Friday, December 29, 2017

The Best Books I Read In 2017!


Picking my favorite books at the end of each year is usually a difficult task, simply because it's hard to narrow it down sometimes! There are always standout books that I immediately think of, but then there are also others that I know I just have to include. I've read 123 books so far this year (though I'll probably finish one more by Sunday), so I thought that 15 was an acceptable numbers of favorites for the year. 
I will also have my end of the year survey posted early next week, so stay tuned for that!

Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
Jay Kristoff is a pure genius and Godsgrave completely showed off and proved his talent for writing a mindblowing novel. Nevernight was already a brilliant book, and this sequel was even better. This is easily one of the best books I've read this year. 

The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
This book was so beautiful. It will make you want to laugh, cry, get angry, and so much more. I've been recommending this book to everyone I know because of how truly breathtaking it was. This was the first book I've read by Boyne, but I don't think that it will be the last. 

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
I'm not even sure if it's possible for one of the Stormlight Archive books to not be amazing at this point. Oathbringer was such a fantastic contribution to the series and I cannot wait for the next one, even though I think it won't be until 2020. If you are at all interesting in epic fantasy, I can't recommend this enough. It's long (all are 1000+ pages), but so accessible and entertaining.

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
The world-building in this book alone made it one of my favorites. Fforde is a brilliant man and I cannot even imagine what his mind must be like to create something as in-depth and quirky as the world and details in this book. The characters were also memorable and exciting, and thus Shades of Grey became one of my most enjoyable reads.

The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
The Emperor of All Maladies was not only an enjoyable read, it was also one of the most informative books that I've read all year as well. Cancer is no stranger to my family, unfortunately, so I though it was just about time I read a book all about it, and Mukherjee did not disappoint. This book covers the long, arduous journey of the discover and treatment of cancer, but it does so in a way that makes it hard to put this book down. 

The Court of Broken Knives by Anna Smith Spark
I am loving the influx of books in the grimdark subgenre of fantasy lately, and The Court of Broken Knives did not disappoint. Spark not only developed a fascinating plot and world, she also wrote in a raw, striking narrative voice that has had a rather polarizing effect on readers. I was in the group that loved it, and I can't wait for the next installment. If you're a fantasy fan that likes things a little different and on the darker side, then I implore you to check this one out!

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
This was the year that I finally got around to reading The Eye of the World, and I think I've fallen in love with the Wheel of Time series. This is such classic fantasy (I know--obviously) and it just made me feel so warm and happy inside. I am so excited to read the rest of this series!

A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab
A Darker Shade of Magic (#1) was okay, Shades of Magic (#2) was even better, but A Conjuring of Light (#3) just blew them both out of the water. I was hesitant about this finale going in, but I ended up having no reason to be uncertain. I had so many emotions reading this one and it is definitely a series that I think I will revisit one day.

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
I am a huge fan of the ACOTAR series and I don't really care who knows it. I thought this was a really strong finale and I was glued to the pages. I love the cast of characters and the world Maas expanded upon in this book. I'm not sure if it was better than the second book, but it was still a truly great read and definitely one of my favorites. I was so sad to leave this world, but I am thrilled that there are going to be more books coming out that are set in this world!

Bird Box by Josh Malerman
I always try to fit in a horror book or two (at the minimum) that is my taste every year, and this year it turned out to be one of the best books I read! I could not put this book down and it was so creepy. I loved it and will now be looking up Malerman's other books.

Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray
Libba Bray has made such a fun and exciting world, and I think what I love about this series so much is that it combines decent humor, a great historical setting, and some awesome spook-factor as well. The characters all feel like such a part of my life at this point--I love this series.

Godblind by Anna Stephens
This was another powerhouse debut that I really enjoyed. This was dark, gritty, and wonderfully crafted. I was incredibly impressed and engrossed in this world--I can't wait to read more from Stephens.
Amazon | Book Depository

Soul of the World by David Mealing
This was a fantastic fantasy debut that I still think about. The magic system seemed to take classic ideas and turn them into something brand new and really interesting. I think this book is really underrated and I hope more people find it and enjoy it as much as I did!

Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook by Christina Henry
I am a huge sucker for retellings, especially Peter Pan-inspired ones, and Lost Boy fit that niche perfectly. 


Did you read any of these? What were some of your favorite books of 2017?


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Thursday, December 28, 2017

A Few 2018 Releases That I Can't Wait to Read!

2018 is just around the corner (it's okay.. deep breaths), so I thought it was time to share some 2018 releases that I am particularly looking forward to! In reality, there are far more books than the one that I have listed below that I look forward too (not including previously released books/backlist titles), but these are just the ones I'm most looking forward to. Let me know what releases you are excited for!



The Tower of Living and Dying by Anna Smith Spark
This is the sequel to A Court of Broken Knives, a 2017 grimdark debut that floored me! I am beyond excited to read the next installment. 
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

Starless by Jacqueline Carey
I love Jacqueline Carey's writing and cannot wait to read something new from her!
From the synopsis: "Starless introduces us to an epic world where exiled gods live among us, and a hero whose journey will resonate long after the last page is turned."
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
I don't think that I've ever really read a Rumpelstiltskin-inspired story, so this sounds really exciting! Novik is also a lovely writer, so I look forward to seeing what else she can do. 
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

The Court Dancer by Kyung-Sook Shin
I don't really know much about this book or the author, but I am so intrigued by the plot:
"Set during the dramatic final years of the Korean Empire, the new novel from Man Asian Literary Prize winner Kyung-Sook Shin features a mysterious dancer caught up in the dizzying sweep of history. Based on a remarkable true story, the New York Times bestselling author of Please Look After Mom brilliantly images the life of Yi Jin, an orphan who would fall under the affections of the Empress and become a jewel in the late Joseon Court."
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository



Blood of the Gods  by David Mealing
This one is the sequel to Soul of the World by David Mealing, yet another fantasy debut that I loved! This one will continue the story that "pits humans against gods in a contest for the fate of the world."
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

Circe by Madeline Miller
A book about Circe makes me so happy. I don't even know what else to say--I can't wait to read it! This sounds like it will have Circe encountering many different Greek mythological figures, including Odysseus himself on his journey home!
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

Darksoul by Anna Stephens
It's another sequel! This one comes after Godblind, another great grimdark debut from this year, and Darksoul promises even more intrigue as "evil gods walk the land."
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

City of Lies by Sam Hawke
I am always interested in books that surround poisons and those who work with them, which makes this one sound right up my alley:
"Outwardly, Jovan is the lifelong friend of the Chancellor’s charming, irresponsible Heir. Quiet. Forgettable. In secret, he's a master of poisons and chemicals, trained to protect the Chancellor’s family from treachery. When the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army lays siege to the city, Jovan and his sister Kalina must protect the Heir and save their city-state."
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository


Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber
Caraval seemed to have mixed reviews, but I thought that it was a lot of fun and I really look forward to seeing what will happen in this continuation!
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
I love the ACOTAR series, so naturally I cannot wait for this novella. 
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
I love Valente's work--and her personal commentary on many modern day issues. This book sounds so far from anything I've read from that I am really looking forward to checking it out. From the synopsis: "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets Eurovision in an over-the-top science fiction spectacle from bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente, in which sentient species compete for glory in a galactic musical contest—where the stakes are as high as the fate of planet Earth."
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Obsidio is the concluding novel in the Illuminae files space trilogy that I (and many others) love! I'v e never been a huge sci-fi fan, but this trilogy is one that I can't seem to help but become immersed in. 
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository



LIFELIK3 by Jay Kristoff
Jay Kristoff has been talking about this book so much and has even said that others have been calling it his best work yet. I'm not sure anything can top Nevernight, but I am really interested to see what this is all about. 
Pre-order: Amazon

How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee
I absolutely loved Chee's The Queen of the Night, so I am sure that this collection will be an interesting one:
"As a novelist, Alexander Chee has been described as “masterful” by Roxane Gay, “incomparable” by Junot Díaz, and “incendiary” by the New York Times. With How to Write an Autobiographical Novel, his first collection of nonfiction, he’s sure to secure his place as one of the finest essayists of his generation as well. How to Write an Autobiographical Novel is the author’s manifesto on the entangling of life, literature, and politics, and how the lessons learned from a life spent reading and writing fiction have changed him."
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

