Escapist Newsletter (Vol 6 Issue 11)

KKeaton-Embers in a Dark Frost

News from LE

NAC.2013Probably the biggest announcement I have this month. LE has brought on two new reviewers! I would like to welcome Courtney and Natassia, who have join the site as our Steampunk, Science Fiction and Fantasy reviewers. I’m a little behind on scheduling reviews, but Natassia and Courtney have already had their first reviews loaded – London Eye by Tim Lebbon and The Lazarus Machine by Paul Crilley – so if you haven’t already, make sure you check them out and say hi. Be prepared for a lot more Steampunk, Science Fiction and Fantasy because they have been fabulously busy.

The New Author Challenge 2013 has officially been announced! For the fifth year in a row, Literary Escapism will be hosting the New Author Challenge, encouraging people to get out there and try an author they’ve never read before.  They don’t have to be a debuting author, but can be a NYT bestselling author you’ve been saying you were going to try and haven’t had a chance. They can even be in a different genre. Have you wanted to dip your feet into straight fantasy or steampunk? Here’s your incentive. Get out there and be brave.  To sign up for the New Author Challenge 2013, click here.

Black Friday is coming! Watch for the official announcement this week.

If you’ve subscribed via email to LE in the past, you may have noticed a new layout or even multiple copies showing up in your inbox. That’s because I’ve switched email services due to the many rumors that Feedburner was going to be turned off on October 20th. Now I don’t know if that is still going on, but to be safe, I moved everyone over to the new Mail Chimp distribution list. I couldn’t delete everyone from Feedburner, so if you did get two, my apologies. Hopefully you didn’t unsubscribe completely from LE or from the wrong one. If you’ve never subscribed and want to, you can do so here.

If you’ve been looking for a few new novels that run similar to Fifty Shades, make sure you check out the fabulous list of 50+ Authors That Beat 50 Shades that is based on many recommendations I received via Twitter and Facebook.

What does everyone think of the new design? LE got a major makeover in October and so far all the feedback has been positive. Things have definitely been moved around and a lot of things changed. The biggest one I’m still getting used to is the non-blog format of the main page. If you’re checking LE via an RSS feed or your email, you won’t notice anything different, but the main page is now showing a ton more of reviews, more author appearances and the news posts are front and center. LE has been given more of a magazine look and this will also allow me to handle advertising a little different.

Yup, you heard that right. Advertising. LE will be overhauling the current advertising policy in November and will be rolling out new prices and sizes on December 1st. With this new design, I’ll be offering more sizes and ads will be static images instead of rotating.

Cover Extravaganza

KArmstrong-Amityville HorribleDuring October, 179 different covers were revealed. I’m only going to show off a few that I haven’t seen get as much time on the blogs, but you can find all of them, in their original sizes, on the Facebook page. There were a ton of great sources: Wicked Scribes, All Things Urban Fantasy, Michelle’s Book Blog and Tez Says.

New Releases

I know I normally post all of the new releases for the current month, but since I’m late with the newsletter again, I’ve already put them up. There were some fabulous releases that came out at the beginning of the month and they needed to be shared. So I’m not going to add length to the newsletter since it would be unnecessary since all of them have already be posted. So to see this month’s releases, click here.

Here are a few other places with their own November releases: Tez Says, All Things Urban Fantasy, Suvudu, Vampire Book Club and Tor.com.

New Release Dates:
I’ve finally gotten the New Releases page updated. A printable version of the New Releases page was requested on facebook awhile back and that is now available. For a listing of all the novels that were added, click here, here, here, here and here. Here’s quite a few more (and I’m not holding back since I’m not including the new releases):

12/04/12: Just a Cowboy and His Baby by Carolyn Brown
12/04/12: The Doctor and the Rough Rider by Mike Resnick
12/11/12: Fortune’s Her by Jenna Bennett
12/11/12: Temping Is Hell by Cathy Yardley
12/18/12: Leashing the Tempest by Jenn Bennett (Arcadia Bell #2.5)
12/18/12: A Red Sun Also Rises by Mark Hodder
12/24/12: All for You by Dana Marie Bell
12/24/12: The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans (Mystwalker)
12/31/12: The League of Illusion: Legacy by Vivi Anna (League of Illusion)
12/31/12: Angels’ Dance by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunters)

