Sound Recommendations: 8 Audiobook Reviews

I been a little busy with work this month, but I still managed to listen to 8 books since I last checked in with you. BTW: I have been reading in print & digital too--I'll get to those books next time.

Before I get to my mini reviews, I'd like to remind you that I list the books I've read on both Library Thing) and Goodreads, so if you're curious, you can always follow me there. I also post book content on Instagram.

Coming up later this week, I have a fun post involving a collaboration, and I'm planning a Weekend Cooking post as well. Hope you're all staying healthy and safe.

• The Heatwave by Kate Riordan (Grand Central; Aug. 18): This domestic thriller is set in the south of France and involves a deteriorating estate, family secrets, and a closed community. Although I didn't guess all the secrets and the atmosphere was tense, I was ultimately left with a meh feeling. I don't think everything has to be explained in detail, but some plot lines weren't fleshed out enough, and the ending was unsatisfying. The audiobook was nicely read by Miranda Raison (Hachette Audio; 8 hr, 46 min). Her accents and expressive delivery kept me invested in the story.
• The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi (Holt; Aug. 4): This mystery is set up as a book within a book. The frame involves a young book editor who is working with an author to bring his collection of short mystery stories back to print. Within the frame, we have the stories themselves, which were written (by the fictitious author) to teach lessons of a good mystery. The stories are retellings of Agatha Christie classics, so it was fun to figure out which story went with which Christie. Other than that, I wasn't all that drawn into the frame mystery: what are the editor and author hiding? Note, however, that this book has won tons of praise. As I wrote in my AudioFile magazine review, this is recommended for Agatha Christie aficionados (read by Emilia Fox; Macmillan Audio; 11 hr, 16 min).
• The Less Dead by Denise Mina (Mulholland; Aug. 18): This thriller involves a pregnant doctor (Margo) who, in the aftermath of her mother's death and a breakup with her boyfriend, decides to try to get in contact with her birth mother's family to learn more about her heritage. What she discovers is that her biological mother was murdered just days after giving up her baby. Now that Margo's met her aunt, she finds herself getting increasingly tangled up in their personal dramas as well as in the unsolved serial murder cases that include her own mother. There were definitely some scary moments and it was difficult to tease out the motives and secrets of the people Margo meets, but in the long run, the book was only okay for me. I didn't really connect or care enough. Katie Leung did a fine job with her narration (Hachette Audio; 8 hr, 4 min)--good accents, building tension, believable emotions--so the miss is totally on me.
• Death of a Liar by M. C. Beaton (Grand Central; 2015). This is the 30th in the series. I don't have more to say, except that I am still enjoying this very light, fun cozy series. Graeme Malcolm (Hachette Audio; 5 hr, 20 min) is always a pleasure to listen to.
  

• Death of a Nurse by M. C. Beaton (Grand Central; 2016): The 31st in the series. Graeme Malcolm (Hachette Audio; 5 hr, 28 min) did it again!
• 10 Things I Hate about Pinky by Sandhya Menon (Simon Pulse; July 21): This is the third book Menon has written about Indian-American California teens; the books have some overlapping characters but can all be read as stand-alones. Pinky's story is successfully based on The Taming of the Shrew (think of the movie Ten Things I Hate about You) and is generally interesting with relatable characters. Though I liked it, it was my least favorite of the three novels. Some of the story lines seemed unnecessary and others were a little drawn out; still worth the listen. Narrators Vikas Adam and Soneela Nankani (Simon & Schuster; 7 hr, 11 min) team up to read this young adult rom-com. Adam's delivery isn't as smooth as Nankani's, but I got used to it.
• Brave Enough by Jessie Diggins and Todd Smith (U of Minnesota Press; March 10): In this memoir, cross-country ski champion Diggins talks about her journey from her childhood in rural Minnesota to standing on the Olympic podium to accept a gold medal. She speaks frankly about her eating disorder and the less glamorous aspects of being an elite athlete along with the wonderful opportunities, friendships, and rewards of training with a team. Maybe not the best-written memoir of all time, but I liked getting to know Diggins. More on the audiobook read by Allyson Ryan (Tantor; 10 hr, 532 min) in AudioFile magazine.
• Death of a Ghost by M. C. Beaton (Grand Central; 2017). This is the penultimate book in the series. Sadly it wasn't my favorite of the bunch, but I still liked spending time with copper Hamish Macbeth. Only one more book to go! As always, Graeme Malcolm (Hachette Audio; 5 hr, 37 min) put in an terrific performance.

Thanks to the publishers (audiobook & print) for the review copies. And thanks to Libro.fm.

Click for more

11 Picks for Speculative Fiction Fans

Here at Beth Fish Reads I try my best to provide book news for a range of reading tastes. Last week I was all about true stories, so this week I’ve taken a 180. The books featured today are not only fiction but have some fantastical elements. Most are set in fully imaginary worlds, but one takes places in the bleak future and a couple are based in contemporary times.

Here are 11 November books that caught my eye. The summaries are from the publisher, and I’ve included the first line and audiobook information as well. Speculative fiction lovers have a lot to be grateful for this month.

Note: All books were provided (digital, print, or audio) by the publisher; some first lines are from advance reader copies.

Life and Limb by Jennifer Roberson (DAW, Nov. 5) The first installment in a new urban fantasy with a western slant on Armageddon.

Gabe Harlan, ex-con biker, and Remi McCue, Texas cowboy, are informed—no, commanded—by a higher power that they must form a partnership, bound by blood and bone, to help save the world. Complete strangers one moment, they have now been thrust together, conscripted into heaven’s army-on-earth. While Remi is willing to believe in such things, to Gabe, newly released from prison, it makes no sense that heaven would count on humans when it has angels in its armory.

First line: “His voice was rich, a much loved, clear baritone, as he handed his seven-year-old grandson a gun.” Audiobook: Read by Kevin Stillwell (Audible Studios; 10 hr, 57 min).

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White (Delacorte Press, Nov. 5) This first in a trilogy offers a fresh look at Guinevere and her role at Camelot.

Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom’s borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution—send in Guinevere to be Arthur’s wife . . . and his protector from those who want to see the young king’s idyllic city fail. . . . To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old—including Arthur’s own family—demand things continue as they have been, and the new—those drawn by the dream of Camelot—fight for a better way to live.

