Mogsy’s Bookshelf Roundup: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every other weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I round up what I’ve read since the last update and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
As June heats up, another big batch of books has arrived at chez Mogsy. There are some titles that I’m incredibly excited about, even among the surprise arrivals. My thanks to all the publishers for the review copies received! For more details and full descriptions of the books, be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages!
The Language of Dying by Sarah Pinborough – I was a huge fan of Sarah Pinborough’s Mayhem and Murder, the two books that make up her Jack the Ripper horror-historical duology. I’ve heard similar amazing things about this melancholic fantasy novella, and was thrilled when I was offered a review copy in advance of its American release date from the publisher. With thanks to Quercus USA/Jo Fletcher Books.
Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology and Game of Thrones Psychology edited by Travis Langley – Dr. Travis Langley, king of Psych Geek books is at it again! While I’m not exactly the biggest reader of non-fiction and essays, after the great time I had with Star Wars Psychology I think there’s a good chance I’m going to love these two books as well. My thanks to Sterling.
Mechanical Failure by Joe Zieja – I featured this book on one of my Waiting on Wednesday posts back in November 2015 during Sci-Fi Month, and I can assure you I have not forgotten about it. When the book’s publicist contacted me to ask if I’d like to review this book, it didn’t take much convincing! My thanks to Beverly Bambury Publicity and Saga Press!
Spear of Light by Brenda Cooper – This second book of The Glittering Edge series and sequel to Edge of Dark was as fantastic as I’d hoped it would be. My review is up already and you can see it here! Thank you to Pyr books for the finished copy.
Gods of Nabban by K.V. Johansen – From the kind folks at Pyr also came this beautiful ARC of K.V. Johansen’s upcoming novel, set in the same world as her Marakand books. This series always gets the most gorgeous, amazing looking covers! I’ve read The Leopard but not The Lady yet, so I may need to do some catching up before I tackle this one.
All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda – The bulk of my reading may be sci-fi and fantasy, but I’ve been known to delve into psychological thrillers every now and then. This wonderful surprise arrived from Simon & Schuster, authored by YA novelist Megan Miranda breaking out with her adult debut. The story is about the disappearances of two young women, a decade apart. But the most intriguing aspect I found about this novel is that it is told in reverse (the description of the format reminds me a little of the movie Memento–just without the amnesia!) from Day 15 to Day 1. I’d be very interested in giving this a look.
False Hearts by Laura Lam and Steeplejack by A.J. Hartley – My thanks also to Tor Books for these finished copies! They were surprise arrivals, but seeing as both books have been on my reading list for ages, I couldn’t be more thrilled when they showed up. Definitely going to be making some time this summer to read them.
Unhonored by Tracy Hickman & Laura Hickman – When this ARC arrived, it took me a couple seconds to realize why it sounded so familiar. Then I remembered this is the second book in The Nightbirds sequence, sequel to Unwept that came out a couple years ago! As I recall, I had some mixed feelings about the first book, but I’m willing to give this series another go. What I’ll do is probably wait until closer to release to decide. Thank you, Tor Books!
Hope and Red by Jon Skovron – Well, I couldn’t resist! Lot of reviews for this have been floating around already, and I thought it sounded like fun. My thanks to Orbit for sending me a finished copy!
Song of the Deep by Brian Hastings – Earlier this year I received an ARC of this adorable little middle-grade fantasy adventure novel, based on the video game of the same name. In the game, a 12-year-old named Merryn crafts a makeshift submarine to search for her father, a missing fisherman. This book is her story. Though I doubt I’ll play the game, you know I can never resist a good tie-in. Thank you to Sterling Publishing for sending me a finished copy; it’s such a pretty book!
