The New Books Roundup, March 7: Sci-Fi Sequels and Some Scribbles
This week’s new books decidedly trend towards science fiction, but there’s also a comic collection that may pique your interest.
After a February that included releases from Neil Gaiman, fresh Star Wars, and the conclusion of the Shades of Magic series, we move into what may be a slightly quieter March. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any new books to look at in this new month. Far from it!
Clicking on each title will take you to Amazon, and below each one, we’ll paraphrase the official descriptions for you, offer a link to Goodreads, and throw in some extra facts and commentary.
Seven Surrenders
Ada Palmer has followed up Too Like the Lightning with this novel, the second installment in her Terra Ignota series. It’s very much science fiction, but it’s science fiction where the narrator can and will address you, reader, which can be jarring before you just go along with it. Suffice it to say that there’s a very large global conspiracy between the Hives that govern the planet, and that comes with all the usual hallmarks thereof. Of course, there’s a touch of the fantastic as well, thanks to the existence of Bridger, who with a touch can make things real. Here’s Seven Surrenders on Goodreads. Tor Books; hardcover, 400 pages; list price: $26.99.
Big Happy Mushy Lump: A Sarah’s Scribbles Collection
You’ve probably seen at least one of Sarah Andersen’s cartoons floating around the Internet at one time or another. (Remember Adulthood is a Myth? That’s her work, too.) The preview images suggest that we’ll get to see print versions of cartoons about female friendships, puberty, and more, all with plenty of humor. Amazon’s description also promises new work as well as essays from Andersen to accompany her “scribbles.” We’re pretty sure the cover alone is worth the price of admission. Check it out on Goodreads here. Andrews McMeel Publishing; paperback, 128 pages; list price: $14.99.
The Song Rising
Samantha Shannon’s second sequel to The Bone Season after The Mime Order returns readers to the world of Paige Mahoney, though she’s now the head of the London underground community. That brings to mind a certain famous uncle in comic books who says things about great power and all that. But, back to Paige, who’s now facing a major threat to the world as she knows it in the form of a new piece of science. Goodreads has its entry. Bloomsbury USA; hardcover, 384 pages; list price: $26.00.
Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
It only seems fitting that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s next book comes out on the first Tuesday of Women’s History Month. As suggested by the title, this one takes the form of a letter, inspired by a friend asking her how to raise a child as a feminist per the Amazon description. For those who have We Should All Be Feminists on your shelves, this is your natural next read — but it isn’t a sequel, so newcomers should check this one out as well. At less than 100 pages, this one could make for a lovely afternoon read. Knopf; hardcover, 80 pages; list price: $15.00.
Also out today is the Golden Girls coloring book as well as the twenty-seventh volume of The Walking Dead.
Next: Review: Firebrand, Kristen Britain
Let us know which books you’ll be checking out this week in the comments below.