Reading Reconnaissance: Down Under

As Ellie's dad in the Tomorrow series said: "Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted." And good thing, too.  We'd hate to think the countless hours spent hard at work, scouring Goodreads, searching blogs and updating our TBR spreadsheets (sad but true) were a waste of time.  Now we want to save you time by breaking down recent and future book releases.

By: Maggie

I am the worst at planning ahead. My friend wanted to arrange a group trip to Vegas and when she told me the weekend she had in mind -- in two months time, I hung up on her.

Meanwhile, I have a spreadsheet for upcoming book releases with certain high priority titles programmed into my phone calendar. With a reminder alert. I, the non-planner, am already worrying about April releases for these Australian titles because that means I have to rely on Fishpond, who I've ordered from generally without problem on more than a few occasions. Except this one time. Not only that, but their prices tend to fluctuate. (See, Hunger Games) However, you can't beat their free shipping. Seriously, I've looked.

Here are the three titles I'm most anticipating from our Antipodean friends, with current prices.

Preloved by Shirley Marr (Black Dog Books/Walker Books - April 1, 2012): Goodreads • Preorder at Fishpond (Current price $18.99)

If Fury is any indication, you best get this book while you can. BONUS: the main character is Asian! And there's a ghost! Needless to say, this is a high priority, set-a-reminder release. I cannot wait to read this.

Note: Fishpond had this listed at $15 a week ago. I'll update you if the price goes back down.

Love-shy by Lili Wilkinson (Allen & Unwin - April 1, 2012): Goodreads • Preorder at Fishpond (Current price $17.10)

Confession: I've never read a Lili Wilkinson book before, but the concept of this one looks so cute. As Diana King once sang, "I don't want no fly guy. I just want a shy guy." And according to Wilkinson's blog, she just got engaged so I'm hoping this is infused with the same inspiration that fuels Adele's genius -- except in reverse.

Night Beach by Kirsty Eagar (Penguin Books Australia - April 26, 2012): Goodreads • Preorder at Fishpond (Current price $17.95)

I love Kirsty Eagar. I will read anything she writes, including a book about Saltwater Vampires. I usually scoff at book trailers, but this one... this one gave me chills. A gothic story about art, the ocean, and a guy. What more do you need?? I know, an American publishing company to come to their senses and get the rights to her books. I mean, seriously. Here is the book trailer. Get your preorders ready.