2013: Fire & Frost an anthology feautring Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane, Jessica Sims

01/01/13: Legacy by Jayne Ann Krentz
01/03/13: Grave Intentions by Lori Sjoberg
01/08/13: Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz (Dark Legacy #2)
01/08/13: Power Under Pressure by Andrew Mayer (Society of Steam #3)
01/08/13: Prince of Power by Elisabeth Staab
01/29/13: Shadowhunters and Downworlders by Cassandra Clare (Mortal Instruments #6.5)

02/01/13: Wildcat by Cheryl Brooks (Cat Star Chronicles)
02/01/13: Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr
02/26/13: The Devil’s Looking Glass by Mark Chadbourn
03/12/13: Bloodfire Quest by Terry Brooks (Dark Legacy of Shannara)
03/26/13: Hammer of Angels by GT Almasi (Shadowstorm)
03/26/13: Wasteland by Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan
03/26/13: Ravish: The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty by Cathy Yardley
03/26/13: Crave: The Seduction of Snow White by Cathy Yardley

AFlinn-Towering04/02/13: Fearless by Cornelia Funke (Mirrorworld)
04/02/13: Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker (Black Knights #4)
04/16/13: Bewitching by Alex Flinn
04/23/13: The Lost Code by Kevin Emerson (Atlanteans #1)
04/23/13: Enslave: Beauty Tames the Beast by Cathy Yardley
04/30/13: The Ward by Jordana Frankel

05/07/13: The End Games by T. Michael Martin
05/07/13: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
05/14/13: Towering by Alex Flinn
05/14/13: Diva by Alex Flinn
05/21/13: The Dark Shore by Kevin Emerson (Atlanteans #2)
05/21/13: September Girls by Bennett Madison
05/21/13: Praefatio by Georgia McBride (Praefatio #1)
05/28/13: Goddess by Josephine Angelini (Starcrossed #3)

06/04/13: Daniel’s Story by Susan Dennard
06/04/13: Elegy by Tara Hudson (Hereafter #3)
06/11/13: Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel (American Fairy #1)
06/18/13: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
06/25/13: Weather Witch by Shannon Delaney
06/25/13: After Daybreak by JA London (Darkness Before Dawn #3)
06/25/13: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
06/25/13: Golden Girl by Sarah Zettel (American Fairy #2)

07/02/13: Shutdown by Heather Anastasiu (Glitch #3)
07/23/13: Undercurrent by Paul Blackwell
07/23/13: A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard (Something Strange and Deadly #2)

09/10/13: The Final Descent by Rick Yancey

Book News

GMcBride-PraefatioFabulous news from Diana Gabaldon! For all of you diehard Outlander fans, you can now get all seven books in one ebook bundle. Yeah, I’m kind of excited about that as I need to get new copies. My precious signed first editions need to be kept pretty, right? *grin* The new Outlander ebook bundle is $49.99. While that may seem like a lot to some, don’t forget that includes seven novels that have been released for $7.99 as mass markets and that’s well over $50 if you buy them individually.

Yasmine Galenorn is getting ready for the release of her next Otherworld novel, Shadow Rising, by giving us a couple of glimpses into the Otherworld series – Maggie Facts, The Elder Fae, Map! and a Q&A.

Fantastic news for U fans of Ilona Andrews. The Edge series will be coming to the UK (and Europe?) as ebooks that will be independently published by Andrews themselves. There’s not a hard release date yet, but they are saying that Steel’s Edge should be released as an ebook about the same time as it is released in the US in print form on November 27th.

Wicked Scribes has unearthed the blurb for Jeaniene Frost’s second Night Prince novel, Twice Tempted, which releases in March.

Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges . . .

Leila’s psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn’t sure what the future holds. If that weren’t enough, her lover Vlad has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she’s also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won’t admit that he loves her . . .

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity . . .

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity . . .

Karen Mahoney has announced the title to her second Moth novel.  Hunting the Dark will be out in February 2014, but again only in the UK. Hopefully the US publishers will catch up to the Brits and make this series available in the US soon.

