Rick Riordan Presents: 'Paola Santiago And The Forest Of Nightmares' By Tehlor Kay Mejia Gets Official Cover

The Rick Riordan Presents imprint has never disappointing me one bit by introducing new cultures and mythologies that do not have enough representation, and authors that we can watch out for. One series from this imprint that delivers the same is the Paola Santiago series by Tehlor Kay Mejia, who introduced us to the titular character in Paola Santiago and the River of Tears.

Now the second book titled Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares will see to the continuance of the heroine's (mis)adventures. The official cover of the said title has been unveiled first in Rick Riordan's blog, and you can view it below.

Check out the official cover of Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia.

Synopsis

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the sequel to Tehlor Kay Mejia's critically acclaimed own-voices novel about science-obsessed Paola Santiago.

"Paola is a brilliant, furious girl who often trusts her brain but trips over her heart."--Sarah Gailey, Hugo and Locus award-winning author of River of Teeth

Six months after Paola Santiago confronted the legendary La Llorona, life is nothing like she'd expected it to be. She is barely speaking to her best friends, Dante and Emma, and what's worse, her mom has a totally annoying boyfriend. Even with her chupacabra puppy, Bruto, around, Pao can't escape the feeling that she's all alone in the world.

Pao has no one to tell that she's having nightmares again, this time set in a terrifying forest. Even more troubling? At their center is her estranged father, an enigma of a man she barely remembers. And when Dante's abuela falls mysteriously ill, it seems that the dad Pao never knew just might be the key to healing the eccentric old woman.

Pao's search for her father will send her far from home, where she will encounter new monsters and ghosts, a devastating betrayal, and finally, the forest of her nightmares. Will the truths her father has been hiding save the people Pao loves, or destroy them?

Once again Tehlor Kay Mejia draws on her Mexican heritage to tell a wild and wondrous story that combines creatures from folklore with modern-day challenges.

Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia will be released on August 3, 2021.

Cover Reveal News Round-Up, Including Books By Bradley P. Beaulieu, Jonathan Stroud, Jenn Lyons, Julie Murphy And Graci Kim

Here are some of the recent cover reveals, including the finale of The Song of the Shattered Sands series by Bradley P. Beaulieu, a new series from Jonathan Stroud, sequels from Jenn Lyons and Julie Murphy, and a new entry from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

A Desert Torn Asunder by Bradley P. Beaulieu

Synopsis

The final book in The Song of the Shattered Sands series closes the epic fantasy saga in a desert setting, filled with rich worldbuilding and pulse-pounding action.

The plans of the desert gods are coming to fruition. Meryam, the deposed queen of Qaimir, hopes to raise the buried elder god, Ashael, an event that would bring ruin to the desert.

Çeda and Emre sail for their ancestral home to bring the traitor, Hamid, to justice. To their horror, they discover that the desert tribes have united under Hamid's banner. Their plan? A holy crusade to annihilate Sharakhai, a thing long sought by many in the tribes. In Sharakhai, meanwhile, the blood mage, Davud, examines the strange gateway between worlds, hoping to find a way to close it. And King Ihsan hunts for Meryam, but always finds himself two steps behind.

When Meryam raises Ashael, all know the end is near. Ashael means to journey to the land that was denied to him an age ago, no matter the cost to the desert. It now falls to Çeda and her unlikely assortment of allies to find a way to unite not only the desert tribes and the people of Sharakhai, but the city's invaders as well. Even if they do, stopping Ashael will cost them dearly, perhaps more than all are willing to pay.

A Desert Torn Asunder by Bradley P. Beaulieu will be released on July 13, 2021.

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud

Synopsis

Set in a fragmented future England, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne introduces us to a world where gunfights and monsters collide, and where the formidable outlaw Scarlett McCain fights daily against the odds. When she discovers a wrecked coach on a lonely road, there is only one survivor – the seemingly hapless youth, Albert Browne. Against her instincts, Scarlett agrees to escort him to safety. This is a mistake. Soon, new and implacable enemies are on her heels. As a relentless pursuit continues across the broken landscape of England, Scarlett must fight to uncover the secrets of Albert’s past – and come to terms with the implications of her own.

In his first new project since Lockwood & Co., Jonathan once again fuses action, humour and mystery to create a uniquely exciting adventure with two fascinating heroes at its heart.

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud will be released on April 1, 2021.