First line: “There was nothing in the world as magical and terrifying as a girl on the cusp of womanhood.” Audiobook: Read by Elizabeth Knowelden (Listening Library; 10 hr, 51 min)

Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B. Larson (Tor Teen, Nov. 5) The story of two sisters living in a fairy-tale world.

Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world—including their Paladin father the night Inara was born. On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. . . . For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world . . . until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.

First line: “The night my sister was born, the stars died and were reborn in her eyes.” Audiobook: Read by Caitlin Kelly (Macmillan Audio, 14 hr, 42 min)

Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw (Simon Pulse, Nov. 5) A dark fantasy set near a haunted woods lightened by elements of romance.

Rumored to be a witch, only Nora Walker knows the truth. She and the Walker women before her have always shared a special connection with the woods. And it’s this special connection that leads Nora to Oliver Huntsman—the same boy who disappeared from the Camp for Wayward Boys weeks ago—and in the middle of the worst snowstorm in years. He should be dead, but here he is alive, and left in the woods with no memory of the time he’d been missing.

First line: “Never waste a full moon, Nora, even in winter, my grandmother used to say.” Audiobook: Read by Emma Lysy and Mark Turesky (Audible Studios; 10 hr, 16 min)

Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade (Tor, Nov. 5) An epic fantasy full of adventure and friendship.

Everyone loves Mathias. Naturally, when he discovers it’s his destiny to save the world, he dives in headfirst, pulling his best friend, Aaslo, along for the ride. However, saving the world isn’t as easy, or exciting, as it sounds in the stories. The going gets rough, and folks start to believe their best chance for survival is to surrender to the forces of evil, which isn’t how the prophecy goes. At all. As the list of allies grows thin . . . they must decide how to become the heroes they were destined to be or, failing that, how to survive.

First line: “ ‘Why?’ Mathias said as he stared down at the back of his best friend’s head.” Audiobook: Read by Nick Podehl (Macmillan Audio; 12 hr, 33 min)

Day Zero by Kelly deVos (Inkyard Press, Nov. 12) Set in the near future, a story of survival after organized violence ends life as we know it.

Seventeen-year-old coder Jinx Marshall grew up spending weekends drilling with her paranoid dad for a doomsday she’s sure will never come. . . . Now that her parents are divorced, she’s ready to relax. But all that disaster training comes in handy when . . . a pattern of violence erupt[s] all over the country. . . . In a desperate attempt to evade paramilitary forces and vigilantes, Jinx and her siblings . . . make a break for Mexico. . . . But if they can survive, will there be anything left worth surviving for?

First line: “I will save the world.” Audiobook: no information

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (Doubleday, Nov. 5) Stories come alive in an underground world where time is fluid and people are not what they seem.

Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, . . . he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues—a bee, a key, and a sword—that lead him . . . through a doorway to an ancient library hidden far below the surface of the earth. What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians—it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead.

First line: “There is a pirate in the basement.” Audiobook: Read by Dominic Hoffman and others (Random House Audio, 18 hr, 37 min)

Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian (Henry Holt BYR, Nov. 26) A dark adventure fantasy with battles, monsters, and forbidden magic

In a world where magic is illegal, eight criminals led by rebellious Larkin are sent on a mission to rid their kingdom of monsters. Descending into an underground world full of unspeakable horrors, Larkin and her crew must use their forbidden magic to survive. As they fight in the shadows, Larkin finds a light in Amias, a fellow outlaw with a notorious past. . . . But as the beasts grow in number and her band is picked off one by one, Larkin is forced to confront a terrible truth: They were never meant to return.

First line: “Beneath Larkin’s glowing lantern, luminite shimmered like fish scales in the darkness of Ethera Mine.” Audiobook: Read by Lauren Fortgang (Macmillan; 10 hr, 15 min)

Unnatural Magic by C. M. Waggoner (Ace, Nov. 5) A standalone historical fantasy with strong female characters who hope to forge peace in their land

Onna Gebowa is determined to become a great wizard. She can write the parameters of a spell faster than any of the young men in her village school. But despite her incredible abilities, she’s denied a place at the nation’s premier arcane academy. . . . Tsira is a troll who never quite fit into her clan, despite being the leader’s daughter. She decides to strike out on her own and look for work in a human city. . . . Trolls have lived alongside—and been revered by—humans for generations, but now it appears they’re being targeted by a sinister sorcery. And Onna and Tsira both begin to devote their considerable abilities into figuring out how to stop the deaths before their homeland is torn apart.

First line: “Onna Gebowa always liked numbers.” Audiobook: Read by Shiromi Arserio (Blackstone; ~14 hr)

Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao (Delacorte Press, Nov. 19) The start of an epic fantasy series with elements of mystery, political intrigue, and corruption

In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are unnatural—dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, has a terrifying secret. Her deadly Affinity to blood is her curse and the reason she has lived her life hidden behind palace walls. When Ana’s father, the emperor, is murdered, her world is shattered. Framed as his killer, Ana must flee the palace to save her life. And to clear her name, she must find her father’s murderer on her own. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is far different from the one she thought she knew.

First line: “The prison bore a sharp resemblance to the dungeons of Anastacya’s childhood: dark, wet, and made of unyielding stone that leaked grime and misery.” Audiobook: Read by Emily Woo Zeller (Listening Library; 13 hr, 57 min)

Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean (HMH BYR, Nov. 6) Set in a world where women battle for power and shape-shifters are despised

Each generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku. The rules are simple. Survive the palace’s enchanted seasonal rooms. Conquer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Marry the prince. All are eligible to compete—all except yokai, supernatural monsters and spirits whom the human emperor is determined to enslave and destroy. Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress. Winning should be easy. And it would be, if she weren't hiding a dangerous secret. Mari is a yokai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. If discovered, her life will be forfeit.

First line: “Breathing in the dark, and not her own.” Audiobook: Read by Hanako Footman (HMH, 9 hr, 52 min)

Click for more

6 Books to Diversify Your September Reading List

I've defined my idea of diverse books many times on this blog. My definition may not meet your standards. That's okay. No matter how you define diversity in your reading (authors of color, LGBTQ+ themes, books in translation, #OwnVoices, women authors), I encourage you to find books that fit that definition. I have a broad and somewhat unique approach.

Here are six books, publishing this month, that fit my idea of diversity in some way.

