Mihir on FBC December 2011 - January 2012

First of all, happy birthday to Mihir who became one year older yesterday; or so he wants us to believe. I think he's angling for birthday presents. While I sort things out, here are his posts from December and January on Fantasy Book Critic:

Review: December 5, 2011 - Legend by Marie Lu
This is a dystopian YA novel from debut author Marie Lu. I don't reach much young adult books, but this one looks like one I may be interested in, Mihir certainly enjoyed it.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/legend-by-marie-lu-reviewed-by-mihir.html

Review: December 7, 2011 - Zero Sum by B. Justin Shier
Sequel to his UF debut Zero Sight, a series that has been highly recommended and one of Mihir's top reads last year. I'm hoping to read and review this one sometime soon.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/zero-sum-by-b-justin-shier-reviewed-by.html

Interview: December 12, 2011 - Kelly Gay
Cool interview from the author of one of my favorite UF series, Charlie Madigan. All three books are reviewed on the blog, here's the latest one The Hour of Dust and Ashes.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/interview-with-kelly-gay-interviewed-by.html

Review: December 13, 2011 - Broken Blade by Kelly McCullough
I've only read one previous book from Kelly from his UF Ravirn series, WebMage which I enjoyed. Good to see that his new series also looks to be a good one.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/broken-blade-by-kelly-mccullough.html

Review: December 16, 2011 - Three Indie Mini-Reviews
Three indie novels are reviewed here which seem like they could be a good read, Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller, The Blood Gate by David Ross Erickson, and Wrath of the White Tigress by David Alastair Hayden.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/three-indie-mini-reviews-reviewed-by.html

Review: December 20, 2011 - Stirred by J.A. Konrath & Blake Crouch
An interesting dynamic here as two series by two different authors get a concluding crossover novel. Been hearing good things about this one.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/stirred-by-ja-konrath-blake-crouch.html

Review: December 22, 2011 - Deadcore: 4 Hardcore Zombie Novellas
I personally don't care much about zombies, and I know Mihir doesn't, so that he enjoyed this anthology from authors Edward M. Erdelac, David James Keaton, Randy Chandler, and Cheetham makes this something worth looking.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/deadcore-four-hardcore-zombie-novellas.html

Review: December 27, 2011 - Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews
This is a novella about Kate Daniels that was available for free for a limited time. It takes place during the events of the forthcoming spinoff novel Gunmetal Magic, which will also include this novella.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/12/magic-gifts-free-kate-daniels-novella.html

News: January 4, 2012 - Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett
An update by Peter V. Brett on the status of the series, which includes a tentative date for the 3rd book in the series, The Daylight War for early 2013. Speaking of which, it's time I get my ass in gear and read The Desert Spear.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/news-about-demon-cycle-saga-by-peter-v.html

Review: January 7, 2012 - Imperium by Nicholas Olivo
A novel that caught my attention some months ago, but haven't yet read. I mentioned it to Mihir, who read it and thinks that it's a very good debut. Hopefully I'll find some time for it soon.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/imperium-by-nicholas-olivo-w-bonus.html

Top Reads: January 9, 2012 - Mihir's Top Reads of 2011
Self explanatory, Mihir picks his top reads of 2011. I haven't read most of them, so got some catching up to do.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/mihirs-top-reads-of-2011.html

News: January 10, 2012 - Prequel & Sequel Novellas
Announcing a prequel novella for The Legend of Eli Monpress by Rachel Aaron. An omnibus has been recently released, hope to review it soon. Also, a sequel novella for the Elemental Assassin by Jennifer Estep. Most recent novel is about to be released, By a Thread.
fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/prequel-and-sequel-novella-news-by.html

Review: January 17, 2012 - Dead Eye by Jim Bernheimer
Two novels of this series get reviewed, Pennies for the Ferryman and The Skinwalker Conspiracies. First time I hear of them, and look like must read for urban fantasy fans.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/dead-eye-pennies-for-ferryman-dead-eye.html

Review: January 18, 2012 - Blue Fall by B. B. Griffith
Looks like some mixed feelings here. The premise of the novel seems interesting though, so certainly curious. Will have to see until I hear more on it though.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/blue-fall-by-bb-griffith-reviewed-by.html

Review: January 21, 2012 - Strata by Bradley P. Beaulieu & Stephen Gaskell
Collaboration from two sci-fi authors, apparently winners of the Writers of the Future Award. A 70 page novella getting some high praises around.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/strata-by-bradley-p-beaulieu-and.html

