Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton, The Stone Home by Crystal Hana Kim, & A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

    

 Can't-Wait is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released! This meme is based off of Jill @ Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday meme.


Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton
Publication: April 9th, 2024
St. Martin's Press
Hardcover. 304 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"The humans are fighting again. Go figure.

As a free A.I., Mal finds the war between the modded and augmented Federals and the puritanical Humanists about as interesting as a battle between rival anthills. He’s not above scouting the battlefield for salvage, though, and when the Humanists abruptly cut off access to infospace he finds himself trapped in the body of a cyborg mercenary, and responsible for the safety of the modded girl she died protecting.

A dark comedy wrapped in a techno thriller’s skin, Mal Goes to War provides a satirical take on war, artificial intelligence, and what it really means to be human.
"

I've been fortunate enough to already have listened to an early audiobook copy of this and it was quite a delight. Looking forward to its official release!



The Stone Home by Crystal Hana Kim
Publication: April 2nd, 2024 (US)
William Morrow
Hardcover. 352 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"A hauntingly poetic family drama and coming-of-age story that reveals a dark corner of South Korean history through the eyes of a small community living in a reformatory center—a stunning work of great emotional power from the critically acclaimed author of If You Leave Me.

In 2011, Eunju Oh opens her door to greet a stranger: a young Korean American woman holding a familiar-looking knife—a knife Eunju hasn’t seen in more than thirty years, and that connects her to a place she’d desperately hoped to leave behind forever.

In South Korea in the 1980s, young Eunju and her mother are homeless on the street. After being captured by the police, they’re sent to live within the walls of a state-sanctioned reformatory center that claims to rehabilitate the nation’s citizens but hides a darker, more violent reality. While Eunju and her mother form a tight-knit community with the other women in the kitchen, two teenage brothers, Sangchul and Youngchul, are compelled to labor in the workshops and make increasingly desperate decisions—and all are forced down a path of survival, the repercussions of which will echo for decades to come.

Inspired by real events, told through alternating timelines and two intimate perspectives, The Stone Home is a deeply affecting story of a mother and daughter’s love and a pair of brothers whose bond is put to an unfathomably difficult test. Capturing a shameful period of history with breathtaking restraint and tenderness, Crystal Hana Kim weaves a lyrical exploration of the legacy of violence and the complicated psychology of power, while showcasing the extraordinary acts of devotion and friendship that can arise in the darkness.
"

I love historical fiction and think this sounds like it will cover some really interesting historical events and topics that I'm looking forward to learning more about. 



A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
Publication: April 25th, 2024
Orbit
Hardcover. 432 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"A charming fantasy set in an underwater world with magical academia and a heartwarming penpal romance, perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and Emily Wilde's Encylopaedia of Faeries.

A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.

Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.'s home, and she and Henerey vanish.

A year later, E.'s sister Sophy, and Henerey's brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings' disappearances with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind. As they uncover the wondrous love their siblings shared, Sophy and Vyerin learn the key to their disappearance - and what it could mean for life as they know it.
"

I'm reading this one right now and I'm enjoying it so much! It reminds me of some other delightful epistolary formatted novels I've read and it's been such an enjoyable journey so far. I can't wait to see the final copy since it has such gorgeous artwork!

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Review: Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

 

Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen
Dutton
Publication Date: March 26th, 2024
Hardcover. 400 pages.

About Nuclear War:

"There is only one scenario other than an asteroid strike that could end the world as we know it in a matter of hours: nuclear war. And one of the triggers for that war would be a nuclear missile inbound toward the United States.

Every generation, a journalist has looked deep into the heart of the nuclear military establishment: the technologies, the safeguards, the plans, and the risks. These investigations are vital to how we understand the world we really live in—where one nuclear missile will beget one in return, and where the choreography of the world’s end requires massive decisions made on seconds’ notice with information that is only as good as the intelligence we have.

Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen’s Nuclear War: A Scenario explores this ticking-clock scenario, based on dozens of exclusive new interviews with military and civilian experts who have built the weapons, have been privy to the response plans, and have been responsible for those decisions should they have needed to be made. Nuclear War: A Scenario examines the handful of minutes after a nuclear missile launch. It is essential reading, and unlike any other book in its depth and urgency."

