Fantasy/Sci-Fi Lovin' GIVEAWAYS!

Free Stuff!

2009-07-09T10:12:00.001-07:00

~Quick list of giveaways for you all to check out~

My friend & contributing reviewer Jim Haley has a copy of The New Space Opera, including stories by Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Sean Williams, up for giveaway.

Lauren over at Shooting Stars Mag has an interview with author Alex Bell and a copy of Jasmyn up for grabs.

Book Junkie has her Hot Summer Nights Part Two contest up. Lots of prizes being awarded here.

SciFi Chick's contest featuring Tanya Huff's The Enchantment Emporium is almost up, so be sure to get your entries in quick. She also has 5 copies of Laura Resnick's The Purifying Fire for 5 lucky winners too.

SciFi Guy also has 5 copies of The Purifying Fire, as well as 5 copies of Dead Men's Boots by Mike Carey AND 3 set of Carey's Felix Castor series. He also has a copy of The Highwayman by Michelle Hauf for grabs.

The Clarity of Night blog has a really cool short story contest going on. Write 250 words and win yourself a $50 gift card from Amazon.

Debbie's World of Books has 5 copies of One Scream Away by Kate Brady for those of you who like some suspense.

Winners! "Conspirator" by C. J. Cherryh and "Warbreaker" by Brandon Sanderson

2009-07-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late announcements, but I have the winners of my overdue contests.

The winner of "Conspirator" by C. J. Cherryh is Michelle G

and the winner of my second copy of "Warbreaker" by Brandon Sanderson is Fokxxy

Congrats to both of you!

Thanks everyone for your patience while I try to get back on track.

Short Story Giveaway!

2009-07-01T23:54:00.001-07:00

It's that time again..Time to pass on some short stories. Thanks to Penguin Books I've got some short stories to pass on to a lucky winner.

Nebula Awards Showcase 2009, Edited by Ellen Datlow

Michael Chabon, Michael Moorcock, Karen Joy Fowler, and more: “The pulse of modern science fiction.”(New York Times Book Review)
This annual tradition from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America collects the best of the year’s stories, as well as essays and commentary on the current state of the genre and predictions of future science fiction and fantasy films, art, and more. This year’s award-winning authors include Michael Chabon, Karen Joy Fowler, Ted Chiang, and Nancy Kress, plus 2008 Grand Master Michael Moorcock.

and
Gamer Fantastic, Edited by Martin H. Greenburg and Kerrie Hughes

Let the games begin!
These thirteen original stories by veterans of the fantasy realms take role-playing games and universes to a whole new level. From a teenager who finds a better future in virtual reality; to a private investigator hired to find a dying man’s grandson in the midst of a virtual reality theme park; from a person gifted with the power to pull things out of books into the real world; to a psychologist using fantasy role-playing to heal his patients; from a gaming convention where the real winners may not be who they seem to be; to a multi-layered role-playing game that leads participants from reality to reality and games within games—these imaginative and fascinating new tales will captivate both lovers of original fantasy and anyone who has ever fallen under the spell of role-playing games.

I'm changing my entry format. Sadly, I have had too hard a time getting a hold of some winners lately and I'd like to avoid that in the future. Just enter your info in the form below and the entry will be sent to me automatically. I will randomly pick a winner by Thursday July 16th. Be sure to leave a valid address--if you win I will mail the books right off. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open everywhere.

Good luck!

Winners!

2009-06-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

I've randomly picked the winners of the first "Warbreaker" (by Brandon Sanderson) giveaway (signed edition) and the "Carpe Corpus" (by Rachel Caine) giveaway.

The winner of the "Warbreaker" giveaway is --

Sarah Hale (via email)

Congrats!

And the winners of the "Carpe Corpus" giveaway are--

Fantasy Dreamer

Lindsay (Frugal and Fabulous)

Joyce (My Life in Summary)

and

Karen Oland (via email)

Congratulations to all the winners!

Winners! "The Wolverine Files" by Mike W. Barr

2009-06-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

I used the old random number generator (random.org) to pick 5 winners to receive a copy of "The Wolverine Files" by Mike W. Barr and the winners are!

Carlene

Brooke Reviews

Silverhartgirl

Leland Eaves (via email)

and

Shana L. Rosenfeld (via email)

Congratulations everyone! Just make sure I get your snail mail addresses and I'll forward them to publisher right away so you can get your books!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Extra "Extras" Giveaway!

2009-06-18T12:25:00.001-07:00

A curious thing happened today, I got an extra copy of Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson. What's interesting is that I already have a giveaway up for the book here, but it's limited to U.S. entries since it's sponsored by Tor Books.

So, guess what this extra copy means? That's right, it means I can open this contest up worldwide. However, it should be noted that this copy is not signed by the author.

Anyway... If you haven't entered the contest yet (or you'd like an extra chance to win) and/or you're outside the U.S., here's your chance.

Either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969@(nospam)gmail.com (just remove the 'nospam' insert) under the header "Warbreaker 2" (so I know these particular entries aren't for the "U.S. only" contest) to enter and I will randomly pick a winner by Friday July 3rd. Please make sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the book onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified (though entries into this and the other "Warbreaker" contest are completely legit-- two chances to win!) Open everywhere.

Good luck!

My review can be read HERE.

Extras Giveaway! #1 Conpsirator by C. J. Cherryh

2009-06-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

A curious things has happened...I have gotten a few extra copies of books lately, mostly doubling up on ARC's (Advance Review Copies) and the final proof. Though in one case, I have two ARC's. So, since I don't need two copies of these wonderful books, I'd like to pass some of them on to you.

My first extra is Conspirator by C.J. Cherryh.

Product Description
First in a brand-new Foreigner trilogy from Hugo Award winning author C. J. Cherryh.

Cajeiri is the young son of the powerful leader of the Western Association—and he has become a target for forces bent on destroying his father’s rule. For Cajeiri is the first ateva youth to have lived in a human environment. And after hundreds of years of fragile atevi-human coexistence, he may very well be the first of his people to ever truly understand the so similar—yet so dangerously different—aliens who share his home planet and threaten the hidebound customs of his race.

To enter, the rules are the same as always. Either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969@(nospam)gmail.com (just remove the 'nospam' insert) under the header "Conspirator" and I will randomly pick a winner by Thursday July 2nd. Make sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the prize onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open everywhere.

