Shelf Control #16

So. It’s been a… not insignificant amount of time since I last participated in Shelf Control. But let’s not discuss that.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books languishing on our bookshelves created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies. It’s a whole lotta fun, so if you’re interested in participating yourself, click the backlink above.

This time the book is another one from the MCU – the Maas Cinematic Universe, that is. It’s the first book in the Crescent City series, House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

SERIES: Crescent City #1

LENGTH: 800 pages

GENRES: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction

PUBLISHER: Bloomsbury Publishing

RELEASE DATE: 3 March 2020

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The CRESCENT CITY series begins with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

Why It Languishes on My Bookshelf

WHEN I GOT IT: January 2024

WHY I WANTED TO READ IT: I’ve been interested in this series for a while. Especially since a couple of my cousins are planning on reading it.

WHY I HAVEN’T READ IT YET: I’ve had one the worst reading slumps I’ve ever experienced happening for the past few months. It began in December of last year and basically went until about two weeks ago. So the slump, combined with the ridiculous length of the novel, has put me off of it for a while.

WILL I EVER READ IT?: Yes, almost definitely! In fact, there’s a good chance it’s gonna be the book that I read next!

What book has been sitting unread on your bookshelf? Are you planning on reading it eventually?

As always, thanks so much for reading, and I hope that you have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 11/13 – 11/19

So, I’m just gonna go right out and say it. I think last week was great. It could have been slightly better, but I ended up having some annoying stomach problems over the weekend. So I didn’t finish the book review I had planned (now coming: tomorrow).

Anyway, let’s wrap-up last week.

Tuesday 11/14: Tasteful Tuesday

Last Tuesday I finally did another Tasteful Tuesday. Tasteful Tuesday, if you aren’t aware, is when I highlight an awesome looking book cover and talk about what I like about it.

Tasteful Tuesday #2

Wednesday 11/15: Shelf Control

On Wednesday, after many, many weeks, I actually participated in another Shelf Control. Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books that are just sitting on our bookshelves, created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control #15

Thursday 11/16: White Trash Warlock Review

Last Thursday, I got around to posting my book review for White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton, a queer, urban fantasy. I gave it ★★★★☆.

My review of White Trash Warlock

Friday 11/17: November 2023 Birthstone Books

On Friday, I participated in one of my favorite monthly posts, Birthstone Book Covers. Birthstone Book Covers is a fun post created and hosted by Leslie @ Books are the New Black. It’s November, which has two birthstones – topaz and citrine, so the covers were all gold-ish.

Birthstone Book Covers: November 2023

Books I Read Last Week

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

One Piece Volumes 13 - 14 - 15 by Eiichiro Oda

One Piece Volumes 16 - 17 - 18 by Eiichiro Oda

🎁💖 Wrapping It All Up 🎁💖

So yeah, I got quite a few posts published this past week. I had planned for one more, but sometimes life just doesn’t let you have nice things. Next week I might have less posts as usual, because of the holiday, but who knows. Maybe I’ll still somehow manage to get four posts in?

As for reading, I’m hoping to read the entirety of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. I unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to start it this weekend, and I want to correct that ASAP. I’m also gonna continue with One Piece, of course, and I’m hoping to finish up the arc that I’m reading this week as well.

This week, I’m also going be doing a doing a bunch of stuff to get ready for Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite holidays, cuz to me it’s always been a celebration of food and family (which are two things that I adore). So even though I’ll be a little busier than usual, I don’t mind too much.

I think I mentioned that I had a book haul a week or two ago, but I don’t think I ever posted a picture of said haul. Well, here it is! From top to bottom: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett, The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, Complete Poems: 1914 – 1962 by E.E. Cummings, and The Princess Bride by William Goldman.

But yeah, that’s all for the wrap-up. Thank you so much for reading, and have an excellent day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Shelf Control #15

So this time, it’s been four months since I’ve participated in this post. It’s a new record everyone! 😭💀

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books languishing on our bookshelves created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies. It’s a whole lotta fun, so if you’re interested in participating yourself, click the backlink above.

