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
The mailbox saw a varied mix of titles from a lot of different publishers this week, and I’d like to thank them all for the following review copies received. For more details and full descriptions of the books, be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages!
Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier – Aaaaand we’re kicking things off with my number one anticipated book of 2016! This was a surprise arrival, but very welcome. When I opened the package and saw what was inside, I literally let out a whoop. If you haven’t checked out the Blackthorn & Grim series yet, there’s still time to catch up with the first two books before this third installment releases this fall. My thanks to Roc for the ARC.
The Last One by Alexandra Oliva – This debut dystopian thriller only recently found itself onto my radar, but I’ve heard some excellent things. It’s about a survival TV reality show that takes place right before an apocalyptic event, and with the contestants cut off from the world they have no idea what’s real or just part of the game. Sounds intriguing! When the good folks at Ballantine contacted me about reviewing this novel, I was already fully on board to give it a try.
The Hike by Drew Magary – I have this weakness where I can never say no to a book related to video gaming, no matter how tenuous the connection. This one was described to me as a fantasy saga weaving in elements from folk tales and video games, and I’m really looking forward to see how that will work out. Thank you Viking Books for the invitation to review this.
Curioddity by Paul Jenkins – I’ve had my eye on this book for a while, but it wasn’t until I received an email from the publicist about it that I realized the author was THE Paul Jenkins, as in the comic book writer (of Hellblazer, Witchblade, Wolverine: Origin, etc. fame.) I didn’t know he wrote a book! With thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to check out Jenkins’ debut prose novel!
Seoul Survivors by Naomi Foyle – A surprise arrival, with thanks to Jo Fletcher Books and Quercus USA. I actually read this book a few years ago when it was first published in the UK. Glad to see it’s finally coming to the US! The impending destruction of earth by a killer asteroid provides the backdrop for the story, which takes place in South Korea. Recommended if you like dark and twisted gritty sci-fi mystery thrillers, but not for the faint for heart!
Vicarious by Paula Stokes – Courtesy of Tor Teen, which seems to be coming out with a lot of good stuff this year, and I was pretty intrigued when this book landed on my doorstep. It’s about two sisters who grew up in a Korean orphanage before being trafficked into the US, and now they work as digital stunt girls so that their neural impulses can be recorded and used to allow others to live their thrilling experiences vicariously.
Four Roads Cross by Max Gladstone – The latest in Gladstone’s The Craft Sequence is here! This series has one of the most amazing fantasy worlds I’ve ever encountered, and I can’t wait to see what this fifth installment has in store. I really need to read it soon! With thanks to Tor Books for the finished copy.
Willful Child: Wrath of Betty by Steven Erikson – Also from Tor, I received this surprise ARC of book two in the Willful Child series, Steven Erikson’s riff on the Star Trek original series. I’ve actually read the first book, which I found to be cheesy, offbeat, and insolent–but I loved it. As far as parodies go, it was pretty funny, and I’m excited to dive into the sequel for some light, fun reading.
Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis – I really enjoyed Burgis’ Masks and Shadows earlier this year, and I’m really glad to see she’ll have another historical fantasy novel out later in the fall. And check out that gorgeous cover! I think it’s one of my favorites of 2016. Much love and thanks to Pyr Books for the ARC!
Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter – I confess I’ve never read anything by Faith Hunter, which thankfully is about to change! This book spins off from her Jane Yellowrock books, but it’s also the start of an all new series starring a protagonist who was a side character who was first introduced in a Jane Yellowrock tale so it should be easy to just jump right in. Thank you, Roc Books.
The Reanimatrix by Pete Rawlik – Is 2016 like the year of Lovecraftian horror or Lovecraft-inspired novels or what? Featuring a mashup of Lovecraft and pulp mystery noir fiction, this one looks like so much fun. I’m really excited to read it, with thanks to Night Shade Books for the ARC!
We Eat Our Own by Kea Wilson – Okay, this could either turn out really well or be a major disaster, but when I saw a review described this book as literary horror à la “Cannibal Holocaust meets Heart of Darkness”, my curiosity was piqued, so I went ahead and requested it from NetGalley. We’ll see how it goes! With thanks to Scriber.
The Reader by Traci Chee – I’m so wary of hyped YA these days, but I thought this one was definitely worth chancing it if for nothing else because “books about books” happens to be one of my favorite tropes. I was really excited to score an eARC from First to Read.
Star Wars: Aftermath: Life Debt by Chuck Wendig – My goal to read and review all the adult novels in the new Star Wars canon continues! Many thanks to Del Rey for providing me with a review copy!
Bite by K.S. Merbeth and The Dragon Lords: Fool’s Gold by Jon Hollins – Audiobooks, with thanks to Hachette Audio. I have more time to “read” via audio these days, so I was really grateful to be offered these books. I actually just started The Dragon Lords: Fool’s Gold and the humor seems to be working much better for me in this format, so I’m glad I opted to listen to it. By the time this post goes live I should be finished with the book, and so I can dive right into Bite.
Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire – Also thanks to Tor.com for sending me this e-galley. I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about McGuire’s first novella with with them, and it’s awesome to hear they’ll be publishing another one by her soon next year.
Books Won
It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the books I’ve purchased or won lately, because in truth, I haven’t been buying much or entering giveaways these days (let’s face it, it’s not like I’ve lacked in things to read.) But here are a few I got from lucky wins earlier in the year, including And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich from a publisher newsletter, The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (glad I caught up with the series this year!) from The Reading Room, and The Destructives by Matthew de Abaitua from My Bookish Ways (so sad when they shut down).
Reviews
Here’s a quick roundup of my reviews since the last update. A lot of 3.5s to 4s this time around, but Dark Matter is rocking it out at the top with the first 5 star rating I’ve given out in two months. Have you read it yet?
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (5 of 5 stars)
The Shattered Lens by Brandon Sanderson (4 of 5 stars)
The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan (4 of 5 stars)
False Hearts by Laura Lam (4 of 5 stars)
The Unnoticeables by Robert Brockway (4 of 5 stars)
Imprudence by Gail Carriger (3.5 of 5 stars)
Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine (3.5 of 5 stars)
Red Right Hand by Levi Black (3.5 of 5 stars)
The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone (3.5 of 5 stars)
Any Other Name by Emma Newman (3.5 of 5 stars)
Disappearance at Devil’s Rock by Paul Tremblay (3 of 5 stars)
Roundup Highlights:
Author Spotlights
Big thanks to Levi Black for stopping by The BiblioSanctum for an interview last week!
Interview with Levi Black, Author of Red Right Hand
What I’ve Read Since the Last Update
I had family visiting for the last few weeks, so I mostly only had time to listen to audiobooks on the long drives to and from day trips to the beach, etc. I did manage to pad my reading tally with a couple of novellas and shorter books though (heh!) plus one Read-Along book that wrapped up this month. Here are some of the reviews you’ll be seeing at the BiblioSanctum soon, minus those that are already up.
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 
I’m not familiar with quite a few books on here. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. I am a little uncertain about Star Wars Life Debt. I know the first one didn’t get great reviews. Let me know what you think.
LikeLike
The first Aftermath book was kind of blah. I am spoiled by some of the amazing new canon books like Dark Disciple and Lost Stars though. But I am reading Life Debt now and the good news is so far I’m liking it a lot better than book one!
LikeLike
I need to check out some Laura Lam. Always here amazing things about her books.
I’m also considering combining audiobook with stitching/colouring. Usually I binge on the Netflix or YouTube, might be an idea. 😘
LikeLike
Hear* gah! Never type comments in bed on your phone.
LikeLike
Audiobooks go great with crafty things like stitching and crochet (which is what I do!) Last Christmas I also listened while I worked on my coloring books, it made the time go quick!
LikeLike
Colouring books are also a thing I wish to work on. xD
LikeLike
They’re fun! I have a stack that I’m behind on 🙂
LikeLike
Nice! I can’t wait to make time for And the Trees Crept in! Loved Dawn’s first book! Vicarious is one I am seeing a lot today! Very intrigued with that one! Mostly because the Arch is on the cover! LOL! Hope you enjoy all the reads!
My STS will be up tomorrow, so stop by then if you can!
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
LikeLike
I really enjoyed The Death House as well, really looking forward to her next book 🙂
And Vicarious looks fantastic, I hope I’ll get to give it a try soon!
LikeLike
So many wonderful books! I got a couple of these at Comic Con (The Hike, The Reader and And the Trees Crept In) but I do need to get a copy of Four Roads Cross. I can’t wait to read more about Raz and Cat:-)
LikeLike
Gah I really need to find time this summer for Four Roads Cross. I thought Last First Snow was okay, but it wasn’t my favorite. It would be nice to revisit some of my favorite characters 🙂
LikeLike
Nice haul! I started Gladstone’s third book, but it hasn’t wowed me yet. I’m waiting for my copy of Wrath of Betty to arrive, and I’ve been curious about The Reanimatrix.
I got turned down for an ARC of The Dragonlords, so I went out and bought a copy. 🙂
LikeLike
Book 3 and 4 of Gladstone’s series sort of wavered for me, but I hope you’re enjoying it all the same! And I’m so excited about The Wrath of Betty, I know you also enjoyed Willful Child!
LikeLike
I’ve heard good thins about Marillier lately! Might be an author I need to pick up… I look forward to seeing your review.
