To whom may be concerned

Due to scheduling being very full these days, I won't be blogging regularly (if at all) for the next few months. However, I intend to return at least in time for the reviewing of Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Taken by Storm (neep neep! so excited).
However, I intend to continue reading, and if anything completely amazing occurs, I shall wave my flags once more.

Hoping to...

... re-read Hexwood and review it - if possible
... get more books from the library
... review Dolphin Island tonight.

Upcomers

Dancing around an Upcoming Books post on Charlotte's Library, I discovered a few that I'm interested in.



I really haven't got a great fancy for Reeve novels, but I may end up reading this one, if it receives good reviews. Fever is my favorite of his characters. I wonder if Kit's children are in this book too?

Frankly, anything about poor Kit Solent is a very poignant pleasure - you see, I have read the Mortal Engines series since Fever Crumb, and.... anyone who has read those knows what I mean. (Insert mournful noise here).





This one deserves its biggest picture.



I'm not much of a Rick Riordan fan. I read Percy Jackson books 1 - and 5. Nothing inbetween, except for a chapter or so at the beginning of book 2. Book 1 did not interest me. But then, probably I'm not expected to appreciate a tale issued for middle school boys.
Book 5 (The Last Olympian) impressed me a good deal. "The years," I said, "have added age and perhaps even wisdom to these characters!" Yes, but the years had also added power and depth to Rick Riordan's writing. Not so much that I will play catch-up with the other books in the series, but enough that I had a very good time reading The Last Olympian.

A younger friend of mine - the same one who lent me the first and fifth Percy Jackson books - proceeds to incite me to read the new serieses. I've been dubious.

However, this cover deserves to be printed and framed.

Waiting on Wednesday: Liar's Moon, by Elizabeth C. Bunce

I read Starcrossed with initial reluctance. The protagonist seemed disappointingly selfish and shallow at first, but as the plot thickened, she grew ever more lovable and understandable. By the end, I thought the whole book was great, the protagonist a friend of mine, and Elizabeth C. Bunce a master of the art.

Needless to say, I want the sequel.

Amazon.com blurb:

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Prisons, poisons, and passions combine in a gorgeously written fantasy noir by the author of the Morris Award-winning A CURSE DARK AS GOLD.

As a pickpocket, Digger expects to spend a night in jail every now and then. But she doesn't expect to find Lord Durrel Decath there as well--or to hear he's soon to be executed for killing his wife.

Durrel once saved Digger's life, and when she goes free, she decides to use her skills as a thief, forger, and spy to investigate his case and return the favor. But each new clue only opens up more mysteries. While Durrel's marriage was one of convenience, his behavior has been more impulsive than innocent. His late wife had an illegal business on the wrong side of the civil war raging just outside the city gates. Digger keeps finding forbidden magic in places it has no reason to be.

And it doesn't help that she may be falling in love with a murderer . . .

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Since I can't remember most of the names from Starcrossed, I think I need to re-read it. But that will be a welcome pleasure in and of itself.

Liar's Moon (can I say I LOVE the title, esp. considering some points from book 1) comes out on November 1st.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday: Brotherband Chronicles - The Outcasts, by John Flanagan

I really didn't have the slightest idea this one was coming out... until all of a sudden I did! I'm suffused with excitement. John Flanagan's books are my indulgent treat: not really the most amazing literature, but so much fun. And terribly funny too.

And a new set of characters! And... sailing! (One of the things near the top of Skills I'd Like To Have.)

Amazon.com blurb:

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They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage - which they will need every ounce of to do battle at sea against the other bands, the Wolves and the Sharks, in the ultimate race. The icy waters make for a treacherous playing field . . . especially when not everyone thinks of it as playing.

John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens, a world millions of young readers around the world have come to know and admire. Full of seafaring adventures and epic battles, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles is sure to thrill readers of Ranger's Apprentice while enticing a whole new generation just now discovering the books.

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Since it gets released November 1st, I foresee another distraction from my NaNoWriMo project...


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I am happy to be finally back on top of things with it, since I've been skipping out for a while.

Waiting on Wednesday: Froi of the Exiles, by Melina Marchetta

Yes... I love Finnikin of the Rock... it's a terrific novel. Blog-readers probably already know I think that. The eponymous Finnikin does get on my nerves to a degree, but the book's amazing, and Evanjalin... well, she's amazing too, isn't she?

