In creating
my Summer To Be Read List, I am struck by a couple of thoughts. First, wow. I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy. Second, huh. I read a lot of series…and spend most of my time in breathless
anticipation of the next installment. Finally,
and most disturbingly…there are 36 books in J.D. Robb’s In Death series…and
I’ve read every one. That is probably
too much sci-fi romance for anyone’s sanity.
So, what am I
looking forward to this summer? Well,
in…
May:
Tempest Reborn by Nicole Peeler came out May 28th. This is the 6th book in the Jane True series. I started reading this
series (1st book Tempest Rising) because they had awesome covers, different than the average book
currently on the market. The cover caught me… story kept me coming back for more. I am currently reading Tempest Reborn; it is
very good, and since all indications are that this is the last one in the
series, I am dreading its end…(but only because I don’t want to say goodbye to
Jane and her fae and half-fae entourage). Oh…and this one has dragons in it…Yeah!
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo came out June 4,
2013. This book is the second in the
Grisha series. I loved Leigh Bardugo’s
debut book Shadow and Bone, which
has magic, friendship, and betrayal. I even had my mom read it. She kept saying “When is the second one
coming out? Has Bardugo written anything
else we can read?” Now I can say the
second in the series is out. She will be
overjoyed.
Gameboard
of the Gods byRichelle Mead came out on June 4th.
This is the first book in a new series called The Age of X series. I have
read both adult and young adult books by Richelle Mead, and I have enjoyed them
all – vampires, vampire hunters, succubi, alchemists, etc. Each series is distinct and
entertaining. So, of course I am
planning to read her new dystopian
novel about religious extremists and murder. It sounds fun.
Carniepunk. Due out July 23, 2013. Some of my favorite writers have gotten
together to write a collection of Fantastic short stories about carnivals and
the people who love them. I wait with
baited breath for stories by some of these authors. Just to get a small taste of stories written
by Rachel Caine, Jennifer Estep, Kevin Hearne, Seanan McGuire, Nicole Peeler,
Rob Thurman, Jaye Wells, and others makes my tiny heart go pitter-patter.
Magic
Rises by Ilona Andrews is due out July 30th.
This is the sixth book in the Kate Daniels series. This is the series I recommend to anyone who
will listen to me. Ilona Andrews’ (a
husband and wife writing team) first book Magic Bites is good. Their second book Magic Burns is better… after that the
series just becomes addicting. So, no one talk to me on July 30th. I have plans to satiate my end-of-the-world,
witch, shape-shifter, sword-swinging, scary vampire book craving.
Undead
and Unsure by MaryJanice Davidson (the 11th book in the Undead / Queen Betsy series) is due
out on August 6th. Vampires,
shoe-crazed ditzy vampire queens, werewolves, the Devil, and the Antichrist
(who just happens to be the Vampire Queen’s half-sister) have all made
appearances in previous books in this series. How can anyone resist the irreverent humor that abounds in a series
whose first book was titled Undead and Unwed ? This one is an automatic buy
for me.
Omens
by Kelley Armstrong is due out August
20th. This is the first book in a new
series by this extremely popular urban fantasy author. I have devoured Armstrong’s adult and young adult novels and was devastated when both of her series ended. I am very excited to start anew with her
Gainsville series featuring a young woman who learns that her wealthy parents
adopted her after her biological parents were convicted of being serial
killers. I anticipate mind control,
gunplay, and double crosses will abound in this new series. Fun, fun, fun.
The
Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson (Fire and Thorns, book 3) is due August 27th. I bought the first book in this series (The Girl of Fire and Thorns).
My mom bought the second and pre-ordered the third. This is astonishing because these are the
first books she ever bought on our eReader.
She normally just says “Buy these for me, Mary.” But, she loved these books so much she
couldn’t wait for me and learned how to get them on her own. I would love these books just for that, but
they are really good young adult fantasy, with an (eventually) kick-butt
princess, a smattering of gods-designed destinies, magic, and a truly engaging
story, so I have decided to like them for that, as well.
Fire & Ash, the fourth book in the Benny Imura
series by Jonathan Maberry, is due out August 27, 2013. Zombies. Zombies. Zombies. Killing zombies. Zombies.
Yeah! If you haven’t tried the
first in this series, Rot & Ruin,
I recommend starting there.
September:
Thankless in Death by J. D. Robb (who is really Nora
Roberts) is due out September 10, 3013.This is book #37 in the In Death series. A romantic police thriller set in the
future. What more could anyone ask
for? Oh, yeah… 37 of them. Enough said.
Under a Graveyard Sky by John Ringo is due out September 3,
2013. I love military science fiction. I love zombie novels. Combine the two and you have a “hmmmm, I
should probably read that” book. Add a
great sci-fi writer, like John Ringo, and you end up with a must-read.
Well, that is
it for me. I hope you all find something
interesting to read this summer!
And don’t
forget…sign up for our Adult or Teen Summer Reading Program to go “Beneath the
Surface” and get a chance to win prizes…for doing what you want to do anyway…READING!
What are you looking forward to reading this summer?
What are you looking forward to reading this summer?
Cheers,
~Mary P.
~Mary P.
LOL - I don't read that much sci fi/fantasy, but I DO read a lot of series and spent lots of time waiting for the next installment. I always tell myself to wait and read a series until all the books are out BUT I never listen to myself :) Series are just too tempting.
ReplyDeleteHappy TTT!
Hi Mary and thanks for this list. Omens sounds like something I might pick up. I think you might enjoy a new book from Bennett R. Coles called 'Casualties of War'. It's a sci fi military fiction book. The 2nd in a series after the wonderful Virtues of War. This time Coles has written less of the battle and more of the post war affects on the veterans. I won't spoil the rest for so I'll just say go get it. It's a good one. http://www.bennettrcoles.com/works/casualties-of-war
ReplyDeleteHi Nathan,
ReplyDeleteI will definitely try "Virtues of War." (I have to read things in order or my brain explodes from the discontinuity). Thanks for the recommendation!