Behind the Throne by K.B. Wagers and The Dragon Lords: Fool’s Gold by Jon Hollins – I’ve actually been doing very well this year reining in the number of review books I request or accept, but when it comes to NetGalley widgets and auto-approvals, it’s a different story. They make it so easy for the unsuspecting reviewer to bite off more than she can chew! Last week, I received e-galley invitations to view a bunch of Orbit books coming out this summer, and I’m proud that I only pressed the button on these two…for now. Behind the Throne has been compared to Star Wars and The Dragon Lords: Fool’s Gold is described as a humorous fantasy adventure. I’m really looking forward to reading both.
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief by Lisa Tuttle – Speaking of invitations, earlier this month I was also sent a widget to review this gorgeous title from Jo Fletcher Books (UK). I couldn’t resist, especially since I’ve wanted to check out something by Lisa Tuttle for a while now.
Little Heaven by Nick Cutter – So, this book won’t be releasing for a while yet (January 2017!) but I freaked as soon as I learned about a new Nick Cutter book, and before I knew it my traitorous finger was already clicking on the request button. Big thanks to Gallery Books for giving me the opportunity to review (and for enabling my horror addiction).
Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton – This book has been on my radar for a while so I wouldn’t say it was an impulse request exactly, but admittedly the incredible buzz surrounding it lately has gotten me to pay attention. The more I hear about this book, the more I wanted to check it out. My thanks to Random House via NetGalley!
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff and Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – Ultimately, I caved and also requested these two titles from Thomas Dunne Books. First up is book one in Jay Kristoff’s new YA series. I’m usually very picky when it comes to choosing my YA books, but I’ve read Kristoff’s The Lotus War in the past and I know he’s a solid storyteller. I’m very curious to see what he’ll do with this brand new world. Next, I’ve been champing at the bit to read Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s upcoming dark urban fantasy novel ever since I learned about it last summer. Back then it was still under another working title, but it was the description of Aztec vampires in Mexico City that clinched it for me. With thanks to the publisher via NetGalley.
Hammers on Bone by Cassandra Khaw – The generous team at Tor.com also sent over a new title this week, an eARC of a novella was completely new to me. I’m looking forward to checking it out!
Reviews
I’ve caught up on writing a bunch reviews since the last update, so here is a roundup of my reviews since then, gathered together and listed here for your convenience and viewing pleasure.
City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong (5 of 5 stars)
MEG: Nightstalkers by Steve Alten (4 of 5 stars)
The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North (4 of 5 stars)
Spear of Light by Brenda Cooper (4 of 5 stars)
Pride’s Spell by Matt Wallace (4 of 5 stars)
Dark Run by Mike Brooks (3.5 of 5 stars)
Spells of Blood and Kin by Claire Humphrey (3.5 of 5 stars)
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman (3.5 of 5 stars)
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee (3 of 5 stars)
Roundup Highlights:
What I’ve Read Since the Last Update
Here’s some of what I’ll be reviewing at the BiblioSanctum, coming up in the next few weeks minus the reviews that are already up. I wish I could read ALL THE BOOKS! But life got really busy all of a sudden, so I probably wouldn’t have even finished this many books if hadn’t been for a novella, but hey, it sure was fun catching up with the Sin du Jour series, and it’s also been an excellent couple of weeks where I got to enjoy some very neat sci-fi.
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? Nothing makes me happier than sharing my love for books, so let me know what you plan on checking out. I hope you found something interesting for a future read! Until next time, see you next Roundup!
The BiblioSanctum 
Gosh, none of these is familiar to me! I look forward to hearing your thoughts. I still have a Jay Kristoff in my to read pile, but not that one.
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Jay Kristoff’s Lotus War trilogy and his book Illuminae with Amie Kaufman are superb, I’m really looking forward to more by him 🙂
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I can’t wait to read Never night! Its been hanging around on my tbr stack for awhile… Also, can’t wait to hear what you think of Hope and Red. Seems to be lots of hype for that one.
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The buzz around Hope and Red intrigued me too, I’m really excited about it. Will probably finish it soon.
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After Mayhem and Murder I’m more than ready to buy anything Sarah Pinborough writes, sight unseen! 🙂
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I can’t agree more! I was blown away by Mayhem, and was amazed that Murder was even better. Can’t be more excited to read this novella.
