There are some books coming out in 2013 to be very excited about! I’m sure more will catch my eye throughout the year as I become aware of more books being released—especially since there are some I’m hoping may be announced as coming out in 2013 later—but here are the 10 I find most intriguing at the moment. They’re in no particular order, except for the first three which are the ones that I’m most looking forward to.
Cold Steel by Kate Elliott
Release: June 2013
This is the conclusion to the Spiritwalker trilogy, following Cold Magic and Cold Fire. The Spiritwalker books take place in an inventive world, an alternate earth with airships, trolls, magic, and a spirit world. I also love the main character Cat and her narrative voice, and the second book in this trilogy became one of my favorites for its dialogue, revelations, characters, setting, some humorous situations, and romance. Despite its length, it had me riveted from start to finish. I was sorry when it ended and very eager to find out what happens next! Because of that the conclusion is at the very top of my list of books I must read in 2013.
The Grail of the Summer Stars by Freda Warrington
Release: April 2013
The third Aetherial Tales book is toward the top of my list because I loved Elfland, the first book. It was a beautifully written, character-driven story. I also enjoyed Midsummer Night, the second book, which had a different set of characters. In my interview with Freda Warrington in 2011, the book was still in progress but she did discuss some of her plans for it, all of which had me very excited about reading this one. She said that this book did have connections to the first two, although it’s still a complete story by itself also like the first two. She also mentioned there would be a little more Sam and Rosie and some more about Rufus’s past so I’m very interested in finding out a bit more about these characters as well!
Shattered Pillars by Elizabeth Bear
Release: March 2013
Shattered Pillars is the second book in Eternal Sky, following Range of Ghosts. Range of Ghosts was one of my favorite books I read this year with an amazing world, well-developed characters, and gorgeous writing, and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
Release: March 2013
Mercy Thompson is one of my three favorite urban fantasy series, and I’m so glad the seventh book will be released soon! I love Mercy for both her practicality and her sense of humor, and these books are always a lot of fun to read.
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Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
July 2013
I simply cannot wait for the sixth Kate Daniels book. This is probably my very favorite urban fantasy series, mainly because I love Kate, her sense of humor, and how her character has developed over the course of the series. I also love the different mythologies and all the secondary characters. The way book 5 ended has me excited about the possibilities for this one since I’m hoping it will continue more of the story concerning Kate’s secret from the earlier books, which came to the forefront more in books 3 and 4 (which is probably largely why those are my favorites in the series).
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Release: June 2013
A new Neil Gaiman book is a cause for celebration! The Sandman comics are some of my favorite stories, and I also love The Graveyard Book and have enjoyed many other books by Neil Gaiman (like Anansi Boys and Neverwhere).
The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord
Release: February 2013
This science fiction book is the only one on this list by an author whose work I’ve never read before. I’ve heard Karen Lord is a wonderful writer, though, and this book with its description about clashing cultures sounds really interesting.
Midnight Blue-Light Special & Chimes at Midnight by Seanan McGuire
Release: March 2013 & September 2013
Okay, I’m cheating a little here by including 2 books by the same author, but I can’t see leaving either of these upcoming titles by Seanan McGuire off this list! I had a lot of fun reading Discount Armageddon, the first book in the InCryptid series, and I can’t wait to read more about the vibrant family of monster hunters who left the Covenant of St. George to play by their own rules when it came to which cryptids should be exterminated. Of course, I can’t wait for the seventh Toby Daye book since that’s the third of my favorite urban fantasy series. It’s a series that just keeps getting better and better.
Emilie and the Hollowed World by Martha Wells
Release: April 2013
The latest series by Martha Wells, The Books of the Raksura, is wonderfully inventive with endearing characters. This means any book she authored is one I’m interested in reading, and this young adult fantasy book sounds like quite an adventure!
River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay
Release: April 2013
River of Stars takes place in the same world as Under Heaven but is set four centuries later. I really need to read more books by Guy Gavriel Kay. Tigana is one of my favorites for its characters, theme, and memorable scenes, yet for some reason I’ve only read one other book by him.
Which books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?