Slay by Brittney Morris (Simon Pulse, Sept. 24): This is billed as Ready Player One meets The Hate U Give. Teenage Kiera Johnson, one of the very few black students at her high school, is a math whiz and avid gamer, who has developed an extremely popular role-playing game with black activist features. The game is a sort of safe haven for black gamers until a game-related real-life murder brings SLAY to the attention of the world at large. This thriller involves themes of racism, exclusion, and trying to fit in mixed with gaming action and off-line violence and bullying. This timely novel is an #OwnVoices book that explores important contemporary issues. The novel is an Indie Next pick. (Audience: young adult)

Crossed-Out Notebook by Nicolás Giacobone, trans. by Megan McDowell (Scribner, Sept. 24): This is an insider commentary on the world of script writers. Set in Argentina, a screenwriter is being held captive in the basement of a famous Latin American movie director. Although Pablo has already turned out a couple of scripts, the director, who takes all the writing credit, is now demanding a "world-changing screenplay" worthy of the biggest Hollywood stars. Pablo, however, is suffering a bit of writer's block--perhaps as a result of being threatened at gun point? The novel consists of his nightly musings, a kind of diary that he deletes every morning. His inner thoughts are countered by the more immediate questions: Can he escape to freedom? Will he write the script? Is someone going to get hurt. A kind of psychological thriller along the lines of Misery by an Oscar-winning screenplay writer. (#OwnVoices; audience: adult)

Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappah (Scribner; Sept. 10): This is story of what happened after the famous Dr. Livingstone died. History tells us that David Livinstone's body and belongings were transported across Africa and returned to England in 1873, but those accounts are told from a white man's point of view. In this moving and important novel, Livingstone's (female) cook and a converted freed (male) slave each contribute to the story of how Africans loyal to the doctor carried his corpse 1500 miles across the continent so he wouldn't be lost and forgotten. As the journey progresses, the members of the party begin question Livingstone's character and intentions and readers get a look at Africa in all its vastness and diversity. The novel has earned starred reviews. (#OwnVoices; audience: adult)

The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste (Norton, Sept. 24). This is a very different World War II story, set in Ethiopia as it prepares for and fights Mussolini's invasion. When the war is just a possibility, Hirut is a maid in the house of one of Haile Selassie's army officers. After Italian soldiers arrive, Hirut, her mistress, and other women do their part to defend their homeland, whether acting as nurses, spies, guards, or advisers. Hirut is more involved than others, helping devise a scheme to boost Ethiopian morale and find a way to survive the occupation. An important story of a little-known aspect of the war told from a non-Western woman's point of view that is universal in its themes of what it means to be a civilian woman in a battle-torn world. The author has garnered much praise. (#OwnVoices; audience: adult)

Night Boat to Tangier by Keven Barry (Doubleday, Sept. 17): Set in the Spanish port city Algeciras, two middle-aged Irish drug smugglers wait for the ferry from Morocco looking for a girl. As Maurice and Charlie settle in at the terminal hoping to cross paths with Maurice's estranged daughter, they talk with others in the waiting room; observe the local dogs; and--above all-reminisce about their pasts. This is a story of crime, marriages, violence, and a sometimes rocky partnership told in the easy, sometimes profane, banter of long-time friends. There is a bit of a mystery as to why Dilly disappeared and why she may be on the ferry to (or perhaps from) Tangier on that very night. A sometimes dark, sometimes funny contemporary story by an award-winning Irish author  (audience: adult)

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite (Inkyard, Sept. 3): This is the story of a first-generation Haitian American who is sent from Miami to her parents' homeland after messing up just months before high school graduation. Alaine's story is told through a mix of media (letters, texts, email, school report) as she completes the assignment that will get her reinstated in school. Under the watchful care of one of her aunts, Alaine learns more about her family's history, her own heritage, and what life is like for people who don't have the privileges or comforts America and her professional parents have given her. A cute guy, family drama, and Haitian culture give this coming-of-age story oomph and the epistolary style makes it fun to read. (#OwnVoices; audience: young adult)

Note: I would add Dominicana and Red at the Bone to this list as well. For more on those novels, see my what to look for at BookExpo 2019 post. I thought I should mention the books again so you can look for them at your local bookstore and library.

Click for more

5 Books for Your August Beach Bag

Now that the steamy dog days of August are upon us, my reading mood has turned to light, fun contemporary stories that can take my mind off the fact that I don't have central air in my house. These kinds of stories are also great for beach and poolside reading and for listening to during a car trip.

I've limited today's recommendations to August titles that haven't gotten a lot of book blogger or bookstagramer buzz. All of these caught my attention, and I hope to make a dent in this list over the next few weeks. Have you read any of them yet?

Say You Still Love Me by K. A. Tucker (Atria, Aug. 6). This is a second-chance romance involving a couple from opposite sides of the tracks. As teenagers, rich Piper and working-class Kyle met--and fell in love--at a summer camp, where they were both counselors. Young love didn't survive real life, and the two lost contact. Almost fifteen years later, Piper is getting ready to head up her family's high-powered real estate company when she discovers Kyle is a security guard for one of their buildings. She recognizes him, but it seems he doesn't even remember her name. Will sparks fly again? And if they do, would their grownup relationship have any kind of future? First lines: A spoiled tart. Or was it spoiled brat? Audiobook: Read by Devon Sorvari (Simon & Schuster Audio; 14 hr, 23 min)

Going Dutch by James Gregor (Simon & Schuster, Aug. 20). This twenty-first-century love triangle is set in New York and centers around a doctoral student in medieval Italian literature. Richard isn't having much luck with the men he meets, his dissertation hit a wall, and his funding is running out. Enter Anne, a fellow student who offers to help him write and who also seriously elevates his lifestyle. Their working relationship develops into something deeper, but Richard then meets Blake, who seems to be everything he's ever wanted in a guy. Richard has some serious soul-searching ahead of him in terms of sexuality, commitment, money, love, friendship, career, and more. First lines: Richard looked out the window. April, and he was sure he could identify in the faces of the passing students a certain late undergraduate mood: the weather having turned sweet, exams just finished, and you're preparing for whatever plans you've made. Audiobook: Read by Michael David Axtell (Simon & Schuster Audio; 9 hr)

