It’s that time of the week again, so it’s time for some more Shelf Control. Shelf Control is an original feature created and hosted by Lisa @ BookshelfFantasies.com.
It’s a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out this post at BookshelfFantasies.com.
This week I’m talking about – you guessed it! – yet another fantasy novel. This one’s The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.
About The Lies of Locke Lamora
Series: Gentleman Bastards [Book #1]
Length: 752 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: June 27, 2006
Book Description
An orphan’s life is harsh—and often short—in the mysterious island city of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges death and slavery, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist. As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Gentleman Bastards, Locke is soon infamous, fooling even the underworld’s most feared ruler. But in the shadows lurks someone still more ambitious and deadly. Faced with a bloody coup that threatens to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the enemy at his own brutal game—or die trying.
Why It Languishes on My Bookshelf
When I Got It: January 2021
Why I Decided to Read It: I’d heard some glowing reviews about it, and I’ve heard that it’s considered to be one of the so-called GOATs of fantasy.
Why I Haven’t Read It Yet: I just got distracted by other life stuff, coupled with being busy. Then I kind of forgot about it for a while and I started reading other things.
Will I Ever Read It?: Yes! I absolutely still really want to read this! I’m hoping to sooner rather than later, as well (like in the next few weeks type of soon, actually, haha).
It’s Sunday again, which means that it’s once again the end of the week, so it’s time to wrap it up, by reflecting on what appeared on the blog this week.
Here we go!
Monday 11/28: Majestic Monday Week #4
This Monday, as per usual, I highlighted some pretty book covers during Majestic Monday. This week focused on Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer, The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg, and Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. You can read the full post here, if you missed it.
Tuesday 11/29: ACOTAR Retrospective Review
On Tuesday, I posted a retrospective review on A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. (The first book, not the series.) It has been a while since I’d posted one of these, so I thought that it was more than overdo. Check out the post here if you missed it.
Wednesday 11/30: Shelf Control Week #5
Halfway through the week, it was once again time for some Shelf Control. This Wednesday, I highlighted a book that’s been languishing on my (virtual) shelf for over a year now, still unread. It’s Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson. If you missed it, you can check out this Shelf Control here.
Thursday 12/1: Looking Back on November 2022
Thursday was the first day of December, so it was time to go over my reading stats from November. Which I did. Fairly in-depth, I might add. It was fun doing a little analysis on myself. You can check out the full post here.
Friday 12/2: Error 404 – Not Found
Close your eyes and imagine that there’s something here. Or just close your eyes and scroll past this. (I was busy this week, okay?!?) (Lol.)
Saturday 12/3: “The Last Life of Prince Alastor” Book Review
On Saturday, I finallyposted my book review on the second Prosper Redding book, The Last Life of Prince Alastor by Alexandra Bracken. It was a bit of a long time coming, but this week was busy. I really liked this book, though not as much as its precursor. You can read my full review here if you want to see my full thoughts on it.
Sunday 12/4: Reflection & Goals for Next Week
Sooo… This week I didn’t post quite as often as I’d have liked, but life sucks sometimes like that. Hopefully next week I’ll do a little better. I did have fun though, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most, so I wouldn’t say it was a bad week by any means. It was just… weaker. A weak week, if you will.
This Week’s Goals Met (and Un-Met)
2 or 3 book reviews
1 or 2 reading retrospectives
Majestic Monday
Shelf Control
Something new, maybe (no, technically, did not do this)
Next Week’s Goals
2 or 3 book reviews
1 or 2 reading retrospectives
Most interesting-looking new books releasing in December 2022
Majestic Monday
Shelf Control
And that’s all for this week! Thank you, as always, for joining me for bookish things. Join me again next time for more of that kind of stuff!
It’s that time of the week again, so it’s time for some more Shelf Control. Shelf Control is an original feature created and hosted by Lisa @ BookshelfFantasies.com.
It’s a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out BookshelfFantasies.com.
This time, I’m talking about a sci-fi novel that’s been on my shelf for a hot minute. It’s called Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson.
