The Defiant (The Valiant, #2) by Lesley Livingston
Also by this author: The Valiant, The Defiant
Published by Razorbill on January 23rd 2018
Pages: 336 
The darling of the Roman Empire is in for the fight of her life.
Be brave, gladiatrix… And be wary. Once you win Caesar’s love, you’ll earn his enemies’ hate.
Fallon was warned.
Now she is about to pay the price for winning the love of the Roman people as Caesar’s victorious gladiatrix.
In this highly anticipated sequel to THE VALIANT, Fallon and her warrior sisters find themselves thrust into a vicious conflict with a rival gladiator academy, one that will threaten not only Fallon’s heart – and her love for Roman soldier Cai – but the very heart of the ancient Roman Empire.
When dark treachery and vicious power struggles threaten her hard-won freedom, the only thing that might help the girl known as Victrix save herself and her sisters is a tribe of long-forgotten mythic Amazon warriors.
The only trouble is, they might just kill her themselves first.
A Veil of Spears (The Song of the Shattered Sands, #3) by Bradley P. Beaulieu
Also by this author: Twelve Kings in Sharakhai, Of Sand and Malice Made
Published by Gollancz on March 22nd 2018
Pages: 448
The third book in The Song of Shattered Sands series—an epic fantasy with a desert setting, filled with rich worldbuilding and pulse-pounding action.
Since the Night of Endless Swords, a bloody battle the Kings of Sharakhai narrowly won, the kings have been hounding the rebels known as the Moonless Host. Many have been forced to flee the city, including Çeda, who discovers that the King of Sloth is raising his army to challenge the other kings’ rule.
When Çeda finds the remaining members of the Moonless Host, now known as the thirteenth tribe, she sees a tenuous existence. Çeda hatches a plan to return to Sharakhai and free the asirim, the kings’ powerful, immortal slaves. The kings, however, have sent their greatest tactician, the King of Swords, to bring Çeda to justice for her crimes.
But the once-unified front of the kings is crumbling. The surviving kings vie quietly against one another, maneuvering for control over Sharakhai. Çeda hopes to use that to her advantage, but whom to trust? Any of them might betray her.
As Çeda works to lift the shackles from the asirim and save the thirteenth tribe, the kings of Sharakhai, the scheming queen of Qaimir, the ruthless blood mage, Hamzakiir, and King of Swords all prepare for a grand clash that may decide the fate of all.
Beauty (Tales from the Kingdoms, #3) by Sarah Pinborough, Les Edwards
Also by this author: Poison, Mayhem
Published by Gollancz on October 17th 2013
Pages: 208
Beauty is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story which takes all the elements of the classic fairytale that we love (the handsome prince, the ancient curse, the sleeping girl and, of course, the haunting castle) and puts a modern spin on the characters, their motives and their desires. It’s fun, contemporary, sexy, and perfect for fans of ONCE UPON A TIME, GRIMM, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN and more.
Seraphina (Seraphina, #1) by Rachel Hartman
Also by this author: Seraphina, Tess of the Road
Published by Random House for Young Readers on July 1st 2012
Pages: 530
Lyrical, imaginative, and wholly original, this New York Times bestseller with 8 starred reviews is not to be missed. Rachel Hartman’s award-winning debut will have you looking at dragons as you’ve never imagined them before…
In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side – while below the surface, tensions and hostility simmer.
The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being.
When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive—and dashing—Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina’s struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult… while its discovery could mean her very life.
The Slow Regard of Silent Things (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2.5) by Patrick Rothfuss
Also by this author: The Slow Regard of Silent Things
on October 28th 2014
The University, a renowned bastion of knowledge, attracts the brightest minds to unravel the mysteries of enlightened sciences like artificing and alchemy. Yet deep below its bustling halls lies a complex and cavernous maze of abandoned rooms and ancient passageways – and in the heart of it all lives Auri.
Formerly a student at the University, now Auri spends her days tending the world around her. She has learned that some mysteries are best left settled and safe. No longer fooled by the sharp rationality so treasured by the University, Auri sees beyond the surface of things, into subtle dangers and hidden names.
At once joyous and haunting, The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a rich, atmospheric and lyrical tale, featuring one of the most beloved characters from Rothfuss’ acclaimed fantasy series.
The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1) by Scott Lynch
Also by this author: The Republic of Thieves
Published by Bantam Spectra on July 27th 2006
Pages: 499
In this stunning debut, author Scott Lynch delivers the wonderfully thrilling tale of an audacious criminal and his band of confidence tricksters. Set in a fantastic city pulsing with the lives of decadent nobles and daring thieves, here is a story of adventure, loyalty, and survival that is one part “Robin Hood”, one part Ocean’s Eleven, and entirely enthralling…
An orphan’s life is harsh — and often short — in the island city of Camorr, built on the ruins of a mysterious alien race. But born with a quick wit and a gift for thieving, Locke Lamora has dodged both death and slavery, only to fall into the hands of an eyeless priest known as Chains — a man who is neither blind nor a priest.
A con artist of extraordinary talent, Chains passes his skills on to his carefully selected “family” of orphans — a group known as the Gentlemen Bastards. Under his tutelage, Locke grows to lead the Bastards, delightedly pulling off one outrageous confidence game after another. Soon he is infamous as the Thorn of Camorr, and no wealthy noble is safe from his sting.
Passing themselves off as petty thieves, the brilliant Locke and his tightly knit band of light-fingered brothers have fooled even the criminal underworld’s most feared ruler, Capa Barsavi. But there is someone in the shadows more powerful — and more ambitious — than Locke has yet imagined.
