Book Haul – 22 March 2024

On March 22, 2024 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

I have been having another excellent couple of weeks for books, and I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from some of my local publishers. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including several books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year. I cannot wait to dive into them, and I look forward to seeing how they turn out.

Death on the Tiber by Lindsey Davis

Death on the Tiber Cover

I was very happy to receive a copy of Death on the Tiber by Lindsey Davis. An intriguing new addition to one of my favourite historical fiction series, the Flavia Albia books, Death on the Tiber presents another intense historical murder mystery that I know I’m going to love.

White Ash Ridge by S. R. White

White Ash Ridge Cover

I was also very happy to receive a copy of White Ash Ridge by S. R. White. Part of a great Australian murder mystery series that has previously featured awesome books like Prisoner and Red Dirt Road, White Ash Ridge has an epic and compelling sounding murder behind it that I cannot wait to unravel.

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

How to Solve Your Own Murder Cover

A cool and fun sounding murder mystery book with a great concept behind it, as the protagonist attempts to solve her great aunt’s long-predicted murder. I have heard good things about How to Solve Your Own Murder and I look forward to seeing how it comes together.

Play of Shadows by Sebastien De Castell

Play of Shadows Cover

An intriguing fantasy novel from acclaimed author Sebastien De Castell. I will have to see how I go with Play of Shadows, mainly because I haven’t read the previous series that was set in the same universe. Still, I had a lot of fun with De Castell’s last book, The Malevolent Seven, so I am sure I will have a great time getting through Play of Shadows.

War Cry by Ian Ross

War Cry Cover

I was very happy to finally get my hands on the new Ian Ross book, War Cry. The sequel to his outstanding 2023 novel, Battle Song, War Cry is an awesome piece of historical fiction that follows a young knight involved in a brutal civil war. I’ve actually already read War Cry, and it proved to be an epic novel with a brilliant story behind it.

The Winter Palace by Paul Morgan

The Winter Palace Cover

I was intrigued to get a copy of the fantastic sounding historical drama, The Winter Palace. Following a Polish husband and wife separated during World War II, The Winter Palace promises to be an exciting and moving read about love, sacrifice and war.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Where Sleeping Girls Lie Cover

The final book I recently received was the compelling young adult thriller, Where Sleeping Girls Lie. An intriguing and dark mystery set in an elite private school, Where Sleeping Girls Lie sounds like an excellent novel and I cannot wait to check it out.

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 – 4 February 2024

On February 4, 2024 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul2 Comments

I have been having another excellent couple of weeks for books, and I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from some of my local publishers and Netgalley. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including several books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year. I cannot wait to dive into them, and I look forward to seeing how they turn out.

Glenrock by Lee Christine

Glenrock Cover

Let’s start this Book Haul post off with the novel I am currently reading, Glenrock by Lee Christine. Set in coastal Australia, Glenrock is a gripping murder mystery that sees several intriguing characters become wrapped up in dark events after a judge is murdered. This book has an awesome sounding plot behind it, and I am already enjoying its excellent story.

Body of Lies by Sarah Bailey

Body of Lies Cover

Another Australian novel I was particularly happy to receive was Body of Lies by Sarah Bailey. Bailey, who previously impressed me with The Housemate, has produced another excellent crime fiction novel that sees a unique mystery arise when an apparent car crash victim dies and then her body is stolen from the morgue. This sounds like quite an awesome read and I have no doubt Body of Lies will be one of the top Australian crime fiction reads of 2024.

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland

The Invocations Cover

A gripping and interesting young adult fantasy novel that sees three girls with different experiences of magic try to hunt down a supernatural serial killer. I love the cool plot of The Invocations and I look forward to diving into this fascinating read.

Gone by Glenna Thomson

Gone Cover

A powerful sounding Australian novel that sees a women return home to finally solve the mystery of her long-missing sister.

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

The List of Suspicious Things Cover

A distinctive and fun sounding murder mystery that I know I will have a great time with.

