I'm so thrilled to join in the cover reveal for War of Torment by Ronie Kendig releasing from Enclave Publishing in April 2023! This is the fourth and final epic conclusion to the space opera series, The Droseran Saga, and is available to preorder in hardcover now! 

"Waiting on Wednesday"/"Can't Wait Wednesday" is a weekly meme now hosted by Wishful Endings, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Title: Dawn of Vengeance [The Droseran Saga #4] 
Author: Ronie Kendig
Release Date: April 2023

About the Book:

"The time for peace is over—now he demands vengeance. 

They followed him back. Against his will, against his intention. Now enemies threaten from every direction. Amidst it all Marco Dusan struggles to lead his people, to help them survive, even mayhap win the war. He will take any advantage to even the odds. But only after tragedy strikes does he learn just how much he’s willing to sacrifice. 

He's not alone. Droserans fight as one, united against the offworlders—Symmachians who covet their planet. With the aid of unexpected allies, the Droserans battle on longer than anyone could have anticipated. Yet they cannot win. And the Faa’Cris, those supernatural warriors, fair of face and fierce of mien, do nothing. 

But not all have turned their backs. After a bitter year of pain and loss, Kersei Dragoumis navigates a new heritage, ever intent on defending her people. Like her, light-years away from the Quadrants and even farther from the girl she thought she was, Eija Zacdari must come to terms with a new role. Or, rather, with an ancient one. And her success or failure may determine back in the Quadrants who lives and who dies. 

In the end, Marco will have vengeance for the torment brought by this war. No matter the price. Not even if the price is his soul. "

Title: Dawn of Vengeance [The Droseran Saga #2] 
Author: Ronie Kendig
Release Date: December 8, 2020

About the Book:

"A haunting prophecy upended his identity. Now it demands his life.

Once a formidable bounty hunter, Marco Dusan is plagued by insecurity as he tours the realm he now rules. This quiet, backwater planet is not as untouched as he’d once thought. Evidence of collusion between Droseran factions and the powerful Symmachians with their forbidden technology litters his encounters. Worse, all signs indicate Xisya, the alien who tortured him, is still snatching Kynigos Brethren—but to what end?

Corporal Eija Zacdari works hard to win a coveted place on the Symmachian hyperjump program, but instinct tells her their intel is flawed. Despite nearly failing the tests, she is assigned to the team—and lands in the middle of a bewildering conspiracy.

Haunted by a prophecy that promises pain and war, Marco forges alliances to protect the primitive world against Symmachia’s devastating influence. But one truth becomes painfully clear: the biggest threat to their world may be much, much closer to home."

I'm honored to be part of Jill Williamson's cover reveal for her latest upcoming novel: a prequel to her dystopian Safe Lands Trilogy!

"Waiting on Wednesday"/"Can't Wait Wednesday" is a weekly meme now hosted by Wishful Endings, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Title: Thirst (Thirst Duology #1)
Author: Jill Williamson
Release Date: November 21, 2019

About the Book:

"The end of the world is only the beginning. A waterborne disease has contaminated the world’s fresh water, decimating the human race. Seventeen-year-old Eli McShane and his friends flee the chaos and violence in Phoenix and journey north toward the rumored location of a safe water source. They add several to their number, including the mysterious Hannah, who is being hunted by a dangerous man. Desperation brings out the worst in many of the travelers, infecting even those closest to Eli. When division comes, will he be able to hold his group together or will each fall victim to their own thirst for survival?

Join some old friends from Glenrock and Jack's Peak in this thrilling first book of the Thirst Duology. Best-selling author Jill Williamson has brought back the breathtaking suspense of the The Safe Lands series in this chilling prequel that will leave readers panting for the next installment." 

Why I'm WoW about Thirst:
Jill Williamson is my absolute favorite YA author in Christian fiction right now. Though I adore her epic fantasy novels the most, The Safe Lands Trilogy was a mature dystopian entry in YA Christian Fiction that was sorely needed.  After following the stories of Levi, Mason, and Omar, Eli's great-grandsons in the Safe Lands, I'm very much looking forward to seeing how everything began ... It was this dystopian world that convinced me that Williamson writes some of the best teen male protagonists in Christian YA.

I also really love the cover art Emilie Hendryx designed! Below, you can see The Safe Lands Trilogy covers which were traditionally published with Blink YA.  I feel like the atmospheric sky and cloud elements tie the two series together --what do you think?  To learn more about the cover design process for the original Safe Lands books, be sure to check out my interview with Jill Williamson here!

