Ringing in Another New Year
With a free book, a cute animal video, and a whole lotta good wishes...
Each new year brings changes for us all to one degree or another and, while some bring more than others, I hope you find your coming year filled with joy and adventure, health and peace.
Smashwords end of year sale: The Halfblood War is FREE until Jan 1!
So I know last time I advertised a 99 cent sale, but little did I know that Smashwords was about to have a blowout end-of-year sale. The sale ends Jan 1st, which is why I’m sending this January newsletter a couple of days early to give you a shot at this freebie.
If you do grab a free copy and enjoy it, it would make my day if you left a short review on Amazon or Goodreads to help others find it too! And while you’re in Smashwords, check out the huge list of other books that are marked down or free!
Book Recommendation: The Wings Upon Her Back
I was thrilled to see this book by my friend Samantha Mills on Parade’s list of best SFF books of 2024. (I not only read this book, I was among the first to read it as I did the copyedit on it for Tachyon Publishing! And yes, it’s fantastic!) Here’s what Parade had to say about it:
Writer Samantha Mills hardly comes out of nowhere. She’s won numerous awards for her short stories, including the Nebula Award, which honors the best in sci-fi and fantasy. Now Mills delivers her first novel, and its universal acclaim mark this as one of the most notable debuts of the year. The Wings Upon Her Back is a fantasy novel set in a world where the most honored soldiers are mechanically modified warriors who protect the city of Radezhda with unquestioning devotion. The trouble begins when our hero Zenya actually does begin to question, never a good idea in a world where questions are the enemy of loyalty.
Currently Reading: Rakesfall
Because I enjoyed The Saint of Bright Doors by the same author!
Want to Read: Absolution, Haunt Sweet Home
Because hell, yes to another Area X novel by Jeff VanderMeer!
Also, I love me some ghost stories, so this novella by another friend, Sarah Pinsker, is waiting in my already-bought pile.
Cute animal video: Kids will be kids (Linked here in case the video doesn’t play)
A final thought: The holidays are mostly behind us now, and I hope you got everything on your wish list! If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy comfort and security going into the new year, perhaps you’d consider gifting the same to any of the many animals in desperate situations. A donation to any cause — from local shelters and rescues, to nationwide or worldwide advocates like the Animal Legal Defense Fund or World Wildlife Fund — can help provide that comfort and security for those who can’t advocate for themselves. A little bit can make a big difference!