

Admin Reply:

Hello, David! I can certainly understand how eager you are to find out! But as I mentioned above, I am not allowed to reveal any spoilers about the series, sorry.

Lesley Meek wrote on January 1, 2012 at 7:08 PM

I know I just sent a GB entire in but what is WTF about???

Admin Reply:

Hello again, Lesley. That info is on this page. Keep in mind, it is a YA book and appropriate for high school readers!

Lesley Meek wrote on January 1, 2012 at 6:57 PM

I am just curious is this really the blurb for THE DEAD OF NIGHT??

The third book in the CAHILLS VS. VESPERS series, the follow up to the worldwide bestseller THE 39 CLUES. The Vespers have crossed a line. Amy and Dan were devastated when the Vespers kidnapped seven Cahills around the world, holding tem hostage until Amy and Dan delivered an impossible ransom. But at least the hostages were Cahills - members of the world's most powerful family, trained to face all odds. Now the Vespers have gone too far. They've kidnapped Atticus, an innocent 11 year old boy and Dan's only friend. Now Dan and Amy are in the struggle of their lives. Because if they can't outwit the Vespers, the unthinkable will happen . . . Atticus will die.

I found it on amazon.co.uk because I am saving up for vespers rising,medusa plot and a kings ransom because I just finished the 10th book. Just curious thats all but don't give me spoilers. this is just a yes no question.

Admin Reply:

Hello, Lesley. Yes, that’s the official blurb.

Gabby wrote on January 1, 2012 at 6:02 PM

Happy New Year!

I noticed the sign about no spoilers... shoot! I'm JK, I can understand it must get tiring been asked the same question over and over. 😀

I've got a question for you - what's your favorite part about writing books? Personally, I write some stories and my favorite part about doing it is the development of the characters. 🙂

You are the coolest author ever, by the way! You've come on the boards twice and you answer the questions of the fans; not many famous authors can say that. 😀

Thanks!

gabby

Admin Reply:

Hi, Gabby! My favorite part is when a book in fully in motion, the characters are alive in my head, and it feels like they’re telling me what to write. Then I lose a sense of time completely, as if I’ve traveled to a different world. I find that exhilarating. Thank you for the kind words. I’m well aware that we writers would be nowhere without great readers, so it’s the least I can do to answer questions. It’s a privilege!

Jonah Wizard wrote on January 1, 2012 at 5:36 PM

Yo there! Jonah Wizard live, in the studio! Today we present two blingful orphans that...... Whatever Ow! Hamilton! You don't have to- NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You destroyed my Shakespeare-ummmm, nothing. Anyway, I'm here ta tell ya Amy and Dan need ya help. They have found intercepted a message. Help them decode!

Xf gpvoe uif bsujgbdu. Sfqpsu up mfbefstijq.

Ta ta for now!

-J.W.

Admin Reply:

OK, Guestbook guests! I’ve reached my 2012 decoding-messages limit, so I’m leaving this one for you. The first one to decode it wins a multicolored Happy New Year from me. (And yes, I do know the answer … )

April wrote on January 1, 2012 at 5:01 PM

Thanks Peter for granting me the interview. May I know what Sweet Valley books that you have ghostwritten? I'll be sending you an email soon with the questions. Bye!

Admin Reply:

Sounds like a great question for the interview! I’ll let it be a surprise.

Megan wrote on December 31, 2011 at 9:58 PM

i cant figure out the answer key for vesper 1 message and vesper 2 message 🙁 any help?

Admin Reply:

Hi, Megan! The person who wrote the Vesper Two message used two tricks:

An alphabet substitution. Each letter can be found by substituting another letter from the alphabet. Look closely at the message. One of the words has only one letter. What’s the most common one-letter word? Substitute that one-letter word. How far in the alphabet is it from the code letter? One letter to the left? Seven letters to the right? Something else? When you figure that out, you can replace all the letters using that same substitution. One thing to note: there is a typo in that code. The word “Ghuww” should be “Qhuww.”
Once you finish the substitution, you will have a bunch of nonsense words. You must unscramble them to get the message.

For the Vesper One code, a different trick: notice that each letter is followed by either a U, D, L, or R. What do you think those letters mean? (Hint: Look at the key at the top of the message, which explains the letter D. And be sure to follow directions.) Also, what do you notice about the pairs of letters separated by slashes? (Hint: look carefully at your keyboard.)

Vesper One wrote on December 31, 2011 at 6:31 PM

Hello, Cahills, I must apologize for Vesper Two. His tracking and combat skills may be O+, but decoding and insult skills (Linda Sue Park a brat? No way! A fat little Cahill snicther pie who is no use as a servant, a oily nincompoop rat that scurries in search of it's own tail......) just aren't his thing. Wait till I get him! Oh, yes. Back to the subject. Certain little American orphans have been very......let's say, troublesome. And I am very, (Oh, just signal and I'll do it......), very willing to get rid of them once and for all. Their lives depends on you. Whether you solve this code or not and save their lives depends on YOU.