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the publication of Jill Williamson's first novel, By Darkness Hid, she is offering special limited HARDCOVER editions of her popular Christian Fantasy trilogy as a reward in her Kickstarter campaign to fund audiobook recordings of the series ...

"Waiting on Wednesday"/"Can't Wait Wednesday" is a weekly meme now hosted by Wishful Endings, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!


Title: Blood of Kings Trilogy
Author: Jill Williamson
Re-Release Date: Fall 2019 by Enclave Publishing

About By Darkness Hid (Book #1):

"Given the chance to train as a squire, kitchen servant Achan Cham hopes to pull himself out of his pitiful life and become a Kingsguard Knight. When Achan's owner learns of his training, he forces Achan to spar with the Crown Prince--more of a death sentence than an honor. Meanwhile, strange voices in Achan's head cause him to fear he's going mad. While escorting the prince to a council presentation, their convoy is attacked. Achan is wounded and arrested, but escapes from prison--only to discover a secret about himself he never believed possible."

Why I'm WoW about The Blood of Kings Trilogy:
I think I won a copy of By Darkness Hid from a book blog or some giveaway.  I had seen the book online before, but it was published by Marcher Lord Press (now known as Enclave), a smaller, kind of indie Christian Speculative Fiction press and ... I don't know, I never thought to give it a shot.  I still remember being only a few chapters into the book and thinking, "This is pretty mature for Christian Fantasy," --but in a good way!  Most of the Christian Fantasy I'd read previously were aimed at kids or teens, but reading this as an adult, I felt like it was an engaging read for teens and adults equally.

 (While I later found and enjoyed authors like Patrick W. Carr, who writes Christian Fantasy aimed at adults and teens, his first book wasn't published until 2013.)  The world-building is wonderfully done and best of all the characters:  Jill writes some of the best, most real, and believable teen male protagonists I've seen in Christian Fiction.  Her female protagonists are wonderful too, as well as the supporting cast of characters, but for some reason, I'm always drawn to her teen male characters, which is unusual for me ...

Anyway, Jill's Kickstarter to create audiobooks of this amazing trilogy has been fully funded for ALL THREE BOOKS!  But there's still just under two days left if you want to join in a snag a copy of the series in hardcover AND get the audiobook versions as well (the lowest tier for that is $80, but it breaks down to about $13.33 each for 6 books, which is a pretty great price for a hardcover and audiobook on discs.  I'm also excited since Jill revealed on social media that the hardcovers will have a new author's note and upgraded map as well.

There's some other cool rewards like these book cover pillows too!!!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jill Williamson (@jill_williamson_author) on May 1, 2019 at 11:59am PDT

 So awesome, right???  If you're interested, you can learn more about the different reward tiers and all the details about this Kickstarter campaign, but be sure to join in quick, since there's just under two days to go! 


  [No compensation from the author or publisher etc. was received for this post, I'm just a fan who really loves this series!!!]

"Waiting on Wednesday"/"Can't Wait Wednesday" is a weekly meme now hosted by Wishful Endings, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating! Today, I am happy to be participating in the official cover reveal of Nadine Brandes' next historical fantasy, Romanov!

Title: Romanov
Author: Nadine Brandes
Release Date: May 7, 2019 by Thomas Nelson

© 2019 by Thomas Nelson

About the Book:

"The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before. Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . . That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other."

Why I'm "WoW" about Romanov:
So when everyone thinks about a historical fantasy retelling of Anastasia Romanov's story, I'm sure most picture the 1997 Don Bluth animated musical ... Or at least, I did as seen in my bookstagram post below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Artist Librarian (Jen) (@theartistlibrarian) on Sep 27, 2018 at 1:35amPDT

While the actual life of Anastasia Romanov is quite tragic, she's had a vivacious fictional life in various films, novels, and even a Broadway musical mostly based on the aforementioned animated movie. Because of my love for Don Bluth's Anastasia and enjoyment of Nadine's previous books ... Let's just say my expectations are high! It's gonna be a loooong wait until May 2019.

Also, this cover!  My initial reaction was that while the layout was well composed and designed beautifully (art school wasn't a total waste, guys, haha) --I was concerned that it doesn't quite scream YA fiction --it looks like it could be an adult historical novel (perhaps an intentional thought?) ... nothing says fantasy about it either. But it is growing on me the more I look at it and I have seen similar YA fic covers ... =)

To get updates and learn more about author Nadine Brandes, be sure to check out her website!

What do you think of the cover? Have you read any historical fantasy novels? Want to talk about the animated (or Broadway) Anastasia? Leave a comment below! Also, if you've participated in "WoW" feel free to share!

