[CLOSED] The Portalist's HUGE Summer Reading Giveaway!

Miranda and Caliban, by Jacqueline Carey 

• Science fiction and fantasy writer Jacqueline Carey rewrites the story of Caliban and Miranda. William Shakespeare's The Tempest introduces Caliban as a vengeful monster that resents Prospero for taking control of his island and enslaving him. His hatred toward Prospero is so great that he attempts to rape Miranda, Prospero's daughter. In Shakespeare's play the relationship between Caliban and Miranda is strained due to the abuse Prospero inflicts on Caliban. However, Carey transforms the relationship between Caliban and Miranda into a friendship. The uniting force that attracts them to one another is the fact that they are each other's sole companion in an empty island. Soon each other's company becomes more and they fall in love. In this version Caliban and Miranda have different layers and offer so much depth, Carey leaves the reader questioning who the villain is. 

Radiate, by C. A. Higgins 

• Higgins is known for artfully integrating science fiction, suspense, and drama to tell a story. Radiate is the follow-up to Lightless and Supernova, where the protagonist is looking for answers and searching for love. The heroine, Ananke, is a sentient artificial intelligence seeking her creators. The first two parts in the series focus on the relationship formed between Ananke and Althea, the engineer of the experimental ship and a maternal figure. Although a mother-child dynamic may be noted, it is unlike traditional relationships. The roles are reversed, where power usually lies in the hands of the parents, Althea has no control over the powerful force that is Ananke. The final book in the trilogy focuses on Ananke's quest to find Matthew, her "father," but ends up discovering a devastating truth. This is a perfect trilogy for sci-fi fans interested in artificial intelligence while dealing with the fundamental questions of existence.  

Gilded Cage, by Vic James 

• Vic James takes us to a modern-day Britain where magic is involved. Imagine an elite one-percent that control everything: wealth, politics, power, and more importantly you. Those in power use magic and are owed by the underclass ten years of service. In the Dark Gifts Trilogy, James provides a new world where magic is in control and no one safe. The story focuses on two families, the Hadleys and the Jardines. James engulfs the reader in the dystopian world of the Equals (those with power or Skill) and those without Skill, by providing a rich history and background to the story. It is interesting to have the story told through multiple characters has it offers the reader different perspectives and a richer understanding of the society. This is great addition to fans of the Hunger Games trilogy. 

Game of Shadows, by Erika Lewis 

• I see dead people! In Erika Lewis' debut novel, protagonist Ethan Makkai struggles between having an overbearing mother and a horrifying secret: he can see ghosts. That's where the comparisons with The Sixth Sense ends because this story is filled with more action than bone chilling suspense. Lewis mixes tales of the past into modern day Los Angeles as Ethan sets out on his own for the first time and he gets a bitter taste of freedom. Ethan discovers about who he is and must set out to save his mother and the land of Tara with the aid of Christian, the cousin he never knew he had, and Lily, a sword-slinging healer. Beasts must be slayed, battles have to be fought, and love will be unraveled in this enticing novel.

The Shards of Heaven, by Michael Livingston 

• In Livingston's 2015 debut historical fantasy debut novel, the story is told from the perspective of minor historical figures as Octavian's war against Mark Antony and Cleopatra occur. The story begins years after the murder of Julius Caesar as the aftermath of his death unfolds. Caesar's adopted son, Octavian has become a powerful force in Rome. Caesarion, the son of Caesar and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, has become a Pharaoh alongside his mother. Mark Antony, enemy of Octavian has left Italy for Egypt and has fathered children with Cleopatra. Mark Antony ignites war with Rome with he declares Caesarion as the legitimate heir of Caesar. Caesar's other adopted son finds the fabled Trident of Poseidon and intends to use it to avenge the death of his natural father, the king of Numidia. Livingston, a historian and professor of medieval literature, mixes legend and history into a gray area, providing a vast information of mythologies and fascinating the reader with his fiction.  

Cold Welcome, by Elizabeth Moon 

• This marks Nebula Award-winning author Elizabeth Moon's return to science fiction. This thrilling series is centered around the daring heroine of her Vatta's War sequence, Kylara Vatta. The story begins as Kylara returns to her home planet with the expectation that she'll receive a hero's welcome. Instead Kylara must face danger as she finds herself in the outside world, struggling to survive in a deadly environment. Once again Kylara must take command and lead her team into victory from each crisis in order to rescue herself, her group, and her entire planet. 

The Black Elfstone: The Fall of Shannara, by Terry Brooks  

• This marks the beginning of the epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series. Peace seems to regin the Four Lands for generations but something, or someone, is threatening it. An unknown enemy is massing and wielding power, a breed of magic unfamiliar to the Druid order. As Dar Leah undergoes the journey to discover the purpose of the mysterious force, High Druid Drisker Arc must also undertake a crucial journey. Drisker Arc must find the enemy that has marked him for death. At his side is Tarsha Kaynin, a young woman gifted with the wishsong that must pursue her own mission to locate her brother. Each character must overcome their challenges and deal with the consequences that will mark their future.  

Eagle and Empire: The Clash of Eagles Trilogy Book III, by Alan Smale 

• In the conclusion of the award-winning saga the future of the North American continent is at stake. Roman Praetor Gaius Marcellinus came to North America as a conqueror but must face a different destiny upon his arrival. An unstable peace is formed between the Romans and Native American tribes. Invaders threaten the peace and cause destruction wherever they arrive. Everything leads to the final battle as alliances shift and foes rise.   

