Category: Book Haul

Book Haul – 30 June 2025

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I’ve had an excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

Never Flinch by Stephen King

First up I have to feature the cool new Stephen King novel, Never Flinch.  A particularly epic crime fiction read that brings back one of King’s best protagonists, I’ve already had the pleasure of reading Never Flinch and it was so damn good.  Review to hopefully follow soon.

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Three Shattered Souls by Mai Corland

Another cool book I have recently received was an early copy of Three Shattered Souls by Mai Corland.  The final book in the author’s Broken Blades trilogy, Three Shattered Souls will continue to follow a small band of desperate killers as they try to save the world and kill a tyrant.  I have had so much fun with the previous novels in this series, Five Broken Blades and Four Ruined Realms, and I cannot wait to see how Corland wraps up the trilogy.

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Cold War by Jonathan Maberry

I was very happy to receive an early copy of Jonathan Maberry’s epic dark science fiction novel, Cold War. The sequel to his brutal 2024 novel, NecroTek, Cold War will see several groups of scientists fight back against ancient cosmic monsters in a war to save humanity out in the stars. Sure to be an intense and complex read, I am really excited for Cold War and it should be an impressive sequel.

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Grave Danger by James Grippando

Next up we have the outstanding legal thriller, Grave Danger by James Grippando.  The latest book in the author’s Jack Swyteck series, Grave Danger sees lawyer protagonist Jack Swyteck fight to keep a mother and daughter together despite massive political and legal hurdles.  An outstanding new entry in a very compelling series, I am actually listening to Grave Danger right now and it is proving to be an amazing and highly recommended read.

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Valour by Richard Cullen

One of the more entertaining new books I have received is the upcoming Richard Cullen novel, Valour. The third book in the author’s Chronicle of the Black Lion series (which previously featured Rebellion and Crusade), Valour will see the book’s knight protagonist lead a desperate rescue mission to save captured missionaries from a band of pagans.  I am really intrigued by this new entry in the series, especially as it has a very different plot to the war-heavy previous novels, and I look forward to seeing how crazy things get here.

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The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis

One of the more interesting sequels of 2025 for me is the impressive sounding novel The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis. The sequel to Petraitis’ outstanding book, The Unbelieved, The Stolen will see the series’ detective protagonist try to save a missing baby, while also dealing with the dark secrets of her new small-town home.  Likely to be a particularly dark piece of Australian crime fiction, The Stolen sounds really captivating and I cannot wait to read it.

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Badlands by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

An exciting and crazy thriller from the legendary team of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Badlands looks set to be an amazing read as the protagonists investigate a series of bizarre murders tied into ancient artefacts.

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Liar’s Game by Jack Beaumont

I’ve just gotten my hands on one of the more intriguing spy thriller books of 2025, Liar’s Game by Jack Beaumont.  Following on from the author’s previous novels, The Frenchman and Dark Arena, Liar’s Game will follow a member of French intelligence who finds himself burned by his own government and must try to survive the forces coming after him.  Sure to be a detailed and highly addictive read, Liar’s Game is very high up on my to-read list, and I cannot wait to check it out.

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The Writers’ Retreat by Samantha Vérant

An interesting and no doubt meta novel about mystery writers getting caught up in a dark thriller plot in an isolated cabin.

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The Chemist by A. A. Dhand

I was lucky to get my hands on one of the more intriguing debuts of 2025, The Chemist by A. A. Dhand.  Following a London pharmacist who gets caught up in a deadly gang war, The Chemist has a really unique feel to it, and I have no doubt this is going to be an exceptional thriller.

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Melaleuca by Angie Faye Martin

The final book I have recently received is the Australian debut Melaleuca by Angie Faye Martin. A small-town Australian crime fiction read with an Aboriginal police protagonist; Melaleuca sounds like an intense and dramatic novel that will dive into some of the deeper and darker elements of Australia’s outback culture.  An outstanding sounding book and one I’m glad I received a copy of.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 18 May 2025

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I’ve been away on holiday for a few weeks, which has resulted in a lack of major posts on this blog (at least that’s my excuse).  One upside about being away is that you tend to come back to a big pile of books, which is always fun to explore.  This holiday was no exception as I managed to return to a great collection of awesome books that have built up the last couple of weeks.  This includes some major 2025 releases, including a few books likely to be amongst my top books of the year.  I am very happy with this collection, and I just had to gloat about it here.

