Cover Reveal: Normal by Warren Ellis

Normal by Warren EllisWarren Ellis’ next novel, Normal, is coming later this year from Farrar, Straus & Giroux. The synopsis calls it “a smart, tight, provocative techno-thriller straight out of the very near future.” I especially love the shattered effect they’ve used for the font on the cover. I still need to read Gun Machine, his previous novel, but I feel like he’s an author I’m always likely to enjoy.

Cover Reveal: The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell

The Bone ClocksThe US cover for David Mitchell’s new novel, The Bone Clocks, was revealed today, and I definitely prefer it to the UK version. It tells the story of a runaway English girl with psychic powers. I don’t think this is the follow-up/sequel to The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet that Mitchell discussed, but the connections between his books aren’t necessarily obvious. Looking forward to picking it up later this year!

Brandon Sanderson on the Hugo nomination for The Wheel of Time

Brandon Sanderson on the Hugo nomination for The Wheel of Time:

“But let me speak frankly to you: if you don’t intend to read and investigate the other nominees and participate in a wide variety of categories, you are doing the awards a disservice. I would rather have the Wheel of Time not win than have it be given an award as part of a thoughtless shoving match.”

The 2014 Hugo Nominations Are Kind of Weird

Hugo LogoThe 2014 Hugo nominees were announced today, and, like always, some of the categories have a few head-scratchers. However, I’m going to focus my discussion on the Best Novel category, which is usually the one where I’ve read the most nominees:

  • Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (Orbit US / Orbit UK)
  • Neptune’s Brood by Charles Stross (Ace / Orbit UK)
  • Parasite by Mira Grant (Orbit US / Orbit UK)
  • Warbound, Book III of the Grimnoir Chronicles by Larry Correia (Baen Books)
  • The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (Tor Books)

The list starts off very strong with Ancillary Justice, which is the only book nominated that I’ve actually read as of this post, but HOLY SHIT was it good. Hands down one of my favorite reads of last year and definitely one of my all-time favorite books.  I think I said everything I need to say about it in my review. I’d probably vote for this to win with a clear conscience, although if I was a voting member I would do my best to actually read the books before voting.

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