I am thinking about making this kind of a monthly deal. Since I am kinda dying to tell people about my hauls each month whether ARC or not. This is not a complete list, but mostly my highlight acquisitions for the month of May.
Thanks to all the publishers who provided me with their ARC's.
Books I got as ARC from Netgalley
(not a complete list)
"Against the Dawn" by Amanda Bonilla from NYLA
Six months can feel like just a couple of weeks when you’ve been away in another realm. Literally.
Now that Darian is back in Seattle, she’s ready to face the life—and the man—she left behind. But it’s not going to be easy when a ghost from her past shows up looking to wreak havoc on Seattle’s supernatural crime scene.
Darian isn’t as careless as she used to be, though. She and Tyler, her sexy Jinn protector, have come a long way in the trust department. And it’s a good thing too—because when Ty contracts her to assassinate a wickedly powerful supernatural who goes by the name of Mithras, it will take all her faith in Ty, and herself, to get the job done.
While Darian does whatever it takes to get to her mark, Xander, the Shaede King is busy making plans of his own. With Darian’s attention divided between Lorik’s secrets and her mission she might not be able to stop Xander from doing anything in his power to separate Darian from her sworn protector and in the process, destroy his own kingdom…
[This I got in the form of an invitation, it is the 4th book in a series, so I am kinda torn about starting from the 1st book or to just read this, but the goodread reviews speak very highly of the book, so I am a bit intrigued]
"Alias Hook" by Lisa Jensen from St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne Books
"Every child knows how
the story ends. The wicked pirate captain is flung overboard, caught in
the jaws of the monster crocodile who drags him down to a watery grave.
But it was not yet my time to die. It's my fate to be trapped here
forever, in a nightmare of childhood fancy, with that infernal, eternal
boy."
Meet Captain James Benjamin Hook, a witty, educated Restoration-era privateer cursed to play villain to a pack of malicious little boys in a pointless war that never ends. But everything changes when Stella Parrish, a forbidden grown woman, dreams her way to the Neverland in defiance of Pan’s rules. From the glamour of the Fairy Revels, to the secret ceremonies of the First Tribes, to the mysterious underwater temple beneath the Mermaid Lagoon, the magical forces of the Neverland open up for Stella as they never have for Hook. And in the pirate captain himself, she begins to see someone far more complex than the storybook villain.
With Stella’s knowledge of folk and fairy tales, she might be Hook’s last chance for redemption and release if they can break his curse before Pan and his warrior boys hunt her down and drag Hook back to their neverending game. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen is a beautifully and romantically written adult fairy tale.
[A Peter Pan fairy tale with a twist and from the point-of-view of Captain Hook, with a bit of romance thrown in the mix. Really looking forward to reading this actually.]
"City of Stairs" by Robert Jackson Benett from Crown Publishing/Broadway Books
A densely
atmospheric and intrigue-filled fantasy novel of living spies, dead
gods, buried histories, and a mysterious, ever-changing city-from one of
America's most acclaimed young SF writers.
Years ago, the city of Bulikov wielded the powers of the Gods to conquer the world. But after its divine protectors were mysteriously killed, the conqueror has become the conquered; the city's proud history has been erased and censored, progress has left it behind, and it is just another colonial outpost of the world's new geopolitical power. Into this musty, backward city steps Shara Divani. Officially, the quiet mousy woman is just another lowly diplomat sent by Bulikov's oppressors. Unofficially, Shara is one of her country's most accomplished spymasters-dispatched to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly harmless historian. As Shara pursues the mystery through the ever-shifting physical and political geography of the city, she begins to suspect that the beings who once protected Bulikov may not be as dead as they seem-and that her own abilities might be touched by the divine as well.
[ A Very interesting setting got my interests piqued for this, and then I saw the glowing reviews it got from all over the internet. Should be very good]
"Monster Hunter Nemesis" by Larry Correria from Baen Books
#5 in multiple New York Times bestseller Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series.
