Monday, June 08, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark? (06/09/2015)

I am nearly finished reading The Mapmaker's Children by Sarah McCoy. I had hoped to finish it this weekend, but I wasn't able to fit in any reading time. We were celebrating my husband's birthday, among other things. I did make a little more progress in my audio book, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, however. I thought I would share the first paragraph and a teaser from a book I read last month. My review will be going up later this month.

First Paragraph of The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker, a young adult, historical fantasy novel:


I stand at the edge of the crowded square, watching the executioners light the pyres. The two men, dressed for work in dark read cloaks and charred leather gloves, circle the narrow wooden platform, their lit torches held high. At the top of each, four witches and three wizards stand chained to a stake, bundles of wood heaped around their feet. They stare into the crowd, determined looks on their faces.

Teaser from 28% into the e-book

I think about denying it. Then I remember what Blackwell told us: If ever we got caught, tell the truth, as much as doesn't condemn you. The less you lie, the less chance there is of confusing your own story. Not that it mattered anyway. He also told us that if we ever got caught, we were on our own.


What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

*                    *                    *


This week's Top Ten Tuesday hosted by Broke and Bookish theme Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For the Rest of 2015. Oh my goodness, have you seen all the wonderful books that are coming out the second half of this year?! I am so bad about keeping up with what's coming out when, I admit, but in preparation for this post, I did a little research. And my wish list grew by ten feet. At least. Here are the top ten books I am looking forward to the release of in 2015.



1. X by Sue Grafton ~ Because . . . Sue Grafton!  This is one of my favorite mystery series, which features Private Investigator Kinsey Millhone.


2. Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg ~ Don't you just love this cover? This particular book just came out, and  is about a Mazie Phillips, owner of a movie theater. During the Great Depression, she opens the doors to help those who need help the most. This novel is told from the perspective of those who knew her, interspersed with entries from her diary. This story is a fictionalized story based on the life of the real Mazie.


3. Language Arts by Stephanie Kallos ~ One of my all time favorite books is Broken for You. This one sounds like it will be just as good. According to Goodreads, the author "spins the stories of a dedicated teacher, his enigmatic son, and a wartime survivor into an affecting tale of love, loss, and handwriting."

4. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George ~ The obvious reason for my wanting to read this one is that the title contains the word "Bookshop". But it's really more than that. This is the story of lost love and the power books can have on our lives.


5. The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley ~ I am really excited about this one. It's been described as a historical fantasy novel, set in London 1884, with somewhat of a Sherlock Holmes feel to it.  


6. Lair of Dreams: A Diviners Novel by Libba Bray ~ The second book in A Diviners series, the first of which I still have to read and plan to. I cannot NOT read this series. Fantasy. Thriller. This sounds right up my alley. (I'm not a big fan of the cover. I liked the first book's cover much better.)


7. The Forgotten  by Heather Graham ~ I have enjoyed the other FBI Krewe Hunter books I have read. This is another paranormal mystery/romance novel in the ever growing series. (Each book can be read as a stand alone-so feel free to jump in anywhere if you want to give the books a try.)


8. The Blue Between Sky and Water by Susan Abulhawa ~ The title is what first caught my attention, and I barely had to read beyond the first sentence of the synopsis to know this is a book I want to read. Abulhawa's novel is the story of four generations of Palestinian women who are forced out of their home in a farming village and into a refuge camp in Gaza.


9. On the Road with Del and Louise (A Novel in Stories) by Art Taylor ~ This sounds like such a fun book. Something on the lighter, funny side. Del is "a small time crook with a moral conscience" and Louise, a rather sassy holdup victim turned lover of Del's, go on all sorts of adventures together, and this book of six stories offers the reader a ride along with them.


10. Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta ~ When I first heard about this book I knew I had to read it. This is a coming of age story for both a country (Nigeria) and a young woman. It is the story of forbidden love, prejudice, and the impact a civil war can have on people and a country. Somehow, I doubt my eyes will be dry when I finish reading this one.



