Other People’s Books
As I mentioned elsewhere, last week sort of got away from me. That saddened me for many reasons, not least of which was that I planned on telling you about some great books that have crossed my desk of late. Never fear — I’m letting you know about them today (yeah, yeah, day late, dollar short, but a girl does what a girl has to do…) All of these books are available in print and online bookstores today!
Without further delay:
Libriomancer, by Jim C. Hines
I had the privilege of reading this book in draft. Jim’s trademark humor is present, along with the most kick-ass magical system I’ve read in a long time. In short, libriomancers are able to extract items from books, using those weapons, tools, healing potions, etc. Plus, the hero’s a librarian. Jim’s book is full of references to the stories we’ve all loved for decades — most of the genre big names (and many of the little names) make cameo appearances. I was actually a bit afraid, as I picked up this book, that I wouldn’t have enough range of reading to get all the jokes; I have some frightfully large holes in my personal reading, even in this genre that I love so much. Jim takes those gaps into account in his book — he never makes a reader feel foolish for not knowing his source material. Okay, I’m making this fun, smart novel sound entirely too academic. Just take my word. Go out. Buy it. Read it today.
Cuttlefish, by Dave Freer
This one, I got to read in its ARC format. Here’s the deal: Steampunk. High middle grade/young adult. Steampunk. Strong female lead. Steampunk. Lots and lots and lots of real science. Steampunk. (Did I mention that before?) This one is hard to describe, without giving away too much of the plot. So, I’ll let *you* describe it. In comments, give me a number between 1 and 288, and I’ll post a quote from that page of the book. (Thanks, Sarah Prineas, for this book promotion idea!) At the end of the the week (on August 22), I’ll choose from all the numbers submitted and two — TWO — lucky readers will get an ARC of Cuttlefish. Ready? Set. Go! (Steampunk!)
Queen’s Hunt, by Beth Bernobich
I haven’t had a chance to read this one yet, but it’s written by one of my SFNovelists colleagues. Reviews online seem to peg it as a smart series with lush imagery — and that sounds right up *my* alley!
The Grass King’s Concubine, by Kari Sperring
Another one that I haven’t read yet, but that I’m eagerly looking forward to! (And another SFNovelists member – can I just say how pleased I am to belong to such a group of cool writers?) I’ll admit — a lot of my interest in this book is because of the buzz that Kari’s first book attracted. (Living With Ghosts – set in the same world as Concubine – was a finalist for the Crawford Award, a Tiptree Award Honor Book, a LOCUS Recommended First Novel, and the winner of the Sydney J. Bounds Award for Best Newcomer.)
So, those are the books at the top of the to-be-read pile. Don’t forget to submit your entry to win an ARC of CUTTLEFISH – post a number between 1 and 288 in the comments and you’re entered (and I’ll give you a great quotation from that page of the book!)
Mindy, getting back to what passes for normal around here
42. Cuttlefish looks like a fantastic read indeed!
Kerry – You’re a winner! Send your street address to me at mindyklasky@gmail.com by no later than September 4, and I’ll send the ARC to you!
Kerry – Here’s your quote:
“I’ll give them an experience with lachrymals and a smoke candle that they won’t forget in a hurry. And hopefully we’ll be able to get off the airship in all the panic.”