Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This gorgeously imagined YA debut blends shades of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust and a breathtaking landscape of Hindu mythology into a radiant contemporary fantasy.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In The Night Swim, a new thriller from Megan Goldin, author of the “gripping and unforgettable” (Harlen Coben) The Escape Room, a true crime podcast host covering a controversial trial finds herself drawn deep into a small town’s dark past and a brutal crime that took place there years before.

The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Combining the social commentary of The Handmaid’s Tale with the white-knuckled thrills of Red Rising, this epic space opera follows a comfort woman as she claims her agency, a soldier questioning his allegiances, and a non-binary hero out to save the solar system.

Lobizona by Romina Garber
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

“With vivid characters that take on a life of their own, beautiful details that peel back the curtain on Romina’s Argentinian heritage, and cutting prose Romina Garber crafts a timely tale of identity and adventure.”–Tomi Adeyemi New York Times bestselling author of Children of Blood and Bone

Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Harrow the Ninth, the sequel to the sensational, USA today best-selling novel Gideon the Ninth, turns a galaxy inside out as one necromancer struggles to survive the wreckage of herself aboard the Emperor’s haunted space station.

Blood World by Chris Mooney
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A drug that makes the blood of carriers a fountain of youth, a psychopath who doesn’t care how many bodies he leaves in his wake, and an LAPD detective hopelessly compromised by a dark secret. Together, they’re an explosive mix that’s going to shatter the city of Los Angeles into a million corpuscles. 

Seven Devils by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This first book in a feminist space opera duology follows seven resistance fighters who will free the galaxy from the ruthless Tholosian Empire–or die trying.

Prelude for Lost Souls by Helene Dunbar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For readers of Nova Ren Suma, Maggie Steifvater, and Maureen Johnson comes a spellbinding tale about choosing your own path, the families we create for ourselves, and facing the ghosts of your past.

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the authors who brought you The Strain Trilogy comes a strange, terrifying, and darkly wondrous world of suspense, mystery, and literary horror. THE HOLLOW ONES is a chilling, spell-binding tale, a hauntingly original new fable from Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro and bestselling author Chuck Hogan featuring their most fascinating character yet.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The epic debut YA fantasy from an incredible new talent—perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir.

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

RITA® Award Winning author Alexis Daria brings readers an unforgettable, hilarious rom-com set in the drama-filled world of telenovelas—perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin and The Kiss Quotient.

What August releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post August 2020 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

What makes Pan’s Labyrinth so special is that it is a movie-based story and that alone made me excited to read it. But the real phenomenon, which left me speechless, is the fact that Funke co-wrote it with the director and mastermind himself, Guillermo del Toro! As mentioned in the book, they both admire the work of each other and so it seems obvious that they had to work together one day.

Pan’s Labyrinth takes place in Spain 1944. Ofelia is only 13 years old and has to move with her mother to her stepfather’s, the brutal and heartless Captain Vidal who works under the Franco regime. Her father has died in the war and her mother soon remarried and she is now expecting her first child with Vidal, which is why they move to Vidal’s headquarter, an old mill hidden deep in the woods.

Ofelia, still mourning her father, is worrying about her mother who does not cope well with the pregnancy. Her mother does not seem to see what a monster her new husband is and so she tries to convince her several times. However, her mother reminds her that, unfortunately, the world is not like it is described in the books and that there is no magic and no happy ending, not as Ofelia would have it.

Soon after her arrival she hears the woods calling to her and Ofelia meets the faun, Pan, for the first time. He is certain that Ofelia is the reincarnation of the long-lost princess Moanna, the rightful heir of the world beneath where the sun and the moon never shines. To prove her identity, Ofelia receives three tasks from Pan which she must complete successfully. Only then, she will be able to rejoin her true family.

Besides the numerous stunning illustrations which can be found between the pages, you will read short stories about the past as well. These stories help you to understand what has happened with Moanna and the people indirectly affected by her faith.

Cornelia Funke is the children and YA author for me. Show your kids Disney, Grimm Stories, Harry Potter, and Cornelia Funke and your kid will be the happiest. At least, it worked for me, so thank you mum! However, I need to warn you, this book is not for a child who is sensitive when it comes to death and blood as it takes place in a time when Europe was at war.

Funke’s elegant writing style and combined with del Toro’s story is such a perfect fit that you will read the book in one sitting. Pan’s Labyrinth reminds you that monsters exist and are around us in all kind of forms. Sometimes it is just hard to see through it. Despite its brutal core, the story is wrapped by a romantic cloak. There is a lot of awful things happening and still, the story ends in a way that you cannot stop thinking that in the end, there is a peaceful place waiting for you where you will be surrounded by your loved ones and all the bad things will soon lie in your past and you will never think about them again.

Now that I have read the book, I want to watch the movie again, especially because I love the fact that del Toro is loyal to the true form of transformation, which is handmade by make-up artists and does not CGI his monsters, but also because I simply love Doug Jones, with whom he has worked with in countless movies since 1997, and who plays Pan.