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

Probably the book I was most excited to receive was the new Joe Abercrombie novel The Devils.  The start of a cool new series set in an alternate and dark medieval Europe filled with fantasy creatures, The Devils follow a mismatched group of monsters under the command of the Pope as they attempt to pull off an impossible mission.  This was one of my most anticipated fantasy releases of 2025 and I have already started reading it.  I’m a good third of the way through The Devils at the moment and it is already proving to be a particularly exceptional read that will likely be one of the best books of the entire year.  Highly recommended!

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Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me by Django Wexler

Another particularly awesome fantasy novel I was very happy to get my hands on was Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me by Django Wexler.  The sequel to the hilarious 2024 fantasy novel, How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying, Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me follows a reluctant fantasy protagonist whose plan to survive by becoming a feared dark lord starts to backfire on her.  This will probably end up being one of the funniest books of the year and I am hoping to read it very soon.

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Whisper in the Wind by Luke Arnold

Australian author Luke Arnold returns with Whisper in the Wind, the fourth entry in his urban fantasy Fetch Phillips series that follows a damaged investigator desperately trying to bring back magic to a dying fantasy city.  I loved the first three books in this series, The Last Smile in Sunder City, Dead Man in a Ditch, and One Foot in the Fade, and I cannot wait to see how this series continues.  Another amazing sounding book from an excellent author that I will probably be reading this week.   

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Stone and Sky by Ben Aaronovitch

The fantasy hits I recently received keep on coming with the epic new Rivers of London novel, Stone and Sky by Ben Aaronovitch.  The latest book in one of the best ongoing urban fantasy series, Stone and Sky will follow the series’ police protagonist as he attempts to have a family holiday in Scotland, only to encounter a new dark magical mystery.  I really love the sound of this book, and I cannot wait to dive into Stone and Sky’s complex and entertaining story.

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The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence

Another great book I was lucky enough to recently receive was the third and final book in Mark Lawrence’s Library trilogy, The Book That Held Her Heart. Following on from The Book That Wouldn’t Burn and The Book That Broke the World, The Book That Held Her Heart will show the final battle for the impossible and infinite library, as the separated protagonists must find a way back to each other to save the lives of those closest to them.  I am very excited to finish this trilogy off, and The Book That Held Her Heart has a great deal of potential.

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Sins of the Fathers by John Byrnes

Another cool Australian historical epic from John Byrnes, who previous impressed me with Headland and The Youngest Son.  This new book will follow three children through the early 20th century as they feud throughout key Australian historical events and locations.  This will likely be a fun and compelling read that I look forward to checking out. 

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The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose

An intriguing new novel from Nita Prose that will continue to showcase the investigations of her unlikely and unusual protagonist.

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Paved with Good Intentions by Peter McLean

The final book I have received was the cool fantasy crime novel, Paved With Good Intentions by Peter McLean.  A standalone novel set in McLean’s War for the Rose Throne universe, Paved With Good Intentions will follow a woman forced into the spying game as she tries to survive and get back to her children. A very intriguing and cool book from a talented author that I look forward to reading.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 7 April 2025

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I’ve had an excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

The Malevolent Eight by Sebastien de Castell

First up we have one of the potentially most funny and over-the-top fantasy novels of 2025 with The Malevolent Eight.  The sequel to the author’s previous novel, The Malevolent Seven, this new book will see a group of unlikely magical heroes as they attempt to save their world from the invading armies of heaven and hell.  I had a lot of fun with The Malevolent Seven and I cannot wait to see how de Castell continues this entertaining story.

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No Body No Crime by Tess Sharpe

After having a ton of fun with Tess Sharpe’s previous novels, The Girls I’ve Been and The Girl in Question, I am excited for the author’s upcoming book, No Body No Crime.  Another awesome thriller that will see two women try to survive a powerful crime family coming for them, No Body No Crime sounds really cool and I look forward to reading it.

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2 Sisters Murder Investigations by James Patterson and Candice Fox

The superstar team of James Patterson and Candice Fox return for the new fast-paced thriller, 2 Sisters Murder Investigations.  The sequel to 2 Sisters Detective Agency, 2 Sisters Murder Investigations will see the dysfunctional sister protagonists dragged into a new murder investigation with potential lethal consequences.  I had a lot of fun with the first novel in this series and I am excited to see how it continues.