Not only that, but she’s in a hot, dirty cave, it’s the year 3102, and everyone keeps calling her Goddess. When Andra went into a cryonic sleep for a trip across the galaxy, she expected to wake up in a hundred years, not a thousand. Worst of all, the rest of the colonists–including her family and friends–are dead. They died centuries ago, and for some reason, their descendants think Andra’s a deity. She knows she’s nothing special, but she’ll play along if it means she can figure out why she was left in stasis and how to get back to Earth.
Zhade, the exiled bastard prince of Eerensed, has other plans. Four years ago, the sleeping Goddess’s glass coffin disappeared from the palace, and Zhade devoted himself to finding it. Now he’s hoping the Goddess will be the key to taking his rightful place on the throne–if he can get her to play her part, that is. Because if his people realize she doesn’t actually have the power to save their dying planet, they’ll kill her.
With a vicious monarch on the throne and a city tearing apart at the seams, Zhade and Andra might never be able to unlock the mystery of her fate, let alone find a way to unseat the king, especially since Zhade hasn’t exactly been forthcoming with Andra. And a thousand years from home, is there any way of knowing that Earth is better than the planet she’s woken to?
Why It Languishes on my Bookshelf
When I Got It: July 2021
Why I Wanted to Read It: It seemed like a cool sci-fi YA novel with an interesting presence. I love it when science fiction, or when science-fantasy, has technology that seems like magic, because most of the characters don’t actually understand what it is. It just usually makes for a compelling and interesting story.
Why I Haven’t Read It Yet: I had lots of stuff going on at the time, so I pushed it off to the side for a while. Then I got distracted by other books when I had less stuff going on, and the rest is history.
Will I Ever Read It?: Hmmm… I’m not sure actually. I still kinda want to, in the back of my brain, but I honestly don’t know. Maybe someday soon when I’m feeling a sci-fi novel again.
And that’s it for this week’s Shelf Control! Have you read this book? What did you think of it? As always, thanks for reading, and join me next time for some more bookish things.
It’s the end of the weekend again, so it’s time for another wrap-up of everything added to the blog this past week.
Just as a nice little post in which we can look back on the past week, as well as a place for those who missed posts during the week, to have the opportunity to find and check them out, in an easy and accessible way.
Monday 11/21: Majestic Monday #3
This Monday was, as usual, a majestic one. For the first time, we looked at three pretty book covers instead of just one.
This week, those books were Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, Gild by Raven Kennedy, and A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher. All of them were beautiful, but in different ways. This week was also the first one where the covers were all given star ratings on just how pretty they were. Check out the full post here.
Tuesday 11/22: “In Deeper Waters” Review
On Tuesday, I reviewed the book In Deeper Waters by F. T. Lukens. It was a Little Mermaid inspired, high fantasy novel. It centers on Prince Tal and Athlen, a mysterious young man who’s definitely not a merman. But it’s also about rediscovering familial bonds, and just how powerful love in all forms, can be. Check out the full review here.
Wednesday 11/23: Shelf Control #4
And then, the middle of the week rolled around, and it was once again time for Shelf Control. After all, it was Wednesday. This week, I focused on To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo.
It’s a book that’s been on my bookshelf for a couple of years, that I haven’t gotten around to reading. It also happens to be another Little Mermaid inspired novel. But it’s not one I’m sure I’ll ever read. You can see the full post here.
Thursday 11/24: Thanksgiving, Favorite Cookbooks
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Er, late Thanksgiving, that is. But I said it in the original post on Thursday, so it totally counts! For Turkey Day this year, I did a post about my top three cookbooks. Because it’s, ya know, a holiday about food? So I thought it’d be “tasteful.” (…LAUGH!)
Anyway, my favorite cookbooks that I included were, The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook by Rosanna Pansino, Betty Crocker’s Cookbook [12th Edition] by Betty Crocker, and Tasty Dessert: All the Sweet You Can Eat by Tasty. You can check out the entire post here.
Friday 11/25: Books I’m Thankful For
I didn’t think of it until after I finished the Thanksgiving post, but I wanted to do a post about books that I’m thankful for, nonetheless. So on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, I did just that.
The book – or books, in this case – that I focused on this year, was the Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne. These stories in particular are precious to me, because this is the series that got me into reading. Check out my soliloquy to these books here.
