Bookshelf Roundup: 09/18/21: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every 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 summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week 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
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Another week of exciting new arrivals. Thank you to Tor Books for sending me a finished copy of Mordew by Alex Pheby, the first volume of a gothic epic fantasy trilogy that has me very intrigued. From the kind folks at Subterranean Press, earlier this month I also received an ARC of Radiant Apples by Joe R. Lansdale, a novella featuring a new adventure starring Nat Love AKA “Deadwood Dick”, the African-American cowboy protagonist of the author’s novel Paradise Sky.
Also with thanks to the amazing team at Redhook, I received an ARC of Sistersong by Lucy Holland, described as a “beautiful reimagining of an old British folklore ballad” that mixes history and legend and magic. And also huge thanks to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending me an ARC of Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong, the sequel to These Violent Delights which is a reimagining of Romeo & Juliet set in the gangster-ridden streets of 1926 Shanghai.
Received for Review
In the digital haul, we had the Labor Day weekend at the beginning of the month so many of my audio review copies didn’t come in until later, but when they did, they came in a flood. With thanks to HarperAudio for the following ALCs: Activation Degradation by Marina J. Lostetter has been compared to Murderbot Diaries, and I hope it won’t disappoint! And these days it’s pretty rare for me to request YA but Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat did catch my interest, as well as All These Bodies by Kendare Blake (but then I do love her work!)
Speaking of YA, I also received a listening copy of Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray with thanks to Listening Library. Mythological fantasy will get me every time. From Random House Audio I also received Hyde by Craig Russell, whose novel The Devil Aspect I enjoyed a lot, as well as The Last Guest by Tess Little, because I was intrigued by its locked room whodunit mystery premise.
Thank you also to Simon & Schuster Audio for a listening copy of Gutter Mage by J.S. Kelley. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while, so I’m pretty excited to dive in. And finally, my thanks to Hachette Audio for Briarheart by Mercedes Lackey, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
Reviews
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff (4 of 5 stars)
Revelator by Daryl Gregory (4 of 5 stars)
What I’ve Been Reading
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
The BiblioSanctum 
A dozen books this week, eh? Pretty good haul! Good luck getting through them and hope they’re good!
LikeLike
Yeah, always more coming in than going out, lol. I’m still not back into my usual rhythm, especially since I’ve been tackling a lot of longer books lately.
LikeLike
I remember reading Lynn’s review of Hyde (I think) and wanting to try it. I’m curious to see what you think!
LikeLike
Yeah, that looks good! I was also sold by Lynn’s review!
LikeLike
I wish they’d not compared Activation Degradation to Murderbot Diaries. It immediately makes me think we’re already seeing the beginning of an onslaught of immitators. But I’m keeping an open mind and would be curious to try it.
LikeLike
Oh I know, I’m prepared to be disappointed already, lol! But like you, I’m also hopeful and am all for keeping an open mind 🙂
LikeLike
Wait, “compared to Murderbot”?! Straight on my list! 🙂
LikeLike
I know, right?! But I’m already bracing myself to be disappointed, lol. I’m keeping an open mind though 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m dying to read Mordew. It looks so interesting! I also have a copy of Briarheart I’m excited for
LikeLike
Me too! Mordew will be my next read, I think!
LikeLike
I didnt wind up buying it bc I already have an eARC but it just sounds so good
LikeLike
New books, yay
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very curious to see what you thought of my heart is a chainshaw. I’m behind with my review books but hoping to pick that up soon.
Lynn 😀
LikeLike
I didn’t love it, unfortunately! But who knows, it might work for you!
LikeLike