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Retreat by Krysten Ritter with Lindsay Jamieson

An intense and compelling thriller from acclaimed actor Kristen Ritter.

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Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake

An intriguing novel that is essentially Succession with magic, Gifted & Talented sounds like a very fantastic read, and I have heard some good things about author Olivie Blake’s previous books.

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When She Was Gone by Sara Foster

An intense and complex crime fiction read from a great Australian author.

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Vanguard Strike by Jarom Strong

The final book I want to highlight in this blog post is the awesome science fiction novel, Vanguard Strike by Jarom Strong.  Featuring a very cool sounding plot about a team of thieves trying to strip a valuable military ship in space, only to contend with its monstrous contents, Vanguard Strike’s plot really appealed to me, and I cannot wait to see how crazy this book gets.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 11 March 2025

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I’ve had an excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

A Death In Berlin by Simon Scarrow

Let’s start this Book Haul post on a high with the new Simon Scarrow book, A Death in Berlin.  The latest entry in Scarrow’s Berlin Wartime Thriller series (Blackout and Dead of Night), A Death in Berlin will once again follow the series’ detective protagonist as he tries to investigate crimes in Berlin against the wishes of the Nazi leadership.

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Pacific Heights by S. R. White

Next, we have the very cool Australian murder mystery, Pacific Heights by S. R. White.  An intriguing new book from White, Pacific Heights will see new police protagonists attempt to investigate a murder using the conflicting testimony of five differing witnesses.  I look forward to unravelling this complex tale and it should be an exceptional read.

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Usagi Yojimbo: Volume 40: The Crow by Stan Sakai

I was very happy to get the latest volume of my favourite comic book series with Usagi Yojimbo: The Crow by Stan Sakai.  An outstanding addition to an epic series, I have already reviewed The Crow here, and it comes highly recommended.

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Vanish by Shelley Burr

One of Australia’s fastest rising murder mystery, Shelley Burr, returns with her third book, Vanish.  Following on from her previous novels, Wake and Ripper, Vanish will see the series’ troubled protagonist journey to another remote Australian town to investigate a historical murder, only to encounter a dangerous cult. I have really enjoyed Burr’s first two books, and I cannot wait to see how Vanish turns out.

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When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi

I was extremely happy to receive a copy of the new John Scalzi book, When the Moon Hits Your Eye. A fun sounding science fiction comedy that will examine what happens to the world when the moon suddenly turning to cheese, When the Moon Hits Your Eye sounds so damn awesome, and I cannot wait to read it.

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Overgrowth by Mira Grant

One of the more intriguing novels I recently received was the intriguing science fiction book, Overgrowth by Mira Grant. A unique take on the alien invasion story, Overgrowth sounds extremely cool and I look forward to getting through it.

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The Other People by C. B. Everett

The final book I have recently received is The Other People by C. B. Everett.  An excellent sounding murder mystery, The Other People will follow ten strangers who wake up in a mysterious house and are forced to solve a missing person’s case while a killer stalks them. This sounds like an amazing concept, and I am intrigued to see how it turned out.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 10 February 2025

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I’ve had a excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

Midnight Black by Mark Greaney

The first recently received book I want to highlight in this post is the new Mark Greaney novel, Midnight Black. The 14th entry in the author’s Gray Man series, Midnight Black follows on from the cliffhanger at the end of the previous novel, The Chaos Agent, and sees the dangerous spy protagonist attempt to rescue his love interest from a Russian prison camp. One of my most anticipated books of 2025, Midnight Black sounds really cool, and I cannot wait to see what brutal action and over-the-top chaos emerge in this amazing read.

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The Reunion by Bronwyn Rivers

The next book I want to highlight in this book haul post is the intriguing Australian thriller debut, The Reunion by Bronwyn Rivers.  Set in the iconic landscape of the Blue Mountains, The Reunion will see five former friends return to the site of a fateful incident 10 years before where one of their friends died during a hike.  Set to feature old secrets and lies re-emerge, The Reunion has a ton of potential, and I think it will end up being one of my top debuts of 2025.

