New Two: Top SF/F Book Releases, March 2012

(ADULT)

WIDE OPEN by Deborah Coates
(March 13, 2012)

I was lucky enough to score an ARC of WIDE OPEN, and let me tell you, this is a book to fall in love with. You'll have a full review from me soon, not to mention an interview with the author, Deborah Coates. If you enjoy subtle paranormal, beautiful writing, and a hint of romance, you're going to love WIDE OPEN.

Set in rural South Dakota, WIDE OPEN is the story of Sergeant Hallie Michaels' recent return from Afganistan and newfound ability to see ghosts. One of the first apparitions to appear to her is her recently dead sister. The sheriff claims Dell's death was a suicide, but Hallie doesn't agree. With the help of a charming and eccentric deputy, Hallie begins asking questions she shouldn't, and soon finds herself in a world of trouble--a world where strange powers set fire to the skies.

Sometimes, a book comes out of no where and capitvates me. WIDE OPEN was that book.

DISCOUNT ARMAGEDDON by Seanan McGuire
(March 6, 2012)

I really dig Seanan McGuire (aka Mira Grant), as a person and an author. She writes great books and seems like the kinda gal I could have a beer with. Her latest urban fantasy offering has definitely caught my eye.

DISCOUNT ARMAGEDDON features Verity Price, trained cryptozoologist and ballroom dancer. Verity is trying to pursue her tango career when she meets a monster-hunter sent by her family's rivals, the Covenant of St. George. Then, local cryptids disappear, lizard-men are spotted in the sewers, and there's rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city.

As the official blurb states, "...high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed."

(KIDS/TEEN)

FAIR COIN by E.C. Myers
(March 27, 2012)

This is another book I scored an ARC of, and there's a full review coming soon. What grabbed me on this one was the official blurb, so I'll just repost that for your reading pleasure...

Sixteen-year-old Ephraim Scott is horrified when he comes home from school and finds his mother unconscious at the kitchen table, clutching a bottle of pills. The reason for her suicide attempt is even more disturbing: she thought she'd identified Ephraim's body at the hospital that day.

Among his dead double's belongings, Ephraim finds a strange coin--a coin that grants wishes when he flips it. With a flick of his thumb, he can turn his alcoholic mother into a model parent and catch the eye of the girl he's liked since second grade. But the coin doesn't always change things for the better. And a bad flip can destroy other people's lives as easily as it rebuilds his own.

The coin could give Ephraim everything he's ever wanted--if he learns to control its power before his luck runs out.

THE STAR SHARD by Frederic S. Durbin
(February 28, 2012)

Though it was released 2 days ago, it still counts! THE STAR SHARD is by an awesome buddy of mine, Frederic S. Durbin. Fred was cool enough to agree to a review/interview from yours truly. And again, that's coming soon! (I'm saying that a lot today, eh?)

THE STAR SHARD was originally serialized in Cricket Magazine from April 2008 to April 2009. It's the story of Cymbril, a 12-year-old slave on Thunder Rake. Now, the Rake isn't just a city, it's a massive wagon-city ruled by merchant-kings. The Rake rolls around from town to town, trading goods and making fat cash, while Cymbril sings for the Rake's master. When her master purchases a new slave, a fey boy named Loric, Cymbril and he become friends and plan to escape. Chaos ensues.

I read THE STAR SHARD to my 9-year-old over January, and she loved it. She especially loved the Urrmsh--big green dudes who move the wagon by "rowing" deep in the bowels of the Rake. The book is straight up magical and so unique. It really embraced the wonder and imagination of children's fantasy literature. Heck, I'm an old woman, and I loved it. You will too.

What are you reading this month?
Any thoughts on my choices?
Have I put you in enough suspense with all the upcoming reviews/interviews?
Share with me, my lovelies.