Tiara’s 2015 in Review
Posted on December 30, 2015 14 Comments
2015 marked the year I came back from a hiatus in 2014 due to some real life things going on. I can’t ever really say that my life isn’t in a constant state of flux, but I put in some effort this year. For 2016, I plan to focus a bit more on audiobooks and comics, so prepare yourself. I’m working on a big project at work that has already started to take up quite a bit of my time and will take up much of my time around all the other things I want to do with this upcoming year. However, I’ll be around and throwing up reviews and different things. So, here’s my 2015 in review with some help from Goodreads because I really liked what they did this year with breaking down a reader’s year in review, so I just went with (most of) it. You can see the full page here.
Goodreads says I’m really good at reading. I know right, Goodreads. It’s crazy, isn’t it?
Audiobooks
As stated in our final update post of the year, I read 59 books and hit the Marathoner goal, which is a really huge achievement for me and audiobooks. I will definitely be participating next year as well! Here’s what go me through a year of listening.
Despite all the distractions in my real life, I’d say I had a really good reading year, especially when it came to audiobooks!
Waiting on Wednesday 12/30/15
Posted on December 30, 2015 16 Comments
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that lets us feature upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick:
Winterwood by Jacey Bedford: February 2, 2016 (DAW)
Last month I talked about how much I couldn’t wait to read this book, and I just can’t seem to rein in my excitement. Stories about women disguised as dudes are always fun, but wait, your protagonist is also cross-dressing privateer captain on the high seas too? Sign me up. There also appears to be a good dose of romance, and I couldn’t help notice the comparison to Marie Brennan, no doubt due to the historical fiction meets fantasy vibes. This world appears to have werewolves as well, as evidenced by the mention of a potential love interest. So history, magic, and romance? Um, yeah, where has Winterwood been all my life?
“Set in 1800 in Britain, Mad King George is on the throne with Napoleon Bonaparte knocking on the door. Unregistered magic users are pursued to the death, while in every genteel home resides uncomplaining rowankind bondservants who have become so commonplace that no one can recall where they came from.
Meanwhile, Rossalinde Tremayne is satisfied with her life as a cross-dressing privateer captain on the high seas. But a bitter deathbed visit to her estranged mother changes her life completely when she inherits a magical winterwood box. Now, not only is she confronted with a newly-discovered brother, and an annoyingly handsome wolf shapeshifter, Rossalinde has to decide whether or not to open the box to free rowankind and right an ancient wrong—even if it brings the downfall of Britain.
This brand-new series is perfect for fans of Elizabeth Bear, D.B. Jackson, and Marie Brennan, as well as readers of historical fiction who are looking for an accessible gateway to fantasy.”
Book Review: Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard by Lawrence M. Schoen + GIVEAWAY!
Posted on December 29, 2015 20 Comments
***The giveaway is now over, thanks to everyone who entered!***
A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard by Lawrence M. Schoen
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor (12/29/15)
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
We’re just about nearing the end of the year, but apparently 2015 had one last big surprise for me. It came in the form of Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard by Lawrence M. Schoen.
I confess, I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I started this book because I dove in blind, and that’s actually the way I wanted it. When I first looked upon this novel in my hands, I was struck by this feeling that the less I knew about it, the more I would enjoy the experience. So I swore off reading any previews or early reviews and simply let go. I wanted this story to take me where it would.
Well, what an amazing adventure it turned out to be! Barsk was a mysterious and captivating journey from the very first page to the last, featuring a puzzle that begins with the novel’s title itself. According to a well-known myth, an elephants’ graveyard is a place where aged and dying elephants instinctively know to go when they reach the end of their days. There, they stay until they die, alone and far away from the herd.
