Can't-wait-wednesday #3: The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read.

This week, I can't wait for

The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2)

by R.F. Kuang

Description from Goodreads

The searing follow-up to 2018’s most celebrated fantasy debut – THE POPPY WAR.

In the aftermath of the Third Poppy War, shaman and warrior Rin is on the run: haunted by the atrocity she committed to end the war, addicted to opium, and hiding from the murderous commands of her vengeful god, the fiery Phoenix. Her only reason for living is to get revenge on the traitorous Empress who sold out Nikan to their enemies.

With no other options, Rin joins forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who has a plan to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new Republic. Rin throws herself into his war. After all, making war is all she knows how to do.

But the Empress is a more powerful foe than she appears, and the Dragon Warlord’s motivations are not as democratic as they seem. The more Rin learns, the more she fears her love for Nikan will drive her away from every ally and lead her to rely more and more on the Phoenix’s deadly power. Because there is nothing she won’t sacrifice for her country and her vengeance.

The sequel to R.F. Kuang’s acclaimed debut THE POPPY WAR, THE DRAGON REPUBLIC combines the history of 20th-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters, to devastating effect.

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Genre: Adventure, Mythology, Fantasy 
Pages: 560

Expected Publication: August 6, 2019

Publisher: Harper Voyager

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The epic book two of the amazing The Poppy War series is just around the corner! Well, almost. But I couldn't wait to share this book with you all, whether you have read the first book or not. If you haven't started on this series yet: please do! Kuang has a very unique voice in fantasy storytelling: the author builds a detailed and dark world with an interesting take on gods and mythology. The first book was a mix of Harry Potter, The Game of Thrones, and Percy Jackson. I'm expecting a lot from the second installment, The Dragon Republic!! Those who have already got up and personal with The Poppy War, what are your thoughts on the second book?

Can't-wait Wednesday #2: The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read.

This week, I can't wait for

The Tiger At Midnight

by Swati Teerdhala

Description from Goodreads

Esha is a legend, but no one knows. It’s only in the shadows that she moonlights as the Viper, the rebels’ highly skilled assassin. She’s devoted her life to avenging what she lost in the royal coup, and now she’s been tasked with her most important mission to date: taking down the ruthless General Hotha.

Kunal has been a soldier since childhood, training morning and night to uphold the power of King Vardaan. His uncle, the general, has ensured that Kunal never strays from the path—even as a part of Kunal longs to join the outside world, which has been growing only more volatile.

Then Esha’s and Kunal’s paths cross—and an unimaginable chain of events unfolds. Both the Viper and the soldier think they’re calling the shots, but they’re not the only players moving the pieces. As the bonds that hold their land in order break down and the sins of the past meet the promise of a new future, both rebel and soldier must make unforgivable choices.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology, the first book in Swati Teerdhala’s debut fantasy trilogy captivates with electric romance, stunning action, and the fierce bonds that hold people together—and that drive them apart.

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Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy 
Pages: 496

Expected Publication: April 23, 2019

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

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Look at that beautiful cover: the colors, the image, the atmosphere! So far maybe the prettiest covers of 2019. I'm very excited about The Tiger at Midnight as it includes Hindu mythology and Indian history. The increasing trend of young adult fantasy genre getting more diverse is welcomed with open arms! And besides, who doesn't love their protagonist as an assassin - the good old battle between good and evil! 

Can't-wait Wednesday #1: To The Best Boys by Mary Weber

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read.

This week, I can't wait for

To The Best Boys 

by Mary Weber

Description from Goodreads

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port receive a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. Every year, the poorer residents look to see that their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women are trained in wifely duties and men are encouraged into collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her Mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone’s ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the maze.

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Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy 
Pages: 352 

Expected Publication: March 19, 2019

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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I have a weakness for cross-dressing, I love it (for example Lila Bard in A Darker Shade of Magic). And on top of that, To The Best Boys also sounds like it could have a dark whimsicality to it. This novel has all the good ingredients: a desperate need and desperate measures. I won't complain about the all-male university either, I'm sensing cute enemies!