To-Read Pile: April 2018

April is probably the biggest month for new releases that I’m actually interested in reading (at least until fall). I know I won’t be able to get through all of them, and writing up a schedule with an expectation to follow it is just asking for trouble. But hey, having goals is good and conducive to a healthy and productive lifestyle! Or something.

New Releases (Definite Yes):

• Grey Sister (Second Book of the Ancestor) by Mark Lawrence:
  I’d planned on reading this in March but couldn’t make the time. Red Sister is probably my favourite Lawrence book thus far and I have high hopes for the sequel.

• Fire Dance by Ilana C. Myer:
  A standalone that is also a followup to Ilana Myer’s brilliant debut Last Song Before Night, which has become one of my favourite books in recent years. It’s my most anticipated release this month (narrowly edging out Grey Sister) and I can’t wait to see that gorgeous cover in person.

• From Unseen Fire (Aven Cycle 1) by Cass Morris:
  A political intrigue set in alternate-Rome with mages duking it out for control of the city. It’s a melding of two of my favourite genres–fantasy and historical–so I can’t possibly say no.

• Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente:
  I mean, the premise is Eurovision in space. I’m expecting something fun and crazy.
• This I Know by Eldonna Edwards:
  Another mesh of historical and fantasy. Set in the 60’s, it stars an eleven year-old clairvoyant girl named Grace living in a small town that is full of secrets. It sounds like a heartwarming coming-of-age story and the world could always use more of those.

• Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert:
  A YA contemporary featuring asian-american LGBTQ teens, which there aren’t enough of, so I’m definitely nabbing this one. 

 

New Releases (Tentative Yes):

• Dread Nation by Justina Ireland:
  Historical fiction with zombies feat a bi poc protagonist. Enough said.

• White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig:
  It’s one of the only mysteries on my list, and it’s a queer one, so I’m gonna try hard to squeeze it in somewhere.
  

Old Releases:

• The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle 2) Maggie Stiefvater:
  [furious whispering] I will get through this series by the end of summer. I will get through this series by the end of summer.

• The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault

I’m hoping to get through more of the new releases, but we’ll see how it goes.

Happy April, everyone!