New Realms of Fantasy & Reviews Online

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

The October issue of Realms of Fantasy has arrived, and that means it’s time for another update.
This issue looks at the following books:

So Silver Bright, by Lisa Mantchev
Death Sentence: Escape From Furnace #3, by Alexander Gordon Smith
Spellbound, by Cara Lynn Shultz
Fairy Bad Day, by Amanda Ashby
Hollowstone, by Dennis R. Upkins
Starcrossed, by Josephine Angelini
Awaken, by Katie Kacvinsky
Shift, by Jeri Smith-Ready
The Throne of Fire: The Kane Chronicles #2, by Rick Riordan

This also means that the reviews from the previous issue are now archived on my website, and can be found thusly:
Huntress, by Malinda Lo
Eona, by Alison Goodman
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente
Red Glove, by Holly Black
The Girl in the Steel Corset, by Kady Cross
Supernaturally, by Kiersten White
Born at Midnight, by C.C. Hunter
Queen of the Dead, by Stacey Kade
Always a Witch, by Carolyn MacCullough

But wait, there’s more! The following review went live on SF Site:
WWW: Wonder, by Robert J. Sawyer

So go forth, read, share, forward to your friends, enjoy some nice homemade apple butter, whatever. I welcome comments, compliments, contrasting opinions, and more.

New Short Story Sale!

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

I’m pleased as punch to announce that my story “Thwarting the Spirits” has sold to She-Shifters: Lesbian Paranormal Erotica, edited by Delilah Devlin. It will come out from Cleis Press in Fall 2012.
While I’d love to say more about the story, for now, let me just give you this: It’s about a werecobra and a weremongoose who fall for one another despite being mortal enemies. It’s another one of my Puxhill stories, and features a few guest stars I rather enjoyed squeezing in. When I have more info, I’ll share it here.

Always A Witch, by Carolyn McCullough (Harcourt, 2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

After years of being the only mundane in a clan of witches, Tamsin Greene has discovered her own potent set of Talents, along with a prophecy that puts her at the heart of her family’s destiny. When her enemy, Alistair Knight, journeys back in time, Tamsin follows in order to thwart his plans to change the past. As she goes undercover in the stronghold of a rival family of witches, she tries to avoid their wicked ways while recruiting her own ancestors. Ultimately, Tamsin’s actions in the past will influence generations to come, and decide her own fate. While the tale spans centuries and affects entire families, it wraps up Tamsin’s personal story in a satisfying manner.

Queen of the Dead, by Stacey Kade (Hyperion, 2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

Will is a Goth who sees ghosts. Alona is a cheerleader who met an early demise. They’ve forged an awkward relationship built on opposites attracting and cooperation, which serves them well as they help other ghosts gain closure. But now there’s a new girl mucking things up, and she introduces Will to an entire society of ghost whisperers. While they provide him with insight into his abilities, they don’t seem all that altruistic. Meanwhile, Alona becomes trapped in the body of a comatose friend, a fate worse than death. It’s time for them both to figure out what they really want. This charming romantic comedy has surprising depths, and plenty of soul.

Born at Midnight, by C.C. Hunter (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

When Kylie Galen is sent to Shadows Fall, a camp for troubled teens, she figures it’s because she screwed up once too often. The truth is, it’s secretly a camp for supernatural teenagers learning how to control their natures and fit in. Thing is, Kylie isn’t supernatural, or so she thinks. As she gets to know her fellow campers, she discovers the truth of her heritage, even as she juggles her attraction to a werewolf she’s known for years, and a half-Fae boy whose charm is irresistible. There’s trouble afoot at the camp, and Kylie may be the key to fixing things. With a memorable narrative voice and an entertaining setup, this coming-of-age romp is a breath of fresh air.

Supernaturally, by Kiersten White (HarperTeen, 2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

Evie’s attempts to lead a normal high school life after quitting her job with the International Paranormal Containment Agency seem doomed to failure when paranormals start attacking her at random, and her old boss all but begs her to come back as a freelancer, much to the dismay of Evie’s shapeshifter boyfriend. Unable to turn her back on friends and duty, Evie tries to balance the aspects of her life with little success. Now she’s dealing with fairies again, learning more about her past than she ever expected, and up to her eyeballs in trouble. Though a bit angsty, Evie’s an enjoyable heroine, and her fast-paced Buffyesque adventures make for a good read.

The Girl in the Steel Corset, by Kady Cross (Harlequin Teen, 2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

Finlay Jayne is a young woman with a secret: a dark side which exhibits a violent streak and superhuman strength. On the run from a previous employer, she’s rescued by Duke Griffin King, who, like his friends, possesses unusual powers. Even as they try to understand Finlay’s true nature, the small group struggles with internal turmoil and external threats, locked into a game of wits with the insidious Mechanist. In this quirky, exciting vision of an alternate Victorian England, automatons and dirigibles mix with superpowers and teen drama. With its comic book elements, steampunk trappings and romance sensibilities, this playful adventure marks the start of a fun new series.

Red Glove, by Holly Black (McElderry Press, 2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

Cassel Sharpe has problems: The girl he wants has been cursed to love him against her will, he’s secretly a powerful curse worker, and his family has been using him without his knowledge. Extricating himself from this mess will take some doing, and that’s before the Feds pull him in to help investigate and avenge his brother’s murder. Unfortunately, he’s short on people he can trust, torn between family and the law, and running short on time. Intricately-plotted and full of sharp turns, this is one twisted tale of magical crime and punishment, mixing urban fantasy with a hint of noir.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente (Feiwel and Friends,2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

In this hypnotic, oft-dazzling homage to old-school childrens’ fantasy such as The Phantom Tollbooth, Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland, Valente both embraces and subverts genre tropes. September, a resourceful girl from Nebraska, is whisked away to Fairyland one day. There, she enjoys a series of perilous and whimsical adventures, including questing for magical artifacts and defying a tyrannical ruler. With strange new friends at her side, September sets off to save Fairyland, embracing her own strengths and weaknesses. Complex and beautiful, lyrical and poignant, this tale is an instant classic.

Eona, by Alison Goodman (Viking, 2011)

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Michael M. Jones

On the run after the death of the Emperor and the slaughter of her fellow Dragoneyes, Eona is caught in the middle of a rebellion, both figurehead and target. Only one man can teach her how to use her new powers in time to save the empire: Lord Ido, the disgraced Dragoneye who engineered his fellows’ downfall, currently held captive by the wicked false Emperor Sethon. In an epic struggle for survival, Eona must rescue her enemy, master her abilities, and unlock a centuries-old mystery involving her own ancestor. This fascinating sequel to Eon combines Chinese myth, wuxia action, magic, romance, and gender issues, producing a densely-packed, richly-told story.