Saturday, April 3, 2010

New Releases: First week of April

Posted by Simcha 6:32 PM, under | 4 comments

There are some really exciting releases this week, including Ann Aguirre's second Corine Solomon book, Hell Fire, and Jim Butcher's Changes, the 12th in his Dresden Files series. There are also some other great looking books that I came across while compiling this list and I'm now eager to read, including the fantasy novel, Poison Throne, by Celine Kiernan and the Scifi and fantasy short story anthology, Nebula Awards Showcase 2010.

Hope you have a great reading week!

************************************************************************************


Title: May Contain Traces of Magic
Author: Tom Holt
Release Date: April
Publisher: Orbit UK
Genre: Fantasy
Description: There are all kinds of products. The good ones. The bad ones. The ones that stay in the garage moldering for years until your garden gnome makes a home out of them. Most are harmless if handled properly, even if they do contain traces of peanuts. But some are not. Not the ones that contain traces of magic.
Chris Popham wasn’t paying enough attention when he talked to his SatNav. Sure, she gave him directions, never backtalked him, and always led him to his next spot on the map with perfect accuracy. She was the best thing in his life. So was it really his fault that he didn’t start paying attention when she talked to him? In his defence, that was her job. But when ‘Take the next right’ turned into ‘Excuse me,’ that was when the real trouble started.
Because sometimes a SatNav isn’t a SatNav. Sometimes it’s an imprisoned soul trapped inside a metal box that will do anything it can to get free. And some products you just can’t return.


Title: Watcher of the Dead
Author: JV Jones
Release Date: April
Publisher: Orbit UK
Genre: Fantasy
Description: In the frigid wasteland of the north, Raif Sevrance, Watcher of the Dead, has endured many trials to lay claim to the renowned sword known as Loss. But the price of wielding the legendary weapon is high, and Raif is unsure if he is willing to pay it. Ash Marsh, Daughter of the Sull, still struggles to come to terms with her heritage, and the knowledge that the Watcher, armed with Loss, could be the one who will save the Sull – or end them.
Raina Blackhail, widow of a murdered ruler and wife of his brutal successor, has seen her clan disgraced and has, herself, taken up the mantle of chief. But there are enemies both beyond her gates and within.
And in the murky swamps of the Stillwater, two children will learn the secrets of the Marsh clan. Secrets so old they threaten everything . . .


Title: The Orphaned Worlds
Author: Michael Cobley
Release Date: April
Publisher: Orbit UK
Genre: Science Fiction
Description: Darien is no longer a lost outpost of humanity, but the prize in an intergalactic power struggle. Hegemony forces have a stranglehold over the planet and crack troops patrol its hotspots while Earth watches, passive, rendered impotent by galactic politics. But its Darien ambassador will soon become a player in a greater conflict. There is more at stake than a turf war on a newly discovered world.
An ancient Uvovo temple hides access to a hyperspace prison, housing the greatest threat sentient life has ever known. Millennia ago, malignant intelligences were caged there following an apocalyptic war. And their servants work on their release.
However, Darien’s guardians have not been idle, gathering resistance on the planet’s forest moon. Knowledge has been lost since great races battled in eons past, and now time is short. The galaxy will depend on the Uvovo reclaiming their past – and humanity must look to its future. For a new war is coming.

Title: Beyond the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity, Book 6)
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Release Date: April
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Description: Salvatore Giuliani is not a happy werewolf. It’s his duty as leader to track down the
pureblood females who can keep his people from extinction. But the moment he catches
scent of Harley, a pureblood held by a pack of mangy curs, his savage need for her
obliterates all other instincts. And the only thing worse than being captured is finding
that beautiful, independent Harley defiantly refuses to become his mate.
Harley has been taught to distrust all Weres, especially their arrogant king. She won’t be
used for breeding or bonded against her will, not even to a man who makes every nerve
tingle with awareness. Yet Salvatore is her key to saving the family she never knew she had—
if she dares to succumb to his dark, predatory desire, and face a vicious enemy sworn to
destroy them both.

Title: Succubus Shadows (Georgina Kincaid, Book 5)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: April 1
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Description: Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers. Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals--all child's play to a succubus like her.

Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend's wedding is a different story. Georgina isn't sure which is worse--that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina's roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there's Simone, the new succubus in town, who's intent on corrupting Seth.

