Event: Orion Blogger Brunch

I went along to the Orion Blogger Brunch hosted at Carmelite House, home of the Hachette group. When we arrived we had a chance to get some drinks and snacks and chat to other bloggers before sitting down for the main portion of the event. Now onto the fun part… books, I’m going to do a brief run through of the highlights and books I’m really looking forward to.

Overshare – This is Rose and Rosie’s debut novel, although I’m not familiar with their YouTube channel I’m interested in the book and will definitely be checking out their channel too. I luckily managed to pick a copy up while I was there. This one took me by surprise as I rarely delve into non-fiction.

Anarchy –

This one sounds epic and look at that cover! Described by MTV as ‘The Hunger Games meets The Road’, my interest was instantly piqued. There’s no rules or governments, rival factions have taken over, fighting for their survival. There’s no guarantee you’ll be saved, loyalty only extends to your faction. I really need to read this one as soon as I can get my hands on a copy! I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since the event.

 

The Caged Queen –

Sequel to the popular The Last Namsara, very little was said about it because of spoilers so I don’t have anything to say about it. I still haven’t read it, (I know, I know!) – I have been told there are dragons, we all know how much I love dragons. I managed to pick a copy of Namsara up during the break before they all went, I can’t wait to read it after YALC. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it since publication. The cover is gorgeous and sparkly too, which is always an added bonus. Keep an eye out on the coming months for my review.

Wicca – A modern guide to Wicca and putting to rest all those misconceptions about it. This is one I’m really looking forward to as I’ve always been intrigued by this subject.

The Books of Earthsea –

An ultimate edition including all six novels, with some stunning illustrations throughout by Charles Vess. Charles worked with Ursula for four years before her death to ensure they had her seal of approval. I’d never heard of this series before, I’m eager to read them as they sound right up my street and the illustrations are stunning. We were shown a couple of the illustrations included in the book.

 

The Belles – I don’t think I need to give this one and introduction. This is one I’ve been wanting to read since it first came out last year. I’ve heard brilliant things about it, I picked a copy up during the break so I can finally read it to see what the hype is about.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing – Although this book and all details are on a strict lockdown and review copies won’t be available until publication day. We were shown a video message from Hank who briefly spoke about it while give absolutely nothing away. I honestly don’t know how he did it. I’m really excited to read this, we also played a game that ties into it which tells you what kind of person you are. I won’t go into detail as I’m not sure if I’m allowed to, it was so much and added to the excitement of the book for me.

 

Ed McDonald and Catriona Ward talked about their books, research that goes into it and generally talked books. I loved this portion of the event as it’s great way to find new books and I always enjoy listening to authors talk about their books. By the end I was desperate to read them!

There was a short break where we had the chance to pick up some books and grab some pizza and more drinks. Ed McDonald and Catriona Ward hung out to meet us and sign our books.

The Girl King – I really like the sound of this one. Its Asian high fantasy told from multiple points of view. Two sister unwittingly become rivals in the war to become Emperor. We were shown a video message from Mimi Yu. I’m definitely keeping my eyes out for this ond.

Queenie –

This one sounds incredible and is another that took me by surprise. It has already been added to my 2019 reading list, it’s about 25 year old Queenie as she navigates life in London. They described it as both funny and heartbreaking, as soon as they said this I was sold. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on a copy. I loved listening to Candice talk about it. It’s definitely one to watch out for next year.

 

I had a brilliant time, thank you to everyone at Orion for putting on a great event and Stevie for inviting me.