Agent Franks of the U.S. Monster Control Bureau is a man of many parts - parts from other people, that is. Franks is six foot five and all muscle. He's nearly indestructible. Plus he's animated by a powerful alchemical substance and inhabited by a super-intelligent spirit more ancient than humanity itself. Good thing he's on our side. More or less. Sworn to serve and protect the United States of America from all monsters by one of the country's founding fathers, Franks has only one condition to the agreement: no matter what the government learns of him, no matter what is discovered concerning his odd physiology or the alchemy behind the elixir that made him, the government is never, ever allowed to try and make more like him. Such is absolutely forbidden and should the powers-that-be do so, then the agreement is null and void.
Project Nemesis: in a secret location, using sophisticated technology and advanced genetic engineering, the director of the very agency Franks works for is making more like him. And the director is not content with making one. Nope, he's making thirteen. Now all bets are off, and Hell hath no fury like a monster betrayed. Particularly if that monster happens to be an undying killing machine capable of taking out vampires and werewolves with one hand tied behind his back.
[Once again I am guilty of trying to pick up a series in the middle, but how can I pass up the chance when I saw this at netgalley? Urban fantasy has never been my favorite genre but the recent reads from this genre impressed me a lot, and this is an established series, so I got my hopes up]
"Reach for Infinity" from Rebellion/Solaris
An original collection of new short science fiction from the biggest and most exciting names in the genre. The latest in the Infinities collections edited and comissioned by multiple award-winning anthologist Jonathan Strahan.
What happens when humanity reaches out into the vastness of space? The brightest names in SF contribute new orginal fiction to this amazing anothology from master editor Jonathan Strahan. Including new work by Alastair Reynolds,Greg Egan,Ian McDonald, Ken Macleod, Pat Cadigan, Karl Schroeder, Hannu Rajaniemi, Karen Lord, Adam Roberts, Kathleen Ann Goonan, Aliette de Bodard Peter Watts, and others!
[I do love some good shorts, and the list of writers on this has me nearly salivating. I am gonna enjoy this in small bites]
"Manifest Destiny Volume 1" by Chris Dingess, Matthew Roberts from Image Comics/Diamond Book Distributors
In 1804, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark
set out from St. Louis, Missouri with the intent of blazing a trail to
the western coast of North America-a trip that would set the foundation
for the future of the United States of America.
But what the history books don't tell you is the true purpose of Lewis and Clark's journey to the west…
In this imaginative retelling of their famous trek, Lewis and Clark embark on a secret mission under direct orders from President Thomas Jefferson.
They are going to do more than explore the wild frontier: they're going to catalog exotic life and eliminate the monsters that stand in the way of the safe and rapid expansion of the United States.
[Seems very promising in its setting and a good graphic novel is always a nice addition to the TBR pile]
"Pretty Deadly Volume 1" by Kelly Sue Deconnick, Emma Rios & Jordie Bellair from Image Comics/Diamond Book Distributors
Kelly Sue DeConnick (Avengers Assemble,Captain Marvel) and Emma Rios
(Dr. Strange,Osborn) present the collected opening arc of their
surprise-hit series that marries the magical realism of Sandman with the
western brutality of Preacher.
Death's daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father.
Her origin story is a tale of retribution as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage.
[Seems like a mash-up of fairy tale & western, who wouldn't wanna read this?]
A revolution has taken over the government of the United States and
the environment has been saved. All pollution has been banned and
reversed. It's a bright, green new world. But this new world comes with a
great cost. The United States is ruled by a dictatorship and the
corporations are fighting back. Joining them are an increasing number of
rebels angered by the dictatorship of Chairman Rahma. The Chairman's
power is absolute and appears strong, but in The Little Green Book of Chairman Rahma by
Brian Herbert, cracks are beginning to show as new weapons are
developed by the old corporate powers, foreign alliances begin to make
inroads into America's influence . . . and strange reports of mutants
filter through the government's censorship.
