This week brought a book I purchased because I must read it and an ebook for review consideration.

Cold Fire by Kate ElliottCold Fire by Kate Elliott

This is the second book in the Spiritwalker trilogy following Cold Magic. I really enjoyed Cold Magic (review), so when Cold Fire was recently released I had to make sure to get a copy. I’m not sure when I’ll get to read it since I have my next few books to read lined up, but I knew I’d want to have it around for later because I’m really curious about what happens to Cat!

The first chapter is available online as well as a bonus chapter that is not from Cat’s perspective and takes place between chapters 31 and 32 in Cold Fire.

Only one thing is certain: when Hallows’ Night comes, the Wild Hunt will ride – and it feeds on mortal blood.

Cat and her cousin Bee are caught in a maze of intrigue, treachery, and magic. Everyone seems to want something from them: the Cold Mages are trying to take them prisoner, and the warlord who wants to conquer all of Europa seems sure they have a special destiny to aid him whether they want to or not. Worse, hidden powers deep in the spirit world are rising, and they are the most dangerous of all. Cat must seek allies and figure out who she can trust in order to save the ones she loves. For if she doesn’t, everything will be lost.

The Fallen Queen by Jane KindredThe Fallen Queen by Jane Kindred

The first book in The House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy will be available in paperbook and ebook formats December 6. According to the author’s website, the next two books The Midnight Court and The Armies of Heaven will be released in early 2012.

I have a copy of the e-ARC to look at, and after skimming the first chapter, I’m intrigued.

Heaven can go to hell.

Until her cousin slaughtered the supernal family, Anazakia’s father ruled the Heavens, governing noble Host and Fallen peasants alike. Now Anazakia is the last grand duchess of the House of Arkhangel’sk, and all she wants is to stay alive.

Hunted by Seraph assassins, Anazakia flees Heaven with two Fallen thieves–fire demon Vasily and air demon Belphagor, each with their own nefarious agenda–who hide her in the world of Man. The line between vice and virtue soon blurs, and when Belphagor is imprisoned, the unexpected passion of Vasily warms her through the Russian winter.

Heaven seems a distant dream, but when Anazakia learns the truth behind the celestial coup, she will have to return to fight for the throne–even if it means saving the man who murdered everyone she loved.