Times are stressful right now. Parents and teachers are learning how to implement distance learning, going to the grocery store feels like a live version of Pac-Man, and we’re all desperately hunting for toilet paper. Nerves are frayed as everyone fears that even the slightest cough could mean a dangerous virus has entered their home. Quarantines are the norm. Who would have thought this is what 2020 had in store for us? Now, more than ever, is time to stop, take deep breaths, and read some good books that take us all away to other places right now. Urban fantasy and fantasy are two of my favorite genres and fortunately, there are some phenomenal new books out there right now to dive into. Here are a few of my recent favorites: The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs is one of my go-to series when things seem depressing as Mercy Thompson Hauptman is one of the best kick-butt, loyal, and compassionate characters out there. SMOKE BITTEN is the latest in the series and things are definitely in a chaotic state in the Tri-Counties. Mercy’s mate and Alpha wolf, Adam Hauptman, has been emotionally distant, a rarity for a werewolf. There’s…

Mercy Thompson #5 April 2010 On Sale: March 30, 2010 Featuring: Samuel; Mercy Thompson 352 pages ISBN: 044101819X EAN: 9780441018192 Hardcover $24.95 Add to Wish List Fantasy Urban Buy at Amazon.com A 2010 Fresh Fiction Favorite Read! Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs All-new action in the #1 New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series Being a mechanic is hard work. Mercy Thompson, for instance, just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe, and now the leader of the werewolf pack – who’s maybe-more-than-just-a-friend – has asked for her help. A book of fae secrets has come to light and they’re all about to find out how implacable – and dangerous – the fae can be. OK, so maybe her troubles have nothing to do with the job. But she sure could use a holiday … Excerpt Chapter One The starter complained as it turned over the old Buick’s heavy engine. I felt a lot of sympathy for it since fighting outside my weight class was something I was intimately familiar with. I’m a coyote shapeshifter playing in a world of werewolves and vampires — outmatched is an understatement. “One more…

October is this time of Halloween–supernaturals abound, even if they are the pretend kind asking for candy. This month Urban Fantasy reads just may make you think twice come this October- the next time you go to your mechanic, ask yourself- could she be a secret vampire hunter? MASQUES, Patricia Briggs (Ace, 9/28/2010, $7.99, Mery Thompson) BACK IN PRINT: the debut novel by Patricia Briggs featuring Mercy Thompson. After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae’Magi. But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is– or where he will strike next? ANGELS SOULS AND DEVIL HEARTS, Christopher Golden (Ace, 9/28/2010, $7.99, Peter Octavian) The second Peter Octavian novel in the classic urban fantasy series–reissued in a brand-new package–by the award-winning author. VENOM, Jennifer Estep (Pocket, 9/28/2010, $7.99, Elemental Assassin) Gin Blanco is an assassin who can control the elements of Ice an Stone when she’s not too busy running her barbecue resturant, the Pork Pit. Her current mission is to…

At the end of August, I headed to Austin for ArmadilloCon. One of the must-see panels for book lovers was the annual “What You Should Have Read” panel, which included reviewers, a bookseller and an editor talking about the year’s must-read books. Editor Anne Sowards of Ace and Roc books mentioned some recent or upcoming books from her list. There’s a new series that Anne said is like the work of Jim Butcher. K.A. Stewart‘s A DEVIL IN THE DETAILS is a fun, quick read about a champion who helps people win their souls back after selling them. The publisher is also re-releasing Patricia Briggs‘s first book, MASQUES, which has been out of print for a while. Then in November, the sequel, WOLFSBANE, will be released. This marks a return to traditional fantasy for Briggs, who is currently known for her urban fantasy. One release that really excited Anne was the recent re-release of one of her childhood favorites, ARIEL, by Steven R. Boyett. Its long-awaited sequel, ELEGY BEACH will be released in paperback in October. She called these “gritty and realistic” apocalyptic fantasies. Martin Wagner of SFReviews.net said there were two essential books this year. One was UNDER HEAVEN…

Bantam Spectra hosts a smack down on Twitter between characters as diverse as Captain Kirk (Star Trek) versus Captain Mal (Firefly) and more. So borrowing a leaf from his playbook, I want to have some fun over the next few weeks in a smack down of our own. I will post the contestants and my thoughts, you get to vote and post your own. Commentators are automatically entered in a drawing for a special prize. Also, don’t miss tomorrow’s Snips and Clips where the Daily Dose Holiday Giveaway will be announced! Saturday Smackdown: Shape Shifters in the Ring For our inaugural Saturday Smack Down we’re looking at shape shifters, specifically werewolves because there are many other types of shifters out there. First two contestants: Clayton Danvers (Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Other World) and Charles Cornick (Patricia Briggs’ Alpha and Omega series). Read the rest and make your choice Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.