Three-Inch Teeth by C. J. Box

Three-Inch Teeth Cover

I was lucky to receive an early copy of the new Joe Pickett novel by C. J. Box, Three-Inch Teeth. Three-Inch Teeth once again follows Box’s long-running game warden protagonist as he attempts to hunt down a killer bear in the wilds of Wyoming. However, he is unaware that old foes from the past have returned and are using the bear attacks for their own sinister purposes. I have actually already read Three-Inch Teeth and it proved to be an awesome and highly exciting read. Review to follow soon.

Blood Roses by Douglas Jackson

Blood Roses Cover

I am a huge fan of historical murder mysteries, and I just got my hands on the electronic copy of Blood Roses by Douglas Jackson. Set in occupied Poland during World War II, Blood Roses follows a Polish cop as he attempts to hunt down a serial killer using the Nazi invasion for cover. This book has a ton of potential and I am hoping to dive into it as soon as I can.

Agricola: Invader by Simon Turney

Agricola - Invader Cover

The always impressive Simon Turney starts a new Roman historical fiction series with Agricola: Invader. Set in the dire Roman province of Britannia, Agricola: Invader will follow a new Roman tribune as he finds himself dragged into Boudica’s revolution. Sure to be an excellent read, I look forward to checking it out.

Sword of the War God by Tim Hodkinson

Sword of the War God Cover

An interesting and fun novel that sees a group of adventurers attempt to recover a legendary magical sword before it can fall into the hands of Atilla the Hun. I love the epic and compelling sounding plot of Sword of the War God and I have high hopes for this cool book.

To You Shall All Flesh Come by Lumen Reese

To You Shall All Flesh Come Cover

A weird, but amazing sounding book about a doctor keeping the local vampire population in line through some very unique methods. I had to pick up a copy of this book after reading the excessively awesome synopsis and I cannot wait to see how over-the-top it gets.

Cloaked Deception by Timothy Zahn

Cloaked Deception Cover

The last book I want to highlight in this Book Haul is the outstanding sounding read, Cloaked Deception by Timothy Zahn. I know Zahn through his epic Star Wars novels, including Scoundrels, the Thrawn trilogy (Thrawn, Alliances and Treason), and the Thrawn Ascendency trilogy (Chaos Rising, Greater Good and Lesser Evil). I have never had the pleasure of reading any of his non-Star Wars book, but that is going to change as I just received an early copy of his upcoming science fiction thriller novel Cloaked Deception. A gripping read that sees a deadly assassination plan with an excessive amount of collateral damage clash with the theft of the world’s first cloaking device. I have so much love for Cloaked Deception’s epic plot synopsis, and I have no doubt this will be an exceptional read.

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 January 2024

On January 22, 2024 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul1 Comment

As we have been getting into 2024, I have been having an excellent couple of weeks for book, and I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from some of my local publishers and Netgalley. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including several of my most anticipated novels of 2024. I truly believe that some of these books have to potential to be some of my top reads of the year and I cannot wait to dive into them.

The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman

The Ghost Orchid Cover (2)

Let us start this Book Haul post off strong with the fantastic murder mystery, The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman. The latest book in Kellerman’s long-running Alex Delaware series, The Ghost Orchid will see the author’s entertaining protagonists investigate a chilling double homicide with many potential suspects. I am a major fan of Kellerman’s at the moment, especially after amazing recent reads like The Wedding Guest, The Museum of Desire, Serpentine, City of the Dead and Unnatural History, and I have no doubt that The Ghost Orchid will be just as awesome.

Lone Wolf by Gregg Hurwitz

Lone Wolf Cover 2

Another amazing book I was very happy to get a copy of was Lone Wolf by Gregg Hurwitz. The latest book in Hurwitz’s excellent Orphan X series, Lone Wolf will see the author’s rogue spy/vigilante protagonist go up against his most dangerous opponents yet. This series is another favourite of mine (see my reviews for Out of the Dark, Into the Fire, Prodigal Son, Dark Horse and The Last Orphan), and I am extremely keen to see what happens to the complex protagonist next.

