Let us look at all the new releases October has to offer, starting with The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson (October 10).
The fourth and final secret project from Sanderson’s Kickstarter campaign, The Sunlit Man follows Nomad, an immortal man skipping through the various worlds of the Cosmere, searching for an escape from the relentless Night Brigade. I did not like Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. So, my enthusiasm for The Sunlit Man is low.
The release date for Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (October 3) was almost perfect. Dennis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two was initially slated for release in October 2023. But the film was postponed to November 2023 and then March 2024, dashing any hopes some had of reading Princess of Dune before watching the live- action adaptation of Frank Herbert’s masterpiece soon after.
Interestingly, Princess of Dune is a prequel to Dune. It chronicles the origins of Princess Irulan, whom Paul married for power, and Fremen Chani, whom he loved. Irulan was born in the Imperial Court, a political bargaining chip that trained as a Bene Gesserit Sister for a time and learned the ways of the world under her father’s tutelage.
By the time she reaches marriageable age, Irulan is an independent woman determined to escape her fate as a pawn on someone else’s board. Meanwhile, Chani must survive the many challenges of desert life while chasing an impossible dream.
Younger readers will appreciate Secrets We Tell The Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obon (October 24). Sofia, the protagonist, always knew she was a mermaid. She could hear the call of the sea even when her family lived in the big city.
When Sofia’s mother sends her to live with her Abuela, the girl will take solace in her friendship with Louisa at a time when threats she barely understands manifest. Critics have praised Obon for the book’s humour, magical realism, and the author’s courage in exploring challenging topics.
The Scandalous Confessions Of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub (October 3) is a re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice, in which Lydia Bennet attempts to reveal the truth behind Jane Austen’s most famous novel.
In this retelling, some facts remain largely unchanged, such as the five daughters at the heart of the story, and Mr Darcy’s romance.
However, Taub has turned Wickham into a demon and Lydia a witch. The reviews have been kind, with diehard Pride and Prejudice fans praising the author for seamlessly shifting the story’s genre while maintaining its authenticity.
If you read the novelization for Solo: A Star Wars Story, Crimson Climb by E.K. Johnston (October 10) is a decent follow-up. Qi’ra (played by Emilia Clarke in the movie) got the short end of the stick.
While Han Solo fought his way to freedom, the White Worms gang reclaimed Qi’ra. But then the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate came along and offered her an alluring opportunity. If she succeeds, Qi’ra will enjoy luxuries she has never known. Unfortunately, failure means death.
Last but not least is Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again by Shigeru Kayama (October 3) and Jeffrey Angles (translator). Finally, through Angles’ translation, English speakers can enjoy Shigeru Kayama’s work in all its glory. Audiences outside Japan will gain a better appreciation for Shigeru’s contribution to the Godzilla franchise.
The translations include notes explaining the differences between the original stories and the live-action films audiences saw. If early reviews are to be believed, the dialogue feels awkward because Shigeru wrote these books for an audience living in a different era. Nonetheless, Kaiju fans are bound to enjoy the novellas.
Happy reading!
mbjjnr8@gmail.com
Source: The Observer
Share this content: