Book Notes: Upcoming Events in Londontown

Book Notes highlights bookish news, curiosities and gossip spotted across the blogosphere. May the drama be with you...

It's a conspiracy of authors

The London HQ of Forbidden Planet has a tonne of brilliant author parties/signings coming up this February - seriously, I'm drooling here.

On Friday 9th February the events kicks off with the launch party and signing for Laura Lam's debut novel Pantomine. (I am so in love with this cover, it's not even funny.) Then, the very next day, two more debut authors, Liesel Schwarz and E. J. Swiftwill, be having their first Forbidden Planet signings (it's "A Conspiracy of Authors", y'all).

Author Christopher Brookmyre will be signing his book Bedlam on Tuesday 19th February. While this book doesn't seem like my cup of tea, it should be perfect for Tron fans out there.

The month concludes on Tuesday 26th February, with Peter V. Brett reading from and signing copies of The Daylight War - his newest book in his Demon Cycle series.

Pretty brilliant, huh?

Lauren Oliver

Lauren Oliver Event 

The lovely Lauren Oliver will be coming to the UK to promote the final book in her Delirium trilogy, Requiem. She'll be doing a special event at Waterstones Piccadilly in London on Tuesday 19th March. Tickets are £3 - but trust me, having met Lauren a couple of years ago, I can tell you that she's worth 100 times that! You should reserve your place ASAP - just click here to learn how.

Mark Your Calendar: J.K. Rowling Webcast

Bloomsbury have just informed me that the wonderful J.K. Rowling will be taking part in a webcast on Thursday 11th October at 5 pm (UK time)! No, she won't be talking about her new adult book, but rather Harry Potter, Pottermore and all things Hogwarts (which, frankly, is what we all want)!

This is the first interview JKR has done about Harry Potter in quite a few years - so if you've been dying for just a wee bit more Potter, this is your chance!

The webcast will be streamed live via the Bloomsbury website and will be available to view after the event. To catch the event, visit the Bloomsbury HP website where there is currently a countdown to the event. (There's also a "Sign Up" thingy... not sure why that's there... maybe to send out email reminders?)

Book Notes: Rowling, Goodreads, and a brilliant bookcase

Book Notes highlights bookish news, reviews, curiosities and gossip spotted across the blogosphere. May the drama be with you...

That new J.K. Rowling book

The Casual Vacancy has been described as crass and cheerless, but written by a skilled hand. But after reading the New York Times' fantastically well-done review of the book -  Darkness and Death, No Magic to Help - I know I am going to be avoiding it. And not because I don't adore J.K. Rowling... but because I am just not that into depressing, dark and overly-realistic books. Call it a character fall, but just don't make me read it.

Other than the NYT Review, there has been some rather good coverage of the book in the pro-world. Check out The Guardian's reservedly critical review and  EW's Shelf Life's J.K. Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy': 10 NSFW lines you would NEVER see in a Harry Potter book.

Badreads

A lot of bloggers have been addressing the Goodreads problem lately, and frankly, it's about time. Yes, I do use Goodreads and I use it quite a bit - but I have always had trouble with the site. It has always seemed too... commercial. And frankly, that whole GR bullies B.S. earlier this year still has me rather unsettled.

Sarah, over at Clear Eyes, Full Shelves, has written a nice piece about the reader disconnect going on at Goodreads: Has Goodreads Forgotten Readers? VacuousMinx also wrote a step-by-step post on how Goodreads is catering to authors rather than readers. Both really good posts to check out, even if you plan to remain a Goodreads die-hard!

The Tetris Bookcase

I found out about these rather brilliant bookcases while watching one of Priscilla (from The Readables - brilliant channel, check her out if you haven't already). If you are anything like me, every time you get a new bookcase it fills up within a week... and then it's back to IKEA. Well, this bookcase grows with your collection. Take a look - it's awesome (albeit prohibitively expensive).

Kindle deals: Here's what you should get...