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The Medici Return by Steve Berry

I was very happy to receive a copy of The Medici Return by Steve Berry.  The latest entry in the long-running Cotton Malone series (of which I have become very fond of), The Medici Return will see the series’ titular protagonist investigate a deadly conspiracy involving an old debt owed to the historical Medici family by the Catholic church, which could impact the entire future of Italy.  I cannot wait to see what elaborate narrative Berry has pulled together for The Medici Return and I know I am going to have an amazing time with this book.

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The Bluff by Joanna Jenkins

One of the more intriguing novels I recently received was the cool Australian legal thriller, The Bluff by Joanna Jenkins.  The sequel to Jenkin’s fun and clever first novel, How To Kill A Client (one of my favourite debuts of 2023), The Bluff looks set to be another compelling read as the big-city lawyer protagonist investigates a deadly cover-up in small-town Australia.

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Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben

Easily one of the more intriguing thrillers of 2025, I was very happy to get a copy of the new Harlan Coben book, Nobody’s Fool.  A follow-up to Coben’s classic novel, Fool Me Once, Nobody’s Fool will see returning character Sami Kierce forced to face his past after an old girlfriend he thought long dead returns, initiating an impossible mystery.  I really like the sound of this amazing book, and I cannot wait to read another incredible novel from Coben.

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You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego

A very fun and meta thriller that will see several bestselling murder mystery and thriller authors caught up in a classic whodunnit situation when they are summoned to the private of a famous and mysterious author.  I love books that attempt to place their own twist on the iconic old-school mystery novels, and You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego sounds like it is going to be something very special.

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Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

An intriguing upcoming debut thriller that will see a chronic liar caught up in a dark situation thanks to her bold stories. This could be a very cool read and I look forward to checking it out.

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Grave Empire by Richard swan

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the new fantasy novel from Richard Swan, Grave Empire.  One of the most anticipated fantasy novels of 2025, Grave Empire takes readers to a new age of the Empire of the Wolf and presents a whole different raft of threats and challenges.  This sounds like a really cool book and one I hope I get the chance to check out this year, although as I still haven’t finished off the preceding The Empire of the Wolf trilogy, I worry I won’t be able to enjoy Grave Empire as much.

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Barren Cape by Michelle Prak

I was very happy to get an early copy of the fantastic thriller novel, Barren Cape, from Australian author Michelle Prak. This awesome novel will see a desperate person squatting in an abandoned and isolated resort, which will backfire on her in some dark ways.  I am extremely curious to see how Barren Cape turns out, and I think I am going to have a lot of fun with this book.

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Nightshade by Michael Connelly

Last, but definitely not least, is the new upcoming Michael Connelly book Nightshade.  I was very, very lucky to receive an early copy of Nightshade and I am very excited to check it out, especially as all my recent experiences with Connelly’s books have been extremely positive.  Introducing a new Connelly protagonist who operates on Catalina Island, Nightshade looks set to be a particularly impressive book and I am very excited to check it out.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 1 February 2025 – Netgalley Books

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As I mentioned in my other Book Haul post tonight, I’ve had an excellent few weeks for books, especially when it comes to the haul from Netgalley.  I have received a pretty awesome collection of great upcoming novels from the site, including several that have the potential to be some of my top books of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them and I am looking forward to reading all of them.

An Ethical Guide to Murder by Jenny Morris

The first new novel I want to highlight in this book haul post is the awesome and fun thriller, An Ethical Guide to Murder.  The debut novel from Jenny Morris, An Ethical Guide to Murder sees a young woman gain the ability to transfer life from one person to another.  Determined to use the ability for good, she goes about ethically taking life from bad people to gift it to those she believes deserves to live. I love this fascinating plot idea, and I have already started reading An Ethical Guide to Murder this week.

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The White Fortress by Boyd and Beth Morrison

I was particularly pleased to receive an early copy of the historical fiction thriller, The White Fortress by Boyd and Beth Morrison. The third book in the authors’ Tales of the Lawless Land series, The White Fortress brings back the protagonists of the first two novels, The Lawless Land and The Last True Templar, and sees them become involved uncovering a dark plot in medieval Croatia. This sounds like such an awesome read and based on how much fun I had with the previous novels in the series, I have no doubt The White Fortress is going to be exceptional.

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Battle Mountain by C. J. Box

An awesome thriller from acclaimed author C. J. Box, Battle Mountain is the new entry in the long-running Joe Pickett series, and it promises more bloodshed as one of the series’ protagonists sets out to get revenge. I had a ton of fun reading the last entry in the series, Three-Inch Teeth, and I look forward to seeing what craziness emerges in this cool new book.

