It’s been a long break, readers, and I’m tired. If you follow me on Twitter, you know, I’ve been traveling quite a bit and working extra hard — all that. But it’s a new year with new books and I’m ready to devour the goodness. I got an extra special present in the mail over the holidays: an advanced copy of Sacrificial Magic. Now, I typically don’t tell you guys when I get something early (feels icky), but this one is special. The most lovely Stacia Kane gave a character my name in this one. So, I got the early copy and devoured it. The review won’t happen for a few months, but I did offer a few completely non-spoiler teases on my Goodreads. So, if you’re aching to know if Chessiebomb is uttered again or want to exacerbate that case of Terrible Fever, read it. I promise it tells nothing of the plot, but should (I hope) make you smile.
Vlad makes us swoony
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Jeaniene Frost posted an excerpt from Once Burned, and I’m all about the pyrokinetic vampire Vlad. Once Burned, which comes out in June 2012, is the first in Vlad’s Night Huntress spin-off series. Given this taste, I’m confident we’re going to drool on the pages (in private, of course). After you read the snippet, hit the VBC comments because I want to know your thoughts on this one.
City of Lost Souls cover reveal and prologue
USA Today snagged the exclusive to reveal the cover of Cassandra Clare’s upcoming Mortal Instruments novel City of Lost Souls and has the prologue posted, too (because May is so far away). Also, if you missed the Mundie Moms chat with Cassie, the transcript — with her answering questions about the Jace/Sebastian connection — is posted here.
Excerpt from The Winds of Winter
George R.R. Martin posted a nice sample from his forthcoming Song of Ice and Fire novel The Winds of Winter.
The Golden Lily teasers
Richelle Mead has been teasing quotes from the second Bloodlines novel The Golden Lily. First we saw three out-of-context quotes from the book on her blog, and now she’s tweeting (and Facebook-ing) lines like: “Adrian, I’m on a date. Why are you here? On my car?”
Julie Kagawa + vampires FTW!
I’m all sorts of excited for Julie Kagawa’s The Immortal Rules, the first in her Blood of Eden series. The woman who brought us epic fantasy goodness and my favorite “hot boy with sword” Prince Ash is going darker, bloodier and, well, vamp-ier. Check out the cover and blurb below. Are you in?
You will kill. The only question is when.
In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their “pets.” In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.
Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero…and turned vampire.
Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She’s passing for human…for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.
Read a Soul Screamers novella, help kids
Rachel Vincent is donating the first six months of her royalties from the Soul Screamers novella Never to Sleep to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. So, if you were holding off on spending a couple bucks to read Sophie’s POV from the If I Die time-frame, now it’s like donating to charity. Also, if you have yet to read If I Die, you’ll need to do that first. It was a game-changing novel, and those big changes are in Never to Sleep as well. Never to SleepYou can get your digital copy of Never to Sleep from Amazon.
More excerpts, snippets and general book tease
Ilona Andrews teases us all with a snippet from Andrea’s book Gunmetal Magic, which doesn’t release until July 31.
If you enjoyed The Iron Witch, you’ll want to read this snippet from Karen Mahoney’s The Wood Queen.
Get a taste of Kelly Meding’s next Dreg City book Wrong Side of Dead with an excerpt on her blog. It should sate you until the book hits stores on January 31. (See all the January releases.)
Why do I love hobbits?
It’s been 15 years or so since I last read The Hobbit, but it holds this special place in my heart. I’m very excited to see the film adaptation. So, though you’ve likely seen it, I’m posting the trailer. The first part will release Dec. 14, 2012. Also, may be planning a re-read.
Book-inspired bling
Sometimes we need the pretty. All the better when that prettiness can be inspired by our favorite books, no? My friend (and fellow blogger at Heroes & Heartbreakers) Synde makes really awesome book-inspired jewelry. I have a handful of her pieces — my favorite is the Lady Caroline necklace, which never fails to get a compliment.
Why am I bragging on my necklaces? Synde is having a sale over at her Etsy store. Enter code FANGS to save 10 percent off your order and if you order two or more items shipping is free. Double win. She has designs inspired by Bloodlines/Vampire Academy, Sabina Kane, Black Dagger Brotherhood and several others. I highly recommend it.
hugs….
I think I prefer Vlad more than Bones:O
I’m not ready to go that far, but I’m very excited for Vlad’s book.
The Ilona Andrews snippet is actually from the Kate Daniels novella Magic Gifts they released to fans for free for Christmas on their website, but I think tomorrow is the last day its still available for free. Just in case you didn’t know about it, I didn’t want anyone to miss out
Bones is still my favorite. Vlad, Spade and Mencheres are pretty awesome as well. But I would love to see an Ian book.
The Ilona Andrews short story they released around Christmas was a great gift to all their fans!
Oh, Chelsea! How I’ve missed Book Bits! *huggles you like mad*
Yay! I’m happy it’s back, too. Should be back to every Thursday now.