Good luck!

(More "extras" to come soon!)

Winner! Short Story Collection #6

2009-06-14T12:30:00.001-07:00

I have randomly picked the winner of my "Short Story #6" collection and the winner is...

DeSeRt RoSe

Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Giveaway and Review: Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine (4 Copies!)

2009-06-10T01:17:00.001-07:00

"I am a good master," Bishop said, as if none of that had happened. "You asked me for a birthday favor, Claire. I granted you a visit. Today, I have decided that it was a poor gift. I will give you what you want. Shane will be free to go."

Claire didn't dare to breath, blink, move. She knew this was a trick, a cruel way to crush her hopes, and Shane's too. "Why?" she finally said. Her lips felt numb.
"Why now?"

"Because I intend to teach you both what it means to defy me, once and for all, and let you carry the tale for me," Bishop said. "Michael. Hold them, but make sure the two of them see everything. I won't have my students failing their lessons.

Bishop's control let go, and Claire stumbled backward into Michael. His arm went around her waist, and she felt the pressure of his lips close to her ear. "Stay still," he whispered. "No matter what happens, just stay still. Please. I'll protect you."

On Michael's other side, Shane was very, very quiet. He wasn't looking at Bishop. He was looking across at Claire, and he was scared--scared that something was going to happen to her, she realized. She tried for a smile, but wasn't sure how it came out.

Shane opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, a vampire guard came in, bringing a thin, scraggly man with a mess of graying, curling hair and a nasty scar down his face.

Shane's dad. He looked older, thinner, and even more vulnerable than he had back in his cell--nothing like the big, scary monster who'd terrified her when she'd first met him.

"Are you watching Shane?" Bishop asked, "I want you to learn, so that you don't make the same mistakes again."

"Dad," Shane said. "Dad?"

~Excerpt from Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine

I've known Rachel Caine as the author of the Weather Warden series but didn't know until recently that she was also a prolific writer of teen fiction until I saw one of the books from her Morganville Vampires series. So when I received a copy of "Carpe Corpus" from Signet Publishers I took that as my opportunity to get acquainted with Morganville.

Claire Danvers is a seventeen-year-old genius who came to Morganville to attend college but found out that once you live in Morganville, it's not that easy to leave. The town has been overrun with vampires, and they like to keep a tight leash on the human inhabitants.

The vampires and humans had existed in an uneasy truce but the vampires have been taken over by Mr. Bishop, and he doesn't much care whether the humans in the town survive. Now Morganville is one big prison to anyone who isn't a loyal follower of Mr. Bishop.

The situation has come to a boiling point: Claire's boyfriend has been taken prisoner; her parents are trapped in Morganville; a friend has been turned into a vampire and forced to do Mr. Bishop's bidding; and Claire herself is an unwilling slave to Mr. Bishop's whims.

Since I haven't read any of the previous books in The Morganville Vampires series, I know I am coming into this review with some gaps in my knowledge of the storyline, but Caine does a good job of making the story readable even if you jump into it as late as I did. And I have to say, I'm impressed.

It would be easy to make comparisons to Caine's series and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" because of the teenage characters. In fact, I can't help but be reminded of the Buffy TV show when she went off to college. But that would be unfair because the series isn't a riff on Buffy-- it is a unique creation all its own.

Claire isn't a slayer, she's just a very smart kid who has become somewhat essential to the vampires. It seems there is a sickness among the vampires that is killing them off-- but only after they lose their minds. And Claire has helped discover a remedy that keeps the symptoms under control. If anything, she's not hunting the vampires, she's helping them.

As you can see, "Carpe Corpus" is surprisingly complex for such a short book (256 pages). I read "Twilight" not too long ago and that whole book didn't have as much action as this book did in two chapters. It's got the whole teen angst thing without being obnoxious; the teenage insecurities; first love; petty rivalries-- oh, and vampires.

Caine is a writer that has the entertainment factor down. Like all of her books "Carpe Corpus" is fast paced and suspenseful-- probably even more so than her "adult" novels. I feel that Caine has a very good understanding of how teenagers think; it comes across in her dialog and the story. Clarie and Shane's relationship also seems very credible as the first meaningful relationship between two young adults. It's definitely a teen novel geared toward a teenage audience, but has what it takes to bring in adult fans.

I don't read a lot of teen fiction, but this series is entertaining enough to make me want to go back and read the first five books in the series-- something "Twilight" was unable to entice me to do.

Soooo...

If you happen to be a fan of Rachel Caine, or simply want to check out "The Morganville Vampires," I have 4 copies of "Carpe Corpus" to offer for giveaway.

This contest is kind of unusual in that I am getting 3 books from the publisher -- which will be for U.S. entries only, and I have one extra copy in my possession that I will ship anywhere. What that means is that I will take entries from anywhere, but can only ship to one winner outside the U.S. I hope that makes sense.

The rules are the same as always. Either leave a comment here or email me a sqt1969@(nospam)gmail.com (just remove the 'nospam' insert) under the header "Corpus" to enter and I will randomly pick 4 winners by Wednesday June 24th. Please make sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the prize onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open everywhere.

Good luck!

Giveaway! Signed Copy of "Warbreaker" by Brandon Sanderson

2009-06-08T11:04:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of the awesome people at Tor Books I have ONE signed copy of Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson to offer for giveaway (Continental U.S. only).

Product Description
After bursting onto the fantasy scene with his acclaimed debut novel, Elantris, and following up with his blockbuster Mistborn trilogy, Brandon Sanderson proves again that he is today’s leading master of what Tolkien called “secondary creation,” the invention of whole worlds, complete with magics and myths all their own.

Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesn’t like his job, and the immortal who’s still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Their world is one in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren’s capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished. It will take considerable quantities of each to resolve all the challenges facing Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris; Susebron the God King; Lightsong, reluctant god of bravery, and mysterious Vasher, the Warbreaker.

And you can read my review HERE

Either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969(nospam)@gmail.com (just remove the 'nospam' insert) under the header "Warbreaker" to enter and I will randomly pick a winner by Tuesday June 23rd. Please make sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the prize onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. This contest is limited to the continental U.S.

Good luck!