This is how the story begins, in a distant future where humans have long since died out. Instead, walking talking anthropomorphic animal species dominate the galaxy. On an isolated planet named Barsk, a Fant named Rüsul receives a message in a dream telling him that his time is near, and that he should start making his way to an island whose location is only revealed to the Dying. Fant are a humanoid sapient race, but their features resemble those of an elephant—grey and furless skin, big flapping ears, and the distinctive long trunk. They’re also a species with deep-rooted cultural values, and they prefer to keep to themselves. The only contact Barsk has with the rest of the Alliance is through the trade of specialized pharmaceuticals developed and manufactured by the Fant.
The most desirable of these is koph, a drug that allows gifted individuals called Speakers to summon and interact with the dead. Meanwhile, a shadowy faction in the Alliance government wants control of koph for themselves and are willing to destroy Barsk and all its inhabitants in order to learn how to manufacture the drug. They begin kidnapping dying Fant on their way to the final island, disrupting the natural order of their lifecycle. A Fant Speaker named Jorl notices these disturbances, but gets captured himself when he goes to investigate, becoming the linchpin in the enemy’s grand scheme. He is subsequently blackmailed into Speaking with his dead friend Arlo, a koph researcher who committed suicide years ago to protect an earthshattering secret.
Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard is a novel that is unique in so many ways, I don’t even know where to start. I suppose a good place would be the setting, a galaxy home to not just Fant, but also dozens of other alien races referred to by the common names of the animals they resemble as well as an adapted form of their Latin genus, like the Ailuros (Giant Panda), Bos (Yak), Cans (Domestic Dog), Brady (Three-toed Sloth), Cynomy (Prairie Dog), Lutr (Otter), Taxi (Badger), Urs (Bear), and many, many more. It’s a veritable zoo of different species, and the appendix in the back of the book implies there are even more races beyond the ones that appear in Barsk. Schoen brings these anthropomorphic beings to life using a very interesting approach, making them speak and behave like humans while also giving them their respective animal traits. For example, the Brady are an even-tempered species that likes to take things slow and steady, while the Lutr are more excitable and move about with agile grace. In a sense, characters are given the impression of being alien but also familiar, making it easier to connect with them.
Barsk is also a science geek’s dream, touching upon a number of different disciplines and bringing their philosophies together. One of the central themes of this book is the question of Instinct vs. Learned Behavior, and the development of culture and social norms. It’s worth noting that all the species of the Alliance look down on the Fant, discriminating them for their lack of fur and overall unusual appearance. Fant themselves are highly reclusive, having negotiated a Compact hundreds of years ago that would forbid visitors from ever setting foot on their planet. The relationship between Barsk and the rest of the galaxy plays a vital role in the way things play out, not to mention it also highlights the sheer ingenuity behind the world-building as it relates to our own understanding of sociobiology.
I was simply in awe at how well everything came together in the end. Barsk is a strange book indeed, but it was weird in a wonderful, unexpected way that really appealed to me, due in part to the creative handling of the science fiction elements. A few sections involved very abstract concepts, but it was smooth sailing thanks to Schoen’s easy yet expressive style. This is a story that enticed me, pulled me in and kept me enthralled until I reached its conclusion. If you’re looking for a sci-fi novel that’s truly innovative and different, I highly recommend picking this up.
*** Originally reviewed at The Speculative Herald ***
* * *
BARSK: THE ELEPHANTS’ GRAVEYARD GIVEAWAY
Interested in winning a copy of this book? Tor Books has very generously offered The BiblioSanctum an opportunity to host a giveaway for one print copy of Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard by Lawrence M. Schoen. This giveaway is open to residents in the US and Canada. To enter, all you have to do is send an email to bibliosanctum@gmail.com with your Name and valid Mailing Address using the subject line “BARSK” by 11:59pm Eastern time on Friday, January 8, 2016.
Only one entry per household, please. The winner will be randomly selected when the giveaway ends and then be notified by email. All information will only be used for the purposes of contacting the winner and sending them their prize. Once the giveaway ends all entry emails will be deleted.
So what are you waiting for? Enter to win! Good luck!
