The Sworn is the first book in a new fantasy series by Gail Z. Martin, The Fallen Kings Cycle.  It starts about 6 months after the end of Martin’s previous series, The Chronicles of the Necromancer (composed of The Summoner, The Blood King, Dark Haven, and Dark Lady’s Chosen, respectively).  In spite of the fact that it is a continuation of the story began in these other books, it is supposed to work as a starting point even for new […]

The Native Star, M. K. Hobson’s debut novel, has been nominated for the Nebula Award this year.  This historical fantasy, set in an alternate America in the year 1876, had piqued my curiosity so when The Book Smugglers announced a Nebula Readathon I knew it was time to read it.  I am so glad I did – I was hoping to like it, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.  A sequel, The Hidden Goddess, […]

The Lens and the Looker is the first book in the Verona trilogy, a young adult series by Lory S. Kaufman.  Since the series takes place after a time of dystopia but isn’t quite a utopia, the author has been referring to it as post-dystopian fiction.  The first volume in the series will be released on March 16, and The Bronze and the Brimstone is scheduled for release on July 12 of this year.  The third book does not yet […]

The Skin Map is the first book in Stephen Lawhead’s new Bright Empires series, which he describes as “the most challenging work I’ve ever undertaken.”  Lawhead is the author of such excellent fantasy series as the Pendragon Cycle and the King Raven Trilogy, so he certainly has the pedigree to take on a work of the scope that he describes on his website as the future of science fiction and fantasy.  Unfortunately, one is left not only wondering what is […]

Howl’s Moving Castle is a young adult fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones, perhaps one of the best known authors writing fantasy and science fiction with over 30 books published.  This particular work of hers is a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, an ALA Notable Book, and an ALA Best of the Best in YA.  It has two loosely connected sequels, Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways.  These two books both have different main characters than the […]

Late Eclipses is the fourth book in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire, winner of the 2010 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. The first three books in this urban fantasy series are Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation and An Artificial Night.  This latest installment will be available on March 1, and the fifth book, One Salt Sea, will be released in September of this year.  According to McGuire’s website, there will be at least two […]