Do you plan to read any of these books? What new releases are you looking forward to, this second half of the year?


© 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

72 comments:

  1. Both the book's opening and your Teaser are definitely dramatic! I don't often read YA or fantasy, but this sounds like a good story.
    My Tuesday post features The Chair.

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    1. Sandra - It was a fun story. Lighter than I expected, but I enjoyed it.

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  2. The Witch Hunter doesn't seem to be my type of book. I do hope you enjoy it. As to your Top Ten, the Sue Grafton book will be on my list too. Actually I need to finish W first.

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    1. Margot - I enjoyed it quite a bit! I think I up to U in the Sue Grafton novels, so you are at least ahead of me. :-) It's one of the few series my husband and I both enjoy reading together.

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  3. The Little Paris Bookshop is on my radar too - some great choices in your top ten this week! Here is my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/first-chapter-first-paragraph-june-9/

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    1. Cleo - It sounds like it could be a really enjoyable book, doesn't it? I am looking forward to reading it.

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  4. The Little Paris Bookshop looks so good! I hope you enjoy these new releases.
    My TTT!

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    1. Chrissi - I thought so too! I hope it is as good as it sounds.

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  5. Sounds interesting, but I'd have to investigate further. That's probably partly because I just finished a book by Jodi Picoult that was a serious disappointment, so I'm feeling a little guy shy right now.

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    1. Suzie - I know how that goes. It can be very disheartening when a book turns out to be disappointing. Was it Picoult's latest or one of her older books?

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  6. Saint Mazie and Little Paris Book Shop both sound good to me... and I like your intro, too!

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    1. JoAnn - I enjoy books about witches. :-) I am looking forward to reading Saint Mazie and Little Paris Book Shop as well!

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  7. I really really want to read The Witch Hunter now. XD Except I keep typing Witch Hunger for some reason, gah...makes me think of a witchy THG. But I'm rambling badly right now. XD hehe.
    I've not been really on the ball with what's coming out lately either!! But GAH. KEEP ME OFF GOODREADS. I think I added 2 million books to my TBR thanks to this week's prompt. xD Here's my TTT!

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    1. Cait - Haha! I was doing that too when I wrote my review. I don't know if it's because my fingers are used to typing Hunger Games or what.

      There's just too many interesting books coming out. It's impossible to keep up!

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  8. Great teaser and opening. I have a lot of the same books on my can't-wait list.

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    1. Beth - That's good to know! Hopefully we will enjoy them all. :-)

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  9. Although I don't think it's a book I would read, I do like the descriptive writing. Hope you enjoyed it.

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  10. Couldn't pass on Paris Bookshop! Thanks for sharing.

    Here's mine!

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    1. Deb - A book about a booklover and books is hard to pass up!

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  11. I've already been reading about Saint Maizie and have put it on my list. I keep meaning to try Heather Graham's books. I think I bought the first in the series for my Kindle. As to your first paragraph/teaser of The Witch Hunter, the final part of the teaser sounds like the Mission Impossible line about disavowing you if you get caught. LOL

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    1. Kay - Saint Mazie sounds like it will be an interesting book. I have a feeling the book will make me want to do some digging on my own about the real life person behind the character.

      I enjoy Heather Graham's books--and hopefully you will too. I wouldn't say they are favorites though--just enjoyable reads. I still haven't read the first in the series. I seem to jump around with that one.

      About the teaser--I thought so too! LOL

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  12. I like how descriptive the writing in The Witch Hunter is, but it's not a book I think I'd read.

