Cover Reveal: Skullsworn by Brian Staveley

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| Skullsworn by Brian Staveley |

Another day, another cover reveal missed! Last week, Brian Staveley and Tor revealed the cover art for Skullsworn, a new novel set in the world of The Emperor’s Blades. And yes, that can only mean one thing – another absolutely phenomenal cover by Richard Anderson!

Anderson’s artwork never fails to blow me away and has become an unchallenged fantasy favourite. With his dynamic compositions, recognisable style and effortless blend of a vibrant and muted palette, this cover reveal has left me itching to get my hands on – and possibly frame – Skullsworn.

Remember to check out the Tor post for the inside scoop and a whole host of wonderful sketches!

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Skullsworn

by Brian Staveley

Artwork by Richard Anderson

Tor US – April 2017

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| Synopsis |

Brian Staveley’s new standalone returns to the critically acclaimed Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne universe, following a priestess attempting to join the ranks of the God of Death.

Pyrre Lakatur doesn’t like the word skullsworn. It fails to capture the faith and grace, the peace and beauty of her devotion to the God of Death. She is not, to her mind, an assassin, not a murderer–she is a priestess. At least, she will be a priestess if she manages to pass her final trial.

The problem isn’t the killing. Pyrre has been killing and training to kill, studying with some of the most deadly men and women in the world, since she was eight. The problem, strangely, is love. To pass her Trial, Pyrre has ten days to kill the ten people enumerated in an ancient song, including “the one you love / who will not come again.”

Pyrre is not sure she’s ever been in love. If she were a member of a different religious order, a less devoted, disciplined order, she might cheat. The Priests of Ananshael, however, don’t look kindly on cheaters. If Pyrre fails to find someone to love, or fails to kill that someone, they will give her to the god.

Pyrre’s not afraid to die, but she hates to quit, hates to fail, and so, with a month before her trial begins, she returns to the city of her birth, the place where she long ago offered an abusive father to the god and abandoned a battered brother—in the hope of finding love…and ending it on the edge of her sword.

What do you think of the cover for Skullsworn? Does this sound like something you would read?

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Cover Reveal: The Bear and the Serpent by Adrian Tchaikovsky

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| The Bear and the Serpent by Adrian Tchaikovsky |

Last week, Tor UK revealed the cover art for The Bear and the Serpent, the second book in the Echoes of the Fall series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The first book, The Tiger and the Wolf, was a stunning introduction to this mesmerising new world and, if the cover and premise for this second novel is anything to go by, The Bear and the Serpent is set to storm the fantasy world in 2017. With another beautiful offering from Tor designer Neil Lang, this cover is simple but wonderfully effective, and is yet another Tchaikovsky novel which I cannot wait to read.

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The Bear and the Serpent

Book Two of the Echoes of the Fall

by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Artwork by Neil Lang

Tor UK – March 2017

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| Synopsis |

from torbooks.co.uk

Maniye, child of Wolf and Tiger, has a new soul and a new shape. But as Champion of the Crown of the World, does she represent an opportunity for the North – or a threat? Travelling as a bodyguard to the Southern prince, with her warband of outcasts, she hopes to finally discover her true place in the world.

But if only it was that simple. Tensions rise, and new allies face up to old enemies as civil war threatens to tear the South apart. Royal twins can’t share a throne, so one must be chosen. And whoever rules the southern Sun River Nation will hold the fate of the world in their hands. As the protector of one potential heir, Maniye soon finds herself at the eye of a political storm. Yet all the while, an enemy from the most ancient of times prepares for conquest, and could destroy everything in their path…

What do you think of the cover for The Bear and the Serpent? Does this sound like something you would read?

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Cover Reveal: The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan – US Edition

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| The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan |

After last month’s reveal of the UK edition of The Waking Fire, Anthony Ryan has just revealed the US cover for the first novel in his Draconis Memoria Series. Whilst entirely different to the UK’s offering, this cover from Ace sparks the imagination and hints at another facet of this intriguing premise. With Da Vinci-esque illustrations and a parchment map wreathed in flame, it might not have the sheer power and beauty of the UK cover, but it certainly has its own charms to recommend it. But no matter the cover, one thing seems certain – The Waking Fire looks set to be be one of my summer reading highlights.

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The Waking Fire

Book One of the Draconis Memoria

by Anthony Ryan

Ace – 7th July 2016

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| The Waking Fire – UK vs US |

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| Synopsis |

The New York Times bestselling Raven’s Shadow Trilogy was a perfect read for “fans of broadscale epic fantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire novels.”* Now, Anthony Ryan begins a new saga, The Draconis Memoria…

Throughout the vast lands controlled by the Ironship Syndicate, nothing is more prized than the blood of drakes. Harvested from the veins of captive or hunted Reds, Green, Blues and Blacks, it can be distilled into elixirs that give fearsome powers to the rare men and women who have the ability harness them—known as the blood-blessed.

