New Releases: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy & YA for the week of March 15, 2010

There's a little bit of everything this week. Happy Release Day!


March 15, 2010

Fang by James Patterson

Fang by James Patterson
Maximum Ride, Book 6
YA Urban Fantasy
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

Being a kid with wings--constantly on the run--has never been easy, and Max and her flock are getting tenser than ever. First, on a trip to Africa, they meet a mysterious billionaire whose intense scrutiny of the flock makes her fear the worst. Then, a cryptic message from a young girl arrives, warning them "The sky will fall." And as if an impending apocalypse weren't bad enough, canny birdkid Angel makes a dire prophecy about Max's soul mate: Fang will be the first to die.

Max's desperate desire to protect Fang brings the two closer than ever. But can the team weather the storm, or will the turmoil rip them apart for the last time?

- Reviewed By:


March 16, 2010

Warriors edited by George R. R. Martin & Gardner Dozois

Warriors edited by George R. R. Martin & Gardner Dozois
Anthology
Crosses multiple Fantasy genres
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

From George R. R. Martin’s Introduction to Warriors:

“People have been telling stories about warriors for as long as they have been telling stories. Since Homer first sang the wrath of Achilles and the ancient Sumerians set down their tales of Gilgamesh, warriors, soldiers, and fighters have fascinated us; they are a part of every culture, every literary tradition, every genre. All Quiet on the Western Front, From Here to Eternity, and The Red Badge of Courage have become part of our literary canon, taught in classrooms all around the country and the world. Our contributors make up an all-star lineup of award-winning and bestselling writers, representing a dozen different publishers and as many genres. We asked each of them for the same thing—a story about a warrior. Some chose to write in the genre they’re best known for. Some decided to try something different. You will find warriors of every shape, size, and color in these pages, warriors from every epoch of human history, from yesterday and today and tomorrow, and from worlds that never were. Some of the stories will make you sad, some will make you laugh, and many will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

Included are a long novella from the world of Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, a new tale of Lord John by Diana Gabaldon, and an epic of humanity at bay by David Weber. Also present are original tales by David Ball, Peter S. Beagle, Lawrence Block, Gardner Dozois, Joe Haldeman, Robin Hobb, Cecelia Holland, Joe R. Lansdale, David Morrell, Naomi Novik, James Rollins, Steven Saylor, Robert Silverberg, S.M. Stirling, Carrie Vaughn, Howard Waldrop, and Tad Williams.

Many of these writers are bestsellers. All of them are storytellers of the highest quality. Together they make a volume of unforgettable reading.

- Reviewed By:


The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Book 1
YA Urban Fantasy
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

- Reviewed By:


Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
Urban Fantasy
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

The New York Times bestselling duo of Crusie and Mayer team up again with a hilarious paranormal novel that shows why the wildest ride at the Dreamland Amusement Park isn’t the roller coaster

Mary Alice Brannigan doesn’t believe in the supernatural. Nor does she expect to find that Dreamland, the decaying amusement park she’s been hired to restore, is a prison for the five Untouchables, the most powerful demons in the history of the world. Plus, there’s a guy she’s falling hard for, and there’s something about him that’s not quite right.

But rocky romances and demented demons aren’t the only problems in Dreamland: Mab’s also coping with a crooked politician, a supernatural raven, a secret government agency, an inexperienced sorceress, an unsettling inheritance, and some mind-boggling revelations from her past. As her personal demons wreck her newfound relationship and real demons wreck the park, Mab faces down immortal evil and discovers what everybody who’s ever been to an amusement park knows: The end of the ride is always the wildest

- Reviewed By:


Oath of Fealty by Elizabeth Moon

Oath of Fealty by Elizabeth Moon
Paladin's Legacy, Book 1
Fantasy
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

Elizabeth Moon’s bestselling science fiction novels featuring Kylara Vatta have earned her rave reviews and comparison to such giants as Robert Heinlein and Lois McMaster Bujold. But as Moon’s devoted fans know, she started her career as a fantasy writer. The superb trilogy known as The Deed of Paksenarrion is widely judged to be one of the great post-Tolkien fantasies, a masterpiece of sustained world-building and realistic military action. Now Moon returns to this thrilling realm for the first time in nearly twenty years. The result: another classic in the making.