I'm very excited to be part of Nadine Brandes' cover reveal for the final book in her dystopian Out of Time series!  It will be released on October 14th, making it one of my highest anticipated fall releases.  Keep reading for the full cover image and a couple of cool giveaways! (And yeah, this is also a late "Waiting on Wednesday" -- a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!)

© 2016 Enclave Publishing

About the Book: (Highlight text to read only if you've finished books 1 & 2 - HUGE SPOILERS!)

What more can you sacrifice than your life? 

Parvin Blackwater is dead. At least…that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless. 

Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?

Why I'm "WoW" about A Time to Rise:
Basically, *that cliffhanger* at the end of book 2, A Time to Speak. ;-) *wink* Despite my initial hesitance, I've come to love this series --IMHO, easily one of the top Christian Dystopians published thus far.  See my reviews for the previous novels, A Time to Die, A Time to Speak, and my interview with author Nadine Brandes for more.

From the sneak peak glimpses, I thought that there would be more yellow/gold tones to the book cover, but it's growing on me.  The trilogy covers will look beautiful as a set ... can't wait to see the physical copies all together! Kirk DouPonce (DogEaredDesign) did an awesome job with all of them!

I guess Parvin's pink top and brown fur and leather skirt is official to cosplay now too, LOL.  Really eager to see how this book opens up --October can't come soon enough! 

What are some of your favorite trilogy/series book covers as a whole?  What do you like about them? Nadine Brandes fans, what do you think about A Time to Rise's cover? Any speculations (spoilers to a minimum please)?


About the Author:

 "Nadine learned to write her alphabet with a fountain pen. In Kindergarten. Cool, huh? Maybe that's what started her love for writing. She started journaling at age nine and thus began her habit of communicating via pen and paper more than spoken words. She never decided to become a writer. Her brain simply classified it as a necessity to life. Nadine is a stay-at-home author and writes stories about authentic faith, bold living, and worlds soaked in imagination. She lives in Idaho with her husband and works as a freelance editor. When she's not writing, editing, or taste-testing a new chai, she is out pursuing adventures. Visit Nadine at www.nadinebrandes.com, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter."

While there aren't any giveaways for A Time to Rise (I'd totally enter that if there were), there is a GoodReads giveaway for book 2, A Time to Speak.

Nadine also has a little giveaway for an adorable set of bookmarks shaped like characters from the series which you can enter below! (Left to right: Parvin, Hawke, Skelly, Jude, Reid, Elm, and Willow).


(Disclaimer: The giveaways above are run by Nadine Brandes, not The Artist Librarian.)

(c.) 2015 by Kodansha USA Publishing

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Note: I've tried to edit some spoilers from the publisher's summary ... a strength of this manga are some of the crazy twists in the storyline! 

Title: Attack on Titan, Vol. 17
Creator: Hajime Isayama
U.S. Release Date: December 15, 2015 by Kodansha USA Publishing
Rating: T - Ages 16+ by the publisher

About the Book:

"Thanks to Rod Reiss, Eren finally knows the terrible truth behind ... Titan powers and the depth of his father’s crimes. The king orders ... Historia to kill Eren and restore the power of the Titans to its rightful place, but she chooses her own selfish path: survival. As the cavern crumbles around the Survey Corps, Eren must make another last-minute decision, with the lives of all his friends in the balance."

Why I'm "WoW" About Attack on Titan, Vol. 17:
You may remember my Fandom Friday feature on this crazy series earlier this year, where I briefly wrote about the combination of the manga and the anime (animated series) that hooked me into this dystopian, post-apocalypic series.

So the last manga volume released in August ended on. Such. A. Cliffhanger.  I was extremely tempted to throw it across the room (kind of).  Not only were was there a "Oh, no --you didn't just stop there!" moment, one of my favorite characters was injured and I'm hoping nothing horrible happens with that, though it has been a bit since a reoccurring character has been ... removed from the main storyline.  I've never followed a comic book or manga series before, so it's a different experience for me to be waiting every 3-4 months or so for the library to get a copy of the next volume.
The cover art for this volume is interesting and looks very calm compared to some of the other more intense covers.  The main characters look like the 15-year-old teenagers they should be rather than the hardened, battle-weary soldiers that they are.  I hope that means they'll be getting a well deserved break from the intense action of the previous volume, but who knows?

Are there any current manga or book series that you're following?  How do you cope with the wait time between books?

