Welcome to Over-Booked, where I share my latest and greatest book acquisitions! I’m linking up with Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga’s Reviews and The Sunday Post at The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
I’m very surprised to have a fairly decent book haul to share with you today, but I suspect after this, things are going to slow down considerably, as I think many publishers are mostly shut down and not mailing out review copies. I have noticed things exploding over on NetGalley, however! I have to remember to curb my excitement when I see all the books that are suddenly being dropped, anyone else having this problem??
As far as reading goes, I have to say this whole #stayhome movement has been a blessing in disguise, for me at least. I know a lot of people with young children who are now home full time are struggling, and of course if you don’t have a job at the moment, that’s another type of struggle. Here’s my situation: my son is back home after his college shut down, and he’s taking his final quarter of the school year online. He’s an introvert like me, so I literally only see him when he comes out of his room to eat! My daughter opted to remain at her apartment in Boston, so I’m sad she isn’t with us. She is also taking the rest of her college semester online, but she’s happier there than being at home, although I’m still bugging her about staying inside, etc. It’s tough because I just have to trust that she’s doing the right thing. And my husband is terrified of germs (and always has been) so even he is keeping his distance from me, lol (I’m not sick, but he’s weird that way). I can’t say I’m hating this arrangement! I’m reading like a fiend and also watching a lot of movies and TV shows. My job is on furlough so I’m not getting paid while we’re shut down, but hey, I’m not going to worry about that right now.
The bottom line is, I’ve already read two of my April books and I’m working on my third, which is a big deal for me! So here are my latest book arrivals:
Physical books for review:
Blackstone Publishing is so good to me! They send me surprises that always look amazing. Second Chance Angel by Griffin Barber and Kacey Ezell is new to me, but it sounds really good.
I have been eyeing Kate Elliot’s upcoming space opera, Unconquerable Sun, and I was beyond thrilled to receive a surprise copy in the mail. Wow this book is a doorstopper but it sounds amazing. I cannot wait!
Another Tor surprise: the third book in Sarah Kozloff’s The Nine Realms series, A Broken Queen, arrived. I have not started this yet, but I think this will be a perfect #stayhome series to get started on.
I’ve been wishing and hoping for a copy of Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones, and my wish was granted! This is a short novella that doesn’t come out until July, so it might be a couple of months before I read it.
Maybe I’m more excited about this than I should be, but I received my first unsolicited ARC from Mulholland Books, and I’m sort of giddy about it. I was actually debating whether or not to request Wonderland by Zoje Stage from NetGalley when this copy arrived. I know lots of bloggers loved Baby Teeth, so I’m curious to check this author out.
And as we speak, I am in the middle of The Book of Koli by M.R. Carey. Wow, I love this so far! It feels like an M.R. Carey book, that is to say the world building is freaking amazing and so are his characters. So far it’s giving me The Girl with All the Gifts vibes, maybe because this is also a post-apocalyptic story. I’m glad this is the start of a series!
Huge thanks to Blackstone Publishing, Tor Books, Tor.com, Mulholland Books and Orbit!
From Tor, I received a surprise copy of The Last Emperox by John Scalzi. I’m behind a little with this series, as I haven’t read The Consuming Fire yet. But I’m happy to have this copy, I’ve heard great things about the series finale.
Tor also send a copy of The Glass Magician by Caroline Stevermer. I have to admit, this story sounds really good, but I’m seeing lots of lower ratings on Goodreads, so I’m not quite sold.
Gallery/Saga Press sent a lovely ARC of The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. I’m a little confused about the release date, but I believe it’s now a May release. I’ll definitely be reading this soon:-D
From Quirk Books, I’m really happy to have a copy of Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston. This is the third book in her YA Once Upon a Con series, which I absolutely love. It’s a big change of pace from what I normally read, but I think this is a good time to read something on the light and fluffy side, don’t you?
Finally, I was sent a copy of Providence by Max Barry. I think I’m supposed to give this book away? It was actually a really odd email from the publicist. She didn’t offer me a copy to read, but a copy to use as a giveaway. So I should probably do that! Ha ha.
Huge thanks to Tor Books, Gallery/Saga Press, Quirk Books and G.P. Putnam’s Sons:-D
Digital books for review:
I was actually shocked to see The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab up for grabs on NetGalley. I thought it might be a sample only, but it’s actually the entire book. Super excited for a new V.E. Schwab story, although it will be some time before I get to this. Big thanks to Tor Books!
