Waiting on Wednesday

This is a blog meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine to highlight upcoming books. This week we're featuring picks chosen by SQT and Jim.



SQT's can't wait to read selection is:



Above by Leah Bobet

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Publication date: 4/1/2012

Pages: 368



Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above--like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.



But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home--not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.



This one has been making the WoW rounds, but after reading that description and looking at the cover, I can see why. I'm ambivalent about another YA title- they frequently don't match my particular sensibilities-  but I think I'm going to go ahead and request this one.





  Jim's pick:



  Star Wars - X-Wing: Mercy Kill 

by Aaron Allston

 Publisher: Del Rey

 Pages: 272

Publication Date: August 7, 2012



  Founded decades ago, Wraith Squadron was Wedge Antilles’s boldest creation: a covert-action unit of X-Wing fighters, its pilots drawn from the dregs of other units, castoffs and rejects that were once outcasts and misfits, spies and warriors, pilots and troublemakers given one last chance. After thrilling adventures during and after the Rebellion that destroyed the Empire, this elite intelligence unit was disbanded at the end of a catastrophic galactic civil war. Now, reunited by former leader Garik “Face” Loran, Wraith Squadron must find out whether one of the galaxy’s most powerful military officers is a traitor… and whether anyone can stop him if he is. To succeed in their mission, the Wraiths must become thieves, pirates, imposters, forgers, and liars, staying just one step ahead of their enemies and the law!



While I have read almost every Star Wars book that's been released, it's actually a very rare occurance for me to RE-read any of them. Off the top of my head I can only think of two instances - Tim Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy, and Aaron Allston's Wraith Squadron Trilogy. Allston is undoubtedly one of the best Star Wars writers and this return to some of his best characters is most welcome. This is easily one of my most anticipated books of next year, and since the cover was just revealed I figured I'd share it here.