Here’s a rundown of the books we think you should look out for in coming in the week. See any that you are really looking forward to? Find any you had not heard of yet? Know of books we missed?
We know we don’t have everything and would love to hear what you feel we may have overlooked.
FANTASY
A Shadow All of Light: A Novel by Fred Chappell
Published by Tor Books on April 12th 2016
Pages: 384 
In the province of Tlemia, where human shadows are powerful commodities, an apprentice shadow thief embarks on an extraordinary adventure.This stylish, episodic fantasy novel, in the mode of classic Jack Vance, follows the exploits of Falco, a young man from the country, who arrives in the port city of Tardocco with the ambition of becoming an apprentice to a master shadow thief. Maestro Astolfo, whose mysterious powers of observation would rival those of Sherlock Holmes, sees Falco's potential and puts him through a grueling series of physical lessons and intellectual tests.
Falco's adventures coalesce into one overarching story of con men, monsters, ingenious detection, cats, and pirates. A wry humor leavens this fantastical concoction, and the style is as rich and textured as one would hope for from Chappell, a distinguished poet as well as a World Fantasy Award-winning fantasy writer.
Masks and Shadows by Stephanie Burgis
Published by Pyr on April 12th 2016
Pages: 300
Our reviews of this author: Masks and Shadows, Congress of Secrets, The Underwater Ballroom Society
The year is 1779, and Carlo Morelli, the most renowned castrato singer in Europe, has been invited as an honored guest to Eszterháza Palace. With Carlo in Prince Nikolaus Esterházy's carriage, ride a Prussian spy and one of the most notorious alchemists in the Habsburg Empire. Already at Eszterháza is Charlotte von Steinbeck, the very proper sister of Prince Nikolaus's mistress. Charlotte has retreated to the countryside to mourn her husband's death. Now, she must overcome the ingrained rules of her society in order to uncover the dangerous secrets lurking within the palace's golden walls. Music, magic, and blackmail mingle in a plot to assassinate the Habsburg Emperor and Empress--a plot that can only be stopped if Carlo and Charlotte can see through the masks worn by everyone they meet.
Bloodmage (The Age of Darkness Trilogy #2) by Stephen Aryan
Published by Orbit on April 12th 2016
Pages: 528
The people of Perizzi have survived the battlemage war, but their future is looking darker than ever.
BYRNE is a Guardian of the Peace, investigating a series of murders in which the corpse was drained entirely of life.
FRAY's expertise with magic is needed to catch the killer, but working with the Watch destroyed his father, years before.
CHOSS is a champion fighter, trying to diffuse a war in the underworld that threatens to turn the streets red with rivers of blood.
KATJA is a spy from a foreign land, attempting to prevent a massacre that will topple two dynasties and destroy the fragile peace in the city for ever.
Guardians and spies, assassins and criminals will clash on the streets in this magic-fuelled adventure from the author of Battlemage.
Illidan: World of Warcraft by William King
Published by Del Ray on April 12th 2016
Pages: 208
Behind the legend stands an individual hungry for justice and vengeance—as the adventure, intrigue, and heroism of World of Warcraft, one of the highest-grossing videogames of all time, rise to a new level.
You are not prepared.
Illidan Stormrage is one of the most powerful beings ever to walk the lands of Azeroth. He is also one of the least understood. Behind his legend, beneath his enigmatic mission, lies a brilliant mind whose machinations are comprehended by few—and trusted by even fewer. Illidan’s righteous reign of justice and vengeance has begun, taking the stunning adventure, intrigue, and heroism of World of Warcraft, the highest-grossing videogame of all time, to a new level.
Long ago, the night elf sorcerer Illidan infiltrated the demonic Burning Legion to ward off its invasion of Azeroth. Instead of hailing him as a hero, his own kind branded him the Betrayer, questioning his intentions after he appeared to aid the demon lords. For ten thousand years, he languished in prison—vilified, isolated, but never forgetting his purpose.
Now the Legion has returned, and there is only one champion who can truly stand against it. Released from his bonds, Illidan prepares for the final confrontation in the alien realm of Outland, gathering an army of grotesque fel orcs, serpentine naga, cunning blood elves, and twisted demon hunters to his side. He alone knows what deeply hidden motives guide his hand; he alone understands the price that must be paid to defeat the enemies of creation. Yet as before, he is assailed by those who see his schemes as a cynical quest for power, including the night elf Maiev Shadowsong, his former jailor. Warden Shadowsong and her Watchers have pursued the Betrayer to Outland to exact retribution for his crimes, and she will not rest until Illidan is in her custody . . . or in his grave.
| A Shadow all of Light | Fred Chappell | 4/12/2016 | Tor |
| Masks and Shadwos | Stephanie Burgis | 4/12/2016 | Pyr |
| Bloodmage | Stephen Aryan | 4/12/2016 | Orbit |
| Illidan: World of Warcraft | William King | 4/12/2016 | Del Rey |
You can also find me blogging about books at Tenacious Reader
- Review: A Veil of Spears by Bradley P. Beaulieu - April 30, 2018
- Review: Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman - April 18, 2018
- Review: The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso - April 11, 2018
One Comment
Edelweiss just sent me “Mask and Shadows”: after reading a few enthusiastic reviews I was more than curious, and now I can hardly wait to start!