[The setting is very unique, a future world ruled by a dictator of a green government? Lets just see how good the book actually is]
"The Scorched Earth" by Drew Karpyshyn from Del Rey
New York Times bestselling author Drew Karpyshyn has long
thrilled readers with his kinetic, fast-paced storytelling style. Now he
returns with The Scorched Earth, the second novel in his acclaimed series about four young people who will either save the world or bring about its destruction.
The Children of Fire—four mortals touched by the power of Chaos—each embody one aspect of a fallen and banished immortal champion: Keegan, the wizard; Scythe, the warrior; Cassandra, the prophet; Vaaler, the king. Grown to adulthood, the Children are in search of the ancient Talismans that can stop the return of Daemron the Slayer, ancient enemy of the Old Gods. But in acquiring Daemron’s Ring, they unleashed a flood of Chaos magic on the land—leaving death, destruction, and a vengeful queen in their wake.
Now, beset on all sides by both mortal and supernatural enemies, they realize that their strength and faith will be tested as never before. And their greatest trial will be finding Daemron’s Sword, the last of the ancient Talismans, before the entire mortal world is engulfed in the war and Chaos that will herald the return of the Slayer.
[Although I haven't read the 1st book in the series this looks like a compelling enough Epic/Traditional Fantasy.]
"The Guild of Assassins" by Anna Kashina from Angry Robot Books
Kara has achieved something that no Majat has ever managed – freedom from the Guild!
But the Black Diamond assassin Mai has been called back to face his punishment for sparing her life. Determined to join his fight or share his punishment, Kara finds herself falling for Mai.
But is their relationship – and the force that makes their union all-powerful – a tool to defeat the overpowering forces of the Kaddim armies, or a distraction sure to cause the downfall of the Majat?
[While certainly not perfect the first book was quite a fun read (my review) and I am looking forward to the subtle role changes that this seems to be offering. I also am hoping to interview the author again (the first interview)]
Books I got as ARC directly from Publishers
"Ragtime Cowboys" by Loren D. Estleman from Tor-Froge Books
In prohibition-era
Southern California, real life detectives Charles D. Siringo and
Dashiell Hammett must solve a mystery involving a ruthless
politician—Joseph P. Kennedy. With sharp dialogue and rich historical
background, Ragtime Cowboys is an exciting, suspenseful tale in
which the Old West and Hollywood collide. Los Angeles, 1921:
Ex-Pinkerton Charlie Siringo is living in quiet retirement when Wyatt
Earp knocks on his door and asks him to track down his missing horse.
What begins as horse thievery turns into a deeper mystery as Siringo and
another ex-Pinkerton, the young Dashiell Hammett, follow clues that
take them from the streets of Los Angeles to Jack London's farm, until
they discover a conspiracy masterminded by the notorious and powerful
Joseph P. Kennedy. From the first page to the closing chapter, these
ragtime cowboys chase the truth in Loren D. Estleman's compelling tale
of the Old West and early Hollywood.
[Siringo and Hammett combine forces to solve a case, what an original and intriguing plot. I was interested after I read the blurb, hopefully will review it soon]
"The Dark Between the Stars" by Kevin J. Anderson from Tor-Forge Books
Twenty years after the
elemental conflict that nearly tore apart the cosmos in The Saga of
Seven Suns, a new threat emerges from the darkness. The human race must
set aside its own inner conflicts to rebuild their alliance with the
Ildiran Empire for the survival of the galaxy.
Galactic empires clash, elemental beings devastate whole planetary systems, and factions of humanity are pitted against each other. Heroes rise and enemies make their last stands in the climax of an epic tale seven years in the making.
[Was interested by the promise of a epic space opera, started reading this and it is almost as good so far as I was hoping]
'The Leopard' by K. V. Johansen from Pyr Books
Part one of a
two-book epic fantasy, set in a world as richly drawn as J.R.R.