The Other's Gold by Elizabeth Ames (Viking, Aug. 27). Four girls bond after being assigned to the same freshman dorm suite at their (fictional) New England college. This is the story of how their friendship deepens and then is tested by realities of their backgrounds, the pressures of school and dating and then, later, love, marriage, poor choices, bad mistakes, motherhood, and careers. Is the ultimate test of friendship the power to forgive, even when you know each other's darkest secrets? First lines: After their room, the four spent the most time together in the dining hall, so called as though anyone could mistake its vaulted ceilings, tree-length tables, and brassy chandeliers for anything so pedestrian as a cafeteria. Margaret managed, though. Audiobook: Read by Julia Whelan (Penguin Audio; ~11 hr)

Start Here by Trish Doller (Simon Pulse, Aug. 13). This story of friendship is part sailing adventure, part coming-of-age, and part overcoming loss. During the summer before college, two girlfriends set off on a planned sailing trip. Although still grieving the loss of their other BFF, who died of leukemia the year before, they honor her deathbed wish that the pair stick together and take the boat from Lake Erie down to Florida. Along the way, the girls discover their inner strength, learn about the power of friendship, and find hope for the future. Written for a young adult audience, this novel has adult crossover appeal. First lines: Finley sits cross-legged on her bed, wearing the glossy blue Coraline wig she bought last Halloween. Her parents had put the kibosh on trick-or-treating when she became a teenager, but she and her friends still dressed up to hand out candy to the neighborhood littles. Audiobook: no information

Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstein (Atria, Aug. 6). In the best rom-com tradition, a jewelry shop owner mistakenly posts a photo to Instagram and then decides not to correct her followers' mistaken notion that she's gotten engaged. It's all in good fun and good for business until the lie becomes too complex to maintain. And then there's the matter of finding a pretend boyfriend, which in turn complicates a possible real relationship. What's a contemporary social media star and desperate businesswoman to do? First lines: Tonight’s date was the kind of disaster that makes people give up on finding love forever. For starters, I had eyeballed his height from his Tinder photos; I had guessed he was about six feet, maybe four inches taller than me. Audiobook: Read by Rebekkah Ross (Simon & Schuster Audio; 9 hr, 8 min)

Click for more

5 July Books for Teens and Kids

I'm in denial. It's not the last Friday in July. It can't be! I still have a lot of July books left to read. I wonder if I'll ever catch up. Probably not.

Today's round up is all about books geared to middle grade and young adult readers. Two are a little young for good adult cross-over appeal, but they're cute books nonetheless. All you gamers out there will want to read the Mindcraft book. The remaining books are perfect for adults looking for good fiction to read on their own or with their kids or for teens to read on their own. Let's take a look.

For Young Readers

Awesome Dog 5000 by Justin Dean (Random House Children, July 2). This debut illustrated book is geared to kids 8 to 10 years old. Ten-year-old Marty Fontana is gearing up to survive his first day at new school. Things were going fine until lunchtime, when he learns he is already at the bottom rung of the coolness ladder. Fortunately, Marty meets the other two "zeros," Ralph Rogers and Skyler Kwon, and discovers all three of them love to play video games. One day while playing at Marty's new home, they knock over a box the previous owner left behind. Inside is a robotic dog. But this isn't any old robot, it's a supersonic, Awesome Dog! Antics, humor, mayhem, and mischief ensue and there's even a mad scientist called Dr. Crazybrains. The story is told through a combination of text, fun fonts, and black and white illustrations--perfect for reluctant readers or light summer reading. The book is filled with just the kind of total silliness and fast action that makes reading fun. Don't forget to try to crack the secret code at the back of the book. Some good news: Awesome Dog 5000 is the start of series, so there's more zaniness to come.

Babymouse: School Tripped by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House Children, July 9). This is the third in the Tales from the Locker series by a best-selling sister-brother team. In this adventure Babymouse is starting middle school and is excited to learn the class is going on a field trip to the big city. This has to be better than humiliating herself on the sports field. Plus the teachers are going to let the students explore the museum unchaperoned, if they stay in pairs and stay in the museum. But what if Babymouse and her best friend explored the city all on their own? Who would know, just as long as they got to the bus on time. Besides, Babymouse sneaked her cellphone into her bag, despite the school rule against taking it, so they'll be safe, right? Of course, after they leave the museum, they realize they aren't really prepared for city life, and after Babymouse drops and breaks her phone, the girls are pretty much on their own. Will they make it back to the museum before the bus leaves without them? It turns out the friends are fairly resourceful and level headed and learn some good lessons about independence and making poor choices. Although this Babymouse story is not told as a graphic novel, there are plenty of illustrations to bring the adventure to life. Readers who haven't read the first Locker books can jump right in. Can't wait to see what Babymouse does next.

For Gaming Fans

Minecraft: The Lost Journals by Mur Lafferty (Del Rey, July 9). I'm not a big gamer, but I sure have heard of the very popular Minecraft game, which is, apparently, the highest-selling PC game ever. In this official Minecraft novel, friends Max and Alison find an old journal that reveals how to create a portal into another world. The journal was written by someone called the Enchanter, and the world it describes sounds dangerous. The kids decide to give portal construction a go, but success leads to a dilemma: stay home where it's safe or travel to Nether where they'll be on their own. Fate chooses for them, and the pair find themselves in a scary place. Will their new friend and the clues in the journal help them find the Enchanter or help them get back home. Max and Alison's friendship is stretched to near breaking as the kids escape danger and learn to survive in Nether. The book includes a few black and white illustrations of pages from the journal, which is a cool touch. Reviewers have almost consistently given The Lost Journals five stars, and if you're into Minecraft, put this adventure story on your list.

For Teen Readers

The Boy and Girl Who Broke the World by Amy Reed (Simon Pulse, July 9). This young adult novel is billed as being a little bit different. When two Washington State high schools from competing towns are merged into a single school, everyone has an opinion. Billy Sloat is eternally optimistic, even though his life has been hard: he's poor, lonely, and lives with his grandmother. Lydia Lemon is lonely by choice: she doesn't much like people and generally doesn't see much good in the world. When these two teens form an unlikely friendship, they begin to change each other and maybe even the world around them. The closer the pair gets, the stranger things become: a tornado comes through the area and a dense fog covers the town--is it the end of the world? As far as I can tell the major themes have to do with family, accepting those who are different from you, and above all the power of friendship. Other issues involve drug abuse and maybe child abuse. Every single review and the publisher mention that the book is weird, surreal, very different, and/or strange. But this doesn't seem to be a negative . . . even Kirkus liked it. I'm still on the fence about reading it, but I think I'd like to give it a try.

