And here we are, the end of the year…how did this happen? It seems like just yesterday I was making reading goals for 2018 (which we won’t talk about because big fail!). But I actually like December on the blog, because I use it mostly as a “catch up” month, since I don’t usually have many review books to read.
This month my (very loose!) plan is to read a combination of catch up (review books I missed)/non-review books that I absolutely can’t end the year without reading/looking ahead to January because my January TBR is OUT OF CONTROL. I feel like that’s a good plan, and it also works well for mood reading, since I can pick and choose what I want to read and when I want to read it. I do have one planned guest post too, so keep reading for more about that! So here is what my reading plate looks like this month:
Catch Up Review Books/Can’t Miss Books of 2018:
Yep, I’m finally getting around to reading Vengeful by V.E. Schwab. In fact, I may be reading it when this post goes up. Excited!
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor isn’t a review book, but there’s no way I’m missing this sequel to Strange the Dreamer! So many bloggers have been raving about it, I’m absolutely sure I’m going to love it as well.
You Die When You Die by Angus Watson came out last year, but Orbit kindly sent me a copy to review anyway. I just haven’t had time to get to it, but hoping I can squeeze it in this month.
Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri is a review book I’m late reading, but hey, that’s why this is called “catch up” month.
I’m way behind with Sebastien de Castell’s series, but I’d like to at least get one more book under my belt this month. Up next: Shadowblack!
Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst is one of my few December review books, and I’m looking forward to it!
Get Ahead with January 2019 Releases:
My January TBR is honestly out of control, so I do want to get a jump and read at least a few of these. One of my most anticipated January releases is In an Absent Dream, book #4 of Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children novella series.
There’s already lots of buzz surrounding The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Hanrahan, and I’m thrilled to have a review copy ready to go! I’ve also just splurged on a Christmas present for myself: this beautiful signed limited edition (with sprayed edges!) from Goldsboro Books, check it out! One of those puppies is mine:-)
After saying “no” multiple times to Serial Box, I’ve finally found a series I’m interested in and will be covering starting in January, it’s called Ninth Step Station and it’s written by Malka Older, Fran Wilde, Jacqueline Koyanagi and Curtis C. Chen. It sounds fantastic! There are ten episodes, I believe, and my plan at this point is to review an episode a week. Wish me luck!
One of my most anticipated 2019 releases is The Fall by Tracy Townsend, which comes out in January. The Nine was a standout book for me this year (it’s on my top reads of 2018 list!) and I can’t wait to dive into the sequel.
And another must read for 2019 is Kristi Charish’s Lipstick Voodoo, book two in her series after the wonderful The Voodoo Killings.
What kind of a Buffy fan would I be if I didn’t read Slayer by Kiersten White? Not a very good one, is the answer.
Other stuff on the blog.
Look for my “Best Books of 2018” on December 31st! I’ve got some books to read this month that could still make the list, so that’s why I’m waiting a little longer that usual to list my favorites.
I’m also helping fellow blogger Andrea Johnson with an upcoming project of hers. You may recognize her from her blog/Twitter handle, Little Red Reviewer. I won’t spill the beans here, but check back on December 11th for a guest post and some more information on her project which launches in January!
Yesterday I posted my Sci-Fi Month Wrap Up Post, and I have a big giveaway going on, so if you haven’t entered, check it out here! The giveaway ends on Dec. 8th and I’ll choose three winners. Even better, it’s international!
November was a pretty good reading month, and now’s your chance to catch up if you missed any of my reviews:
An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris
Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Queen of No Tomorrows by Matt Maxwell
The Rule of One by Ashley & Leslie Saunders
Looking forward to your thoughts on these. Many I’m curious about!
I’m pretty excited about my books this month. Maybe because they aren’t all review books:-)
Totally understand that! I hit the ARCs pretty hard a couple months ago and got run down. I need time to read all the books that others are recommending!
Good luck with finishing all those books you planned for this year 🙂
Thanks Norrie, I will need luck and more time, lol:-)
I can’t wait for In An Absent Dream! I want to reread the 3rd book before it comes… which is not a hardship, since I love those books so much. Enjoy all your great reading!
I love this series too, and each book is unique, yet they all tie together, which I love.
Just added The Gutter Prayer to my list. Rogues and thieves can make for some interesting characters. I miss Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser.
Agreed, I personally never get tired of rogues and thieves:-)
I’m making my way though Fire and Heist right now – it’s a lot of fun!