But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that's visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she'll be too weak to resist. And when that happens, she'll discover who she can trust, who she can't--and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity. .


Title: Amortals
Author: Matt Forbeck
Release Date: April 1
Publisher: Angry Robot
Genre: Science Fiction
Description: Today you die. Today you are reborn. Today you hunt the man who killed you.
It’s Lee Child vs. Altered Carbon in a high-tech blast of tough-as-nails future thrills. Matt Forbeck arrives as the new king of high-concept – with a blockbuster action movie in a book. In the near future, scientists solve the problem of mortality by learning how to backup and restore a persons memories into a vat-bred clone. When Secret Service agent Ronan “Methusaleh” Dooley is brutally murdered, he’s brought back from the dead yet again to hunt his killer, and in doing so uncover a terrible conspiracy.


Title: Her Vampire Husband
Author: Michele Hauf
Release Date: April 1
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Description: She may resist his bite, but she can't resist his charms…

Werewolf princess Blu Masterson won't allow her seductive vampire husband to consummate their marriage with his bite, marking her forever. Alone in a secluded estate with her sworn enemy, Blu curses the marriage arranged to bring their rival nations together, especially since Creed Saint-Pierre calls out to her most feral desires.

When Blu uncovers her pack's secret plot to destroy the vampire nation—and Creed—she is forced to confront her growing feelings for her sexy undead husband. Will she choose the only life she's ever known or accept his vampire bite?


Title: Hands of Flame (The Negotiator)
Author: C.E Murphy
Release Date: April 1
Publisher: Luna
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Description: War has erupted among the five Old Races, and Margrit is responsible for the death that caused it. Now New York City's most unusual lawyer finds herself facing her toughest negotiation yet. And with her gargoyle lover, Alban, taken prisoner, Margrit's only allies—a dragon bitter about his fall, a vampire determined to hold his standing at any cost and a mortal detective with no idea what he's up against—have demands of their own.

Determined to rescue Alban and torn between conflicting loyalties as the battle seeps into the human world, Margrit soon realizes the only way out is through the fire….


Title: Inside Out
Author: Maria Snyder
Release Date: April 1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Description:
Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.


Title: White Tiger
Author: Kylie Chan
Release Date: April 1 in UK (May in US)
Publisher: Angry Robot
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Description: Handsome young Hong Kong businessman John Chen employs Emma, a naĆÆve young nanny, to care for his daughter. When she falls in love with her employer, however, Emma discovers he is not quite what he seems – he is being hunted by a whole horde ancient demons, dragons and gods, and they all want him dead. Emma will soon discover it is she who has the power to save them all…



Title: Directive 51
Author: John Barnes
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Science Fiction/Post Apocolyptic
Description: The first book in a new post-apocalyptic trilogy from "a master of the genre"

Heather O'Grainne is the Assistant Secretary in the Office of Future Threat Assessment, investigating rumors surrounding something called "Daybreak." The group is diverse and radical, and its members have only one thing in common-their hatred for the "Big System" and their desire to take it down.

Now, seemingly random events simultaneously occurring around the world are in fact connected as part of Daybreak's plan to destroy modern civilization-a plan that will eliminate America's top government personnel, leaving the nation no choice but to implement its emergency contingency program...Directive 51.


Title: Starfinder: A Novel of the Skylords
Author: John Marco
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Young, orphaned Moth is obsessed with the airships around his mountain home and dreams of taking to the air one day like his heroes, the Skyknights. With his best friend, Fiona, he will soon breach the magical boundary between their world and the world of the mysterious and powerful race known as the Skylords, who have jealously guarded their heavenly domain.


Title: Touched by an Alien
Author: Gini Koch
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Romantic Science Fiction
Description: How can a sexy marketing manager join forces with an Alpha Centauri male in Armani to save the planet-using hairspray, a Mont Blanc pen, and rock n' roll?

Easy... She's Touched by an Alien


Marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt steps into the middle of what appears to be a domestic dispute turned ugly. And it only gets uglier when the man turns into a winged monster, straight out of a grade-Z horror movie, and goes on a killing spree. Though Kitty should probably run away, she springs into action to take the monster down.