Audiobook Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Posted on December 28, 2015 9 Comments
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, narrated by Steven Crossley
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Magic
Publisher: Tantor Audio (February 24, 2015)
Author Info: victoriaschwab.com
Wendy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
I love when authors use magic in interesting ways, especially when they develop their own elaborate systems of how magic works within their worlds. Schawb doesn’t so much give me an elaborate magic system–its use of blood magic, power words, etched symbols, etc–is common enough, but where the book does shine is in the way magic is viewed and used between the different versions of London that the main protagonist travels between.
Kell is a rare magician, one of the few able to travel this way, and we mostly see Red, Grey, Black, and White London from his perspective. Schwab does an amazing job of describing the magic by using all of Kell’s senses. Some people have a magical scent that others can pick up. In some of the Londons, magic is almost palpable even when not actively being used. In others, magic running through your veins is a commodity that people will kill for. This is where I make my inevitable comparison to Dragon Age, where magic is a major factor in the story. The different Londons and how they view magic made me think of the different countries within the continent of Thedas where magic is considered a gift by some and treated respectfully, is a powerful tool and plaything for others, or is feared altogether.
The story itself is a fairly straight forward one, though it attempts a few twists and turns. Kell, a smuggler of magical items, is tricked into returning a powerful artifact to its rightful London–that is, the not so nice London. But there is, of course, so much more at play, with some from the other worlds seeking dominance through power and blood. Kell is joined by a ruthless thief named Delilah Bard who is usually only interested in saving her own skin but is compelled to aid Kell in hopes of finding some interesting adventure. While there is a bit of a spark between them, Schwab does not dwell on this. Because, dare I say it, it’s perfectly fine for a man and a woman to work together without being love interests. In fact, the only problem that I have with the couple is, unfortunately, the voice Crossley uses for Delilah. Otherwise, his narration is very good, particularly Kell’s rough, throaty tone, and the sing-song cunning of the deadly king and queen of White London.
Story
Narration
Sunday Musings: Goodbye 2015
Posted on December 27, 2015 8 Comments
I love Goodreads. It makes creating these year-end wrap up posts so much fun because the site kindly puts together all of your reading statistics for you. This year, they’ve gone one step further to make a really pretty chart of my Year in Books (click for the complete list and cool graphical display — thanks Goodreads!).
Last year, I bit off a bit more than I could chew with my Goodreads reading challenge plans and managed 121 of my intended 150. A respectable number, certainly, but I decided that I’d be more reasonable for 2015. As such, I beat my challenge by one, coming in at 101 books and graphic novels for the year. One hundred is a good number, I think, so I plan to make that my goal for each year from now on.
And then there are my other reading challenges. I’ve already chatted about my audiobook challenge here. Now it’s time to take a look at my participation in Worlds Without End’s Roll-Your-Own-Reading Challenge. The WWE challenges remain a good way for me to stay focused on my to-read pile and mostly avoid that “what should I read next?” dilemma. However, these challenges are also dangerous because I am obsessed with signing up for as many as I can in order to make cool checkerboard designs. I did try to show some restraint this year and not sign up for *all* of the challenges offered, but, well…
Somewhere Out There
This challenge involves reading twelve books that take place in outer space and/or involve aliens. Not only did I not complete this challenge, I didn’t put much thought into selecting scifi space books to fill it up. I’m more of a fantasy girl, but for 2016, I’m going to make a point of seeking out more scifi and space operas. The Force Awakens will probably help feed this goal.
Women of Genre Fiction
The Women of Genre Fiction challenge was the one that first drew my attention to WWE a few years ago and I am glad it remains as part of the Roll-Your-Own-Challenge. The books that I missed on my list this year will roll over into next year (assuming they do this challenge again–though I intend to read these particular books anyway), and I’m sure I’ll be adding lots more ladies to the list for 2016 as well.
Read the Sequel
This challenge is pretty self explanatory and is a great way to get on with those many series that I started, but have not continued yet. The ones I didn’t get to this year will roll over into the next, and I’ll be adding more thanks to all the new series that I started this year.