This week I’m gonna highlight is one I bought because I bought the first book, and I wanted to have the sequel cued up for when I was done with it. It’s Hexed by Kevin Hearne, the second book in the Iron Druid Chronicles.

Hexed by Kevin Hearne

SERIES: The Iron Druid Chronicles (Book #2)

LENGTH: 342 pages

GENRES: Fantasy, Fiction

PUBLISHER: Del Rey Books

RELEASE DATE: 7 June 2011

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In the second novel in the New York Times bestselling Iron Druid Chronicles, two thousand-year-old Druid Atticus O’Sullivan faces off against witches, Bacchants, and a ravenous fallen angel.

Atticus O’Sullivan has had cause to mistrust witches in his storied past, but he’s willing to live and let live with the Sisters of the Three Auroras, a legendary local coven, even going so far as to sign a non-aggression treaty with them. But that treaty is tested immediately when a deadly new coven sweeps into town seeking to take over, along with some Bacchants from Las Vegas and a fallen angel who’s decided to snack on high school students like they were trail mix.

It’s more than Atticus can handle alone and he must enlist the trickster Coyote, the headhopping abilities of the witch Laksha Kulesekaran, and his neighbor’s illegal arsenal if he wants to keep the city safe from diabolical takeover. He must also exchange favors with his vampire attorney, Leif Helgarson, in a deal that might prove to be the worst of his long life–for Leif doesn’t want to be paid by the hour.

To defeat the mortal hexes of this new coven and keep his apprentice–and his city–safe, Atticus must think fast, make promises, keep his sword handy, and hope he’ll survive to fight another day.

Why It Languishes on My Bookshelf

WHEN I GOT IT: October 2023

WHY I WANTED TO READ IT: I bought it preemptively when I bought Hounded, the first book in this series. I wanted to have the sequel ready to go in case I (hopefully) liked it. In fact, I actually kind of expected to like it.

WHY I HAVEN’T READ IT YET: I didn’t like the first book, so I haven’t had any interest in continuing with the series.

WILL I EVER READ IT?: No. I didn’t like the first book, and I really don’t have any interest in reading any of the other Iron Druid Chronicles.

But yeah, thank you for reading and have an awesome day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/17 – 7/23

Yay! Last week was better for me! I got in four posts (aside from the weekly wrap-up of course). It was a huge improvement after the week preceding it.

I honestly don’t have much of an intro this time. ☹️ So without further ado, let’s jump right into the wrap-up.

Monday 7/17: Majestic Monday

Last Monday, I did the first Majestic Monday that I’ve done in a long time. It felt great, and I’m excited to post more of these in the future. For those who don’t know, Majestic Mondays are when I gush over covers that I like.

Majestic Monday #14

Wednesday 7/19: Shelf Control

On Wednesday, I finally posted another Shelf Control. Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books languishing on our bookshelves created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control #14

Friday 7/21: First Line Friday

Last Friday, I once again participated in First Line Fridays. First Line Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers (formerly) hosted by Wandering Words.

First Line Friday 7/21

Sunday 7/23: Deltora Quest Review

Yesterday, I finally posted my review for the entire first series of Emily Rodda’s Deltora Quest. It’s a series of fantasy books geared towards children/middle grade. I rated the entire series as a whole ★★★★☆, but I also rated each of the eight books individually.

Deltora Quest Series Review

Books That I Read Last Week

Goals for 7/24 – 7/30

I want to do at least four or five blog posts, aside from this weekly wrap-up. I’ll be doing my usual weekly feature participating, of course, but I also definitely want to do one and hopefully two book reviews. I’m also considering doing a new post this week.

So yeah, I just want to keep on keeping on, basically. Wish me luck! 🤞

As always, thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have a fantastic day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Shelf Control #14

It’s been three months since I’ve participated in this feature. Whoops. (Ugh.)

This week I’m gonna highlight a book I’ve had for a couple of months, but (obviously) haven’t read yet. It’s Eragon by Christopher Paolini.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

SERIES: The Inheritance Cycle (Book #1)

LENGTH: 528 pages

GENRES: Fantasy, YA, Fiction

PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

RELEASE DATE: 1 August 2003

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When fifteen-year-old Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and, gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save–or destroy–the Empire.

