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"'The best thing for being sad,' replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, 'is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails.'"
~ T.H. White (1906-1964), British writer, The Sword in the Stone |
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New and Recently Released!
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| Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia BriggsShort Stories. Although set in the overlapping worlds of Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson books and her Alpha and Omega novels, these 12 short pieces shift focus away from the series' protagonists and onto a diverse cast of supporting characters. Ranging from previously published short stories to novellas to unseen "outtakes" from series entries, these fast-paced, engaging tales will whet readers' appetites for shapeshifter-themed adventures featuring intriguing characters and detailed world-building. |
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| The Clockwork Dagger: A Novel by Beth CatoSteampunk. A recent graduate of Miss Percival's Academy, gifted medician (healer) Octavia Leander boards the airship Argus en route to her new assignment. While navigating the decks of the dirigible she meets gallant, one-legged steward Alonzo Garret, the son of the general who killed Octavia's parents during the civil war that tore apart their native Caskentia. Despite her wariness, Garret proves a valuable ally when assassins target several of the ship's passengers. Who are these nefarious operatives? What is their goal? As Octavia and Garret investigate, they discover that murder may be a mere prelude to plunging the entire nation into political instability and warfare. |
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| The Witch with No Name by Kim HarrisonUrban Fantasy. Keeping the peace between Cincinnati's demonic, elven, and vampiric populations has always been a full-time job for Rachel Morgan. However, a recent discovery that enables vampires to reclaim their lost souls threatens to upset the already fragile ceasefire among the city's paranormal inhabitants. Nevertheless, Rachel is determined to fight for the rights of all beings, living and undead, even if it means sacrificing her own life. Because The Witch With No Name is the conclusion to Kim Harrison's Hollows series, newcomers should start with Dead Witch Walking. |
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| The Falcon Throne by Karen MillerFantasy. Although the duchies of Clemen and Harcia have been embroiled in a power struggle for years, it's unclear that either realm will have anything left to offer by the time the conflict ends -- if, indeed, it ever ends. In Clemen, Duke Harold has been deposed by Roric, while Harcia's heir, Balfre, hopes to wrest control of Clemen by pitting the inhabitants of the borderlands against Roric. However, unbeknownst to both parties, Harold's son plots his own return to power. With bloody battles, political intrigue, and supernatural overtones, this opening volume of the Tarnished Throne series should interest fans of Joe Abercrombie's Half a King. |
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| The Hawley Book of the Dead: A Novel by Chrysler SzarlanContemporary Fantasy. After an act of onstage sabotage claims her husband Jeremy's life, illusionist Revelation "Reve" Dyer returns with her three children to the town of Hawley Five Corners in Massachusetts. But when Reve discovers that Jeremy's death may be connected to a book in her family's possession, Reve must rely on her real-life magical powers to protect her brood -- though the aid of police chief (and Reve's first love) Jolon certainly can't hurt. Combining magic, romance, and family secrets, this debut novel may appeal to Deborah Harkness' All Souls Trilogy or Juliet Dark's Fairwick Chronicles. |
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Focus on: Arthurian Fantasy
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| The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur by Bernard CornwellArthurian Fantasy. Set in 6th-century Britain, The Winter King presents King Arthur as a powerful, but fallible, warlord battling the invading Anglo-Saxons in order to protect his people. Meanwhile, his adviser Merlin, a druid, strives to stem the tide of Christian missionaries determined to convert the Celts. Eschewing supernatural themes in favor of military maneuvers and political intrigue, this 1st book in the Warlord Chronicles, followed by Enemy of God and Excalibur, should please fans of gritty, violent historical fantasies based on Celtic legend. |
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| Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit by Mercedes LackeyArthurian Fantasy. Gwenhwyfar, daughter of King Lleudd, has two choices: wise woman or warrior. Gwen chooses the latter path, becoming her father's war chief and gaining the name "the White Spirit" for her martial prowess -- until the powerful Ladies of the Well summon her for a different purpose: to wed High King Arthur. Although Gwenhwyfar possesses the second sight that would make her an asset to Arthur, her resentment at the loss of her freedom will have far-reaching consequences. Interested in other novels that place this traditionally underwritten character in a starring role? Try Rosalind Miles' Guenevere trilogy or Alice Borchardt's Tales of Guinevere. |
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| Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle: The First of the Tristan and Isolde Novels by Rosalind MilesArthurian Fantasy. Tristan, a member of King Arthur's round table, is also the nephew of the King Mark of Cornwall -- whose betrothed, Irish Princess Isolde, becomes the young knight's lover when she nurses him back to health after he sustains a near-fatal wound. But since Isolde's marriage to King Mark is a political union, her love for Tristan threatens the political stability of Britain. Author Rosalind Miles' tale of star-crossed Celtic lovers Tristan and Isolde should please readers who enjoy Arthurian legends. If you enjoy this book, check out the other volumes of the trilogy: The Maid of the White Hands and The Lady of the Sea. |
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| The Eagles' Brood: The Camulod Chronicles by Jack WhyteArthurian Fantasy. Narrated by Caius Merlyn Britannicus, this 3rd installment of the nine-volume Camulod Chronicles describes Merlyn's lifelong relationship with his friend Uther Pendragon, a bond that is tested and ultimately severed by Uther's dark deeds both on and off the battlefield. For more about the origins of legendary figure Merlin, check out Mary Stewart's Merlin the Enchanter series (starting with The Crystal Cave) or M.K. Hume's Merlin Prophecy trilogy (beginning with Battle of Kings). |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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New Hanover County Library
201 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
910-798-6301
www.nhclibrary.org
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