"The Empire's Ruin" By Brian Staveley Brings Us Back To The World Of Chronicle Of The Unhewn Throne

Brian Staveley became an instant favorite of mine when I finished reading The Emperor's Blades (the first book in his Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne series) which would be then followed by The Providence of Fire and The Last Mortal Bond. Skullsworn, a standalone novel in this same universe, was later on published but I still can't get enough of his writings. It's been three years since and I've been scouring for any news of his upcoming new books, if any.

Thankfully there will be a new one to be relased in 2021... and guess what it will be a new trilogy called Ashes of the Unhewn Throne. Yay! The first book is titled The Empire's Ruin. The book's official cover has been unveiled and it is featuring a fantastic art -- once again -- by Richard Anderson (aka Flaptraps Art)!

Check out the cover of The Empire's Ruin by Brian Staveley (Book 1 in the Ashes of the Unhewn Throne trilogy).

Synopsis

Brian Staveley, author of The Emperor's Blades, gives readers the first book in a new epic fantasy trilogy based in the world of his popular series the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, The Empire's Ruin.

The Annurian Empire is disintegrating. The advantages it used for millennia have fallen to ruin. The ranks of the Kettral have been decimated from within, and the kenta gates, granting instantaneous travel across the vast lands of the empire, can no longer be used.

In order to save the empire, one of the surviving Kettral must voyage beyond the edge of the known world through a land that warps and poisons all living things to find the nesting ground of the giant war hawks. Meanwhile, a monk turned con-artist may hold the secret to the kenta gates.

But time is running out. Deep within the southern reaches of the empire and ancient god-like race has begun to stir.

What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever. If they can survive.

The Empire's Ruin by Brian Staveley will be released on July 6, 2021.

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Official Covers Of Some Upcoming Titles That Are In My Pre-Ordered List

Check this list of titles if we have similarities in our pre-orders.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

Synopsis

The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series!

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times–bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda’s massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm―and even the monster within―to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king’s gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her count

ry its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart. King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo will be released on March 30, 2021.

Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire

Synopsis

A young girl discovers a portal to a land filled with centaurs and unicorns in Seanan McGuire's Across the Green Grass Fields, a standalone tale in the Hugo and Nebula Award-wining Wayward Children series.

“Welcome to the Hooflands. We’re happy to have you, even if you being here means something’s coming.”

Regan loves, and is loved, though her school-friend situation has become complicated, of late.

When she suddenly finds herself thrust through a doorway that asks her to "Be Sure" before swallowing her whole, Regan must learn to live in a world filled with centaurs, kelpies, and other magical equines―a world that expects its human visitors to step up and be heroes.

But after embracing her time with the herd, Regan discovers that not all forms of heroism are equal, and not all quests are as they seem…

A standalone Wayward Children story containing all-new characters, and a great jumping-on point for new readers.

Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire will be released on January 12, 2021.

Witchshadow by Susan Dennard

Synopsis

Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling, young adult epic fantasy Witchlands series continues with the story of the Threadwitch Iseult.

War has come to the Witchlands . . . and nothing will be the same again.

Iseult has found her heartsister Safi at last, but their reunion is brief. For Iseult to stay alive, she must flee Cartorra while Safi remains. And though Iseult has plans to save her friend, they will require her to summon magic more dangerous than anything she has ever faced before.

Meanwhile, the Bloodwitch Aeduan is beset by forces he cannot understand. And Vivia--rightful queen of Nubrevna--finds herself without a crown or home.

As villains from legend reawaken across the Witchlands, only the mythical Cahr Awen can stop the gathering war. Iseult could embrace this power and heal the land, but first she must choose on which side of the shadows her destiny will lie.

Witchshadow by Susan Dennard will be released on February 16, 2021.

Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells

Synopsis

The New York Times bestselling security droid with a heart (though it wouldn't admit it!) is back in Fugitive Telemetry!

Having captured the hearts of readers across the globe (Annalee Newitz says it's "one of the most humane portraits of a nonhuman I've ever read") Murderbot has also established Martha Wells as one of the great SF writers of today.

No, I didn't kill the dead human. If I had, I wouldn't dump the body in the station mall.

When Murderbot discovers a dead body on Preservation Station, it knows it is going to have to assist station security to determine who the body is (was), how they were killed (that should be relatively straightforward, at least), and why (because apparently that matters to a lot of people―who knew?)

Yes, the unthinkable is about to happen: Murderbot must voluntarily speak to humans!

Again!