Why It Languishes on my Bookshelf

WHEN I GOT IT: March 2023

WHY I WANTED TO READ IT: Two reasons- One: I never finished the series (I only read the first three books), and, Two: Murtagh, a new adventure set in the same universe, is releasing later this year.

WHY I HAVEN’T READ IT YET: I kept getting distracted by other books.

WILL I EVER READ IT?: I don’t know, actually. I’m not as revved about rereading this series or reading Murtagh as I was at the beginning of the year. Who knows, though.

Anyway, thank you for reading and have an amazing day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/10 – 4/16

This week was, fortunately, less busy than the one before it. Thank goodness. The holidays always seem to be busy for me, regardless of what I decide to do. Maybe I’ll change up my routine around those times?

Anyway, I was able to get more stuff done, and post more than one book review this past week. Yay! And I also participated in Shelf Control for the first time in what feels like forever. So progress on several fronts!

But enough about that. Let’s go over last week.

Wednesday 4/12: Shelf Control #13

Last Wednesday, I finally posted another Shelf Control. Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books languishing on our bookshelves created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control #13

Thursday 4/13: The Cloud Roads Review

Thursday was when I was finally able to get my review out for The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells. It was an interesting, slow-burn fantasy novel, and is the first in The Books of the Raksura series. I gave it ★★★✯☆.

My review of The Cloud Roads

Friday 4/14: First Line Friday #10

On Friday I participated in First Line Fridays yet again. First Line Fridays is a weekly feature formerly hosted by Wandering Words.

First Line Friday #10

Sunday 4/16: Blood & Honey Review

Yesterday, I had finally finished re-skimming Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin, and was ready to post my updated review for it on the blog. I gave it ★✫☆☆☆.

My review of Blood & Honey

Books That I Read Last Week

Goals for 4/17 – 4/23

I just want to keep up with everything like I’ve been doing for the past few weeks. I’m really happy with what I’ve been able to post on the blog, and get done with the rest of my life outside of the blog.

I do want to do another Majestic Monday before the day is out. It’s something I haven’t been able to really get to for about a month, and I’m somewhat disappointed in myself for not keeping up with it, even though it was out of my control.

I also want to read more than one book this week, and just read more in general. Last week I fell into a little slump, and I want to get myself out of that ASAP.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Shelf Control #13

It’s been, gosh, another three weeks since I’ve participated in this feature. Again. (Ugh.)

This week I’m gonna highlight a book I’ve had for a couple of months, but (obviously) haven’t read yet. It’s Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, the first in The Locked Tomb series.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

SERIES: The Locked Tomb (Book #1)

LENGTH: 448 pages

GENRES: Fantasy, Science Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Fiction

PUBLISHER: Tor/Forge

RELEASE DATE: 10 September 2019

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The Emperor needs necromancers.

The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.

Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.

Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.

Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.

Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will be become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.

Of course, some things are better left dead.

Why It Languishes on My Bookshelf

WHEN I GOT IT: February 2023

WHY I WANTED TO READ IT: It was a book – and a series – that I’d heard nothing but praise for. Then, when I decided to look into it more, I realized that I liked a lot about the story and world building.

WHY I HAVEN’T READ IT YET: I’ve been distracted by all kinds of books lately (which is par for the course for me, honestly), and then I decided to wait until closer to Nona the Ninth’s paperback release later this year. (I’m a simple person. I already have the first two in paperback, and I want my books to match, okay?) (I’ll make the digital sacrifice for Alecto, though, and buy its paperback next year.)

WILL I EVER READ IT?: I think that I already answered this question, but I’ll reiterate: Yes, absolutely I still intend to read this.

Thank you for reading and have a fantastic day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/20 – 3/26

Gosh, it’s a new week already. Time sure flies when you read a bunch of books, haha.

I got a ton of stuff done last week that I’m happy with, but at the same time, I didn’t quite get to everything that I wanted to get finished (or posted). But I’m reading a lot more and posting a lot more than I was in December and January, so I’m really happy with what I’ve gotten done (and read) in the past couple of months.

Without further ado, let’s go over last week.