I was also delighted to spot The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher on NetGalley, and I immediately downloaded it without thinking twice. I loved The Twisted Ones and I’m eager to see what she’s going to do next. Thanks to Gallery/Saga Press!
On a whim, I downloaded The Residence by Andrew Pyper. I loved Pyper’s The Damned a few years ago but I haven’t read his last couple of books. This sounds really different, a haunting in the White House! Thank you Gallery/Saga Press:-D
I was offered a NetGalley widget for Driftwood by Marie Brennan, and I am really looking forward to this book. I have not read her Lady Trent series, so I’m curious to see why everyone loves her so much. Big thanks to Tachyon Publications!
I really hope all of you would stay safe! And reading more is always good, so huzza!!
And you have posted so many amazing titles!!
Thanks Susy! Reading is definitely helping me take my mind off everything.
I have Wonderland on my TBR. It sounds really like a fabulous literary horror novel.
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It does sound good! I hope it works for both of us.
That’s a big haul! I suppose the quarantine time is very helpful in going through them all.
It’s definitely given me a way to pass the time. I don’t know how people who don’t read get through this!
I’ve requested The Invisible Life of Addie Larue on NetGalley and my fingers are crossed! Hope you live it, Tammy!
Good luck Lauren!
I picked this week to have some reading burnout. I’ve also already failed to finish my first April book. And haven’t even looked at the others! I honestly don’t know what it is YOU’RE doing, with the actually reading, finishing books lol. Also the new Schwab book kinda snuck up on me, so I don’t know anything about it- supposed to be good?
Ha ha, I’ve actually chosen books that are super high on my most anticipated list to read right now, so it’s almost a guarantee that I’ll enjoy them. So far it’s working, but I know when I pick up something slow or “meh” I’m sure I’ll have concentration issues.
The Book of Koli is next in line after I’ve finished The Last Emperox: the idea that talented MR Carey is going for a trilogy is very thrilling, because I thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve read from him. And knowing that you are so very positive about it is beyond encouraging 🙂
And in these troubling times, being a bookworm has a LOT of advantages, doesn’t it?
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I slammed through a couple hundred pages today of Koli and it’s really good! Not at all what I was expecting, but I’m not surprised, since Carey tends to surprise me with all his books:-)
Great haul! A few of those are in my ARC line-up from NetGalley. Now I just need to read them all! I hope you and your family are enjoying your alone/together time. I understand about missing your daughter! My adult daughter is in Colorado and we talk frequently (and she’s really health aware since she has a chronic illness), but I worry and wish she were here with me.
It’s hard for your kids to be so far away! My daughter is really busy with school, so we don’t talk as much as I like. But she posts on Instagram a lot so that’s how I keep track of her:-)
I loved the first book of The Nine Realms, but haven’t picked up the rest year.
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I’d love to get started, I think book #4 comes out in April, so I’m way behind!
I am glad things are working for you while we all deal with the craziness! That is a great haul considering! I got a couple of books in the mail this week, but yeah I am sure they will quit with the ARCs and put it all on netgalley for now. I haven’t really looked as I am afraid if I do I might get grab happy…lol.
Have a great week and happy reading!
Stormi
Do be careful, NetGalley is really dangerous right now, lol.
It’s always a good thing to try to find the positives in any situation, even ones with so many negatives. And it looks like you have plenty of reading to keep you busy. I hope there are some great reads in this batch and look forward to hearing about them.
I’m sure I’ll enjoy a lot of these. 2020 may be a sh*t show for many reasons, but there sure are a lot of good books coming out!
What’s this about curbing excitement? You mean we’re NOT supposed to immediately request everything when it hits NetGalley? Well, shucks. I’ve been doing it wrong. xD
Man, I want some of this stay at home stuff. D: I’m still working half the week out of the house, like normal, and I’m homeschooling my daughter the rest of the time lol. I’ve really been done no favors by this haha. Where are my two weeks sitting home reading books?! I’m fitting to riot.
I wasn’t sure about The Book of Koli, but after reading M.R. Carey’s short story in Cursed, I definitely want to check that out now! I love his writing style. Glad to hear you’re loving it.
I also grabbed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue when it hit NetGalley. I fully blame you for that. xD I’ve got The Hollow Places, too, and it just looks so good!
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Ok you have reached your limit of blaming me for adding books to your TBR, lol! Ha ha.
