Genre Picks: September 18, 2012

This is a solid week of genre releases featuring a new Safehold title from David Weber, a new Malazan tie-in from Steven Erikson, a horror/mystery/thriller from debut author Douglas Nicholas, and a debut japanese-themed steampunk from debut author Jay Kristoff.

Midst Toil and Tribulation is the latest volume in David Weber’s Safehold series. The epic struggle of the empire of Charis against the corruption of the church controlled Temple Lands continues here as the Republic of Siddermark, primary financier of the Church, slides into the chaos prompted by starvation. The Church’s “volunteers” sow chaos in the republic as Charis attempts to land ground troops. The Safehold series is rather unique in that it is a deeper meditation on religioun and faith than the genre is known for and the series’ “Age of Sail” level of technology, enforced by the original colonists on Safehold (the Church’s archangels in the series), gives it more of a historical feel. With only a few slip ups here and there this series has been David Weber at his level best and this next entry continues to increases the spreading global natural of the conflict between Charis and the Church.

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I dropped the ball when it comes to Steven Erikson’s Forge of Darkness, despite known of its publication I missed out on ordering it, but it is on its way now. The first in a new trilogy from the author of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series centers on the world’s ancient history detailing the fall of the realm of Kurald Galain. Here for the first time is the true history of the brothers of house Purake: Anomader, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin. Fans of Erikson’s previous series will likely devour this prequel story.

All of the publisher’s coverage of Forge of Darkness (including spoiler-free reviews and sample chapters) can be found here.

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Douglas Nicholas’ debut novel Something Red has been receiving glowing reviews all over the place. Something is stalking healer Molly and her troop through the woods in northwest England. Set in the 13th century Something Red borrows elements of mystery, horror, romance and the unknown to tell a tale unlike any other.

A preview of Something Red can be found here.

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I feel like all I really need to say about Jay Kristoff’s debut novel Stormdancer is the following: Chainsaw Katana. However, I will mention that this is a steampunk novel influenced by feudal Japan in world on the brink of environmental collapse. The Shogun of the Shima Imperium has dispatched hunters to capture a mythical Thunder Tiger (bloodthirsty, eagle, tiger hybrid). Featuring a strong female hero in Yukiko, Stormdancer marks the beginning a new series.

The first three chapters of Stormdancer can be read here.