Monday 3/20: Spring 2023 Equinox

Last Monday, I forwent a Majestic Monday post, and instead did special spring post. It was basically about whether or not I’m a seasonal reader, what I generally read, and some of the stuff on my immediate TBR.

Spring Reading 2023

Wednesday 3/22: WWW Wednesday / Shelf Control #12

Wednesday I was able to double post! Yay! I did a WWW Wednesday (hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words), and a Shelf Control (hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies).

WWW Wednesday 3/22

Shelf Control #12

Thursday 3/23: A Court of Wings and Ruin Review

Last Thursday, I finally posted my review for A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. It was a big book, so it took me a couple days (and then I like to spend a day ruminating on what I read and getting my thoughts together). But I finally finished it and posted the review!

A Court of Wings and Ruin Review

Friday 3/24: First Line Friday #8

On Friday I participated in First Line Fridays (~~formerly~~ hosted by Wandering Words). I had a lot of fun with the post. The eighth time I joined in, and it hasn’t gotten old yet!

First Line Friday #8

Books That I Read Last Week

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Goals for 3/27 – 4/2

I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. Aside from this weekend, I did fantastically last week. (I usually take Saturday off from blogging, and I was feeling under the weather yesterday.)

I was gonna post my A Court of Frost and Starlight review yesterday but… yeah, didn’t feel good. So you can expect that review later today! And I finished A Court of Silver Flames this morning, so I’m gonna try to post that review tomorrow!

Thank you for reading, and have an excellent day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Shelf Control #12

It’s been, gosh, three weeks since I’ve participated in this feature. Again.

This week I’m highlighting a book I’ve wanted to read for a couple of years, but have never found the right time to read it: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Length: 305 pages

Genres: Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Fiction

Publisher: Tor Books

Release Date: 17 March 2020

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

Why It Languishes on My Bookshelf

When I Got It: April 2021

Why I Wanted to Read It: Because I’d heard nothing but good things about it, particularly from one of my college friends. And the reviews were also glowing.

Why I Haven’t Read It Yet: I was busy with other stuff when I first got it, and then it just never seemed like the right time for whatever reason. Plus, as usual, I kept getting distracted by other books.

Will I Ever Read It?: I absolutely still want to read this. Perhaps if I enjoy In the Lives of Puppets, I’ll read it afterwards.

Thank you for reading and have a fantastic day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/6 – 3/12

It’s a new week! Yay!

And last week was honestly fantastic for me. Sure, I didn’t quite post as much as I might’ve liked to, but I was feeling waaayy better – which is a huge step up from the two weeks preceding it. And I’ll take that any day.

But yeah, it’s a new week, so it’s time to wrap up the last one. So let’s get to it!

Wednesday 3/8: WWW Wednesday #7

Last Wednesday I did another WWW Wednesday post. WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words, and celebrates the 3 Ws of reading. What are the 3 Ws you might ask? We’ll, you can find out if you check out my post from last week.

Thursday 3/9: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea Review

On Thursday, I finally posted my book review for The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. It was a wonderful fairytale-like fantasy novel that I rated ★★★★☆. If you’re interested in my thoughts on it, you can read my review in full here.

Friday 3/10: First Line Friday #6

This past Friday I participated in another First Line Friday. First Line Friday is a weekly feature formerly hosted by Wandering Words, but is something that I discovered over at One Book More. To see what book I highlighted, you can click here.

Sunday 3/12: A Court of Mist and Fury Review

Yesterday (still part of last week though), I did another retrospective book review. It’s where I review a book I read before I created this blog and see if it still holds up for me.

This time, I did A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J, Maas, a very popular fantasy novel in a very popular fantasy series. I originally felt it was ★★★★★, but my feelings have since changed. If you want to know what I think about the book now, my entire review and all, you can read it here.

Goals for 3/13 – 3/19

Once again, I don’t really have any other goal than to post at least as much as or (hopefully) more than last week. So yeah, still nothing fancy, but it’s what I’m able to do at the moment. I only recently got over being sick for a while, and I’m still trying to take it easier and I don’t want to stress myself out.

Annnd that should tie everything out in a nice little bow. As always, thank you so much to everyone for reading, and have a fantastic day/night!

See ya ~Mar