Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library Reader Advisory Blog

Start a New Sci-Fi Series

Calling all Science Fiction fans! This fall is big for brand new Sci-Fi series including:

The Bullet Catchers Daughter by Rod Duncan

The Fall of the Gas Lit Empire Series (Alternate History/Steampunk)

Elizabeth Barnabus, who leads a double life as herself and her private detective brother, sets out to locate a missing aristocrat but runs into trouble with the Patent Office, which is intent on keeping new technologies from being introduced into society. "Nonstop adventure, danger, and a plucky heroine who consistently saves herself from peril make this new series . . . one to watch for steampunk fans." (Library Journal Reviews)

The House of the Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory

One Dozen Daughters Series (Fantasy Fiction)

The rulers of tiny, impoverished Swansgaard have twelve daughters and one son. While the prince's future is assured, his twelve sisters must find their own fortunes. Disguising herself as Clarence, a sailor, Princess Clarice joins a pirate crew before her love for her captain is challenged by an evil sorceress. "Mixing a fairy-tale feel with a few elements of fantasy, this series launch will delight fans of light romances and of Lackey's "Tale of the Five Hundred Kingdoms" books." (Library Journal Reviews)

The Falcon Throne by Karen Miller

Tarnished Crown Series (Fantasy Fiction)

A royal son, falsely believed to be dead, fights for his father's stolen throne against a bastard-born lord and a duke's widow. ". . .Miller presents traditional fantasy pieces (warring kingdoms, misplaced heirs, a witch pulling the strings of an ambitious lord) that still manage to entertain and prepare readers for the next volume. The author's gritty fantasy of dynastic politics will appeal to fans of Game of Thrones." (Library Journal Reviews)

The Godless by Ben Peck

Children Series (Epic/Fantasy Fiction)

This epic fantasy from Peek (Black Sheep) is big in scope, with absorbing characters, especially Ayae, Zaifyr, and the mercenary Bueralan, who spies on the approaching enemy to uncover their secrets. "While this is a solid if not groundbreaking series opener, its presentation of the mythology of the gods and a battle among their offspring will appeal to fans of Brent Weeks and Steven Erickson." (Library Journal Reviews)

The Hawley Book of the Dead by Chrysler Szarlan

Revelations Quartet (Magic/Fantasy Fiction)

When an intruder sabotages a stunt weapon used in her family's Las Vegas magic act, igniting a devastating tragedy, Reve fears for the safety of her children and flees to a Massachusetts forest where she learns about her family's mysterious past. "Szarlan's enthralling debut, a magic-fueled tale of contemporary romantic suspense, skillfully draws in elements of Celtic myth. Readers who like Juliet Dark's Fairwick trilogy or Tanya Huff's Gale Women series will enjoy this." (*Starred Review* from Booklist Reviews)

New Political Novel

Still in the mood for politics even though the election is over? Check out this new novel The Means by Douglas Brunt. Part Primary Colors, part House of Cards, The Means takes you deep into high-stakes politics where everyone has something to hide.

Tom Pauley is a conservative trial attorney in Durham, NC, who is tapped by GOP leaders to campaign for the Governor's mansion. His bold style makes him a favorite for a run at the White House.

Mitchell Mason is the president-elect of the United States, pushed into politics by a father determined to create a political dynasty. Mason manages the White House with a personal touch that makes both friends and enemies.

Samantha Davis is a child actor-turned-lawyer-turned-journalist, working her way up from the bottom in a competitive industry. She is determined and brilliant, and her dogged pursuit of a decade-old story could trigger a scandal that would upend the political landscape.

"This fast-paced, noirish novel offers sharp insights into the sleazy side of human nature and captures the harsh reality of life on the campaign trail. Even casual followers of American politics might appreciate this entertaining contribution, although they may feel bit a grimy after reading about the smear tactics that seem to be the mainstay of today's politicians." (LJ Express Reviews)

The Woman I Wanted to Be

Diane von Furstenberg talks with NBC's Today Show's Matt Lauer and Hoda Kotb about her new book The Woman I Wanted to Be, in which von Furstenberg reflects on her extraordinary life--from childhood in Brussels to her days as a young, jet-set princess, to creating the dress that came to symbolize independence and power for an entire generation of women.

With honesty and wisdom, von Furstenberg mines the rich territory of what it means to be a woman. She opens up about her family and career, overcoming cancer, building a global brand, and devoting herself to empowering other women, writing, "I want every woman to know that she can be the woman she wants to be"

Place your hold for The Woman I Wanted to Be today.

Us by David Nicholls

Douglas Petersen may be mild-mannered, but behind his reserve lies a sense of humor that, against all odds, seduces beautiful Connie into a second date . . . and eventually into marriage. Now, almost three decades after their relationship first blossomed in London, they live more or less happily in the suburbs with their moody seventeen year-old son, Albie. Then Connie tells him she thinks she wants a divorce.

Narrated from Douglas’s endearingly honest, slyly witty, and at times achingly optimistic point of view, Us is the story of a man trying to rescue his relationship with the woman he loves, and learning how to get closer to a son who’s always felt like a stranger.

"Nicholls . . . has created in Douglas a man who has always known where he was and where he was going and who now is suddenly adrift emotionally as well as physically. And all the guidebooks and online tours won't be enough to right his course. Are you thinking this is a predictable tale of family dynamics? Think again; this is Nicholls, after all. For those who loved One Day, the author's latest is another heart-grabber about discovering what makes us happy and learning to let go." (Library Journal Reviews)

This highly anticipated new novel has received many positive reviews and is already on the long list for the Man Booker Prize. Place your hold for Us today.

The Top 15 Most Borrowed Books - Fiction

Wondering what everyone else is reading? Not sure what to read next? Check out this list of "The Books Most Borrowed in U.S. Libraries" that the folks at Library Journal compiled as of October 15, 2014. (Click on the covers below to place your holds.)