Sci-Fi / Fantasy | BookSexy

Finally. FINALLLY!!!! November 8, 2012 the English translation of The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books will be released in the U.S.! (For some reason the Brits are getting it seven days before us. I’m not bitter.) I don’t know why this book appeals so much to my inner geek… but it does. Here’s the description from The Overlook Press website -

It has been more than two hundred years since Bookholm was destroyed by a devastating fire, as told in Moers’s The City of Dreaming Books. Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, hailed as Zamonia’s greatest writer, is on vacation in Lindworm Castle when a disturbing message reaches him, and he must return to Bookholm to investigate a mystery. The magnificently rebuilt city has once again become a metropolis of storytelling and the book trade. Mythenmetz encounters old friends and new denizens of the city—and the shadowy “InvisibleTheater.” Astonishingly inventive, amusing, and engrossing, this is acaptivating story from the wild imagination of Walter Moers.

Now, for those readers who may have noticed my going on and on about this book in this post, or this one, or perhaps this one here…and wondered what the hell I was getting so excited about… I should explain that The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books is the sequel to The City of Dreaming Books. Which is one of my all time favorite fantasy novels. It is also a part of an ongoing series of books by the author Walter Moers – all set in the land of Zamonia.

Zamonia is a place unlike any I’ve encountered in literature – populated by unusual creatures having strange adventures in a twisted world. I’d describe Moers’ style as Lewis Carroll-meets-Terry Brooks-meets-Kenneth Graham on acid who is attempting to plagiarise Douglas Adams. Of course I recommend reading all four of the novels so you’re up to speed when November arrives. And just in case my enthusiasm isn’t enough to get you to the bookshop, over the Summer I will be posting a review for each novel.

The 13-1/2 Lives of Captain Blue Bear
Rumo & His Miraculous Adventures
The City of Dreaming Books
The Alchemaster’s Apprentice – actually I already have a review up for this one.

October Daye’s magic just keeps getting stronger with each book. Remember waaaayyy back in Rosemary & Rue? When she got her ass handed to her in every other chapter? Well… that still happens. But before, her changeling ex-boyfriend could beat her up. Now it takes First Borns & an army of goblins with bazookas*.
Two words: Under-water Fae. Asrai, Hippocampus & Cetace, oh my!
Here’s a pleasant surprise! We are finally given some back story on The Luidaeg (pronounced ‘the lou-sha-k’), Toby’s super scary First auntie and my favorite character of the whole series! Cranky, rude, pretty in a creepy-I-eat-roaches-kinda-way – whenever Toby calls (more of a project than you think)The Luidaeg picks up the phone and somehow bails her out. Except now she’s calling in favors. And when the Luidaeg asks for help, nothing good can follow.
Let’s talk plot: The young princes of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist have been kidnapped. Unless they’re found there will be war between land and water. So once again Toby & friends are on a deadline to save the day. McGuire brings back all the characters and overarching storylines that her fans love. We learn a little more about Faerie; about fetches & the night-haunts; Toby’s past shows up in an unexpected way & her love life continues to be complicated. And did I mention Rayseline is back? (That can’t be much of a spoiler if you read the other books). McGuire hints at a resolution to her & Toby’s relationship which on its own is enough to have me impatient for a glimpse at Ashes of Honor (the next book of the series, due out next year).

And the #5 REASON to Read ONE SALT SEA is:

Because you trust me. If you’re reading this post and have no idea what the hell I’m talking about: buy a copy of Rosemary and Rue. If you like Urban fantasy, are sick of the paranormal or are looking for escapist fiction that doesn’t follow a formula… One Salt Sea is the book for you. You just need to read four others first.