Bookshelf Roundup 09/25/22: 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.
This week has been…not so good. One of our dogs got sick suddenly, and it turned out to be more serious than we thought. Long story short, we had to make the difficult decision to put him down, which has left a sizeable hole in my heart and a void in our family. Although I’ve been crying a lot missing my best buddy, I also know it was the right decision, and he’s no longer suffering. Rest well, Strider, my sweet pup. Thank you for twelve amazing years.
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!
Earlier in the month, courtesy of the kind folks at Tordotcom, I received the following: an ARC of The Keeper’s Six by Kate Elliott, a tale of dragons and portals; an ARC of Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo, a dark sci-fi horror novella about a scientist who develops a neurological interface to literally see through a wolf’s eyes, though her obsession and depth of her research carries a high cost; and also, a finished copy of Leech by Hiron Ennes, a Gothic horror about a doctor who takes a new post in an an isolated chateau in the north and discovers many mysteries left behind by the institute’s previous physician.
With thanks to Orbit Books, I also received a beautiful ARC of Empire of Exiles by Erin M. Evans. This was one of my most anticipated releases this fall, so I’m really looking forward to reading it. From the publisher I also received a finished copy of Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans, a fantasy debut featuring tons of action and adventure and what sounds to be like a pretty unique alchemy-based magic system.
And finally, big thanks to the Minotaur Books team for sending me a copy of Treasure State by C.J. Box. This was a surprise arrival, but I’m familiar with the author’s name even though I’ve never his books before. This one appears to be a later volume in an existing series called The Highway Quartet featuring Private Investigator Cassie Dewell, but fortunately it sounds like it can be read as a standalone.
Reviews
The House with the Golden Door by Elodie Harper (4.5 of 5 stars)
The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu (4 of 5 stars)
Roundup Highlights:
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 
I’m so sorry for the loss of Strider: he looks adorable in that picture…
LikeLike
Thank you, I’m still grieving at his passing, but it’s been getting better every day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no. So sorry to hear about Strider. That is so sad for you all. I really feel for you.
Lynn
LikeLike
Thank you. It’s always so hard to lose a beloved pet 😦
LikeLike
So sorry to hear of your loss! Our last doggo is in his final days too. We just try to keep him comfortable. Every day is different for him. But we know it’s coming when we’ll have to make that same decision.
Nice new reads! Those are all totally new to me ones! I hope you enjoy each and every one of them!
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so sorry to hear that about your dog! It’s so difficult 😦
LikeLike
Oh Steff, I’m crying right alongside you. I’m so sorry about Strider, she’s a beauty. I lost my sweet Ginger a year ago and still miss her terribly😥 Take care!
LikeLike
It never stops hurting, does it? I miss Strider like crazy, and I have a feeling I’ll miss him for a very long time 😦
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about Strider (great name). A friend at work had a similar experience this week and lost their dog. It takes time. As for the books, I don’t know anything about The Keeper’s Six and haven’t tried Kate Elliott yet, but I like the sound of it. Take care, Steff!
LikeLike
Thank you. He was named after Aragorn/the Strider from LOTR because my husband is a huge fan – and because even as a pup he was just so princely 🙂
LikeLike
My sympathies…
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Notorious Sorcerer seems intriguing.
LikeLike
Aw, I’m so, so sorry about Strider. 😦
LikeLike
I’ve had my eye on that one, so I was very excited to receive a copy.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear the news about your pup💛
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
I’m so sorry Steff! Sending virtual hugs 💜
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. Sending you lots of well wishes -that’s always awful to go through when you lose a beloved companion.
Empire of Exiles looks promising, I love that map on the cover.
LikeLike
Thank you. It was hard, but it was the right thing to do for him. I’ll miss him a lot.
LikeLike
Ohhhh a new Kate Elliott!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She never disappoints!
LikeLike
I’m sorry about Strider. Take care.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry about Strider. He’s so lucky to have had 12 years in a wonderful, loving home. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words, and yes, I’ll treasure those memories forever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, so sorry about Strider. Such a cute pup.
LikeLike