I Just Have To Read More of That Author
This is one of my favourite challenges of the bunch as it lets me focus on those authors that I have really enjoyed — or sometimes give not so enjoyable authors one more chance to earn my love.
Clear the Shelves
WWE challenges like this are so helpful for, well, clearing the shelves. Though I didn’t complete the challenge, I’ve got the books I am delinquent on sitting right beside my bed as a quiet reminder.
Pix and Mix Challenge
This is a catch all challenge, again intended to keep me focused on clearing that to-read pile. Since so many of the books on this list overlap with others, it also gives me the excuse of selecting yet another challenge just for the sake of having more spots on my checkerboard.
My favourite reads of the year? There have been several memorable ones — click the covers to read my reviews and other random thoughts!
YA Weekend Book Review: Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
Posted on December 26, 2015 6 Comments
Series: Lotus Wars #1
Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (September 2012)
Author Info: misterkristoff.wordpress.com
Wendy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5
The praise surrounding this book focuses almost entirely on its Japanese steampunk setting. This is certainly a unique setting, considering how often the genre is set in North American or European societies and it’s a refreshing change to read something that ventures so far from the typical. It just goes to show how desperate we are for books that don’t fall back on what has come to be the standard, even in scifi and fantasy where writers ought to be using their imaginations to give us so much more.
Unfortunately, it almost feels like the author is obsessed with showing just how much he knows about ancient Japanese culture and mythology and the way of the samurai, particularly at the beginning of the book. A lot of the information–names of attire and weapons in particular–end up feeling like a list unpacked from a Wikipedia entry and clumsily poured into the setting. Fortunately, this settles down somewhat after the lotus polluted city of Kigen is introduced, but, with my limited knowledge of Japanese language, I did find the (over and perhaps improper) usage of certain words rather jarring.
None of this was enough to deter me from enjoying the story of a young fox clan hunter who joins her father on the Shogun’s mad quest to capture a mythical arashitora that will lead him to victory in the war against the gaijin. Influx of Japanese terms aside, Kristoff’s steampunk society, with its Guildsmen in their clanking suits and chainkatana wielding samurai is certainly a site to imagine, and he does well with the details of both scenery and action, including an incredible battle between man, machine, and monster.
But at the heart of the story is a girl and her thunder tiger, a relationship that I was pleased to see develop. This relationship is counterbalanced by her estranged relationship with her lotus-addicted father, once a great hero whose name still carries weight, but not so much to a young girl who doesn’t quite understand the sacrifices her father has made for her. YA can be very hit or miss with me, but Kristoff hits the right balance of stubborn teen and responsible young adult that pleases me, and, while there is a romance subplot, it did not feel shoehorned in as so often happens in YA. In fact, the romance was only a means to an ends, with the real relationship being focused on Yukiko and Buruu, the arashitora.
I really liked the way the story is initially hyperfocused Yukiko and on the issues within Kigen, but branches off to introduce the greater issues at stake because of the Shogun’s rule. The war with the gaijin is certainly a big thing, but it remains nebulous, with the end of the book promising to go far deeper in what is happening at the homefront, while still implying that there could be a threat looming in the distance. In other words, I’m definitely planning to read the second book in the series to find out what happens next, not just for Yukiko and Buruu, but for the Lotus Wars as a whole.
Mogsy’s Favorite Covers of 2015
Posted on December 25, 2015 19 Comments
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Like a precious gift carefully wrapped in decorative paper, a book with a good cover fills you with excitement and anticipation and makes you want to open it right away! As you all know I am a big fan of lists, so I thought, What better way to spread the cheer today than with my Top Ten Favorite Covers of 2015?
Wishing you all much love and joy this holiday season, and I hope you enjoy the eye candy!
***
Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard by Lawrence M. Schoen
I’m naturally drawn to interesting art styles, and this is most certainly the case with this cover design by artist Victo Ngai.
Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier
I just adore painted covers, and artist Arantza Sestayo did an amazing job with these. Like the cover art for the first book, this one is also giving me major hair envy.
The Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan
The books in this series make it onto my “Favorite Covers” list every year, because Todd Lockwood’s dragons are amazing.
Our Lady of the Ice by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Some covers exude pure atmosphere, like this one here. Brrrr! I feel cold just looking at it. Credit goes to Saga’s associate art director Michael McCartney, and to the artist Federico Bebber.
The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan
If it’s more atmosphere you want, you get it in spades in this cover illustrated by Jonathan Bartlett. I love how amazingly detailed it is.
The Last Witness by K.J. Parker
Then there are covers that tell a story, like this one illustrated by Jon Foster and designed by Christine Foltzer. Looking at that cover, you can’t help but wonder…just what is going on there?
Twelve Kings in Sharakhai by Bradley P. Beaulieu
This cover by artist Adam Paquette made my jaw drop. To me, this is where the US cover wins hands down. I love the use of bold colors and the way it fills readers with wonder and a sense of “epicness”.
Last Song Before Night by Ilana C. Myer
Speaking of wonder and epicness, I have not read this one yet, but I had to feature the cover anyway. I love it when a cover shows off a book’s world. Art by Stephan Martinere.
The Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milán
Then there are covers that are just too damn cool to resist, not to mention Richard Anderson’s covers are always great.
Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear
Covers depicting main characters can be tricky, but artist Cynthia Sheppard nails it. Karen’s strength and attitude comes through in this one, and now that I’ve read this, I also understand the tentacles.
Covenant’s End by Ari Marmell
Jason Chan is another one of my favorite cover artists, and I love the ones he did for this series. They’re all great, but I like this one the best. Simple, elegant, beautiful.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
My tastes tend to run towards painted covers and more realistic art styles, but once in a while something different and awesome will catch my eye, like this striking cover by artist Will Staehle.
The Beast of Cretacea by Todd Strasser
Another book I have not read, but as soon as I saw this one I was sucked in by its cover. Great use of negative space and OMG the pretty colors. Here’s a cool story about the making of the cover, using the design by the author’s daughter Lia Strasser.
The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
Same deal: haven’t read, but completely mesmerized by those amazingly bold colors and the contrast of the different hues. Not sorry at all that I bought this book based on its cover! Art and design by Jamie Gregory.
Cash Crash Jubilee by Eli K.P. William
This cover by Sean Jun brings it all together: color, atmosphere, and the sense of a bleak and bizarre future!
Book Review: Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen
Posted on December 24, 2015 20 Comments
A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Shadow
Publisher: Orbit (10/27/15)
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wake of Vultures has all the qualities of a great book. First, it features a standout protagonist, an undaunted misfit heroine who against all odds rises to meet the biggest challenge of her life. Second, we have an action-filled plot full of wildly imaginative ideas and exciting new twists–in other words, a genuinely entertaining story. Third, I enjoyed its poignant messages of self-discovery and independence, of seizing control of one’s destiny by fighting back against society’s expectations. None of these points would be enough by themselves, but this new coming-of-age tale by Lila Bowen (AKA Delilah S. Dawson) exemplifies all three.
Meet Nettie Lonesome, a mixed-race young woman who was found orphaned as a child and raised by a couple who treated her more like a slave. She has never felt accepted anywhere, though she has found some measure of belonging at a nearby ranch where she trains horses and does other odd jobs while disguised as a man. It’s the only life she’s ever known, until one day, a stranger shows up at her house and attacks her. When Nettie stakes him through the chest with a sharp piece of wood, he disintegrates into a pile of sand. Just like that, her life is turned completely upside down.
Nettie soon learns that the world is full of monsters. Real monsters, like blood drinkers, shapeshifters, harpies, and sirens and chupacabras and more. And now she can see them everywhere. At first, she tries to flee, donning her male disguise to join up with a team of cattle drivers. But Nettie doesn’t realize that she has been marked for a destiny, one she cannot escape until she fulfills the task set for her by forces ancient and unknowable.
