I guess it’s a good thing when you haul less books than you intended.
It wasn’t really by choice though…COVID-19 pretty much halted my intention of buying a bunch of books for two different book events.
On one hand I’m super bummed, on the other my wallet and bank account are incredibly happy.
So, it’s a lose-win situation?
Even though I didn’t buy all the books that I’d intended and figured I was going to buy, I still managed to haul in quite a few books. Some are eARCs, some physical copies, some I got through trades and through daily deals online. I’ve actually already a bunch of the books I hauled in March, so I feel petty successful. Especially since over half of the books I hauled are eBooks/ARCs and that means I don’t have to find shelf space for them.
I digress. I’m going to stop chatting now, and jump into the list of books I hauled in March.
Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1) – Cassandra Clare
US First Edition Hardcover / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ Review / GR
Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.
I have a full review, linked above, so I won’t go into too much detail, but I loved this book. I have no idea how I’m going to fit it on my shelf, but I’m thrilled to have it, and waiting for book 2 is going to suck. It does suck. I need more.
House of Blood and Earth (Crescent City #1) – Sarah J. Maas
US Hardcover / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Review / GR
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.
With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.
This book was amazing. I expected to love it, but I didn’t expect to feel everything I did. I also didn’t expect this book to knock her other books out of contention for my favorite SJM book. I have no idea how I’m going to wait for book 2. This book was fantastic.
Crave (Crave #1) – Tracy Wolff
ARC / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / Review / GR
My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods…or monsters. I still can’t decide which of these warring factions I belong to, if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.
Then there’s Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn’t felt anything for a hundred years. But there’s something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what’s broken in me.
Which could spell death for us all.
Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally—as the bait.
Vampires are back. You do not want to miss this book.
Onyx & Ivory (Rime Chronicles #1) – Mindee Arnett
US Hardcover / GR
With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin have to put the past behind them. The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom—one whose origins have dire implications for Kate’s father’s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime.
I mainly got this book because the author was going to be at Apollycon. I’ve heard good things about this series, so when BookOutlet had this for basically nothing, I figured I’d grab it. I definitely want to give it a try, so hopefully in the near future.
More Than We Can Tell (Letters to the Lost #2) – Brigid Kemmerer
US Paperback / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Review / GR
When Rev and Emma meet, they both long to lift the burden of their secrets and bond instantly over their shared turmoil. But when their situations turn dangerous, their trust in each other will be tested in ways they never expected. This must-read story will once again have readers falling for Brigid Kemmerer’s emotional storytelling.
If you haven’t yet read this book, you are doing yourself a great disservice. You all know that I love Brigid and her books, and this one is an absolute favorite. Go, read it. You know you want to.
Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) – Jennifer Estep
US Paperback / GR
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.
This has been on my radar for a while, and when I found out that the author was going to be at Apollycon, I finally gave in and bought the first book. I’m excited to dive into it, soon!
Between Burning Worlds (System Divine #2) – Jessica Brody & Joanne Rendell
ARC / GR
Les Misérables meets The Lunar Chronicles in the out-of-this-world sequel to Sky Without Stars that’s an “explosion of emotion, intrigue, romance, and revolution” (Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series).
I really need to finally read book 1, so I can dive into this. I’ve heard really good things. This book is so thick, as is the first one, so it’s a bit daunting.
Crystal Caged (Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #5) – Elise Kova
US Paperback / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Review/ GR
One way or another… she will be the end of the world.
With powers that weren’t supposed to be touched by mortal hands, Vi Solaris is determined to free herself and the world from the deadly vortex it’s trapped in. This mission has taken her to forbidden lands and has transformed her from a sheltered princess to a fearsome warrior.
But the ultimate triumph requires the ultimate sacrifice, forcing Vi to choose between the last tethers to her humanity and the very people she’s sworn to protect.
I was fortunate enough to have an ARC of this book and Elise does not disappoint with how she closes out this series. It’s going to blow your mind.
The Dead List – Jennifer L. Armentrout
Apollycon Exclusive Cover Paperback / GR
With the help of an old flame, Jensen Carver, and her friends and family, Ella tries to attain some sense of normalcy, but she can’t seem to shake the feeling that there’s a dark pattern hidden in the killer’s every move. Suddenly, even those in her innermost circle seem suspicious. In her seemingly safe West Virginia town, Ella starts to wonder who she can trust.
