Book Bits: Dark Swan, The Hollows, Elemental Assassin, snarkiness & more

I’m not sure how to top yesterday’s post. There was Russian vampire goodness, but we must move forward. (But don’t forget to enter to win signed copies of the latest from both Jaye Wells and Kresley Cole.)

In which Richelle explains Shadow Heir
If you read my review of Richelle Mead’s final Dark Swan novel Shadow Heir, you know I liked it quite a bit but wasn’t at all pleased with the ending. There has been a bit of discussion (with spoilers) on our Goodreads group and over at Heroes & Heartbreakers. You see — and I’m not spoiling here — Mead opted to not tie up all the loose ends. Though it’s the series finale, the book didn’t provide the closure many readers were expecting. Mead has blogged about just why she did this and hopes you aren’t too upset with her.

Two chapters from A Perfect Blood
I am all kinds of excited to read more of Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series. The last novel, Pale Demon, really revitalized the series and I’m excited to see where Harrison takes Rachel, Trent, Ivy and Jenks. A Perfect Blood (Hollows #10) doesn’t hit stores until Feb. 21, but the first two chapters are now on the Harper Voyager site for your reading pleasure. (Pre-order A Perfect Blood)

A little extra something from Jennifer Estep
The sixth Elemental Assassins book By a Thread is due out on Feb. 28. In preparation, an Elemental Assassins novella will be coming out on Jan. 31! Thread of Death takes place right after the events of Spider’s Revenge and will be released as a $1.99 digital-only novella. (See the pretty cover to the right.)

Filed under ‘things that make me cackle’
There’s been much ado online about the line between author and reader and the like online in the last week. I’m not jumping into the foray (and if you want serious, sound reasoning on the whole thing, visit Stacia Kane’s blog), but I am sharing the best satire of the whole debacle I’ve seen in some time. Meljean Brook is having some fun with satirical “Diary of an Author” journal entries on her blog. If you need a good laugh, start with Day 1 and move on through the week.

Bran goodness fills Chapter 1 of Fair Game
Patricia Briggs is sharing the first chapter of Fair Game (Alpha & Omega #3) and Bran fans are going to be happy. Go read the teaser chapter, then pre-order the book, which comes out in March.

Excerpt from J.F. Lewis’ latest
Oh, J.F. Lewis posted the first chapter from the next Void City novel Burned. The book is schedule for release on Jan. 31. So get a taste, then pre-order and you’ll have it in-hands in a couple weeks.

Book trailer for Hallowed
I know many of you are anxiously awaiting Cynthia Hand’s Hallowed, the sequel to the sweet YA Unearthly. She posted the book trailer, and I’d be remiss not to share. Enjoy