The Murder Inn by James Patterson and Candice Fox

The Murder Inn Cover

The outstanding team of James Patterson and Candice Fox return with the intriguing crime fiction novel, The Murder Inn, which serves as a sequel to their previous novel, The Inn. The Murder Inn will see two murderers head towards the titular troubled inn, but which one of them is there for help, and which one is looking to kill again? I love the sound of this book and I am hoping to read The Murder Inn very soon.

Devil’s Kitchen by Candice Fox

Devil's Kitchen Cover

Australian thriller author Candice Fox is on a roll in 2024 as in addition to her above joint book with James Patterson, she is also releasing the epic standalone thriller, Devil’s Kitchen. Set around an elite group of firefighters who are also secretly a notorious crew of bank robbers, Devil’s Kitchen has an incredible story behind it, and I cannot wait to dive into this awesome novel. Likely to be one of the best books by an Australian author in 2024.

The Silverblood Promise by James Logan

The Silverblood Promise Cover

I was particularly happy to receive an early copy of The Silverblood Promise by James Logan. Logan’s debut novel The Silverblood Promise is an outstanding sounding fantasy book, that will force the disgraced heir of a noble house to go up against a city of criminals after his father is murdered. I really love the sound of this epic novel and it is one of my most anticipated fantasy releases of 2024.

Past Crimes by Jason Pinter

Past Crimes Cover

A cool and unique sounding science fiction novel, Past Crimes by Jason Pinter was one of the more interesting novels that I came across in recent days and I am hoping to check it out soon.

Hollywood Hustle by Jon Lindstrom

Hollywood Hustle Cover

One of the more compelling novels I recently received was Hollywood Hustle, an excellent debut crime fiction read from actor Jon Lindstrom. Hollywood Hustle tells the story of a washed-up actor who finds himself caught up in a dangerous situation when his daughter is kidnapped. I’m actually reading Hollywood Hustle right now, and it is proving to be a fantastic book.

Rebellion by Simon Scarrow

Rebellion Cover

The last two books on this list are some fantastic historical fiction novels I bought in the wake of Christmas. The first of these is Rebellion, the latest book in Simon Scarrow’s Eagles of the Empire series, which is one of my favourite historical fiction series. Rebellion was a pretty epic book, and I actually just reviewed it last night here. Highly recommended, especially if you are the mood for some historical action.

Wolves of Winter by Dan Jones

Wolves of Winter Cover

The other historical fiction book I bought was the intriguing Wolves of Winter by Dan Jones. The sequel to Jones’ excellent debut, Essex Dogs, Wolves of Winter will continue to follow the author’s damaged group of mercenaries as they continue to fight the French in the Hundred Years War. This cool sequel will see them caught them caught up in the siege of Calais, while their own dark demons from the past threaten to consume them. I love the sound of this book and if it’s as good as Essex Dogs, I’m going to really love reading it.

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 December 2023

On December 22, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

We are nearing the end of 2023, and it has been a pretty exceptional year for books, all things considered. While the year is wrapping up and we are heading into the Christmas break, I am still receiving a few good books here and there, which I thought I would quickly highlight in my final Book Haul post of 2023. This final list includes a couple of late 2023 releases, some books I picked up myself, as well as several great novels from early 2024 that I received from both publishers and Netgalley. This worked out to be a pretty eclectic collection of books, but they should make for excellent reads, and I am looking forward to all of them.

Deadly Game by Michael Caine

Deadly Game Cover

The first book that I want to highlight in this Book Haul post is the fun thriller, Deadly Game. Set around the theft of nuclear material in London, Deadly Game is a fantastic novel that I was very happy to receive, mainly because it was written by legendary actor Michael Caine. I have actually already read Deadly Game (literally finished it an hour ago), and it was a pretty good debut, with a captivating narrative and distinctive writing style. I am hoping to get a review up for Deadly Game soon, and it ended up being a great read.