The House of Always by Jenn Lyons

Synopsis

For fans of Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss, The House of Always is the fourth epic fatnasy in Jenn Lyons' Chorus of Dragons series that began with The Ruin of Kings.

What if you were imprisoned for all eternity?

In the aftermath of the Ritual of Night, everything has changed.

The Eight Immortals have catastrophically failed to stop Kihrin's enemies, who are moving forward with their plans to free Vol Karoth, the King of Demons. Kihrin has his own ideas about how to fight back, but even if he's willing to sacrifice everything for victory, the cost may prove too high for his allies.

Now they face a choice: can they save the world while saving Kihrin, too? Or will they be forced to watch as he becomes the very evil they have all sworn to destroy.

The House of Always by Jenn Lyons will be released on May 11, 2021.

Pumpkin by Julie Murphy

Synopsis

Waylon Russell Brewer is a fat, openly gay boy stuck in the small West Texas town of Clover City. His plan is to bide his time until he can graduate, move to Austin with his twin sister, Clementine, and finally go Full Waylon, so that he can live his Julie-the-hills-are-alive-with-the-sound-of-music-Andrews truth.

So when Clementine deviates from their master plan right after Waylon gets dumped, he throws caution to the wind and creates an audition tape for his favorite TV drag show, Fiercest of Them All. What he doesn’t count on is the tape accidentally getting shared with the entire school. . . . As a result, Waylon is nominated for prom queen as a joke. Clem’s girlfriend, Hannah Perez, also receives a joke nomination for prom king.

Waylon and Hannah decide there’s only one thing to do: run—and leave high school with a bang. A very glittery bang. Along the way, Waylon discovers that there is a lot more to running for prom court than campaign posters and plastic crowns, especially when he has to spend so much time with the very cute and infuriating prom king nominee Tucker Watson.

Waylon will need to learn that the best plan for tomorrow is living for today... especially with the help of some fellow queens....

Pumpkin by Julie Murphy will be released on May 25, 2021.

The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim

Synopsis

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's thrilling debut about an adopted Korean-American girl who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family.

"Graci Kim does such an amazing job of blending Korean mythology into the modern world, I am now wondering how I ever lived without knowing all this cool information."--New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan

Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she's a saram--a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community.

Then Hattie gets an idea: what if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie's magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family's old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie's initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It's a perfect plan!

Until it isn't. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie's life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it?

As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.

The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim will be released on May 4, 2021.

Ferius Parfax Book 1: 'Way Of The Argosi' By Sebastien De Castell Brings Us Back To The World Of 'Spellsinger'

Ferius Parfax will get a new series all of her own, bringing us back once again to the world of Spellsinger. After the closing chapter of Crownbreaker by Sebastien de Castell I thought that was last story we would ever have in this world. And I am glad I was wrong! So that means we will be getting two books from this author next year together with another new series-opener, Court of Shadows Book 1: Play of Shadows!

The Ferius Parfax series is said to be a prequel series that will serve as origin story of the wandering gambler titular character and, as the title of first book suggests, the Way of the Argosi. The official cover has been unvieled by the author himself and you can't help but wonder, can't this be published any sooner?

Check out the official cover of Way of the Argosi by Sebastien de Castell.

Synopsis

'The Alchemist' meets 'The Three Musketeers'--with card tricks. A brilliant origin story of adventure, wit and philosophy to enrapture devotees as well as newcomers to the 'Spellsinger' series.

Ferius Parfax has a simple plan: kill every last inhabitant of the spell-gifted nation that destroyed her people, starting with the man who murdered her parents. Killing mages is a difficult and dangerous business, of course, but when she meets the inimitable and extraordinary Durrall Brown she discovers that physical strength is not the only way to defeat evil of all kinds.

So Ferius undertakes to study the ways of the Argosi: the loosely-knit tribe of tricksters known for getting the better of even the most powerful of spellcasters. But the Argosi have a price for their teachings, and by the time Ferius learns what it is, it may be too late.

Perfect for fans of The Dark Tower, Firefly, Terry Pratchett, Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

Way of the Argosi by Sebastien de Castell will be released on April 15, 2021.

Cover Reveal: Victoria Aveyard Comes Back Stronger With 'Realm Breaker', A New Series Set In Allward

After a quite long while, author Victoria Aveyard returns! If the Red Queen series has left you wanting for more (that even her short story collection titled Broken Throne cannot satiate), then worry no more. Get ready to be mesmerize by an entirely new series set in the world of Allward.