My Ideal Boyfriend Is a Croissant by Laura Dockrill (Delacorte Press, July 16). This young adult novel focuses on real-life issues but addresses them through the voice of a seventeen-year-old girl who loves food. Bluebelle (aka Big Bones or BB) is a big girl who loves to eat and especially loves her work as an apprentice in a local cafe. But after a particularly bad asthma attack leads to the discovery that she's pre-diabetic, BB reluctantly agrees that she needs to lose weight. Her doctor suggests that she keep a food diary, which soon becomes BB's outlet for many observations about life. BB is a bit sarcastic and doesn't shy away from putting herself in tough situations, but she also prides herself in being brave. Set in East London, this is a funny, smart, body-positive story about a teen trying to balance health, societal expectations, home life, and school against her self-image, obvious passion for all things food, and zest for life. There's a touch of romance and a plot line involving BB's relationship with her petite younger sister. I love the cover and the title, but more than the superficial, I really like the messages. This novel was previously published in England under the title Big Bones.

Click for more

7 Contemporary Stories That Tackle Everyday Issues

I don't know about you, but my May bookshelf is overflowing with a wide range of fantastic reads. My lineup includes history and memoir, cookbooks and crafty books, literary fiction and fantasy and much more. I'm particularly impressed with some of this month's books for young adult (and older) readers, and that's what this post is all about.

Wait! Don't click away. You might be surprised by the depth of contemporary YA stories, so stick around and take a look. You'll find memoir, thrillers, stories about friendship, #ownvoices titles, and a love story or two.

There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon (Simon Pulse, May 14): I loved Menon's previous books (When Dimple Met Rishi and From Twinkle, with Love), so it's a no-brainer that I've put her newest novel on my list. Genre & themes: rom-com; first-generation American, body image. Basketball star Ashish is on the rebound after a bad breakup and so reluctantly agrees to go out on an arranged date. Sweetie is a tack champ, smart, and musically talented, but all her parents see is that she's (in their eyes, anyway) overweight. Will the two teens find anything more in common than having traditional Indian-American parents? Although Ashish is the brother of Rishi, this novel can be read as a standalone. Audiobook: Simon & Schuster Audio, 11 hr, read by Vikas Adam and Soneela Nankani.

The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Freeform; May 7). Barnes has written a ton of novels, including last year's Little White Lies (a sequel to that is coming out in November). Genre & themes: mystery, thriller; wilderness survival, lost children, search & rescue dogs. When Kira was a little girl, she was found wandering alone in the woods by a search & rescue dog and was ultimately raised by that dog's owners. Now a teenager, Kira and her friends have plans to set up their own business, using trained dogs to help find other people who lose their way in wild areas. When they get a chance to find a missing girl, they decide to test their skills. Once in the national park, however, Kira's memories of her own experiences come to the surface, and with clarity comes fear. Audiobook: Blackstone, 8.5 hr, read by Emily Lawrence.

Bright Burning Stars by A. K. Small (Algonquin BYR, May 21). I danced when I was young and then again when I was in my thirties, so I have a soft spot for books about ballet. Small's own experiences as a young dancer in France inform her work. Genre & themes: contemporary fiction; friendship; ambition; jealousy; love. Best friends Marine and Kate have spent their young lives dancing and training at the Paris Opera Ballet, but they've now reached the age and status at which they've become rivals--both for a single position in the corps de ballet and for a handsome boy dancer. The stress of competition, the raging hormones for love and sex, and the irresistible pull for fame tests their loyalties and their commitment to dance. Audiobook: I was unable to find any information.

Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum (Delacorte, May 7). I like Buxbaum's earlier work (Tell Me Three Things), so I put this on my list. Genre & themes: contemporary fiction; PTSD, unwanted fame. On 9/11, a photographer captured toddler Abbi's image as she was being rescued from the collapsing World Trade Center towers. Now seventeen and suffering from asthma, she still has social media fame. In an attempt to escape prying eyes, Abbi takes a job as a camp counselor to little kids who aren't old enough to know about 9/11. Despite her best efforts, one of the boy counselors recognizes her, but it turns out he too is dealing with issues related to that horrible day. Can they help each other? Audiobook: Listening Library; 8.25 hr; read by Jorjeana Marie, Robbie Daymond, and Julie Buxbaum.

We Are the Perfect Girl by Ariel Kaplan (Knopf BYR, May 21). I liked Kaplan's We Regret to Inform You and couldn't resist reading her reworking of Cyrano de Bergerac. Genre & themes: classic retelling; love; friendship; self-image. Aphra, the bold one, and Bethany, the beauty, together make the perfect girl and are lucky enough to have the perfect friendship. When some wires get crossed and irresistibly hot Greg asks out Bethany, Aphra plays conversation coach and takes over her BFF's texts. Only problem is, Aphra has already fallen for Greg. She wants to follow her own heart but doesn't want to mess up her friendship. Humor and teen angst infuse this modern retelling of the classic play, which has garnered several starred reviews. Audiobook: Listening Library, 11 hr, read by Holly Linneman

Brave Face by Shaun David Hutchinson (Simon Pulse, May 21). I read Hutchinson's We Are the Ants and am very curious about his life. (Note: This important memoir comes with trigger warnings.) Genre & themes: memoir; LBGTQ+, depression. In this very frank and open memoir Hutchinson talks about his path to self-acceptance as he struggled to move past a teenage suicide attempt and realize that depression could be dealt with and that being gay didn't mean that happiness was out of his reach. If we can talk openly about depression and learn to accept love in all its many guises maybe the children of the next generations will not have to suffer the pain and trauma of those who came before. A message of hope that leaves off the sugar coating. Audiobook: Simon & Schuster Audio, 9 hr, read by the author.

The Things She's Seen by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina (Knopf BYR, May 14). Several things drew me this debut novel, not least of which is the Australian setting. Genre & themes: thriller, family, justice, grief. Death by car accident hasn't severed Beth's connections with her police detective father. As she tries to find a way to move her spirit to another plane and ease her father's grief, she becomes embroiled in his next case, which is an arson in a remote town that took the life of another girl. The only possible witness can't seem to give a straight answer, and secrets, traditional beliefs, tragedy, and violence all play a role before the case is closed. This is an #ownvoices novel written by a sister / brother team. Audiobook: Listening Library, 4.5 hr, read by Miranda Tapsell.

