Instead of writing one huge post of all the books I’m looking forward to in 2012 with info on them, I had decided to highlight some of these books in their own posts throughout the rest of 2011. I’ve decided to carry this feature forward into this year as I discover new books coming out this year that sound interesting and continue with books of 2013 as it gets closer to the end of the year.
Queen’s Hunt is the second book in the River of Souls series, following Beth Bernobich’s 2010 debut Passion Play. It will be released in hardcover in July 2012 (and although I don’t see anything about ebook, I’d guess there will be an ebook version since the first novel is available in that format).
I got a copy of Passion Play at Book Expo America 2010, and I’m really looking forward to the sequel. Passion Play is one of those books that I hesitate a bit before recommending because I see it as somewhat flawed in spite of the enjoyment I got from reading it. Plus some content is likely to make some uncomfortable (my review). However, I really liked the main character and found it very readable. It seemed like it was setting the stage for future volumes, and the way it ended makes me believe the next book will be faster-paced. I’m quite excited about the release of Queen’s Hunt and finding out where the series goes!
Beware, the following description does have spoilers for the end of Passion Play!
About Queen’s Hunt:
Ilse Zhalina has left to start a new life in a garrisoned fort, leagues from her estranged lover, Raul Kosenmark. The violent quarrel that ended Ilse and Raul’s relationship was quite public. And also, quite fake. They hope to mislead Kosenmark’s enemies so that he can continue to influence the politics of the kingdom in an attempt to stave off an ill-advised war, while keeping Ilse safe from royal assassins who would kill anyone Raul is close to. Ilse longs for Raul, but is set on her own quest to find one of the three fabled jewels of Lir. One of the jewels is held by King Dzavek, sworn enemy of Veraene, who has used the jewel’s power to live for centuries. Ilse seeks one of the other stones to counterbalance Dzavek’s efforts to destroy her country.
In her search, she encounters a shipwrecked prisoner from another land, a woman who has a secret of her own…and the second jewel in her keeping. The two women become allies in their quest for the third jewel, because finding and controlling these stones could mean salvation for both of their nations. And their failure the ruin of their peoples.
Other Books of 2012:
- The Serpent Sea by Martha Wells
- The Songs of the Earth by Elspeth Cooper
- Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
- Range of Ghosts by Elizabeth Bear
- House of Shadows by Rachel Neumeier
- Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
- The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemisin
- Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
- Worldsoul by Liz Williams
