The 5 Most Anticipated December Releases

Ah, Christmas! ’Tis the season when big publishers sit back and relax, and small publishers grab the opportunity with both hands and suddenly release a bunch of new books. Ever heard of Seventh Star Press? Or Imagined Interprises? Yeah, didn’t think so—they are worth checking out, though. While it makes for a somewhat unimpressive month of fantasy, quantity-wise, there are still a number of new releases worth looking out for.

This Anticipation Article is by no means a complete list, but when compared to previous months, it is probably a lot more complete than usual. Regardless, we strive to tell you about the biggest and most interesting publications each month in a variety of fantasy’s sub-genres.

So without further ado, here are The Ranting Dragon’s top picks for December, as compiled by Stephan and Michelle!

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1.				Empire State by Adam Christopher
				Probably one of the only really big—and hyped—releases this month is Adam Christopher’s Empire State. Set in an alternative New York City, this promises to be a dark-ish superhero-noir science fiction/fantasy detective thriller. A real genre-bender, it seems. This debut novel will be released by Angry Robot Books on December 27, and will also mark the launch of Worldbuilder, a new Angry Robot initiative that invites both aspiring writers and artists to create their own interpretations of the Empire State, the best of which will be published in a forthcoming anthology.
				Published by Angry Robot Books on December 27.
2.				Dreams and Nightmares by Maxwell Alexander Drake
				A number of our staff have also been anticipating the newest novel by Maxwell Alexander Drake. While the Genesis of Oblivion Saga is published by a relatively unknown small press, Imagined Interprises, this epic fantasy series is nevertheless a work of great quality. Like many popular epics, Genesis of Oblivion is a complex story with a deep and unique world, many unique civilizations and cultures, and thousands of years of history. The third book in the series, Dreams and Nightmares, will be released on December 16. However, if you are among the many who have never heard of these book, we urge you to take a look at Drake’s debut novel, Farmers and Mercenaries.
				Published by Imagined Interprises on December 16.
3.				Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
				December 6 marks the release of Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Prince. The second book in The Infernal Devices (the first volume is reviewed here) will continue the story at the London Institute, where clockwork armies and other strange creatures abound. This hotly anticipated young adult novel should give fans of steampunk and paranormal romance something to read over the holiday season.
				Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on December 6.
4.				Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
				Touch of Power is the first installment in the new young adult series Healer by popular fantasy author Maria V. Snyder. This novel tells the tale of a young woman named Avry who possesses the power to heal the sick. However, healers are despised in Avry’s world, being blamed for the spread of a terrible plague. Faced with execution, her last hope may be to heal a dying prince.
				Published by Mira on December 20.
5.				The Doctor and the Kid by Mike Resnick
				Published by Pyr Books on December 20, The Doctor and the Kid is the sequel to Mike Resnick’s The Buntline Special, dubbed his “Weird West Tale.” Like its predecessor, The Doctor and the Kid is a steampunk novel set in the year 1881. It contains guns and magic and comes with a gorgeous cover, giving us a taste of all that we love about the steampunk genre.
				Published by Pyr on December 20.

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If you’re anything like the staff here at The Ranting Dragon, five books are never enough. Luckily, there are a couple of other new releases that are definitely worth checking out despite not having made our Top Five. We also suggest you look out for:

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			Angelkiller by H. David Blalock
			The first book in a provocative new urban fantasy series, Angelkiller introduces Jonah Mason, the oldest and most experienced of an elite force in the Army of Light called the Angelkillers. Why do bad things happen to good people? We are about to find out.
			Published by Seventh Star Press on December 1.
			City of Light and Shadow by Ian Whates
			The final installment in the City of a Hundred Rows trilogy. The monstrous rust warriors are back!
			Published by Angry Robot Books on December 27.
			Count to a Trillion by John C. Wright
			After the collapse of the world economy, a young boy grows up in what used to be Texas as a tough duellist for hire, the futuristic equivalent of a hired gun.
			Published by Tor Books on December 20.
			Fall of Dorkhum by D.A. Adams
			The third book in the Brotherhood of Dwarves continues the story of the dwarf Roskin who returns home to find a kingdom divided by a war with the Orges.
			Published by Seventh Star Press on December 1.
			Hidden by Kelley Armstrong
			Werewolves Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers want to give their four-year-old twins, Kate and Logan, something they never had: a nice, normal holiday. However, some things are easier said than done. This is an illustrated novella in the bestselling Otherworld series by author Kelley Armstrong. Something to take note of—this novella is being produced in two editions: Trade and Limited. The trade edition is your typical hardcover; the limited edition is a 1000 print run of leather-bound copies. More info can be found on Subterranean’s page.
			Published by Subterranean on December 31.
			Left Hand Magic by Nancy A. Collins
			The second book in the Golgotham series returns readers to New York’s magical underworld.
			Published by Roc on December 6.
			Switchblade Goddess by Lucy A. Snyder
			The third book in the Jessie Shimmer series reintroduces the titular heroine, who travels to a nightmare underworld to save her lover, Cooper Marron. She gains magical powers… which soon seem more like curses.
			Published by Del Rey on December 27.

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Do you agree with this month’s choices? Disagree? Let us know what you’re anticipating on The Ranting Dragon forums. Whatever you intend to read, we wish you all a great festive season!

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