The New Books Roundup, November 1: Suns, Secrets, and Souls
It’s a new month, which means it’s time for new books. This week’s crop includes historical fantasy, a new YA sci-fi novel, and a fresh romance.
Yes, everyone, we’ve reached the month of November, which means it’s time to set aside your spooky Twitter profile names, turn the pumpkins around, and prepare for the oncoming terror that is the holiday season. Or you could just curl up with some new books. That works, too.
This week, we have a very full slate. As has become the norm, title links take you to Amazon, and you can also use Goodreads links to get second opinions before you place your order.
The Diabolic
First up this week is S.J. Kincaid (The Insignia Series), with a new novel. Our protagonist is Nemesis, the titular Diabolic, who protects a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. (What a name, by the way. A-plus for the Greek mythology reference.) When the emperor discovers Sidonia’s father is involved in a rebellion, Nemesis must protect her charge by becoming her and going to the galactic court. Although press paints it as “Red Queen meets The Hunger Games”, Goodreads reviews say that the comparisons may not be the most accurate. Simon and Schuster; hardcover, 416 pages; list price: $17.99.
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Congress of Secrets
The year is 1814, the Congress of Vienna has begun, and Caroline Windham, born Karolina Vogl, has returned as an English widow to her home city of Vienna. Years ago, her father was arrested, and alchemy stole her childhood. She wants to save him still, but darkness hidden in society still rules Vienna. Can she and her father’s old apprentice turned con man, Michael Steinhüller, work together…and maybe even have a little romance while they’re at it? Goodreads calls Stephanie Burgis’ latest well-written, sumptuous, romantic, and an excellent historical fantasy novel. Pyr; paperback, 347 pages; list price: $17.00.
The Sun Is Also a Star
Did Nicola Yoon destroy your heart with Everything, Everything? Because she’s returned and intends to destroy your soul this time with The Sun Is Also a Star. Our heroine this time is Natasha, whose family will be deported to Jamaica in just twelve hours. But then she meets Daniel, who also gets to have a perspective on things, and then, well, the magic happens. Goodreads reviews include many people who have no words except to exclaim about their feelings, and that is a positive sign around these parts. Delacorte Press; hardcover, 384 pages; list price: $18.99.
Shadowed Souls
Time for a change of pace. Shadowed Souls isn’t a novel, it’s actually a fresh collection from authors like Jim Butcher, Seanan McGuire, Kevin J. Anderson, and Rob Thurman, with additional stories from other authors. It’s described as being dark and gritty, which makes it perfect for a gloomy November day. Jim Butcher’s story, Cold Case, features Molly Carpenter of The Dresden Files, and Goodreads reviews of the collection overall tend to choose it as one of the standouts in a great collection. Roc; paperback, 352 pages; list price: $17.00.
Next: 11 Non-Fiction Books About Famous Women to Read
New books also hitting the shelves today include Danielle Steele’s latest, The Award; the first volume of Chelsea Cain’s Mockingbird run, I Can Explain; and a deluxe pop-up, J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: A Pop-Up Gallery of Curiosities.
What’s first on your to-read list this week?