Tag: starred reviews

Happy #BookBday (2/11/14 Edition)

Happy #BookBday (2/11/14 Edition)

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Anne Spieth
Hip hip hooray, it's time for another #BookBday! Today we celebrate:

QUESADILLAS by Juan Pablo Villalobos
Mexican novelist Villalobos's darkly comic story about a poor Mexican family in which two teenage brothers set off to find their missing twin siblings–who were potentially abducted by aliens–is "a riotous tall tale” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) and "frequently laugh-out-loud funny." (Shelf Awareness)

GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN by Marci Jefferson
This solid debut novel about the beautiful and captivating Royalist exile Frances Stuart, who must walk a fine line between pleasing kings and protecting her family's secret is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory. "Jefferson's intoxicating first novel superbly draws readers into the mischief and maneuverings, loyalties and treacheries, and lust and hostility of powerful 17th century kings and scheming court sycophants." – Publishers Weekly, starred review

ACT ONE by Moss Hart
Moss Hart’s ACT ONE is not only one of the most celebrated American theater books of the twentieth century, according to legendary actress Julie Andrews it's also “The ultimate Broadway memoir by the master who raised the bar for us all.” The book is coming out just in time for Lincoln Centre Theatre's stage adaptation of “Act One,” written by Tony and Pulitzer-Prize Winning writer/director James Lapine. 

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Sneak Peek: The March 2014 Indie Next list

Sneak Peek: The March 2014 Indie Next list

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Anne Spieth
Indie Next logoWe're shaking off the winter blues with great news: we've got four fantastic books on the March 2014 Indie Next list, including the #1 pick! 

SHOTGUN LOVESONGS by Nickolas Butler (#1 Pick!)
Butler's atmospheric debut novel about the relationship between four friends in a little Wisconsin town is an ABA Spring 2014 Indies Introduce selection, a Maximum Shelf Awareness feature, and a "love letter to the Midwest." (Publishers Weekly)

RUNNER by Patrick Lee
There's a good reason we've been hyping this new thriller starring retired special forces operative Sam Dryden–it's got three starred reviews, sold international rights in seven countries, and the film rights were optioned by Warner Brothers with director Justin Lin (Fast & Furious 6) attached. (Now can we pleeeease get Channing Tatum to star?!)

THE WIVES OF LOS ALAMOS by TaraShea Nesbit
Nesbit's debut novel about the wives of the men who created the atom bomb is also an ABA Spring 2014 Indies Introduce selection, a Barnes & Noble Spring 2014 Discover Great New Writers selection, and has two great starred reviews with major media coverage to come.

THE BLACK-EYED BLONDE by Benjamin Black
Black's "pitch-perfect recreation" of Raymond Chandler's incomparable private eye Philip Marlowe goes "beyond mere thoughtful homage" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) when a seductive young heiress asks Marlowe to find her former lover.  

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#BookBday Bonus: ANNIHILATION

#BookBday Bonus: ANNIHILATION

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Anne Spieth
If J.J. Abrams, Margaret Atwood, and Alan Weisman collaborated on a novel...it might be this awesome! 

Ok, we know we just did a bunch of Book Birthdays, but this one is extra special: Jeff VanderMeer's ANNIHILATION, the first book in the Southern Reach trilogy.

With more buzz than a hornet's nest, this futuristic supernatural thriller has three fabulous starred reviews and is on several 2014 Most-Anticipated lists, including io9, SF Signal, Vulture, The Onion's A.V. Club, B&N.com, and Omnivoracious!

