Have you heard about –

Recent and upcoming releases you might have known about, but I didn’t, until just today when I went looking for interesting news.

For example, this is just out: CJ Cherryh’s 14th (!) Foreigner book, PROTECTOR. Cajeiri’s human friends are going to get to come for a visit! That’ll be fun, and I expect things will get complicated. I ordered this one just about one minute ago, since I actually have time to read it this month.

And, hey, did you know Robin McKinley has a new title due out? SHADOWS, in September. It’s not a sequel to SUNSHINE, which would have been my first choice; but I’m always glad to see a new title from McKinley; it happens too seldom. Amazon says, about SHADOWS, “Maggie knows something’s off about Val, her mom’s new husband. Val is from Oldworld, where they still use magic, and he won’t have any tech in his office-shed behind the house. But — more importantly — what are the huge, horrible, jagged, jumpy shadows following him around? Magic is illegal in Newworld, which is all about science. The magic-carrying gene was disabled two generations ago, back when Maggie’s great-grandmother was a notable magician. But that was a long time ago.” Not that I care about the description; if McKinley’s name is on the cover, that’s enough for me.

And Ilona Andrews! Not only do they have a new Kate Daniels novel (MAGIC RISES) due to hit the shelves in July, they’ve just signed a contract with Avon for a new series that’ll be set in a world controlled by “modern Medici-like dynasties with paranormally enhanced abilities.” Very nice! I’m sure it’ll be great.

Also! Did any of you read Laura Whitcomb’s beautiful ghost story, A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT? It was one of my very favorite books the year it came out — and the sequel’s due out in May. UNDER THE LIGHT.I can’t wait.

Last, I know Elaine T mentioned this in a comment to a recent post, but in case you missed that, yes, Marie Brennen is definitely writing a sequel to A NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS. It’s called THE TROPIC OF SERPENTS. I’ll be right there the minute it hits the shelves.

That’s five titles I’m excited about. Anything on your radar?