David Agranoff | Musings of the Monster Librarian

Ravenous for Reading?

A nifty little news article in Publishers Weekly mentioned that erotica ebook publisher Ravenous Romance has now been joined by a “thriller” line, Ravenous Shadows, with John Skipp as editorial director. Having read the very short summaries of the first few titles provided in the article, I’d say calling these books thrillers is a massive understatement. Skipp’s idea, according to the article, is to make it possible to read a book in the time it would take to watch a movie, so the books are short- 30,000-60,000 words.

One of our reviewers, David Agranoff, has often made positive comments about some of the excellent novellas that come his way that are just the right length for a plane ride. So I think Skipp is on to something here. Readers of ebooks consume them absolutely ravenously- I am guilty of it, for sure. It’s so easy to do, and ebooks are so accessible, while some physical novellas are available only in limited editions. I think Skipp has a winning concept here. With plans to publish 30-40 ebooks a year, this should open doors for writers as well as readers. It will be very interesting to see what comes of this.

Summer Reading Recommendations: Staff Picks

As promised, here are some recreational reading titles recommended by our staff reviewers. As always, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Not every book is a good fit for every reader. Just a note- Wrath James White is not for the weak of stomach.

Kirsten’s recommendations: Allison Hewitt Is Trapped by Madeleine Roux and Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore (YA), and the very funny Bad Kitty books by Nick Bruel (children’s)

Michele’s recommendations: The Snow Queen’s Shadow (Princess Novels, #4) by Jim Hines and Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5) by Ilona Andrews

Colleen’s recommendations: Blood & Gristle by Michael Louis Calvillo, Bone Marrow Stew by Tim Curran, and Skulls by Tim Marquitz (YA)

Brandi’s recommendations: The Seance by John Harwood and The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein (children’s)

Erik’s recommendations: The Templar Chronicles by Joseph Nassise, Wolf Hunt by Jeff Strand, and Resurrection by Tim Curran

Sheila’s recommendations: The Brain Eater’s Bible by J.D. McGhoul and Pat Kilbane (this has an iPad app as well), and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies– Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith

David’s recommendations: Population Zero by Wrath James White and Fathers and Sons (Blackguard, #1) by Edward R. Morris (David also mentioned his own book, Hunting the Moon Tribe, which came out in April, but I’m sure there’s no self-interest there).

As always, not every book is appropriate for every reader. We’ve reviewed some of these books here at MonsterLibrarian.com, but not all of them, so make sure you check to see that the book you are thinking of reading is really your cup of tea. Have a great summer reading, and check back later for more!