It’s been a quiet around here though I hope that I’m giving you enough book choices to keep you happy. I have been doing stuff behind the scenes and I have some special things coming up on the blog.
Reading Challenge
Floor to Ceiling Books jokingly mentioned on Twitter that I don’t do enough reviews. You remember that I have a challenge with Harry to read six books a month?
Well in February I was doing well for the first half having reviewed Horns, The Bookman, and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. The only other books I read after that were The Ice-Princess and I started on The Preacher.
So I’m still behind. By the end of March I should be on 18. I’m on 10 as I’ve finished The Preacher and Florence & Giles.
I’m hoping that my numbers improve in March a little as you’ll see.
Läckberg Week
I’ve not posted my reviews, though I have written them, of The Ice-Princess or The Preacher yet and that’s because I’m hoping that the talented Camilla Läckberg is able to do an interview for me.
It’s all being sorted at the moment and as soon as it is I’ll post reviews of those two plus the The Stone-Cutter and hopefully the interview and make it a week long event.
Speaking of events I have two more planned…
BSFA Awards Best Novel Week
I mentioned the BSFA Awards at the end of January and my vague plan to read the nominees – Ark by Stephen Baxter (Gollancz), Lavinia by Ursula K Le Guin (Gollancz) The City & The City by China Mieville (Macmillan) and Yellow Blue Tibia by Adam Roberts (Gollancz). Well I’m going to. Though it’s going to be five books as I’m reading Flood as well.
Mark you calendars. I’m doing that starting Monday 29th March. I’m going to read the four nominees, review them and then give my verdict on who should win.
Short Story Month and NextRead Magazine
The next big event is Short Story Month and this is tied though not directly to the launch of NextRead Magazine. I’ve already roped in a few people to write stuff and I’ll be putting out a big call and song and dance about it shortly.
Short fiction is brilliant when it’s done right and I’m using as an excuse to get some more read. Anyone else want to joint in? I’m hoping for some features, reviews, competitions and general love-fest for the shorter fiction form.
In related news the first submission arrived so I have my fingers crossed that it’s going to turn from a trickle into a flood soon. 
The Men of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi Appreciation Month
Two events I’ve signed up to write stuff for are coming soon.
The first is by Book Chick City. BCC is celebrating the male authors of urban fantasy from the 22-28th March with ‘the Men of Urban Fantasy Week’. I’m writing something about two of my favorite authors so that’s fun.
And a bit of a bigger event on Walker of Worlds in April when it’s Sci-Fi Appreciation Month. A great idea. I’m doing a review of The Skinner by Neal Asher.
I have a couple more books that I need to read so I can bring you some more interviews too.
And the TBR has some brilliant books all vying for attention like Changes by Jim Butcher, The Midnight Mayor by Kate Griffin, The Forest of Hands & Teeth by Carrie Ryan, Terminal World by Alastair Reynolds, Dark Matter by Juli Zeh, Spellwright by Blake Charlton, In Great Water by Kit Whitfield and The Snowman by Jo Nesbo to name a few!
What’s keeping you all busy?
I'm reading THE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINGDOMS which I will review on March 19th. Beside this I will contribute the Sci-Fi Appreciation Month with a review of CROSSOVER by Joel Shepherd. Interesting enough I bought a copy of THE SKINNER last week.
And I'm reading THE GARDENS OF THE MOON….
Oh yes, there is a bit of a Steven Erikson thing going on at the moment – you're all mad! fabulous idea but mad as hatters
I've heard good things about Crossover and I'm hoping you like The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms.
I have my fingers crossed for The Skinner.