A new month means a new batch of cool new novels from Aconyte Books, so today I’m taking my usual look ahead to what’s coming in December, and back at what was published in November. Even after just a few months of releasing books, Aconyte are already one of my favourite publishers, and I’m really enjoying exploring the different IPs that they’re publishing stories in, all of which have (so far) been pretty new to me. I’d very much recommend you check out some of their new releases – read on to find out a bit more about the latest few! I’ve included links to reviews and author interviews where available.
Recap on November’s releases
In case you missed my Aconyte roundup from last month, you can find links below to author interviews for all four of November’s releases. I’ve only managed to read and review one of these so far, but the rest are all on my list! All four titles are available to buy now in ebook, while all but Geirmund’s Saga are available in US paperbacks too, and the UK paperbacks (again, for all but Geirmund’s Saga) are due out on the 7th January.
Marvel: Xavier’s Institute – Liberty & Justice For All by Carrie Harris
Twilight Imperium – The Fractured Void by Tim Pratt
Arkham Horror – The Last Ritual by S.A. Sidor
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund’s Saga by Matthew J. Kirby
December’s releases
After a few jam-packed months, Aconyte are slowing down a bit in December with just two new books – but I can confirm that one of these at least is downright excellent, and the other sounds great too! Both books are being published using the following release schedule:
- 1st December 2020: global ebook and US paperback
- 7th January 2021: UK paperback
As with last month’s article, I’ll include the publisher’s synopsis for each book and then links out to my author interviews, and my review of Poison River.
Legend of the Five Rings – Poison River by Josh Reynolds
Daidoji Shin, unrepentant wastrel with a taste for scandal and dice, coasts through his role as Crane Clan’s trade envoy in the City of the Rich Frog. But when a case of poisoned rice threatens the brittle peace between the competing clans, the Imperial Governor drags Shin from his indolence and orders him to find the culprit. Despite himself, Shin uncovers an intriguing conspiracy involving more than just dead rats. A murder with no body and a missing actress present a distraction that could finally make Shin put in a full day’s work, and maybe even save the city from tearing itself apart.
I was really looking forward to this one, and I’m happy to say it was everything I hoped it would be! Great characters, sharp dialogue, a compelling mystery and lots of pointed words over polite cups of tea – loved it!
Check out my review of Poison River.
Check out my interview with Josh Reynolds.
Marvel: Untold – The Harrowing of Doom by David Annandale
Notorious villain Doctor Victor von Doom has finally found a solution for his oldest obsession: rescuing his mother’s soul from the clutches of Hell. An alliance with the reclusive sage, Maria von Helm, has provided the key to Doom’s latest invention. Fusing their super-science and sorcery, Doom has created the Harrower, a device that will open a rift and wrench his mother’s soul from the netherworld. Back in the human world, however, rebel forces threaten to overrun Latveria and topple its dark leader – and revolution couldn’t come at a more dangerous time than when the gates of Hell itself have been unlocked.
This sounds intriguing, and it’s always interesting to read about villains from their own perspectives. It seems like this is going to be a bit different to the Marvel novels released by Aconyte so far.
Check out my interview with David Annandale.
Coming in January
To finish off, let’s take a quick look at what’s coming in January…
- Arkham Horror – Mask of Silver by Rosemary Jones – cosmic horror and silent movies…what’s not to like about that?
- Marvel: Heroes of Asgard – The Sword of Surtur by CL Werner – an epic fantasy featuring Thor’s older brother Tyr. Sounds fun.
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As usual, I hope this has been useful, and has maybe inspired you to give one of these cool new books a try. Whether you’re a fan of IP fiction already (Warhammer, Star Wars, Star Trek, whatever) or you just fancy some entertaining SFF or horror fun, I would really recommend you take a look at what Aconyte are doing!
Take a look at my store on Bookshop.org where you can order any of these books and support local book stores while you’re at it*.
I’d love to know what you think about this article, and whether there’s anything you would like to see more or less of in future. Let me know in the comments below, or find me on Twitter and say hi!
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