Praise for ANNIHILATION: 

“After their high-risk expedition disintegrates, it’s every scientist for herself in this wonderfully creepy blend of horror and science fiction.... Speculative fiction at its most transfixing.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A gripping fantasy thriller, ANNIHILATION is thoroughly suspenseful. In a manner similar to H. G. Wells’ in THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU (1896), VanderMeer weaves together an otherworldly tale of the supernatural and the half-human. Delightfully, this page-turner is the first in a trilogy.” — Booklist, starred review

“Using evocative descriptions of the biologist's outer and inner worlds, masterful psychological insight, and intellectual observations both profound and disturbing—calling Lovecraft to mind and Borges—VanderMeer unfolds a tale as satisfying as it is richly imagined.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

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Happy #BookBday (2/4/14 Edition)

Happy #BookBday (2/4/14 Edition)

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Anne Spieth
What a lovely day for a Book Birthday! Today we wish Happy #BookBday to:

THE BOOK OF JONAH by Joshua Max Feldman
Feldman puts a modern spin on his retelling of the ancient tale, whisking his Jonah–a successful Manhattan lawyer–around the globe from Las Vegas to Amsterdam. "Feldman is clever in his use of the Jonah story, and his novel is of the same strange and enigmatic quality as the original." – Kirkus Reviews

MARSHLANDS by Matthew Olshan
In his first novel for adults, Olshan reveals the story of a prisoner who was formerly a doctor in a culture virtually snuffed out under Saddam Hussein. "Although it is easy and appropriate to take this novel as stark commentary on U.S. involvement in Iraq, its most powerful moments explore a much deeper and more abstract ambivalence about tribalism and its allure." – Booklist, starred review

STRANGE BODIES by Marcel Theroux
Theroux's weird and wonderful novel that poses questions about identity, authenticity, and what it means to be truly human has three starred pre-publication reviews, such as this one from Library Journal: “Truly enthralling... Philip K. Dick’s THE TRANSMIGRATION OF TIMOTHY ARCHER meets Stephanie Meyer’s THE HOST in this very highly recommended work.” 

THE WILY O'REILLY by Patrick Taylor
Taylor tells the origin story of Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly through warm and wryly amusing vignettes as the good doctor tends to the colourful and eccentric residents of Ballybucklebo. "Readers unfamiliar with the good doctor’s personal antics and medical adventures will be delighted to make his acquaintance, and old friends will settle in for a comfortable visit." – Booklist

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Friday Reads (1/31/14 Edition)

Friday Reads (1/31/14 Edition)

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Anne Spieth

TGIF friends! Hopefully those of you who attended ALA Midwinter made it home safely and are nominating books like crazy for LibraryReads (the deadline for the March list is today so hurry!).

Already done? Then why not share your Friday Reads with us!

Talia and Anne are treating themselves like royalty with pedicures and these historical novels:

GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN by Marci Jefferson
This solid debut novel about the beautiful and captivating Royalist exile Frances Stuart, who must walk a fine line between pleasing kings and protecting her family's secret is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory. "Jefferson's intoxicating first novel superbly draws readers into the mischief and maneuverings, loyalties and treacheries, and lust and hostility of powerful 17th century kings and scheming court sycophants." – Publishers Weekly, starred review  

SEDITION by Katharine Grant
British author Grant turns away from YA for a decidedly adult first novel set in late eighteenth-century London. In this "...witty, dark, and sophisticated tale" (Publishers Weekly, starred review), four nouveau rich fathers make their five marriageable daughters learn to play the piano in an effort to attract men and marry well. However, the girls' lascivious (and French) piano teacher has an education beyond music in his plans... "[A] fun, lascivious gambol through the lives of women and men with decidedly carnal appetites... Suggest to fans of Sarah Dunant and Sarah Waters." – Booklist  

What are you reading this Friday? Share your #FridayReads with us @MacmillanLib. 

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Thriller Thursday (1/16/14 Edition)

Thriller Thursday (1/16/14 Edition)

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Anne Spieth
We've got a super-sized Thriller Thursday for you today (and stay tuned for very exciting just-announced mystery-related news!):

THE HARLOT'S TALE by Samuel Thomas
In "Thomas’s superior second whodunit set in 17th-century York" (Publishers Weekly, starred review), midwife Bridget Hodgson investigates a series of murders she thinks are being committed by someone under the influence of a fanatical preacher. "Historical-mystery readers will enjoy this well-plotted story featuring an assortment of strong women." – Booklist

APPLE TREE YARD by Louise Doughty
A woman in the wrong place, at the wrong time with the wrong man—evocative of the psychological suspense and dangerous eroticism found in the blockbuster thrillers “Unfaithful” and “Fatal Attraction.” "Shocking, seductive, and wickedly intense, the latest literary work from top British author and columnist Doughty is a knockout novel with thriller undertones." – Booklist