Pan’s Labyrinth is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be reading Pan’s Labyrinth? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Fans of dark fairy-tales like The Hazel Wood and The Cruel Prince will relish this atmospheric and absorbing book based on Guillermo del Toro’s critically acclaimed movie.

Oscar winning writer-director Guillermo del Toro and New York Times bestselling author Cornelia Funke have come together to transform del Toro’s hit movie Pan’s Labyrinth into an epic and dark fantasy novel for readers of all ages, complete with haunting illustrations and enchanting short stories that flesh out the folklore of this fascinating world.

This spellbinding tale takes readers to a sinister, magical, and war-torn world filled with richly drawn characters like trickster fauns, murderous soldiers, child-eating monsters, courageous rebels, and a long-lost princess hoping to be reunited with her family.

A brilliant collaboration between masterful storytellers that’s not to be missed.

The post Review: Pan’s Labyrinth by Cornelia Funke & Guillermo del Toro appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Other July fantasy releases includes Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican folklore-inspired Gods of Jade and Shadow, Anthony Ryan’s The Wolf’s Call, and Allie Therin’s Spellbound, which is set in 1925 New York. There’s also James Patterson’s Sophia, Princess Among Beasts and Guillermo del Toro and Cornelia Funke teaming up to transform Pan’s Labyrinth into an illustrated fantasy novel.

If sci-fi is more your speed, then you can add David Wellington’s The Last Astronaut, Kali Wallace’s Salvation Day, Marko Kloos’s Aftershocks, and Chuck Wendig’s Wanderers to your list, or if you’ve read Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series, you can pick up the latest instalment, Dark Age!

Read on to discover our pick and tell us in the comments below if you are looking forward to any of them!

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Mayan god of death sends a young woman on a harrowing, life-changing journey in this dark, one-of-a-kind fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore.

Sophia, Princess Among Beasts by James Patterson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Last Astronaut by David Wellington
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Eragon meets And I Darken in this thrilling new fantasy debut that follows a fallen princess as she ignites a rebellion to bring back the magical elemental crows that were taken from her people.

Dark Age (Red Rising Saga #5) by Pierce Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Morning Star returns to the Red Rising universe with the thrilling sequel to Iron Gold.

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A decadent rock star. A deeply religious radio host. A disgraced scientist. And a teenage girl who may be the world’s last hope. In the tradition of The Stand and Station Eleven comes a gripping saga that weaves an epic tapestry of humanity into an astonishing tale of survival.

Spellbound by Allie Therin
Goodreads | Amazon

1925. New York. Arthur Kenzie’s life’s work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects. This time, in order to succeed, he needs a powerful psychometric…and the only one available has sworn off his abilities altogether. Rory Brodigan’s gift comes with great risk. To protect himself, he’s become a recluse, redirecting his magic to find counterfeit antiques. But with the city’s fate hanging in the balance, he can’t force himself to say no.

The Wolf’s Call by Anthony Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Anthony Ryan’s debut novel Blood Song—the first book of the Raven’s Shadow series—took the fantasy world by storm. Now, he continues that saga with The Wolf’s Call, which begins a thrilling new story of razor-sharp action and epic adventure.

Salvation Day by Kali Wallace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A lethal virus is awoken on an abandoned spaceship in this incredibly fast-paced, claustrophobic thriller.

Aftershocks by Marko Kloos
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A solar system fights to survive and reform in the wake of war, but the real battle is about to begin.

Pan’s Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun by Cornelia Funke and Guillermo del Toro
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Oscar winning writer-director Guillermo del Toro and New York Times bestselling author Cornelia Funke come together to transform del Toro’s hit movie Pan’s Labyrinth into an epic and dark fantasy novel for readers of all ages, complete with gorgeous and haunting illustrations.

Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A determined young woman sets out to rescue her kidnapped girlfriend by stealing a dragon from the corrupt emperor in this stunning fantasy debut that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson, Rae Carson, and Rachel Hartman.

Will you be checking out any of these books? Tell us in the comments below!

The post July 2019 Book Releases: Fantasy + Sci-Fi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

From the award-winning film The Shape of Water coming to us in book form, to the debut novel by Alexandra Christo featuring an enchanting siren. If you’re after some strong female characters, especially since we celebrated International Women’s Day last week, there’s Tessa Gratton’s The Queens of Innis Lear and Kim Wilkin’s Daughters of the Storm. Discover some magic in Good Guys or The Wicked Deep, or face some dragons in Smoke Eaters by Sean Grigsby!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be checking one of these new releases out!

The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton | Goodreads

The erratic decisions of a prophecy-obsessed king have drained Innis Lear of its wild magic. The king’s three daughters—battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan, and restrained, starblessed Elia—know the realm’s only chance of resurrection is to crown a new sovereign, proving a strong hand can resurrect magic and defend itself. But their father will not choose an heir until the longest night of the year, when prophecies align and a poison ritual can be enacted. Refusing to leave their future in the hands of blind faith, the daughters of Innis Lear prepare for war—but regardless of who wins the crown, the shores of Innis will weep the blood of a house divided.

