Thrilling Fantasy or Futuristic Jane Austen?
Imagine a gentle atmosphere, lounging with a book while friends chatter in the background. That’ll be me on vacation soon, and I need your help deciding what to read!
I am perennially guilty of planning to read a ton of books on break, then only reading one. I’m taking the opposite tactic this time, starting planning with only one. A dangerous strategy, I am aware.
My choices are:
Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder
Maria V. Snyder is a favorite author; I’ve never met a Snyder book I didn’t like, and I have several that I love. I’ve admittedly read mixed reviews of this second book in a fantasy series. It is likely action packed and plot based.
For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diane Peterfreund
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading a book by Diane Peterfreund, though I once dismally made unicorn poop because of her. It’s almost guaranteed that I’ll like this futuristic retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I’ve certainly read more than my fair share of the Jane Austen retelling subgenre.
What do you make of my deliberations? I like the idea of both, and they’ve been on my TBR for quite some time.
Share your opinion below, and be sure to check out other What’s Next posts at Icey Books!
Maggie Stiefvater is a curiosity. (Event recap + US giveaway)
Maggie Stiefvater is a curiosity. Ample social media presence gives fans (like me) a sense of accessibility. Like that rule of six degrees is reduced to one by virtue of following Stiefvater on twitter and tumblr. The author of your favorite fantasy novel is involved in a car race that ends in literal flames? Of course.
The Scorpio Races, aforementioned favorite, has a quote I draw near (too) often:
My heart feels full and empty with all of the beginnings and endings.
When tour dates for The Raven King launch came out, I decided to go and get a signed copy of The Scorpio Races, establishing it as a rare long-term resident of my bookshelf.
I went in with no intention of reading The Raven Cycle. Let it be known, I picked up the final book at the library today.
Stiefvater told stories and entertained as an author tour pro.
- Her stories: Car fire! Goats! Portrait painting! Oh my.
- Her writing and life balance: No such thing as a normal day.
- Her response to spoilers: Don’t even try it.
The presence of Rachel Hartman’s beloved Seraphina on Stiefvater’s recommendation table warms my heart.
Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven King tour is still going strong, and you can find future event dates on the Appearances page on MaggieStiefvater.com. If you’re inclined to be charmed and entertained in a packed bookstore, go for it!
Would you like a signed paperback copy of The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)? Enter the giveaway using the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is to US addresses only (apologies to int’l friends) and ends May 15th.
Unfettered and Free in My Hometown Librar-ee
It’s been too long since I’ve been on a free reading spree. These days, great friends give 101 recommendations, there’s an ever-increasing list of books I “should” read and such seemingly limited time.
So, when I took my vacation home, I dug up my old card and went to my hometown library- no holds barred.
Here are my spoils:
From left to right:
- A Rapunzel retelling set in medieval Germany
- By Sarah Ockler, the author of Fixing Delilah, Bittersweet‘s MC is a cupcake baking queen- her local newspaper said so
- The sequel to The Young Elites
- A poetry collection entitled Revolutionary Petunias (best title ever)
Two weeks with nothing but free time can put a dent into such an ensemble.
The only book I had a hankering for I didn’t see was Attachments by Rainbow Rowell; I found out Cath and Levi from Fangirl make a cameo! How did I not know this?! The library where I currently live has a copy, it is now on hold, and all shall soon be well.
ETA: I just finished Attachments, saw no signs of Cath and Levi, rechecked my sources, and realized they appear in Landline instead. Back to the library I go!
What have you lately added to your TBR?
Friday Finds is hosted by A Daily Rhythm.
