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    Updates and description for Kill the Queen, Crown of Shards #1, Oct. 2 …

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    I have some updates to share for Kill the Queen.

    1) The book title is still Kill the Queen, but the series title has changed to Crown of Shards. Also, the release date has been pushed back a week to Oct. 2.

    2) The book is up for pre-order:

    Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback / Barnes & Noble e-book / Barnes & Noble print book / Books-A-Million / Google Play / iBooks / IndieBound / Kobo

    The ebook is $10.99, and the print book is $16.99. There will be an audiobook, and I will share those links as soon as they are online.

    3) Here is the book description:

    Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

    In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

    But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

    Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

    But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

    4) And that’s it for now. I should have the cover art to share soon. In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys the book description. 🙂

  • Spring fantasy books to add to my TBR pile …

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    Can you guys believe that it’s the middle of February already? That means that March — and spring! — are right around the corner. Is it just me, or are there a lot of great-sounding fantasy books (with a lot of great-looking covers) coming out this spring? Here are some books that I’m hoping to add to my TBR pile. Note that the descriptions are from Amazon.

    Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian

    Out on April 24

    For fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes, Ash Princess is an epic new fantasy about a throne cruelly stolen and a girl who must fight to take it back for her people.

    Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia’s family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess–a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.

    For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She’s endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.

    Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn’t always won on the battlefield.

    For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.

    My thoughts: I love YA epic fantasy, and this book sounds really interesting, especially since it seems like the heroine will use her wits to defeat her enemies.

    The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso

    Out on April 24

    Across the border, the Witch Lords of Vaskandar are preparing for war. But before an invasion can begin, they must call a rare gathering of all seventeen lords to decide a course of action.
     
    Lady Amalia Cornaro knows that this Conclave might be her only chance to smother the growing flames of war, and she is ready to make any sacrifice if it means saving Raverra from destruction.

    Amalia and Zaira must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have, to sway Vaskandar from war. Or else it will all come down to swords and fire.
     
    My thoughts: I’ve been meaning to check out The Tethered Mage, book #1 in this series, and I’m hoping to read it before this book comes out.
     

    The Queen of Sorrow by Sara Beth Durst

    Out on May 15

    The battle between vicious spirits and strong-willed queens that started in the award-winning The Queen of Blood and continued in the powerful The Reluctant Queen comes to a stunning conclusion in The Queen of Sorrow, the final volume of Sarah Beth Durst’s Queens of Renthia trilogy.

    Queen Daleina has yearned to bring peace and prosperity to her beloved forest home—a hope that seemed doomed when neighboring forces invaded Aratay. Now, with the powerful Queen Naelin ruling by her side, Daleina believes that her dream of ushering in a new era can be realized, even in a land plagued by malevolent nature spirits who thirst for the end of human life.

    And then Naelin’s children are kidnapped by spirits.

    Nothing is more important to her than her family, and Naelin would rather watch the world burn than see her children harmed. Blaming the defeated Queen Merecot of Semo for the kidnapping, Naelin is ready to start a war—and has the power to do it.

    But Merecot has grander plans than a bloody battle with her southern neighbors. Taking the children is merely one step in a plot to change the future of all Renthia, either by ending the threat of spirits once and for all . . . or plunging the world into chaos.

    My thoughts: One of the things that I love about epic fantasy are all of the gorgeous covers, and I like the moody blues on this one. Plus, the story sounds really interesting.

    What about you guys? Which books are you looking forward to reading this spring?

  • Pre-order Kill the Queen, out on Sept. 25 …

    The pre-order links for Kill the Queen, the first book in my Kill the Queen epic fantasy series, are online. Woot!

    Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback / Barnes & Noble e-book / Barnes & Noble print book / Books-A-Million / Google Play / iBooks / IndieBound / Kobo

    There will be an audiobook version, although I don’t know when those links will be online. I will share them as soon as they are online.

