Local Read: Witches of East End

The bestselling author of the young adult series Blue Bloods, Melissa de la Cruz, now turns her hand to writing fiction for adults in Witches of East End, the first of a planned series set not too far from here, in the fictional South Fork community of North Hampton. In this newly-published book, two sisters are reincarnated witches who were killed in the Salem witch trials. When they innocently break the witching community's ban on magic, a modern day Salem ensues (with a few sexy encounters along the way). With such a dedicated fan following, this new series premiere is sure to be in high demand; reserve your copy today.

New SciFi/Fantasy

If you're a fan of science fiction and fantasy, here are a few brand-new releases just for you! In Queen of Kings, Cleopatra is re-imagined as a shape-shifting vampire bent on vengeance against those who have wronged her family. Meanwhile, Hounded by Kevin Hearne looks at the ancient history of another part of the Earth for inspiration, though the story is set in modern times: Atticus O'Sullivan, the last of the Druids, finds his peaceful life shattered by the arrival of an angry Celtic god who wants Atticus's magical sword. Another contemporary fantasy story, Dead Reckoning, continues the wildly popular Southern Vampire series with clairvoyant Sookie Stackhouse witnessing the firebombing of the bar where she works, and also discovering that her vampire lover, Eric Northman, and his "child," Pam, are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master.

Additionally, two new books deal with human colonization of space. In Fuzzy Nation by Hugo-winning author John Scalzi, contractor Jack Holloway believes he has become a wealthy man when he discovers a gem node on a distant planet, until he encounters an indigenous race of small, furry and very sentient beings who his corporate partners would eliminate to secure their stake in the treasure (probably a good read for fans of the movie Avatar). In Embassytown by China Mieville, Avice Benner Cho tries to keep a tenuous peace on planet settled by both humans and the alien Ariekei when the arrival of a new group threatens to upset their fragile balance. Any other suggestions for great new scifi/fantasy? Comment!

Witch and Wizard: Reader Review

Title: Witch and Wizard

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Author: James Patterson

Rating: 1/5 (terrible)

Review: Sister and brother are torn from their family and don't know why. The New Order is getting rid of all witches and wizards...pass on this read.

Reviewed by: EL

Cozy reads for the darkest day of the year

With only about 8 hours of daylight in the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley area, today marks the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year. What a perfect day for getting cozy indoors with a good book! Here are two suggestions for books inspired by the solstice:

Winter Solstice (2000) by Rosamund Pilcher

This book came out a decade ago, so even if you've already read it once, you've probably forgotten enough of it that it's worth rereading.

Publisher Summary: A moving tale of loss and transcendence follows the lives of five people, buffeted by life's difficulties, who come together on a rundown estate house in Northern Scotland during a revelatory Winter Solstice.

Solstice Wood (2007) by Patricia McKillip

Set in our home state of New York, this contemporary fairy story is perfect for anyone who's ever felt a mysterious thrill when surrounded by trees.

Publisher Summary: The death of her beloved grandfather forces bookstore owner Sylvia Lynn to return to her childhood home in upstate New York to confront the grandmother who had raised her, and the nearby woods that had both enticed and terrified her.