Oh good to know! I haven’t heard much about it, but now I’m looking forward to it:-)
Oh boy! I see at least 10 books here I want. LOL And I plan to finally dive into Charlaine’s newest books. Been hearing so many good things.
Laura Thomas recently posted…Miracles Are Golden ~ Grand Finale Giveaway
Her new book is my favorite so far of hers, I hope you enjoy it!
I just finished Muse of Nightmares this week and thought it was wonderful, so I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…Mini Reviews: ‘TWAS THE KNIFE BEFORE CHRISTMAS & A CHRISTMAS REVELATION
I’m so glad to hear you say that! I can hardly wait to start:-)
I think you have wonderful plans, Tammy! Getting ahead on January reads is something I really want to do, too! I see some intriguing ones on your list, the new ones from Schwab, Taylor, and McGuire, especially! I’ll be watching for all your reviews.
I am rarely able to read a whole month before books release, so that will be one of my blogging goals for next year, I think. Good luck to both of us:-)
I would love to use December to get ahead for January books too, let’s hope I can be good and stick to the schedule 😀 And Ninth Step Station was one I was interested in too, but I always ask Serial Box if I could review the complete season. I already know I’m terrible at keeping up with episodes week to week 😛
I’m going to try reviewing Ninth Step Station weekly, and we’ll see how it goes. I also just committed to another Serial Box project in March, so hopefully I can get organized!
I have.. exactly NO books of the ones on your TBR that are on mine as well, haha! I do need to check out Kiersten White’s new book though. That cover isn’t really “my thing” but.. Buffy? Like. YES PLEASE?
Kathy @ Books & Munches recently posted…Wrap-up & Book Haul: [Remember] NOVEMBER
Another Buffy fan?? Yay:-)
Looks like lots of sequels in your future! I hope these all turn out great!
You’re right, there are a bunch of sequels:-)
I only have a few books to read in December. That said, I might need you to take a full detailed picture of The Gutter Prayer Goldsboro edition!!! 😀
Absolutely, I will take a very detailed photo when I get the book!
Looks like a great month ahead! I’m still catching up on reviews so I think my December may be a little chaotic with me trying to read all of the things, haha. Looking forward to your year end posts!
I’ve decided to give myself a break this month and not stress out over review books. I think we all need some time to relax this time of year, right?;-)
I haven’t got any arcs this month other than a single paranormal murder mystery! Just as well seeing as how much I’ve been bingeing on science fiction space opera reads:)). I am hoping to get hold of Charlaine Harris’s An Easy Death as a treat to me…
Oh I do hope you can read An Easy Death. I’m just chomping at the bit to read the next book (even though it’s not even listed on Goodreads yet!)
But this is list has me dribbling with envy, Tammy. You certainly have some marvellous reads here! I hope you manage to get through them all.
Oh I doubt I’ll get through them all, but I will give it my best shot:-)
I cannot wait to hear your thoughts on Slayer, Tammy! I hope you have a good catch-up month! I am starting a handful of my January ARCs now to lessen the stress come next month.
Kaleena @ Reader Voracious Blog recently posted…November in Review
I just love getting ahead, it doesn’t happen very often, but December seems to be the best month for it!
Lots of awesome looking books here. I know you added to my TBR last month. Looks like you have some good reading ahead this month. I actually got most of the Christmas decorations done this weekend (except the tree) which won’t go up until the 16th. Hopefully I can have some relaxing time this month and it won’t be all rushed.
I don’t have any decorations up yet! I think we’re going to wait until next weekend, when my son comes home. Then I can have some help:-)
Getting ahead would be so good. I hope I can also partake a little of that.
And, still not read Schwab – maybe I could fit one in this month.
Lynn 😀
I would start with Vicious, I think. Still my favorite Schwab:-)
You got some cool books coming up! 🙂
I’m pretty happy about my reading this month, now let’s see how many I can actually get through!
Sounds like a solid plan for December and I hope you have a great month! (I can’t believe this year is over either!!)
I am reading Vicious right now! I’m not very far but I am liking it a lot! (Tho parts have made me a little queasy)
I hope you have a great December 😀
I’m glad you’re enjoying Vicious. I am reading Vengeful right now and I sort of wish I’d reread Vicious first. There is a LOT going on, but I do love it:-)
So glad to see you FINALLY pick up Vengeful!!! Hope you’re enjoying every word of it! 😛 Also reaaaally, reallly want to get my hands on The Gutter Prayer every time you mention it. It really sounds too promising!! 😀 Happy reading, Tammy!
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