What I’m Reading: Jane Higgins’ “The Bridge ” & Kristin Cashore’s “Bitterblue”

I haven’t had a lot of time for reading lately because ‘there’s been a lot happening’ with both trying to get some traction on writing the next book in The Wall of Night series and doing all the necessary and very important publicity around release of The Gathering of the Lost. Running-just-to-stand-still time, that’s for sure.

But in amongst all of that, I have still managed to read and thoroughly enjoy Jane Higgins’ The Bridge, which is future dystopian SFF for YA readers—although I feel it will appeal to discerning readers of all ages.

And I’m not the only person who thinks it’s a great read: The Bridge won the Text Prize in 2011 and is currently shortlisted for the NZ Post Children’s Book Awards.

Both very well deserved successes imho.

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I also recently finished reading Kristin Cashore’s latest YA Fantasy, Bitterblue (featured under “Just Arrived” here), which I also enjoyed. In fact it may just be my favourite Kristin Cashore yet—yes, even though one of those previously read titles was Graceling.

And there is the possibility of an interview with Kristin Cashore sometime in June—so watch this space for that.

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So how about you? What are you reading and enjoying right now?

Comments

Deb:

I’m reading, and thoroughly enjoying, Gathering of the Lost (after rereading Heir of Night to refresh my memory). What a fabulous read. I’ve just discovered Malian and Kalan. I knew they were hiding there – well I was pretty sure of it anyway- but would never have guessed who they were. And now I must get back to it. Thanks for such a great read, Helen.

May 13, 2012 at 11:52
- Helen Lowe:
  
  I’m glad you’re enjoying Gathering, Deb–what excellent book choices… 😉
  
  May 13, 2012 at 18:24
Jan:

Michael J Sullivan’s The Riyria Revelations.
The relationship between the 2 heroes is awesome. They’re fantasy with magic, elves, dwarves, princesses (who rescue themselves)…. There’s always a twist in the ending that I didn’t see coming.

First self published in e-book form, Hatchtte then published them. Very smart move. These books are awesome!

May 13, 2012 at 14:45
- Helen Lowe:
  
  I have heard about this series, Jan, as well as seen it featured on the Orbit blog—am I write in thinking the main protagonists are thieves, or is it soldiers-of-fortune?
  
  May 13, 2012 at 18:23
  - Jan:
    
    They’re both now likeable thieves but Hadrian used to be a soldier-of-fortune.
    
    May 14, 2012 at 12:46
    - Helen Lowe:
      
      Ah, the “lovable rogue”—where would we be without them! Although I think Han Solo will always be my favourite exemplar of the genre.:)
      
      May 14, 2012 at 21:21
Jan:

Han didnt have a sidekick – Hadrian and Royce’s relationship is fun.

May 16, 2012 at 14:31
- Helen Lowe:
  
  Sure Han Solo had a sidekick, Jan–it was Chewbacca! 🙂
  
  May 16, 2012 at 15:07
  - Jan:
    
    I was going to say something but it would sorta be a spoiler, so will just say you’re right.
    
    And don’t read about sea goblins then go to bed!
    
    May 24, 2012 at 10:48
    - Helen Lowe:
      
      Thank you, Jan–because I do try and keep this a no spoiler zone! 😉
      
      Hmm, those sea goblins sound a bit scary…
      
      May 24, 2012 at 21:00