There is definitely a silver lining to this in terms of being able to be home (I shouldn’t say silver lining because that’s not the right term, this whole thing is horrible) but I think if we have to have this pandemic at least families can be together more, and it makes us appreciate the little things more (I know for me I’m just grateful every day I wake up, and my family does, and no one is sick). Although I imagine we all feel that way now!
Anyway I need to get back to the Scalzi series, I’ve only read the first one. And The Hollow Places looks great!
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Yeah, I know what you mean, Greg. I keep thinking I’m getting sick if I sneeze or cough, it’s one of those psychosomatic things. I know I’m OK, but it seems like every day there’s a new symptom we have to worry about:-/
That’s great that at least you’re getting time to read! And you did manage a good haul! I’ve seen some of these around, and they sound great. I just saw that first one on NG, and I love the sound of it!
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I saw that too. Blackstone is one of those small publishers that’s sort of a secret. Their books are really good!
It also hasn’t escaped my notice that NetGalley has been exploding! This is when having auto approvals can be both a blessing and a curse. I’ve been trying not to go nuts, but I did snag Addie LaRue and I’ve been wavering back and forth on The Residence, but I was so disappointed in his last book I’m a little gun shy.
I just got Tor auto approval and it’s going to be very dangerous…
OOOOHHH MY GOSH. YOU GOT THE NEW KATE ELLIOTT!!!! *hyperventilating*
I was pretty surprised too:-)
Providence sounds awesome 😀 If I had known a couple months ago, my hours were going to be reduced for April and May, I’d have probably request this to review.
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I’m going to be doing a giveaway of Providence, so stay tuned:-)
I need to catch up on Once Upon a Con, I adored Geekerella! I slammed request on Addie Larue, now just waiting to see what happens…..
Congrats on your haul!
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Thanks Caitlin, good luck with Addie LaRue! And I’m glad to find another Once Upon a Con fan:-)
I’m glad to hear you and your family are doing okay and that you’re able to get so much reading done. I’m finally settling into a routine and getting my reading groove back so that’s definitely one bright spot in all of this. Looks like you have another amazing book haul too. I’m so jealous that you’ve already gotten the new V.E. Schwab book and can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
I was surprised the new Schwab was even listed, it seems really early.
I’m surprised each time a book arrives right now, too. I wanted to order a book last night and the estimate was late next month. 🙁 I’m glad you are able to read! I was finally able to focus and read yesterday, and it was so nice. On the home front, things are pretty much chaos with us all being home.
I can imagine, I think all this family time together is going to drive us crazy, lol.
I have been soooo good – avoiding Netgalley, that it. And then scampered over to NG and immediately requested The Last Emperox:)). I already have The Book of Koli and it’s the next one on my reading list. And yes… thank goodness for books! For both reading AND writing them. It’s keeping me steady and sane right now and my mind off my inconveniently large family who are sprawled all over the place… and especially my mind off my poor daughter and grandchildren, who I’m missing horribly cos I can’t go and see them.
Have a good reading week, Tammy – and I’m now going to browse NG and it’ll be YOUR FAULT if I stagger back with far too many review copies:))))
I’m sorry you’re missing your family so much. I’m sad that I can’t be with my parents to help them out. As long as I can get them to stay in the house, they should be fine. Have fun on NetGalley!
As always- your book hauls leave me crazy jealous (in the best way lol). Two Stephen Graham Jones books?! UGH. I didn’t even know he has another one on its way out. The Pyper book looks really good too.
SGJ is pretty busy this year! And I’m very curious about the Pyper book. I know his last few books haven’t been hits with some readers, but we shall see…
Eeek, I’m so excited for Addie LaRue!! And that actually sounds like the perfect isolation setup!
Enjoy your new reads! 🙂
Thanks Stacy, I think Addie LaRue is going to be really good!
Wow, that’s a great haul. I see tons of books here I want to read. I hope that you all are safe and doing well with your quarantine. I’m only on day 3 of no work (as the weekend didn’t count) and I have moments when I’m fine and moments when I struggle. At least we should all have some time to get to some of those books we’ve wanted to read forever!
That’s about the only good thing in all this, having more time to read:-/
So many pretties!
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Oooh congrats on getting a copy of Bookish and the Beast!!!!! 😀 That is super exciting 🙂 I tried to get a copy from Edelweiss but its been pending for over a month so I doubt I’ll get it Happy reading!
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Fantastic haul. I would love a couple off here. The Hollow Places – and the Schwab book immediately spring out at me.
Lynn 😀