Thanks to Paks’s courage and sacrifice, the long-vanished heir to the half-elven kingdom of Lyonya has been revealed as Kieri Phelan, a formidable mercenary captain who earned a title—and enemies—in the neighboring kingdom of Tsaia. Now, as Kieri ascends a throne he never sought, he must come to terms with his own half-elven heritage while protecting his new kingdom from his old enemies—and those he has not yet discovered.

Meanwhile, in Tsaia, Prince Mikeli prepares for his own coronation. But when an assassination attempt nearly succeeds, Mikeli suddenly faces the threat of a coup. Acting swiftly, Mikeli strikes at the powerful family behind the attack: the Verrakaien, magelords possessing ancient sorcery, steeped in death and evil. Mikeli’s survival—and that of Tsaia—depend on the only Verrakai whose magery is not tainted with innocent blood.

Two kings stand at a pivotal point in the history of their worlds. For dark forces are gathering against them, knit in a secret conspiracy more sinister—and far more ancient—than they can imagine. And even Paks may find her gods-given magic and peerless fighting skills stretched to the limit—and beyond.  

- Reviewed By:


Shadow Souls by L. J. Smith

Shadow Souls by L. J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries: The Return, Book 2
YA Urban Fantasy
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

On the run . . .

Elena Gilbert's love, the vampire Stefan Salvatore, has been captured and imprisoned by demonic spirits who are wreaking havoc in Fell's Church. While her friends Bonnie and Meredith explore the evil that has taken over their town, Elena goes in search of Stefan.

In order to find him, she entrusts her life to Stefan's brother, Damon Salvatore, the handsome but deadly vampire who wants Elena, body and soul. Along with her childhood friend Matt, they set out for the slums of the Dark Dimension, where Stefan is being held captive. It is rumored to be a world where vampires and demons roam free, but humans must live enslaved to their supernatural masters. . . .

Elena will stop at nothing to free Stefan. Yet with each passing day the tension between Elena and Damon grows, and she is faced with a terrible decision: Which brother does she really want?

Back in Fell's Church, Bonnie and Meredith have made some dire discoveries. They hastily try to follow Elena and warn her—only to be caught up in Elena's most dangerous adventure yet.

- Reviewed By:


Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn
YA Fantasy
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.

Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.

But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon inter­actions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?

In her young-adult debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn presents a distinctly twenty-first-century tale of myths and machines, and an alliance that crosses a seemingly unbridgeable divide.

- Reviewed By:


Secret of the Dragon by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Secret of the Dragon by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Dragonships of Vindras, Book 2
Fantasy
Amazon.com | B&N

Summary:

New gods are challenging the old high god, Torval, for rulership of the world.  The only way to stop these brash interlopers lies with the five Bones of the Vektia Dragons—the five primal dragons hidden away by the dragon goddess, Vindrash, during the creation of the world.  Without these dragons, one of the new gods, Aelon, cannot seize power.  The only hope of the Vindrasi lies in finding the dragon bones before the followers of Aelon can use them to destroy the old gods.  But the Vindrasi gods have a traitor in their midst… 

In the land of mortals, Raegar, a Vindraisi turned Aelon warrior-priest, searches for the spirit bones.  The gods have a champion of their own—Skylan Ivorson, sea-raider and high chief of the Vindrasi clans, and sworn enemy to Raegar.  But Skylan is a prisoner on his own ship. The ship’s dragon, Kahg, has vanished and some believe he is dead.  Skylan and his people are taken as captives to Sinaria, where they must fight in a game known as the Para Dix. The fates of men and gods and are dragons are rushing headlong to destruction. Skylan can stop the calamity, but only if he discovers the secret of the dragon.

- Reviewed By:


If you have a book review for any of the new releases listed here, link it in comments and I will be happy to add it to this post. Or if I missed a new book release, please let me know so I can add it also.

-- Summaries are from Amazon.com unless otherwise stated.


A few giveaways:

  • Writings Of A Wicked Book Addict: Interview & Contest With Juliana Stone
    The Wicked Little Pixie has interviewed Juliana Stone plus she's giving away a copy of Juliana’s first Avon release, His Darkest Hunger is available on March 30th. Deadline to enter is Friday March 19th at 11:59pm EST.
     
  • Anna's Book Blog: [Giveaway] - Numbers
    Anna is giving away three(3) hardcover copies of NUM8ERS by Rachel Ward, courtesy of Big Honcho Media. Open to the US. The winners will be announced on March 21st.
     