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Title: Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Release Date: November 10, 2015 by Feiwel & Friends

1. I'm guessing this is Levana's hand?

About the Book:

"Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend--the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? Fans will not want to miss this thrilling conclusion to Marissa Meyer's national bestselling Lunar Chronicles series."

Why I'm "WoW" about Winter:
I'm a relatively new "Lunartic" (a Lunar Chronicles fan) since I came upon the series in early 2014, but I love these fairy tale adaptations!  I like to call them Fairy Tales + Sci-Fi = A Series You Don't Want to Miss!  I actually still haven't read the "prequel" Fairest yet, which was released earlier this year, but I should be able to get to it while I wait for the library to process Winter.  One of the things I'm so excited about is the page count:  832 pages!  Excuse me while I let that sink in a moment ... Book #3, Cress, was 550 pages and it was a pretty substantial hardcover.  I can't imaging what Winter might look like!  Even though I don't want to say good-bye to Cinder and co. (after all, it seems like I've only just gotten to know them), at least I'll have a lot of time with them before the book is over. 

Have you read or watched fairy tale adaptations? What is your favorite fairy tale or adaptation of?  What do you think makes a good fairy tale adaptation? Also, if you've participated in "WoW" feel free to share!1. Winter by Marissa Meyer book cover. Feiwel & Friends, 2015.

(c.) 2015 by Julie Lessman

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Title: Isle of Hope
Author: Julie Lessman
Release Date: November 1, 2015 by Julie Lessman (self-published).

About the Book:

"She stole his heart.
He stole her peace.
Can hope steal their pain?
At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O’Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?"

Why I'm "WoW" about Unfailing Love:I rarely read indie or self-published books, but this is Julie Lessman!  I'll read anything she writes --and I have, such as her Romance-ology 101 writers' guide, even though I'm not an author!  Like Deeanne Gist, Julie's known for being on the more "passionate" side of Christian historical romance.  This is her first contemporary novel, so it will be interesting to see how well she transitions.  I have a feeling I won't have anything to worry about though!  ;-)

Who is an author that you think has "transitioned" well --able to write successfully in different genres or time periods? 

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Title: Cosplay in Libraries: How to Embrace Costume Play in Your Library
Author: Ellyssa Kroski
Release Date: October 23, 2015 by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

About the Book:

"Cosplay, comics, anime, and geek culture have exploded into the mainstream over recent years and have resulted in a thriving community of costume enthusiasts and pop culture fans. Today’s cosplayers find inspiration on the pages of comics, classic literature, and even history, as well as film, television, and video games to inform their creative and oftentimes elaborate ensembles. They utilize all manner of materials and techniques including 3D printers, thermoplastics, craft foam, fabric and more to design their costumes and props.

Libraries on the leading edge are already embracing this new worldwide sensation by integrating cosplay into their programming and events. Learn all about the world of cosplay and how you can host cosplay events, workshops, makerspaces, clubs, and more in your library!

This one-stop guide includes quotes and interviews with librarians who are incorporating cosplay into their programming as well as with cosplayers. You’ll also find 32 full-color photographs of cosplay in action to give you both ideas and inspiration for getting started!"

Why I'm "WoW" about Cosplay in Libraries:
I don't know if I really would need this book, as it sounds like it might be meant for librarians unfamiliar with costuming or cosplay.  BUT it is almost as if it was made for me.  I mean, when have you ever seen a serious discussion or writings on cosplay in library literature?  The only thing that would be more applicable or connected to my focus/interests would be library literature on art education in public libraries or Christian fiction in public libraries.  $50 seems a bit steep of a price for 168 pages, but I'd love to get my hands on a copy to see what types of programming and events Kroski will highlight ... I also think it's kind of neat that Kroski's bio says she cosplays also (guess I'm not the only librarian costumer)!  Needless to say, my anticipation for this non-fiction title is off the charts!

Are there any titles releasing this month you're "WoW" about?  Let me know (and tell me why) in the comments!

About the Author:

"Ellyssa Kroski is the Director of Information Technology at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 34 books including Law Librarianship in the Digital Age for which she won the AALL's 2014 Joseph L. Andrews Legal Literature Award. Her ten-book technology series, The Tech Set won the ALA's Best Book in Library Literature Award in 2011. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at Pratt Institute, and an international conference speaker. She blogs at Cosplay, Comics, and Geek Culture in Libraries. Her professional portfolio is located at: http://www.ellyssakroski.com

Ellyssa is also an avid cosplayer and has appeared on TLC's Cake Boss TV show as well as in the official music video for New York Comic Con and many other events. Her cosplay portfolio can be found at http://www.giallogirl.com"

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

(c.) 2015 by Enclave Publishing

Title: A Time to Speak (Out of Time #2)*
Author: Nadine Brandes
Release Date: October 16, 2015 by Enclave Publishing

About the Book:
"What happens when you live longer than you wanted to?