Argylle by Elly Conway

Argylle Cover

The next book I recently received is potentially the most intriguing and mysterious, with the spy thriller Argylle. A compelling book set around a maverick spy attempting to stop a series of devastating events, Argylle sounds pretty fun. However, it’s the behind-the-scenes elements of Argylle that may prove to be the most fascinating, especially as there is a major movie adaptation for this book coming out in a few months, as well as some serious questions about who the author of this novel is (there are some very interesting theories online). I am hoping to read Argylle in the next week or two and I am very, very curious to see how the book ties into the upcoming movie, as well as who actually wrote this debut novel.

Saevus Corax Captures the Castle by K. J. Parker

Saevus Corax Captures the Castle Cover

After having an amazing time reading the Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead, I went out and grabbed the next two Saevus Corax books, including Saevus Corax Captures the Castle. A cool trilogy from one of my favourite fantasy authors, K. J. Parker, all three Saevus Corax books were released within a month of each other, which was a very interesting choice. Following professional battlefield looter, Saevus Corax, as he gets dragged into all manner of over-the-top trouble, the first book in this series was very fun and it was easily one of my favourite books of 2023. I am hoping to get into the sequels soon, and I have no doubt that both of them will be extremely fun, highly detailed, and featuring some unique stories. The second book in the trilogy, Saevus Corax Captures the Castle sounds extremely awesome, as the tricky Saevus Corax finds himself in the awkward position of having to besiege a castle to survive.

Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder by K. J. Parker

Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder Cover

The other Saevus Corax book I got was Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder. The final entry in the trilogy, this novel will see the titular character try to finally retire, while also trying to get away with murder. No doubt another funny and clever read, I am looking forward to this novel and it should be extremely awesome.

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

The Tainted Cup Cover

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the new Robert Jackson Bennett novel, The Tainted Cup. One of the most anticipated fantasy novels of 2024, The Tainted Cup will see two unique investigators attempt to solve an impossible magical death in one of the author’s elaborate fantasy worlds. The Tainted Cup has the potential to be one of the top books of 2024 and I cannot wait to dive into it.

A Clean Kill by Steven Konkoly

A Clean Kill Cover

A fantastic and intriguing thriller that sees a FBI agent attempt to stop a deadly serial killer leaving a swathe of bodies alongside America’s roads. A Clean Kill sounds like an amazing piece of crime fiction and I am very keen to check it out.

Behind a Closed Door by J. D. Barker

Behind A Closed Door Cover

The final book I recently received was the fantastic horror thriller, Behind A Closed Door by J. D. Barker. Set around a malicious app that forces its participants to complete in deadly games, Behind A Closed Door sounds like an intense and compelling novel and I am excited to dive into the author’s twisted tale. Barker is a great author, and I have previously enjoyed some of his collaborative work, including Death of the Black Widow and Dracul. I look forward to reading this solo novel from him, especially as it sounds very awesome and dark.

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 – 4 December 2023

On December 4, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

I have been having an excellent couple of weeks for book, as I have been lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from some of my local publishers and from Netgalley. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including some books that have the potential to be the top novels of 2023 and early 2024. I am extremely keen to check out all of the books below and they should make for some amazing reads.

Resurrection by Michael Connelly

Resurrection Walk Cover

I got Resurrection Walk a while ago but I haven’t had a chance to really highlight it on this blog yet. The cool and epic new book from Michael Connelly, Resurrection Walk sees the return of two of the author’s main protagonists and they solve a complex and intriguing case. I had a brilliant time already reading Resurrection Walk and I am hoping to get a review up for it soon.

