Its December and the biting cold has many of us spending more time indoors than any other time of the year. Thankfully, there’s plenty of books coming out to keep us company. Here are five of the most anticipated titles you’ll want to check out this month.
“Von Bek: The Warhound and The World’s Pain” by Michael Moorcock, Dec. 3
From George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” to “Andrezj Sapkowski’s Witcher series, the impact of Moorcock’s work has been nothing short of seismic. Photo Credit: S&S/Saga Press
This is a treat that readers will feel was a longtime coming. When it’s a Moorcock reprint, however, it’s always better late than never. “The Warhound and The World’s Pain” was originally published in 1981 and over the years, like so many books in his legendary Eternal Champion cycle, was screaming out for a new edition. Through S&S/Saga Press’s ongoing reprints of the pioneering writer’s work, those prayers have been answered.
In “Von Bek: The Warhound and The World’s Pain”, readers have a chance to discover a new flavor of eternal champion. Instead of the philosophical and brooding Emperor Elric of Melninbone, we are put in the boots of a cynical 17th century mercenary. He many not be Elric or wield Stormbringer, but he’s every bit as fascinating as any protagonist created by Moorcock in his prime.
This is definitely a title I will be picking up ASAP.
“The Rivals” by Jane Pek, Dec 3.
Amateur sleuth and mystery book lover Claudia Lin was introduced in one of 2022’s most acclaimed detective novels, “The Verifiers”. Readers that appreciated Pek’s refreshing take on the genre are bound to be delighted that “The Rivals” brings her most famous creation back for round two. This time Lin begins the tale as the head of a dating detective agency before mad shenanigans ensue. At just 402 pages it sounds like a fun read. If its anything like its predecessor, it will definitely be worth the two-year wait.
“Wind and Truth” by Brandon Sanderson, Dec. 6
The long-awaited sequel to 2020’s “Rhythm of War” is one of the year’s most anticipated titles. Photo Credit: Tor
One of the most anticipated books of the year, which should be no surprise given that its Sanderson and a Stormlight Archive novel to boot. Book five of the best-selling author’s epic fantasy series clocks in at a meaty 1316 pages on Kindle. If you’re a fan of Sanderson and “The Way of Kings” you’ll probably want to snap this up.
“A History of the Big House” by Charif Majdalani and translated by Ruth Diver, Dec. 17
A lit-fic historical tale about a family in Ottoman Lebanon sounds like a perfect addition to my bookshelf. Majdalani chronicles the fortunes of the Nassar family as they experience their country’s turbulent transitions in the early 20th century. We see them through World War, invasions, and village politics. The novel was translated from the original French edition by Ruth Diver, who previously worked on books by Clara Dupont-Monod and Emmanuelle Bayamack-Tam.
“Heavenly Tyrant” by Xiran Jay Zhao, Dec. 24
Zhao’s “Iron Window” was a massive hit in 2021. Its sequel, “Heavenly Tyrant”, will look to repeat its success. Photo Credit: Tundra Books
Zhao’s “Iron Window” was one of the biggest historical fantasy titles of the last few years. “Heavenly Tyrant” is its sequel and judging from its summary, promises more of the action and strong characterization that made the first book so popular. If you’ve not read the author before, their seems no better time to start than now. Pick up “Iron Window”, fall in love with her amazing style and characters, then jump into book two. What’s not to like about that plan?
Which of these books are you most looking forward to? Let us know on social media!
Ismael David Mujahid, Executive Editor