Nuclear War is a harrowing nonfiction book that walks readers through what a hypothetical nuclear war scenario could look like. As you might expect, it's not pretty. 

I was immediately drawn into Jacobsen's step by step, minute by minute detailing of what may happen immediately after an ICBM is launched from North Korea and targeted towards the United States. She goes in-depth into each person's role, but the president as Commander in Chief to the Secretary of Defense to those stationed at various military bases and nuclear power plants around the country. Because nuclear war is an international event, she also introduces us to the key players, namely Russia and North Korea, though others are also mentioned, and go in-depth into what we know of their own nuclear abilities, stockpiles, and diplomatic relations. She also goes into plenty of minute by minute detail of what exactly happens when a nuclear bomb is detonated and the science behind how the work, as well as how humans, infrastructure, and plant life in the initial radius are instantly destroyed, while longer term effects such as radiation poisoning continue to wreak havoc long after an initial explosion. 

This books is absolutely packed with information on every page, including an abundance of quotes and interviews with prominent figures involved in areas associated with defense, war, and diplomatic relations. Information is also presented in short chapters that discuss both the present hypothetical situation and also dive deeper into the history of nuclear weapons, the current big players involved in the development of nuclear weapons, and a huge variety of other minutiae associated with nuclear weapons including how ICBMs and SLBMs work. Within these chapters, Jacobsen even adds on small targeted history lessons on topics like the Presidential Football here and there to make sure every aspect is covered. Even if you already know a lot about nuclear weapons and war, I'm sure there's still plenty of extra information to come away with. 

The only real complaint I have for this book is Annie Jacobsen's somewhat melodramatic way of writing. I'll allow that this is a very dramatic topic so it was fitting and definitely helped hammer home the severity of what she's talking about, but it just felt overdone at times. It was almost to the point that it lost intensity though because I just wanted her to move on rather than continue to reiterate the point. An example (and this is even a smaller one): "Which leaves the boomers. The nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. The handmaidens of the apocalypse. The vessels of death. Unlocatable by Russian missiles and therefore unstoppable. Nuclear-armed to the teeth." (It reminded me a bit of why V.E. Schwab's writing starts to get a bit tiresome for me, as she does something very similar with the short sentences, though of course Nuclear War is nonfiction). There's a definitely a sense that Jacobsen is trying to scare people into understanding the reality of nuclear weapons, which isn't something that I have a problem with, but that may leave you–like me–feeling a bit helpless since there's not much that we can do (at least, as an average citizen, I'm not sure what I could do). 

Nuclear War is a terrifying read, and probably the most intense horror book you'll read all year–and it's all based in reality, which makes it even worse. Of course, Jacobsen's scenario is only that, a scenario, but the potential behind it is enough to make anyone feel a bit of a shiver to imagine how easy it would actually be for our world to be destroyed by nuclear weapons in less than 24 hours. This is an anxiety-inducing read, but also a fascinating one, and I guarantee you'll come out of it with a better sense of what's at stake. Overall, I've given Nuclear War four stars!


*I received a copy of Nuclear War in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org


Friday, March 22, 2024

The Friday Face-Off: Current Read #26

                   Friday Face Off New

 Welcome to The Friday Face-Off, a weekly meme at Books by Proxy. Join us every Friday as we pit cover against cover, and publisher against publisher, to find the best artwork in our literary universe.  You can find a list of upcoming topics at Lynn's Books.


This week's topic is:
Current Read #26

I've been wanting to read The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi for many, many years now and I've actually started it a couple times over the years, but never finished it because I knew it was one I wanted to really have time to focus on and was never in the mood for it... but I'm finally jumping in and committing to it. 

2009 US Hardcover | 2014 Italian | 2012 Russian

2013 French | 2011 Czech | 2013 Polish

2013 Romanian | 2018 Indonesian | 2012 Chinese

I also couldn't find this one in a larger file size so I apologize for how small this is, but how could I not include this 2010 Serbian edition??