Realm Breaker kicks off the story of a new protagonist, expanding our world-view and perspective. Its official cover has been released and it is bloody as ever--no surprise about that. This time around the cover takes on a golden hue, featuring the bloody hand of the protagonist while clasping the sharp end of a sword. Oh did I mention the lovely archaic floral and acanthus design in the background?

Check out the official cover of Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard.

Synopsis

Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning new fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?

A strange darkness grows in Allward.

Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:

A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.
An immortal, avenging a broken promise.
An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.
An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.
A forger with a secret past.
A bounty hunter with a score to settle.

Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard will be released on May 4, 2021.

The Legacy Trilogy Book 3: 'Legacy Of Light' By Matthew Ward Gets Official Cover

Orbit has always been consistent with making beautiful covers. The said publisher keep its track record by making the design consistent without having to go through a redesign halfway through a series. I loved Orbit because of that and it is one of the reasons why I have to go through a lot of expense just to buy special hardcover editions of the books it only prints in paperback for mass consumers.

One of the many lucky series they published that have beautiful covers was The Legacy Trilogy by Matthew Ward. Its first book is Legacy of Ash which started the series strong, then continued with Legacy of Steel. Come next year we will be having its finale with Legacy of Light and said book's cover has just been unveiled which you can see below. I only got a low resolution version of it, but I'll update once we have a clearer and higher resolution.

Updated: We finally get a cover with higher resolution courtesy of Fantasy Hive.

Check out the official cover of Legacy of Light by Matthew Ward.

Synopsis

Warfare, myth and magic collide in Legacy of Light, the spectacular conclusion to Matthew Ward's acclaimed Legacy trilogy.

For the first time in many years, the Tressian Republic and the Hadari Empire are at peace. But war never sleeps.

In Tregard, Empress Melanna Saranal struggles to protect a throne won at great cost.

In Tressia, Lord Protector Viktor Droshna seeks to harness forbidden power to restore all he's lost.

As the sins of the past are once more laid bare, every road leads to war. Darkness gathers, alliances shatter and one final battle looms. What hope remains, lies within the light.

Legacy of Light by Matthew Ward will be released on August 19, 2021.

#CoverReveal The Book Of The Ice: 'The Girl And The Mountain' By Mark Lawrence

Here it is finally: the official cover of The Girl and the Mountain by Mark Lawrence. Since the cover of the UK edition of this same book was unveiled months prior I've always been wondering when can we see that of the US edition! Can't they be unveiled at the same time? Is it too much to ask?

Following the branding and the now familiar layout of Mark Lawrence's book, the cover of The Girl and the Mountain features an art by Bastien Lecouffe Deharme with protagonist Yaz facing the titular mountain known as the Black Rock at the background.

Check out the official cover of The Girl and the Mountain by Mark Lawrence.

Synopsis

The second pulse-pounding novel in an epic fantasy series set in the same world as the wildly popular Red Sister.

Yaz must fight for survival in this thrilling novel set on the unforgiving planet of Abeth.

The Girl and the Mountain by Mark Lawrence will be released on April 13, 2021.

'Mister Impossible' By Maggie Stiefvater Gets A Stunning Official Cover, Title, And Synopsis

The pre-order for the then called The Dreamer Trilogy #2 had been silently up for quite some time that I was able to pre-order the said book way back in June. When it comes to Maggie Stiefvater it's automatic purchase even if the listing did not yet featured an official title, a cover, or even a synopsis.

Thankfully after months of restless waiting on my end -- I am reularly refreshing my pre-order page waiting for new updates to surface, if any -- the long awated title, cover, and a measley synopsis have been unveiled for The Dreamer Trilogy #2, which we can now happily refer to as Mister Impossible.

Check out the official cover of Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvater.

Synopsis

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Raven Boys, a mesmerizing story of dreams and desires, death and destiny.

The stakes have never been higher as it seems like either the end of the world or the end of dreamers approaches.

Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvater will be released on May 18, 2021.

Check Out The Official Cover Of The Scholomance Book 2 Titled "The Last Graduate" By Naomi Novik

Naomi Novik has just recently published the first book in her The Scholomance series called A Deadly Education. I just received my copy so I am in the middle of reading it, but from what I read it surely is a great read. And lo, in a span of less than a year we will be getting the sequel to series.