Click for more

8 Good Books for Teens and Tweens

March has been a great month for fiction geared to younger readers. You may shy away from middle grade and young adult books, assuming they lack a certain, shall we say, sophistication. In my experience, many contemporary novels written for teens and tweens deal with real-life issues in a authentic and frank manner and can be every bit as intense as adult fiction. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of books with teen angst, magic, and love gone awry.

Today’s roundup covers just a few of this month’s middle grade and young adult titles that caught my attention. Some are set in real life, but others contain elements of speculative fiction. All are worth looking into for yourself or for the young readers in your life.

Contemporary Stories

• Far Away by Lisa Graff (Philomel, March 5): This middle grade story is about 12-year-old CJ who lives with her itinerant aunt, who makes her living as a psychic. CJ is grateful that her aunt can commune with spirits because that’s the only way she can talk to mother, who died when she was a baby. But when her aunt says that she can no longer receive messages from CJ’s mother, the girl takes off with a teenage friend to try to reforge the connection. Magical realism, family secrets, and a road trip create a moving coming-of-age story. Note: this novel has gotten very mixed reviews. Audiobook: read by Monika Felice Smith Listening Library; 7 hr, 3 min)
• XL by Scott Brown (Knopf BYR, March 26): Set in San Diego, this young adult novel focuses on 16-year-old Will who still hasn’t had his growth spurt. Measuring in at just under 5 feet, he feels invisible and unattractive. But what happens when he starts growing . . . and growing? Is life any better on the other side of the yardstick? Romance, popularity, self-acceptance, friendship, and family round out Will’s story, which (according to reviews) contains a good dose of humor. Audiobook: read by Robbie Daymond (Listening Library 9 hr, 50 min)
• In Another Life by C. C. Hunter (Wednesday Books, March 26): When teenage Chloe and her just-divorced mom move to Texas to start over, Chloe has trouble adjusting. First, she begins to imagine that she remembers her life before her parents adopted her when she was just a toddler. Then when she befriends a cute boy living with foster parents, she begins to question everything her adoptive parents ever told her. This young adult thriller involves family secrets, lies, mental illness, adoption, and cancer. Audiobook: no information

Speculative Fiction

• The Revenge of Magic by James Riley (Aladdin, March 5): Set in a future Earth in which only children can learn magic, this is the first entry in a middle grade fantasy / adventure series. Young Fort Fitzgerald loses his father when Washington, D.C. is destroyed by monsters. Thus he jumps at the chance to attend a government-run school that teaches magic to promising tweens. Perhaps he’ll find a way to recover his dad and stop further creature attacks . . . or maybe he’ll just be haunted by disturbing dreams and barred from learning the truth of who’s really in control of the world. Fort must find allies and his own inner strength. The academy is less wizardy and more military, as the kids are being trained to fight the monsters. Audiobook: read by Kirby Heyborne (Simon & Schuster Audio; 9 hr, 2 min)
• Sky without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell (Simon Pulse; March 26): Centuries after the French colonized the planet Laterre, rebellion is in the air as the one-percenters have all the power and the rest have few resources and little hope. Can three teens of very different backgrounds, personalities, and skills lead a successful uprising? This is the first in an action-packed young adult space opera series that is a futuristic retelling of Les Misérables, complete with the politics, romance, and class divides. Audiobook: read by Vikas Adam, Joy Osmanski, and Emily Woo Zeller (Simon & Schuster Audio; 18 hr, 33 min)

Finish Up a Series

• Winter War Awakening by Rosalyn Eves (Knopf BYR; March 19): Final entry in the Blood Rose Rebellion trilogy. This series is set in eastern Europe (basically Austria and Hungary) and contains elements of alternate history, real history (rebellion against the Hapsburgs) and fantasy. Series themes and issues: overcoming prejudice, self-acceptance, romance, strong female protagonists, learning to trust. Audiobooks: read by Fiona Hardingham & Steve West (Listening Library)
• The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton (Freeform; March 5): Second book in the Belles duology. These books are set in an alternate history New Orleans and contain dystopian and steampunk elements. Series themes and issues: corruption of power, LGBTQ, class differences, the worth of beauty. Audiobooks: read by Rosie Jones (Blackstone Audio)
• The Shadowglass by Rin Chupeco (Sourcebook Fire; March 5): Final book in the Bone Witch trilogy. Set in an alternative world with an Asian feel, the trilogy follows Tea and her brother as she struggles to find her place in a world that is hostile and dangerous; high fantasy elements. Series themes and issues: LGBTQ, romance, self-discovery, personal growth, family, leaving the past behind. Audiobooks: first two read by Emily Woo Zeller and Will Damron (Blackstone Audio); no information on book three

Click for more

Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: 7 Short Book Reviews

Happy Monday! I hope that everyone is ready to face the week, whether you're working, vacationing, or somewhere in between. I'm grateful to have a regular workweek ahead of me and am hoping to have the time to catch up on reading, straighten the house, and relax with some pleasure reading (or listening)

Since I last wrote about the books I'm reading, we've gone through the polar vortex, had some crazy warm days, fierce winds, and now we're on the brink of another snow storm. Starting Sunday night and heading on to Tuesday, we could see another foot or so of snow as well as an accumulation of ice. Have I mentioned lately that I'm so, so glad I work from home?

I missed last week's short story, but I read one over the weekend. I've been reading the first story in each collection, but at the end of February, I think I'll take a different tack and start reading the title story instead.

Here's what I read over the last two weeks. Many of them are audiobooks, because that's what I turn to when I busy editing.