My choice(s):
These are so varied! My favorite is definitely the first US edition cover, which is the one I'm also reading. I think it sets the tone for the novel perfectly and is exactly how I picture the book and feel about it. I also think the Indonesian edition is beautiful, and the French and Czech covers also really grab my eye. The Serbian edition looks absurdly 90s to me, which is funny since it's not from the 90s. Which cover(s) do you like best!?

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina, A Short Walk Through the Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke, Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrews

    

 Can't-Wait is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released! This meme is based off of Jill @ Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday meme.

Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
Publication: April 16th, 2024
Berkley
Hardcover. 384 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"All Noemi Broussard wanted was a fresh start. With a new boyfriend who actually treats her right and a plan to move from the reservation she grew up on—just like her beloved Uncle Louie before her—things are finally looking up for her. Until the news of her boyfriend’s apparent suicide brings her world crumbling down. But the facts about Roddy’s death just don’t add up, and Noemi isn’t the only one who suspects something menacing might be lurking within their tribal lands.

After more than a decade away, Uncle Louie has returned to the reservation, bringing with him a past full of secrets and horror and what might be the key to determining Roddy’s true cause of death. Together, Noemi and Louie set out to find answers...but as they get closer to the truth, Noemi begins to question whether it might be best for some secrets to remain buried.
"

I've enjoyed some of Medina's previous work and I'm excited to check out this new book from him! I have an ARC I'm hoping to get to soon, so I can't wait to get into it. 


A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Publication: April 2nd, 2024 
Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster
Hardcover. 400 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets Life of Pi in this dazzlingly epic debut that charts the incredible, adventurous life of one woman as she journeys the globe trying to outrun a mysterious curse that will destroy her if she stops moving.

Paris, 1885: Aubry Tourvel, a spoiled and stubborn nine-year-old girl, comes across a wooden puzzle ball on her walk home from school. She tosses it over the fence, only to find it in her backpack that evening. Days later, at the family dinner table, she starts to bleed to death.

When medical treatment only makes her worse, she flees to the outskirts of the city, where she realizes that it is this very act of movement that keeps her alive. So begins her lifelong journey on the run from her condition, which won’t allow her to stay anywhere for longer than a few days nor return to a place where she’s already been. From the scorched dunes of the Calashino Sand Sea to the snow-packed peaks of the Himalayas; from a bottomless well in a Parisian courtyard, to the shelves of an infinite underground library, we follow Aubry as she learns what it takes to survive and ultimately, to truly live. But the longer Aubry wanders and the more desperate she is to share her life with others, the clearer it becomes that the world she travels through may not be quite the same as everyone else’s...
"

This just sounds so fun!? This sounds like quite an adventure and I can't wait to check it out. 


Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew
Publication: April 2nd, 2024
Scholastic Press
Hardcover. 368 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"Wyatt Westlock has one plan for the farmhouse she's just inherited -- to burn it to the ground. But during her final walkthrough of her childhood home, she makes a shocking discovery in the basement -- Peter, the boy she once considered her best friend, strung up in chains and left for dead.

Unbeknownst to Wyatt, Peter has suffered hundreds of ritualistic deaths on her family's property. Semi-immortal, Peter never remains dead for long, but he can't really live, either. Not while he's bound to the farm, locked in a cycle of grisly deaths and painful rebirths. There's only one way for him to break free. He needs to end the Westlock line.

He needs to kill Wyatt.

With Wyatt's parents gone, the spells protecting the property have begun to unravel, and dark, ancient forces gather in the nearby forest. The only way for Wyatt to repair the wards is to work with Peter -- the one person who knows how to harness her volatile magic. But how can she trust a boy who's sworn an oath to destroy her? When the past turns up to haunt them in the most unexpected way, they are forced to rely on one another to survive, or else tear each other apart.
"

Well this sounds weird and dark and I'm super intrigued. 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Mini-Review: A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene

 

A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene
Orbit
Publication Date: March 12th, 2024
Paperback. 496 pages.