In the middle of the chaos a handsome hunk named Jeff Martini appears, sent by the "agency" to perform crowd control. He's Kitty's kind of guy, no matter what planet he's from. And from now on, for Kitty, things are going to be sexy, dangerous, wild, and out of this world.


Title: A Magic of Dawn (A Novel of the Nessantico Cycle)
Author: S. L. Farrell
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre:
Description: Kraljica Allesandra sits on the Sun Throne of a much-diminished Holdings empire, while her son Jan rules the rival Coalition of Firenzcia. The schism between them threatens to tear apart the realm when they need solidarity the most. Facing powerful threats, from the rising influence of the Numetodo sect to the fundamentalist preacher Nico Morel-as well as the army of Tehuantin from across the sea- Allesandra and Jan must each find a pathway to survival for themselves and their people.



Title: Maelstrom (Destroyermen)
Author: Taylor Anderson
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Alternate History
Description: Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, along with the men and women of the battleship Walker, are once again at war. Having sided with the peaceful Lemurians against the savage, reptilian Grik, they now find themselves scrambling to prepare for the attack that is sure to come. Meanwhile, the Japanese juggernaut Amagi, also trapped in this strange world, is under Grik control. Soon, they will have amassed a force that no amount of fire-power and technology will be able to stop. Reddy, his crew, his allies, and his loved ones face annihilation. But if there is one thing they have learned about their new world, it is that hope-and help-may just be over the horizon...



Title: Nebula Awards Showcase 2010
Author: Bill Fawcett
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: SF & Fantasy anthology
Description: An annual commemoration, the Nebula Awards are presented by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America to those members whose imaginations refine and re-define the infinite storytelling possibilities found within the genre. The Nebula Awards Showcase represents the best of the best in fantasy in one indispensible collection.

This year's compilation includes stories by:
•Ursula K. LeGuin
•Catherine Asaro
•John Kessel
•Nina Kiriki Hoffman
•Harry Harrison, this year's Grandmaster


Title: Changes (Dresden Files)
Author: Jim Butcher
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Description: Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it-against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...

He's fighting to save his child.

Hell FireTitle: Hell Fire (Corine Solomon, Book 2)
Author: Ann Aguirre
Release Date: April 6
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Description: As a handler, Corine Solomon can touch any object and know its history. It's too bad she can't seem to forget her own. With her ex-boyfriend Chance in tow-lending his own supernatural brand of luck-Corine journeys back home to Kilmer, Georgia, in order to discover the truth behind her mother's death and the origins of "gift".

But while trying to uncover the secrets in her past, Corine and Chance find that something is rotten in the state of Georgia. Inside Kilmer's borders there are signs of a dark curse affecting the town and all its residents-and it can only be satisfied with death...

Title: The Gaslight Dog
Author: Karin Lowachee
Release Date: April 10
Publisher: Orbit US
Genre: Fantasy
Description: At the edge of the known world, an ancient nomadic tribe faces a new enemy-an Empire fueled by technology and war.
A young spiritwalker of the Aniw and a captain in the Ciracusan army find themselves unexpectedly thrown together. The Aniw girl, taken prisoner from her people, must teach the reluctant soldier a forbidden talent – one that may turn the tide of the war and will surely brand him an outcast.
From the rippling curtains of light in an Arctic sky, to the gaslit cobbled streets of the city, war is coming to the frozen north. Two people have a choice that will decide the fates of nations – and may cast them into a darkness that threatens to bring destruction to both their peoples.



Title: The Magician’s Apprentice
Author: Trudi Canavan
Release Date: April 10
Publisher: Orbit US
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Taking place hundreds of years before the events of The Magicians’ Guild, The Magician’s Apprentice is the new novel set in the world of Trudi Canavan’s Black Magician trilogy.
In the remote village of Mandryn, Tessia serves as assistant to her father, the village Healer. Her mother would rather she found a husband. But her life is about to take a very unexpected turn.
When the advances of a visiting Sachakan mage get violent, Tessia unconsciously taps unknown reserves of magic to defend herself. Lord Dakon, the local magician, takes Tessia under his wing as an apprentice.
The hours are long and the work arduous, but soon an exciting new world opens up to her. There are fine clothes and servants and – to Tessia’s delight – regular trips to the great city of Imardin.However, Tessia is about to discover that her magical gifts bring with them a great deal of responsibility. For a storm is approaching that threatens to tear her world apart.