Winner! "Skin Trade" by Laurell K. Hamilton

2009-06-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

I have randomly picked an entrant from my contest to win a copy of "Skin Trade" by Laurell K. Hamilton and the winner is..

Jake Lsewhere (via email)

Congrats Jake!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Winner! "Starfinder" by John Marco

2009-06-06T20:27:00.001-07:00

I have randomly picked an entrant to win a copy of "Starfinder" by John Marco and the winner is...

Mary (zenrei57)

Congrats Mary!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Giveaway! 5 Copies of "The Wolverine Files" by Mike W. Barr (U.S. and Canada Only)

2009-06-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Sneak Attack Media I have what I think is probably the coolest giveaway yet.
I have 5 copies of The Wolverine Files by Mike W. Barr to giveaway to 5 lucky winners. (U.S. & Canadian entries only)

Product Description
The enclosed is a top secret compilation of all known facts about the mutant called Wolverine (a/k/a Logan, Weapon X, Patch, the Runt). This report, generated by the concerted effort of SHIELD agents, is intended for the eyes of SHIELD personnel only, and is not to be copied, distributed, disseminated, or in any other way leaked to the general public due to the delicate nature of the information herein. It details Wolverine's origins, career, friends, allies, in all manner of specifics.
Be aware that representatives from Simon & Schuster publishing have been sniffing around, endeavoring to obtain this information through the Freedom of Information Act. We cannot begin to imagine the tremendous, even incalculable damage that would be sustained by both Wolverine and by our information-gathering forces should this report wind up for purchase in local bookstores. Let us hope such an event never comes to pass.

I wish my camera was working because I'd love to take pictures of this and show you what a cool book it is. The outer sleeve of the book has cut-outs in the shape of Wolverine's claws. There is an envelope on the inside cover full of detailed drawings. And the book itself-- just awesome-- tells the story of Wolverine; the whole story in graphic novel goodness.

To enter, either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969@(nospam)gmail.com (just remove the 'nospam' insert), under the header "Wolverine." Please also specify that you are either in the U.S. or Canada when you enter so I know that entrants are aware of the contest limitations. Please make sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the prize onto another entrant. I will randomly pick a winner by Friday June 19th. Multiple entries will be disqualified. (U.S. and Canadian entries only).

For newsletters and alerts from Simon & Schuster, go HERE.

Good luck!

Winner(s)! 2 Copies of "Undead and Unwelcome" by MaryJanice Davidson

2009-06-04T11:36:00.001-07:00

I have randomly picked the two winners of my "Undead and Unwelcome" by MaryJanice Davidson giveaway and they are..

Caffey and

Scott Qualle (via email)

Congrats!

Just make sure I get your snail mail address and I'll make sure these get right off to you!

Giveaway! Short Story Collection #6!

2009-05-28T23:48:00.001-07:00

I looooove offering short story collections for giveaway. I never appreciated how much people like short stories, but I get more entries for these contests than any other. Thankfully Penguin Books has given me the chance to accumulate 4 books to offer one lucky winner so I can continue the short story giveaway tradition.

Ages of Wonder (Edited by Julie E. Czerneda)
Here are nineteen original stories of myth, magic, and the creatures of fantasy, as seen through different historical eras— from the Age of Antiquity to the Age of Sails, the Colonial Age, the Age of Pioneers, the Pre-Modern Age, and the Age to come...

Other Earths (Edited by Nick Gevers)
One world among many... eleven stories about them all.
What if Lincoln never became president, and the Civil War never took place? What if Columbus never discovered America, and the Inca developed a massive, technologicallyadvanced empire? What if magic was real and a half-faerie queen ruled England? What if an author discovered a book written by an alternate version of himself? These are just some of the possible pathways that readers can take to explore the Other Earths that may be waiting just one page away.

Terribly Twisted Tales (Edited by Martin H. Greenberg)
Eighteen stories that offer a new twist on old fairy tales.
From Hansel and Gretel and Goldilocks, to Snow White, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more, here are eighteen stories that take familiar fairy tales and twist them around to give them an entirely new slant. Any fan of far-out fantasy is sure to be delighted.

Swordplay (Edited by Denise Little)
Seventeen rapier-sharp stories of swordplay, magic, and adventure...
From a samurai’s sword to an assassin’s blade, from Custer’s cavalry sword to D’Artagnan’s deadly weapon, from the sword of Damocles to the legendary Excalibur, these all-new spellbinding tales get straight to the point. Whether it’s a sword bespelled to crave blood, cold steel that magicks its wielder into a video game, or a dwarf-crafted blade meant to slay a dragon, these weapons each come sheathed in their own fascinating story that cuts right to the heart of fantasy adventure.

To get your hands on these, either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969@(nospam)gmail.com (just remove the 'nospam' insert) under the header "Short 6" to enter and I will randomly pick a winner by Friday June 12th. Please be sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the books onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open everywhere.

Good luck!

Winner! One Set of the "Atherton" Series by Patrick Carman

2009-05-26T11:16:00.001-07:00

I'm way late in getting this up (sorry) but I have randomly picked a winner to receive a full set of the "Atherton" series by Patrick Carman and the winner is...

Mulluane.

Congrats!

Thanks to everyone who entered. I have lots of new giveaways coming up, including the newest book by Brandon Sanderson, a Wolverine graphic novel and the latest "Morganville Vampire" book by Rachel Caine. So keep an eye out.

Giveaway & Review: Starfinder by John Marco

2009-05-19T23:52:00.001-07:00

Moth expected the Avatar to be crowded with crewmen, but instead found himself alone in the corridor, making his way toward the front of the ship. He'd already descended two ladders, because he knew the bridge hung low on the superstructure. The gentle thrum of the airship's engines made the metal floor and walls vibrate with a peculiar music. He wondered if the Skyhigh had gone to bed yet.

Voices echoed up ahead. Moth followed the corridor, halting when he saw the bridge. A panoramic window looked out over what seemed like the entire world. Rendor stood in front of the glass, studying the moonlit mountains. Crews manned control consoles, keeping watch over the dials and levers. A man dressed in a dark uniform paced across the bridge, his hands behind his back. He caught a glimpse of Moth from the corner of his eye.

"You?" The man cleared his throat. "Governor? Someone's here to see you."

Surprised, Rendor turned from the window. Moth stepped onto the bridge.