About A Feather So Black:

"In a kingdom where magic has been lost, Fia is a rare changeling, left behind by the wicked Fair Folk when they stole the High Queen's daughter and retreated behind the locked gates of Tír na nÓg.

Most despise Fia's fae blood. But the queen raises her as a daughter and trains her to be a spy. Meanwhile, the real princess Eala is bound to Tír na nÓg, cursed to become a swan by day and only returning to her true form at night.

When a hidden gate to the realm is discovered, Fia is tasked by the queen to retrieve the princess and break her curse. But she doesn’t go with her is prince Rogan, Fia's dearest childhood friend—and Eala’s betrothed.

As they journey through the forests of the Folk, where magic winds through the roots of the trees and beauty can be a deadly illusion, Fia’s mission is complicated by her feelings for the prince…and her unexpected attraction to the dark-hearted fae lord holding Eala captive. Irian might be more monster than man, but he seems to understand Fia in a way no one ever has.

Soon, Fia begins to question the truth of her mission. But time is running out to break her sister's curse. And unraveling the secrets of the past might destroy everything she has come to love."

A Feather So Black is an entertaining fantasy featuring fae, changelings, and a Swan Lake/folktale inspiration. 

What I liked: I really enjoyed exploring the fae land of Tír na nÓg and learning about the world-building created for this story, as well as how Selene incorporated elements of folktales. Fia was an interesting character that I initially worried would end up seeming a bit cliche'd and stereotypical, but ended up being a great character and I'm glad I gave her a chance. Rogan felt a bit more predictable to me, but I still enjoyed seeing where his story took him, and Irian added further layers to the narrative that I liked exploring. I also loved the inclusion of various Celtic mythology elements and think they were such a vital and well-incorporated part of the novel. I thought the romance aspects were well written, and despite seeming important to the story, didn't actually end up feeling overwhelming. There's a bit of a love triangle, but I think it was handled surprisingly well and didn't leave me feeling frustrated. 


What I didn't like: One of my main issues is with the pacing, as I felt the middle portion of this book could have used a little bit of trimming. A large reason for this is because Fia and Rogan didn't seem overly capable of the tasks they were set out to accomplish, so because of that and the general setup where they can only visit the fae world once a month meant there wasn't always all that much going on a lot of the time as they waited for each monthly visit. I would also say that this wasn't necessarily the most groundbreaking or compelling with regard to the fae elements included in this book, but as mentioned earlier, I think the Celtic mythology aspects really added a lot of vibrancy to the story. 

Overall, I found A Feather So Black to be a perfectly enjoyable fantasy with some really lovely writing. I look forward to reading more from Lyra Selene! I've given it 3.75 stars.


*I received a copy of A Feather So Black in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org


Friday, March 15, 2024

Review: The Cloud Roost (Jekua #5) by Travis M. Riddle

The Cloud Roost
 (Jekua #5) by Travis M. Riddle
Independently Published
Publication Date: March 12th, 2024
Paperback/Ebook. 630 pages.

About Cloud Roost:

"Balt Vana is going to do the unthinkable: imprint a legendary Jenu.

That's his plan, anyway. His grandparents might not be dead on Pakree after all, and he needs a Jenu's Warp magic to reach the island.

Complicating matters is the Facet, the shadowy organization stealing the Church's Veptilos. With them continuing to make moves, setting up a new base and preparing their Summoners for one final assault, Balt has to move fast.

Ascending the mountains and imprinting the Jenu at its peak will be the hardest thing Balt and his friends have ever done. When they reach the top, it's possible they might not even succeed.

And in all likelihood, they won't."

As usual, I won't include any spoilers for The Cloud Roost, but there will likely be some spoilers for the first 1-4 books as I recap some of what has happened before, so do be aware! I have reviews for books 1-4 up on my blog as well, so feel free to visit any one of those if you aren't at book five yet.