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Crusade by Richard Cullen

Another amazing upcoming historical fiction read I recently received is the fantastic novel Crusade by Richard Cullen. The sequel to Cullen’s 2024 novel, Rebellion, Crusade should be another outstanding book that will follow the author’s knight protagonist as he joins the crusades to test his mettle. Crusade looks set to be another fun and action-packed historical read, and I am hoping to read it very soon.

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How to Slay on Holiday by Sarah Bonner

A fantastic and fun sounding thriller that follows a wife whose murderous plans are thrown into disarray by a chaotic holiday. I really love the sound of How to Slay on Holiday, and I am very excited to check it out, especially after having so much fun reading Bonner’s previous books Her Perfect Twin and Her Sweet Revenge.

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A Song of Legends Lost by M. H. Ayinde

An outstanding and massively epic upcoming fantasy debut that I think has a ton of potential.

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Landfall by James Bradley

An intriguing and unique upcoming piece of Australian fiction that will follow a police officer investigating a crime in an environmentally wrecked, future Sydney.

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Broke Road by Matthew Spencer

The final book I want to highlight in this post is the cool upcoming Australian murder mystery Broke Road by Matthew Spencer. The sequel to Spencer’s debut novel, Black River, Broke Road presents a cool new crime fiction story that I am very intrigued to check out.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 1 February 2025

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I’ve had a excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

Days of Shattered Faith by Adrian Tchaikovsky

The first book that I want to highlight in this post is the awesome fantasy novel, Days of Shattered Faith by Adrian Tchaikovsky.  The third book in the Tyrant Philosophers series, Days of Shattered Faith takes the reader back to author’s complex fantasy world and follows two ambassadors of a conquering nation as they attempt to understand a chaotic city. I had a brilliant time with the first two books in this series, City of Last Chances and House of Open Wounds, both of which were amongst my favourite books of 2023 (with City of Last Chances being one of the best audiobooks of 2023), and I am very excited to see how this epic book turns out, especially as it will likely be loaded with strong humour, compelling characters and insane moments.  I am planning to read Days of Shattered Faith next, and while I have a paperback version of it, I may instead try out the audiobook version, which I know is going to be epic.

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Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz

I was also very happy to receive a copy of the new Orphan X book, Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz. A compelling spy thriller that follows on from Out of the Dark, Into the Fire, Prodigal Son, Dark Horse, The Last Orphan and Lone Wolf, Nemesis will see the troubled spy protagonist forced to go to war with his only friend, as dark secrets emerge between them.  I have a feeling that Nemesis is going to be an outstanding entry to this series, and I look forward to checking it out.

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Blood and Gold by Michael Trant

Another cool thriller that I recently received was the fantastic Australian novel, Blood and Gold by Michael Trant.  A very-Australian bush thriller that sees a wild-dog trapper attempt to stop the murder of local gold hunters, Blood and Gold sounds very awesome, and I am hoping to read it soon.

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When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole by Geoff Parkes

A dark and complex debut thriller by new author Geoff Parkes. This book looks set to make excellent use of the New Zealand rural landscape, as an outcast local attempts to find out what happened to a backpacker who went missing the previous year.

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The Whisperer’s War by Jackie French

An intriguing historical drama from one of Australia’s most popular authors, The Whisper’s War follows a noble lady as she spies on Nazi sympathisers in England during World War II.

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Space Usagi: Volume One: Death and Honor by Stan Sakai

I just managed to grab the new printing of the classic Space Usagi comic from Stan Sakai. A spin-off from his classic Usagi Yojimbo series that imagines a samurai adventure in space, Space Usagi: Death and Honour was an interesting read that blended some fun themes together. I am very glad I picked this up, especially as Sakai is releasing a long-awaited second volume in a few months’ time.