Amazon UK is hosting a Kindle Reading Marathon. And it? Is awesome. First off, they are selling dozens (hundreds?) of books for 99p or . Second, they are giving out gift certificates when you spend money. Take a look:

So, if you buy 21 books at 99p each, Amazon will give you a gift certificate for £5. And hell, if you don't feel like buying that many books, they are still ludicrously inexpensive!
I took a look at what they have on offer, and here are a few that caught my eye. Links under the images will take you straight to Amazon:

 

Ocean of Secrets by Aimee Friedman

a.k.a. "Sea Change" - I reviewed this one a while back (read here) and really enjoyed it! Would certainly recommend you get a copy!!

Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Marr is a guaranteed good read.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

I got this one for review a while back and have been desperate to start it - readalong, anybody?

Urban Shaman (The Walker Papers, Book 1) by C.E. Murphy

 

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

This is on my TBR pile of doom, but have heard good things about it.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

I read this years ago but wasn't a big fan - a lot of people love it, though, so you might want to try it out.

 

Rivers of London (PC Grant, Book 1) by Ben Aaronovitch

I reviewed this one last year (read here) and really enjoyed Ben's depiction of London.

The Blade Itself (The First Law, Book 1) by Joe Abercrombie

This is on my TBR pile of doom - I met Joe at Eastercon this year, and the man is hysterical and just... smart. If the books are even a fraction like him, they will be amazing.

FYI: I am not an Amazon Associate and am not earning a penny from this promotion. I just think news about good books at good prices should be shared!

Happy reading everyone!

E-book exclusives you need to get!

I've recently joined the 21st century and bought myself a Kindle (read this post to find out why I finally gave in). It seems I've joined the club just in time to take advantage of some fantastic digital exclusives!

Here are a few short stories and anthologies that are only available as e-books - you'll recognise the authors as some of the very best in YA fiction. They are absolute musts for fans, even those of you who don't have an e-book reader should consider getting them!

Hana by Lauren Oliver
UK readers / US readers

This short story takes place in the Delirium verse, and tells the tale of Lena's best-friend Hana. According to the publishers, "there's a shocking twist to her tale that will leave you with your heart in your mouth". Sounds good to me! I've already got it on my Kindle and cannot wait to get to it!

Hana is only available in eBook and, for a limited time only, is just 99p! You can also make a really neat Lauren Oliver themed Christmas decoration that uses text from Hana. Check it out here!

Darkest Powers Bonus Pack by Kelley Armstrong
UK readers / US readers

Kelley is a fan's dream author. Why? Because she just keeps on giving! She's released three online novellas set in her Darkest Powers verse, and is currently in the process of writing a fourth (read it here). Unfortunately, these stories have just become non-free - but all three are available for your Kindle for just 72p! They are fantastic and well worth it - I've bought them even though I had downloaded the free pdf versions! Read my reviews of two of the stories: Divided and Dangerous.

The First Time Anthology edited by Jessica Verday
UK readers / US Readers: B&N - Amazon

The First Time Anthology is solely available as an e-book, but features a tonne of YA authors you'll recognise from printed works, including: Cyn Balog, Teri Hall, Heidi R. Kling, Saundra Mitchell, Jackson Pearce, Carrie Ryan, Kristina Springer, and Jessica Verday. In 25 stories, the authors explore firsts: first loves, first kisses, first zombie slayings, etc.

I'll admit that I am not quite running out to get this anthology, mostly because I already have so many anthologies I need to get to! Still, it sounds fab.

Book Notes: Covers, Deals, and UK events

Book Notes highlights bookish news, reviews, curiosities and gossip spotted across the blogosphere. 

