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Monday, January 22, 2018

Yes! More 2018 Cover Reveals!

There’ve been a few more YA cover reveals in the past couple of weeks (or covers that I’ve just recently discovered), so I thought I’d share the pretties with you and let you know what I think.

Norse Mythology
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Paperback, 304 pages, W.W. Norton Company
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

My Thoughts

Okay, so this one isn’t YA. I just love this cover. It also isn’t a new release; it’s just a new cover design. I haven’t seen a lot of reviews or buzz for Norse Mythology, as opposed to American Gods, but I know Neil Gaiman is a big deal. I’m kind of hoping this book will be like his Stardust one, but we’ll see. Honestly, though, this one might just be a cover buy for me. It’s gorgeous.

***

The Smoke Thieves
(The Smoke Thieves #1)
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Hardcover, 544 pages, Viking Books
Genres: YA, Fantasy

The beginning to an epic medieval fantasy trilogy, perfect for Game of Thrones fans.

A shrewd princess whose father is plotting against her. A brave soldier turned traitor. A loyal servant on a quest to avenge his family. A streetwise demon smoke hunter in desperate need of money. A charming thief with no clue about his true identity. Their lives would never intersect, until a war between kingdoms bubbles up, and the dangerous truth about demon smoke intertwines all their fates. Welcome to The Smoke Thieves, a tangled web of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and forbidden love, in a world where sometimes no amount of magic can keep you safe.

My Thoughts

This one has a really pretty cover. However, I didn’t really love Sally Green’s other series. Half Bad was more than half bad, in my opinion. The Smoke Thieves also doesn’t have very good ratings on Goodreads right now, and it’s not even out yet. Not a very good sign. I’m thinking I might just check this one out from the library. Maybe…

***

Smoke in the Sun
(Flame in the Mist #2)
Publication Date: June 5, 2018
Hardcover, 416 pages, G.P. Putnum’s Sons
Genres: YA, Fantasy

The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist—an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn.

After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice—to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead.

With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.

My Thoughts

*sigh* What can I say about this cover? That I’m disappointed? That I hate cover changes? It never seems to matter.

Okay, so I know the author said that this book and the first one match, but honestly, they won’t to me. I’ll know that the duology doesn’t have consistent covers. I’m just super disappointed because Flame in the Mist had an amazing cover! This one just isn’t my style at all.

I probably won’t be buying this book, as I only gave Flame in the Mist three stars. I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to, so, now that the sequel cover has been redesigned, I don’t think I’ll buy a copy. I’ll just check it out from the library or something.

***

Bright We Burn
(The Conqueror’s Saga #3)
Publication Date: July 10, 2018
Hardcover, 416 pages, Delacorte
Genres: YA, Historical/Fantasy

Haunted by the sacrifices he made in Constantinople, Radu is called back to the new capital. Mehmed is building an empire, becoming the sultan his people need. But Mehmed has a secret: as emperor, he is more powerful than ever . . . and desperately lonely. Does this mean Radu can finally have more with Mehmed . . . and would he even want it?

Lada's rule of absolute justice has created a Wallachia free of crime. But Lada won't rest until everyone knows that her country's borders are inviolable. Determined to send a message of defiance, she has the bodies of Mehmed's peace envoy delivered to him, leaving Radu and Mehmed with no choice. If Lada is allowed to continue, only death will prosper. They must go to war against the girl prince.

But Mehmed knows that he loves her. He understands her. She must lose to him so he can keep her safe. Radu alone fears that they are underestimating his sister's indomitable will. Only by destroying everything that came before--including her relationships--can Lada truly build the country she wants.

Claim the throne. Demand the crown. Rule the world.

My Thoughts

I still haven’t read the first two books in this trilogy yet. I will. Probably closer to this book’s release date. I will say though, that I was a little disappointed by this cover reveal. The whole pomegranate on a cover thing has me a little wigged out. I don’t really know why. It just does. I’m debating on whether or not I want to buy the UK paperbacks or the US hardcovers. I think I’ll decide once the UK paperback cover of this book is revealed.

***

A Blade So Black
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Hardcover, 352 pages, Imprint
Genres: YA, Fairytale Retelling

The first time the Nightmares came, it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she's trained to battle monstrous creatures in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland with magic weapons and hardcore fighting skills. Yet even warriors have a curfew.

Life in real-world Atlanta isn't always so simple, as Alice juggles an overprotective mom, a high-maintenance best friend, and a slipping GPA. Keeping the nightmares at bay is turning into a full-time job. But when Alice's handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned, she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s ever gone before. And she'll need to use everything she's learned in both worlds to keep from losing her head . . . literally.

My Thoughts

Can we get rid of the stupid Entertainment Weekly stamp, please? Ugh. I hate it when covers are revealed on EW. They always stick that stupid stamp on there.

This cover looks so bada$$. I had no idea this book even existed until the cover was revealed. I’m not really into Alice in Wonderland retellings anymore, but I think I might give this one a try. I feel like if I don’t, the Alice on this cover will slay me down.

***

Those are some recently revealed 2018 covers. What do you think? Do you like them? My favorite is probably Norse Mythology. My least favorite is definitely Smoke in the Sun.

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