And then I learned that there would be more coming up!

Now, when I think of books that require sequels, Finnikin isn't usually on the list. In fact, one of my favorite things about it is how it's so complete and self-contained. But if Ms. Marchetta wants to write more about our favorite lot of Lumaterans, far be it from me to refuse! Even though, from what I've heard, this book isn't set in Lumatere, maybe we'll get a look at our old friends before Froi travels off. And from the sound of the blurb, there will be a mighty adventure upcoming.

(From the author's website - Amazon hasn't got one up yet)
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Blood sings to blood …

Those born last will make the first …

For Charyn will be barren no more.

Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home ... or so he believes. Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been taken roughly and lovingly in hand by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper with a warrior’s discipline. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds in its surreal royal court. Soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess in this barren and mysterious place.

It is in Charyn that he will discover there is a song sleeping in his blood … and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

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Oh, neeps, I can't wait. On the other side of winter, I hope, I shall be there, reading Froi of the Exiles (and angling to watch the Hunger Games movie).

Waiting on Wednesday: Goliath, by Scott Westerfeld

Fortunately, this one actually comes out soon.

I've had good experience with "steampunk" even though almost all I've read of it is by Philip Reeve... one of these days, I want to write a blog post about my Reeve-world travels. So I read Westerfeld's Leviathan out of curiosity and found a fast-paced, exciting, clean adventure through a richly-populated world of wonders. Behemoth, the sequel, in no way changed my opinions. And did I mention that I love the Perspicacious Lorix? Both as a character and as a way to get kids to learn a very interesting word.

Anyhow, here's the Amazon.com blurb for Goliath.

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Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.

The tension thickens as the Leviathan steams toward New York City with a homicidal lunatic on board: secrets suddenly unravel, characters reappear, and nothing is at it seems in this thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s brilliant trilogy.

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Well, I'm interested, aren't you? I've seen one ARC review that said it wasn't as action-driven as the first two, but I'm not concerned. I trust Mr. Westerfeld's storying ability, and I look forward to September 20th, even though I shall probably have to go on a holdlist for it.

Oddly enough, I consider this series to be MG as well as YA. There's language, but I don't mind it as much when it's "British-ized" slang. The romance (so far) is understated and treated with a light hand.

These books are good clean fun, and the illustrations are just added value.

Preview of coming events

Well... I haven't been doing much recently. I had 4 wisdom teeth taken out on Monday, and that's put a dent in my plans... and in my mouth, ouch!

I picked up some audiobooks at the library, though.

Another read of Finnikin of the Rock - I don't like that one in audio. I just don't. The pronunciation grates at me, and I don't think the voices the narrator chose quite fit. However, when my face is nastily aching, it's a pretty good "fortitude" book, and Evanjalin does have a way of discouraging one's self-pity.
Today I started listening to Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. I could have waited for the actual book, but there's a holdlist for it, and hey, I was impatient. So far, I love it. I'm still in chapter 3, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

With all these audiobooks, I'm finally getting a chance to start knitting a sweater. No patterns. I just jumped in. It will probably be an abject failure, but the next one will be better. I hope.

Coming later - review of Incarceron. I heard it was a Mythopoeic Award finalist, along with Megan Whalen Turner's amazing Queen's Thief series and Terry Pratchett's I Shall Wear Midnight ... I'm eager to see if it measures up to its exalted company.

Waiting on Wednesday: Inheritance, by Christopher Paolini

First thoughts?
"Yay! He actually finished it!"
and
"Ooh, nice green!"

Second thoughts, deeper.
"How is he ever going to end it?"
and most of all,
"Will he end it strong enough to take this series from 'okay' to 'great'?"

That last one - well, I believe Paolini's got the talent to do it. His style grates a bit on re-readings, but for the first time through, his plots are as gripping as a Venus Fly Trap.

Amazon.com blurb:
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Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.
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Another reason for November to show up soon.
Just personally, I can't wait to find out what happens to Elva. Am I the only one who hopes she'll get a dragon?

Waiting on Wednesday: Ranger's Apprentice: The Lost Stories, by John Flanagan

Wow! I can hardly believe the Ranger's Apprentice series is over. Ever since book 4 came out I've been regularly standing in line in my library, waiting to get the next one, and then devouring it as quickly as possible. They're no great literature, but they're great to read - humorous, clever, endlessly inventive, full of heart and adventure and good fun.