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Ultimate Spider-Man – Volume One – Married With Children by Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto and David Messina

The final new comic I want to highlight in this post is the first volume of the new Ultimate Spider-Man series, Married With Children. A captivating reimagining of the Spider-Man origin tale, set in a new universe where many heroes were kept from their destiny, Ultimate Spider-Man is a particularly impressive comic that does a brilliant job showcasing a new take the Spider-Man mythos, while keeping its heart and emotional strength on full display. Married With Children did an outstanding job introducing the new narrative, and this was one of the best new series I have read in a while.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 1 December 2024

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I’ve had a excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

Usagi Yojimbo: Volume 39: Ice and Snow by Stan Sakai

First up I have the latest volume of one of my favourite comic series, Usagi Yojimbo: Ice and Snow.  Pitting the rabbit samurai protagonists against several relentless supernatural foes, including Usagi’s archenemy Jei, Ice and Snow was a great addition to this awesome series, and I read it the very second I got my hands on it.

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Deep Black by Miles Cameron

Next up we have the epic science fiction novel, Deep Black by Miles Cameron.  The sequel to Cameron’s excellent novel, Artifact Space, Deep Black will continue to follow the inhabitants of a massive human trading ship as it attempts to survive a nefarious plot to destroy it.  I really loved Artifact Space and I cannot wait to see how Cameron continues the story.  I am hoping to read Deep Black next, and I know I am going to really enjoy it.

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The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso

I was also very happy to get my hands on a copy of The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso.  A cool new fantasy novel from Caruso, an author who has really impressed me in the past, The Last Hour Between Worlds will see an unlikely pair of rivals team up to investigate a deadly magical mystery.  I am deeply intrigued by the synopsis for The Last Hour Between Worlds and I have no doubt this will end up being one of my favourite fantasy books of 2024.

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A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

I was exceedingly lucky to receive an early copy of A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett, which is one of the top books coming out in 2025.  The sequel to the exceptional fantasy crime fiction novel, The Tainted Cup (one of my favourite books from the first half of 2024), A Drop of Corruption will continue to follow two unlikely investigators as they attempt to uncover dire plots to their monster-besieged kingdom.  A Drop of Corruption is going to be such an epic novel, especially after Bennett blew me away with The Tainted Cup, and this will probably end up being one of my top reads of 2025.  I am going to enjoy this book as early as I can (probably once we hit 2025 proper), and I cannot wait to dive into its outstanding story.

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The Ascent by Adam Plantinga

An awesome and cool thriller debut that I have been meaning to check out all year, The Ascent sees a small group of survivors attempt to fight their way to the top floor of a rioting prison.  This sounds like a very fun and exciting book, and I cannot wait to dive into it.

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Exodus: The Archimedes Engine by Peter F. Hamilton

A massive and complex science fiction novel from iconic author Peter F. Hamilton, Exodus: The Archimedes Machine, sounds like a very interesting read and I hope that I get the chance to check it out.

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Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson

Another hit 2025 novel I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of was Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson.  A fun young adult dark academia novel that will see a young protagonist investigate a mysterious Scottish boarding school with a demonic edge to it, Unhallowed Halls sounds very entertaining, and I have really enjoyed Wilkinson’s other young adult books in the past (see my reviews for The Erasure Initiative and After the Lights Go Out).  I look forward to diving into this book and I cannot wait to see what complex narrative Wilkinson has come up with this time.

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Seven Recipes for Revolution by Ryan Rose

The final book I recently received that I want to highlight in this post is the awesome 2025 fantasy novel, Seven Recipes for Revolution by Ryan Rose.  An outstanding novel based around magical cooking, Seven Recipes for Revolution has so much potential, and I feel that it is going to be one of the more unique books of next year. 

 

 

Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 22 October 2024

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I’ve had another excellent week for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne

I was very, very happy to receive the latest epic fantasy novel from John Gwynne, The Fury of the Gods.  The third and final book in the Bloodsworn trilogy, The Fury of the Gods will follow on from the exceptional reads, The Shadow of the Gods and The Hunger of the Gods.  Set to showcase the final battle between several bands of warriors and the reborn gods, The Fury of the Gods will easily be one of the top fantasy books of 2024 and I am extremely keen to check it out, especially after once again witnessing this glorious cover art.

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The Ghosts of August by Peter Watt

Another excellent book I was happy to get my hands on was the fantastic Australian historical fiction novel, The Ghosts of August by Peter Watt.  The sixth and final book in Watt’s excellent Colonial series, The Ghosts of August will continue to follow members of an Australian family as they battle their way through various key historical events.  This final book will be set around World War I and should prove to be another outstanding read.  I have had a lot of fun with this series over the last few years (see my reviews for The Queen’s Colonial, The Queen’s Tiger, The Queen’s Captain, The Colonial’s Son and Call of Empire), and I have no doubt Watt will end this series on a great note.