Tolkien's Middle Earth, but with Mideastern and Eastern flavors
In the days of the first kings in the North, there were seven devils…
Ahjvar, the assassin known as the Leopard, wants only to die, to end the curse that binds him to a life of horror. Although he has no reason to trust the goddess Catairanach or her messenger Deyandara, fugitive heir to a murdered tribal queen, desperation leads him to accept her bargain: if he kills the mad prophet known as the Voice of Marakand, Catairanach will free him of his curse. Accompanying him on his mission is the one person he has let close to him in a lifetime of death, a runaway slave named Ghu. Ahj knows Ghu is far from the half-wit others think him, but in Marakand, the great city where the caravan roads of east and west meet, both will need to face the deepest secrets of their souls, if either is to survive the undying enemies who hunt them and find a way through the darkness that damns the Leopard.
To Marakand, too, come a Northron wanderer and her demon verrbjarn lover, carrying the obsidian sword Lakkariss, a weapon forged by the Old Great Gods to bring their justice to the seven devils who escaped the cold hells so long before.
[The blurb suggesting mixture of Mideastern and Eastern flavors caught my attention and the cover art is gorgeous. The generous people at Pyr then granted my request for a digital ARC, hopefully it will be as good to read as it looks.]
"REX'D: Welcome to Scholomance" by J.B. Skelter & Jax Reher from Curiosity Quills Press
MONDAYS. Oh, the horror.
Going back to school after a nice weekend. Homework. Tests. Gym class.
It's even worse for Rex Gerard, the "new kid" at Scholomance High.
Making friends, navigating the rough halls, avoiding trouble...
But on this particular Monday, it's also Halloween. Rex's favorite holiday. It was his mom's too before she passed away. And today, Rex will learn exactly how she died and what his purpose is in this life as he unlocks the hair-raising mysteries and lurking monsters of Scholomance.
But is he... is ANYONE... ready?
[After my experience reading 'The Book of Bart" (review here), I have gained a bit of a faith for YA books, as this is from the same publishers it I decided to give it a try.]
'Zero Point" by Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed from Curiosity Quills Press
Mass riots
Economic meltdown
Black outs
And a new oil war in Iraq to keep the world economy afloat
Fourth Iraq War veteran & war crimes whistle-blower, David Ariel, is sick of violence, and trying to make ends meet working for police specialist protection. But after Prime Minister Carson is brutally assassinated by extremists on Ariel's watch, he is covertly targeted by a compromised police investigation.
When forensics discover that Carson's assassination inexplicably defied the very laws of physics, bodies drop like flies. Key witnesses are murdered in impossible circumstances.
Fleeing for his life while London is locked-down under martial law, Ariel gets a phone call from Iraq he will never forget: his estranged girlfriend, journalist Julia Stephenson, warns that the Carson killing is just the beginning of a wider plot to bring the west to its knees.
Then she disappears.
Ariel's blood-soaked race against time to track the terror cells behind Carson's death tumbles into the cross-fire of a hidden battle between mysterious rogue intelligence agencies. Their goal: to monopolise black budget technologies which could unlock the universe's darkest, arcane secrets.
As the world he thought he knew unravels, Ariel faces off against bent coppers, double-crossing agents, psychic killers and super soldiers to complete a black ops mission like no other:
Stop Quantum Apocalypse
[I have never been a big thriller fan, specially since the last few Dan Brown novels disappointing me so much. But I will give this a try just cause of my faith in the publishers mainly, I am quite optimistic though.]
"The Gateway Through Which They Came" by Heather Marie from Curiosity Quill Press
To seventeen-year-old
Aiden Ortiz, letting the dead walk through his body to reach the other
side comes with the territory. Being a Gateway isn’t an easy job, but
someone’s gotta send Bleeders where they belong. Heaven. Salvation. Call
it whatever you want. Dead is dead. But when his search for Koren
Banks––the girl who went mysteriously missing seven months ago––leaves
him with more questions than answers, he finds himself involved in
something far more sinister and beyond his control.
With the threat of the Dark Priest's resurrection, and his plan to summon his demon brothers from hell, Aiden is left to discover his identity before the Dark Priest's curse infecting his blood consumes him, and before the world as he knows it succumbs to the darkness of hell on earth.
[Another Curiosity Quill YA, another hopeful leap of faith.]