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    1. Vicki - YA historical fantasy isn't for everyone. :-)

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  13. I read 'The Witch Hunter' last week and although I was incredibly excited about it to start with it quickly went downhill and I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
    I love your choices for this week, there are so many incredible books being released this year. I can't wait to read The Little Paris Bookshop and The Watchmaker of Filigree Street.
    My TTT

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    1. Rosy - I had the opposite reaction to The Witch Hunter. I wasn't sure about it at first, but I ended up really liking it. It wasn't a perfect book by any stretch, but I enjoyed the story quite a bit.

      I hope The Watchmaker of Filigree Street is good. I am trying not to let my expectations get too high just in case.

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  14. Yes, I want X and Language Arts! They both look terrific to me.

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    1. Kathy - I think so too! I can't wait to read them. :-)

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  15. Great list of forthcoming books, Wendy! I'm waiting for X and the Bray book (like you, I haven't read the first in the series yet, but plan to). There are several others on the list that are calling to me as well, so it's on to Goodreads to add them to my list.

    My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/06/first-chapter-first-paragraph-109.html

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    1. Catherine - I'm glad I am not the only one who is looking forward to the Bray book without us having read the first. :-)

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  16. YA historical fantasy is not something I read, but I did like the writing in the intro. I like your list of upcoming titles. Is it possible that Sue Grafton has gotten to X? Where did the time go? Have a great week!

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    1. Monica - It is hard to believe Sue Grafton is on X already. I hadn't realized she was so close to publishing the next in the series--and then to be so close to the end of the alphabet. I hope you have a great week too.

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  17. Heather Graham is always so fun. I'm looking forward to that one as well. I've got The Little Paris Bookshop coming up and am excited about it and now I'm adding The Watchmaker of Filigree Street to my TBR. Great list! I had kind of forgotten about the Sue Grafton series but now I need to get caught up.

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    1. Katherine - I enjoy Heather Graham's books too. :-) I hope we all enjoy The Little Paris Bookshop--it has a lot to live up to from the interest it is receiving. LOL

      I need to get caught up with Sue Grafton's series too. We buy the books in hardback, and so it won't be long after its release before it is on our shelf no doubt.

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  18. Oooh 'The Witch Hunter' sounds like my kind of read! I love witches, I love historical fiction and I am really curious about what's happening in the teaser! I will be adding this one to my TBR mountain! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great week!
    My Tuesday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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    1. Juli - I hope you enjoy The Witch Hunter if you read it! It's very light in the history department, just to give you fair warning.

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  19. I have mixed feelings about The Witch Hunter, but the snippets were intriguing.

    I am also waiting eagerly for X, the new Grafton book. I love Kinsey Millhone!

    Here's mine: “THE CRY”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - I enjoyed The Witch Hunger, although it wasn't quite what I expected. I am excited about the new Grafton novel. I love the series.

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  20. I like occasional fantasy and stories like this (and enjoyed visiting Salem, MA once) so if it about the Salem witch trials, I am eager to read it as long as it wasn't too juvenile-- I don't enjoy MG or young end YA stories much.

    I read your list of TTT with interest and though I haven't read any of those, about half are probably going on my wishlist now.

    I hear such good things about the Kinsey series, but since she is at X, the road to this point is paved with many, many past paperbacks :) What to do, what to do? Maybe I can just jump in somewhere mid-series or maybe just take a few years to read them all, lol.

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    1. Rita - This one definitely reads like a YA novel--so if that bothers you, you might not like it much. Not that it's young end YA--it's not. It would be safe reading for that age group though.

      I jumped into the Sue Grafton series with the first book, but, at that time, only four or five books had been published in the series. There are a lot of books. :-)

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  21. Interesting teaser! I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I have always been fascinated by Salem and its witches, so I'll check this one out.
    Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. Kim - Me too! I love stories about witches. This particular book is short on the history. It's pretty light and a fun read.

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  22. Grafton! I was wondering if there was going to be an "X"! Thanks for the heads up.

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    1. Dagny - I love that the title is just a simple "X". I'm excited to read it.