I’ve read this, and I love the new cover. This book is so good, and every time I read it, it does not disappoint. If you’re looking for something a little psychological, with some mystery thrown in, you’re going to want to check this out.
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash #1) – Jennifer L. Armentrout
eBook / GR
A Maiden…
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
A Duty…
The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.
A Kingdom…
Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.
I’m giving you the whole synopsis for this book, just because it came out yesterday, Jen did a surprise release, and you all need to know about this book. The moment I’m done with my current read; I’m picking this up. I’m so excited.
Where Dreams Descend (Kingdom of Cards #1) – Janella Angeles
eARC / GR
In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.
As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.
The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost
The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told
The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide
I can’t wait to dive into this. I’m so excited and I can’t believe I have an ARC.
More Than Maybe – Erin Hahn
eARC / GR
Vada’s got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom’s boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil’s music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor’s summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out-of-this-world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her?
I just read Erin’s debut and loved it, so I’m dying to get to this. I’m thrilled I have an ARC and I already know that I’ll be reading it very soon!
Forged & Found (The Will of Yggdrasil #4-5) – Sara C. Roethle
eBooks / 3 / Review / GR // 4 / Review / GR
Forged:
What do the Morrigan, a necromancer, and an ancient Viking have in common? Nothing, except for a common goal: Defeat Estus once and for all, and rescue their loved ones trapped in the past.
New alliances are formed, old friends may be lost, but will balance be restored once and for all?
Found:
Madeline will face the ultimate trial, outwitting the All Father himself. Will she survive to see her daughter grow up, or will time and fate be irreparably damaged, throwing not just earth, but all worlds into chaos?
I have reviews for all 5 books in this series. It’s a bit bittersweet being finished with this series. Overall, I really enjoyed it, the characters, the world. I can’t wait to check out the author’s other books.
The Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove #1) –Kaitlyn Davis
eBook / GR
Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you’ll never see coming, don’t miss The Raven and the Dove!
I was scrolling through social media – Facebook, I think – and I saw an ad for this book. It was on sale for like .99 or something, so I quickly snatched it up. I’d requested an ARC of this book and had been denied. I think I’m buddy reading this with a friend this month, so I’m looking forward to that.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars – Christopher Paolini
eARC Partial / GR
It was supposed to be a routine research mission on an uncolonized planet. But when xenobiologist Kira Navárez finds an alien relic beneath the surface of the world, the outcome transforms her forever and will alter the course of human history.
Her journey to discover the truth about the alien civilization will thrust her into the wonders and nightmares of first contact, epic space battles for the fate of humankind, and the farthest reaches of the galaxy.
Let me tell you, I screamed when I got the email that I was going to be able to read this – well, part of it – early. I’ve been a Christopher Paolini fan for forever. He’s the reason I love to write, so I’m genuinely freaking out, and I don’t care if this book doesn’t come out until September, I’m reading it in April. I cannot wait.
The Obsidian Tower (Rooks and Ruin #1) – Malissa Caruso
eARC / GR
Ryx flees, seeking a solution to her deadly magic. She falls in with a group of unlikely magical experts investigating the disturbance in Vaskandar—and Ryx realizes that her family is in danger and her domain is at stake. She and her new colleagues must return to the family stronghold to take control of the artifact that everyone wants to claim—before it destroys the world.
Honestly, I requested this on a whim. It sounded good, like something I would like. I just didn’t expect to actually be approved for it. I’m excited though, and I’ll be reading it in May!
Phew, that was a lot. I think the book I’m the most excited about hauling is To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, because never in my life, did I think that I’d get to read this book early. I know it’s only a partial, but still. I thought that when I requested that on Netgalley – after entering into every giveaway I found for an ARC – that I would be declined. So when that email hit my inbox, after having already received an declined request that morning, I just about died. I’m almost terrified to start it, but I’m going to. I can’t wait.
What book did you haul in March that you’re the most excited to read/own?
Writing The Universe 