Saturday 11/26: “The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding” Review
On Saturday, I did another book review. This time it was on the first book in the Prosper Redding duology by Alexandra Bracken: The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding. This was a fun little romp that I recommend to people of most ages. It has magic, witches, demons, and character development. What more could you want? Check out the full review here.
Sunday 11/27: Weekly Wrap-Up, Goals for Next Week
I had wanted to do another post today, but with the holiday and all that, I was just far too busy, and I didn’t have the time. So, for today, it’s just the wrap-up and goals for next week. But first I want to go over the goals from last week that I met:
Post 2 or 3 book reviews
Majestic Monday
Shelf Control
Something Thanksgiving themed
I was able to meet every goal except posting a reading retrospective. Yay!
And the goals for the week of 11/28 – 12/4 are:
Post 2 or 3 book reviews
Do 1 or 2 retrospectives
Majestic Monday
Shelf Control
Something new, maybe
Aaand that’s a wrap! Thanks for joining me for this post, and for any of the posts from the past week! Join me next post for more bookish things.
It’s Wednesday once again, so it’s time for some more Shelf Control. Shelf Control is an original feature created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.
Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out this post on BookshelfFantasies.com.
This week, I’m talking about a breakout YA fantasy debut that’s come out within the last few years. And, to my knowledge, it’s still relatively popular, I haven’t checked or anything though. It’s To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo.
About To Kill a Kingdom
Series: Standalone novel
Length: 346 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Book Description
Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most–a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen and or remain a human forever.
The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby–it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good–But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?
Why It Languishes on My Bookshelf
When I Got It: July 2021
Why I Wanted to Read It: Because it looked interesting. And it had mermaids. I love mermaids.
Why I Haven’t Read It Yet: This was a huge impulse buy. I decided that I wasn’t really that interested in reading it a few days after I got it, actually.
Will I Ever Read It?: Probably not. Like I said, I lost interest pretty quickly.
Have you read To Kill a Kingdom? What did you think of it? Have you read any of the author’s other work?
Thank you, as always, for joining me for this Shelf Control. Next post will (as usual) have more bookish things!
So, a couple of weeks ago, I posted a book haul/reading update thing. And it taught me that I shouldn’t do book hauls. Not cuz I don’t get books every week or so and read them, but cuz I can’t keep a schedule when it comes to reading books.
Also, sometimes I DNF them and stuff. Yeah…
So, I decided to do it at the end of the week instead. That way I don’t have to commit to specific stuff ahead of time. And, without further ado, let’s get started!
As I discuss in the cover review, I really liked the contrast between the gold and the green on the cover. As well as the font of the title and design in general.
Tuesday 11/15: Mickey7 Review
Here, I did a book review. This one was on a book that had been languishing in the back of my mind for a few months, and that I was kinda sitting on the review for a while. It was Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, a sassy, sci-fi adventure, featuring both humor and existentialism.
I know; it’s quite the combination it has there. But Ashton really balances it well. Oh, and it’s apparently gonna be a movie, I guess? With Robert Pattinson. Yeah… Anyway, check out my review.
Wednesday 11/16: Shelf Control #3
For this week’s Shelf Control – on Wednesday, as per usual – I focused on An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. This is a book that I’ve had for years, but has spent that time just sitting on one of my bookshelves.
It’s one of those that I bought on a whim, cuz the summary seemed slightly interesting, and it had good reviews. But, it’s also one I’m not sure I’ll ever get around to reading. Find out why.
Thursday 11/17: Serpent & Dove Retrospective Review
It’s not really that bad – though I do have Opinions on certain characters – but it isn’t great either. (Blood & Honey, it’s sequel, was not so okay, on the other hand. More on that later.)
Friday 11/18: The Murderbot Diaries Review
At long last, I’ve finally gotten around to doing my The Murderbot Diaries review. It wasn’t a long time coming or anything, but it has been a few weeks since I’ve finished Fugitive Telemetry, so it definitely took a bit to get done.
All I have to say is, I definitely recommend this series. If this little section doesn’t convince you, then please check out my review.
Saturday 11/19: Error 404 Not Found
Uhhh… Just pretend there’s something here. Yeah…
Sunday 11/20: Weekly Wrap-up & Goals for the Coming Week
So yeah, this is all the stuff I posted this week. Not everything I wanted to do, unfortunately, but that’s life. Gonna try to get more of what I want to do done, but we’ll see what happens with the holiday weekend and all that.