The second book in the said series is titled The Last Graduate and it will continue the story of El, who possesses a great but dangerous power. The Kindle edition has offered a glimpse of the official cover consistent with the first. It highlights a key on a green background, this time. Once we get a version with higher resolution I'll be posting it here as well. For now enjoy this smaller photo. Updated: I've already uploaded a cover with much higher resolution.

Check out the official cover of The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik.

Synopsis

A budding dark sorceress determined not to use her formidable powers uncovers yet more secrets about the workings of her world in the stunning sequel to A Deadly Education, the start of Naomi Novik’s groundbreaking crossover series.

At the Scholomance, El, Orion, and the other students are faced with their final year—and the looming specter of graduation, a deadly ritual that leaves few students alive in its wake. El is determined that her chosen group will survive, but it is a prospect that is looking harder by the day as the savagery of the school ramps up. Until El realizes that sometimes winning the game means throwing out all the rules...

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik will be released on July 6, 2021.

Truly Devious Book 4: 'The Box In The Woods' By Maureen Johnson Gets Official Cover

I have to admit that what attracted me about Truly Devious first is its beautiful cover. It is however the smart and spine-chilling stories that made me stay. I am so glad that there are more to the series, after initially thinking it would only be just a trilogy. I've actually never been this happy to be wrong!

Stevie Bell is back in this fourth installment of the Truly Devious series. An equally beautiful official cover has just been unveiled. Since I preordered this book some time in August I am regularly checking if an official cover has just been added... now is that time to revel after months of waiting.

Check out the official cover of The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson.

Synopsis

After solving the case of Truly Devious, Stevie Bell investigates her first mystery outside of Ellingham Academy in this spine-chilling and hilarious stand-alone mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson.

Amateur sleuth Stevie Bell needs a good murder. After catching a killer at her high school, she’s back at home for a normal (that means boring) summer.

But then she gets a message from the owner of Sunny Pines, formerly known as Camp Wonder Falls—the site of the notorious unsolved case, the Box in the Woods Murders. Back in 1978, four camp counselors were killed in the woods outside of the town of Barlow Corners, their bodies left in a gruesome display. The new owner offers Stevie an invitation: Come to the camp and help him work on a true crime podcast about the case.

Stevie agrees, as long as she can bring along her friends from Ellingham Academy. Nothing sounds better than a summer spent together, investigating old murders.

But something evil still lurks in Barlow Corners. When Stevie opens the lid on this long-dormant case, she gets much more than she bargained for. The Box in the Woods will make room for more victims. This time, Stevie may not make it out alive.

The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson will be released on June 15, 2021.

"The Desolations of Devil's Acre" By Ransom Riggs Continues The Chronicles Of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children

Ransom Riggs' mastery of telling a story through the use of vintage pictures and poetic prose is never fading. In fact he is into the sixth installment of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series (aka Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children), which exquisitely uses said story-telling device into its maximum scary potential.

The book is titled The Desolations of Devil's Acre and it's cover, which has just been recently revealed, features a girl -- whom I assume is a peculiar  -- sitting in a comfy seat in front of more vintage pictures of peculiars like herself. The creepy part though is the hand that is poised to grab her... are your arm hairs raising yet?

Check out the official cover of The Desolations of Devil's Acre by Ransom Riggs.

Synopsis

The fate of peculiardom hangs in the balance in this epic conclusion to the #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.

The last thing Jacob Portman saw before the world went dark was a terrible, familiar face.

Suddenly, he and Noor are back in the place where everything began—his grandfather’s house. Jacob doesn’t know how they escaped from V’s loop to find themselves in Florida. But he does know one thing for certain: Caul has returned.

After a narrow getaway from a blood- thirsty hollow, Jacob and Noor reunite with Miss Peregrine and the peculiar children in Devil’s Acre. The Acre is being plagued by desolations—weather fronts of ash and blood and bone—a terrible portent of Caul’s amassing army.

Risen from the Library of Souls and more powerful than ever, Caul and his apocalyptic agenda seem unstoppable. Only one hope remains—deliver Noor to the meeting place of the seven prophesied ones. If they can decipher its secret location.

Jacob and his friends will face deadly enemies and race through history’s most dangerous loops in this thrilling page-turner, the final adventure in the beloved Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.

The Desolations of Devil's Acre by Ransom Riggs be released on February 23, 2021.