New Book Deals

• Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has acquired two books (Arcanum and an untitled novel) by Ransom Riggs, the New York Times bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Arcanum, a new young adult novel, begins in the attic of an old, forgotten rural museum, where secret objects from the distant past lie in dust and in wait. When a group of teens discover this cache of sinister curiosities, they unsuspectingly unleash hell in their sleepy town. Magic, mystery, and evil intertwine in this dark, creepy, and frightening story, which is set for a spring 2014 publication. I haven't had the chance to read Ransom's first book yet, but it is on my TBR pile!
• Vicki Pettersson, Sign of the Zodiac series author and one-time showgirl, sold a new series to Harper Voyager/Morrow. The three book deal begins with The Taken, and is scheduled as a paperback original for June 2012.
• Rachel Caine has sold a stand-alone novel to NAL built around the character of Benvolio, from Romeo and Juliet. She's also sold 3 new books in her YA Morganville Vampires series to NAL. I'm starting to wonder when these books will ever end.
• Bloomsbury/Walker Books for Young Readers bought a new trilogy by recent Columbia-grad  Yelena Black; book one is called Diabolical. The book is a tale of a 15-year-old who starts witnessing spooky goings-on at her prestigious ballet school. When she becomes suspicious of the controlling choreographer at her academy, she stumbles upon the fact that he is staging a performance in which the school's dancers become pawns in a world of demons. The first book in the series will be published internationally in English—in the U.S., U.K., and Australia—in winter 2013.

UK signings and events

• Jeffrey Eugenides. Jeffrey - bloody - Eugenides. Be still my heart. In case you've been hiding under a rock, Jeffrey is the world-renowned, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Middlesex (which is one of my favourite novels). He is going to be at Waterstone's Picadilly, London, on Friday, 4 November 2011, 7:00PM. This is a proper meet-and-greet event, so you do have to buy tickets. They are £5 (or £3 for Waterstones card holders). You can buy them online here. 

New Book Covers

• Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells -  This is the final book in the fantastic Sabina Kane series. In case you somehow missed it, I am a BIG Jaye Wells fan. She epitomises everything that is brilliant about the Urban Fantasy genre and, in short, rocks.
• Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore - There is a reason bloggers everywhere dedicated posts to the release of this book. Because OMGSDFSHKFHS BITTERBLUE!
• Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan - This is the gorgeous US cover to the next book in Cate's Immortal Beloved series. I liked the first book but I LOVE this cover! 

• Partials by Dan Wells - I had heard nothing about this book until the cover came out... and what a cover! Now it's way up on my 2012 wishlist!
• Revived by Cat Patrick - Cat's novel, Forgotten, has gotten nothing but brilliant reviews. Although I haven't read her work yet, this cover is making me want to run out and buy her work. I just adore the cover of Revived - it's actually pretty damn original!
• Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock - I found this book on goodreads way back when, and was very excited when it finally got a cover (even one I'm not too keen on!).

See your art on a book cover!

Faber and Faber and The Guardian are hosting a fantastic initiative for artists aged 13 to 16... putting their cover art on seminal novel The Lord of the Flies by William Golding. It's a terrifying novel, and I can't wait to see what scary images contestants come up with. Here's some more detail about the competition (and info about how to enter!):

Faber and Faber and Guardian News & Media are calling on young artists to create a brand new look for one of the world’s most famous books: Lord of the Flies by William Golding. One talented artist will be selected by a team of expert judges and will have the chance to watch as their work is transformed by the Faber design team into a cover for the new educational edition of Lord of the Flies.

The winning illustration will be unveiled at a special exhibition showcasing the best of the entries. The winner and other featured entrants will be invited to the opening of the exhibition at the Guardian’s offices in London in February 2012.

The competition is open to young artists aged 13 to 16, and submissions are welcome in any medium. The closing date for entries is 20 January 2012. The competition is hosted on its own site, which also features exciting additional content for aspiring illustrators. Please visit: http://lordofthefliescover.com/

October 2011: Books I Can't Wait to Read!