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  23. Ooh that teaser is good- sounds like they're in trouble. :) And I hope you like Girl On The Train- I read it but didn't review it, I liked it at first but didn't love it as it went on. I had to know what happened though. :)

    Nice Top Ten- I've heard that Little PAris Bookshop is really good.

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    1. Greg - I'm not sure I would want to be a witch during that time period! I am just over half way through The Girl on the Train. I'm really curious to know what happened. At this point I haven't a clue, which is pretty unusual for me.

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  24. I can't wait to see what you thought of The Mapmaker's Children, which I loved!

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    1. Anna - I am dying to get back to it. I'm almost done. I am loving it so far.

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  25. I'm not sure The Witch Hunter is for me...I'm not a fantasy fan. BUT - I just finished Saint Mazie this morning and really liked it. It's light, but with a bit of substance and would make a great summer read. I also loved the structure - a mix of diary entries and present day interviews.

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    1. Sarah - I am so glad you liked Saint Mazie! Light with substance is perfect right now. I look forward to reading it!

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  26. Libby Bray is an author I need to check out. Great picks.

    My TTT http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/top-ten-most-anticipated-releases-for.html

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    1. Megan - I've heard such good things about Libby Bray's books.

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  27. "The less you lie, the less chance there is of confusing your own story." There is so much truth to this, I could just take this and ponder on it all day; great teaser! :)

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    1. Claudia - It is good food for thought, isn't it? :-)

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  28. But if he or she wasn't telling the truth in the first place then you can bet the whole thing will condemn him or her.

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    1. Alice - She's certainly in a pickle. To tell the whole truth, she could end up dead. To lie and get caught, she could end up dead too. To lie and get away with it, she will always worry she'll be found out.

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  29. Happy Birthday to your husband. Hope you get back to The Mapmaker's Children asap.

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    1. Nise' - Thank you! He had a nice birthday. :-) I finished The Mapmaker's Children yesterday. I had to sneak in reading time while at work which wasn't easy--and maybe not the best idea since I can't exactly break down in tears without everyone noticing. I did my best though.

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  30. Not really my genre, but it's a great teaser.

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  31. All the books sound good - Witch Hunter, Watchmaker of Filigree Street to the new Libba Bray... my TBR pile just grew :p

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    1. Eustacia - Too many new books! Posts like these are dangerous for our TBR piles.

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  32. Oh my, all the books sound so good! I haven't been checking on books which are going to release in the second half of the year, but I know Sharon Bolton's LITTLE BLACK LIES is one of them.

    I'm trying to refrain from buying more books as I'd bought a few this month alone, and June is not even over yet! ;)

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    1. Melody - I am looking forward to reading Little Black Lies. Hopefully soon. :-)

      I'm trying not to buy any new books either, but it's been hard. Especially when they are on sale . . .

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  33. Happy belated birthday to your husband!

    I love the teaser at 28%. I'd keep reading. In fact, I might pick up that book.

    I'm between books at the moment. I've had too many other things on my plate.

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    1. A.M.B. - Thank you from my husband. :-)

      I hope you like the book if you do read it. As I've said to other commenter's it is very light on the history and definitely reads like a YA novel.

      I hope things settle down for you soon!

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  34. Your teaser is amazing, Wendy! I need that book right now!

    I just got my copy of Language Arts this week, and I can't wait to start reading it :)

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Lexxie Lin - If you do read it, I hope you enjoy it!

      I'm excited about Language of Arts too. :-)

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  35. All those sound like great books! I haven't read any of them so I would certainly like to check them out.

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    1. Athira - I hope I will be able to read them all. Someday. :-)

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  36. I'm always so far behind on new releases but I love to think about which ones I want to read. This is a great list - especially #4 & #5. Oh and the book set in Nigeria. I'm currently reading one set partly in Nigeria and partly in America. It's wonderful.

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    1. Iliana - Me too! I get all dreamy-eyed when I think of books I would like to read. :-)

      Your book sounds like a good one!

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