Vendetta by Sarah Barrie

Vendetta Cover

I was also very happy to receive a copy of the new Sarah Barrie novel, Vendetta. The sequel to Barrie’s previous novels, Unforgiven and Retribution, Vendetta will see the series’ maverick protagonist go up against bikie gangs and revenge driven bombers in an excellent piece of Australian crime fiction. I have actually already started reading Vendetta and it is proving to be an excellent and captivating read.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

The Mystery Guest Cover

Another excellent book I recently picked up was the intriguing novel, The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose. The sequel to Prose’s unique debut, The Maid, The Mystery Guest will follow the author’s compelling protagonist as she finds herself involved in another murder at her hotel. I am hoping to read this book next and it should be quite a fun read.

Extinction by Douglas Preston

Extinction Cover

A fantastic novel from early 2024 that sees a brutal series of murders take place in an advanced biological zoo filled with resurrected creatures from prehistory. This book sounds so incredibly awesome, and I cannot wait to dive into it.

Dark Arena by Jack Beaumont

Dark Arena Cover

A compelling and impressive thriller that will serve as a sequel to Beaumont’s explosive debut, The Frenchman.

West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman

West Heart Kill Cover

One of the most intriguing books I recently received was the compelling debut, West Heart Kill. Marketed as a unique take on the murder mystery genre, West Heart Kill will apparently present a classic crime fiction scenario and completely turn it on its head. This sounds like such a fantastic read and I cannot wait to dive into it.

The Watch Maker’s Hand by Jeffery Deaver

The Watch Maker's Hand Cover

The latest intriguing Lincoln Rhyme thriller from Jeffery Deaver, this new awesome book will see Deaver’s protagonist attempt to stop a series of deadly attacks on New York City.

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

The Christmas Guest Cover

A cool and twisty Christmas themed novella from the always impressive Peter Swanson.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Bookshops & Bonedust Cover

After wowing the world with his beloved novel, Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree presents another cozy fantasy novel, this time a prequel set inside a second-hand bookshop. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading Legends & Lattes but I like the sound of Bookshops & Bonedust and I’m sure I will have fun with it.

The Wiregrass by Adrian Hyland

The Wiregrass Cover

The final book that I want to highlight in this book haul post is the cool sounding thriller, The Wiregrass, by bestselling author Adrian Hyland. This sounds like another excellent read and I look forward to diving into it.

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.

WWW Wednesday – 8 November 2023

On November 9, 2023November 13, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn WWW WednesdayLeave a comment

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words, where bloggers share the books that they’ve recently finished, what they are currently reading and what books they are planning to read next. Essentially you have to answer three questions (the Three Ws):

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

So, let’s get to it.

What are you currently reading:

Mr Einstein’s Secretary by Matthew Reilly (Trade Paperback)

Mr Einstein's Secretary Cover

I started the compelling historical novel, Mr Einstein’s Secretary this week and boy am I loving it. The latest book from acclaimed Australian author Matthew Reilly, Mr Einstein’s Secretary follows a young girl who lives through terrible times and becomes a spy, a traitor and the secretary to Einstein. I am about 100 pages in at the moment and cannot wait to see how this awesome novel turns out.

Warhammer 40,000: Creed: Ashes of Cadia by Jude Reid (Audiobook)

Creed - Ashes of Cadia Cover 2

I am still enjoying the latest Warhammer 40,000 novels, Creed: Ashes of Cadia by Jude Reid this week. I had hoped to have finished this audiobook by now, but I haven’t had as much listening time as I would have wanted. Despite that, Ashes of Cadia is proving to be an excellent read and I love the complex and action-packed story it contains as the daughter of a legendary war hero as she journeys back to the site of her father’s greatest failure, the fall of Cadia. I should finish this off in the next day or two and I cannot wait to see how it ends.

What did you recently finish reading?

Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly (Trade Paperback)

Resurrection Walk Cover

I had a wonderful time finishing off the excellent new Michael Connelly novel, Resurrection Walk this week. A Lincoln Lawyer novel that also features Connelly’s main protagonist Harry Bosch, Resurrection Walk was an exception book that sees the protagonists try to prove the innocence of several convicted felons. One of Connelly’s best recent books, I loved Resurrection Walk and I am hoping to get a review up for it soon.

The Defector by Chris Hadfield (Trade Paperback)

The Defector Cover

A compelling and fascinating thriller set during the Cold War from a talented author with some intriguing real-world insights.

The Girl from London by Olivia Spooner (Trade Paperback)

The Girl From London Cover

A moving and compelling historical drama that focuses on a unique World War II event.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Zero Days Since Last Incident by JE Rowney

Zero Days Since Last Incident Cover

I am hoping to quickly read the entertaining sounding thriller, Zero Days Since Last Incident in the next week. Following several ambitious office workers who get stuck on an island with murderous results, Zero Days Since Last Incident sounds pretty damn awesome and I can’t wait to check it out.

Murtagh by Christopher Paolini

Murtagh Cover

I am also hoping to dive into the new Christopher Paolini novel, Murtagh, in the next few days. The long-awaited sequel to his iconic Inheritance Cycle (a series I have a lot of love for), Murtagh is one of my most anticipated books for the second half of 2023 and I cannot wait to see how Paolini expands his awesome fantasy series.

That’s it for this week, check back in next Wednesday to see what progress I’ve made on my reading and what books I’ll be looking at next.

Book Haul – 20 October 2023

On October 20, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

Thanks to being away for a few weeks on a much-needed holiday I haven’t had much of an opportunity to update my blog lately. However, that time away ensured that I had a massive pile of books waiting for me when I got back so I figured this would be a good time for a Book Haul post. I actually received several really good books while I was away, including some of my most anticipated reads for the second half of the year, which was a great welcome back present. I cannot wait to read all the books below and I am sure they are all going to be cracking reads.

The Armour of Light by Ken Follett

The Armour of Light Cover

First up, I was very happy to receive a copy of the new Ken Follett historical fiction novel, The Armour of Light. A massive novel, The Armour of Light is the latest book in Follett’s Kingsbridge series and will follow a new group of protagonists in the titular city of Kingsbridge. Set during the industrial revolution and the Napoleonic wars, The Armour of Light looks set to be a mighty read and will no doubt be one of the best historical fiction books of 2023.

Everyone on this Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

Everyone on this Train is a Suspect Cover

I was particularly happy to receive a copy of the fun murder mystery Everyone on this Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson, which is set to be one of the top Australian books of 2023. A sequel to Stevenson’s exceptional 2022 novel, Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone, Everyone on this Train is a Suspect should be a hilarious and clever murder mystery that pokes fun at classic crime fiction.

The Exchange by John Grisham

The Exchange Cover

One of the more interesting novels I recently received was The Exchange by legendary author John Grisham. The long-awaited sequel to his iconic novel The Firm, The Exchange looks set to be a great new legal thriller and I look forward to seeing how Grisham continues his original story. I am hoping to read this book next and it should be a compelling and exciting read.

Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead by K. J. Parker

Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead Cover

One of the books I was happiest to get a copy of was the cool new novel from awesome fantasy author K. J. Parker, Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead is the first book in a fun series that follows a battlefield looter as he gets into all manner of trouble. I am a big fan of Parker, especially after his outstanding The Siege Trilogy, and I cannot wait to see what sort of elaborate and comedic story he comes up with here.

The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse by Tom Holt

The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse Cover

Another great comedic fantasy novel I received is amazingly titled The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse by Tom Holt. Tom Holt is the real name of K. J. Parker from above, so I’m pretty happy to receive a second book from him. The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse is actually a continuation of one of Holt’s ongoing series, so it will interesting to see how it turns out.

The Defector by Chris Hadfield

The Defector Cover

Former astronaut turned thriller author Chris Hadfield returns with his second intriguing novel, The Defector. The sequel to his cool debut, The Apollo Murders, The Defector is another great sounding read that will examine espionage and betrayal in the 1970s as the protagonist tries to bring in a mysterious Soviet defector. I really enjoyed Hadfield’s first book and I cannot wait to see how this cool sequel unfolds.