DEAD TO ME by Cath Staincliffe
British TV screenwriter and CWA Award winner Staincliffe's latest mystery pairs a team of unlikely detectives hunting a murderer. "Most reminiscent of television’s Cagney & Lacey series, the novel—a prequel to a popular British television programs, Scott & Bailey—should appeal to readers who enjoy female buddy books like Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli and Isles series and Lisa Scottoline’s Rosato & Associates legal thrillers." – Booklist, starred review

BAD WOLF by Nele Neuhaus
In the next book in the internationally bestselling series that began with SNOW WHITE MUST DIE, Inspectors Kirchhoff and von Bodenstein work two seemingly unrelated cases that converge in a scandalous twist. "Fans of Jo Nesbö's gritty thrillers will enjoy the intricacies of the plot." – Library Journal  

NYPD PUZZLE by Parnell Hall
In Hall's 15th(!) Puzzle Lady mystery, Cora Felton storms New York City, only to find herself the key suspect in a murder. Including new puzzles by Will Shortz, solving for 4-DOWN is just as satisfying as finding out whodunnit. "Between Hall’s snappy dialogue and Will Shortz’s puzzles, comic mystery buffs have plenty to enjoy." – Publishers Weekly

SNOWBLIND by Christopher Golden
Survivors of a blizzard twelve years ago are being haunted by the memories of those who died. Booklist called it, "Great fodder for a dark and snowy night" and horrormeister Stephen King decreed, "Throw away all those old ‘it was a dark and stormy night’ novels; this one is the real deal.”

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Stars for I REMEMBER YOU

Stars for I REMEMBER YOU

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Anne Spieth
TGIF! We hope y’all survived the polar vortex on the couch under a blanket with a good book and steaming mug of cocoa. (No? There's your weekend plan. You’re welcome.)

Today we've got a great ghost story with two early starred reviews and love from readers: I REMEMBER YOU by Yrsa Sigurdardottir. 

Partly based on a true story, this supernatural thriller weaves together two separate tales–a young doctor investigating the suicide of an elderly woman who was obsessed with the doctor's vanished son and three friends who are disturbed by a presence while renovating a rundown house in an isolated village–into an unforgettable read. 

"In a departure from her series featuring lawyer Thora Gudmundsdottir, Iceland’s queen of suspense combines modern crime detection with mysticism to chilling effect. Sigurdardottir skillfully builds the early ominous warnings...as the unexplained becomes terrifying. Nordic mystery writers can raise goosebumps as few others can, and Sigurdardottir shows she’s one of the best." – Booklist, starred review  

"Sigurdardottir has written an excellent and seriously scary mystery with tangible and supernatural elements that will appeal to fans of John Ajvide Lindqvist (LET THE RIGHT ONE IN)." – Library Journal, starred review  

I Remember You tweet

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Happy #BookBday (1/7/14 Edition)

Happy #BookBday (1/7/14 Edition)

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Anne Spieth
It's our first #BookBday of the new year! We couldn't be more proud of these new releases:

RADIANCE OF TOMORROW by Ishmael Beah
This lyrical, haunting novel about a village trying to reclaim peace after war is a January Indie Next pick and is getting tons of media attention from the Washington Post, the New York Times Book Review, USA Today, TIME magazine, People magazine, NPR's "Morning Edition," "The Colbert Report," Shelf Awareness, and much more. Don't miss your chance to hear Beah speak at ALA Midwinter 2014 in Philadelphia!

THE EXILES RETURN by Elisabeth de Waal
Set in the ashes of post-World War II Vienna, de Waal's stunning novel follows a number of exiles, each coming to terms with a city in painful recovery. "De Waal’s acid, eyewitness drama of malignant prejudice, innocence betrayed, the disintegration of the old order, and love transcendent has the same jolting immediacy as the novels of Iréne Némorisky as well as deeply archetypal dimensions. Another de Waal triumph of illumination." – Booklist

BEFORE I BURN by Gaute Heivoll
Heivoll's "thrilling and poetic novel" (Booklist, starred review) that "reads like a top-tier crime story" (Publishers Weekly, starred and boxed review) was inspired by a real-life arson spree that deeply affected him as he grew up in Norway. You'll see another rave review in the January issue of Harper's magazine, with more attention to come from the New York Times Book Review, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, the L.A. Times, and NPR's "Weekend All Things Considered."

DREAMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE by Carrie Vaughn
In this "worthy, rich and thoughtful sequel" (Booklist) to AFTER THE GOLDEN AGE, Celia West is now a mother and a powerful businesswoman who works hard to keep her city and her daughters Anna and Bethy safe. Meanwhile Anna and her friends are practicing to become a team of vigilante superheroes–something that comes to good use when Celia discovers a new archvillain, the Executive.

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Three stars for STRANGE BODIES

Three stars for STRANGE BODIES

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Anne Spieth
Whatever this is, it started when Nicholas Slopen came back from the dead.

Today's #FridayReads is STRANGE BODIES by the National Book Award finalist Marcel Theroux, a weird and wonderful novel that poses questions about identity, authenticity, and what it means to be truly human. It's received three starred pre-publication reviews: 

“A strange, satisfying novel about possession featuring a literary scholar, a music mogul, assorted East European thugs, and the long dead but still articulate Dr. Samuel Johnson... A thought-provoking and engaging fusion of comedy and horror.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Truly enthralling... An intense and nuanced examination of the plight of being... Philip K. Dick’s THE TRANSMIGRATION OF TIMOTHY ARCHER meets Stephanie Meyer’s THE HOST in this very highly recommended work.” — Library Journal, starred review

“A labyrinthine exploration of identity and mortality, filled with big ideas....” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Get whitelisted and download your review copy. Let us know what you're reading @MacmillanLib for #FridayReads. And if you haven't been sharing your top 10 favorite books of 2013 via the #libfaves13 hashtag, there's still time! (running now through Dec. 10)

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Stars for Tor Books!

Stars for Tor Books!

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Anne Spieth
It's only fitting that Tor Books has so many starred reviews, since many are set in outer space! 

More seriously though, whether set on distant planets or in fantasy lands, here are our favorite Science Fiction & Fantasy titles that have already received terrific early praise:

THE EMPEROR’S BLADES by Brian Staveley
“In this epic fantasy debut, Staveley has created a complex and richly detailed world filled with elite soldier-assassins, mystic warrior monks, serpentine politics, and ancient secrets. Readers of Sara Douglass's Wayfarer novels and George R.R. Martin's 'Song of Ice and Fire' series should enjoy this opener.” – Library Journal, starred review and Debut of the Month selection

YEAR’S BEST SF 18 edited by David G. Hartwell 
“One of the best collections of the year, without a weak tale in its list, this is highly recommended for fans of the short story and of SF in general.” – Library Journal, starred review
“Almost uniformly excellent—but then when was an anthology from Hartwell ever less?” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

FIDDLEHEAD by Cherie Priest 
“This is a compelling finale to a fantastic series. The good guys are complex and sympathetic; the villains are suitably clever and malign. The action rattles along at breakneck speed, and the reader can't resist coming along for the wild ride, which includes a climactic battle featuring a wheelchair-bound Abe Lincoln and a temporarily sober Ulysses S. Grant. Highly recommended for all readers of fantasy and steampunk.” – Library Journal, starred review

A DARKLING SEA by James Cambias (THREE starred reviews!)
“An exceptionally thoughtful, searching and intriguing debut.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Like [Robert] Silverberg, who developed fully realized alien societies in such novels as Downward to the Earth…Cambias makes the Sholen and Ilmataran people and cultures as real as the more familiar human component. Beautifully written, with a story that captures the imagination the way SF should.” – Booklist, starred review
“Cambias writes with a light touch and occasional flashes of humor, and the science supporting his novel is sound and unobtrusive. This is an impressive debut by a gifted writer.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review

Get whitelisted on Edelweiss for Macmillan e-galleys and download your copy of these great titles. [...]

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