But not many know the truth: that the lines of drakes are weakening. If they fail, war with the neighboring Corvantine Empire will follow swiftly. The Syndicate’s last hope resides in whispers of the existence of another breed of drake, far more powerful than the rest, and the few who have been chosen by fate to seek it.

Claydon Torcreek is a petty thief and an unregistered blood-blessed, who finds himself pressed into service by the protectorate and sent to wild, uncharted territories in search of a creature he believes is little more than legend. Lizanne Lethridge is a formidable spy and assassin, facing gravest danger on an espionage mission deep into the heart of enemy territory. And Corrick Hilemore is the second lieutenant of an ironship, whose pursuit of ruthless brigands leads him to a far greater threat at the edge of the world.

As lives and empires clash and intertwine, as the unknown and the known collide, all three must fight to turn the tide of a coming war, or drown in its wake.

What do you think of the cover for The Waking Fire? Which edition do you prefer?

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Cover Reveal: The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan – UK Edition

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| The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan |

Anthony Ryan has just revealed the UK cover for his new novel, The Waking Fire. Blood Song was a phenomenal introduction to this talented author and I fully expect The Waking Fire to live up to expectations. With an absolutely gorgeous cover from Jaime Jones and an incredible premise, it looks like fantasy fans are in for a treat this summer.

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The Waking Fire

Book One of the Draconis Memoria

by Anthony Ryan

Artwork by Jaime Jones

Orbit UK – 5th July 2016

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| Synopsis |

The New York Times bestselling Raven’s Shadow Trilogy was a perfect read for “fans of broadscale epic fantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire novels.”* Now, Anthony Ryan begins a new saga, The Draconis Memoria…

Throughout the vast lands controlled by the Ironship Syndicate, nothing is more prized than the blood of drakes. Harvested from the veins of captive or hunted Reds, Green, Blues and Blacks, it can be distilled into elixirs that give fearsome powers to the rare men and women who have the ability harness them—known as the blood-blessed.

But not many know the truth: that the lines of drakes are weakening. If they fail, war with the neighboring Corvantine Empire will follow swiftly. The Syndicate’s last hope resides in whispers of the existence of another breed of drake, far more powerful than the rest, and the few who have been chosen by fate to seek it.

Claydon Torcreek is a petty thief and an unregistered blood-blessed, who finds himself pressed into service by the protectorate and sent to wild, uncharted territories in search of a creature he believes is little more than legend. Lizanne Lethridge is a formidable spy and assassin, facing gravest danger on an espionage mission deep into the heart of enemy territory. And Corrick Hilemore is the second lieutenant of an ironship, whose pursuit of ruthless brigands leads him to a far greater threat at the edge of the world.

As lives and empires clash and intertwine, as the unknown and the known collide, all three must fight to turn the tide of a coming war, or drown in its wake.

What do you think of the cover for The Waking Fire? Does this sound like something you would read?

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Cover Reveal: Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho – Paperback Edition

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| Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho |

Tor UK have just revealed the paperback cover for Zen Cho’s Sorcerer to the Crown – and it really is a stunning follow up to their wonderful black and gold hardback edition. Designed by James Annal, this cover has all the foily goodness of the hardback but plays off a striking red against a pale cream background. This is yet another book which has been on my to read list for far too long but, with the imminent release of such a gorgeous paperback, I’m sure it’ll find its way onto my bookshelf very soon.

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Sorcerer to the Crown 

by Zen Cho

Designed by James Annal

Tor UK  – 28th July 2016

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| Hardback vs Paperback |

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| Synopsis |

In Regency London, Zacharias Wythe is England’s first African Sorcerer Royal. He leads the eminent Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, but a malicious faction seeks to remove him by fair means or foul. Meanwhile, the Society is failing its vital duty – to keep stable the levels of magic within His Majesty’s lands. The Fairy Court is blocking its supply, straining England’s dangerously declining magical stores. And now the government is demanding to use this scarce resource in its war with France.

Ambitious orphan Prunella Gentleman is desperate to escape the school where she’s drudged all her life, and a visit by the beleaguered Sorcerer Royal seems the perfect opportunity. For Prunella has just stumbled upon English magic’s greatest discovery in centuries – and she intends to make the most of it.

