The New Books Roundup, January 31: Caravals and Scotsmen
In this week’s new books roundup, not only do we have a widely anticipated YA fantasy release, we also have a fresh romance novel for your perusal.
Today’s the last day of January, which means that we have already managed to get through a not-insignificant portion of 2017. As far as I’m concerned, however, Christmas happened five days ago, and I’m still working through all the books that I picked up through the holidays. Alas, the siren’s song of new books is a strong one, and so, here we are, looking at some of this week’s new releases.
As always, title links take you to Amazon, and Goodreads links take you to Goodreads because let’s face it, it just cuts a step out if you’re going to add something to your to-read shelf. Just ignore how big it’s getting. That’s what I usually do.
Caraval
Stephanie Garber’s debut, according to a review from Publishers Weekly name-checked by Amazon, is a YA fantasy that also has The Night Circus thrown around often. As someone who likes The Night Circus, I’m intrigued. Anyway, Caraval is a story of two sisters: Scarlett and Tella. Both want nothing more than to go to the Caraval, where the audience becomes part of the show. One year, they manage it — but Scarlett finds herself far more involved than she or Tella ever could have imagined. Goodreads reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with plenty of five-star ratings and effusive praise. Amazon already lists it as the first of a series, so make of that what you will. Flatiron Books; hardcover, 416 pages; list price: $18.99.
Falling for the Highlander
Sometimes what you really need to do is settle in with a romance novel for the week. Falling for the Highlander, from Lynsay Sands, seems like an excellent bet this week. Our heroine is Murine, who has run off after an incident involving her half-brother, an attempted sale, and some horses. Of course, she runs into our hero, Dougall, who actually was the one with the horses. What’s a lady to do when a Highlander tries to take care of her? Goodreads reviews mention plenty of romance, naturally, as well as some comedy and steaminess of the very best kind. Avon; mass market paperback, 384 pages; list price: $7.99.
Wires and Nerve, Vol. 1
Although Marissa Meyer’s formal Lunar Chronicles series has come to an end with Winter, that doesn’t mean that the stories won’t continue. Enter Wires and Nerve, the first volume of a graphic novel series featuring Iko, Cinder’s android friend. There are some new wolf-soldiers hanging about and threatening things, and Iko simply won’t have that. Amazon’s description promises appearances by the heroines of the previous novels, including Cinder herself. Goodreads reviews, meanwhile, mostly appear to be excited pre-reviews, but a few here and there promise that there’s a good time to be had with this one. Feiwel & Friends; hardcover, 240 pages; list price: $21.99.
Also among the books out today are a new Beauty and the Beast coloring book, inspired by the new movie; the fourth volume of Marvel’s main Star Wars comic, Last Flight of the Harbinger; and Eloisa James’ Seven Minutes in Heaven.
Next: 50 YA Novels We Want on the Big Screen
What’s first on your reading list this week?