The Hedgewitch Queen

The Hedgewitch Queen by Lilith Saintcrow

Vianne di Rocancheil is a lady waiting at the Court of Arquitaine, where she studies her books, watches for intrigue, and shepherds her foolhardy Princesse through the glittering whirl. Court is a sometimes-unpleasant waltz, especially for the unwary, but Vianne treads its measured steps well. 

Unfortunately, the dance has changed. Treachery is afoot in gilded and velvet halls. A sorcerous conspiracy is unleashed, with blood, death, and warfare close behind. Vianne must flee, carrying the Great Seal of Arquitaine with her. This is the one thing the conspirators need to rule, and they won’t rest until they have it. A life of dances, intrigues, and fashion has not prepared Vianne for this. Nor has it prepared her for Tristan d’Arcenne, Captain of the King’s Guard and player in the most dangerous games conspiracy can devise. Yet to save her country and avenge her Princesse, Vianne will become what she must and do whatever is required. 

A Queen can do no less.

Synopsis by Goodreads.

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Sharon Shinn: The Shape of Desire

The Shape of Desire by Sharon Shinn

For fifteen years Maria Devane has been desperately, passionately in love with Dante Romano. But despite loving him with all of her heart and soul, Maria knows that Dante can never give all of himself back—at least not all the time. Every month, Dante shifts shape, becoming a wild animal, and leaving Maria alone. Since the beginning, she has kept his secret, knowing that their love is worth the danger.

But when a string of brutal attacks occur in local parks during the times when Dante is in animal form, Maria is forced to consider whether the lies she’s been telling about her life have become lies she’s also telling herself…

Synopsis by Goodreads.

Sharon Shinn has a new book coming out (finally!) in April 2012. But I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed that she's jumping on the Paranormal Romance bandwagon. It's beneath her. I know she wrote The Shape-Changer's Wife, but it didn't sound so sappy. After reading her other books (and loving them), The Shape of Desire seems out of character for Mrs. Shinn.

However, one thing I have learned from being a reader is that you can never judge a book by its cover. Never. Books with amazing cover's aren't necessarily awesome reads, and vice versa. Take Hunger Games for example:

The cover isn't flashy or beautiful. It's well-done, I'll give you that, but its simple in a good way. Remember, friends. Never judge a book by its cover.

And with that said, I do intend to read The Shape of Desire and I will try to do so in an unbiased way. Perhaps Mrs. Shinn will deceive me with her cleverness (in fact, I hope this is true). In the meantime, I will anxiously await Sharon Shinn's latest book.

Other books by Sharon Shinn:

1. Archangel

2. Summers at Castle Auburn

3. Mystic and Rider

4. General Winston's Daughter (one of my absolute favorites)