At his wits’ end, the last thing Zachariah needs is a female magical prodigy! But together, they might just change the nature of sorcery, in Britain and beyond.

What do you think of the paperback cover for Sorcerer to the Crown? Do you prefer the hardback edition?

Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads

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Cover Reveal: Spiderlight by Adrian Tchaikovsky

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| Spiderlight by Adrian Tchaikovsky |

It seems like only yesterday I was gushing over the cover for The Tiger and the Wolf – the forthcoming title by Adrian Tchaikovsky (which is brilliant! Review out soon!) – and here we are with a new book close to hand! Tor US have just revealed the wonderfully creepy (crawly) cover for Spiderlight, a brand new fantasy novel which comes out this August. Illustrated by Tyler Jacobson and designed by Christine Foltzer, Spiderlight conveys a distinctly dark and atmospheric impression for what promises to be another fantastic novel by this master of speculative fiction.

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Spiderlight

by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Illustrated by Tyler Jacobson | Designed by Christine Foltzer

Tor US – 2nd August 2016

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| Synopsis |

from tor.com

The Church of Armes of the Light has battled the forces of Darkness for as long as anyone can remember. The great prophecy has foretold that a band of misfits, led by a high priestess will defeat the Dark Lord Darvezian, armed with their wits, the blessing of the Light and an artifact stolen from the merciless Spider Queen.

Their journey will be long, hard and fraught with danger. Allies will become enemies; enemies will become allies. And the Dark Lord will be waiting, always waiting…

Spiderlight is an exhilarating fantasy quest from Adrian Tchaikovsky, the author of Guns at Dawn and the Shadows of the Apt series.

What do you think of the cover for Spiderlight? Does this sound like something you would read?

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Cover Reveal: Stranger of Tempest by Tom Lloyd

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| Stranger of Tempest by Tom Lloyd |

Another day, another fabulous cover! Gollancz has revealed the cover art for Stranger of Tempest, the first book in a new series by Tom Lloyd, author of The Twilight Reign. Whilst I’m still making my way through this highly enjoyable stack of novels, I am so excited to see another addition to Lloyd’s repertoire. The cover for Stranger of Tempest by Jon Mccoy is a part Balrog, part Diablo mash-up and gives the impression of high octane action-packed and thrilling fantasy novel which I cannot wait to get my hands on! Take a look and see what you think!

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Stranger of Tempest

Book One of The God Fragments

by Tom Lloyd

Artwork by Jon McCoy

Gollancz UK – 16th June 2016

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| Synopsis |

from gollancz.co.uk

Being an honest man in a lawless world is never easy…

Lynx is a mercenary with a sense of honour; a dying breed in the Riven Kingdom. Failed by the nation he served and weary of the skirmishes that plague the continent’s principalities, he walks the land in search of purpose. Bodyguard work keeps his belly full and his mage-gun loaded. It might never bring a man fame or wealth, but he’s not forced to rely on others or to kill without cause.

Little could compel Lynx to join a mercenary company, but he won’t turn his back on a kidnapped girl. At least the job seems simple enough; the mercenaries less stupid and vicious than most he’s met over the years.

So long as there are no surprises or hidden agendas along the way, it should work out fine.

What do you think of the cover for Stranger of Tempest? Does this sound like something you would read?

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The Month Ahead: January 2016

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In The Month Ahead, I will be rounding up the books I am currently reading, the ones I will start this month, and the ones I intend getting my mitts on… if I haven’t already! I will also be sharing any news about features or posts on Books by Proxy, and anything in the book world that has me all excited!

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| Currently Reading |

Apart from the myriad of read alongs and review copies I’m making my way through this January, I’m going to make the most concerted effort yet to actually pick up my neglected tomes and finish them! The Daylight War by Peter V. Brett is a book I cannot wait to finish – it just doesn’t fit in a handbag so well… or at all! The same goes for Joe Hill’s NOS4R2. Jane Austen’s Emma (which is in fact a pocket sized book) and The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding are however small enough for me to cart about – so there can be no excuses! January is the month when these books will disappear from my currently reading pile and ascend to that golden and somewhat dusty top shelf where they can live out the rest of their days safe in the knowledge that they have been read!

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| January Events |

The 2016 Sci-Fi Experience

Hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings

We’re already well under way with December behind us and The 2016 Sci-Fi Experience continues on throughout January! So expect many more reviews, teasers and sci-fi goodies to keep you going throughout the month.

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Vintage Sci-Fi Month

Hosted by Little Red Reviewer

I’ll also be joining in with Little Red Reviewer’s Vintage Sci-Fi Month. I fear my foray into historic science fiction is supremely lacking so it’s about time I dusted the cobwebs off those older (and often considerably less hefty) tomes and discover just what made sci-fi what it is today.