The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus | Goodreads

Visionary storyteller Guillermo del Toro and celebrated author Daniel Kraus combine their estimable talent in this haunting, heartbreaking love story. Developed from the ground up as a bold two-tiered release—one story interpreted by two artists in the independent mediums of literature and film—The Shape of Water is unlike anything you’ve ever read or seen.

Good Guys by Steven Brust | Goodreads

Donovan was shot by a cop. For jaywalking, supposedly. The Foundation brought him back, and trained him. When Marci was fifteen, she levitated a paperweight and threw it at a guy she didn’t like. They trained her too. Susan got well into her Foundation training before they told her about the magic, but she’s as powerful as Donovan and Marci now. They can teleport, conjure shields that will stop bullets, and read information from the remnants of spells cast by others days before. They all work for the secretive Foundation. Which is okay, because the Foundation are the good guys. Aren’t they?

Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins | Goodreads

They are the daughters of a king, but they couldn’t be more different. Bluebell, a proud warrior; passionate Rose and queen of a neighbouring kingdom; the twins: vain Ivy, who lives for admiration, and zealous Willow, who lives for the gods; and Ash, who is discovering a dangerous talent for magic that might be a gift–or a curse. When their father falls ill, they come together to save him and prevent their treacherous stepbrother from seizing the throne. Their mission: find the powerful witch who can cure the king. But if this royal family breaks, it could destroy the kingdom.

Zero Limit by Jeremy K. Brown | Goodreads

For war hero Caitlin Taggart, mining work on the Moon is dirty, low pay, and high risk. But no risk seems too extreme if it helps her return to Earth and the daughter she loves more than life itself. Offered a dangerous, long-shot chance to realise that dream, Caitlin will gamble with more than just her life. By leading a ragtag crew of miners on a perilous assignment to harvest an asteroid, Caitlin could earn a small fortune. More importantly, it would give her clearance to return to Earth. But when an unexpected disaster strikes the mission, Caitlin is plunged into a race to save not only herself, but every human being on Earth.

The City Where We Once Lived by Eric Barnes | Goodreads

A haunting novel of the near future that combines a prescient look at how climate change and industrial flight will shape our world with a deeply personal story of one man running from his past. With glowing prose, Eric Barnes brings into sharp focus questions of how we come to call a place home and what is our capacity for violence when that home becomes threatened.

Smoke Eaters by Sean Grigsby | Goodreads

Firefighter Cole Brannigan is on the verge of retirement after 30 years on the job, and a decade fighting dragons. But during his final fire call, he discovers he’s immune to dragon smoke. It’s such a rare power that he’s immediately conscripted into the elite dragon-fighting force known as the Smoke Eaters. Retirement cancelled, Brannigan is re-assigned as a lowly rookie, chafing under his superiors. So when he discovers a plot to take over the city’s government, he takes matters into his own hands. With hundreds of innocent civilians in the crosshairs, it’s up to Brannigan and his fellow Smoke Eaters to repel the dragon menace.

Torn by Rowenna Miller | Goodreads

Sophie is a dressmaker with a reputation for beautiful ball gowns and discreetly-embroidered charms for luck, love, and protection secures her a commission from the royal family itself — and the commission earns her the attentions of a dashing but entirely unattainable duke. Meanwhile, Kristos rises to prominence in the growing anti-monarchist movement. Their worlds collide when the revolution’s shadow leader takes him hostage and demands that Sophie place a curse on the queen’s Midwinter costume — or Kristos will die at their hand.

The Invasion by Peadar Ó Guilín | Goodreads

After so much danger, Nessa and Anto can finally dream of a happy life. But the terrible attack on their school has created a witch-hunt for traitors — boys and girls who survived the Call only by making deals with the enemy. To the authorities, Nessa’s guilt is obvious. Her punishment is to be sent back to the nightmare of the Grey Land for the rest of her life. The Sídhe are waiting, and they have a very special fate planned for her. Meanwhile, with the help of a real traitor, the enemy come pouring into Ireland at the head of a terrifying army. Every human they capture becomes a weapon. 

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo | Goodreads

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever. However, he just happens to hunt sirens.

The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror by Mallory Ortberg | Goodreads

Adapted from her beloved “Children’s Stories Made Horrific” series, this is a collection of darkly mischievous stories based on classic fairy tales. Sinister and inviting, familiar and alien all at the same time, The Merry Spinster updates traditional children’s stories and fairy tales with elements of psychological horror, emotional clarity, and a keen sense of feminist mischief.

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw | Goodreads

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town. Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbour and pulling them under. Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Looking for more books? Check out our list on Goodreads!

Any other new March Book Releases we should check out? Tell us in the comments below!

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