At the Wolf's Table by Rosella Postorino, translated from the Italian by Leah Janeczko (Flatiron, January 29). This is a totally different take on the World War II story (at least for me) and was inspired by a true story. In 1943, Hitler was headquartered at the Wolfshanze (the Wolf's Lair), where he had a personal chef prepare his meals. Hitler's fear of poisoning ran deep, so he forced 10 local, German women to eat three meals a day at his country home. After they ate, they remained under SS guard for about an hour, to see if anyone got sick or died. Rosa Sauer, is one of the tasters. She is living with her in-laws, whom she barely knows, while her husband is fighting in the German army. The food tasters don't know each other before their assignment, but they soon develop uneasy friendships: some are proud to be Nazis, others (like Rosa) are not, but try to do what they must to survive. Some of the SS men are strict, others begin to ease up. No one is really safe. Because Rosa tells the story, we know she lives, but what we don't know is how or why. I was really interested what becoming tasters did to the women: they all lived with a constant fear of dying, and for the women like Rosa there was the further dilemma of being forced to protect Hitler while not believing in anything he was doing. Can Rosa ever have peace with herself; does she in fact really survive to have a full life? Even if you think you've read everything about World War II, you should give Postorino's novel a try. This would make a great book club pick because there is so much to think about. I don't want to give away what happens to Rosa, but I think about her choices, her interactions with the other people involved in the cooking and tasting, her relationship with her husband and his family, how we should think about her, and what her postwar life is like. This novel is all the stronger because it is based on the confessions of one of the real-life food tasters. (copy provided by the publisher)

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird (St. Martin's Press, September 4, 2018). In one of those odd quirks, I ended up reading another book based on a true story of a woman in wartime, this time the American Civil War. Cathy Williams was born into slavery in the Deep South and "freed" by Union General Philip Sheridan, who needed an assistant for his camp cook. Cathy worked for Sheridan, learning to survive in a world of white men, all the while missing her mother who told her stories of Africa and the gods and her own mother, who was a queen. After the war, there were few opportunities for a black woman who wanted to escape the hate and violence of the defeated South, so Cathy disguised herself as a man and enlisted into the army under the name William Cathay. She thus became the first woman to ever serve in the peacetime U.S. Army. As a member of the cavalry, she and her fellow buffalo soldiers went west to fight the Indians and open the land up to (mostly white) settlers. Cathy's story is not a fairy tale: she misses her family, she is terrified of being found out and raped, she almost dies in the southwest desert, and she mourns the death of those she loved. I had never heard of Cathy Williams nor had I read much about the buffalo soldiers. Don't pass this by because you think you're not all that interested in the Civil War and the settling of the American West. This is the true story of a brave woman who tried to find a way to survive in a changing world. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Macmillan Audio; 16 hr, 31 min) brilliantly read by Bahni Turpin. Turpin's expressive performance brings Cathy Williams's story alive. The audiobook also includes an interview with the author. (copy provided for a freelance assignment)

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon (Simon Pulse, May 22, 2018). This is a fun story about Twinkle Mehr, an Indian American, who dreams of becoming a filmmaker but thinks she has a million strikes against her. She lives in Colorado Springs, her parents can't afford to buy her good equipment and won't be able to pay for an expensive out-of-state college, and she's not a member of the popular group at school. To make things worse, her best friend is suddenly social climbing and the guy she's crushing on is not returning the feelings. When Sahil Roy--the twin brother of Twinkle's crush--offers her a chance to make a film for a local festival, Twinkle thinks all her dreams will come true. Not only will she be able to make a real movie but she'll have a chance to catch the eye of the cool kids. The novel is told through Twinkle's diary entries, with a few sections from Sahil's perspective, and is somewhat more than a cute contemporary teen rom-com. Twinkle's home life is difficult (for example, her mother suffers from depression) and she has many life lessons to learn about love and friendship and the dream of fame. I always enjoy Menon's take on Desi teen life. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Simon & Schuster Audio; 9 hr, 32 min) read by Soneela Nankani and Vikas Adam. Both Nankani and Adam did a fine job tapping into their inner teen, though Nankani occasionally went over the top with her emotions. Still, a decent audiobook. (digital and audio copies provided by the publisher)

The Chessmen by Peter May (Quercus, February 3, 2015): I finally finished up the Lewis trilogy by May. I don't have a lot new to say about this entry, but I love May's writing and I love how the island of Lewis (in the Outer Hebrides) is as much a part of the story as what happens to the characters. In this final Fin Macleod story, the ex-detective discovers a dead body in a private plane, which was exposed after a bog break drains a loch. His involvement with the cold case has links to his teenage years and one of his best lifelong friends. Meanwhile, Fin's personal life is not going as smoothly as it could, and he's feeling directionless since he returned to the island to restore his family's croft. The ending of this book was satisfying, though I was happy to see that the door has been left ajar, so maybe May will write more about Fin in the future (or maybe he's already done so; I need to check that out). If you want to try May but don't want to commit to a trilogy, check out his standalone novels. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio; 10 hr, 1 min) read by Peter Forbes. I love his skill with the several needed accents and much appreciate hearing the proper pronunciation of the Gaelic. (print and audio copies provided by the publisher)

The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camilleri, translated from the Italian by Stephen Sartarelli (Penguin Books, February 5): This is the latest installment  in the wonderful Montalbano mystery series set in Sicily. Detective Montalbano doesn't like paperwork, loves to eat, and is the man you want on the case. In this outing, Montalbano is tasked with figuring out why two woman, both of whom work for banks, were kidnapped but then let go several hours later unharmed and untouched. Before the detective can get far with this case, another women is kidnapped, but she is found naked and injured. Meanwhile, there's an arson, a possible Mafia hit, and a missing person. As Montalbano works through all these strange occurrences, he wonders if any of them are linked. I love Montalbano's personality, the dynamics between the police detective and his staff, the wisecracking dialogue, and the undercurrent of the Sicilian Mafia. Although this series is long (I think this is the 23rd installment), you can probably jump in anywhere and not feel lost. Each book is a single case; though, as with all series, there are recurring characters who develop through time. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Blackstone Audio; 6 hr, 15 min) read by the wonderful Grover Gardner. I love Gardner's characterizations and how easily he handles the humor and quick dialogue. If you're an audiobook fan, this series should be listened to instead of read in print. (audio copy provided for a freelance assignment)

Renegade Women in Film & TV by Elizabeth Weitzman (Clarkson Potter, February 5). As I wrote on Friday, this book contains dozens of short biographies of women involved in making movies and television shows. Each woman was a ground-breaker on some level and on both sides of the camera. This is a book to enjoy over the course of a few days, reading a couple of biographies at a time. I really enjoyed meeting new (to me) women, such as Gertrude Berg, who was one of the early television creators and who paved the way for many of the family sitcoms that have formed the foundation of prime-time television. Each biography is accompanied by either a short interview or a pithy quote: "I want to be identified with the body of filmmakers, not just women. What will really  help women is if they show up everywhere" -- Shirley Clarke (1919-1997), filmmaker. Don't miss the beautiful portraits of each woman by Austen Claire Clements. I love the art! The book ends with a bibliography and with a list of must-see movies and television. (review copy provided by the publisher)