Review: January 24, 2012 - Control Point by Myke Cole
First book in the Shadow Ops series, and the first 2012 novel I read. Currently working on my review, should be up within two weeks. Excellent debut novel from a promising author which I recommend to just about anyone.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/shadow-ops-control-point-by-myke-cole.html

News: January 25, 2012 - James Rollins
Author of the Sigma Force series, one that Mihir has been nagging me to read for months now. Update on his projects and an author interview for Jon Land.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/james-rollins-news-and-author-interview.html

Review: January 27, 2012 - Dominion by C.S. Friedman
This is a prequel novella to The Coldfire Trilogy, one that has been highly recommended for some time and I should really find time for.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/dominion-by-cs-friedman-reviewed-by.html

Review: January 31, 2012 - Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
This has to be the most anticipated debut novel of 2012, and from what I can tell it's living up to its promise. Been hearing many good things about it; still need to get a copy of it myself.
fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2012/01/throne-of-crescent-moon-by-saladin.html

Mihir on FBC November 2011

As you may have noticed, we haven't had Mihir around for a while; he's been a busy man working nonstop. Or so he tells me, I'm of a mind to believe he's partying like it's 1999. In any case, here are his posts last month in Fantasy Book Critic:

Review: November 4, 2011 - The Mensch With No Name by Edward M. Erdelac
Second book in the Merkabah Rider series, a fantasy western. Looks like a good one, hope to give it a try next year.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/merkabah-rider-mensch-with-no-name-by.html

Review: November 5, 2011 - Betrayal by Tim Marquitz
Demon Squad short story taking place during the events of the 2nd book, Resurrection, serving as a good setup for At the Gates, which was recently released. I reviewed Betrayal here.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/betrayal-by-tim-marquitz-by-mihir.html

Review: November 7, 2011 - Ex-Heroes by Peter Clines
This is the first book in the Ex Trilogy, and it's been highly recommended to me by Mihir, so looks like another book which I'll have to check out soon.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/ex-heroes-by-peter-clines-reviewed-by.html

Review: November 9, 2011 - Cold Vengeance by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Haven't had the time to read this review, so don't know anything about this one other than Mihir seems to think that it's an "excellent thriller".

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/cold-vengeance-by-douglas-preston.html

Review: November 11, 2011 - City of the Snakes by Darren Shan
Third book in The City Trilogy, another series Mihir has been kicking me for a while now to give a try. Looks like a good one and that it ended strong.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/city-of-snakes-by-darren-shan-reviewed.html

Interview: November 14, 2011 - Brian Justin Shier
Great interview from the author of urban fantasy books Zero Sight and Zero Sum. Been hearing a lot of good things from these books, from what I can tell, favorite reads of Mihir this year.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/interview-with-brian-justin-shier.html

Review: November 18, 2011 - Geist by Philippa Ballantine
Read this when it came out, enjoyed it quite a bit, but had a few reservations. The sequel, Spectyr, is really good though, so worth the look certainly. First in the Books of the Order series.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/geist-by-philippa-ballantine-reviewed.html

Review: November 21, 2011 - At the Gates by Tim Marquitz
Here he is again, damn Tim Marquitz. This is the 3rd book in the Demon Squad series, which is among my top urban fantasy reads this year. Love me some Frank, I hope to review it soon.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/at-gates-by-tim-marquitz-reviewed-by.html

Review: November 25, 2011 - Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Second book in the Mythos Academy young adult series. Been meaning to give this series a shot, but haven't found time.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/kiss-of-frost-by-jennifer-estep-w-bonus.html

Review: November 26, 2011 - Spectyr by Philippa Ballantine
Second novel in the Books of the Order series, and it's one I very much enjoyed. You can read my review here.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/spectyr-by-philippa-ballantine-reviewed.html

Review: November 28, 2011 - The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams
One of my more anticipated books, and seen plenty of praise for it around. Hope to read it later this month if not early next one. Mihir reviews it together with Robert Thompson.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/emperors-knife-by-mazarkis-williams.html

Interview: November 29, 2011 - Anne Sowards
Here's a great interview with an executive editor at Penguin, she's worked on quite a few of my favorites. Interview also has a guest appearance of Ilona Andrews.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/interview-with-anne-sowards-interviewed.html

Review: November 30, 2011 - Ex-Patriots by Peter Clines
Second book in the Ex Trilogy, sequel to Ex-Heroes. Looks like another good entry in the series, hope to give both a try sometime next year.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/11/ex-patriots-by-peter-clines-reviewed-by.html

