New Books : 28 January 2020

New titles this week are by Brian D. Anderson, Eoin Colfer, K.J. Parker, Michelle Sagara, R.A. Salvatore, and David Sosnowski.

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* Anderson, Brian D. : The Bard’s Blade
(Tor 978-1-250-21464-5, $17.99, 432pp, trade paperback, January 2020)
• Nominal Publication Date: Tue 28 Jan 2020
• Ebook ISBN [link to Amazon Kindle edition]: 9781250214638
• Audiobook ISBN [link to Amazon]: 9781250264114
• The Sorcerer’s Song #1

Fantasy novel, first in a series, set in a magic land sealed off from the outside world, visited by a stranger for the first time in centuries.
• Macmillan’s site has this description with an excerpt.
• The Publishers Weekly review concludes, “Anderson’s leisurely pace and careful worldbuilding leave plenty to be explored in further installments. This solid first foray into the land of Lamoria offers enough intrigue to entice readers back.”

• Purchase this book from Amazon | Indiebound

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* Colfer, Eoin : Highfire
(Harper Perennial 978-0-06-293855-8, $19.99, 384pp, hardcover, January 2020)
• Nominal Publication Date: Tue 28 Jan 2020
• Ebook ISBN [link to Amazon Kindle edition]: 9780062938589
• Audiobook ISBN [link to Amazon]: 9780062939074

Adult fantasy novel about a retired dragon in the Louisiana bayous and a 15-year-old troublemaker who finds him.
• HarperCollins’ website has this description with a sample.
• The Publishers Weekly review concludes, “Colfer’s catchy narrative voice suits the characters and their setting perfectly, capturing Vern’s world-weary nature, Squib’s youthful adaptability, and Hooke’s malicious cunning. This no-holds-barred yarn is good fun from start to finish.”

• Purchase this book from Amazon | Indiebound

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* Parker, K. J. : Prosper’s Demon
(Tor.com 978-1-250-26051-2, $11.99, 104pp, trade paperback, January 2020)
• Nominal Publication Date: Tue 28 Jan 2020
• Ebook ISBN [link to Amazon Kindle edition]: 9781250260505

Fantasy novella about an exorcist determined to extract a demon regardless what happens to the person possessed.
• Macmillan’s site has this description.
• Amazon’s “Look Inside” function provides previews.
• The Publishers Weekly review, noting that the author is Tom Holt writing as K.J. Parker, concludes, “The engrossing narrative voice and assured worldbuilding compensate for a slight plot and rushed conclusion. Readers will be pleasantly surprised by this new direction for Holt.”

• Purchase this book from Amazon | Indiebound

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* Sagara, Michelle : Cast in Wisdom
(Mira 978-0-7783-0938-3, $16.99, 544pp, trade paperback, January 2020)
• Nominal Publication Date: Tue 28 Jan 2020
• Ebook ISBN [link to Amazon Kindle edition]: 9781488055362
• Audiobook ISBN [link to Amazon]: 9781488208027
• Chronicles of Elantra #15

Fantasy novel, 15th in the series that began with Cast in Shadow (2005), about Kaylin Neya, member of an elite team that keeps the city of Elantra safe.
• Harlequin’s site has this description with a free preview.
• The Publishers Weekly review concludes, “Series readers will appreciate the complex plot and many returning faces in the vast cast of characters. This magical thrill-ride is a treat.”

• Purchase this book from Amazon | Indiebound

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* Salvatore, R. A. : Song of the Risen God
(Tor 978-0765395337, $29.99, 416pp, hardcover, January 2020)
• Nominal Publication Date: Tue 28 Jan 2020
• Ebook ISBN [link to Amazon Kindle edition]: 9780765395344
• The Coven #3

Fantasy novel, third in a trilogy set in the DemonWars Saga universe following Child of a Mad God (2018) and Reckoning of Fallen Gods (2019), about the discovery of an ancient tomb that may hold the power to stop an invading army.
• Macmillan’s site has this description with an excerpt.

• Purchase this book from Amazon | Indiebound

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* Sosnowski, David : Buzz Kill
(47North 978-1-5420-0502-9, $24.95, 460pp, hardcover, January 2020)
• Nominal Publication Date: Tue 28 Jan 2020
• Ebook ISBN [link to Amazon Kindle edition]: B07QC7D11K
• Audiobook ISBN [link to Amazon]: 978-1799708094

SF novel about two young hackers who meet in cyberspace and conceive of an AI named Buzz.
• Amazon’s page has a description and its “Look Inside” function provides previews. There’s a simultaneous trade paperback (978-1542005043).
• The Publishers Weekly review concludes, “Fans of Sosnowski’s distinct and always enjoyable narrative voice may overlook the novel’s odd pacing, but those expecting a gripping sci-fi thriller will be disappointed.”

• Purchase this book from Amazon | Indiebound

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These listings are based on publisher schedules and availability on Amazon (rather than on confirmation of physical publication via purchase, review copies, or sightings in bookstores). Titles are listed only once they are published (with rare exception). We do not list galleys or advance reading copies. Page counts are based on publisher or Amazon listings, and typically only approximate the bibliographic page counts of finished books. * = first edition + = first US edition Date with publisher info is official publication month. ‘Nominal Publication Date’ is the day of publication, typically as indicated by Amazon.com.

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