Title: The Mage in Black
Author: Jaye Wells
Release Date: April 10
Publisher: Orbit
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Description: Sabina Kane doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, the leader of the vampire race, just tried to kill her. When she arrives in New York to meet the mage side of her family, the reunion takes the fun out of dysfunctional. On top of that, the Hekate Council wants to use her as a pawn in the brewing war against the vampires. Her mission will take her into the bowels of New York’s Black Light district, entangles her in mage politics, and challenges her beliefs about the race she was raised to distrust. And Sabina thought vampires were bloodthirsty.

Title: The Poison Throne
Author: Celine Kiernan
Release Date: April 10
Publisher: Orbit
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Young Wynter Moorehawke returns to court with her dying father – but she finds her old home shadowed with fear. The king has become a violent despot, terrorizing those he once loved. His son and heir Alberon has fled into exile and now there are whispers everywhere of rebellion. Meanwhile, Alberon’s half-brother Razi has been elevated to his throne. He struggles to meet his King’s demands while remaining loyal to his beloved brother and to his friend-Wynter.
And at the heart of matters is a secret that no one dares speak of. A secret so large it could tear the kingdom in two and Wynter is at the heart of it all. Her father lies dying. Her king is mad. Her friends are divided.
She must choose- her father or her dreams, her friend or her king, her duty… or her love.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

My day at the Con and reading updates

Posted by Simcha 4:54 PM, under | 1 comment

I just got back from the spring SFF convention, here in Israel, where I have been selling books for the past two days (from my online SFF bookstore). It was actually pretty boring. This was partially because the turnout was rather small so I didn't have a regular flow of customers to keep me occupied, but mostly the problem was that I didn't get into any really good book discussions, which is what I enjoy doing most.

At the last con, during the fall, I had a blast chatting with customers and passersby about books; exchanging heated opinions and friendly recommendations.
This time people generally wanted to browse quietly, without engaging in conversation, which takes all the fun out of book selling. So I mostly sat and watched groups of people sitting around tables and throwing dice around (this is called role paying...I think) and contemplating the baffling popularity at the con of sweatshirts with long rabbit ears hanging from the hood (where would you even wear such a thing? And why?)

I admit to not being in the best mood when I packed up at the end of the day, though my temperament improved slightly when I didn't get lost on my way out of Tel Aviv (which is a first). And I did enjoy getting to know some of the other vendors, most of whom were really nice (though there was one sour lady who wouldn't let me use her push-cart). One of the vendors even made for me a personalized pin with my store's logo on it. So, it wasn't all bad (yes, I made some friends!)

Unfortunately, I didn't get as much reading done as I had hoped to, since I was too distracted to concentrate. And I just realized that it's actually been ages since I've even managed to finish a book. So since I don't have any book reviews to write up, I thought I would talk instead about some of the different books that I am currently in the middle of reading.


Spellwright by Blake Charlton

I had really been enjoying this novel, with it's creative magic system and appealing protagonist, but towards the end it just lost me. I keep trying to finish the book but don't seem to be making any progress. But I'm determined to finish the book tomorrow and without getting distracted, no matter how slowly the story moves.



First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde

Although I love Fforde's Thursday Next books, I admit that they always go slowly for me in the beginning and it takes me a few chapters until I'm really hooked. And so, as usual, I keep picking this book up, reading little and putting it down, waiting until I get to the point where the story submerges me. One problem is, though, that the story takes place sixteen years after the events in the previous book, which puts me off a bit. Thursday's baby is now a surly teenager, plus she has two more daughters. I really don't enjoy when books jump ahead like that. Another problem for me is that the story is currently talking place in the bookworld, which I find rather tedious. I'm really hoping that things pick up soon and Thursday returns to her own world, where I prefer her to be.


The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin

I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never read anything by Le Guin before and I recently decided that it was high time that I correct this omission. After reading a very favorable review of The Left Hand of Darkness, I thought this would be a good book to start with. I actually haven't gotten in too far yet, but once again it's slow going until the story hooks me. Someone mentioned to me today that the story starts off slow but the pace quickly picks up, so I'm not too concerned. I hope to concentrate more on this book next week.



The Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth

I picked up this book at a second-hand bookshop recently, after being intrigued by the blurb on the back cover. Although I don't remember hearing anything about this book before, the author's name did sound familiar. I'm enjoying the book so far, though I'm at a point where the story has slowed to a crawl and so I haven't been rushing to get back to it. This is another book that I'll have to concentrate more on next week.



The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson

I've been wanting to read a Neal Stephenson book for a while but I find his books rather intimidating, much more scifi intense then what I'm ready for. But this book seemed like it might be easier reading and the description sounded interesting, so I thought I would give it a try. The beginning is a bit confusing Stephenson throws around all kinds of terms that the reader is not yet familiar with, but the opening scene immediately grabbed me and so I've just been ignoring whatever I don't understand. I'm only a third of the way in so far, and don't really have any idea of where the story is heading but I'm enjoying it and I look forward to finding some time to sit down and make some headway into this book.

I'm not sure why I'm having this trouble lately with finishing books, but I feel like I now really need a truly fantastic book, the kind that completely encompasses me from the very beginning and doesn't let me go until the end, and then has me thinking back to it for days afterwards. Anyone know of such a book?



Tuesday, March 30, 2010

New Stephenie Meyer Novella

Posted by Simcha 4:48 PM, under | 2 comments

Twilight fans rejoice! Stephenie Meyer announced today on her website that she will be publishing a new novella, which will be told from the point of view of Bree, a character originally featured in Eclipse. The novella will be title The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.

From the publisher:

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is the riveting story of Bree Tanner, a newborn vampire first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the world she inhabits. The novella chronicles the newborn vampire army’s journey as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Meyer will be offering the novella as a free ebook from June 7th until July 5th at www.breetanner.com, as a gift to her fans, after which the story will be sold as a physical book. One dollar from each book purchased in the US, from the first printing, will be donated to the American Red Cross.




Book Giveaway: The Bookman by Lavie Tidhar

Posted by Simcha 3:52 PM, under | 21 comments

If you like wild steampunk adventures with talking lizards, exploding books, robots and famous historical characters, then this is a contest for you.

Synopsis:

When his beloved is killed in a terrorist atrocity committed by the sinister Bookman, young poet Orphan becomes enmeshed in a web of secrets and lies. His quest to uncover the truth takes him from the hidden catacombs of a London on the brink of revolution, through pirate-infested seas, to the mysterious island that may hold the secret to the origin, not only of the shadowy Bookman, but of Orphan himself…

To enter for your chance to win a (gently used) copy of The Bookman please leave me your name and email address in a comment below. Since I'm feeling lazy I won't be offering any bonus entries this time, but you do have to be a follower to enter because I like having followers (And I just might want to start my own religion someday....)

The contest is open internationally and will run until April 17th.

You can read my review of The Bookman here

Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes

Posted by Simcha 3:33 PM, under | 4 comments

Orbit just launched their cover for the next Joe Abercrombie book, The Heroes, along with a brief synopsis to help tide Abercrobmie fans over, until next March (that's right, unfortunately we have to wait another whole year for this one).


War: where the blood and dirt of the battlefield hide the dark deeds committed in the name of glory. THE HEROES is about violence and ambition, gruesome deaths and betrayals; and the brutal truth that no plan survives contact with enemy. The characters are the stars, as ever, and the message is dark: when it comes to war, there are no heroes…

Meet THE HEROES.

Curnden Craw: a ruthless fighter who wants nothing more than to see his crew survive.

Prince Calder: a liar and a coward, he will regain his crown by any means necessary.

Bremer dan Gorst: a master swordsman, a failed bodyguard, his honor will be restored—in the blood of his enemies.

Over three days, their fates will be sealed.

Sounds good! Though I still have to catch up with Abercrombie's other books, so perhaps by the time next March rolls around I'll be ready for this one.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Happy Passover!

Posted by Simcha 9:20 AM, under | 5 comments





My two weeks of intense cleaning have finally come to an end (though I didn't get in as many audio books as I had hoped to) and my cooking is almost done as well (the roast looks amazing!!) And soon I can soon finally relax (*sigh*).

