It’s June you guys! Which means long, hot days full of books, right? I’ve finally started to get my blogging mojo back, although it’s weird, I feel like I’m recovering from some big life change, or something. I’m not sure I would recommend taking too much time off blogging, because I discovered that I actually enjoyed the freedom of not writing book reviews, lol. Of course, I’m paying for it now because I’m about six or seven reviews behind schedule, and I fully intend to write and post them all. But it gave me a glimpse of what my life used to be like, before I started blogging and I could literally read whatever I wanted to. Here are some of the books I’ve read that you’ll be seeing reviews for soon:
I’m going to change things up a bit in the coming months, mostly to keep my sanity, but also because I feel like I’m in a rut. I want to keep blogging, and I want to keep my hard-won relationships with publishers, and I want to stay part of the blogging community because, YOU GUYS. But I’m going to be requesting fewer books in the future and saying “no” a lot more than I used to. I’m envious of several of my blogging buddies who seem to be able to combine review and non-review books, diving back into their favorite authors’ backlists from time to time and even veering off and reading outside their usual genres (I’m looking at you, Bonnie and Barb!).
The other big change I’m making is that, sorry folks, but I’m packing away my Book Review Giveaways for now. I’ve been doing that giveaway every month for several years, and I did a quick calculation the other day to see how much money I’ve spent on it, and it made me realize that it’s probably time to take a break. I started the giveaway for really one purpose, and that was because I didn’t feel like my book reviews were getting much attention. I think I’m in a better place now, as far as that goes, so I’m hoping the people who enjoy my reviews will stick around, and the “giveaway junkies” who only stop by for the giveaways will, well, I don’t really care what they do. I suspect I won’t see them any longer.
And now that we’ve got that out of the way, I have to say that June is probably my busiest month so far this year, in terms of the amount of review books I have. And this is a fantastic month for new releases, so I’m trying my hardest to read as many of these as I can. Obviously I won’t get to all of these, so expect some of them to move to my July reading pile. Here’s what’s on my plate this month:
Most anticipated of the month: The Queen of Swords by R.S. Belcher and Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory. I’ll have already finished Spoonbenders by the time this post goes up, so expect a review very soon! I have to say it’s not my favorite Gregory book, and it was very different from his other books, but I definitely enjoyed it. More on that later! Belcher’s latest is part of his Golgotha series, a weird fantasy western that I’ve enjoyed reading. I can’t wait to dive back into his world:-)
Two more highly anticipated June books are Fata Morgana by Steve Boyett & Ken Mitchroney, and The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente.
The Prey of Gods by Nicky Drayden. I’m looking forward to this sci-fi tale set in South Africa. Plus that cover is already telling me a story, and I want to know more!
Wilders by Brenda Cooper. This is being billed as an environmental science fiction. I’ve had the ARC for a while so I’m glad it’s finally release month.
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss. For some reason this is reminding me of The Only Child (which I was supposed to have read by now but, oops). It takes the characters from various classical monster tales and builds a story around them.
The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson. I’ve been following Kayla on Instagram and her posts have made me even more excited to read this book!
The Changeling by Victor LaValle. I’ve enjoyed LaValle’s novels, and he’s made a name for himself with his multi-award nominated The Ballad of Black Tom (which I was so-so about), so I’m curious to see if he can wow me again, in the novel department.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee. I loved Lee’s first book, This Monstrous Thing, and this looks COMPLETELY different. But it’s calling my name, even though a) it seems more contemporary than speculative and b) but wait! It’s not contemporary it’s historical! In any case, check it out.
Shattered Minds by Laura Lam. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I’m going forward with this anyway. I loved Lam’s Micah Grey series, and I’ve heard great things about this one too.
The Waking Land by Callie Bates. I didn’t think I was going to be approved for this, it took a couple of months on NetGalley, but I did get approved recently, so on the pile it goes! Wow, Goodreads reviews are literally ALL over the place. Hmmm….
Amatka by Karin Tidbeck. Really looking forward to this!
More fun stuff:
I’m excited to be part of the Mars Girls blog tour this month, thanks to Apex Books! My review will be posted on June 1, and I have an interview with author Mary Turzillo on June 2nd, along with a giveaway of the book, so I hope you’ll stop by both days and check out this fun, YA space adventure!
You’re really back with a vengeance, Tammy! Great to see it. I’m looking forward to your review of City of Miracles, that one’s on my list. I’m also curious about Queen of Swords and The Prey of Gods (especially The Prey of Gods). I’ve been a little behind in my fiction reading, still no idea what I’ll read in June. Just picked up a copy of Roses and Rot, perhaps I’ll start with that one.
Roses and Rot was really good! Whatever you decide to read in June, I hope you enjoy it:-)
Can’t wait to see what Mars Girls is all about. I also want to read Prey of Gods and The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter. I’ve been in training and really busy for a few days so I haven’t even looked at June’s reading yet. Sometimes I should probably be reading some review books but I just have to grab some other things to read. It works for me and keeps me sane. I’m 50% through with Mormama right now and if I was off today, I’d know I’d finish it. It’s odd and I can see why some people don’t like it but I’m really enjoying it. Good luck this month and I’ll be stalking your reviews no matter what!
Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…Can’t Wait Wednesday (108) – A Booker T and Cassius “2-Fur”
I really want to get to the point where I can pick up a non review book and not feel guilty! I guess it’s a mental hurdle I just have to get over:-)
I get you. I’ve barely touched my tbr pile in several years because of review copies. I can’t seem to learn my lesson with NG and I need to just stay away! I also don’t blame you for stopping the giveaway’s. You shouldn’t have to lose money to gain a blog following. I had a blog years ago and noticed that most of the giveaway visitors only showed up on those posts. Now I have a newer blog and it’s small and my visitors feel like friends. I like it that way. Enjoy your books!
Spoonbenders and Refrigerator Monologues! Will be super curious about those.
As for the giveaways, I have always wondered how you manage with so many 🙂 well, I’m on your blog for the content! 🙂 doesn’t ship my way anyway xD won’t see me leaving anytime soon 😀
Evelina recently posted…A Rock’n’roll Memoir About Learning To Love Yourself
You’re back in full force Tammy, and I for one am pumped about it! It sounds like the changes you have planned for your blogging life are all for the best, and I’m sure it’ll make things more fun (and preserve your sanity). Accepting fewer review books is always a good idea, in my opinion. You’re in for a treat with The Gentleman’s Guide – definitely one of my favourite books this year! So clever and swoony and just wonderful. *happy sigh*
Danya @ Fine Print recently posted…Review: White Hot by Ilona Andrews
I love the look of your book selection, Tammy! Wilders, in particular, looks very interesting so I’m looking forward to hearing what you make of it. Hope you get a chance to relax a bit with your reading list:).
sjhigbee recently posted…While the Morning Stars Sing
I can’t wait to read Down Among The Sticks & Bones – Every Heart A Doorway threw up so many interesting things to explore. I also really like the sound of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice & Virtue.
~Ailsa
Ailsa @ The Book Bundle recently posted…From Darkest Skies by Sam Peters
It’s okay to take breaks, it doesn’t mean that you are a bad blogger or anything, sometimes life gets in the way or you just don’t want to force yourself to do something and that’s completely okay! 🙂
Can’t wait for your thoughts on Down Among The Sticks and Bones and The Prey of Gods! ^^
I hope you have a really amazing month, Tammy. I think you are planning some wonderful changes.
I’ve been reading Wilders on and off for at least the last two weeks. I don’t like to say negative stuff before my review comes out… so I’m just going end my commentary on Wilders there.
I’ve got to get to my ARC of the new Valente book! Plus, I really want to read Prey of Gods… but there’s so many other books I want to read too… oh no. I know what you mean about being overwhelmed with books!
*looks at books that I said I would get to in May but didn’t* *looks at books I need to get to in June* GAHHHHH!
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday 05/31/17
Ha ha its all a bit overwhelming, right? Thats pretty much why I had to take a break. Information overload!
There are so many good looking books on the way. Wilders I’m hopeful for. And The Queen of Swords- I mean, that cover! Also The Sandcastle Empire wasn’t really on my radar but I’m starting to lean towards getting that one…
Glad you’re making changes that work for you. I think it’s good to adjust and change it up once in a while. Hope your June is a fab reading month!
Greg recently posted…Game of Thrones: Catelyn Stark- Yea or Nay
“Welcome back”, Tammy! I’m glad you’re making changes that work for you. The monthly giveaway thing is one that I’ve been considering dropping, because it really is $$$$$. I might do a big giveaway every couple of months. Or something. I don’t know. :O I hope you have a great month of June! I can’t believe it’s June already. O_O
Have a fantastic day, Tammy. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
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The Waking Land is on my list for June! I was actually one of the Goodreads giveaway winners, and the package came last week. 🙂
Lots of good books on your plate – I love the Belcher cover.
And I’m with you – I’ve been trying for the past few months to be careful about requests – I also want to get to a point where I read some of my own books occasionally which never happens at the moment.
Lynn 😀
I’m totally feeling you when it comes to being stuck in a blogging rut, especially after blogging for so many years! I’m so glad to hear that you’re finding out what works for you though. I CAN’T WAIT TO READ DOWN AMONG THE STICKS & BONES. I’ve heard so much about Gentleman’s guide to vice & virtue! Shattered Minds also sounds incredible.
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Good luck with your planned changes. They sound like they’ll make things feel a bit more relaxed for you which is always a good thing! I’m so looking forward to The Refrigerator Monologues. That said, I should probably finish the Fairyland series since I’ve still only read the first two.
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I keep saying I’m going to start writing more short review roundup posts, but…
I’m glad you’re getting back to it! I once took a super long break and you’re absolutely right… you get used to it. lol But I’m in the same boat. I feel I’ve worked too hard to get to the point I’m at to just let it go. Plus, I honestly don’t know what the heck I’d do with my time if I didn’t blog. lol
I can’t wait to see what you think of The Changeling! I’ve been wanting to read a Lavalle for ages but that one sounds especially good to me. I hadn’t heard of Amatka before but oooooh. I’m intrigued. 🙂
Bonnie @ For the Love of Words recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater
Oh, I got the first book, Six-Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher last month and excited to dive into it soon. Very excited for The Refrigerator Monologues and The Prey of Gods!
I’m glad you liked This Monstrous Thing! I have the ARC of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue so will be reading that first but yeah, both the books look so different from each other.
I’m most excited about the release of Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab and Here Lies Daniel Tate by Cristin Terrill which I finished yesterday and loved. Other than that, mostly going to be reading some backlist titles.
I hope you have a great reading month!
I’m not familiar with Here Lies Daniel Tate so I’m going to look it up. And yes, I’m also excited to read Our Dark Duet, although finding time is going to be hard. There are so many books coming out right now!
Sounds like you have quite a month coming up! So many great sounding books on your list!