Waiting on Wednesday 08/19/20
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
The Councillor by E.J Beaton (March 2, 2021 by DAW)
This upcoming debut recently landed on my radar, but I’m definitely keeping my eye on it because of the description of a “Machiavellian fantasy” and the fact it features a scholarly main character. Definitely my kind of protagonist!
“This Machiavellian fantasy follows a scholar’s quest to choose the next ruler of her kingdom amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassination
When the death of Iron Queen Sarelin Brey fractures the realm of Elira, Lysande Prior, the palace scholar and the queen’s closest friend, is appointed Councillor. Publically, Lysande must choose the next monarch from amongst the city-rulers vying for the throne. Privately, she seeks to discover which ruler murdered the queen, suspecting the use of magic.
Resourceful, analytical, and quiet, Lysande appears to embody the motto she was raised with: everything in its place. Yet while she hides her drug addiction from her new associates, she cannot hide her growing interest in power. She becomes locked in a game of strategy with the city-rulers – especially the erudite prince Luca Fontaine, who seems to shift between ally and rival.
Further from home, an old enemy is stirring: the magic-wielding White Queen is on the move again, and her alliance with a traitor among the royal milieu poses a danger not just to the peace of the realm, but to the survival of everything that Lysande cares about.
In a world where the low-born keep their heads down, Lysande must learn to fight an enemy who wears many guises… even as she wages her own battle between ambition and restraint.”
The BiblioSanctum 
What an unusual concept – I think this one could be very good and certainly different. In some respects it reminds me of one of last year’s SPFBO books called Kingshold – which was sort of about finding a new ruler and revolved around politics and voting. It worked very well.
Lynn 😀
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Yeah, I like a good balance of fantasy, intrigue and politicking. I love the idea of the main character being a scholar and a friend of the dead monarch too.
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Ooh nice pick! That’s a totally new to me one. I hope you positively love it once you get to read it!
Here’s my WoW
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
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Thanks!
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This does sound very intriguing, and I love reading new authors (new to me, anyway). Added to my TBR.
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I do too! I’m always searching for new reads among each year’s crop of debuts.
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Oh, great pick – this sounds just about perfect. Definitely goes on the watch list.
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Glad it caught your eye!
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This seems different from my normal reads, I’ll definitely have to keep it on my radar😁 I love the cover!
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Yeah it’s got a heavy epic fantasy/political intrigue feel to it!
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Ho,estly it is vastly different from what I am reading now but not so far to what I used to read many years ago (try decades LOL). I hope you’ll love it when you’ll read it Mogsy!
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Thanks! Yeah I haven’t read anything like this in a while, I think that’s why it spoke to me 🙂
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Something of a crime whodunit in fantasy setting with lots of intrigue and double-dealing… What’s not to like? 😉
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Yep, and the personal feelings involved when your friend is the Queen who has been killed and you need to both seek her killer and find her replacement. Yikes!
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Sounds really good. Hope you love it!
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Thanks! Happy reading!
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Oh I didn’t know about this one
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Glad to put it on your radar!
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Ooo… I love the sound of this one! Lots of gnarly politicking – right up my alley. Great choice, Mogsy and many thanks for sharing:))
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You’re welcome, and I’m glad this one piqued your interest as well 🙂
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I have not heard of this one but it sounds intriguing! I love political intrigue and that kind of stuff so I might have to keep my eye out for this. 🙂
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Sounds good!
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