Cover Reveal: Sigma Force Is Back In 'Kingdom Of Bones' By James Rollins

The sixteenth installment of Sigma Force series has been long in the works. The title was then argued or voted upon but Kingdom of Bones, which sounds consistent with the rest of the titles, won over Savage Zone. It is a good thing the author and publisher has come to an agreement to use the former as the cover is very telling and beautiful because of that titular anatomical part!

Yes, the official cover of the Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins has been unveiled and it is nothing short of mysterious. It features a toxic or radioactive symbol formed by twisted and broken bones. What I love most about it is it is still consistent with the covers of the last few books in the series!

Check out the official cover of Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins.

Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins, the latest riveting, deeply imaginative thriller in the Sigma Force series, told with his trademark blend of cutting-edge science, historical mystery, and pulse-pounding action.

It begins in Africa . . .

A United Nations relief team in a small village in the Congo makes an alarming discovery. An unknown force is leveling the evolutionary playing field. Men, women, and children have been reduced to a dull, catatonic state. The environment surrounding them—plants and animals—has grown more cunning and predatory, evolving at an exponential pace. The insidious phenomenon is spreading from a cursed site in the jungle — known to locals as the Kingdom of Bones —and sweeping across Africa, threatening the rest of the world.

What has made the biosphere run amok? Is it a natural event? Or more terrifyingly, did someone engineer it?

Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force are prepared for the extraordinary and have kept the world safe, vigilance for which they have paid a tragic personal price. Yet, even these brilliant and seasoned scientific warriors do not understand what is behind this frightening development—or know how to stop it. As they race to find answers, the members of Sigma quickly realize they have become the prey.

To head off global catastrophe, Sigma Force must risk their lives to uncover the shattering secret at the heart of the African continent—a truth that will illuminate who we are as a species and where we may be headed . . . sooner than we know.

Mother Nature—red in tooth and claw—is turning against humankind, propelling the entire world into the Kingdom of Bones.

Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins will be released on March 9, 2021.

The Dandelion Dynasty Book 3: 'The Veiled Throne' By Ken Liu Gets A Tremendously Beautiful Official Cover

After five long years author Ken Liu finally graces us with the third installment of The Dandelion Dynasty series. Titled The Veiled Throne, I almost thought this book is not coming at all, considering the first and second books only have a year of gap in between them.

It's a good thing that this fear of mine has no basis at all as new details and updates are surfacing online that will make any fan excited. First up is the extremely quaint and beautiful official cover which you can see below, then a synopsis, and then finally a release date, which I hope is set in stone despite the current pandemic situation.

Check out the official cover of The Veiled Throne by Ken Liu.

Synopsis

With the invasion of Dara complete, and the Wall of Storms breached, the world has opened to new possibilities for the gods and peoples of both empires as the sweeping saga of the award-winning Dandelion Dynasty continues in this third book of the “magnificent fantasy epic” (NPR).

Princess Théra, once known as Empress Üna of Dara, entrusted the throne to her younger brother in order to journey to Ukyu-Gondé to war with the Lyucu. She has crossed the fabled Wall of Storms with a fleet of advanced warships and ten thousand people. Beset by adversity, Théra and her most trusted companions attempt to overcome every challenge by doing the most interesting thing. But is not letting the past dictate the present always possible or even desirable?

In Dara, the Lyucu leadership as well as the surviving Dandelion Court bristle with rivalries as currents of power surge and ebb and perspectives spin and shift. Here, parents and children, teachers and students, Empress and Pékyu, all nurture the seeds of plans that will take years to bloom. Will tradition yield to new justifications for power?

Everywhere, the spirit of innovation dances like dandelion seeds on the wind, and the commoners, the forgotten, the ignored begin to engineer new solutions for a new age.

Ken Liu returns to the series that draws from a tradition of the great epics of our history from the Aeneid to the Romance on the Three Kingdoms and builds a new tale unsurpassed in its scope and ambition.

The Veiled Throne by Ken Liu will be released on June 29, 2021.

Cover Reveal: 'The Force Of Fire' By Sayantani DasGupta Kicks Off A Kingdom Beyond Series

You might be familiar of author Sayantani DasGupta thanks to her Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond trilogy. She is doing to Bengali and Hindu mythology what Rick Riordan had been doing to the Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythologies: setting these stories to the modern times so young readers could enjoy them.