First, I know I’ve made it known before how much I love western-fantasy settings. I also am a sucker for the good old girl-disguised-as-a-boy trope. Earlier this year, I read another coming-of-age novel with similar aspects, the fantastic Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson, but the two books are very different in their approaches. For one thing, Wake of Vultures is less traditionally Young Adult, leaning towards darker and more mature themes. Nettie’s home is also a grittier, fantastical setting inspired by the Old West, albeit steeped with real-world Native American folklore and mythology. On top of that, Bowen has created a very unique and special world where historical elements combine with the paranormal, so that we get to see some really cool things—like a reimagining of the legendary Rangers as a band of rough living and tough talking monsters hunters, for instance.
It’s also worth picking up Wake of Vultures just to read about Nettie, the most spirited, determined and unforgettable protagonist you’ll ever meet. A half-black, half-Native American woman, nothing in life has ever been easy for her, and yet even when constrained by societal expectations, she has the guts and gumption to do anything to get what she wants. Her gender keeping her from getting her dream job? No problem, chop off her hair and pretend to be one of the guys. And monsters beware, Nettie’s not one to lie down and be easy prey. After discovering her gift, she even tries her darndest to escape her fate, until her pragmatism and kindheartedness makes her realize she would be doing a lot more good by standing her ground against evil.
Furthermore, for someone who lives in disguise and who goes by so many different names, Nettie is surprisingly comfortable in her own skin. Whether she calls herself Nettie Lonesome, Nat Lonesome, or Rhett Hennessy, all those are simply different aspects of her true self; no matter which identity she takes on, her race, gender and sexuality are all things she embraces, even when she’s still learning what it all means, and I love how extraordinarily genuine and down-to-earth she is.
From the moment I heard about this book and its western setting, I knew I had to read it. And in the end, it turned out to be even more than I bargained for. Wake of Vultures did not disappoint, giving me what I wanted and then some. Bold and original, this weird west fantasy novel is a masterfully written tale full of thrilling adventure and heart. Give me book two now!
Waiting on Wednesday 12/23/15
Posted on December 23, 2015 11 Comments
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that lets us feature upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick:
World of Warcraft: Illidan by William King: March 15, 2016 (Del Rey)
My WoW pick today is…ha, a WoW book. Yes, I am a big video game nerd and I like to read media tie-in novels of the games I play, and it’s high time we finally get a book about one of the most notorious characters in the World of Warcraft universe, Illidan Stormrage. The Betrayer returns as fans get ready for the next WoW expansion Legion, which is still a long way out, but in summer 2016 we’ll have the Warcraft movie to tide us over.
“An official tie-in for the highest grossing game of all time, World of Warcraft, focusing on the return of fan-favorite character Illidan.
World of Warcraft: Illidan is a tale of vengeance and redemption, appealing to both veteran World of Warcraft players and general fantasy fans alike.
Illidan has escaped his 10,000-year imprisonment and fled his home on Azeroth for Outland, an alien world dominated by the Burning Legion. Along with new demon hunter recruit Vandel, Illidan begins gathering an army, though who he plans to strike with his newfound might remains unclear.”
Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Wouldn’t Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree This Year
Posted on December 22, 2015 41 Comments
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. They created the meme because they love lists. Who doesn’t love lists? They wanted to share these list with fellow book lovers and ask that we share in return to connect with our fellow book lovers. To learn more about participating in the challenge, stop by their page dedicated to it and dive in!
This week’s topic: Top Ten Books I Wouldn’t Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree This Year
Mogsy’s Picks:
My list of books is a mixed bag, to say the least! Please, Santa, I’ve been very good this year. And while you can do many things, I know you can’t speed up time or go into the future to bring me books that haven’t been published yet, so all my picks are books that are already released.
