Indie Scouting Report: January 2019
In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight works of science fiction, romance, and fantasy, as well as a comic thriller and some historical fiction.
★ A Printer’s Choice by W.L. Patenaude
Synopsis: Patenaude’s masterly debut novel tells a gripping story of the near future.
PW’s Takeaway: Patenaude’s take on the possibilities of technology is inventive and in line with contemporary science, and his work truly shines as a nuanced, character-driven drama.
Comparable Title: Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow
Sample Line: “As word spread, the work of rebuilding the city slowed, and bets were made that the rumors were true—that there really had been a murder in the orbits.”
While Gods Sleep by L.D. Colter
Synopsis: Colter peppers the vivid first book of her Perilous Gods series with formidable deities, intimidating monsters, and vibrant variations of myths inspired by classical Greek tales.
PW’s Takeaway: Fans of Greek myths and celestial fantasy will eagerly await more adventures in this polished world.
Comparable Titles: Jordanna Max Brodsky’s Olympus Bound trilogy
Sample Line: “With his opponent watching from the other side of the table, Ty rattled the cup and tossed the five small goat pasterns across the green felt.”
Terminal 19 by L.R. Olson
Synopsis: The last thing terminally ill Hope Reynolds wants is to start a relationship—but then she meets wealthy and attractive Christian Lund.
PW’s Takeaway: Readers will enjoy this tender romance with plenty of international flavor.
Comparable Title: Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You
Bay State Skye by Janice S.C. Petrie
Synopsis: Petrie’s novel is based on the real story of a ship found floating empty, its crew lost to the sea.
PW’s Takeaway: Readers will find themselves caught up in the stormy excitement and mystery.
Comparable Title: Valerie Martin’s The Ghost of the Mary Celeste
Mad Librarian by Michael Guillebeau
Synopsis: Guillebeau blends humor and mystery perfectly in this comic thriller.
PW’s Takeaway: Guillebeau keeps things light with frequent laugh-out-loud lines.
Comparable Titles: Jo Dereske’s Miss Zukas Mysteries