If you’re a Kim Harrison fan and want to get your very own precious Ever After signed, the tour Ts are now ready to order and they give a hint as to where she’ll be for next years Ever After Tour. Harrison’s tour is still being developed, but here are the confirmed dates: Ann Arbor, Mi (January 22 at Nicola’s Books); Seattle, Wa (January 23 at University Bookstore); Portland/Beaverton, Wa (January 24 at Powell’s Books); San Diego, Ca (January 25 at Mysterious Galaxy); Phoenix, Az (January 27 at B&N); Houston, Tx (January 29 at Murder By the Book); and Austin, Tx (January 30 at Bookpeople). They are still working on confirming locations, dates and times for the following cities: Cincinnati, Oh; Dallas, Tx; Denver, Co; and Rayleigh, SC.

Meljean Brook has unleashed the cover for the final Guardian novel, Guardian Demon, as well as the blurb:

In this thrilling conclusion to the Guardian series, New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook delivers another stunning page-turner, in which the fate of humanity depends upon a tortured warrior winning the trust—and heart—of the woman he wounded…

After a terrifying encounter in Hell destroys her trust in Michael, the Guardian’s powerful leader, former detective Andromeda Taylor is ready to call it quits as one of the angelic warriors and resume her human life again. But when demonic forces threaten her closest friends and she uncovers a terrifying plot devised by Lucifer, Taylor is thrown straight into Michael’s path again…

To defeat Lucifer, Michael needs every Guardian by his side—and he needs Taylor more than any other. The detective is the key to keeping his own demonic side at bay, and Michael will do anything to protect her and keep her close. And when Taylor manifests a deadly power, her Gift might tip the scales in the endless war between Heaven and Hell…or it might destroy them both with a single touch.

Jennifer Estep has released the back cover copy for her next Mythos Academy novel, Midnight Frost, which will be released in August 2013.

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …

New Excerpts or Reading for Free

LKHamilton-AfflictionMerrie DeStefano has given us a look at her new story, Dog Boy, which appeared in the newly released anthology Waiting for Midnight.

JR Ward gave us a peek at Lover at Last, the next Black Dagger Brotherhood novel that features Blay & Qhuinn, to be released March 26, 2013.

Devon Monk has given us another excerpt from her new release Magic For a Price, which was just released.

Suvudu has an excerpt from Keri Arthur’s new re-release Beneath a Darkening Moon.

Jocelynn Drake has a couple of free reads available as PDFs that go with her new release, Angel’s Ink. These stories – The Subjugation of the Races, Low Town Tour Guide, School Days and Seeking Asylum – do not need to be read prior to Angel’s Ink.

Chloe Neill has posted the first chapter to House Rules!!! I so can’t wait for February to come.

Ilona Andrews has posted a tiny snippet from the next Kate novel, Magic Rises, which releases July 30, 2013.

Shiloh Walker has a couple of snippets from her new romantic suspense novel, The Stolen. Walker is also giving us a glimpse into a new erotic paranormal she’s writing for Samhain titled Beautiful Scars, to be released in January; a few excerpts of her new Grimm Circle novel, Blind Destiny, which you can read them here, here and here; a snippet from her 2013 release, Wrecked; and a snippet from her February 2013 romantic suspense, The Reunited.

Lauren Dane has posted five excerpts (here, here, here, here and here) from her new Delicious novel, Tart, which is now available. Dane has also posted a snippet from her Cascadia Wolves novel, Fated, which is currently available.

Diana Pharaoh Francis is giving us a rather long look at Blood Winter, which comes out December 26th.

Erica Hayes currently has Hunter’s Blood available for the low price of $2.99.

Harper Voyager has posted an excerpt of Jocelynn Drake’s new release, Angel’s Ink, due out next week.

Rachel Caine has posted an online exclusive short story on her newly redesigned website.  Dark Rides takes place in her Morganville Vampires world and seems to be from Eve’s POV.

Brom has posted the prologue and some artwork from his new release, Krampus: The Yule Lord, due out on the 30th.

Gollancz has an exclusive short story by Stephen Deas titled, The Thief’s Blade, now available.

Kelly Meding has posted an excerpt of her next MetaWars novel, Tempest, which is due out April 23, 2013.

Kerrelyn Sparks has posted the first chapter from her 13th Love at Stakes novel, Wild About You, which comes out November 27th.

Gollancz is giving us a sneak peak into Joe Abercrombie’s Red Country by sharing chapters one, two and three, which will be out November 13th.