PS: Thanks to all the publishers for providing me with the ARC's. Although I have currently got a huge back-log I will try to post my reviews as soon as I can.
Thanks to all the publishers who provided me with their ARC's.
Books I got as ARC from Netgalley
(not a complete list)
"Against the Dawn" by Amanda Bonilla from NYLA
Now that Darian is back in Seattle, she’s ready to face the life—and the man—she left behind. But it’s not going to be easy when a ghost from her past shows up looking to wreak havoc on Seattle’s supernatural crime scene.
Darian isn’t as careless as she used to be, though. She and Tyler, her sexy Jinn protector, have come a long way in the trust department. And it’s a good thing too—because when Ty contracts her to assassinate a wickedly powerful supernatural who goes by the name of Mithras, it will take all her faith in Ty, and herself, to get the job done.
While Darian does whatever it takes to get to her mark, Xander, the Shaede King is busy making plans of his own. With Darian’s attention divided between Lorik’s secrets and her mission she might not be able to stop Xander from doing anything in his power to separate Darian from her sworn protector and in the process, destroy his own kingdom…
[This I got in the form of an invitation, it is the 4th book in a series, so I am kinda torn about starting from the 1st book or to just read this, but the goodread reviews speak very highly of the book, so I am a bit intrigued]
"Alias Hook" by Lisa Jensen from St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne Books
Meet Captain James Benjamin Hook, a witty, educated Restoration-era privateer cursed to play villain to a pack of malicious little boys in a pointless war that never ends. But everything changes when Stella Parrish, a forbidden grown woman, dreams her way to the Neverland in defiance of Pan’s rules. From the glamour of the Fairy Revels, to the secret ceremonies of the First Tribes, to the mysterious underwater temple beneath the Mermaid Lagoon, the magical forces of the Neverland open up for Stella as they never have for Hook. And in the pirate captain himself, she begins to see someone far more complex than the storybook villain.
With Stella’s knowledge of folk and fairy tales, she might be Hook’s last chance for redemption and release if they can break his curse before Pan and his warrior boys hunt her down and drag Hook back to their neverending game. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen is a beautifully and romantically written adult fairy tale.
[A Peter Pan fairy tale with a twist and from the point-of-view of Captain Hook, with a bit of romance thrown in the mix. Really looking forward to reading this actually.]
"City of Stairs" by Robert Jackson Benett from Crown Publishing/Broadway Books
Years ago, the city of Bulikov wielded the powers of the Gods to conquer the world. But after its divine protectors were mysteriously killed, the conqueror has become the conquered; the city's proud history has been erased and censored, progress has left it behind, and it is just another colonial outpost of the world's new geopolitical power. Into this musty, backward city steps Shara Divani. Officially, the quiet mousy woman is just another lowly diplomat sent by Bulikov's oppressors. Unofficially, Shara is one of her country's most accomplished spymasters-dispatched to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly harmless historian. As Shara pursues the mystery through the ever-shifting physical and political geography of the city, she begins to suspect that the beings who once protected Bulikov may not be as dead as they seem-and that her own abilities might be touched by the divine as well.
[ A Very interesting setting got my interests piqued for this, and then I saw the glowing reviews it got from all over the internet. Should be very good]
"Monster Hunter Nemesis" by Larry Correria from Baen Books
Agent Franks of the U.S. Monster Control Bureau is a man of many parts - parts from other people, that is. Franks is six foot five and all muscle. He's nearly indestructible. Plus he's animated by a powerful alchemical substance and inhabited by a super-intelligent spirit more ancient than humanity itself. Good thing he's on our side. More or less. Sworn to serve and protect the United States of America from all monsters by one of the country's founding fathers, Franks has only one condition to the agreement: no matter what the government learns of him, no matter what is discovered concerning his odd physiology or the alchemy behind the elixir that made him, the government is never, ever allowed to try and make more like him. Such is absolutely forbidden and should the powers-that-be do so, then the agreement is null and void.