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The Rosemary and Rue Read Along

Organised by Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow

Week 1 (Saturday 9th January)

Chapters 1-6 – hosted by Over the Effing Rainbow

Week 2 (Saturday 16th January)

Chapters 7-14 – hosted by Lynn at Lynn’s Books

Week 3 (Saturday 23rd January)

Chapters 15-20 – hosted by Anya at On Starships and Dragonwings

Week 4 (Saturday 30th January)

Chapters 21-End – hosted by Over the Effing Rainbow

I’ve been looking for a new urban fantasy series for a while now and the October Daye novels look like a very fair prospect. My book is at hand, my time has been scheduled – so no late catch-ups for this series! This is one read along I cannot wait to get stuck into!

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The Throne of Glass Read Along

Organised by Rinn Reads

7th January

Discussion of chapters 1 – 13

11th January

Discussion of chapters 14 – 27

14th January

Discussion of chapters 28 – 39

18th January

Discussion of chapters 40 – end

After enjoying A Court of Thorns and Roses and with the impending release of the next book in that series, A Court of Mist and Fury, I thought it was about time to sample some more of Sarah J. Maas’ writing. Despite hearing some very mixed reviews for this series (and usually at one extreme or the other), I’m looking forward to getting stuck into Throne of Glass. And with the promise of Read Alongs for the rest of the series throughout 2016, I’m sure this will be a year where I up my YA count.

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Blog Tour: The American by Nadia Dalbuono

Review scheduled for 16th January 2016

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| Book Haul |

I got a few books…

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| January Goals |

To finish ALL of the poor neglected novels which I am currently reading

Status: 0 of 4 Complete

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Have you picked up any great books lately or read any of those mentioned above? What are your goals for the month ahead? 

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The Month Ahead: December 2015

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In The Month Ahead, I will be rounding up the books I am currently reading, the ones I will start this month, and the ones I intend getting my mitts on… if I haven’t already! I will also be sharing any news about features or posts on Books by Proxy, and anything in the book world that has me all excited!

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| Currently Reading |

We’re already well into December but seeing as I forgot to post ‘The Month Ahead’ when it was truly ahead, I figured now would be as good a time as any. And of course I still haven’t picked up three of the books which have been languishing on my currently reading pile for some time now… but there is always hope for December… if I don’t get distracted by too many shiny new books! Having made their way to the top of said pile, the currently reading list currently includes Timequake by Kurt Vonnegut and The House of Shattered Wings by Aliette de Bodard.

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| Current Events |

The 2016 Sci-Fi Experience

Hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings

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| Upcoming Events |

The Rosemary and Rue Read Along

Organised by Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow

Week 1 (Saturday 9th January)

Chapters 1-6 – hosted by Over the Effing Rainbow

Week 2 (Saturday 16th January)

Chapters 7-14 – hosted by Lynn at Lynn’s Books

Week 3 (Saturday 23rd January)

Chapters 15-20 – hosted by Anya at On Starships and Dragonwings

Week 4 (Saturday 30th January)

Chapters 21-End – hosted by Over the Effing Rainbow

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Vintage Sci-Fi Month

Hosted by Little Red Reviewer

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Blog Tour: The American by Nadia Dalbuono

Review scheduled for 16th January 2016

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| Book Haul |

So many fantastic new books! This month I’m very excited to have acquired Golden Son by Pierce Brown, The Copper Promise by Jen Williams and The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay – three books which have been on my to be read for a while now and which I cannot wait to read!

Pyr very kindly sent me Supersymmetry by David Walton which, after the brilliant Superposition, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into, and following the brilliant The Few by Nadia Dalbuono, I received The American from Scribe Publications and will be participating in the blog tour during January.

Along with Kay’s The Lions of Al-Rassan, I acquired Isaac Asimov’s Foundation as part of the Dragons and Jetpacks Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book of the Month, and after seeing the final film in the cinema, I finally thought it was about time to jump on the band wagon and read The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (yes – it’s about time!).

And last but not least we have Slow Bullets by Alastair Reynolds, a fantastic novella which I’ve already finished reading – review to come!

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| December Goals |

To finish at least one of the poor neglected novels which I am currently reading

(The Daylight War, NOS4R2 or Emma)

Status: 0 of 1 Complete

To read at least one Christmas themed novel

Status: 0 of 1 Complete

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Have you picked up any great books lately or read any of those mentioned above? What are your goals for the month ahead? 

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