The Cloud Roost continues the tumultuous journey we've thus far embarked upon with Balt, Alani, and all the friends they've made along the way. After their encounters with the Facet on Yuluhu Island and some discoveries made about Alani's abilities, the gang are now on Kou Tekkis where Balt and his cousin, Wasaaru, have decided that their best shot at saving everyone on Pakree is to imprint a legendary Jenu, Sawarestao–no big deal, since people imprint enormous legendary Jenus everyday, right? (In case you missed it, that was sarcasm. It's actually a huge deal and not something people do everyday.) With this daunting task in front of them, the group begins to prepare, which includes preparation for hiking the mountains of Kou Tekkis to even reach the place where Sawarestao resides.

We once again meet up with Balt, Alani, Niona, Aeiko, and Brine for the journey, only this time we add Wasaaru, Balt's cousin, to the group. This group has been through so much together and it's been a ride to watch them all grow and develop from it. The evolution of Balt and Wasaaru's relationship has been one of my favorite things to see in this series, as it's not something I necessarily expected, but has turned out to be a very natural and engaging development. I feel like this falls in line with a lot of the general growth we've seen Balt experience throughout this series, as he has really matured a lot in this relatively short but seemingly long period of time. It's been a joy to see that growth occur not only in regard to his skills as a Summoner, but also within his personal views and relationships with those around him. Wasaaru has also seemingly matured a lot over the times we've seen him, and it's been interesting to see how the two make amends and relearn how to be something close to friends. 


Alani has been struggling with her place in the church, and this continues as she nears the final Veptilo on her pilgrimage and must come to terms with where she stands. This has been a storyline that I've been really drawn to, not just because I think it's shown a really great example of character growth and development, but also because I feel I can somewhat relate to some of the struggles she has experienced. Her realization that the church has been something she's been a part of largely due to it providing her something to do and somewhere to live, but not necessarily because she feels passionately about it is a type of complacency that I think a lot of us can empathize with. It's extremely daunting to consider striking out on your own when you don't have any idea what else you might want to do, and I've loved watching Alani undertake this journey of discovery, no matter what she ends up choosing to do and whether it's with the church or not. 

Niona has recently been offered representation by an agency for her Summoning career, which has really boosted her spirits and offered some additional insight into what it could be like to be a Summoner in this world. I've really liked her casual, 'go get 'em' type of attitude that I think acts as a strong foil to characters like Alani who are a bit more inhibited and law abiding. There's honestly a little something for everyone in all of these characters. 

Aeiko and Brine continue to be some truly stalwart companions on this trip and I always appreciate their contributions. I've loved watching Brine slowly develop a bit of personality and loyalty, and Aeiko's support to the group–both moral support and support due to their intelligence–has been critical to the group's success. I'm excited to see where things go with these two in the final books. 

And just when you think you've already met an abundance of Jekuas, there are even more introduced in this book. The majority of the Jekuas we come across in this book are those that reside in the mountains of Kou Tekkis, and they seem to be on an entirely different level than those we've met in different locations. These Jekua are larger, more aggressive, and much more dangerous, which really puts everything Balt, Niona, and Wasaaru have been learning and practicing to the test. I really enjoyed seeing these three work together in some pretty high stress situations to take down some of the largest Jekua threats we've come across in this series. 

I'd also like to touch on the world-building, as I've truly enjoyed how Riddle has allowed his characters and readers alike to explore different areas of this world on a journey together. I love that the entire plot setup has built in the need to visit all the different islands and explore the different cultures, landmarks, food, Jekuas, and much more that inhabit each place. There's always something new to explore and in so many different settings that it's made it a joy to be a part of the ride.

This choice to have our characters moving around and exploring different places has also allowed the pacing to remain fairly consistent and never really allows for boredom because there's always something new to check out with each book. I've mentioned multiple times in previous reviews how much fun I've had with this series and how easy it's felt for me to really become immersed in this vibrant and exciting world, and that remains true for The Cloud Roost. There is a perfect mix of downtime, character development, thoughtful discussions, and of course plenty action with Jekuas that makes it work as a really well balanced book and series. Everything is finally fully setup for the final installment and I am both eager and a little sad to know that (hopefully) everything will be figured out and settled by the end of the next book. But I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of this adventure!

