Recent Releases to Start the New Year

Christmas is over, but the holidays aren't. That means more time for reading. December is traditionally a quieter time for new releases, but we have a few to tide you (and your family) over and start the year well booked.

Mississippi Roll by George R.R. Martin

A new book from George R.R. Martin? The latest Wild Cards series has released this month and the virus has spread! For the Game of Thrones fans who are just getting into George R.R. Martin's other works, this is the 24th book in the series. It's actually edited by the master of multiple voices and written by a collection of authors forming the Wild Cards Trust. In Mississippi Roll the Wild Card virus has reached the riverboat, Natchez. Who'll become a Joker and who'll become Aces? Either way, it's edited by George R.R. Martin, so we know people will die

Avalanche by James Patterson and David Inglish

Next we have a quick read from James Patterson. In Avalanche—co-written with David Inglish—Professor Robert Munroe's wife has vanished from their 5-star hotel in Gstaad. Was she kidnapped? Did she run off with the handsome Italian she and Robert partied with the night before? Or was she killed by the professor?

No Time to Spare: Thinking About What Matters by Ursula K. Le Guin

"If I'm ninety and believe I'm forty-five, I'm headed for a very bad time trying to get out of the bathtub."

This is one of the many truth bombs Ursula K. Le Guin drops in No Time to Spare: Thinking About What Matters by Ursula K. Le Guin. She reflects on life and aging and society's reactions to it. It's a collection of her best blog posts, showing her sharp, compassionate and critical wit. Blog fans will love this flashback to some profound views, and for others it’s an introduction to this wise woman's mind.

Click, Clack, Moo: I Love You! by Doreen Cronin

Another story from the farm with the most demanding animals (have you read Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type?). This time it's Valentine's Day and Little Duck wants to throw a party. She’s'so excited and hangs balloons, streamers, sparkling lights, and hearts everywhere, and hand-makes a valentine for everyone. All goes well until Little Fox decides to join in. Hmm, a fox on a farm? This doesn't look good.

Three Sides of a Heart Edited by Natalie C. Parker

December gave us a lot of collaborations (feels right for such a happy holiday month). Natalie C. Parker edited this collection of love triangles. We know you're possibly thinking, "oh, sigh, more YA romance." Three Sides of a Heart is written by authors not really known for romance—Garth Nix, Veronica Roth, and more—and includes zombies, vampires, and monsters in an abandoned video store. Along with the girl next door.

Dog Man and Cat Kid: from the Creator of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Middle readers haven't been left out with a new Dog Man book by the Captain Underpants creator. Dog Man has finally made it as a superhero: he has a sidekick. A furry feline sidekick. However, we can't discuss potential issues of a cat teaming with a dog because a glamorous movie starlet has gone missing and there's a case to be solved. Hot diggity dog!

Read more by Bianca Smith