D=d_ w _ ("d_w_" is a word)

S-L F-U Z-U O-L E-D K-U W-D X-R L-U J/K-D K-U H/J-D V/B-U

-Vesper One

Admin Reply:

Hoo, boy, I don’t know if I can handle a raid on New Year’s Eve, but anything for Z-U N-R U-L Q-D B-R C-U S-R S-L H/J-D. And, V1, I hope you’ll take a break and celebrate. Happy New Year to you and your R-D S-L N-R O-L H-U!

Zainab wrote on December 31, 2011 at 5:51 PM

Hey, Peter! I'm back...to report a mysterious connection I unearthed.

I just unlocked a secret file with the rapidfire code. It had various notes on Vespers, by Grace. One set mentioned 'Adoration of the Lamb' and 'Van Eyck connection' and 'Nazi connection.'

I found out that Adoration... is actually a panel painting in Belgium, created by the Van Eyck brothers. [The painting is mostly credited to Jan Van Eyck.] The painting has a turbulent history - it survived riots, the French revolution and Nazi looting...

But that's not it. I did some digging on Jan Van Eyck and found that he was a learned man, well versed in classics, particularly Pliny the Elder's works!!!!! Have I struck gold? 'Cuz in the Medusa Plot, there was something about Pliny and Vespers...

And beneath the notes, there's yet another - Si ti a pam? which, when unscrambled, says 'Is it a map?' Can 'Adoration...' possibly be a map, like Caravaggio's Medusa was for the tunnels in Rome?

What do you think?

Admin Reply:

What do I think? I think you, Zainab, are an AWESOME Clue-hunter! It’s a great omen to strike gold on New Year’s Eve! Happy 2012 to you and your family!

Megan wrote on December 31, 2011 at 5:50 PM

Hi, Peter! I was just wondering if you were going to be coming to Long Island for The 39 Clues (Cahills Vs. Vespers) Book Tour(if there is going to be one).
I'm crossing my fingers!

~Megan

Admin Reply:

Hello, Megan! Yes, there will be a book tour for THE DEAD OF NIGHT, and I hope I’ll visit Long Island (it’s where I grew up!). On past tours I’ve appeared at the B&N in Huntington and the Borders in Syosset, but both stores are closed now, so I’m hoping we’ll find a different venue this time. I’ll post the schedule on my site, and on the Cahill Message Boards, when it becomes available. Happy New Year to you and your family!

Meow. wrote on December 31, 2011 at 4:53 PM

Happy New Year!!!!!
I love your books!
What songs do you like? I like listening to songs by Eminem, Rihanna, Nikki Manaj, and Lil Wayne. I despise Justin Beiber. What about you?

What are your favourite books? Ever read the Hunger Games? I strongly despise the The Twilight Saga. J.K. Rowling wrote a better love story between Snape and Lilly than Stephanie Meyer did in like what? 4 books?
What do you think about it?

What books have Roland Smith written?

Reply SoOn.

Admin Reply:

Happy New Year to you too! I concur with all your musical selections. And I also love oldies (from the ’60s and ’70s) plus classical music. I like LOTS of different kinds of music. I did read the HUNGER GAMES and thought it was amazing, but I have not yet read the TWILIGHT saga. As for Roland, he’s on board for Book 4 of the CAHILLS VS. VESPERS series, but you probably already know that! His books are awesome, and you can learn about them [pl-popup content="http://www.rolandsmith.com/" title="Roland Smith’s Website" width="1000" height="640"]here[/pl-popup].

Maddie wrote on December 31, 2011 at 3:23 PM

Who made up the idea or plot for the 39 clues series?Was it Rick Riordan?
Thanks!

Admin Reply:

Hello, Maddie. Yes, it was Rick and his editor at Scholastic brainstorming together. Happy New Year to you and your family!

Nikki wrote on December 31, 2011 at 6:21 AM

Hello Mr. Lerangis,

Two things, first, thank you for writing! I know that sounds rather silly but I have a brother who absolutely detests reading, even so, he actually enjoys your books! (The 39 Clues ones, perhaps I should buy him more of your books for his birthday. Do you have any suggestions about which ones would be best for a stubborn teenager?)

Secondly, why did the Vespers have to have the same name as evening prayer in the Catholic church? (I think it's also the name for evening service in some Protestant denominations) Anyways, every time I talk about the 39 Clues with my parents they have a shocked expression when I say the Vespers are an evil organization...then I have to explain everything and it's really a mess.

Thank you for taking the time to go through these and reply to them!

Oh, and yes, "The Sword Thief" is my favorite 39 Clues book.

Admin Reply:

Hello, Nikki! Thanks so much for writing, and for telling me how much you enjoy my books. I’m happy to read that your brother enjoys them also. Having raised two teenage boys, I take great pride in that. Feel free to browse around the “About the Book” section of this site for other ideas. I’m really looking forward to the publication of my new YA book Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am, in February.
As for the name Vespers, no offense is meant. The name harkens back to the original meaning of the word VESPER, which is “evening.” (The reason the prayers were originally called “vesper service” is because they were held in the evening. Eventually the term shortened to “vespers.” Interesting fact: the planet Venus was also called Vesper because it was known as the evening star.) So the name has no connection to prayer, but it is meant to suggest a group that operates in darkness and mystery.
Happy New Year to you and your family!

Guestbook

Write a new entry for the Guestbook

Be My Guest!