Well, we’re up to our final post in our Kiaras Festivus party. In less than a week, the Dreaded Event* will occur and I will console myself with red meat, margaritas, and fried cheesecake. But before that, I would like to introduce you all to the talented Jaye Wells.
Urban fantasy author Jaye Wells is a self-proclaimed ‘plantser‘¹ who lives in Texas with her “saintly husband and devilish son”, the latter of which she fondly refers to as ‘Spawn’. Read the rest of her bio here. Ms. Wells’ second book will …

With seven books and an anthology under her belt – and 2 of those books releasing this year – you’d think that Rob Thurman would almost be a household name. But nay, gentle reader, this is far from the truth. Ms. Thurman – and it is Ms. Thurman, sorry to disappoint you – needs our help! I’d say this is probably the most under-rated author in the urban fantasy genre today. She does amazing work, folks.

We’re overdue for our first Kiaras Festivus post, folks, so let’s get started! To refresh your memory, this February we’re focusing on three brilliant but under-appreciated authors who have new releases in February and March. This week we’re shining the spotlight on Diana Rowland.

I’ve been meaning to get this up for awhile. I’m really looking forward to this sequel to The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. For your enjoyment while we both wait – here’s the book trailer and an excerpt to Darkly Luminous.

Here are some things I’m looking forward to in ‘10. Have something to add? Put it in the comments.
February
23 – Blood of the Demon (Kara Gillian #2) by Diana Rowland
Black Magic Sanction (The Hollows #8) by Kim Harrison
March
2 – Shalador’s Lady by Anne Bishop
RoadKill (Cal Leandros #5) by Rob Thurman
30 – Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2) by Gail Carriger
Mage in Black (Sabina Kane #2) by Jaye Wells
April
6 – Changes (Dresden Files #12) by Jim Butcher
27 – The Darkly Luminous Fight For Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful #2) by Leanna Renee Hieber
May
25 …

As I posted on Twitter:
Let’s start with #10: Hands-down Best Cover Art of 09 is @nicolepeeler ’s TEMPEST RISING.
#9 for Best Paranormal Romance & Gratuitous & Mysterious Use of Octopi in 09: @gailcarriger ’s SOULLESS.
#8 Our Runner Up (really, it’s a tie) for Best YA of 2009: @lilithsaintcrow ’s STRANGE ANGELS.

#7 is our other Best YA of 2009: Kim Harrison’s ONCE DEAD, TWICE SHY.
#6 Flat-Out Best Superhero(es) of 2009: @caitkitt & @jackiekessler ’s BLACK & WHITE
#5 Runner Up Best Twist Ending @dianarowland ’s MARK OF THE DEMON

#4 Best New (as …

What do you mean, you weren’t planning on giving books as gifts this year? Haven’t you heard that the economy is crappy? Put down that overpriced sweater and hie thee to your local bookstore ASAFP, people! A book is the perfect gift: they’re cheap, they’re portable. They’re easy to wrap.

If you’re not reading the blog Fangs, Fur, & Fey – then what are you waiting for? FFF is a community of several dozen urban fantasy and paranormal romance authors. There are lots of contests, updates, and general fun over there – so hie thyself right on over by clicking here and enter now.

Oh, Ms. Thurman how you have confounded and delighted me through the course of your published works. For your first three published novels I was convinced you were male. This is probably not surprising, given your choice of abbreviating your name.

Ok, I admit it. I have a thing for superheroes. I have a serious weakness for superhuman powers and shiny high-tech toys. And I always root for those heroes who aren’t afraid (or who are at least willing) to be bad in order to do good.