A new standalone adventure in the New York Times-bestselling, Hugo and Nebula Award winning series!

Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells will be released on April 27, 2021.

Vengewar by Kevin J. Anderson

Synopsis

Kevin J. Anderson's sequel to Spine of The Dragon brings bitter rivalry and blood feud―that might be the downfall of the human kingdoms.

Two continents at war, the Three Kingdoms and Ishara, have been in conflict for a thousand years. But when an outside threat arises―the reawakening of a powerful ancient race that wants to remake the world―the two warring nations must somehow set aside generations of hatred to form an alliance against a far more deadly enemy. Book One awakened the great dragon, and set the kingdoms at each other’s throats.

In Book Two, Vengewar, the Three Kingdoms are shattering under pressure from an inexperienced new King who is being led by an ambitious regent to ignore the threat of the Wreths, in favor of a Vengewar with Ishara. His brother and uncle can see only the danger of the Older Race.

In Ishara, the queen lies in a coma, while an ambitious priest seizes power. But he has neither the training nor the talent to rule a nation― or even a city. Ishara is in deadly peril, and the Wreths have not even appeared on their continent.

Vengewar by Kevin J. Anderson will be released on January 19, 2021.

Infinity Reaper by Adam Silvera

Synopsis

In this gripping sequel to the New York Times bestselling Infinity Son, Adam Silvera brings a diverse cast of heroes and villains to life in an alternate New York where some people are born with powers, while others steal them from the blood of endangered magical creatures.

Emil and Brighton defied the odds. They beat the Blood Casters and escaped with their lives—or so they thought. When Brighton drank the Reaper's Blood, he believed it would make him invincible, but instead the potion is killing him.

In Emil's race to find an antidote that will not only save his brother but also rid him of his own unwanted phoenix powers, he will have to dig deep into the very past lives he's trying to outrun. Though he needs the help of the Spell Walkers now more than ever, their ranks are fracturing, with Maribelle's thirst for revenge sending her down a dangerous path.

Meanwhile, Ness is being abused by Senator Iron for political gain, his rare shifting ability making him a dangerous weapon. As much as Ness longs to send Emil a signal, he knows the best way to keep Emil safe from his corrupt father is to keep him at a distance.

The battle for peace is playing out like an intricate game of chess, and as the pieces on the board move into place, Emil starts to realize that he may have been competing against the wrong enemy all along.

Infinity Reaper by Adam Silvera will be released on March 2, 2021.

Beneath the Keep by Erika Johansen

Synopsis

The much-anticipated stand-alone prequel to the bestselling Queen of the Tearling trilogy tells the story of a decadent kingdom descended into darkness, alliances forged under fire, and a battle over a prophecy that will change the course of history.

The Tearling has reverted to feudalism, a far cry from the utopia it was founded to be. As the gap between rich and poor widens and famine threatens the land, sparking unrest, rumors of a prophecy begin to spread: a great hope, a True Queen who will rise up and save the kingdom.

But rumors will not help Lazarus, a man raised to kill in the brutal clandestine underworld of the Creche, nor Aislinn, a farm girl who must reckon with her own role in the growing rebellion. In the Keep, the crown princess, Elyssa, finds herself torn between duty to the throne and the lure of the Blue Horizon, a group of fierce idealists who promise radical change . . . but Elyssa must choose quickly, before a nefarious witch and her shadowy master use dark magic to decide for her. It is only a matter of time before all three will be called into the service of something bigger than they have ever imagined: a fight for a better world.

Beneath the Keep by Erika Johansen will be released on February 2, 2021.

Black Canary: Breaking Silence (DC Icons Series) by Alexandra Monir

Synopsis

In this thrilling origin story of Black Canary, Dinah Lance's voice is her weapon. And in a near-future world where women have no rights, she won't hesitate to use everything she has--including her song--to fight back.

Dinah Lance was eight years old when she overheard the impossible: the sound of a girl singing. It was something she was never meant to hear--not in her lifetime and not in Gotham City, taken over by the vicious, patriarchal Court of Owls. The sinister organization rules Gotham City as a dictatorship and has stripped women of everything--their right to work, to make music, to learn, to be free.

Now seventeen, Dinah can't forget that haunting sound, and she's beginning to discover that her own voice is just as powerful. But singing is forbidden--a one-way route to a certain death sentence. Fighting to balance her father's desire to keep her safe, a blossoming romance with mysterious new student Oliver Queen, and her own need to help other women and girls rise up, Dinah wonders if her song will finally be heard. And will her voice be powerful enough to destroy the Court of Owls once and for all?

