New Books Tuesday: August 7

didic (68)in #books • 6 years ago

Many people know that Wednesday is New Comics day. Somewhat less known is the fact that Tuesday, in the US, is New Books day.

Weekly disclaimer: This weekly post highlights some of the books being published on any given week, usually in the science fiction and fantasy genres, both YA and books for adults. I am VERY likely to miss cool new books, so please feel free to tell me about them in the comments. Sometimes these will be books I've read a pre-publishing copy of, but most of the time, they will not. These are books I find notable, but I certainly don't read fast enough in English to be able to read all the cool books that come out every week.

It's another huge week of book releases, by far the biggest of the month. August may not be quite the monster month July was, but this week is looking to be the biggest one of the summer, at least in terms of sheer number of books. I've had to do more editing this week, cutting out some books that didn't appeal.

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

Much like last week, we're starting off with a tor.com novella that's the third in a series. Wells' Murderbot series has been a hit, critically and commercially, and I've been looking forward to the third one on pins and needles. MURDERBOT! Yay!

Alternate Routes by Tim Powers

A new Tim Powers novel is always a reason to rejoice, and this one looks super fun. Here for this.

Temper by Nicky Drayden

Drayden's debut novel, which I reviewed last month, was brilliantly weird. This one, her second, seems to be on the same track, taking place in an alternate, magical Cape Town, and combining, once again, both science fiction and fantasy.

The 2020 Commission Report on the North Korean Nuclear Attacks Against the United States: A Novel by Jeffrey Lewis

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This book is, apparently, exactly what is says on the tin: A fictional report on a future attack by North Korea against the US, backed up by all existing knowledge on the country's arsenal and intentions. Sounds scary.

Before She Sleeps by Bina Shah

This is a super depressing and timely looking novel of future gender oppression in Asia by one of Pakistan's leading authors. It kinda looks like - and it marketed as - Muslim The Handmaid’s Tale.

King of Assassins (Wounded Kingdom #3) by RJ Barker

Epic fantasy, the third in The Wounded Kingdom series, which I have not read. I've been off epic fantasy for a while, though.

Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi

A collection of tales from the world of Chokshi's very popular and well reviewed Star Touched Queen series.

Serpentine (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #26) by Laurell K. Hamilton

There was a time when I loved Hamilton's work. In fact, I published the very first Anita Blake novel, Guilty Pleasures in Hebrew many years ago. It was ahead of its time and didn't do well for us. I abandoned Hamilton's work years ago, when it became evident that she cares more about hapenings in the bedroom than plot and worldbuilding. Which is a legitimate choice, but not for me.

Friendly Fire (Fifth World #2) by Dale Lucas

This is the second novel in a series of police mysteries in a world of magic, elves, and dwarves. I wasn't aware of the series previously, but I am intrigued.

In Truth and Claw (Mick Oberon Job #4) by Ari Marmell

This is a hard boiled detective series taking place in Chicago of the 1930's. The twist? The detective with the fedora is an elf wizard. I am somewhat intrigued.

Ruin of Stars (Mask of Shadows #2) by Linsey Miller

This is another second novel in a series, but more intriguing, as it is dark epic-ish revenge fantasy with a gender fluid protagonist. The first one was well reviewed, and this series has my interest.

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

This is the first novel in a new series set in the same universe as the author's highly successful Remnant Chronicles trilogy of YA novels.

These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch

This novel, the first in a YA fantasy duology, is getting decidedly mixed reviews. Which is a shame, as "gay pirates" sounds like a super cool premise.

The Tower of Living and Dying (Empires of Dust #2) by Anna Smith Spark

This is the second novel in a fantasy trilogy that has gotten great reviews. However, it is grimdark. I basically can't stomach grimdark anymore. The world's too dark.

Bad Man by Dathan Auerbach

This is horror about a lost boy and the brother who won't stop looking for him, and it looks waaaay too scary for me.

Catwoman: Soul Stealer by Sarah J. Maas

DC Icons, in which super popular YA authors write YA novels about major DC Comics characters, has been very successful. And this novel, an origin novel for Catwoman, will not buck the trend.

A Short Film About Disappointment by Joshua Mattson

If nothing else, I am super interested by, and impressed with, the guts it takes to write a science fiction novel in the form of 80 film reviews. I may well try this debut novel.

Nebula Awards Showcase 2018 edited by Jane Yolen

Last year's ballot for the Nebula, the award handed out by the members of the Science Fiction Writers of America, was great. Therefore, this collection of nominees and winners will also be pretty great!

The Point by John Dixon

The titular "Point," is military academy West Point, or at least a futuristic version of it that trains folks with superpowers to be soldiers. This could be great or absolutely terrible.

Herokiller by Paul Tassi

The tagline for this novel is "Ready Player One meets Gladiator," which could be awesome, and could also be utterly terrible.

Implanted by Lauren C. Teffeau

We're still doing cyberpunk? Huh. Still, mocking aside, this is getting some great reviews, including some by folks I trust, so I may look into this novel of crime in a future where data can be carried in the blood.

The Tropic of Eternity (Amaranthine Spectrum #3) by Tom Toner