  • Number One Novels: Addison Fox: Warrior Ascended
    Number One Novels has interviewed Addison Fox and giving away two(2) autographed copies of Addison Fox's debut novel Warrior Ascended. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is midnight on Sunday, March 21.
     
  • Diana Rowland: The Demontastic Contest To Hell!
    Diana Rowland is hosting a Demontastic Contest To Hell in celebration of her new release Blood of the Demon. There will be two(2) grand prize winners and 14 runner-up winners. Head over to Diana's place to checkout the prize list, it's demontastic. Deadline to enter is March 21st at midnight Louisiana time.
     
  • SciFiGuy.ca: Guest Author - Devon Monk (Guest Post & ARC Giveaway)
    Devon Monk is guest posting at Doug's place and she is giving away two (2) ARCs of Magic On the Storm, book four in her Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Midnight, March 22, 2010 EST.
     
  • Stumbling Over Chaos: Ebook Giveaway: Hideout by Katie Allen
    Chris is giving away Minnesota author Katie Allen's brand-new m/m romantic suspense release, Hideout. Open worldwide. Deadline to enter is 7 pm CDT, Monday, March 22.
     
  • Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog: NUM8ERS Giveaway
    Sara is giving away three(3) hardcover copies of NUM8ERS by Rachel Ward, courtesy of Big Honcho Media. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is midnight EST on Wednesday 03/24.
     
  • Patricia's Vampire Notes: David Niall Wilson - Interview and Contest
    Patricia has interviewed David Niall Wilson and David is giving away an ARC his new novel Vintage Souls and two(2) ebooks of his novella This Is My Blood to three lucky winners. Open Internationally. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, March 24, 2010.
     
  • The THRILLIONTH page: Win a fancy $100 dinner out!
    Celebrating the releases of her debut urban fantasy Mind Games, Carolyn Crane has created the Trapped in a Restaurant meme: First Prize: One randomly chosen player will get $100 toward a fancy dinner at a restaurant of their choice! Second prize: $50 toward a dinner. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is April 8th.
     

14 comments:

Abigail said...

I hope your planning on checking out The Body Finder. Fantastic!

Erotic Horizon said...

This seems to be a YA week...

What a rush of books - thanks for the round up as usual..

Are there any on your list...

E.H>

Anonymous said...

Whoop can't wait to read Fang and Shadow Souls! :)

Thanks for the heads up on the giveaways!

Smokinhotbooks said...

I'm sipping my coffee and looking at all the pretty covers, what a great way to start my day off.

VampFanGirl said...

Hmmm...nothing really snagging my attention for this week of new releases. But thanks for the heads up as always, Donna.

HUGS, VFG

Chris said...

An urban fantasy from Jennifer Crusie?!

Blodeuedd said...

Novik short story in that anthology, cool :D

Amy C said...

Hi Donna :)

I might have to look into Oath of Fealty by Elizabeth Moon!

Donna said...

Abigail - I do! Have since you gave it a 5 bat review. :)

EH - I really like the looks of The Body Finder and Voices of Dragons. Yeah, they are both YAs. ;)

Hilda - Glad to! Hope both of those turn out to be good reads for you.

KC - Yep, Release Tuesdays are terrific...books, movies, music... :)

VFG - The next week and the end of this month are killers, a lot to look forward to.

Chris - I've never read anything by Crusie and this book is the first I've heard of her.

B- Warriors like it might a pretty good antho to pick up. Quite a few authors I like are in it.

Amy - If you do pick Oath of Fealty up and read it, I'd like to know what you think about it.

Chris said...

You haven't?!? Oh, if you like contemporary romance at ALL, you should give her a try. She's delightful. Maybe The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes would be a good one for you to start with - it's a bit paranormal.

Donna said...

Chris thank you! I'll be sure to look it up. You've given me so many good recs. ::looks at the ominous TBR pile:: ;)

Chris said...

LOL! The unacknowledged peril of book blogging - increased chance of being crushed and killed by one's own TBR pile...

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

I have to say this is a list of books coming out! I want Warriors. And from reading the summaries, I think I want Voices of Dragons too! That sounds really good. Thanks for sharing these.

Lola said...

Hey doll! I have an award for you! :)

http://lillybook.blogspot.com/2010/03/mega-post.html

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