Weapons Grade by Don Bentley

Weapons Grade Cover

Author Don Bently continues to expand the Tom Clancy universe with a new Jack Ryan Jr thriller. Weapons Grade sounds like a fun read and I look forward to seeing how it turns out.

Murder on a School Night by Kate Weston

Murder on a School Night Cover

A fun and intriguing young adult thriller, Murder on a School Night sounds like a very entertaining novel and I am quite keen to dive into it.

The Rosewood Hunt by Mackenzie Reed

The Rosewood Hunt Cover

A deadly treasure hunt and an intriguing adventure look set to dominate this great young adult read by Mackenzie Reed.

The Girl From London by Olivia Spooner

The Girl From London Cover

A complex and emotionally charged historical drama about a missing refugee ship during World War 2.

Zero Days Since Last Incident by J. E. Rowney

Zero Days Since Last Incident Cover

The last book I recently received was the exciting and entertaining sounding thriller Zero Days Since Last Incident by JE Rowney. This fantastic sounding book, which is billed as The Office meets Lord of the Flies, sounds very amusing and I look forward to seeing how crazy it gets.

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/Vacation Books – 20 September 2023

On September 20, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

I’ve had a good week for books, having been lucky enough to receive four amazing reads that I am particularly excited to read, including three novels that were amongst my most anticipated novels for 2023. While these four books are pretty damn awesome, I would usually wait to get a few more books before doing a Book Haul post. However, I’m heading out for vacation tomorrow so it’s going to be a while before I will be able to do a follow-up post. So instead, I’m going to list the four new releases I got, while also highlighting what books I am planning to take away on vacation with me.

Book Haul:

Holly by Stephen King

Holly Cover

I was very happy to receive a copy of the new Stephen King book, Holly, which is set around a gruesome and complex mystery. I’ve actually already finished Holly off, and it is easily one of the best and most captivating noels of 2023. I am hoping to get a review up for Holly soon, but it comes very highly recommended to anyone interested in an exceptional read.

Prima Facie by Suzie Miller

Prima Facie Cover

The novel version of Suzie Miller’s play of the same name and an intriguing legal thriller.

House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky

House of Open Wounds Cover

I managed to get an early copy of House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky through Netgalley and I am very excited about it. The sequel to the exceptional City of Last Changes, House of Open Wounds has an amazing plot of a group of unusual and magic healers drafted in an unconventional medical unit. This book sounds so damn fun, and while I was hoping to enjoy House of Open Wounds on audiobook, I am very tempted to dive into this early copy.

Kill Your Husbands by Jack Heath

Kill Your Husbands Cover

Another great book from Netgalley, Kill Your Husbands is an excellent sounding murder mystery from one of my favourite Australian authors and the great sequel to his previous book, Kill Your Brother. I am very excited to check this book out and I know I am going to love all the clever twists and turns.

Travel Books:

I’m taking an interesting collection of books with me for the coming weeks. I’m hoping to get through a few novels that have been on my to-read list for a while so it should be an interesting couple of weeks.

The Noise by James Patterson and J. D. Barker

The Noise Cover

The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnston

The Maleficent Seven Cover 2

Lord of the Night by Simon Spurrier

Lord of the Night Cover

Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans

Notorious Sorcerer Cover

Age of Ash by Daniel Abraham

Age of Ash Cover

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 September 2023

On September 11, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

I have been having an excellent couple of weeks for book, as I have been lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from some of my local publishers and from Netgalley. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including some books that have the potential to be the top novels of 2023. I am extremely keen to check out all of the books below and they should make for some amazing reads.

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

The Last Devil to Die Cover

The first recently received novel that I need to highlight is the incredibly awesome The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman, which is one of my most anticipated novels of 2023. The fourth book in Osman’s exceptional Thursday Murder Club series (following on from The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice and The Bullet That Missed), The Last Devil to Die sounds pretty amazing and looks set to contain the same great blend of mystery, complex characters and unique humour that made the previous novels so damn epic. I cannot wait to read The Last Devil to Die and I have no doubt it will be one of the top books of 2023.