A Knight of Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
For the first time, this collection compiles the three Dunk and Egg prequel novellas to A Song of Ice and Fire. Why opt for the print edition instead of the ebook or audio? Why, because of the visual presentation of course, which includes illustrations from the amazingly talented artist Gary Gianni. Whenever I hear that a book has artwork, I always prefer the physical copy! I flipped through the pages of this in a bookstore once, it is indeed gorgeous.
Another reason to opt for a physical copy is when the finished hardcover looks this amazingly cool. I’ve read Six of Crows already, but since I listened to the audiobook, I totally wouldn’t mind if Santa were to leave me one of these limited edition pretties with the black-stained pages under the tree. It looks awesome!
Silver on the Road by Laura Anne Gilman
Yet another reason to yearn for a physical copy is when you have no other choice! Silver on the Road is a book I’d love to listen to in audio; I imagine the experience would be incredibly immersive given the fantasy-western setting and the atmosphere. Unfortunately, as of this writing there is still no audiobook version or even news of one in the works. I don’t know if I can wait much longer, the book is too tempting! If this were to show up under my tree on Christmas morning, I certainly wouldn’t complain.
The Art of Fallout 4 by Bethesda Softworks
Here’s some random useless trivia about me: I like to collect art books. I might have mentioned that before in passing, but I especially like video game concept art. I like poring over things like costume or weapon design, seeing how the artists envision the game environment and characters, and tracking how ideas eventually make it into the final product (if they do at all). Fallout 4 the game is one of the most visually stunning games I’ve ever played (amazing, for a post-apocalyptic wasteland) and I’d love to see the artistic development behind it.
The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Phil Szostak
Video game art books make up the majority of my art book collection, but sometimes depending on what it is I’ll also pick up art books or illustrated compendium-type books for movies, shows, etc. As it happens, I like collecting anything that has to do with Star Wars too, so this is definitely a must-have.
Monstress #1 by Marjorie M. Liu and Sana Takeda
I was actually offered this graphic novel for review earlier this year, but due to time constraints I had to decline. I did make sure to put Monstress on my to-buy list though, because the preview pages that I was sent simply knocked my socks off. This technically is only one single issue of the comic, but it is filled with over 70 pages of drop-dead gorgeous art. Last I heard, first printings of this is already sold out at most comic book stores.
The Official A Game of Thrones Coloring Book by George R. R. Martin
In case you missed it, I made an announcement in my last Bookshelf Roundup about an upcoming feature I’m hoping to start in the new year: Adult coloring book reviews. I hope to check out this one at some point. I’ve heard that it’s more of a book of illustrations and line drawings rather than a true coloring book, but I feel up for a good challenge, and if nothing else I can always keep this just to appreciate the beautiful artwork.
Zoomigurumi 4 by Joke Vermeiren
Speaking of artsy-crafty things, I’ve been known to enjoy some crocheting in my spare time. Before my Baby #2 came along earlier this year I made several amigurumis (crocheted stuffed toys) for her, but it’s been close to a year since I last picked up the hooks and yarn. I hope to get into the hobby again after the holidays, once things slow down a little. I only found out recently there has been another addition to this great series! I’ve made some adorable animals from previous Zoomigurumi books, and it would be fun to try new patterns.
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
I make it no secret that I’m a huge fan of Juliet Marillier, though I was pretty late in joining the club so there’s quite a backlist of her books for me to plunder. Right now I’m in the middle of reading her Sevenwaters series and I haven’t even gotten a chance to pick up her Wildwood series yet. Santa, if you would to be so kind as to bring me these two books, you won’t even have to wrap them – they’re just too beautiful to cover up!
Elantris (Leather-Bound Book) by Brandon Sanderson
If I were rich…I’d probably take up rare book collecting as a hobby, buying up any and all ultra-limited or special editions of books by my favorite authors, like this leather-bound and embossed edition of Elantris commemorating the 10 year anniversary of Brandon Sanderson’s first novel. Seriously, if I were swimming in money, I would have dropped $100 on this baby already. Unless I win the lottery though, I’ll just settle for fantasizing about Santa bringing me one.
The BiblioSanctum 