The Leaning Pile of Books is a feature in which I highlight books I got over the last week that sound interesting—old or new, bought or received in the mail for review consideration. Since I hope you will find new books you’re interested in reading in these posts, I try to be as informative as possible. If I can find them, links to excerpts, author’s websites, and places where you can find more information on the book are included, along with series information and the publisher’s book description.
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It’s been quiet around here due to some things going on, but a book that sounds rather intriguing arrived in the mail last week!
Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice by Gracie Marsden
This adult fantasy debut novel will be released on November 10 (hardcover, ebook, audiobook).
The Penguin Random House website has an excerpt from Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice.
I love the sound of this: Taiwanese myth–inspired historical fantasy that follows a darker/morally gray character pursuing power. It would have been on my anticipated 2026 speculative fiction book releases list if I’d known about it at the time!
“Scintillates with power, sacrifice, and sisterhood.” —Shen Tao, nationally bestselling author of The Poet Empress
A young woman makes a bargain with a shapeshifting demon who promises her power, if she will give up love—a painful price that sets her on a dark journey in this historical fantasy inspired by Taiwanese myth
Eleventh century Kangzhu. In a small village, far from the political conflicts of the royal dynasty, a too-young Yu’er is sold off to be married at the word of a jing, a shapeshifting-demon who prophesizes that her parents will thus gain wealth beyond their imagination. Her new husband Xiaozhu is, like her, barely more than a child himself—but he’s kind, and, over the years, Yu’er heals as they build a home together. They become allies, then friends, then lovers.
Until misfortune befalls them, once again at the hands of a demon. They’re left destitute and estranged. Reeling from loss, and determined to never leave her fate in another’s hands, Yu’er decides to strike her own bargain with a jing: she will have all the agency and riches she desires. She just has to leave Xiaozhu and their home together, forever—a price that will cost her more than she then understands.
Yu’er’s choice sets off a saga that will lead her to the heart of the royal court, and bring her more power than she ever dreamed of, but may kill her humanity along the way, in this sweeping tale of love, revenge, and redemption.