This October is packed with some fabulous new releases, but I thought I'd highlight the ones that I am particularly looking forward to! If you want a few more comprehensive lists of October releases, check out Tor's Fiction Affliction posts for Paranormal Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Urban Fantasy/PNR releases, Tez Says for a list of October releases, and Literary Escapism's gigantic list of upcoming release dates.

Muse by Rebecca Lim - Oct. 27th 2011 (UK)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - Oct. 6th (UK)

Two books by two of my favourite YA authors! I adored Mercy and Exile, so I cannot wait to read the third installment in Rebecca Lim's series. As for The Scorpio Races... is there anyone out there who isn't looking forward to reading this one?

Reckoning by Lili St. Crow - Oct. 27th 2011 (UK)

Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer - Oct. 11th 2011 (US)

Reckoning is the last book in Lili St. Crow's Strange Angel series, and I'm rather sad about it. I've had my ups and downs with this series, but even still, I'm sad to see it end. Just Your Average Princess, on the other hand, is bound to be a fun, light-hearted romp. I really enjoyed Kristina's The Espressologist, so I am looking forward to seeing what else she comes up with!

The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams - Oct. 25th 2011 (US)

Debut Author! I pimped The Shadow Reader in a Waiting on Wednesday post a while back... and now it is finally coming out! Really really looking forward to this one.

So, what's on your October purchase list?

Book Notes: Scandals and Signings and Shakespeare, oh my!

Book Notes highlights bookish news, reviews, curiosities and gossip spotted across the blogosphere. May the drama be with you...

De-Gay YA

When I heard the news that a well-respected agency tried to get two authors to "de-gay" their YA novel, I can't say I was shocked. In fact, what surprised me was that the authors had come out and told their story to the mainstream press. I am sure this kind of thing goes on all the time, we just never hear about it... And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, the agency came out denying everything. Which is certainly a new crisis management technique! Aja gives you the full scoop (and a very healthy rant) in her article in The Mary Sue. Read it!

New author deals

In other, less terrifying news, there have been some pretty brilliant new deals signed between authors and their publishers. Here are the ones I am particularly excited about:

• Historical Fiction writer Phillipa Gregory has signed with Simon and Schuster to write 4 YA Historical Fiction novels. The first will be published in summer 2012. I've never read any of Gregory's work, but it is exciting to have her in the genre! More on Dark Faerie Tales.
• Dark Life author Kat Falls will be publishing a dystopian romance trilogy with Scholastic. The first book, The Fetch, will be out in autumn 2012. I loved Dark Life, so I am really looking forward to what else Kat comes up with. More on Presenting Lenore.
• One of my favourite authors, Ann Aguirre, will be publishing an all-new science fiction trilogy with Ace. The books have been pitched as "prison break - in space", so needless to say that I am desperate to read them! They'll be out in autumn 2013. More on Ann Aguirre's website. 
• Rag & Bones is a new YA anthology, edited by Melissa Marr and Tim Pratt, that will feature a whole bunch of my favourite authors. Among them: Kelley Armstrong! It is being published in 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (World). More on Tez Says.

New Covers

There are always new stunning and not-so-stunning covers coming out. But these are the ones that have really caught my eye:

 

• Illuminate by Aimee Agresti - I know, another red dress. But the summary for this book is just so intriguing!
• Insurgent by Veronica Roth - I haven't read Divergent and I really never planned to... but this cover is just so lovely! I am really tempted to pick up the first book in the series now! 
• The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellsion - No idea what this is about, but I find the cover gorgeously spooky. It's Dexter meets butterflies...

 

• Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - This cover is so spooky! Maybe I am developing a new love for somewhat terrifying things, because I just find this cover amazing.
• If I Die by Rachel Vincent - I have but one word: F-I-E-R-C-E. 

UK Signings!