And... books that do not yet have covers:
Nevernight #3 by Jay Kristoff
I don't really have anything to say about this one except that I am just so anxiously awaiting its release!
*No pre-order available yet

Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami
Murakami is easily one of my favorite authors and I've read most of his body of work (excepting a few that I intend to pick up), and I am so thrilled to have some new fiction coming from him finally. The original Japanese edition of this book came out earlier this year, so I'm hoping that this sticks to its estimated fall release in English!
Pre-Order: Book Depository


What books are you looking forward to in 2018? Are you excited for any of these? Let me know!

Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.


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Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday Double Feature: A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa & The Outcasts of Time by Ian Mortimer


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released!

I couldn't decide on just one book today, and since both of these come out next week I thought I'd just feature both! I am always interested to read more about those who defect from North Korea, such as in Ishikawa's book, and Ian Mortimer's Outcasts of Time sounds like a fascinating take on historical fiction and a bit of time travel (which I'm not normally that into!). 

This week's upcoming book spotlight is:
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa
Publication Date: January 1st, 2018
AmazonCrossing
Pre-order: Book Depository | Amazon

From Goodreads:


"Kyra is the youngest Markswoman in the Order of Kali, a highly trained sisterhood of elite warriors armed with telepathic blades. Guided by a strict code of conduct, Kyra and the other Orders are sworn to protect the people of Asiana. But to be a Markswoman, an acolyte must repudiate her former life completely. Kyra has pledged to do so, yet she secretly harbors a fierce desire to avenge her dead family.

When Kyra’s beloved mentor dies in mysterious circumstances, and Tamsyn, the powerful, dangerous Mistress of Mental Arts, assumes control of the Order, Kyra is forced on the run. Using one of the strange Transport Hubs that are remnants of Asiana’s long-lost past, she finds herself in the unforgiving wilderness of desert that is home to the Order of Khur, the only Order composed of men. Among them is Rustan, a young, disillusioned Marksman whom she soon befriends.

Kyra is certain that Tamsyn committed murder in a twisted bid for power, but she has no proof. And if she fails to find it, fails in her quest to keep her beloved Order from following Tamsyn down a dark path, it could spell the beginning of the end for Kyra--and for Asiana.

But what she doesn’t realize is that the line between justice and vengeance is razor thin . . . thin as the blade of a knife."

The Outcasts of Time by Ian Mortimer 
Publication Date: January 2nd, 2018
Pegasus Books
Pre-order: Book Depository | Amazon

From Goodreads:



"Kyra is the youngest Markswoman in the Order of Kali, a highly trained sisterhood of elite warriors armed with telepathic blades. Guided by a strict code of conduct, Kyra and the other Orders are sworn to protect the people of Asiana. But to be a Markswoman, an acolyte must repudiate her former life completely. Kyra has pledged to do so, yet she secretly harbors a fierce desire to avenge her dead family.

When Kyra’s beloved mentor dies in mysterious circumstances, and Tamsyn, the powerful, dangerous Mistress of Mental Arts, assumes control of the Order, Kyra is forced on the run. Using one of the strange Transport Hubs that are remnants of Asiana’s long-lost past, she finds herself in the unforgiving wilderness of desert that is home to the Order of Khur, the only Order composed of men. Among them is Rustan, a young, disillusioned Marksman whom she soon befriends.

Kyra is certain that Tamsyn committed murder in a twisted bid for power, but she has no proof. And if she fails to find it, fails in her quest to keep her beloved Order from following Tamsyn down a dark path, it could spell the beginning of the end for Kyra--and for Asiana.

But what she doesn’t realize is that the line between justice and vengeance is razor thin . . . thin as the blade of a knife."
A "highly trained sisterhood of elite warrior" is pretty much all I need to see to get me excited for this one. I'm not usually drawn to revenge-motivated stories, but there are a lot of great books out there with that basis and, well, this one just sounds great! I am incredibly intrigued and can't wait for Markswoman to be released!


What do you think about this upcoming release? What are your anticipated upcoming releases?