Goals for Next Week: 11/21 – 11/27
Post 2 or 3 book reviews
Post 1 or 2 retrospectives
Majestic Monday
Shelf Control
…Maybe something Thanksgiving themed?
Annnd, that’s all I’ve got for this week! See you all again, next time!
It’s Wednesday once again, so it’s time for some more Shelf Control. Shelf Control is an original feature created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.
Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out BookshelfFantasies.com.
This week, I’m talking about a popular YA fantasy book from a few years back. Well, it’s probably still pretty popular, I haven’t checked or anything though. It’s An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir.
About An Ember in the Ashes
Series: An Ember in the Ashes [Book #1]
Length: 480 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Book Description
Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear. It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do. But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.
Why It Languishes on My Bookshelf
When I Acquired It: October 2017
Why I Wanted to Read It: The book had good reviews, and many of the people around me at the time kept singing its praises.
Why I Haven’t Read It Yet: When I got the book, life happened, and I kinda forgot about it for quite a while. By the time I remembered that I had it, I’d lost interest in it.
Will I Ever Read It?: I honestly don’t know. I’ve heard different reviews since then that have turned me off from it a little, and the stuff I’ve heard about the plot and characters just doesn’t seem like my cup of tea. Who knows, though?
Have you read An Ember in the Ashes? What did you think of it? Or is your copy languishing on your shelf, just like mine? As always, thanks for tuning in!
It’s that time of week again. So it’s time for more Shelf Control.
Shelf Control is an original feature created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.
Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out BookshelfFantasies.com.
For this week I chose The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle.
The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone...
...so she ventured out from the safety of the enchanted forest on a quest for others of her kind. Joined along the way by the bumbling magician Schmendrick and the indomitable Molly Grue, the unicorn learns all about the joys and sorrows of life and love before meeting her destiny in the castle of a despondent monarch—and confronting the creature that would drive her kind to extinction....
In The Last Unicorn, renowned and beloved novelist Peter S. Beagle spins a poignant tale of love, loss, and wonder that has resonated with millions of readers around the world.
When I Got It
July 2016
Why I Wanted to Read It
I wanted to read The Last Unicorn because it’s a piece of classic fantasy literature, and I’ve heard such wonderful things about it. I’ve never seen the movie either, though I’ve also heard great things about that, too. It just seems like such a beautiful story, and I wanted to experience it for myself.
Why I Haven’t Read It Yet
I acquired it at the same time as several other books, and it just got lost in the shuffle. And I just kind of forgot that I had it on the back burner and never got around to reading it. I’d still like to though; hopefully soon rather than later.
Have you read The Last Unicorn? Did you find it to be as wonderful as everyone says it is?
As always, thank you to everyone for tuning in, and have a fantastic day/night!
Shelf Control is an original feature created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.
Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out this post from BookshelfFantasies.com.
This is my first week participating in it, and I’m very excited! I’ve got a ton of books that I’ve bought, but are still sitting unread on my shelves, months or even years later. And the book that I, Marin Gier, have decided to start off with is… 🥁🥁🥁
She has left the Night Court – and her High Lord – and is playing a deadly game of deceit. In the Spring Court, Tamlin is making deals with the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees, and Feyre is determined to uncover his plans. But to do so she must weave a web of lies, and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As mighty armies grapple for power, Feyre must decide who to trust among the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
But while war races, it is her heart that will face the greatest battle.
When I Got It:
November 2017
Why I Wanted to Read It:
I had read the first two – ACOWAR and ACOMAF – each after they had come out and enjoyed them, so I thought I’d do the same with this one.
Why I Haven’t Read It:
I read the first two in November of the years that they were released – despite them both coming out in May, just like this one – and I wanted to recreate the same feeling and atmosphere as when I had read the others.
I ended up getting both busy and distracted, and by the time I finally had time to read it, I just… didn’t. I didn’t feel like reading it at that time for whatever reason, and not just because it’s ginormous. And I guess I still haven’t gotten around to reading it because I kind of fell out of the ACOTAR series after that. I’d still kind of like to read it eventually, though.
Have you read this book? Or any of Sarah J. Maas’ series’? Did you like them or dislike them?