"I need to talk to you," said Moth. "It's important..."

A sudden crash rocked the airship, knocking Moth to the floor. Outside the window the world began to spin.

"Engine out!" someone cried. Rendor shouted. The Avatar lurched sideways, spilling Moth across the deck.
"Port engine!"
"Shut it down!"
"Leveling out..."

Moth struggled to rise. He saw Rendor holding onto a rail. The men at the consoles threw switches and cursed. Slowly, Moth felt the giant airship righting itself, but the engine noise was different now, and he had no idea what happened.

"Moth!" yelled Rendor. "Get hold of something!"

Moth scrambled for a nearby steam pipe. The floor had leveled, yet the Avatar kept spinning. Just as Moth pulled himself up, the giant window burst. Glass and metal showered the bridge. Wind howled through the gaping cavity. Moth wrapped his arms around the pipe, shocked to see something coming through the window. The screeching shadow fell on him in a frenzy of beating wings. Scaly, powerful arms swept him from the bridge.

Moth screamed. He felt the rush of wind, saw the blur of horrified faces. A second later he was weightless with the stars above his head. In disbelief he watched the Avatar drifting away.

~Excerpt from Starfinder by John Marco

Years ago I picked up a book called The Jackal of Nar, the first book of the Tyrants and Kings Trilogy, by a talented new author named John Marco, and I loved it. To this day it remains one of my favorite books. So when I was asked if I would review John's new YA book, "Starfinder", naturally I said yes...

What if angels jealously guarded the skies against all who would dare to fly? The Skylords, the angelic-looking beings in John Marco’s new book "Starfinder" do just that. Moth, a young boy who lives in the city of Calio, has always dreamed of being a Skyknight and piloting the flying crafts created by Rendor, the Governor of the city and grandfather to his best friend Fiona. But after making a promise to his dying mentor Leroux, Moth crosses the mysterious, fog-laden Reach to save a friend and prevent a powerful device, the Starfinder, from getting into the hands of the Skylords.
"Starfinder" is an interesting blend of steampunk and fantasy. The city of Calio is home to all the technological advances created by Rendor, mostly in the form of airships and the smaller ingenious flying craft-- known as the dragonfly-- that patrol the skies against the mostly forgotten threat of the Skylords. Across the Reach magic reigns and Moth and Fiona not only find familiar mythical creatures such as dragons, mermaids and centaurs, but also discover horrible sub-human creatures known as Redeemers and the Skylords themselves. Venturing through the Reach to find a sorcerer and save the long-time love of Leroux, Moth and Fiona prove to themselves, and the adults who doubt their abilities, that sometimes the faith of a child is the most powerful weapon of all.

"Starfinder" is a straight-forward coming-of-age tale in many ways. Moth and Fiona both deal with feelings of inadequacy and abandonment and their adventure helps resolve the insecurities as well as show them that not all adults act without reason. "Starfinder's" point-of-view is definitely geared to adolescent kids who are feeling the desire to be independent while still seeking parental approval, and the novel's resolution will definitely appeal to kids who dream of proving themselves to the adults in their lives.

I didn't fully appreciate YA fiction until I had my own kids. It has it's own rhythm and it's different from adult fiction because the transitions tend to be shorter-- in keeping with the attention span of the audience. I've read many books to my kids and have learned that drawn-out sequences and explanations will bore a younger audience. But don't let the YA style deter you from picking up good fantasy like "Starfinder" if the story sounds interesting to you. It finds a nice balance between a fast pace and imaginative world-building. It won't be for readers who prefer epic fantasy but it is wonderfully inventive and makes for a excellent bedtime book for fantasy-lovin' kids-- or adults who like a break from the profanity and sex so prevalent in adult fiction.

~As and added bonus, I have a copy of "Starfinder" to giveaway to one lucky winner, courtesy of Penguin Books. Either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969@(nospam)gmail.com (just remove the "nospam" insert) under the header "Starfinder" to enter and I will randomly pick a winner by Wednesday June 3rd. Please be sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the book onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open everywhere.

Good luck!

Winners! Biggest Giveaway Yet!

2009-05-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

I have randomly picked the winners of my "38 Books" giveaway and they are:

1st Place: Daelith- "Dancing on the Head of a Pin" by Thomas Sneigoski

2nd Place: Renee G.- "The Chosen Sin" by Anya Bast

3rd Place: Tim Poirier- "Mars Life" by Ben Bova

4th Place: Christina Gregory- "Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang" by Katie MacAlister

and

5th Place: SESinNJ- "The Magic of Nightfall" by S.L. Farrell

Congratulations everyone! If you haven't already sent me your addresses, make sure you get them to me soon so I can mail these off to you.

I hope everyone enjoys their books!

Giveaway! Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamiltion

2009-05-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have another great giveaway courtesy of Penguin Books. This time it's Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton

Product Description
A proven series with a hot new look. The #1 bestselling author returns with her most anticipated novel yet.

When a vampire serial killer sends Anita Blake a grisly souvenir from Las Vegas, she has to warn Sin City’s local authorities what they’re dealing with. Only it’s worse than she thought. Ten officers and one executioner have been slain—paranormal style. Anita heads to Vegas, where’s she’s joined by three other federal marshals, including the ruthless Edward. It’s a good thing he always has her back, because when she gets close to the bodies, Anita senses “tiger” too strongly to ignore it. The weretigers are very powerful in Las Vegas, which means the odds of her rubbing someone important the wrong way just got a lot higher.

Either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969@(nosmam)gmail.com (just remove the 'nospam' insert) under the header "Skin Trade" to enter and I will randomly pick a winner by Friday June 5th. Please make sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the book onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open EVERYWHERE!

Good luck!

Giveaway! TWO Copies of Undead and Unwelcome by MaryJanice Davidson TIMES UP!

2009-05-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Suburban Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor is back and thanks to Penguin Books I have TWO copies of the newest book in the series to offer for giveaway (U.S. Entries Only)

Davidson brings back her sharp heroine, Betsy Taylor, who continues to rule the nights as reigning Vampire Queen while making it through the days as a suburban housewife. When Antonia, a Wyndham werewolf, dies in Betsy’s service, she courageously attempts to return the dead body to Antonia’s family in Cape Cod. While Betsy is busy trying to make amends with fifty thousand angry werewolves, the local vampires are begging for her help. But that’s not all—Betsy finds out that back at home her evil half-sister is stirring up trouble and quickly becoming Betsy’s worst nightmare.