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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday: The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman


First Chapter Tuesday is hosted every Tuesday by Diane over at Bibiophile by the Sea. This is meme in which bloggers share the first chapter of a book that they are currently reading or thinking about reading soon. Join the fun by making your own post and linking up over at Diane's blog, or simple check it out to find more new books to read!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season!
I'm finally about to jump into the second in the Invisible Library series since I received a copy for Christmas. I can't wait to see what happens in this world next, and it feels like the perfect fun read to help finish off the year.

The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman (The Invisible Library#2)



This excerpt can be found at Goodreads.

Prologue:
"The London air was full of smog and filth. Kai’s senses were better than those of a human, though he tried not to be too smug about it. But even he couldn’t see down a dark alley any better than the average Londoner. And even native Londoners walked carefully in the narrow streets behind King’s Cross Station."

Chapter One: The night before . . .
" It was a pity about the poison in her wine glass, Irene reflected. The underground room was hot, and a glass of chilled wine would have been refreshing."



What do you think? Would you keep reading this book? (And feel free to join in and make your own post!) 




I am also an Amazon affiliate, so if you'd prefer to shop through Amazon, just click the banner on the upper right hand side of my blog! (above the 'Follow by email' box, you may need to turn off adblock to see it!)

*Excerpt taken from the novel itself; I do not claim to own any part of the excerpt.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Anticipated January 2018 Releases!


Upcoming Releases: 
January 2018

The fact that I'm already making my post for January's new releases is sort of... astounding? I just don't feel ready for a new year and it's coming so fast! How is it almost Christmas already? Where are the days going? What am I doing with my life?
Regardless of my existential crises, there are numerous fantastic new releases coming next month, so as always I have compiled a list of some of the ones I'm most looking forward to. Let me know if you're excited for any of these! And happy holidays to all!

The Hazel WoodA River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North KoreaMarkswoman (Asiana, #1)The Outcasts of TimeThunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, #2)The Perfect NannyThe Lost Plot (The Invisible Library, #4)The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1)
Grist Mill RoadRed ClocksBeneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children, #3)A Time Of Dread (Of Blood and Bone #1)
Between the Blade and the Heart (Valkyrie #1)The Chalk ManUnearthed (Unearthed, #1)Everless (Untitled #1)The English WifeBlood SistersBlood and Sand: A NovelThe Mermaid and Mrs Hancock
Reign of the FallenThe Forgotten Book


The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert || January 30th -- Amazon BookDepository

A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa || January 1st -- Amazon BookDepository

Markswoman by Rati Mehrotra || January 23rd -- Amazon BookDepository

The Outcasts of Time by Ian Mortimer || January 2nd -- Amazon BookDepository

Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe #2) by Neal Shusterman || January 9th -- Amazon BookDepository

The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani || January 9th -- Amazon BookDepository

The Lost Plot by Genevieve Cogman || January 8th -- Amazon BookDepository

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black || January 2nd -- Amazon BookDepository

Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates || January 9th -- Amazon BookDepository

Red Clocks by Leni Zumas || January 16th -- Amazon BookDepository

Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children #3) by Seanan Maguire || January 9th -- Amazon BookDepository

A Time of Dread by John Gwynne || January 11th -- Amazon BookDepository

Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner || January 9th -- Amazon BookDepository

Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking || January 2nd -- Amazon BookDepository

The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor || January 9th -- Amazon BookDepository

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar || January 25th -- Amazon BookDepository

Everless by Sara Holland || January 2nd -- Amazon BookDepository

The English Wife by Lauren Willig || January 9th -- Amazon BookDepository

Blood Sisters by Jane Corry || January 30th -- Amazon BookDepository

Blood and Sand by C.V. Wyk || January 16th -- Amazon BookDepository

Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh || January 23rd -- Amazon BookDepository

The Forgotten Book by Mechthild Glaser || January 2nd -- Amazon BookDepository


What are your anticipated January releases?

Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.

I am also an Amazon affiliate, so if you'd prefer to shop through Amazon, just click the banner on the upper right hand side of my blog! (above the 'Follow by email' box, you may need to turn off adblock to see it!)