Overall, it's another unsurprising but well-deserved five stars from me for The Cloud Roost! If you haven't started the Jekua series yet then you probably shouldn't have read this review, but you should  start reading this series because it's an adventure that's full of heart, extraordinary friendships, vibrant world-building, captivating creatures, enthralling battles, endless twists, and timeless journeys of discovery.


*I received a copy of The Cloud Roost in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon 


Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Can't-Wait Wednesday: The Vanishing Station by Ana Ellickson, Lake of Souls by Ann Leckie, & A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland

    

 Can't-Wait is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released! This meme is based off of Jill @ Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday meme.

The Vanishing Station by Ana Ellickson
Publication: April 30th, 2024
Amulet Books
Hardcover. 368 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"Eighteen-year-old Filipino American Ruby Santos has been unmoored since her mother’s death. She can’t apply to art school like she’s always dreamed, and she and her father have had to move into the basement of their home and rent out the top floor while they work to pay back her mother’s hospital bills.

Then Ruby finds out her father has been living a secret life as a delivery person for a magical underworld—he “jumps” train lines to help deliver packages for a powerful family. Recently, he’s fallen behind on deliveries (and deeper into alcoholism), and if his debts aren’t satisfied, they’re going to take her mother’s house. In an effort to protect her father and save all that remains of her mother, Ruby volunteers to take over her dad’s station and start jumping train lines.

But this is no ordinary job. Ruby soon realizes that the trains are much more than doors to romance and they’re also doors to trafficking illicit goods and fierce rivalries. As she becomes more entangled with the magical underworld and the mysterious boy who’s helped her to learn magic, she realizes too late that she may be in over her head. Can she free her father and save her mother’s house? Or has she only managed to get herself pulled into the dangerous web her father was trapped in?
"

I think this book had me at "a secret life as a delivery person for a magical underworld." This sounds so creative and interesting, I can't wait to check it out!


Lake of Souls by Ann Leckie
Publication: April 2nd, 2024 (US)
Orbit
Hardcover. 416 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke award-winner Ann Leckie is a modern master of the SFF genre, forever changing its landscape with her groundbreaking ideas and powerful voice. Now, available for the first time comes the complete collection of Leckie's short fiction, including a brand new novelette,  Lake of Souls.

Journey across the stars of the Imperial Radch universe.

Listen to the words of the Old Gods that ruled  The Raven Tower.

Learn the secrets of the mysterious Lake of Souls.

And so much more, in this masterfully wide-ranging and immersive short fiction collection from award-winning author Ann Leckie.
"

I haven't read all of Ann Leckie's different worlds in her works, but I've read a few and I'm excited to check this out, especially with the inclusion of a new novelette.


A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland
Publication: April 9th, 2024
Dell
Paperback. 352 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"Once a young woman uncovers a dark secret about her neighbor and his mysterious new wife, she’ll have to fight to keep herself—and the woman she loves—safe in this stunning queer reimagining of the classic folktale The Selkie Wife.

When a sharp cry wakes Jean in the middle of the night during a terrible tempest, she’s convinced it must have been a dream. But when the cry comes again, Jean ventures outside and is shocked by what she discovers—a young woman in labor, already drenched to the bone in the freezing cold and barely able to speak a word of English.

Although Jean is the only midwife in the village and for miles around, she’s at a loss as to who this woman is or where she’s from; Jean can only assume she must be the new wife of the neighbor up the road, Tobias. And when Tobias does indeed arrive at her cabin in search of his wife, Muirin, Jean’s questions continue to grow. Why has he kept his wife’s pregnancy a secret? And why does Muirin’s open demeanor change completely the moment she’s in his presence?

Though Jean learned long ago that she should stay out of other people’s business, her growing concern—and growing feelings—for Muirin mean she can’t simply set her worries aside. But when the answers she finds are more harrowing than she ever could have imagined, she fears she may have endangered herself, Muirin, and the baby. Will she be able to put things right and save the woman she loves before it’s too late, or will someone have to pay for Jean’s actions with their life?"

I'm always drawn to reimaginings of folktales, and this sounds like it'll be a really fascinating read.