Details On The Songs Of The Drowned, Book 1: 'The Stone Knife' By Anna Stephens

The Godblind Trilogy by Anna Stephens left me wanting for more. It started out as an exciting and incredible grimdark read and just got better and better with each book released. No wonder I am clamoring for the next series from this author.

Thankfully we will not have to wait for long as a new book arises before 2020 ends. It is called The Stone Knife and will the first in The Songs of the Drowned series. This is just one of the silver linings that I look up to in this dark and troubled times. And to lighten my mood -- and yours! -- even more its official cover has already surfaced online...

Check out the cover of The Stone Knife by Anna Stephens.

Synopsis

A fantasy epic of freedom and empire, gods and monsters, love, loyalty, honour, and betrayal, from the acclaimed author of GODBLIND.

For generations, the forests of Ixachipan have echoed with the clash of weapons, as nation after nation has fallen to the Empire of Songs – and to the unending, magical music that binds its people together. Now, only two free tribes remain.

The Empire is not their only enemy. Monstrous, scaled predators lurk in rivers and streams, with a deadly music of their own.

As battle looms, fighters on both sides must decide how far they will go for their beliefs and for the ones they love – a veteran general seeks peace through war, a warrior and a shaman set out to understand their enemies, and an ambitious noble tries to bend ancient magic to her will.

The Stone Knife by Anna Stephens will be released on November 26, 2020.

'The Mask Falling' By Samantha Shannon Official Cover Slightly Deviates With The Rest

I am a sucker for consistent patterns and progressions. That is why when the official cover for The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon was revealed I was among those who complained about the redesigned cover, which may have prompted the publisher to release a collector's edition a few weeks later (featuring a consistent art and design by David Mann).

David Mann's cover designs always features a clue on what's to be in the center stage of the next cover. This made me eagerly await for the reveal of the official cover of The Mask Falling. With that in mind I was expecting a flower will be feaured in its cover, which turned out to be true. The only problem is it's a different flower from the one hinted in the previous book which features a Nasturtium. This slighly deviates from the pattern which could be a foreboding hint or clue in itself. Does this mean the story will have an unexpected twist as well as compared to what we are lead on to believe? Or does it mean something else?

The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon is already available for pre-order in most major book sellers. If you are looking for the collector's or signed edition to match your previous signed edition books it is only available at Waterstones.

Check out the official cover of The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon.

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree, the stunning fourth novel set in the world of Scion.

Dreamwalker Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion's downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim's puppet empire.

The mysterious Domino Program has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim-her former enemy-at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war.

As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them--and could end with them . . .

The Mask Falling is a gripping, fantastical new addition to this “intoxicating urban-fantasy series” (NPR.org) that will leave readers begging for more.

The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon will be released on February 16, 2021.

Cover Reveal: 'The Ickabog' By J.K. Rowling Is A Collaborative Work With Fans

The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling was a vaulted draft that would have never found the light of day. After many years the author decided to dust it off and revisit it again. Rather than just publising it straight away, the author made it a collaborative effort with her fans world-wide, making this book very special.

J.K. Rowling campaigned over social media to collaborate with budding and young artists to illustrate and interpret the story. This was after the author periodically released a few chapters until it was completed on the book's official website. Now we will not be only getting a new story to enjoy but will also have fantastic art from children and children at heart around the world.

Check out the cover of The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling.

Synopsis

From J.K. Rowling, a warm, fast-paced, funny fairy tale of a fearsome monster, thrilling adventure, and hope against all odds.

Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville, each was so delicious that people wept with joy as they ate them.

But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands… the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it’s just a myth…

And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom, two children -- best friends Bert and Daisy -- embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more.

Featuring full color illustrations by children from across the United States and Canada, this original fairy tale from one of the world’s most celebrated storytellers will captivate readers of all ages.

The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling will be released on November 10, 2020.