“This is a payoff book…I’ve been promising certain things will happen from the very beginning of the series (Undead and Unwed), and I’m keeping my word,” says Davidson. “Not only does Betsy’s sister, the devil’s daughter, succumb to a long-foretold destructive warpath, we also find out just exactly what the deal is with the vampire queen’s half-brother, BabyJon. Because, let’s face it, the kid had zero chance of being normal. I promised answers, and you’re gonna get them—and more—in this book.”

The rules are the same as always. Either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969@(nospam)gmail.com (just remove the "nospam" insert in the address) under the header "Unwelcome" to enter and I will randomly pick a winner by Wednesday June 3rd. Please make sure I can reach you easily. If I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the prize onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open in the U.S. only (I'm not doing shipping on this one).

Good luck!

Winner! "Dead and Gone" by Charlaine Harris

2009-05-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

I have randomly picked a entrant to win a copy of "Dead and Gone" by Charlaine Harris and the winner is:

Hoopo from Finland!

Congrats Hoopo!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Giveaway! One Set of the Atherton Series by Patrick Carman

2009-05-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

For those of you who love to get your hands on some great YA fiction (and I know you're out there) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has offered ONE set of the Atherton series by Patrick Carman to me to feature on this site for giveaway. (U.S. and Canada only)

Atherton: House of Power
From the creator of the Land of Elyon comes a riveting adventure set in an extraordinary satellite world'created as a refuge from a dying Earth'that begins to collapse and forever change the lives of its inhabitants. Edgar, a gifted climber, is a lonely boy scaling the perilous cliffs that separate the three realms of Atherton: a humble fig grove; a mysterious highland world of untold beauty and sinister secrets; and a vast wasteland where he must confront an unspeakable danger that could destroy the people of Atherton. When Edgar discovers a book which contains the history of Atherton's origins and ultimate apocalypse, his world 'quite literally' begins to turn inside out.

Atherton: Rivers of Fire
The Highlands, the center of Atherton, is sinking; Samuel and Isabel are trying to sneak into The House of Power to restore water to the world of Atherton; and Dr. Kincaid, Vincent and Edgar make their way towards the edge of the Highlands, intent on entering the secret underground refuge of Mead's Hollow and finding the key to unlocking Dr. Harding's brain. They must discover the solution to overcoming the threat of the deadly Cleaners, creatures now unleashed on the flattened land, before it's too late. But Mead's Hollow holds more secrets than any of them had ever imagined.
In this tremendously satisfying continuation of the story of Atherton, readers will experience a world turned inside out; a spectacular flood; former enemies forced to work together in the name of survival; surprising histories concerning the creator of Atherton, Dr. Harding, and his partner Dr. Kincaid, and a shocking revelation about Edgar's own past. Best of all, the trip to Mead's Hollow leads to a dangerous-and extraordinary-expedition through the interior of Atherton that will titillate imaginations for a long time to come. With themes evocative of Paradise Lost and Dante's Inferno, expect Rivers of Fire to give readers plenty to sink their teeth into.

Atherton: The Dark Planet
After journeying to an unfamiliar land where air is nearly unbreathable and light stings like shards of glass, Edgar must navigate the deadly forests--full of creatures far more frightening than anything he has seen on Atherton--and join the child workforce of Silo #7, the site where Dr. Harding (the mad maker of Atherton) was raised. In the final thrilling chapter of this epic triology, we meet an engaging new cast of characters and Dr. Harding's ultimate plan comes together in an incredibly satisfying conclusion.

If you'd like to get your hands on all three of these beautiful books, then either leave a comment here or email me at sqt1969(at)gmail(dot)com under the header "Atherton" to enter and I will randomly pick a winner by Thursday May 21st. Please make sure I can reach you easily. If I do not hear back from a winner within 48 hours I will pass the books onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open in the U.S. and Canada only.

Good luck!

Winners! World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King

2009-05-06T14:45:00.001-07:00

I have randomly picked 5 winners to receive a copy of "World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" and they are:

Anna, from Too Many Annas
Paul W. King (via email)
Tesh from Tish, Tosh, Tesh
Debs Desk

and

Richard Iger (via email)

Congrats everyone! Be sure to send me your snail mail addresses so I can forward them to the publisher.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Winner! AUDIO Book "Turn Coat" by Jim Butcher (read by James Marsters)

2009-05-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have randomly picked a winner to receive a copy of the AUDIO book "Turn Coat" by Jim Butcher (read by James Marsters) and the winner is--

Cynthia Carter (via email)

Congrats Cynthia!

Thanks to everyone who entered.

The Biggest "Pick Your Title" Giveaway Yet!!! TIMES UP!!

2009-04-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Whew! I just loaded the pictures and descriptions of 38 books! Yep, 38 books for you to choose from.

I get so many great books from the best sci-fi/fantasy publishers ever, but sadly, I can't review them all. So, I have decided to put up a BIG giveaway and let you pick what you'd like to win.

Because this is a bigger contest than usual, I am going to ask that you give me 5 titles that you'd like to have. Either leave a comment here letting me know which books you want or email me sqt1969(at)gmail(d0t)com under the header "38" to enter and I will randomly pick 5 winners by Friday May 15th. List the books you'd like to win in order of preference. The first place winner will win their first choice and each winner after that will win the first book on their list that is still available. Please make sure I can reach you easily, if I cannot reach a winner within 48 hours I will pass the prize onto another entrant. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Open EVERYWHERE!

Good luck.

Fish out of Water by MaryJanice Davidson
Fred the Mermaid has taken the bait and chosen to date Artur, Prince of the Black Sea, over human marine biologist Thomas. And just in time. The existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret, and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight. Fred has all the right skills for that job, but has a hard time when her real father surfaces and tries to overthrow Artur's regime.

Nights of Sin by Matthew Cook
The besieged Imperial City lies inside the massive wall of the Armitage; outside, the attacking Mor have laid waste to most of the land. The Imperial Court seems unaware of their peril, but Kirin and Lia - who have barely survived the Mor and made their way to the City - know the danger all too well! When Kirin discovers a necromancer who seems to possess her power over blood, she hopes he can help her understand her strange magic. Meanwhile, the deadly Mor are assaulting the walls of the city that shelters them.