Skullsworn, by Brian Staveley 

• This standalone returns to Staveley's Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne universe. A priestess, Pyrre Lakatur, is attempting to join the ranks of the God of Death. Pyrre has been trained to kill, studying with the most deadly men and women from a young age, in order to pass her Trial. Her trail consists of killing ten people in a ten day period, including the person she loves. Now Pyrre must find someone to love and kill that person in order to complete her mission and end victorious in the final trial. 

Avengers of the Moon, by Allen Steele 

• This science fiction novel revolves around the life of Curt Newton who has spent most of his life in seclusion. He has been raised by a robot, an android, and the disembodied brain of a renowned scientist. In an attempt to find vengeance for the death of his parents, Curt discovers an attempt to assassinate the president and destabilize the Solar Coalition. Now the solar system needs a hero and Curt may just raise to the occasion if he can become Captain Future.  

The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden 

• Voted Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of 2017, Arden's debut novel introduces a heroine that must fight for her family and fate. The story takes place in the Russian wilderness as Vasilisa and her siblings gather to hear fairytales of demons and spirits. The people of Vasilisa's village honor their spirits for protecting their homes against the evil. However, Vasilisa's widowed father brings home a new wife that remakes the home, weakening the village's defenses. Vasilisa must call upon dangerous gifts in order to save the people she loves.  

The Dastardly Miss Lizzie, by Viola Carr 

• In this third Electric Empire novel, Victorian London is introduced in alternate gritty world. Two people live in one body, Dr. Eliza Jekyll and Miss Lizzie Hyde. Eliza Jekyll is the Metropolitan Police crime scene physician who needs to maintain an appearance of control. Her second self, Lizzie Hyde, is rebellious and threatens Eliza's reputation and marriage. As a chase begins to find the evil genius killing scientists, Eliza needs the help of resourceful Lizzie.They must work together in order to stop a madman terrorizing the city with dark magic and targeting the most important scientists and sorcerers.

Defy the Stars, by Claudia Gray 

• From New York Times bestselling author comes a thrilling sci-fi adventure. Noemi Vidal, a solider from the planet of Genesis, is willing to risk everything in order to save her home. Abel, Noemi's enemy, is a machine that has been abandoned in space for years. Due to his loyalty to his creator and his desire to be free, he is an abomination for the people of Genesis. As an interstellar war ensues, Noemi and Abel become an unlikely pair that must sacrifice everything in the name of good. As they spend more time together, they begin to question everything they were taught to be true.  

The Breaking Light, by Heather Hansen 

• This novel combines sci-fi and romance to tell the story of Arden, a prisoner of the dark Undercity. Arden is part of a society where contact with the sun is a luxury and only reserved for the elite. Arden has access to Above by being part of a powerful gang in Undercity. That is how she meets Dade, he resides in the Towers and was born to a sun-kissed family. Romance develops between the two but it is faced with opposition from both sides. Will love or loyalty win? 

The God Wave, by Patrick Hemstreet 

• Hemstreet's debut novel comes with a little bit of everything: adventure, thriller, and science! Decades have passed as scientists uncover new capabilities in the human brain. Neuroscientist Chuck Brenton discovers the key to accessing the dormant ninety percent of human brains through a combination of practice and conditioning. The promise of tranquility and stability offered by a stimulated brain are hindered as society faces an age of extreme militarization, corporate exploitation, and explosive technology. This is perfect novel for fans of Limitless!

Assassin's Fate, by Robin Hobb 

• This is the third book in the epic fantasy trilogy Fitz and the Fool, Hobb brings back beloved characters for an epic close. Fitz and the Fool embark on a mission of revenge when they believe Fitz's young daughter Bee has been killed. Bee is a Dreamer, able to shape the future, and her captors, the Servants, need her in their plot to add wealth and influence to their society. Fool must also confront his past as he returns to the place he called home and prison. Together Fitz and the Fool must accomplish their goal to destroy the Servants.  

A Conversation in Blood, by Paul S. Kemp 

• New York Times bestselling author introduces a new duo to fantasy fiction. Egil and Nix must undergo misadventure and mayhem as they seek riches and fame. Nix is a nimble thief with knowledge on magic and Egil is the only priest of a discredited god. Eventually they find treasure they believe will turn their luck around but it only seems to plunder them deeper into misfortune. Now they must work together to save all that is important in their lives. 

The Gates of Hell, by Michael Livingston 

• This historical fantasy explores the aftermath of the fall of Alexandria. Octavian has control of Alexandria and both Mark Antony and Cleopatra are dead. Cleopatra Selene and Juba are conquered and are forced to serve Octavian but they are secretly plotting their vengeance against the Roman Empire. Octavian will go to war against Juba in order to use the Trident of Poseidon to destroy his enemies. An epic battle will ensue, filled with love and vengeance, where only the strong will survive. 

Sleeping Giants, by Sylvain Neuvel 

• In Neuvel's debut novel, sci-fi meets thriller as a community tries to solve what they uncover. South Dakota is the setting of a mysterious giant metal hand that a little girl named Rose falls onto. Seventeen years pass as the mystery remains unsolved of the bizarre artifact. Rose Franklin has become a highly trained physicist, leading a team to crack the origin and purpose of the hand. As they come closer to the edge of solving a historic mystery they will discover how deadly some secrets are.  

The Delphi Effect, by Rysa Walker 

• This is the first book in The Delphi Trilogy, seventeen-year-old Anna Morgan is able to have contact with the dead. Constantly interacting with ghosts has brought hardships into Anna's life, she has been tossed into a foster home and psychiatric institutions throughout her life. This time is different though. She touches a spirit that can change everything she thought she knew and is forced to uncover a covert organization and bring them down.  

For full details, see official rules. 

Note: The sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington, DC who are 18 years of age and older by 6/12/2017.