Now there'll be short stories too, so as to ease the transition for those of us who love the world so much...

Amazon.com blurb
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Inspired by questions and letters his loyal readers have sent over the years, John Flanagan offers a gift in response: a collection of "lost" tales that fill in the gaps between Ranger's Apprentice novels. For the first time, readers can learn the truth behind how Will came to be orphaned and what his real relationship to Halt is, or watch Alyss in action as the young Araluen diplomat disguises herself and becomes the perfect spy.

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October be quickly!

Waiting on Wednesday: Mastiff, by Tamora Pierce

Today's book is a bit of a long way off... more's the pity. There's not even a blurb up yet. I suppose blurb-writers do not work in May for what they need in October.

So I'm going to wax lyrical about this series.

I looked somewhat dubiously at Tamora Pierce's Beka Cooper books when I found them. I've never been much of a fan of her novels; I don't appreciate her romances and the battle scenes are too frequent to be pleasant sometimes. But I'd heard good things about Terrier, so I went to research online. Other reviews spoke highly of it, so I checked it out.

Well, it was great.

In her long career, Tamora Pierce has proved that writers never stop growing. Terrier seems like a completely different book from First Test. The writing is much better, the plot more exciting, the setting and society richly detailed. I found it the best use of journal format that I'd ever read!
Of course I had to read Bloodhound next. Sadly, I didn't think it quite measured up to the first book in its series. The romance was a factor again, and I found the plot less interesting.

But I hope the end of October will find me with a library copy of Mastiff in my hands, sneaking a peek over the shoulder of Beka Cooper until late into the night!

Waiting (really impatiently) on Wednesday: Trial by Fire, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I simply cannot wait for this book.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes wrote the best modern-day, suburban paranormal that I have yet read: the style, the voice, the characters, all were spot-on - and the antagonist was downright chilling. I have high hopes for this sequel that I don't think will be disappointed.
I loved Raised by Wolves from the first paragraph on, and my only compunction about reading this next is that.... I'm scared of what might happen to Bryn. But that's not enough to stop me from reading on! I think I'm going to buy these books one of these days.

Publisher's blurb:

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There can only be one alpha.

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone.

Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves.

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Oh, Brynnie! I am very worried now.
Tell me it isn't long till June 14th!

Waiting On Wednesday: Nightspell by Leah Cypess

I'm looking forward to Nightspell by Leah Cypess.

""

Here be ghosts, the maps said, and that was all.

In this haunted kingdom, ghosts linger—not just in the deepest forests or the darkest caverns, but alongside the living, as part of a twisted palace court that revels all night and sleeps through the daylight hours.

Darri's sister was trapped in this place of fear and shadows as a child. And now Darri has a chance to save her sister . . . if she agrees to a betrothal with the prince of the dead. But nothing is simple in this eerie kingdom—not her sister, who has changed beyond recognition; not her plan, which will be thrown off track almost at once; and not the undead prince, who seems more alive than anyone else.

In a court seething with the desire for vengeance, Darri holds the key to the balance between life and death. Can her warrior heart withstand the most wrenching choice of all?

""

Mistwood was an amazing book, exciting and with real heart and feeling in it. I eagerly await what Ms. Cypess does next, and I'm glad it's not that much longer till I can beg the library to order it. In Mistwood she took a very interesting premise and entirely lived up to it. I hope she does the same thing with Nightspell!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by breakingthespine.blogspot.com and I am pleased to participate in my first one.

There will come more reviews

I am planning an en masse review of Susan Cooper's series The Dark Is Rising; all I have to do is finish Silver on the Tree. Some of my comments include:

- Opinion on the "mind-control/memory-clearing" that the Light practices? I am yet undecided whether I approve of it or not, and I think I don't.

- Is it only me, or is The Grey King a quite superior book to the first three?

- I want to learn Welsh and go to England!

Well! Good news and all that!

No sooner did I post last night's review than I pop on this morning and find that Charlotte's Library is talking about the sequel to Finnikin.
Yay! More Melina Marchetta!
This blog will be reviewing it as soon as a) it's out and b) Rina can get her hands on a copy.