Known as the Gray King, he is slowly killing Capa Barsavi’s most trusted men — and using Locke as a pawn in his plot to take control of Camorr’s underworld. With a bloody coup under way threatening to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the Gray King at his own brutal game — or die trying…
The Mad Ship (Liveship Traders, #2) by Robin Hobb
Also by this author: Fool's Assassin, Ship of Magic
Published by Harper Voyager on February 4th 2008
Pages: 906
The Farseer trilogy continues the dramatic tale of piracy, serpents, love and magic. The Vestrit family’s liveship, Vivacia, has been taken by the pirate king, Kennit. Held captive on board, Wintrow Vestrit finds himself competing with Kennit for Vivacia’s love as the ship slowly acquires her own bloodlust. Leagues away, Althea Vestrit has found a new home aboard the liveship Ophelia, but she lives only to reclaim the Vivacia and with her friend, Brashen, she plans a dangerous rescue. Meanwhile in Bingtown, the fading fortunes of the Vestrit family lead Malta deeper into the magical secrets of the Rain Wild Traders. And just outside Bingtown, Amber dreams of relaunching Paragon, the mad liveship …
Night Study (The Chronicles of Ixia, Book 8) by Maria V. Snyder
Also by this author: Shadow Study, Night Study, Night Study (Soulfinders, #2)
on January 26th 2016
Bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.
Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore.
The Way of Shadows (Night Angel, #1) by Brent Weeks Published by Orbit on October 1st 2008
Pages: 645
From New York Times Bestselling author Brent Weeks… For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art-and he is the city’s most accomplished artist.
For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he’s grown up in the slums, and learned to judge people quickly – and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.
But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins’ world of dangerous politics and strange magics – and cultivate a flair for death.
Odd Thomas (Odd Thomas, #1) by Dean Koontz
Published by Bantam on August 29th 2006
Pages: 446
“The dead don’t talk. I don’t know why.” But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Odd Thomas thinks of himself as an ordinary guy, if possessed of a certain measure of talent at the Pico Mundo Grill and rapturously in love with the most beautiful girl in the world, Stormy Llewellyn.
Maybe he has a gift, maybe it’s a curse, Odd has never been sure, but he tries to do his best by the silent souls who seek him out. Sometimes they want justice, and Odd’s otherworldly tips to Pico Mundo’s sympathetic police chief, Wyatt Porter, can solve a crime. Occasionally they can prevent one. But this time it’s different.
A mysterious man comes to town with a voracious appetite, a filing cabinet stuffed with information on the world’s worst killers, and a pack of hyena-like shades following him wherever he goes. Who the man is and what he wants, not even Odd’s deceased informants can tell him. His most ominous clue is a page ripped from a day-by-day calendar for August 15.
Today is August 14.
In less than twenty-four hours, Pico Mundo will awaken to a day of catastrophe. As evil coils under the searing desert sun, Odd travels through the shifting prisms of his world, struggling to avert a looming cataclysm with the aid of his soul mate and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. His account of two shattering days when past and present, fate and destiny converge is the stuff of our worst nightmares, and a testament by which to live: sanely if not safely, with courage, humor, and a full heart that even in the darkness must persevere.
The Defiant is really nice, like that cover a lot! Also Night Study and A veil of Spears (haven’t seen that one before!).
Greg recently posted…Tuesday Tagline #90
I loved The Defiant, and its one of my favorites of these books!
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Zero Sum Game by S. L. Huang
What a fabulous selection of gorgeous purple covers – it’s one of my favourite colours, anyway:). And what a glorious selection of books! I haven’t read Defiant or Beauty and I’ve A Veil of Spears on my TBR pile as I loved the other 2 books – but I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed the rest:))
Beauty was a quick fun take on a fairy tale. And I absolutely love the Defiant (and the first book in that series)
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Zero Sum Game by S. L. Huang
More purple – I love it. I totally forgot about Seraphina!
Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…TTT – Books With My Favorite Color on the Cover!
I didn’t think of Seraphina right away, but noticed it as I was looking through my bookshelf 🙂
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Zero Sum Game by S. L. Huang
These are fantastic! I still think The Defiant is one of my more recent favorite covers?
Tammy @Books, Bones & Buffy recently posted…#FearlessWomen Blog Tour: DEATH DOESN’T BARGAIN by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Yes! I absolutely love that cover!!
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Zero Sum Game by S. L. Huang
Purple is a great color! I’d really like to read Seraphina. Here is my Top Ten Tuesday.
I love purple 🙂 Hope you enjoy Seraphina if you get a chance to read it!
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Zero Sum Game by S. L. Huang
Veil of Spears looks interesting, and I’ve read the Night Angel trilogy (which is fantastic) but didn’t think to include it in my list, which is also purple! We don’t have any overlap, actually.
Crystal recently posted…TTT – Top Ten Books with Purple in the Title or on the Cover!
Yeah, I just finished looking at your list! It’s fun seeing the other covers
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Zero Sum Game by S. L. Huang
Glad to see so many purple cover lovers out there today!
Jo recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #158
Purple seems to be a very popular color for the TTTs this week. I’ve always thought it was a rare color for book covers, now I see how wrong I am! 😀
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…#FearlessWomen: Death Doesn’t Bargain by Sherrilyn Kenyon Spotlight & Exclusive Excerpt
I think people like purple, but I still feel like its not super popular for covers. At least not in fantasy. But I also think its why I remember those covers better (like Slow Regard of Silent Things and The Defiant, the purple just makes it pop for me)
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Zero Sum Game by S. L. Huang
[…] Ten Tuesday – Purple Cover Lover – https://tenaciousreader.com/2018/05/08/top-ten-tuesday-purple-cover-lover/ Lisa has selected all her favourite purple covers – and a wonderful feast for the eyes they are, […]