Legacy by Jeanne C. Stein
Anna has struggled to adapt to her supernatural status while clinging to the vestiges of her humanity. Now she must deal with her legacy. The sinister vampire who transformed her is dead, and Anna is entitled to his vast fortune. But a predatory werewolf comes forward, claiming the inheritance as her own-and she'll kill to get what she wants most: blood and money.

Heroes Adrift by Moira Moore
The Empress wants to locate the descendants of her exiled sister. No magically-bonded Pair is more ill-suited for the job than long-suffering Shield Lee Mallorough and her all-too-charming Source Shintaro Karish. Yet it's a mission they can't refuse.

Brimstone Kiss by Carole Nelson Douglass
Filled with kisses and kick-ass action, the second installment of this campy series (after 2007's Dances with Werewolves) finds paranormal investigator Delilah Street taking on her first case in an alternate 2010 Las Vegas. When Delilah and her boyfriend, ex-FBI agent Ric Montoya, find the bodies of two teens killed in Sunset Park in 1946, the girl's ghost appears and claims the killer was her father, werewolf mobster Cesar Cicereau. Vampire mogul Howard Hughes hires Delilah to learn the identity of the girl's vampire companion, and she also comes under pressure from albino vampire rocker Snow; television producer Hector Nightwine; and the Invisible Man, a zombie merged with Claude Rains's black-and-white film character. Douglas's dishy style compliments the twisty plot, and she helpfully includes references for the numerous nods to the silver screen, Egyptology and cocktails.

Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang by Katie MacAlister
For a woman married to the vampire of her nightmares, the honeymoon's over— and reality bites... Pia Thomason is torn between two Dark Ones: her husband Kristoff—who doesn't trust her—and his best friend, Alec, who is MIA. So Pia goes back to her humdrum Seattle life, but fate has other plans. And she realizes that if she and Kristoff are going to be shackled together for better or worse, she may as well start to enjoy it...

Duplicate Effort by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Retrieval Artist Miles Flint is on a personal mission—to bring down the corrupt law firm of Wagner, Stuart, and Xender. Then a journalist working with him is murdered, and Miles may be next. But before he can begin to investigate, he has a more personal crisis to deal with—his daughter Talia is missing. Talia—one of six clones of Miles' long-dead child—has gone off to find the other five. As Miles pursues her, he begins to fear that her search for her "sisters" and his for the killer are on a collision course...

The Devil's Eye by Jack McDevitt
Interstellar antiquities dealer Alex Benedict receives a cryptic message asking for help from celebrated writer Vicki Greene-who has been mind-wiped. She has no memory of her past life, or of her plea for assistance. But she has transferred an enormous sum of money to Alex, also without explanation. The answers to this mystery lie on the most remote of human worlds, where Alex will uncover a secret connected to a decades-old political upheaval-a secret that somebody desperately wants hidden, though the price of that silence is unimaginable .

American Quest by Sienna Skyy
Bruce and Gloria are in love. But their intense passions for life and for each other have made them unwitting pawns in a cosmic battle between forces for good and evil. In order to fulfill his dark destiny, Enervata, a demonic spirit, captures Gloria. To save her, Bruce must embark on a quest across America, armed with only the scantest of clues. Several people join him on this quest, including his best friend, a rocker, a stand-up comedienne, a little old Italian lady, an old-beyond-her-years child, and a strangely visionary fortuneteller. They will face overwhelming challenges from Enervata's minions at every turn. And as they do, Gloria's fate - and the fate of all humanity - becomes ever more tenuous.

Fortune and Fate by Sharon Shinn
National bestselling author Sharon Shinn’s “lyrical and entertaining” (Kirkus Reviews) Twelve Houses books have captivated readers and critics alike with their irresistible cocktail of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Now Shinn returns with a new novel set in the same world, where a troubled Warrior Rider named Wen faces her greatest challenge in the last place she ever expected: behind the walls of a great family estate known as Fortune, where Wen has been hired to guard the young heiress. Once there, she will find that fate has other plans for her…

The Lost Fleet: Relentless by Jack Campbell
After successfully freeing Alliance POWs, “Black Jack” Geary discovers that the Syndics plan to ambush the fleet with their powerful reserve flotilla in an attempt to annihilate it once and for all. And as Geary has the fleet jump from one star system to the next, hoping to avoid the inevitable confrontation, saboteurs contribute to the chaos.

Shadowplay by Tad Williams
With their father and brother taken from them, the royal Eddon twins Barrick and Briony have done their best to hold the kingdom together. But now Barrick has been captured in a failed war against the immortal Twilight People, and Briony has been forced to flee the castle. Everywhere in the north the fierce Twilight People, led by the ageless warrior-witch Yasammez, hold sway. Old magics are stirring beneath the ancient castle and behind the Shadowline, and the machinations of gods, fairies, and mortals threaten to spread devastation across the entire world.

The Flame and the Shadow by Denise Rossetti
A sizzling new fantasy series from a hot new talent. Some are drawn to the light. Some are drawn to the dark. Some desire both. Grayson of Concordia, known on countless worlds as the Duke of Ombra, is a mercenary, a sorcerer of shadows - a man whose soul is consumed by darkness. For Gray, the bleak savagery in his heart is manifest in an entity he calls Shad. He has long resisted Shad's enticements, but when he is hired to kidnap a fire witch, he seizes the chance to restore his soul - no matter the cost. Cenda's heart is ash. Since the death of her precious baby daughter, life has lost all meaning for the fire witch. Slowly, she has worked to master her powers and go on living. But when she encounters Gray, her will is no match for her desire. But her love may not survive the terrible discovery of Gray's betrayal.

The Chosen Sin by Anya Bast
The Chosen are vampires fighting for their very existence. It is Daria Morris's destiny to become one of them. Daria is a special forces agent with one obsession: to wreak vengeance on the vampire who nearly destroyed her. But to succeed, she must become something she detests: a vampire. Her fate rests upon Alejandro Martinez, a sexy vampire with whom she once shared an unforgettable night of scorching passion. Now, while Daria struggles against her newfound bloodlust, the two must slip into the shadows to bring a monster to justice - even as their desire threatens to consume them.

