Books Received

Wow, we’ve had so many great books come into the studio that I need to give them some love. Many of these authors will appear in future episodes of AISFP.

Orbit Books very kindly sent us some ARCs of their new line. These books represent a wide range of interest, and all look spectacular.

The Innocent Mage, by Karen Miller – Being a fisherman like his father isn’t a bad life, but it’s not the one that Asher wants. Despite his humble roots, Asher has grand dreams. And they call him to Dorana, home of princes, beggars . . . and the warrior mages who have protected the kingdom for generations.

Little does Asher know, however, that his arrival in the city is being closely watched by members of the Circle, people dedicated to preserving an ancient magic. Asher might have come to the city to make his fortune, but he will find his destiny.

The Devil’s Right Hand, by Lilith Saintcrow – Meet Dante Valentine. Necromancer. Bounty hunter. She is short on sleep and not a happy camper. She’s just signed away seven years of her life – and her partner’s – to hunt down four rogue demons that have escaped from hell. Maybe she’ll find them. Maybe they’ll find her. Nobody said it was easy being the Devi’s right hand.

The Electric Church, by Jeff Somers – Avery Cates is a very bad man. Some would call him criminal. He might even be a killer – for the right price.

But right now, Avery Cates is scared. He’s up against the Monks: cyborgs with human brains. enhanced robotic bodies, and a small arsenal of advanced weaponry. Their mission is to convert anyone and everyone to the Electric Church. But there is just one snag: conversion means death.

Winterbirth, by Brian Ruckley – An uneasy truce exists between the thanes of the True Bloods. Now, as another winter approaches, the armies of the Black Road march south, from their exile beyond the Vale of Stones. For some, war will bring a swift and violent death. Other will not hear the clash of swords or see the corpses strewn over the fields. Instead they will see an opportunity to advance their own ambitions. But all, soon, will fall under the shadow that is descending.

For, while the storm of battle buy gabapentin online cod rages, one man is following a path that will awaken a terrible power in him – and his legacy will be written in blood.

Once Bitten, Twice Shy, by Jennifer Rardin – I’m Jaz Parks. My boss is Vayl, born in Romania in 1744. Died there, too, at the hands of his vampire wife, Liliana. But that’s ancient history. For the moment Vayl works for the CIA, doing what he does best – assassination. And I help. You could say I’m an assistant assassin. But then I’d have to kick your ass.

Pyr Books sent along this fantasy novel that looks fantastic.

The Blade Itself, by Joe Abercrombie – Murderous Conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be settled, and the line between hero and villain is sharp enough to draw blood. Unpredictable, compelling, wickedly funny, and packed with unforgettable characters, The Blade Itself is noir fantasy with a real cutting edge.

Roc sent along this chilling offering.

Poltergeist, by Kat Richardson – Harper Blaine was your average small-time PI until she died – for two minutes. Now Harper is a Greywalker, walking the thin line between the living world and the paranormal realm. And she’s discovering that her new abilities are landing her all sorts of “strange” cases.

In the days leading up to Halloween, Harper is hired by a university research group attempting to create an artificial poltergeist. The head researchers suspects someone is faking the phenomena, but Harper’s investigation reveals something else entirely – the group has succeeded.

When one of the group’s members is found dead in a brutal and inexplicable fashion, Harper must determine whether the killer is the ghost itself – or someone all too human. . . .

DAW provides some laughs:

Goblin Hero and Goblin Quest, by Jim C. Hines – Jig the Goblin was the runtiest member of an admittedly puny race. Jig was scrawny, so nearsighted as to be almost blind, and had such a poor self-image that when he chose a god to worship it was one of the forgotten ones – after all, what other sort of god would have him as a worshiper?

And so begins the hysterical and fantastic journey of Jig. These books look like a blast. Can’t wait to start them.

There’s some late summer reading for you.