"Heroes of the Revolution" by Brendan Mathews from This Is Not a Love Song (Little, Brown, February 5). This story is about two participants in a three-month fellowship program in the Chicago area for foreign journalists: Edina from Bosnia and Vitas from Lithuania. On an apple-picking group outing organized by an American graduate student, Edina and Vitas (both middle-aged) have a moment to talk and get to know each other while walking through the orchard. At the end of the day, young Kristen, who has a crush on Vitas, tells a story from her carefree teen years, which prompts Edina to tell her own story--not so carefree in the war zone of Sarajevo. Vitas also has a story to tell, and we are left with the striking difference between the innocence of American youth and those who must deal with the horrors that people can inflict on others. I'll definitely be reading more of Mathews's stories. (digital copy provided by the publisher.

Click for more

What's the Buzz? 10 Novels with Starred Reviews

June is one of the huge months for publishing. Tons of great new books are released right after Memorial Day, just in time for summer reading. What to know which ones have earned starred reviews from a variety of print sources? Here are 10 books on my eReader that were given special notice by professional reviewers. Do any of them catch your eye?

I've listed the books in alphabetical order, divided into young adult and adult. The quotations come from the publishers' summaries.

• All That I Can Fix by Crystal Chan (Simon Pulse, June 12): "A teen boy’s world gets turned upside-down when a zoo of exotic animals takes over his small town in this wickedly funny, heartbreakingly honest novel." Diverse read, humor, contemporary
• A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman (Greenwillow, June 26): "15 authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia . . . enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate." Diverse read, short stories/tales
• Wild Blues by Beth Kephart (Antheneum, June 5): "The threat of two escaped convicts and a missing friend lead Lizzie on a harrowing journey through the wilds of the Adirondacks." Art, friendship, survival (full-color illustrations)

• Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin (Ecco, June 12) "A gritty and captivating debut about a caretaker of an Appalachian nature preserve who gets embroiled in a dangerous bear-poaching scheme." Evocative descriptions of nature
• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (Viking, June 19): "A novel of friendship and redemption in the face of tragedy and loss set in 1980s Chicago and contemporary Paris." LBGTQ, coming of age
• The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah (William Morrow, June 19): "A novel about a woman who returns to her family’s ancestral vineyard in Burgundy and unexpectedly uncovers a lost diary, an unknown relative, and a secret her family has been keeping since World War II." Women's fiction, wine
• The Shimmer by Carsten Stroud (Mira, June 5): "A high octane thriller laced with humor and a smattering of supernatural genre-bending. Set in Florida now and during the fifties." Psychological suspense
• Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman (Ballentine, June 5): "A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller debut." First selection in Reese Witherspoon's Book Club
• Tell the Machine Goodnight by Katie Williams (Riverhead, June 19): "Smart and inventive, an emotional page-turner that considers the elusive definition of happiness." Set in Louisiana, coming of age
• The Verdum Affair by Nick Dybek (Scribner, June 12): "A sweeping, romantic, and profoundly moving novel . . . about a lonely young man, a beautiful widow, and the amnesiac soldier whose puzzling case binds them together even as it tears them apart." Friendship, secrets, love

Click for more

8 New Fantasies to Read in March

Good news for speculative fiction fans: March's new releases offer a wide range of subgenres and settings, and readers of all ages will find a a great story to carry them through the last weeks of winter. Today's round-up includes stand-alone stories and books that start new adventures. You'll also find a bonus list of three long-awaited continuations of some favorite series.

New Worlds

• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Henry Holt BYR, March 6): This first in the new Legacy of Orisha series takes place in a world that's been stripped of its magic. With the help of her brother and a runaway princess, Zélie is determined to restore power to her people, even if she must put herself in mortal danger. Themes of race, family, overpowering tyranny, and love are set in an African atmosphere.
• The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw (March 6, Simon Pulse): About 200 years ago in a small Oregon town, three sisters were tried and executed for witchcraft. The town thought they were done with the witches, but the sisters weren't done with the town. Every summer they seek revenge by inhabiting the bodies of young girls and luring boys to their death. Will one of this year's girls finally break the spell?
• Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins (Del Rey, March 6): In this new epic fantasy series, a king falls into a coma, leaving his realm vulnerable. His five daughters scour the land to find a cure, while fending off their step-brother, who is only all too eager to take the reins of power. The story shares elements with Norse legends.

Young Readers

• Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (Rick Riordan Presents, March 27): When Aru takes a dare from her classmates to light a supposedly magical lantern housed in a museum where her mom is a curator, the young girl awakes a sleeping spirit who is bent on destroying the world. Rich in classic Hindu tales, infused with humor and feminism, and starring a delightful protagonist this is the first in the Pandava series.
• Strange Star by Emma Carroll (Delacorte BYR, March 20): In June 1818, Lord Byron invites four guests to a villa in Switzerland to entertain each other with ghost stories. Just as Mary Shelley is about to speak, the party is interrupted by a young girl who arrives exhausted and covered in strange scars. This is her spooky tale, which was inspired by the classic Frankenstein, on its 200th anniversary.

Continuing Series

• Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs (Ace, March 6): In this fifth installment in the Alpha and Omega series, the werewolf pack is under threat from other not-so-human creatures. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy and werewolves. Note of interest: set in the same universe as Briggs's Mercy Thompson books.
• Heart Forger by Rin Chupeco (Sourcebook Fire, March 20): In the follow-up to the first Bone Witch book, our hero, Tea, is amassing her power and revenge will soon be hers. Perfect for fans of black magic mixed with a touch of humor and solid characters.
• Lost Crow Conspiracy by Rosalyn Eves (Knopf BYR, March 27): In this middle volume of the Blood Rose Rebellion trilogy, Anna must face the consequences of her reckless behavior, which set loose unregulated magic to wreak havoc across 19th-century Europe. Perfect for fantasy fans who like historically recognizable settings, flawed characters, and good action.

Click for more