Sayantani DasGupta is on to her next series called A Kingdom Beyond. This will be set in the same universe as her original trilogy. This time it will be focusing on a brand new protagonist. It's official cover has been unvieled below for your consideration, featuring art by Vivienne To and designed by Elizabeth Parisi.

Check out the cover of The Force of Fire by Sayantani DasGupta.

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Sayantani DasGupta comes the story of a demon who must embrace her bad to serve the greater good.

Pinki hails from a long line of rakkhosh resisters, demons who have spent years building interspecies relationships, working together to achieve their goal of overthrowing the snakey oppressors and taking back their rights. But she has more important things to worry about, like maintaining her status as fiercest rakkhosh in her class and looking after her little cousins. There is also the teeny tiny detail of not yet being able to control her fire breathing and accidentally burning up school property.

Then Sesha, the charming son of the Serpentine Governor, calls on Pinki for help in defeating the resistance, promising to give her what she most desires in return -- the ability to control her fire. First she'll have to protect the Moon Maiden, pretend to be a human (ick), and survive a family reunion. But it's all worth it for the control of her powers . . . right?

The Force of Fire by Sayantani DasGupta will be released on May 18, 2021.

'Call Of The Bone Ships' By RJ Barker Gets Fabulous Official Cover

I am a stickler for hardcover editions! But sometimes this creates a blackhole of anguish on me, because there are especially very good books that are only sold in paperback. Thankfully I discovered Anderida Books, which sells limited run of hardcover and signed editions of some of these so coveted titles (i.e. ones published by Orbit). And so my life completely changed for the better.

One of the books that I so desired then was The Bone Ships by RJ Barker (along with his The Wounded Kingdom trilogy). And I am so happy to announce that I was never disappointed. The Bone Ships is the first book in The Tide Child trilogy, which will then be followed up by Call of the Bone Ships. Come the end of this year this sequel will be avialable for purchase, but I assume I may have to wait a little longer for the hardcover edition, if there is indeed one. I am not complaining though... For now let us revel in this wonderful cover desgined by Hannah Wood.

Check out the cover of Call of the Bone Ships by RJ Barker.

Synopsis

A brilliantly imagined saga of honour, glory and warfare, Call of the Bone Ships is the captivating epic fantasy sequel to RJ Barker's The Bone Ships.

Dragons have returned to the Hundred Isles. But their return heralds only war and destruction. When a horde of dying slaves are discovered in the bowels of a ship, Shipwife Meas and the crew of the Tide Child find themselves drawn into a vicious plot that will leave them questioning their loyalties and fighting for their lives.

Call of the Bone Ships by RJ Barker will be released on November 26, 2020.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

Jack Brigance Returns In 'A Time For Mercy' By John Grisham

John Grisham's fame and career was catapulted to overdrive when he published The Firm in 1991. But the said book was not really his debut novel -- that honor belonged to A Time to Kill, which featured the protagonist named Jack Brigance. But the latter eventually got traction when readers of The Firm tried to look for other titles by the author. And more than 3 decades later it spawned 2 sequels...

Following A Time to Kill and Sycamore Row, A Time for Mercy pits the protagonist into yet another explosive court drama. It will be released in Fall later this year and the gorgeous cover has just been released for us to gawk at. I am loving the covers of his recent books as they almost always feature nature and scenic landscapes...

Check out the official cover of A Time for Mercy by John Grisham.

Synopsis

Jake Brigance is back! The hero of A Time to Kill, one of the most popular novels of our time, returns in a courtroom drama that showcases #1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham at the height of his storytelling powers.

Clanton, Mississippi. 1990. Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a deeply divisive trial when the court appoints him attorney for Drew Gamble, a timid sixteen-year-old boy accused of murdering a local deputy. Many in Clanton want a swift trial and the death penalty, but Brigance digs in and discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Jake’s fierce commitment to saving Drew from the gas chamber puts his career, his financial security, and the safety of his family on the line.

In what may be the most personal and accomplished legal thriller of John Grisham’s storied career, we deepen our acquaintance with the iconic Southern town of Clanton and the vivid cast of characters that so many readers know and cherish. The result is a richly rewarding novel that is both timely and timeless, full of wit, drama, and—most of all—heart.

Bursting with all the courthouse scheming, small-town intrigue, and stunning plot twists that have become the hallmarks of the master of the legal thriller, A Time for Mercy is John Grisham’s most powerful courtroom drama yet.

There is a time to kill and a time for justice. Now comes A Time for Mercy.

