Today is the official release day for Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal.
“Readers will appreciate the realistically warm and loving romance between Jane and Vincent all the more for their flaws and foibles, as their relationship is tested by internal and external forces.” –Publishers Weekly
“The third in Kowal’s stellar fantasy series, Without a Summer is, without a doubt, the best yet of the Glamourist Histories. Setting her tale in the notoriously cold summer of 1816, Kowal imaginatively blends historical fact with her own elaborate metaphysics of glamour. Add to that a well-developed hero and heroine who have become more flawed and yet more likable; the welcome reappearance of the charming Melody; and an emotionally involving story that culminates in a genuinely thrilling climax. With each entry, Kowal’s worldbuilding has only gotten more confident and the series better and better.” —Romantic Times, 4 1/2 Stars, Top Pick!
“Kowal’s third historical fantasy title (after Shades of Milk and Honey and Glamour in Glass) will delight series fans as they reconnect with favorite characters in new situations. The underlying fantastical nature of this Regency England continues to flourish, making a unique backdrop for discussing complex topics of social inequality, superstition obscuring scientific fact, and political corruption. Even as the intricate natural and social elements engage readers, it is the sweet, strong emotional connections that draw them back for more.” –Library Journal
Also available:
Shades of Milk and Honey
Glamour in Glass
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Also out today – Martha Wells’ YA debut, Emilie and the Hollow World.
While running away from home for reasons that are eminently defensible, Emilie’s plans to stow away on the steamship Merry Bell and reach her cousin in the big city go awry, landing her on the wrong ship and at the beginning of a fantastic adventure. Taken under the protection of Lady Marlende, Emilie learns that the crew hopes to use the aether currents and an experimental engine, and with the assistance of Lord Engal, journey to the interior of the planet in search of Marlende’s missing father. With the ship damaged on arrival, they attempt to traverse the strange lands on their quest. But when evidence points to sabotage and they encounter the treacherous Lord Ivers, along with the strange races of the sea-lands, Emilie has to make some challenging decisions and take daring action if they are ever to reach the surface world again.
“A rollicking adventure yarn with plenty of heart – Emilie & the Hollow World shouldn’t be missed.” -USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre
“Emilie is the best kind of adventurer — curious, courageous, stubborn, resourceful, and quick to make friends. I can’t wait to see where she goes exploring next.” -Sharon Shinn, author of the Twelve Houses series
“Martha Wells’ Emilie and the Hollow World is a lovely little adventure story that brings a modern sensibility to a classic pulp trope, re-enlivening and re-envisioning it for a contemporary audience. The hollow world, the accidental stowaway, steamships, airships, the gentleman or gentlewoman adventurer–these are elements that would be at home in a story told in the thirties. The clever and competent young heroine on the other hand–well that’s another story entirely, and one that Martha Wells handles beautifully. Unlike those thirties pulps, this a book you wouldn’t be embarrassed to give a thirteen year old soccer player who can’t see any reason she won’t grow up to be a physicist and the next president of the United States. Deft writing and consummate storytelling make a classic story fresh again for a new audience. All in all, Emilie and the Hollow World is a ripping yarn for a modern audience.” -Kelly McCullough, author of the WebMage and Fallen Blade series
Et in arcaedia, ego. 