The Hidden City by Michelle West
Orphaned and left to fend for herself in the slums of Averalaan, Jewel Markess-Jay to her friends-meets an unlikely savior in Rath, a man who prowls the ruins of the undercity. Nursing Jay back to health is an unusual act for a man who renounced his own family long ago, and the situation becomes stranger still when Jay begins to form a den of other rescued children in Rath's home. But worse perils lurk beneath the slums: the demons that once nearly destroyed the Essalieyan Empire are stirring again, and soon Rath and Jay will find themselves targets of these unstoppable beings.

The Golden Tower by Fiona Patton
The continuation of a new fantasy series set in “a unique world where gods and spirits walk the earth along with those who worship and fear them.”(Romantic Times)
In Anavatan, the city of the Silver Lake, the Gods manifest themselves on an all-too-regular basis, and it’s hard to survive if you’re not pledged to one of the deities. Now, Brax, Spar, and Graize have discovered their destinies. Grown into their powers, they are about to face off in a confrontation that will spark a war and see the rise of a new player among the Gods themselves.

The Vacant Throne by Joshua Palmatier
The thrilling final novel in a remarkable fantasy trilogy. Ruled by the Mistress of the Skewed Throne, the city of Amenkor has just survived a devastating invasion by the mysterious Chorl, paying a terrible price both in the loss of lives and destruction in the city itself. Yet perhaps the most crucial loss is the throne of Amenkor—the true seat of power in every sense—now totally drained of the magic, knowledge, life force, and memories of previous rulers. The citys only hope lies with its sometime ally, the city of Venitte, home to the only throne that is twin in power to Amenkor’s...

WWW: Wake by Robert J. Sawyer
Caitlin Decter is young, pretty, feisty, a genius at math - and blind. Still, she can surf the net with the best of them, following its complex paths clearly in her mind. But Caitlin's brain long ago co-opted her primary visual cortex to help her navigate online. So when she receives an implant to restore her sight, instead of seeing reality, the landscape of the World Wide Web explodes into her consciousness, spreading out all around her in a riot of colors and shapes. While exploring this amazing realm, she discovers something - some other - lurking in the background. And it's getting more and more intelligent with each passing day.

Princep's Fury by Jim Butcher
From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. The rousing fifth installment of Butcher's military fantasy cycle (after 2007s Captains Fury) finds the land of Alera recovering from Lord Kalaruss rebellion, an invasion by the wolven Canim and a bloody slave revolt. Now a new threat emerges: the all-devouring insectoid Vord, who have learned to control the elemental furies that once protected Alera. Young Tavi of Calderon, recently recognized as the heir to Aleras throne, fights seasickness and interspecies hostilities escorting the Canim invaders back to their homeland, only to negotiate a fragile alliance with them against the Vord. No less powerful than his intense battle scenes, Butchers vivid characterizations, based on ancient Roman Republican ideals, range from duty-honor-country austerity in battle to brilliant peacemaking, noble self-sacrifice and Tavis coming-of-age as a wise Marcus Aurelian ruler.

Other Earths
What if Lincoln never became president, and the Civil War never took place? What if Columbus never discovered America, and the Inca developed a massive, technologicallyadvanced empire? What if magic was real and a half-faerie queen ruled England? What if an author discovered a book written by an alternate version of himself? These are just some of the possible pathways that readers can take to explore the Other Earths that may be waiting just one page away.

Peacekeeper by Laura E. Reeve
first in a brand new action-packed military science fiction series. Meet major ariane kedros—daring pilot, decorated soldier, war criminal. Fifteen years ago, Ariane Kedros piloted a ship on a mission that obliterated an entire solar system. Branded a war criminal, she was given a new identity and a new life in order to protect her from retribution. But now, twelve of Ariane’s wartime colleagues are dead— assassinated by someone who has uncovered their true identities. And her superiors in the Autonomist army have placed her directly in the assassin’s line of fire on a peacekeeping mission that will decide the fate of all humanity…

Nebula Awards Showcase by Ellen Datlow
This annual tradition from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America collects the best of the year's stories, as well as essays and commentary on the current state of the genre and predictions of future science fiction and fantasy films, art, and more. This year's award-winning authors include Michael Chabon, Karen Joy Fowler, Ted Chiang, and Nancy Kress, plus 2008 Grand Master Michael Moorcock.

Mars Life by Ben Bova
Jamie Waterman discovered the cliff dwelling on Mars, and the fact that an intelligent race lived on the red planet sixty-five million years ago, only to be driven into extinction by the crash of a giant meteor. Now the exploration of Mars is itself under threat of extinction, as the ultraconservative New Morality movement gains control of the U.S. government and cuts off all funding for the Mars program. Meanwhile, Carter Carleton, an anthropologist who was driven from his university post by unproven charges of rape, has started to dig up the remains of a Martian village. Science and politics clash on two worlds as Jamie desperately tries to save the Mars program and uncover who the vanished Martians were.

Lear's Daughters by Marjorie B. Kellogg
Set in the future on a distant world, Lear's Daughters tackles the issues of global warming, pollution, exploitation of resources, and disastrous climate change. Long out of print, it has been completely rewritten by the authors to reflect the cutting-edge knowledge and research on environmentalism of the twenty-first century.

Kris Longknife: Intrepid by Mike Shepherd
Kris Longknife has been assigned to The Wasp, the best warship beyond the Rim of Human Space. But while hunting for pirates, Kris stumbles upon something. It's a plan to kill one of the members of the aristocratic Peterwald family - and the would-be killers are setting her up as the assassin.

The Knights of the Cornerstone by James P. Blaylock
From Publishers Weekly Blaylock's contemporary fantasy thriller features an intriguing and convincing reluctant hero, amiable cartoonist Calvin Bryson. Bryson's quiet life gets a jolt when his uncle, Al Lymon, invites him to visit New Cyprus, the isolated home of the mysterious Knights of the Cornerstone. Bryson's cousin also sends him a package to take to Lymon, but before Bryson makes it to New Cyprus, the parcel is stolen. Only afterward does Bryson learn it was a decoy, intended to mask the transport of the genuine Veil of Veronica, a legendary relic with magical properties. The plot line begins to sound familiar when Bryson falls for a childhood friend, but as the Knights and their enemies battle for control of the veil, Blaylock (The Digging Leviathan) bolsters the predictable climax with solid prose, summing to an enjoyable read.

