Bookshelf Roundup 11/19/23: 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!
Murtagh by Christopher Paolini (Knopf): I was sent a surprise copy of this book which I didn’t even realize was a part of the Inheritance Cycle. Since I’ve never read anyting in the world of the Eragon books, I don’t know if I’ll have a chance to get to this one, even if it does seem like a standalone since it is set a year after the events of the series.
Calamity by Constance Fay (Bramble): A finished copy of this sci-fi romance arrived earlier this month, which I am currently reading. I can only take the romance genre in small doses, but this one is pretty fun. Stay tuned for the review as part of November’s Sci-fi Month coverage.
Our Divine Mischief by Hanna C. Howard (Blink): A YA fantasy that is described as being inspired by Scottish history and folklore, this story sounds very intriguing to me.
Your Shadow Half Remains by Sunny Moraine (Nightfire): A metaphysical horror about losing your grip on reality, I think the totally insane cover tells you everything you need to know!
To Kill A Shadow by Katherine Quinn (Entangled: Teen): This book arrived earlier in the week in a very lovely box. I am always a little wary of YA fantasy romance, but this sounds so intriguing and the cover is so gorgeous that I might just have to check it out.
This Wretcbed Valley by Jenny Kiefer (Quirk Books): Four hikers walk into the Kentucky wilderness, never to emerge. Seven months later, three mangled bodies are discovered, but what actually happened? Inspired by a real event, this sounds absolutely terrifying and I am so excited to read this.
Reviews
- 4 of 5 stars to The Star and the Strange Moon by Constance Sayers
- 3.5 of 5 stars to Whalefall to Daniel Kraus
- 3.5 of 5 stars to The Queen of Days by Greta Kelly
Recent Reads
I read so much this week that I actually had to double check that was correct. Granted there were a couple books that I was behind on and needed to knock off the reading list real quick, which were reviewed right away. I also read System Collapse, one of the most anticipated releases in my TBR this month, but it probably ended up being my least favorite Murderbot story (nooOOOoooOOooo). I should also be finished with Calamity by the time this post goes live. Last but not leasts, I continued with the third book of Katherine Arden’s middle grade Small Spaces quartet in audio, and even got my daughter into the series. She is starting from the beginning with the physical books though, and earlier in the week I picked up all four of them for her from the public library.
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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!






















Hurray for libraries. A readers best friend! Long may they continue to feed our appetites…
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Absolutely. And my oldest girl reads so much, if not for libraries I’d go broke!
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OOh nice new reads! Super excited for To Kill a Shadow! Such a pretty cover and it sounds very intriguing too! This Wretched Valley was another one I was keeping my eye on! I love an eerie story like that! Will definitely be looking forward to your review!
Hope you enjoy all the lovely new reads!
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
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I’m excited for both books as well! This Wretched Valley looks so good 🙂
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The cover of Your Shadow Half Remains really does look awesome! Not my thing, I think, but maybe one for my wife…
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I’m not entirely sure it’ll be my thing either, because I’m picky about my horror. But a cover like that, I’m definitely willing to give it a try!
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I’m reading Calamity right now too, it is a lot of fun!
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Definitely fun! Reminds me of the books by Jessie Mihalik.
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Murtagh and To Kill a Shadow are both on my TBR!
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I wish I had gotten into the Eregon series, I feel like I’d get lost if I jumped in now.
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I so want to read Murtagh. I’ve wanted that book since first reading the series. I’ll need to do a reread to work my way up to it.
Aww man, sorry about System Collapse. I still need to continue on with the Murderbot books.
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That must have been quite a while to wait for Murtagh! I’m glad it is finally out soon and you get to read it 🙂
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Wow, that’s an impressive amount of reading – let the reviews commence.
Lynn 😀
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Yes, if I’m not careful I’ll start falling behind on reviews again!
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That really is a great cover for Your Shadow Half Remains. Made me do a double take. 🙂
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Yes, it’s definitely eye catching! 😉
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You know, I don’t get in to the library much anymore. I usually have enough ARCs to keep me busy and it’s kinda a trip but… I do kinda miss just wandering around and loading up on waaaay too many books 😛
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I am at the library almost every other week, but then that’s where I mostly get books for my kids since my collection is mostly adult fiction. They go through so many series and books so fast, it’s definitely the best way to keep them reading without going broke 🙂
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Yup, broke is a good thing to avoid 🙂 But how much do YOU get from the library? I’ll often go when I’m in the area, and even if I already have too much to read, I won’t be able to resist getting something… 😅
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I have only seen Murtagh around before
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