The Magicians & Mrs. Quent

The Magicians and Mrs. Quent (Amazon USA - Canada - UK)
By Galen Beckett (website)
Spectra (July 29, 2008) (Hardcover)
Excerpt

Publisher's Blurb:
Of the three Lockwell sisters—romantic Lily, prophetic Rose, and studious Ivy—all agree that it’s the eldest, the book-loving Ivy, who has held the family together ever since their father’s retreat into his silent vigil in the library upstairs. Everyone blames Mr. Lockwell’s malady on his magkical studies, but Ivy alone still believes—both in magick, and in its power to bring her father back.

But there are others in the world who believe in magick as well. Over the years Ivy has glimpsed them—the strangers in black topcoats and hats who appear at the door, strangers of whom their mother will never speak. Ivy once thought them secret benefactors, but now she’s not so certain.

After tragedy strikes, Ivy takes a job with the reclusive Mr. Quent in a desperate effort to preserve her family. It’s only then that she discovers the fate she shares with a jaded young nobleman named Dashton Rafferdy, his ambitious friend Eldyn Garritt, and a secret web of highwaymen, revolutionaries, illusionists, and spies who populate the island nation of Altania.

For there is far more to Altania than meets the eye, and more to magick than mere fashion. And in the act of saving her father, Ivy will determine whether the world faces a new dawn—or an everlasting night....

Tia's Take: Oh my goodness! How did I miss this one? I remember taking note of it last July, but then I forgot it entirely. Never mind that it's quite up my alley. It begins like this:

IT WAS GENERALLY held knowledge among the people who lived on Whitward Street that the eldest of the three Miss Lockwells had a peculiar habit of reading while walking.

Does this sound familiar? Anyone? Anyone? Yes, it's a Jane Austen-inspired fantasy! (Did I mention that I have written a Jane Austen-inspired fantasy? No, I have not.) I will be obtaining this novel, by fair means or foul.

Mulluane's Take:
Oh my! Tackles Tia and tussles over the book.... This one is right up my ally too. Secondary world, strong female protagonists, secret societies, magic, what is not to love about that!

Debut Showcase: Perfect Circle by Carlos J. Cortes

Perfect Circle (Amazon: USA, Canada, UK)
By Carlos J. Cortes (Website, Blog)
Publisher: Spectra (November 25, 2008)
Mass Market Paperback: 496 pages
Excerpt

Publisher's Blurb:

Set in the impenetrable jungles of the African Congo, this fast-paced debut tells the tale of a world poised for ecological crisis–and the secret that could save it. From corporate profiteers to the natives who’ve been expecting them, here is a story that asks if man and nature are fated to clash–or if the right man can break the cycle.

Heir to a mining dynasty, geologist Paul Reece has chosen a simple life over the scheming opportunism of the International Mining Company. But when IMC approaches him about their mysterious discovery miles beneath the rain forest, Paul is compelled to set aside the sordid event that drove him from his legacy. For the project requires not only a brilliant engineer but one gutsy enough to descend 20,000 feet of solid rock–into the heart of a miracle. With Paul’s expertise, IMC can unearth a windfall–unless Paul decides to bury them first.

But Paul isn’t alone in his quest. Congo’s mystics have prepared for this day. Paul doesn’t realize it yet, but he’s been chosen to pilot a mission that will decide the fate of humanity.

Mulluane's Take:
The first thing that popped into my head upon reading the blurb was "Oh! a modern Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth" with Congo mystics! Sounds like fun!" Then I read how the author describes himself "Carlos J Cortes is the author of numerous unpublished novels and one of the World’s least influential people." And I was in love. Well, not really, but the chuckle made my day. I'd say definitely worth a look see for Sci-fi fans.

Tia's Take:
While I see some appeal, I'm not quite as likely to jump on this one. I do find the idea of descent into the earth is interesting, and the logline on the front cover is fantastic, but it sounds like an ecological thriller, which is not a genre I read much of. The author's website does reflect a charming, self-effacing personality, so maybe we'll arm-twist Mulluane into reading this one.