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she's being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude's Clock-matching invention to force "new-and-improved" Clocks on the public. Those who can't afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council's purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?"

Why I'm "WoW" about A Time to Speak:
I reviewed Nadine's debut dystopian, A Time to Die earlier this month and wow!  One GoodReads reviewer basically called it "The Hunger Games meets Pilgrim's Progress" and I have to say, it's a good description.  If you're looking for an intense YA dystopian with a strong spiritual thread, definitely look into the Out of Time trilogy. I'm glad that since I came late to the series, I don't have to wait too long for A Time to Speak (only a couple of weeks), because, warning: book 1 ends on such a cliffhanger!  For those of us who need a little something to tide us over until then, Nadine released the first chapter on her website, but don't read it if you haven't finished A Time to Die because there are huge spoilers!

Nadine is also hosting a Facebook release party on Oct. 20 - hopefully I'll be finished with my class in time!


Tomorrow is the 1st of October.  Are there any titles releasing in the next month you're "WoW" about?  Let me know (and tell me why) in the comments!

*Affiliate link, for more information, click here.

Title: Embers (Abiassa's Fire #1)*
Author: Ronie Kendig
Release Date: Oct. 16, 2015 by Enclave Publishing

About the Book:

"He's Coming for Them. And the Kingdom.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does it comes with a terrible price: Haegan's disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king's wrath.

Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth."

Why I'm "WoW" about Embers:
Ronie Kendig is well known for her romantic military-themed suspense novels in the Christian fiction market.  Since her debut in 2010, she's garnered many accolades, including the 2012 Christy Award.  While I've only read a short novella of hers, my mom has read and enjoyed many of Kendig's books and I really want to get to her trilogies.  This series has me excited because Kendig's romantic suspense has been so praised and you know I love Christian fantasy ... I can't wait to see what she does in this novel.  I also think there are a lot of people who normally wouldn't read a fantasy novel that would pick up this book just because Ronie Kendig wrote it.  I know some people are usually skeptical of authors "crossing genres" but I think this might be really cool ... I hope she ups the romance compared to other titles in this genre and I'm loving that there are so much more Adult Christian fantasy out now (or at least, it doesn't seem to be marketed as a YA).

Who are authors that you think have successfully "crossed genres" and why?

*Affiliate link, for more information, click here.

1. Gwendolyn rocking the "lady knight" look

My Wordless Wednesday feature today is "WoW" or Waiting on Wednesday, a weekly blog link-up hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Title: Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts #2)
Author: Dina L. Sleiman
Release Date: September 8, 2015 by Bethany House Publishers

About the Book:

"Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

 When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies."

Why I'm "WoW" about Chivalrous:
I really enjoyed Dauntless (see my review here), the first novel of Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series.  Allen was one of my favorite characters in that book, so I'm looking forward to seeing him featured here.  As Dauntless was inspired by Robin Hood, I've heard that Chivalrous is inspired by Arthurian legend --Indeed, Gwendolyn sounds quite similar to Guinevere, but if so, will Allen play the role of Arthur or Lancelot? Just one more week until I can find out!  =)
 
What are you "waiting on" this Wednesday?  Have you read any books adapted or inspired by Camelot?1. Image credit: (c.) 2015 by Bethany House Publishers

(c.) 2015 by Bethany House Publishing

Today, my Wordless Wednesday feature is "WoW" or Waiting on Wednesday, a weekly blog link-up hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Title: Dauntless (Valiant Hearts #1)
Author: Dina L. Sleiman
Publication Date: March3, 2015 - Bethany House Publishing

About the Book:

"Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as 'The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.' Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known."

Why I'm "WoW" about Dauntless:
Because in my humble opinion, there is never enough medieval-styled worlds in Christian YA.  =P   According to her blog, Sleiman was inspired to write this book when watching BBC's Robin Hood series.  Her publisher's book announcement called the protagonist, Merry, " ... a stong heroine in the tradition of Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior."  Perhaps to be taken with a grain of salt, but I'm definitely sold by the book cover alone --it's gorgeous!  I may have to put Merry on my list of characters costumes to recreate ... *wink*
Also, that title!  Anyway ... I can't wait until I get my copy!  Curious to learn more?  You can read an excerpt here.

Are there any book releases you can't wait for?  What do you think about Dauntless?