About THE UNNATURALISTS by Tiffany Trent - out today from Simon&Shuster:
The streets of New London teem with a strange and wonderful bustle. Mechanical carriages glide down streets lit by the flicker of everlanterns, thanks to myth–the refined essence of magical beasts, and the resource that keeps the engines of the Empire moving. But myth is in ever more limited supply as the last of the magical beasts are killed for it, and New Londoners are becoming desperate.
Vespa Nyx is a privileged young scholar with a penchant for jam pies and mischief. She spends her days cataloguing and studying creatures in the museum, and has no desire to follow her aunt's advice and start looking for a husband. She also may be New London’s sole surviving witch.
Syrus Reed is an outcast Tinker having an extraordinary run of bad luck. He hasn't a coin to his name, his family has been killed and he is being hunted to become a refinery slave. His only way out may be to find a witch.
These two are about to find their fates wound more tightly in the gears of deception and intrigue than they could ever imagine...
Review Quotes:
"By St. Darwin and his Great Apes, "The Unnaturalists" is unnaturally good! Few authors can mix science and fantasy the way Tiffany can; her science-worshiping New London is perfectly original and perfectly realized, and Vespa Nyx is a heroine to cheer for. So much steampunk is just more of the same; "The Unnaturalists" is captivatingly different."--Ysabeau Wilce, Andre Norton Award-winning author of "Flora's Dare"
"Thrilling, intricate and magical, "The Unnaturalists" is a formidable entry into the steampunk genre. Vespa Nyx is a spunky heroine we can all root for, and Tiffany Trent's worldbuilding skills are unmatched. This book will delight anyone who loves magic, gadgets and brilliantly drawn settings. I highly recommend it."--Caitlin Kittredge, author of "The Iron Thorn"
"Fast-paced, heart-wrenching, magical and fascinating."--Tamora Pierce, author of The Song of the Lioness quartet
"Utterly ingenious! Tiffany Trent has more fine invention at her fingertips than a roomful of magical Leonardos!"--Ellen Kushner, World Fantasy Award-winning author
"Thoroughly magical...Leaves readers wanting more."--Kirkus Reviews
"Science, magic, myth, and alternate history all work together to create an intriguing alternate world with more depth than many books in the genre. This is a world worth visiting." Publishers Weekly
BUY THE UNNATURALISTS at: Your Local Independent Bookseller, My Local Independent Bookseller, B&N, Book Depository, Powells.com, Amazon, OR WHEREVER FINE BOOKS ARE SOLD.
Top Picks from YA Bloggers in the Know, #5
By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 14, 2012
We were thrilled when Joli Huynh of Actin’ Up With Books agreed to put together her list of top five books she can’t wait to read this autumn. Summer may be almost over, but exciting new fall titles are just around the corner. Look for our interview about one of Joli’s favorite picks (Every Day) with YA genius David Levithan in a couple of weeks. Without further ado, we give you Joli’s eclectic reading list including some titles you won’t want to miss.
When I was first asked by The Children’s Book Review to compile a list of my most anticipated reads, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I love recommending books and sharing the ones that are most memorable with other readers. These are the top five books that I would stop and drop everything, turn off my phone and cancel my plans for.
By Mindi Scott
There are some books that you connect with on such a deep level that you can’t even entirely explain. That is how I feel about Mindi’s 2010 debut novel, Freefall. Freefall was my favorite book of 2010 and is in my top five favorites of all time. It left me stunned, emotionally drained, but also hopeful. Her characters, Seth and Rosetta, seemed real – like they were people that I knew and cared about. When I found out that Mindi had a new book coming out, it immediately went to the top of my wish list. Live Through This is by far my most highly anticipated read of 2012.
Ages 14 and up | Publisher: Simon Pulse | October 2, 2012
By David Levithan
I will read every book written by David Levithan. His books are “auto-buys” and I have yet to read a book by Levithan that I did not love. His characters are endearing and relatable. Many of his books have the underlying message that we are all connected and I always feel more enlightened when I’ve finished one of his books. Every Day, the story of “A” who wakes up every morning in another person’s body, is different from his contemporary books, but no doubt will be just as powerful.
Ages 12 and up | Publisher: Random House Children’s Books | August 28, 2012
By
The streets of New London teem with a strange and wonderful bustle. Mechanical carriages glide down streets lit by the flicker of everlanterns, thanks to myth–the refined essence of magical beasts, and the resource that keeps the engines of the Empire moving. But myth is in ever more limited supply as the last of the magical beasts are killed for it, and New Londoners are becoming desperate.