Ghost Ocean by S.M. Peters
Beings of unimaginable power, classified as myths and legends, have been imprisoned in the secludedtown of St. Ives for centuries - watched over by guardians with supernatural skills. Te Evangeline's father was one such guardian, a "binder" who died in the line of duty and who passed along his ability to his daughter. Now, Te must awaken the magic within her before her father's killer releases his fellow prisoners on an unsuspecting world.

Flood by Stephen Baxter
Four hostages are rescued from a group of religious extremists in Barcelona. After five years of being held captive together, they make a vow to always watch out for one another. But they never expected this... The world they have returned to has been transformed by water—and the water is rising. As it continues to flow from the earth's mantle, entire countries disappear. High ground becomes a precious commodity. And finally, the dreadful truth is revealed: before fifty years have passed, there will be nowhere left to run...

Enclave by Kit Reed
The world is in chaos: war, plague, global ecological collapse. Parents everywhere seek sanctuary for their precious children, the future of mankind. For those who are rich and powerful enough, safety can be found—for a price—at the Clothos Academy. Run by a mysterious man known only as Sarge, set in a former monastery atop a sheer cliff on a tiny island somewhere in the Mediterranean, Clothos will admit only one hundred students before it is sealed off—perhaps permanently—from the terrors outside.

Dragon's Luck by Robert Asprin
Griffen McCandles is adjusting well to running his gambling operation in the French Quarter of New Orleans and to his newfound status as head dragon. Other dragons are getting a whiff of his reputation, though, and they’re not happy about it. Which is why there’s suddenly a hit out on him. And, just in time for Halloween, the ghost of a voodoo queen wants Griffen to moderate a supernatural conclave. And though the strange goings-on will barely be noticed in a city used to drunken conventioneers and wild revelers, it’s Griffen’s chance to spread his wings—or crash and burn.

Dragon Strike by E.E. Knight
The author of the national bestselling Vampire Earth series continues the saga of the world’s last dragons. Three dragon siblings are among the last of a dying breed, and the final hope for their species’ survival. AuRon, Wistala, and Copper find themselves at odds over the coming human war. AuRon thinks dragons should have no part in the affairs of humans. Wistala believes dragons and man can peacefully co-exist. And Copper has designs of his own on the world. And the civilized humans who have turned to Copper for assistance against their savage enemies have just given him the perfect opportunity to fulfill his plans…

Death's Daughter by Amber Benson
Calliope Reaper-Jones so just wanted a normal life: buying designer shoes on sale, dating guys from Craig's List, web-surfing for organic dim-sum for her boss...But when her father - who happens to be Death himself - is kidnapped, and the Devil's Protege embarks on a hostile takeover of the family business, Death, Inc., Callie returns home to assume the CEO mantle - only to discover she must complete three nearly impossible tasks in the realm of the afterlife first.

Dancing on the Head of a Pin by Thomas Sneigoski
Still mourning the loss of his wife, fallen angel Remy Chandler has immersed himself in investigating dangerous supernatural cases. His latest: the theft of a cache of ancient weaponry stolen from a collector who deals in antiquities of a dark and dubious nature. The weapons, Remy knows, were forged eons ago and imbued with unimaginable power. And if they fall into the wrong hands, they could be used to destroy not only Heaven but also Earth.

Conspirator by C.J.Cherryh
Cajeiri is the young son of the powerful leader of the Western Association - and he has become a target for forces bent on destroying his father's rule. For Cajeiri is the first ateva youth to have lived in a human environment. And after hundreds of years of fragile atevi-human coexistence, he may very well be the first of his people to ever truly understand the so similar - yet so dangerously different - aliens who share his home planet and threaten the hidebound customs of his race.

All the Windwracked Stars by Elizabeth Bear
From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. Hugo winner Bear (Undertow) perfectly captures the essence of faded hopes and exhausted melancholy in this postapocalyptic melodrama based loosely upon Norse mythology. On the Last Day, the historian Muire fled the battle, leaving her sibling Valkyries to die. More than 2,300 years later, only a single city, Eiledon, has survived as the dying world slowly turns into ice. Ashamed of her cowardice, Muire now vows to keep the last humans safe, but as she slowly pieces together the horrific truth behind the magic that has kept Eiledon standing, she must decide whether it's worth the price. Readers will be captivated by Bear's incredibly complex, broken characters; multilayered themes of redemption; and haunting, world-breaking decisions. While stilted prose slows the beginning of the tale, its finale is both rewarding and compelling.

The Alchemist's Pursuit by Dave Duncan
Hampered by arthritis, Nostradamus is in no mood for granting favors or running about looking for trouble. But when his apprentice Alfeo's mistress asks him to investigate the murder of her beloved courtesan mentor - and promises a fortune in payment - he comes around. It appears that someone is murdering the courtesans of Venice. All were well-known, admired for their skills - and somehow connected by a sinister event involving one of the great families of the city. While Nostradamus attempts to use the dark arts to solve riddles which confound explanation, Alfeo finds himself led by a possibly demonic force through a maze of deceit and death. And when the master and apprentice come to the end of their intertwined paths, there may be hell to pay.

A Magic of Nightfall By S. L. Farrell
The second novel in the Nessantico Cycle continues the epic tale of an empire at its height, yet poised on the brink of what could be a devastating descent into ruin. It is a story of murder and magic, of deception and betrayal, of Machiavellian politics, star-crossed lovers, and a realm facing war on every front.

A Drop of Red by Chris Marie Green
If you run out of vampires to destroy at home, there's always work overseas. Hollywood stuntwoman-turned-vampire-hunter Dawn Madison, along with her comrades, managed to wipe out the Los Angeles Vampire Underground - and uncovered not only her own dark family heritage but also a terrible truth about the man she loves. Now she's determined to find the next vampire lair, hoping it will help her to make more sense out of her life.
When a new Underground is found in England, Dawn and a vampire-fighting team are dispatched to carry the fight to the enemy in London. Dawn knows by now how deceiving appearances can be - and she is about to find out that it's not only the beautiful people of Hollywood who are willing to bargain with evil.