Some big names are coming to the UK. Some seriously, seriously big names! I really hope y'all can make some of these great signings:

• Christopher Paolini will be at Forbidden Planet on Wednesday 28 September! Christopher Paolini will be signing the first three volumes of The Inheritance Cycle at the Forbidden Planet Megastore. The signing is a lead-up to the publication of the final book in the cycle. I tried to read Christopher's books, but they aren't for me. Even still, I find the story of his publication extremely inspiring! For more information about this signing, see the Forbidden Planet website. 
• Erin Morgenstern, author of the highly anticipated The Night Circus will be discussing her fin-de-siècle fantasia of magic and mischief at Foyles in Bristol, Monday 10 October. I have been dying to read this book - so it's extremely exciting that the author is coming to the UK! Read more here.
• Peter F Hamilton will be signing his short story collection Manhattan in Reverse at the Forbidden Planet Megastore on Thursday 6 October. While I haven't had the chance to read any of Peter's works yet, he is an absolute rock star in the SF genre!More details on the Forbidden Planet website.
• Christopher Priest, the multiple award-winning fantasy/SF/horror author will be at London Foyles not once, but twice! He'll be in the Gallery discussing his career and new book, The Islanders, on 29 September. Read more here. And then he'll be back for the "House of Fear" event along with Sarah Pinborough and Paul Meloy. Read more here.
• Moira Young and Philip Reeve will be doing a joint chat in Guildhall, Bath on Sunday, 25 September. Tickets are £5, but I am sure the event will be unforgettable! More information is available on the Waterstones website.

The waters of the Avon...

And last but not least, Oxford Dictionaires has a great new online test for you all... How Shakespearean are you? You just stick a bit of your own writing into a box, and they give you a verdict. Apparently my English is 81 percent Shakespearean. "The waters of the Avon almost lap at your feet."
Give it a go!

August 2011: Books I Can't Wait to Read!

So the last time I did a Books I Can't Wait to Read post was in August... 2010! Where does the time go exactly? Anyhow, this August is packed with some fabulous new releases - some of which I will literally start as soon as I get them out of the mailbox. If you want a few more comprehensive lists of August releases, check out Tor's Fiction Affliction posts for Paranormal Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Urban Fantasy/PNR releases, Tez Says for a list of August releases, and Literary Escapism's gigantic list of upcoming release dates.

Two Books by Two Rebels

The Near Witch  by Victoria Schwab - August 2nd (US)

Possess by Gretchen McNeil - August 23rd (US)

Both of these books are by YA Rebels. I've loved their channel since they started up at the beginning of 2010 - especially videos by Gretchen and Victoria. So excited that I will finally be able to get my hands on their books!

Two Books I Won't be Able to Read

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead - August 23rd  (US) August 25th (UK)

Aftermath by Ann Aguirre - August 30th (US)

I'll be buying these as soon as they come out - but I won't be reading them for a while! I still haven't finished the Vampire Academy series, which I want to start before I get to the sequel series. And then there is the Jax series, which I love too much to read (I am saving them for rainy days).

Two New Series by Two Great Rachels

Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent - August 23rd (US) September 1st (UK)

Working Stiff by Rachel Caine - August 2nd (US) October 31st (UK)

These Rachels are demi-Gods in the Urban Fantasy world, so it is super exciting to be getting some fresh new series from them! (Although I should probably complete their other books first...)

Two Books I Pre-ordered Months Ago!

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles - August 16th (US)

Rip Tide by Kat Falls - August 1st (US) August 4th (UK)

These books are radically different from each other, but I really really really can't wait to read them! Rip Tide is the sequel to the fabulous Dark Life, and Chain Reaction is the last Perfect Chemistry novel. I expect wonders from both of them!

London UF + YA Author Signings

The summer signing season is upon us - and while the UK may not be seeing Maggie Stiefvater drive through in her shiny blue Camaro, we are being visited by some great Fantasy and YA authors! Here are a couple of events I'd be at (if it weren't for that pesky work business!).