Project Nemesis: in a secret location, using sophisticated technology and advanced genetic engineering, the director of the very agency Franks works for is making more like him. And the director is not content with making one. Nope, he's making thirteen. Now all bets are off, and Hell hath no fury like a monster betrayed. Particularly if that monster happens to be an undying killing machine capable of taking out vampires and werewolves with one hand tied behind his back.
[Once again I am guilty of trying to pick up a series in the middle, but how can I pass up the chance when I saw this at netgalley? Urban fantasy has never been my favorite genre but the recent reads from this genre impressed me a lot, and this is an established series, so I got my hopes up]
"Reach for Infinity" from Rebellion/Solaris
What happens when humanity reaches out into the vastness of space? The brightest names in SF contribute new orginal fiction to this amazing anothology from master editor Jonathan Strahan. Including new work by Alastair Reynolds,Greg Egan,Ian McDonald, Ken Macleod, Pat Cadigan, Karl Schroeder, Hannu Rajaniemi, Karen Lord, Adam Roberts, Kathleen Ann Goonan, Aliette de Bodard Peter Watts, and others!
[I do love some good shorts, and the list of writers on this has me nearly salivating. I am gonna enjoy this in small bites]
"Manifest Destiny Volume 1" by Chris Dingess, Matthew Roberts from Image Comics/Diamond Book Distributors
But what the history books don't tell you is the true purpose of Lewis and Clark's journey to the west…
In this imaginative retelling of their famous trek, Lewis and Clark embark on a secret mission under direct orders from President Thomas Jefferson.
They are going to do more than explore the wild frontier: they're going to catalog exotic life and eliminate the monsters that stand in the way of the safe and rapid expansion of the United States.
[Seems very promising in its setting and a good graphic novel is always a nice addition to the TBR pile]
"Pretty Deadly Volume 1" by Kelly Sue Deconnick, Emma Rios & Jordie Bellair from Image Comics/Diamond Book Distributors
Death's daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father.
Her origin story is a tale of retribution as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage.
[Seems like a mash-up of fairy tale & western, who wouldn't wanna read this?]
"The Little Green Book of Chairman Rahma" by Brian Herbert from Tor-Forge Books
[The setting is very unique, a future world ruled by a dictator of a green government? Lets just see how good the book actually is]
"The Scorched Earth" by Drew Karpyshyn from Del Rey
The Children of Fire—four mortals touched by the power of Chaos—each embody one aspect of a fallen and banished immortal champion: Keegan, the wizard; Scythe, the warrior; Cassandra, the prophet; Vaaler, the king. Grown to adulthood, the Children are in search of the ancient Talismans that can stop the return of Daemron the Slayer, ancient enemy of the Old Gods. But in acquiring Daemron’s Ring, they unleashed a flood of Chaos magic on the land—leaving death, destruction, and a vengeful queen in their wake.
Now, beset on all sides by both mortal and supernatural enemies, they realize that their strength and faith will be tested as never before. And their greatest trial will be finding Daemron’s Sword, the last of the ancient Talismans, before the entire mortal world is engulfed in the war and Chaos that will herald the return of the Slayer.
[Although I haven't read the 1st book in the series this looks like a compelling enough Epic/Traditional Fantasy.]
"The Guild of Assassins" by Anna Kashina from Angry Robot Books
But the Black Diamond assassin Mai has been called back to face his punishment for sparing her life. Determined to join his fight or share his punishment, Kara finds herself falling for Mai.
But is their relationship – and the force that makes their union all-powerful – a tool to defeat the overpowering forces of the Kaddim armies, or a distraction sure to cause the downfall of the Majat?
[While certainly not perfect the first book was quite a fun read (my review) and I am looking forward to the subtle role changes that this seems to be offering. I also am hoping to interview the author again (the first interview)]
Books I got as ARC directly from Publishers
"Ragtime Cowboys" by Loren D. Estleman from Tor-Froge Books
[Siringo and Hammett combine forces to solve a case, what an original and intriguing plot. I was interested after I read the blurb, hopefully will review it soon]
"The Dark Between the Stars" by Kevin J. Anderson from Tor-Forge Books
Galactic empires clash, elemental beings devastate whole planetary systems, and factions of humanity are pitted against each other. Heroes rise and enemies make their last stands in the climax of an epic tale seven years in the making.