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Everyone this Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

As an early Christmas gift, I was lucky enough to get a copy of the new Benjamin Stevenson book, Everyone This Christmas has a Secret.  Following on from his previous awesome novels, Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone and Everyone on This Train is a Suspect, Everyone This Christmas has a Secret is a short, but intriguing entry in the series that will see the protagonist attempt to work out which performer at a Christmas show is a murderer.  I know that I am going to have a ton of fun with this book, and its sure to be one of the top Australian novels of 2024.

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Rebellion by Richard Cullen

An exciting historical fiction release, Rebellion is a great new novel from Richard Cullen that follows an uprising against King John by his nobles.  I loved the sound of this cool book, and I actually started reading it today.  It’s proving to be a very exciting and compelling historical read that focuses on a fantastic period of history.

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Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang

One of the books I recently received with the most potential is the epic novel, Blood Over Bright Haven.  An intrigue laden book about politics and study in a magical university, Blood Over Bright Haven sounds really cool and I am very keen to get through its fantastic sounding plot.  I’m also interested in reading something from author M. L. Wang, especially after hearing some good things about her previous novel, The Sword of Kaigen, and I look forward to seeing how this book turns out.

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The Great Library of Tomorrow by Rosalia Aguilar Solace

The final book I recently received was The Great Library of Tomorrow by Rosalia Aguilar Solace.  An intricate fantasy novel about a multidimensional library, The Great Library of Tomorrow looks set to be a fascinating read and I am looking forward to diving into it.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Book Haul – 15 October 2024

On By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul1 Comment

I’ve had an excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley.  These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year.  I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

The Waiting by Michael Connelly

I was very happy to receive a copy of the new Michael Connelly book, The Waiting.  Bringing together some of Connelly’s best police characters into one fantastic narrative, The Waiting should be a pretty awesome crime fiction book, and I am very eager to check it out.  I’m actually hoping to start reading it this week, and I have no doubt it is going to be one of the top books of the year.

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A Tide of Black Steel by Anthony Ryan

I also recently received the epic new fantasy novel from Anthony Ryan, A Tide of Black Steel.  The first book in Ryan’s The Age of Wrath trilogy, A Tide of Black Steel is a Viking-inspired tale that serves as a sequel to the author’s previous The Covenant of Steel trilogy (The Pariah, The Martyr and The Traitor). I am actually reading A Tide of Black Steel at the moment, and it is proving to be a particularly awesome read that takes the reader on a great adventure.  I am hoping to finish A Tide of Black Steel off in the next day or so, and I cannot wait to see how it comes together.

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Nobody’s Hero by M. W. Craven

The next book I recently received was the cool thriller novel, Nobody’s Hero by M. W. Craven.  The sequel to Craven’s previous novel, Fearless, Nobody’s Hero will take Craven excessively fearless protagonist on another bloody adventure, this time to the UK.  I had a lot of fun with Fearless last year and I am looking forward to reading Nobody’s Hero, especially as Craven’s other 2024 novel, The Mercy Chair, was so damn good.

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How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler

One of the more interesting books I received was the fun sounding fantasy novel, How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler.  Following a doomed hero who, after dying multiple times in a time loop, decides to try and win for once by becoming the evil dark lord instead.  I love the sound of How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying and I’m hoping to read it very soon.

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In Too Deep by Lee Child and Andrew Child

I’ve always meant to dive into the epic Jack Reacher thriller series, and it looks like I’ll have the chance this year as I received a copy of the latest book in the series, In Too Deep.  Written by original author Lee Child and his brother Andrew, In Too Deep takes the titular protagonist on another dark vigilante adventure.  I’m curious to dive into this series for the first time and I am excited to explore the author’s new thrilling story.

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Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin

The final book I recently received is the latest Ian Rankin novel, Midnight and Blue.  The final Rebus novel, Midnight and Blue sees the former detective protagonist trapped in prison and forced to investigate a murder from the inside.  This sounds like quite an interesting book, and while I’m a little apprehensive about starting this series at the very end, I am hoping to give it a try in the next few weeks, and I reckon I’ll enjoy it.

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Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post.  As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in.  Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.