Ilona Andrews has posted the first part of Chapter 4 for their online serial, Clean Sweep. To view the previous chapters/parts, click here.

Yasmine Galenorn has posted another sneak peek at her upcoming Otherworld novel, Shadow Rising, which will be released on October 30th.

Babbling About Books as the exclusive First Chapter of Tiffany Reisz’s The Prince, which comes out November 20th.

Featured Book: Embers in a Dark Frost by Kelly Keaton

KKeaton-Embers in a Dark FrostThe Fire Breathers have come. The Underworld calls. A choice must be made…

With her feared half blood and flame-colored hair, DEIRA D’ANU is a constant reminder of human betrayal and the war that claimed the light from Innis Fail. Now, darkness and frost creep across the land, strengthening the Lord of the Underworld. War is imminent—an allegiance with the Fire Breathers is vital. When their champion, Balen, sees Deira, he believes she is the key to finding the light and stopping the dark frost.

But the Underworld calls to Deira, tempting her to turn her back on a world that never cared and betray the champion willing to sacrifice everything to keep her safe and save his world from darkness.

This Month’s Reviews

Ironskin by Tina Connolly
Blind Destiny by Shiloh Walker
Vegas Top Guns by Katie Porter
Bared to You and Reflected in You by Sylvia Day
Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall
The Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones
Magic Gone Wild by Judi Fennell
A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang
Angel’s Ink by Jocelynn Drake
Double Time by Olivia Cunning
Lover Unbound by J. R. Ward
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones
The Lazarus Machine by Paul Crilley
London Eye by Tim Lebbon
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide by JR Ward
Chosen by Sable Grace

From the Reader

APlum-If I Should DieSo what’s the deal with this new genre New Adult? To me, it seems like nothing more than trying to market an adult book with little sex to the young adult crowd. I’m still confused over it all, but Babbling About Books has taken a bit longer look than I have. So if you’re curious, I would head over there and see what she has to say.

The holidays are nearly upon us and Parajunkee’s View is talking about Holiday Burnout that bloggers may begin to feel. Rachel has some great tips and there’s nothing wrong with unprioritizing a site during this time. In know with LE, I take full advantage of the fact that Black Friday is happening and I don’t have to post something a certain day. It’s also why I try to have everything confirmed and planned by now so all I have to worry about is getting the posts up (which are easy since I’m not the one coming up with the content).

When it comes to movies, it seems that Hollywood has been hitting their own bookstores to find their next big hits. Not surprising considering the success of Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games and they are not stopping there.  Wicked Scribes is providing an update on all the current films deals that involve some of our favorite authors.

Guess what Marvel is doing? According to Blastr, they are launching Marvel Now!, a  massive new relaunch from Marvel Comics featuring new titles, new creative teams and lots of new potential. Basically, it sounds like Marvel saw that DC got something good out of their New 52 and are trying something similar. For those diehard Marvel fans, they are not doing a complete story re-write, but it’s being classified as more “the next chapter” with new costumes, new storylines and new character directions. Supposedly it won’t mess with the continuity, but we won’t find out until the first comic is released.

Tez Says has the scoop on a few new publishing deals including ones for Keri Arthur (a new series and more Dark Angels) and Jackson Pearce’s fourth novel in her retold fairy tale series. Plus there’s news that the film version of Veronica Roth‘s Divergent now has a release date of March 21, 2014. There’s more, so make sure you head over and check it out.

Breaking Dawn: Part 2 will be released next month, ending the Twilight saga for film. However, io9 has uncovered that Summit and Lionsgate is looking to make a Twilight spin-off. Could be interesting, right? Yeah, if they do, the rumor is saying they won’t be using any of the current cast/characters and will be focusing on a whole new group that we haven’t seen. The idea of it featuring the Wolf Pack is being considered, but I’m not sure I like it. I would much rather see a spin-off of Renesmee and Jacob.

Author Appearances

JGarren-How-Beauty-Met-the-BeastFor the full listing of this month’s interviews, click here.

Contests

GoodReads is giving away 5 copies of Suzanne Johnson’s River Road – ends Nov. 27th.

GoodReads is giving away 5 copies of Cherie Priest’s The Inexplicables – ends Nov 27th.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.

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