A Time for Mercy by John Grisham will be released on October 13, 2020.

Cover Reveal: Next Cormoran Strike Installment Titled 'Troubled Blood' By Robert Galbraith

One of the best gifts that I will be receiving this year is the fifth installment of the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith, also known as J.K. Rowling. It is called Troubled Blood and it will be released just a few days ahead of my birthday.

If, like me, you are hungry for any Robert Galbraith or J.K. Rowling books the wait feels like too far in between. With the delay of Fantastic Beasts 3, which in turn delays the screenplay book release, it is just too much to bear considering the current world climate. The author is releasing The Ickabog in installment but reading a complete book feels different. That is why the upcoming release of Troubled Blood may be just the saving grace for me.

Check out the UK edition official cover of Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym of J.K. Rowling).

For US edition, you can see some slight difference:

Synopsis

Private Detective Cormoran Strike is visiting his family in Cornwall when he is approached by a woman asking for help finding her mother, Margot Bamborough - who went missing in mysterious circumstances in 1974.

Strike has never tackled a cold case before, let alone one forty years old. But despite the slim chance of success, he is intrigued and takes it on; adding to the long list of cases that he and his partner in the agency, Robin Ellacott, are currently working on. And Robin herself is also juggling a messy divorce and unwanted male attention, as well as battling her own feelings about Strike.

As Strike and Robin investigate Margot's disappearance, they come up against a fiendishly complex case with leads that include tarot cards, a psychopathic serial killer and witnesses who cannot all be trusted. And they learn that even cases decades old can prove to be deadly . . .

A breathtaking, labyrinthine epic, Troubled Blood is the fifth Strike and Robin novel and the most gripping and satisfying yet.

Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith will be released on September 15, 2020.

Official Cover Of 'Ready Player Two' By Ernest Cline Stays Consistent With The Original

I was already a fan of Ernest Cline even way before the movie adaptation of his novel Ready Player One hit the cinemas in 2018. I always consider his writing very readable and a "light" SF read. He may not be as prolific as other authors, but I love the two books he's published so far. The news for a Ready Player One sequel was a suprise to me becuase I truly thought it's good as it was being a standalone novel.

But then a sequel had been long time in the works and nearly took a decade of interval since the first one. From the title Ready Player Two to the familiar-looking official cover below, this sequel by Ernest Cline has used simplicity and being direct-to-the-point the right way. I am just curios how he will expand he universe he has already created. Will we have a new central protagonist as he title suggest, or will we be wisked away to a new location?

Check out the cover of Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline.

Synopsis

The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved worldwide bestseller Ready Player One, the “ridiculously fun and large-hearted” (NPR) near-future adventure that inspired the blockbuster Steven Spielberg film.

Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline will be released on November 24, 2020.

'Aru Shah And The City Of Gold' By Roshani Chokshi Gets Official Cover

The very first Rick Riordan book is about to come to a close. Roshani Chokshi's Pandava Quartet became an instant success after the release of the first book in the series called Aru Shah and the End of Time. It was followed up by Aru Shah and the Song of Death and Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes, which are both equally good.

Come 2021, the closing chapter titled Aru Shah and the City of Gold will finally come into our hands. And to make you even more excited its official cover has been unvieled, featuring a vibrant and beautiful art by Abigail L. Dela Cruz. But wait -- if romours are to be true -- is there supposed to be a fifth book which was not originally planned? I am not complaning if this will turn out to be not a rumor a all!

Check out the cover of Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Chokshi.

Synopsis

Aru has just made a wish on the Tree of Wishes, but she can't remember what it was. She's pretty sure she didn't wish for a new sister, one who looks strangely familiar and claims to be the Sleeper's daughter, like her. Aru also isn't sure she still wants to fight on behalf of the devas in the war against the Sleeper and his demon army. The devas have been too devious up to now. Case in point: two of the Pandavas' mentors, Hanuman and Urvashi, have been mysteriously detained in Lanka, the city of gold. Why? The Pandavas need to find them and get some answers before the Otherworld's magic fades completely in the human realm. Aru's biggest question, though, is why every adult she has loved and trusted so far has failed her. Will she come to peace with what they've done before she has to wage the battle of her life?

Filled with wondrous magic, unforgettable creatures, manipulative gods, and laugh-out-loud dialogue, this penultimate book in the Pandava series will leave readers wishing they could read the finale right now.

Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Chokshi will be released on April 6, 2021.