Orbit Books Summer Signing - 4 Authors, 1 Event

Saturday 30 July 2011 15:00 - 16:00
Forbidden Planet London - 179 Shaftesbury Avenue

Nicole Peeler (Tempest Rising) Tim Lebbon (Echo City) Simon Morden (Metrozone Series) and Philip Palmer (Debateable Space and Red Claw) will signing their newest novels at London's Forbidden Planet. I plan on getting myself a signed copy of Tempest Rising next time I pass by the store - hopefully there will be some left. Cat at Beyond Books is a big fan of Peeler's series, so I am excited that we are finally getting it in the UK!

More information about the authors and the event available here.

Alyson Noel Signing - This Saturday!

Saturday 16 July 2011 - 13.30
Foyles London - 113-119 Charing Cross Road WC2H 0EB

Alyson Noel is doing a whistle-stop signing at Foyles in their Teen Noir section (yep, Foyles is awesome enough to have a "Teen Noir" section). It's the last leg of her UK tour, so this may be your last chance to meet Alyson before she heads back to the US for good!  There's not much more info, but you can read the official announcement here.

Well, I hope I've sorted your Saturdays out for you. Go forth and get some signed books!

Cover Alert! The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

I've just discovered the US cover for the second book in the Darkness Rising series by Kelley Armstrong, and I am loving it!  I was not overly keen on the US cover to the first in this trilogy, The Gathering (which I loved, by the way), but with this book, I am starting to come round.  I know Kelley plans on introducing Derek and Chloe into this trilogy, and I can only hope that that happens in book 2!

The Calling (Darkness Rising #2) by Kelley Armstrong

April 2012 - Goodreads

Maya Delaney’s paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they’re kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. Plentiful action and romance in this second installment in the Darkness Rising series will keep readers enthralled to the very last page!

Now I am extremely eager to find out what the UK publishers will come up with!

Cover Alert! Muse by Rebecca Lim

Yet again, I spotted a gorgeous cover over on Tez Says - this time, the UK cover to the third (and final?) book in the Mercy series, Muse.  I was not at all keen on the UK cover of Exile (Book 2) although I adored the cover to Mercy (not to mention I loved the book too!).  But this cover?  So friggin' gorgeous I can't even speak:

While I'm at it, let me talk about why I am really starting to love all three of the UK covers.  You see, Mercy is in a different body in every book.  She changes, both physically and mentally, and becomes a whole new character (albeit, with a certain something that makes her Mercy).  So while it makes sense for the covers to be similar, it is also rather important that the cover images be very different.  So even though I am not a big fan of the Exile cover, I like how the publishers have kept the same gorgeous font on dramatically different images.  Take a look:

However, I still really like the Australian covers for this book.  There's a certain otherworldly elegance to them that I just can't get enough of:

Needless to say, I cannot wait for Exile to come out - May 1st in Australia, June 9th in the UK!   I'm also very very happy that I don't have to wait an age for Muse to come out, as it is supposed to be released at the end of this summer.  I think this will be one of those series I buy multiple copies of!

(P.S. Notice how I didn't rant and rave about the hideousness that is the US cover?  That's how you know I'm in a good mood today.)

ETA: So, there is definitely going to be a fourth book in this series: Fury.  Which, according to HarperCollins UK, won't be out until June 2012.  Aaages from now.  But still, a fourth book!  Yay!

Cover Alert! Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells

So, I was scrolling through twitter when, lo and behold, I saw that the cover to Jaye Wells' fourth book in her Sabina Kane series had been unveiled!  Take a look at the pretty:

This is probably my favourite cover yet.  For the first time, we get a bit of a background behind Sabina, but it doesn't change the tone of the covers at all.  Sabina is looking fiercer than ever!  I am super happy about this cover, as the cover tease Jaye gave us a few months ago had me worried it would descend into the mid-drift-baring badness that dominates most UF.  But not for our girl Sabina!

Anyhow, you will no doubt be seeing this cover a few more times this year - as the book does not (alas) come out until January 2012. *sighs*