The theme for the 2016 Monthly Motif Reading Challenge in January is New Releases, which I interpret to mean anything published within the past year. Here are 3 of my favorite recent releases, which I have recommended to people over and over again.
The Book of Phoenix, Nnedi Okorafor
The Book of Phoenix is on my list of 5 Books That Blew My Mind in 2015 because it is a freaking amazing story that will pull you in, put it’s arms around you and hold you tight. When it finally releases you from it’s grip. Beautiful, engaging writing and a no-holds barred approach to creating a “fantasy” World that is pretty much real talk. Read it, and you’ll understand what I mean. (Released May 2015).
Phoenix was grown and raised among other genetic experiments in New York’s Tower 7. She is an “accelerated woman”- only two years old but with the body and mind of an adult, Phoenix’s abilities far exceed those of a normal human. One evening, Saeed, another biologically altered human of Tower 7, witnesses something so terrible that he takes his own life. Devastated by his death and Tower 7’s refusal to answer her questions, Phoenix finally begins to realize that her home is really her prison, and she becomes desperate to escape.
The Fifth Season, N.K. Jemisin
This book is everything! The story jumps back and forth through time, and kept me guessing as to what was really going on – and what was going to happen – the entire time I was listening to the audiobook (narrated by Robin Miles who was phenomenal in her telling). And … no spoilers, but tell me you don’t / didn’t scream or curse when you don’t finally finish(ed) the book! And of course, The Fifth Season made my list of Favorite Audiobooks {The 2015 Edition}. (Released Aug. 2015).
This is the way the world ends. Again. Three terrible things happen in a single day. Essun comes home to find that her husband has brutally murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter. Meanwhile, mighty Sanze collapses as most of its citizens are murdered to serve a madman’s vengeance. And worst of all, across the heart of the vast continent known as the Stillness, a great red rift has been torn into the heart of the earth, spewing ash enough to darken the sky for years. Or centuries.
Uprooted, Naomi Novik
A late in the year read that instantly became one of my favorites. It’s just a brilliant fairy-tale inspired novel that will hook you from the moment you start reading. (Released May 2015).
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.
What’s one of your favorite books newly released books?
// Comments //
Claudia {Sparrowhawk}
I’ve read so many glowing reviews for Uprooted, I only wish I had the time to fit it into my busy schedule. I tend to fall into a fantasy phase in the fall, so we’ll see if I manage to pick it up 😛
Sue at Book By Book
Thanks for the heads up! Though I rarely read new releases right when they come out, I think I have a few books this month that came out in the last year 🙂
Going to join your challenge!
Sue
Book By Book
Tanya Patrice
@Sue Yay!
Katie @ Doing Dewey
I’m glad you enjoyed Uprooted too! I haven’t gotten to either of the other books you mention, but if they’re as good as Uprooted, I really should 🙂
C.J. @ ebookclassics
I’ve read so many good things about Uprooted, but I haven’t decided whether to read it or not. Is it a fantasy story? I used to read fantasy a lot, but have a hard time getting into those stories now.
Tanya Patrice
@C.J. It is a fantasy story … but I’d say give it a go even if fantasy is not your thing. It’s very relatable.