LikeLike
Marillier is absolutely wonderful! You should definitely give her books a try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m still waiting for my copy of Four Roads Cross to arrive from Amazon (my local Barnes & Noble hadn’t stocked it!). I’ve also got Paper and Fire on my TBR, which I mean to get to sooner rather than later. Oh, and False Hearts is ready for me to pick up from the library, so I’ll be reading that one sometime in August.
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy all of these! False Hearts was wonderful, and I didn’t think Paper and Fire was as good as the first book but I still really liked it. Hoping I’ll get a chance to dive into Four Roads Cross soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aaaah, Den of Wolves! I just bet you were excited about that one. I have to read the second one…
LikeLike
OMG, I was freaking out when I saw it come out of the package. I love this series so much!
LikeLike
I wonder about some of them …hmmm, will wait and see
LikeLike
Hope I’ll be able to recommend some of these 🙂
LikeLike
I’m looking forward to a few of these particularly the Burgis. Great haul and happy reading.
Lynn 😀
LikeLike
Looking forward to that one too. I really enjoyed her take on historical fantasy.
LikeLike
Gah so many great looking books. It’s very tempting break my no more buying books until the end of the year goal I set for myself. Den of Wolves and The Reanimatrix are both calling my names. Hope you enjoy them all.
LikeLike
I have a book buying ban on myself too, because my TBR is going to crush me! So far I’ve been doing very good, and even my review books are mostly unsolicited arrivals, but NetGalley temptations continue to be a problem, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooo! You’re doing really great then! Netgalley temptations are too hard to resist. That’s been my downfall. I’ve been reading those instead of the books on my TBR pile. 😛
LikeLike
I’ve been keeping up with my reading, but I still feel so far behind! And yeah, NetGalley offers no end of temptations. I try to hold off, but I am forever caving 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh!! I need to read the second Blackthorn and Grim book quickly, if the third one is on its way! But how will I manage, with so many other interesting titles to pick from? 😀
LikeLike
You must, you must! Don’t worry, you have until November, plenty of time to dive into Tower of Thorns! 😀
LikeLike
I like books about books also, so I am going to check out The Reader.
Sunday Summary #13
LikeLike
I’m very excited about The Reader! Hope it lives up to the hype!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Superb haul! I’m looking forward to The Reader and Vicarious, and also everything Seanan McGuire ever writes. Happy reading!
LikeLike
I still need to read Every Heart A Doorway! I’ve read only one book by her (the first October Daye book) unless you also count the books she wrote under the name Mira Grant. But I think I prefer her UF over her horror.
LikeLike
I’m jealous! so many books! happy reading!
LikeLike
Thanks, happy reading to you too!
LikeLike
Ahhhhhhh I need to find Dreamer’s Pool! I looked for it the last time I went book-shopping, but it wasn’t in stock. *pouts*
Definitely looking forward to your thoughts on The Reader and Congress of Secrets. Stephanie Burgis’s other book Masks & Shadows has just reached the top of my Leaning Tower of Books, so I should be reading it very soon!
In terms of my latest books, I think I included a photo in my Time Flies post last week, but here’s what I bought:
Red Rising by Pierce Brown (FINALLY!)
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Lirael by Garth Nix
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
The Word for World Is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
LikeLike
They didn’t stock Dreamer’s Pool?!?! How horrid, gah! 😀
And wow, what a haul. I think I saw that post too, but can I just say how excited I am you got Red Rising? And LoLL and Elantris and oh my. I’ll be curious to hear what you think of The Star-Touched Queen, I just thought that one was so different. Feels like it’s a love-it-or-hate-it book and I can’t wait to see where your thoughts will fall 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know!! How could they?? *lol*
The Star-Touched Queen is likely the first one I’ll read from the bunch, since it’s still a new book. But there are a few others from that stack that I’m itching to open sooner rather than later. 😉
LikeLike
I plan on reading Curioddity and The Reader in August and I already picked up a copy of Bite, although I don’t know when I can get to it. I am convinced that I will have to grab Dark Matter because everyone seems to love it. You got a lot of great books this month and my TBR is both loving it and hating it!
LikeLike
I hope I’ll be able to start Bite soon too. I have a lot of books on my list this summer, I think I’ll just have to let my mood decide what to read next!
LikeLike
I’ve been really curious about The Hike recently, so looking forward to hearing what you think of it. Also, I haven’t heard of Vicarious, but it sounds like it could be really good.
LikeLike
I’m very curious about The Hike now, I just have to wonder how he’ll blend all those elements!
LikeLike
Nice variety here^^ I seriously need to get some Marillier under my belt! Not to mention Winner’s Curse – I own it but haven’t made my way to it yet. Curious to see what you’ll think of The Reader…I basically want to read it only because it’s a book about a book as you said XD Happy reading^^ xx
LikeLike
Thanks, happy reading to you too! I hope we’ll both enjoy The Reader once we get a chance to read it 😀
LikeLike