Mihir on FBC August-October 2011

For those that don't know my other blog contributor and friend Mihir is also reviewer on the Fantasy Book Critic blog. Since you guys have enjoyed Mihir's contributions to this blog, I thought it would be beneficial to provide links to what Mihir has done, since I started this blog, on FBC. Will try to make this a monthly thing, but here are his posts from August to October:

Review: August 8, 2011 - A Shot in the Dark by K.A. Stewart
This is the 2nd book in the Jesse Dawson urban fantasy series, one that I've been enjoying. I also reviewed it myself.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/08/shot-in-dark-by-ka-stewart-reviewed-by.html

Review: August 15, 2011 - Ghost Story by Jim Butcher
Latest installment on The Dresden Files, my favorite UF series. Though another good book by Jim Butcher, a bit of a disappointing one. I reviewed it too.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/08/ghost-story-by-jim-butcher-reviewed-by.html

Review & Interview: August 18, 2011 - First Frost by Jennifer Estep
Prequel short story in the Mythos Academy young adult series, I'm a fan of her Elemental Assassin series.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-frost-by-jennifer-estep-wbonus-q.html

Review: August 26, 2011 - Devil's Cape by Rob Rogers
This looks like an awesome superhero novel. I've been trying to find more superhero reads, so hopefully I'll give this a try soon. Mihir was impressed.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/08/devils-cape-by-rob-rogers-reviewed-by.html

Review: September 11, 2011 - Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
This is the first novel in the YA series, Mythos Academy. I got myself a copy, hopefully will read soon.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/09/touch-of-frost-by-jennifer-estep.html

Interview: September 15, 2011 - Barry Eisler
Very interesting and informative interview, with the author of the John Rain thriller series, which looks quite good. Mihir highly recommends it.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/09/interview-with-barry-eisler-interviewed.html

Review: September 18, 2011 - Awakenings by Edward Lazellari
Here's a book I'm very much looking forward to reading, it happens to be the book featured in my first giveaway. Already got my copy, so reading soon.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/09/awakenings-by-edward-lazellari-reviewed.html

Interview: September 21, 2011 - Matt Roeser
I had never heard of Matt Roeser before, but he's doing some very nice cover art worth paying attention to. Did some cool ones for A Song of Ice and Fire.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/09/interview-with-matt-roeser-interviewed.html

Interview: October 3, 2011 - Philippa Ballantine
Another cool interview, I've read two of her books and have really enjoyed them. Here's my review for Spectyr. Planning on checking out her other series.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-philippa-ballantine.html

Review: October 5, 2011 - Alphas: Origins by Ilona Andrews
Been a fan of their Kate Daniels series, very much planning reading this novella. Already read the novella Ascension by Meljean Brook in the Angels of Darkness anthology.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/alpha-origins-by-ilona-andrews-reviewed.html

Review: October 12, 2011 - Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews
This is a sequel novella to Silent Blade, part of the Kinsmen series. Romance sci-fi, quite good in my opinion. I also reviewed it.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/silver-shark-by-ilona-andrews-reviewed.html

Review: October 14, 2011 - The Detachment & The Lost Coast by Barry Eisler
The Detachment is the 7th book in the John Rain series, which has been highly praised. The Lost Coast is a short story set in the same world.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/detachment-by-barry-eisler-wbonus.html

Review: October 20, 2011 - The Infernals by John Connolly
This is the sequel to the YA book The Gates. John is better known for his thriller series Charlie Parker, a favorite of Mihir's. He let's me know on a daily basis.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/infernals-by-john-connolly-reviewed-by.html

Review & Interview: October 21, 2011 - A Dance of Death by David Dalglish
Ends the Shadowdance Trilogy, heavily recommended by Mihir. Takes place in the same world as his Half-Orc series.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/dance-of-death-by-david-dalglish-with.html

Review: October 24, 2011 - Zero Sight by B. Justin Shier
Urban fantasy debut series, which looks like a very good one. Really hope to give this a try soon.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/zero-sight-by-b-justin-shier-reviewed.html

Review: October 26, 2011 - The Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay
Third in the Charlie Madigan series, a favorite UF series of mine. Mihir reviewed the first two books HERE and HERE. I also reviewed this book.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/hour-of-dust-and-ashes-by-kelly-gay.html

Review: October 31, 2011 - Song for a Naming Day by Sarah Ash
Had never heard of this author before, but this is a short story set in the same world as her Tears of Artamon trilogy.

fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2011/10/song-for-naming-day-by-sarah-ash-by.html