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OOoh nice new reads! I have Hope and Red that I really want to read as well! Sounds like a fun read!! Hope you enjoy all your lovely new reads!
My STS will be up tomorrow, so be sure to stop by then if you can!
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
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I hope we’ll both love Hope and Red!
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Certain Dark Things and Good Morning Midnight are two I think I may need to request. And probably the Nick Cutter book 🙂
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Certain Dark Things had been on my wishlist for a while, but I just couldn’t resist Good Morning, Midnight!
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Awesome haul! Can’t wait to read Nevernight, so I hope we both love it. Happy reading!
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I’m so excited for that book! I hope we’ll both enjoy it too 🙂
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Nevernight!! Oh I really want to read that one 😀 All of the rest are new to me, though obviously I’m familiar with Captain America and Iron Man 😉 Enjoy all of these Mogsy and have a happy weekend! ♥
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I hope you had a great weekend as well! And I love seeing all the excitement around Nevernight!
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Haven’t heard much about Behind the Throne, but I nabbed Dragon Lords and Little Heaven last month.
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Behind the Throne is pretty new on my radar, but I like what I’m seeing already. Dragon Lords should be a lot of fun! And I hope we both enjoy Little Heaven!
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I do wish I had requested False Hearts, I’m a big Laura Lam fan, I’ll be looking forward to your review:-) And I’m super excited about Steeplejack, I just got a copy myself and I’ve heard really good things. Oooh, I just got Certain Dark Things too, yay!
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I was pretty happy that False Hearts showed up, since I’d been thinking of requesting that one too but had too many books on my June schedule already. I’m already getting a headache thinking how I might fit it in, but I will damn well try!
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All the pretty books 😀
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Indeed, Mount TBR is so out of control right now, but nothing makes me happier than pretty books 🙂
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I got an eARC of Hope and Red on NetGalley (review coming Tuesday) and it a fun read! I recommend it 🙂
What I really want to know is if the Game of Thrones Psychology book is based off of the show or series???
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I’m glad to hear that! From what I’ve seen of Hope and Red, it’s already shaping up to be a blast. As for GoT Psychology, I just checked – the description in the back says exploring the psychology behind the hit TV show and book series, so looks like it’s both! Hope that helps 😀
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I still need to get my hands on Brenda Cooper’s books! I’ve been meaning to for ages from your reviews.
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That would be excellent! Her two Glittering Edge books are so tragically underrated!
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I’m really interested in hearing more about False Hearts, Steeplejack, and Nevernight, so I’m excited to hear what you think of them! Once you’ve read them, of course. 🙂
As for me… I think I’ve only gotten one new book since your last Roundup: Rise of the Sparrows, a self-published YA fantasy by a new author named Sarina Langer. Elizabeth May’s The Vanishing Throne is also FINALLY coming out this week, so I’m planning to jump on that soon, too.
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I almost forgot: A friend recently sent me a BUNCH of Tamora Pierce books, including her Trickster’s Choice duology and her various Circle of Magic series. (Is it “serii” if it’s plural?) So I’ve got a lot of catching up to do now! 😀
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Can you believe I’ve actually never read Tamora Pierce? I know I must!
And while I am truly happy for the surprises of False Hearts and Steeplejack, I’m already stressing myself out trying to figure out how to cram them into my reading schedule this month, lol. False Hearts is an absolute must though, so I’m going to try my best. And I’m so excited for the release of The Vanishing Throne as well! I’m hoping the audio version will come out at the same time, I heard great things about the narrator from the first book 🙂
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You haven’t?? 😮 We need to fix that!
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Lots of good books on here. Looking forward to the Kristof book – and the Gods of Nabban – love the cover for that one – however, I was thinking I could dive right in? Maybe not! Will have to go and check it out.
Lynn 😀
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Oh…hmm, I don’t know. I just recognize one of the character’s names in the description, but for all I know maybe it can be read as a stand alone! 🙂
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