Hellooo!

A busy week lies ahead – on Thursday we will be announcing the final round of Subjective Chaos; I’m going to try and finish Hugo voting and then get back to normal reviewing. Life is busy…but good. Also it is Monday and this means it is time for advanced book-tempting – what’s grabbed in my book shopping and what is coming down the tracks?

The Book of Dragons edited by Jonathan Strahan – Out now from Harper Voyager £25 hardback

HERE BE DRAGONS…

A unique collection of stories by the greatest fantasy writers working today.

Sparking myths and legends from Asia to Europe, Africa to North America, dragons are the most universal and awe-inspiring of magical creatures.

Whether they are fearsome, rampaging monsters or benevolent sages with much to teach humanity, dragons bring creation, destruction, and adventure in stories told all around the globe.

In this landmark collection, award-winning editor Jonathan Strahan combines nearly thirty never-before-seen short stories and poems, written by modern masters of science fiction and fantasy, and illustrations by acclaimed artist Rovina Cai.

Featuring stories from Scott Lynch, R.F. Kuang, Garth Nix, Ken Liu, Kate Elliott, and many more, THE BOOK OF DRAGONS breathes fresh life and fire into the greatest magical beasts of all.

It’s a rather gorgeous cover but the list of authors contributing to this collection is the real main attraction. Plus DRAGONS

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher – Out Now from Orbit - £20 hardback

When the Supernatural nations of the world meet up to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities, Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, joins the White Council's security team to make sure the talks stay civil. But can he succeed, when dark political manipulations threaten the very existence of Chicago - and all he holds dear?

I was once rather ill for six weeks and one thing I managed while mainly stuck to the sofa wad to get through a dozen of the Dresden Files. It can be breath-taking it can be cringing – I am however happy top see the slightly paused main plot may be about to resume. We shall see…

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace – Out 4/8 from Titan Books £8.99 paperback

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer - the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it's never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy's dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he'll help her prove she's fit to rule, if she'll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder - and more peril - than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she'll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected... or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever. 

Pirates, mermaids and magic – how could that not tempt me hearties?

Mime by Chrissie Harrison – Out Not from Matador £10.99 paperback

There is a supernatural killer on the loose...

Elliot Cross didn t believe in monsters. At least, not until his brother died at the hands of something unnatural. 

Four years later and a string of impossible deaths leave the police baffled. Consumed by a desire to shine a journalistic light on the supernatural world, Elliot sees a chance to make a difference. Enlisting the help of his (only) employee, Samantha, he quickly identifies the culprit a demonic mime artist whose invisible creations are fatally real. 

Way out of his depth, Elliot s only hope is renowned demon hunter Gabriel Cushing. But tracking down Gabriel is only the beginning The search for a way to end the demon forever will take Elliot and Sam across the country, uncovering lost history, buried secrets, and a few new truths about themselve

I knew Lord Vetinari was right….but I quite like the sound of this. I’ve also enjoyed a few of the author’s short fiction so now I’m tempted to see what can be done in a novel

Fearless by Allen Stroud – out 8/9 from Flame Tree Press £9.99 paperback

AD 2118. Humanity has colonised the Moon, Mars, Ceres and Europa. Captain Ellisa Shann commands Khidr, a search and rescue ship with a crew of twenty-five, tasked to assist the vast commercial freighters that supply the different solar system colonies. 

Shann has no legs and has taken to life in zero-g partly as a result. She is a talented tactician who has a tendency to take too much on her own shoulders. Now, while on a regular six-month patrol through the solar system, Khidr picks up a distress call from the freighter Hercules…

I have to admit the main character alone sounds intriguing enough; but I would also like to again read more of Stroud’s longer work.

Anything you have your eye on – let me know in the comments!