    Kill the Queen will be out on Sept. 25. I should also have the cover art and the description to share soon, but the book is basically Gladiator meets Game of Thrones with a kickass heroine. As of right now, there will be three books in the series.

    The ebook will be $10.99, and the print book will be $15.99 — although I see that Amazon and Barnes & Noble are both offering the print book for around $11 if you pre-order it. Note that the print book will be released as a trade paperback — the larger paperback size.

    Also, please do not complain to me about the ebook price. I do not set the ebook price — the publisher does. Plus, keep in mind that this is an epic fantasy book. My Elemental Assassin books are about 95,000 to 100,000 words. Kill the Queen is around 123,000 words. So you are getting about 25% more book for your money. And you can always request that your local library buy either an ebook or print copy of the book.

    I’ll share more information about the book as it becomes available. Thanks!

  • Winter/spring books to add to my TBR pile …

    2 Comments

    One of my favorite things to do in the winter when it’s cold outside is curl up on the couch with a book and a cup of hot chocolate. Here are some upcoming books that I’m looking forward to reading this winter/spring. Note that the descriptions are from Amazon.

    A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

    Out on Feb. 27

    From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

    Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

    Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

    The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

    My thoughts: I’ve heard a lot of good things about Cole’s books, and I love a royal-themed romance. Plus, this sounds like it has a fun, Coming to America vibe.

    Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora PIerce

    Out on Feb. 6

    The highly anticipated NEW Tortall Legend from TAMORA PIERCE, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who is legend herself, is a must-read for any fantasy lover!

    Arram. Varice. Ozorne. In the first book in the Numair Chronicles, three student mages are bound by fate . . . fated for danger.

    Act fast! The first printing of the hardcover includes a collector’s edition poster!

    Arram Draper is on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness–and for attracting trouble. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the “leftover prince” with secret ambitions. Together, these three friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. And as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram realizes that one day–soon–he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.

    In the Numair Chronicles, readers will be rewarded with the never-before-told story of how Numair Salmalín came to Tortall. Newcomers will discover an unforgettable fantasy adventure where a kingdom’s future rests on the shoulders of a talented young man with a knack for making vicious enemies.

    My thoughts: I’ve been wanting to try Pierce’s books for a long time, and I love epic fantasy.

    Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

    Out on March 27

    Maddie thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president’s son, sometimes life has other plans. Before she knows it, Maddie’s dad is dragging her to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

    No phone.
    No Internet.
    And not a single word from Logan.

    Maddie tells herself it’s okay. After all, she’s the most popular girl for twenty miles in any direction. (She’s also the only girl for twenty miles in any direction.) She has wood to cut and weapons to bedazzle. Her life is full.
    Until Logan shows up six years later . . .
    And Maddie wants to kill him.

    But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back and get help. But the weather is turning and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly.

    Maddie still really wants to kill Logan.
    But she has to save him first.

    My thoughts: I’ve enjoyed Carter’s other books, and this one sounds really good. A love-hate YA romance and survival story set in the Alaskan wilderness? Yes, please.

    What about you guys? What books do you want to read this winter/spring?

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    Jennifer’s tentative 2018 book release schedule …

    6 Comments

    Here is my tentative book release schedule for 2018. Note that these dates could always change, due to various publishing whims.

    Spring 2018 — Venom in the Veins, Elemental Assassin #17

    Summer/Fall 2018 — Spartan Strong, Mythos Academy spinoff #2

    Sept. 25, 2018 — Kill the Queen, Kill the Queen #1 — Amazon Kindle / Amazon print

    These are all the books that I hope to have out this year. But again, these dates could change, especially since I am self-publishing my Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy spinoff series. It takes longer for me to self-publish books since I am juggling three series right now.

    I’ll be sharing cover art, excerpts, and more for all these books as they become available. To stay up to date on my latest news and book releases, you can sign up for my newsletter: https://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-jennifer/newsletter/

    I hope everyone enjoys the new books as they are released. Cheers!