He Who Drowned The World by Shelley Parker-Chan

He Who Drowned The World Cover

Next up I was very happy to receive a copy of He Who Drowned The World by Australian author Shelley Parker-Chan. The sequel to the author’s awesome debut, She Who Became The Sun, He Who Drowned The World will continue to follow Parker-Chan’s unique protagonist as they try to end the Mongol rule of China while establishing their own complex rule. She Who Became The Sun was one of my favourite debuts and Australian Fiction novels of 2021 and I have been eager to see a sequel for a while.

The Changing Man by Tomi Oyemakinde

The Changing Man Cover

A gripping and compelling sounding young adult thriller about a mysterious school and a dangerous presence changing its students. I love the unique sounding plot of The Changing Man and I think I’m going to really enjoy this book.

The Secret Hours by Mick Herron

The Secret Hours Cover

One of the more interesting books that I recently received a copy of is The Secret Hours by Mick Herron. A compelling and complex sounding spy thriller about the inner workings of MI5 from a top author, The Secret Hours has a ton of potential and I will really try to make an effort to check this fantastic novel out.

Stop Them Dead by Peter James

Stop Them Dead Cover

I was very happy to receive another crime fiction read from Peter James, who has released a ton of novels in the last few years. This new book, which is part of his Roy Grace series, presents the reader with another intriguing case that I know I will have fun with.

Worst Knights Ever by Dane Hanson

Worst Knights Ever Cover

I managed to get a copy of the fun fantasy novel Worst Knights Ever from Netgalley and I hope I get the chance to read it soon. This comedic novel will see four celebrity knights (Elton John, Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Anthony Hopkins) face off against a dragon bent on destroying London. This sounds like a very silly, but fantastic book, and I can’t wait to check it out.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

The Mystery Writer Cover

I was pretty happy to get an advanced copy of the upcoming Sulari Gentill novel, The Mystery Writer. Gentill, who is one of Australia’s best crime fiction authors, has written some awesome books over the years and this new novel sounds particularly excellent as it follows a mystery writer who finds themself involved in an insidious murder investigation. I have no doubt this will be an excellent and complex mystery read and I cannot wait to dive into it.

Midnight by Amy McCulloch

Midnight Cover

The final book I recently received was an advanced copy of Midnight by Amy McCulloch. An intriguing thriller set in Antarctica, Midnight sounds like a very awesome read that I will hopefully get to soon.

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 – 12 August 2023

On August 12, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul1 Comment

I have been having an excellent couple of weeks for book, as I have been lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from some of my local publishers and from Netgalley. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including some books that have the potential to be the top novels of 2023. I am extremely keen to check out all of the books below and they should make for some amazing reads.

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin

Dark Corners Cover 2

An exciting and compelling thriller from one of Australia’s top crime fiction authors. Dark Corners is the fantastic sequel to Goldin’s previous novel, The Night Swim, and I have already started reading it.

Code Red by Kyle Mills

Code Red Cover

I am always keen to get my hands on the new Mitch Rapp novel, and I just got an early release of the next book by Kyle Mills, Code Red. This book promises to be loaded with action, intrigue, and excitement, and I cannot wait to dive into it.

The Pit by Peter Papathanasiou

The Pit Cover

A gritty Australian thriller from a talented, rising author.

The Night House by Jo Nesbo

The Night House Cover

An awesome and freaky sounding horror novel from epic crime fiction author Jo Nesbo, this is going to be good.

Mr Einstein’s Secretary by Matthew Reilly

Mr Einstein's Secretary Cover

Acclaimed author Matthrew Reilly takes on the historical fiction genre with this intriguing novel about Einstein’s secretary. This book sounds like it is going to be one of the most interesting and unique reads of 2023 and I cannot wait to dive into it.

Ordinary Gods and Monsters by Chris Womersley

Ordinary Gods and Monsters Cover

An intense and complex piece of Australian fiction that I am very keen to check out.

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.