I just want to wish a happy Passover to all of you out there who are celebrating as well.
And a 'good day' to the rest of you (wouldn't want anyone to feel left out, after all)



Sunday, March 28, 2010

New Book Releases: Week of March 28th

Posted by Simcha 4:30 PM, under | 3 comments

This is a great week for new releases, especially for Patricia Briggs fans who will soon be able to get their hands on Silver Borne, the much anticipated fifth novel in the Mercy Thompson series. I know that I'm excited and can barely wait to receive my copy, which I preordered (something I rarely do). Another upcoming release that I am really looking forward to is Changeless, Gail Carriger's sequel to Soulless, and which will also be out this week. I've been needing some light, fun books to add to my reading menu, and these books will be perfect.

In addition, there are some other really interesting looking titles that will be hitting the bookstores this week, and I look forward to trying some of those books as well.

Hope you have a great reading week!
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Title: Weaver
Author:
Stephen Baxter

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher:
Ace


The concluding volume of the acclaimed Time's Tapestry series. In the early days of WWII, the Nazis have a secret plan, far grander than simply subjugating an enemy. And three people are caught up in a conspiracy that threatens the fabric of the tapestry of time.



Title: Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson, Book 5)
Author:
Patricia Briggs

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher:
Ace (Hardcover)


When mechanic and shapeshifte
r Mercy Thompson attempts to return a powerful Fae book she'd previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down. It seems the book contains secret knowledge-and the Fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side-leaving Mercy to cover for him, lest his own father declare Sam's life forfeit. All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she might not have many more to live...


Title: Changeless
Author:
Gail Carriger

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher: Orbit

Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady W
oolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria. But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can. She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.


Title: Eve: The Burning Life
Author:
Hjalti Danielsson

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher:
Tor Books


We all
crave a purpose. A fire to spark our lives into action. It’s this burning life within that drives us to our destinies. But when it burns too deep, or goes unchecked, it can shatter innocent lives in its wake. A vicious attack on a deep-space mining colony rains death and destruction on nearly all its inhabitants. Only a handful survive. Among the shattered survivors is a young man, hell-bent on an impossible revenge. In another part of the universe, a wealthy agent of death finds her tenuous grip on sanity slipping, and is forced to leave everything she’s come to know and love. But her last chance at redemption lies in the last place she ever thought to look. Their respective paths take them through the vast universe of EVE, to galactic empires built on faith, hedonism, discipline, and rebellion. Their fates plunge them into the darkest parts of this galaxy, to encounters with denizens of the chaotic and dangerous pirate kingdoms. And all the while, as each draws closer to what they seek, they begin to realize that the only stakes worth playing for are the ones from which they’ve run so far away. . . .


Title: A Grey Moon Over China
Author:
Thomas A. Day

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher:
Tor Books


Army engineer Eduardo Torres is caught up in the world’s raging oil wars when he stumbles onto the plans for a quantum-energy battery. This remarkable device could slow civilization’s inevitable descent into environmental disaster, but Torres has other plans. Forming a private army, he uses the device to revive an abandoned space colonization effort in an ambitious campaign to lead humanity to a new life in a distant solar system. The massive endeavor faces many challenges before the fleet finally embarks for the Holzstein System many light-years away. But even as the feuding colonists struggle to carve out homes on alien worlds, they discover that they have not left their old conflicts and inner demons behind. Nor are they alone on this new frontier. Awaiting them are inhuman beings who strike without warning or explanation--and who may spell the end of humanity’s last hope. Epic in scope, yet filled with searing human drama and emotion, A Grey Moon Over China is a monumental science fiction saga by an amazing new talent. Its original publication by Black Heron Press was named one of the “Best Books of 2006" by Kirkus Reviews. View Excerpt


Title: Night of Knives: A Novel of the Malazan Empire
Author:
Ian C. Esslemont

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher:
Tor Books


The small island of Malaz and its city gave the great empire its name, but now it is little more than a sleepy, backwater port. Tonight, however, things are different. Tonight the city is on edge, a hive of hurried, sometimes violent activity; its citizens bustle about, barring doors, shuttering windows, avoiding any stranger’s stare. Because tonight there is to be a convergence, the once-in-a-generation appearance of a Shadow Moon – an occasion that threatens the good people of Malaz with demon hounds and other, darker things … It was also prophesied that this night would witness the return of Emperor Kellanved, and there are those prepared to do anything to prevent this happening. As factions within the greater Empire draw up battle lines over the imperial throne, the Shadow Moon summons a far more ancient and potent presence for an all-out assault upon the island. Witnessing these cataclysmic events are Kiska, a young girl who yearns to flee the constraints of the city, and Temper, a grizzled, battle-weary veteran who seeks simply to escape his past. Each is to play a part in a conflict that will not only determine the fate of Malaz City, but also of the world beyond … Drawing on events touched on in the prologue of Steven Erikson’s landmark fantasy Gardens of the Moon, Night of Knives is a momentous chapter in the unfolding story of the extraordinarily imagined world of Malaz.