Black Canary: Breaking Silence (DC Icons Series) by Alexandra Monir will be released on December 29, 2020.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Synopsis

A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian.

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission--and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.

Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, he realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Alone on this tiny ship that's been cobbled together by every government and space agency on the planet and hurled into the depths of space, it's up to him to conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And thanks to an unexpected ally, he just might have a chance.

Part scientific mystery, part dazzling interstellar journey, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian--while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir will be released on May 4, 2021.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black

Synopsis

An illustrated addition to the New York Times bestselling Folk of Air trilogy, that started with The Cruel Prince, from award-winning author Holly Black.

An irresistible return to the captivating world of Elfhame.

Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue.

Before he was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone. #1 New York Times bestselling author, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame's enigmatic high king, Cardan. This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan's perspective.

This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector's item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black will be released on November 24, 2020.

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UK Edition Of A Few Up And Coming Titles That I Would Love To Have

I usually buy US editions of books, but that is mainly because for convenience. From time to time I stray away from this pattern and choose to buy the books' UK editions instead. There are quite a few factors: (1) the auhor is UK-based and US editions come later or not at all, (2) the UK edition is far more attractive, (3) the UK edition is consistent in terms of design, layout, and typesetting (hello DAW Books * wink), and other trivial reasons...

That is why in this post I'd like to share some upcoming titles that I prefer buying in UK editions.

Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling

Synopsis

An essential companion to the Harry Potter series, this spectacular new full-colour edition of J.K. Rowling's Quidditch Through the Ages brings together one of the world's best loved storytellers with the creative genius of Emily Gravett. A sumptuous visual feast of a book, the pages are bursting with glorious illustrations, handmade memorabilia and two breathtaking gatefold spreads. This sporting almanac promises magic and wonder in equal measure for both newcomers to the Wizarding World and established Harry Potter fans. Each amazing page is waiting to pored over and enjoyed!

'Oh, you wait, it's the best game in the world.' - Ron Weasley

Devoured by Harry Potter in his first year, Quidditch Through the Ages is consulted on a daily basis by the young witches and wizards at Hogwarts. Kennilworthy Whisp's sporting bible whisks readers through a whistle-stop tour of the wizarding world's favourite sport. Packed with trivia, tales of on-pitch antics, and Quidditch stars past and present, the sports almanac also contains comprehensive profiles of Quidditch teams loved by readers of the Harry Potter novels - Chudley Cannons, Puddlemere United, Vratsa Vultures and many more .

Twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, Emily Gravett joins the celebrated team of hand-picked talent who have brought their illustration magic to the world of Harry Potter. Her wildly creative imagination has conjured a cornucopia of sporting memorabilia to surprise and delight. Lovingly created in a dazzling range of media - drawn, sewn, thrown - and infused with her trademark visual wit, these charming and funny handmade artworks are the perfect pairing for J.K. Rowling's humorous insights into the magical, airborne sport.

Quidditch Through the Ages is published in aid of Lumos, an international children's charity founded in 2005 by J.K. Rowling, and Comic Relief.

Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling will be released on October 6, 2020.

Master Artificer: The Silent Gods Book 2 by Justin Call

Synopsis

The fabulous sequel to 2019's hit debut novel: Master of Sorrows.

Reviews of the Previous Book

'Master of Sorrows is a brilliant and riveting tale about having the courage to find and choose one's path. I recommend this book for lovers of classic epic fantasy looking for a modern voice' NOVEL NOTIONS

'A wonderful mix of the old and the new . . . if you're a fan of coming-of-age stories, magic schools, and the idea of what's right and what's wrong, then Master of Sorrows is the book for you' THE FANTASY INN

'A very strong dark fantasy debut that will appeal directly to fans of The Poppy War and The Name of the Wind. It's intense, mystical and brutal' fantasybookreview.co.uk

'This is an adventure well-worth embarking on, one filled with monsters, gods, deception and betrayal' booktopia.com

Master Artificer by Justin Call will be released on February 18, 2021.

Hollow Empire by Sam Hawke

Synopsis

It started with poison and rebellion. It continues with war and witchcraft.

The deadly siege of Silasta woke the ancient spirits, and the city-state must find its place in this new world of magic.

But people and politics are always treacherous, and it will take all of Jovan and Kalina's skills to save the city-state when witches and assassins set their sights to domination.

Poison was only the beginning . . .

Hollow Empire by Sam Hawke will be released on November 26, 2020.

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