We'd like to welcome author Daniel Kraus to Random Buzzers this week! Daniel will be joining us on his forum to discuss his book, Rotters, so  be sure to head over there and say hello! We're also giving away copies of Rotters this week so you could be chosen!

Because some of you may be new to Daniel and his work, we've decided to write up a bit of an introduction! 

A brief bit about Daniel:

Daniel is a Chicago-based writer, editor, and filmmaker! His debut novel, The Monster Variations made the New York Public Library's "100 Best Stuff for Teens" list! In addition to Rotters, Daniel has directed six feature films and is expecting another Random House book soon called Scowler!

Keep in touch with Daniel on his website, Facebook, and Twitter!

The premise of Rotters is a little morbid, scary, and hard to sum up! But we've done our best - check out this awesome summary from Random Buzzer episkey:

ROTTERS is just one of those books in which the summary cannot do it justice. A few paragraphs and a handful of sentences cannot capture the essence of the novel. A son finds out his dad robs graves. Ok, so what? That is what the novel is essentially about, but it is also so much more. It’s about the history of their trade, a teen who lost his mom and just met his dad, the relationship with his dad, bullying, morals, growing up, and so much more. It’s complex on so many levels; a few sentences can’t cover what it’s about.

A book about grave digging and teen angst is definitely something that you don't read everyday - and people know it! Rotters has been the recipient of several awards, including being named a finalist for the Bram Stoker Award, an Odyssey Award, and being listed on the BCCB 2011 list and Booklist Editor's Choice!

In addition to its awards, here's what others had to say:

"Grueling, demented, and so crammed with noxious awesomeness that I had to read it twice."- SCOTT WESTERFELD (Uglies)

"This is an unforgettable book. An unforgettable character. And an adventure that leads to unforgettable horror. I loved it."- R.L. STINE (Goosebumps)

"This is a bold, utterly fearless, uncompromising story told with such skill, with such beauty, and with such depth of focus it just warps the fabric of reality. I'm jealous of this book. I'm in awe of this book."- MICHAEL GRANT (Gone)

But if you're anything like us, Buzzers, you want to read what other readers have to say! So we've included teasers from reviews from episkey and BuzzGuy! If you want to read their full reviews, just click on their names!

episkey says: Read at your own risk. Daniel Kraus’s ROTTERS is far from a beautiful book. It is gritty, graphic, violent, gut-wrenching, and so, so addicting. Don’t be afraid to read outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, the most unlikely books end up being one of the best you’ve read in a while.

BuzzGuy says: Rotters is a book meant to make you think about morality and it deliberately goads strong reactions from you. I found myself cringing in horror and disgust at not only the grave digging but the actions and thought processes of some characters, while still peculiarly drawn to the cast of unique and oddly likeable “Diggers” who do despicable deeds but are easier to sympathize and relate to than the normal folk of Joey’s new town. Thought provoking!

Still hesitant or slightly scared? Don't fret! Soothe your nerves by watching the book trailer for Rotters and reading the chapter sampler!