[Was interested by the promise of a epic space opera, started reading this and it is almost as good so far as I was hoping]
'The Leopard' by K. V. Johansen from Pyr Books
In the days of the first kings in the North, there were seven devils…
Ahjvar, the assassin known as the Leopard, wants only to die, to end the curse that binds him to a life of horror. Although he has no reason to trust the goddess Catairanach or her messenger Deyandara, fugitive heir to a murdered tribal queen, desperation leads him to accept her bargain: if he kills the mad prophet known as the Voice of Marakand, Catairanach will free him of his curse. Accompanying him on his mission is the one person he has let close to him in a lifetime of death, a runaway slave named Ghu. Ahj knows Ghu is far from the half-wit others think him, but in Marakand, the great city where the caravan roads of east and west meet, both will need to face the deepest secrets of their souls, if either is to survive the undying enemies who hunt them and find a way through the darkness that damns the Leopard.
To Marakand, too, come a Northron wanderer and her demon verrbjarn lover, carrying the obsidian sword Lakkariss, a weapon forged by the Old Great Gods to bring their justice to the seven devils who escaped the cold hells so long before.
[The blurb suggesting mixture of Mideastern and Eastern flavors caught my attention and the cover art is gorgeous. The generous people at Pyr then granted my request for a digital ARC, hopefully it will be as good to read as it looks.]
"REX'D: Welcome to Scholomance" by J.B. Skelter & Jax Reher from Curiosity Quills Press
But on this particular Monday, it's also Halloween. Rex's favorite holiday. It was his mom's too before she passed away. And today, Rex will learn exactly how she died and what his purpose is in this life as he unlocks the hair-raising mysteries and lurking monsters of Scholomance.
But is he... is ANYONE... ready?
[After my experience reading 'The Book of Bart" (review here), I have gained a bit of a faith for YA books, as this is from the same publishers it I decided to give it a try.]
'Zero Point" by Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed from Curiosity Quills Press
Economic meltdown
Black outs
And a new oil war in Iraq to keep the world economy afloat
Fourth Iraq War veteran & war crimes whistle-blower, David Ariel, is sick of violence, and trying to make ends meet working for police specialist protection. But after Prime Minister Carson is brutally assassinated by extremists on Ariel's watch, he is covertly targeted by a compromised police investigation.
When forensics discover that Carson's assassination inexplicably defied the very laws of physics, bodies drop like flies. Key witnesses are murdered in impossible circumstances.
Fleeing for his life while London is locked-down under martial law, Ariel gets a phone call from Iraq he will never forget: his estranged girlfriend, journalist Julia Stephenson, warns that the Carson killing is just the beginning of a wider plot to bring the west to its knees.
Then she disappears.
Ariel's blood-soaked race against time to track the terror cells behind Carson's death tumbles into the cross-fire of a hidden battle between mysterious rogue intelligence agencies. Their goal: to monopolise black budget technologies which could unlock the universe's darkest, arcane secrets.
As the world he thought he knew unravels, Ariel faces off against bent coppers, double-crossing agents, psychic killers and super soldiers to complete a black ops mission like no other:
Stop Quantum Apocalypse
[I have never been a big thriller fan, specially since the last few Dan Brown novels disappointing me so much. But I will give this a try just cause of my faith in the publishers mainly, I am quite optimistic though.]
"The Gateway Through Which They Came" by Heather Marie from Curiosity Quill Press
With the threat of the Dark Priest's resurrection, and his plan to summon his demon brothers from hell, Aiden is left to discover his identity before the Dark Priest's curse infecting his blood consumes him, and before the world as he knows it succumbs to the darkness of hell on earth.
[Another Curiosity Quill YA, another hopeful leap of faith.]
PS: Thanks to all the publishers for providing me with the ARC's. Although I have currently got a huge back-log I will try to post my reviews as soon as I can.
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