Hooray, It’s Time for New Books!

I talked about this on All the Books a couple weeks ago but then the release date got moved, so I am going to mention it again here, because it’s one of the best fantasy books of the year! It’s a a somewhat-retelling of the fairy tale The Goose Girl. Vanja, a young woman who was raised by Fortune and Death, became a servant and while in the employ of the princess, stole her magic necklace. Now Vanja appears as the princess, and while attending swanky events, she’s pulling off robberies to get enough money to split town. But when the princess’s betrothed and a hunter looking to get to the bottom of the crimes both show up, she thinks she’s got real trouble on her hands. But then a curse is placed on her where she starts to grow rubies on her face, and THAT is real trouble. This book is so inventive and fun and I loved it to pieces! (CW for child abuse and neglect, attempted assault, and violence.)

Backlist bump: The Merciful Crow (The Merciful Crow Series Book 1) by Margaret Owen

And this is a really fun middle grade novel set in an alternate Egyptian universe. Ash is a regular kid growing up in Egypt, except for the part where he has a mentor who is training him for a secret purpose. On the eve of his twelfth birthday, he finds out what that is—to compete to be the protector of the prince. The contest is deadly, five days of dangerous tests, each overseen by a different Egyptian god, and not everyone will survive. But does Ash, who has been preparing for this moment all his life, have what it takes to become the Shadow Prince?

Backlist bump: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

And last, but not least, a fun feminist look at women and the vital roles they played in the history of alcohol throughout the world. From the ancient Sumerian beer goddess Ninkasi up to the 20th century, O’Meara has created a fascinating look into what is historically depicted as a man’s enterprise. This is perfect for people who love to learn about rarely discussed history! (Full disclosure that Mallory is a friend of mine, but I promise the book is awesome regardless.)

Backlist bump: The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick by Mallory O’Meara

I would be remiss not to point out that the amazing Sarah Andersen has another hilarious collection coming out, just in time for holiday shopping! Her delightful comics about being an introvert, owning cats, reading books, and more, are one of my very favorite things about the internet, and this might be the best collection yet. Also, be sure to check out her new comic, Cryptid Club, and don’t miss her amazing vampire/werewolf romance graphic novel, Fangs!

Backlist bump: Adulthood Is a Myth: A Sarah’s Scribbles Collection by Sarah Andersen