Title: Key to Justice
Author:
Talia Gryphon

R
elease Date: March 30
Publisher
: Ace


Psychologist to the paranormal Gillian Key has a new patient. He is a vampire who calls himself Csangal, but he is also a creature hiding his true motives-and his true identity: Dracula.



Title: Nine Gates
Author: Jane Lindskold
Release Date: March 30
Publisher:
Tor Books


As evocative and moving as Charles de Lint’s Newford books, with the three-dimensional protagonists and enthralling action of Mercedes Lackey’s fantasies,Nine Gates makes our world today as excitingly strange and unfamiliar as any fantasy realm . . .and transports readers to a wondrous magical world drawn from Chinese lore and legend. Brenda Morris has barely had time to become accustomed to the idea that she has some of the powers of the Rat, a member of the Chinese Zodiac; that her elderly, former child-star “aunt,” Pearl, is the Dragon; and that the young African-American former soldier she trains beside is the Dog. Brenda has learned that our world is not the only world and that her not-quite-Chinese ancestors came from a magical place, the Lands of Smoke and Sacrifice, created thousands of years ago by the destruction of China’s books and scholars during the time of the first Emperor. Now, generations later, the Lands are once again at war, and the magics of the Thirteen Orphans are desperately needed. A mission to capture those powers went disastrously wrong and now the Lands’ Dragon, Tiger, Snake, and Monkey are trapped on Earth unless the Orphans can build the Nine Gates. To do that, they must first save the Four Guardians of the land between, who are under magical attack. Complicating things is the fact that Brenda has fallen hard for the handsome man who is the Tiger, much to the distress of the sensual young woman who is the Snake. View Excerpt

Title: Corambis
Author:
Sarah Monette

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher: Ace

Two brothers discover their ultimate destiny.
Exiled from Melusine
for the crime of heresy, Felix Harrowgate and his half-brother Mildmay journey to the land of Corambis to face judgement from a ruling body of wizards. Both brothers carry memories, regret, and-hidden deep in their hearts-hope.


Title: Escape from Hell
Author: Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
Release Date: March 30
Publisher
: Tor Books


Allan Carpenter escaped from hell once
but remained haunted by what he saw and endured. He has now returned, on a mission to liberate those souls unfairly tortured and confined. Partnering with the legendary poet and suicide, Sylvia Plath, Carpenter is a modern-day Christ who intends to harrow hell and free the damned. But now that he's returned to this Dantesque Inferno, can he ever again leave?


Title: WWW: Wake
Author:
Robert J. Sawyer

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher:
Ace
Caitlin Decter is young, pretty, feisty, a genius at math, and blind. When she receives an implant to restore her sight, instead of seeing reality she perceives the landscape of the World Wide Web-where she makes contact with a mysterious consciousness existing only in cyberspace.




Title: He Walked Among Us
Author:
Norman Spinard

Release Date:
March 30

Publisher:
Tor Books


When hack agent Jimmy “Tex” Balaban discovers Ralf on a Borscht Belt stage, his act appears to be a clever joke. Ralf claims to be from the future, shouting foul-mouthed prophecies of where we went wrong. And he delivers a harrowing message.
The world is in chaos. Our biosphere has been devastated, our air is unbreathable and the final stalwarts of mankind have taken refuge in pressurized shopping malls. Humanity clings to the last mediocre vestiges of life on a dead planet that we did not know how to save. But it might not be too late. Has Ralf returned to the past to awaken our consciences? Is he who he says he is or is he insane? And if we have one last chance to save the world, does any of this matter? Then Dexter D. Lampkin, a fading science fiction writer, and Amanda Robin, a New Age guru-wannabe, magnificently transform Ralf into what the world really needs: a messenger sent from the future to save us from ourselves. Together with Tex they polish Ralf’s television persona to captivate America. The problem is that Ralf never goes out of character. He truly believes he is a prophet.

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