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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnston

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Book Haul – 12 August 2023

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

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin

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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.

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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.

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The Pit by Peter Papathanasiou

The Pit Cover

A gritty Australian thriller from a talented, rising author.

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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.

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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.

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Ordinary Gods and Monsters by Chris Womersley

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

Book Haul – 25 June 2023

On June 25, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul1 Comment

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

Starter Villain Cover

First up, I was very happy to receive a copy of the upcoming John Scalzi novel, Starter Villain. Scalzi has been killing it with his brilliant and satirical novels recently, including Redshirts and The Kaiju Preservation Society, and this new book sounds pretty damn cool. Following someone who inherits a supervillain business and all the problems that entails, Starter Villain sounds like a ton of fun and I cannot wait to check it out.

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Traitors Gate by Jeffrey Archer

Traitors Gate Cover

I was also very happy to receive a copy of the new Jeffery Archer book, Traitors Gate. The sixth book in Archer’s Willaim Warwick series, Traitors Gate will see the protagonists of the series attempt to stop an attempted heist of the Crown Jewels. This series is always a ton of fun to read (see my reviews for Nothing Ventured, Hidden in Plain Sight and Turn a Blind Eye) and this sounds like an awesome and compelling new plot.

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Fearless by M. W. Craven

Fearless Cover

The next book I’ve recently received is the fantastic sounding new thriller from M. W. Craven, Fearless. Following an elite government agent turned drifter who is dragged back into action when someone tries to hunt him down. Fearless has a ton of potential and should turn out to be an amazing thrill ride that I know I am going to really enjoy.

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The Paris Agent by Kelly Rimmer

The Paris Agent Cover

I was very, very happy to receive a copy of the new novel from Australian author Kelly Rimmer, The Paris Agent. Rimmer has been on fire the last few years, producing some of the best historical drama novels out there, including The Warsaw Orphan (one of my favourite Australian books of 2021) and The German Wife (one of my favourite books of 2022). This latest novel from Rimmer is also set during World War II and will look at the always dependable topic of female spies sent into Nazi occupied France. I know that Rimmer is going to produce another intense and hard-hitting novel with The Paris Agent and I am very keen to see what happens here.

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Never a Hero by Vanessa Len

Never A Hero Cover

Vanessa Len will follow up her exceptional 2022 debut, Only a Monster, with the exciting new upcoming release, Never a Hero. Only a Monster was a brilliant young adult fantasy novel that saw a young woman find out that she was a literal monster with time travel abilities and was forced into a desperate adventure for her own survival. I had a lot of fun with Only a Monster (one of my favourite debuts and Australian novels of 2022) and I cannot wait to see how Len follows it up with Never a Hero.

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The Hunger by Marsheila Rockwell

The Hunger Cover

Ok, I will admit that I mostly requested a copy of this book because of the cover. The Hunger is an awesome upcoming Marvel Comics tie-in novel set in the Marvel Zombies universe. Written by Marsheila Rockwell, this cool novel will see an eclectic group of heroes attempt to stop the zombie apocalypse, only to cause far bigger issues with their meddling. This novel sounds like it is going to be so damn amazing and I am very excited to read it.

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The Berlin Traitor by A. W. Hammond

The Berlin Traitor Cover

A compelling thriller set in post-war Berlin, The Berlin Traitor is a great new novel from A. W. Hammond and I look forward to trying something from this author.

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Altered Sense by Max Jeffries

Altered Sense Cover

The final book I received a copy of was the interesting Australian thriller, Altered Sense by Max Jeffries. Following a man who starts to receive dark visions after a blow to the head, Altered Sense looks to be a quick and exciting novel and I hope I get the chance to read it.

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Book Haul – 30 April 2023

On April 30, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul3 Comments

I have been having an absolutely fantastic 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. 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.

Battle Song by Ian Ross

Battle Song Cover

The first book I recently received was the amazing historical fiction adventure novel, Battle Song by Ian Ross. Set during one of the earlier English civil wars, Battle Song follows a young squire and his devious master as they try to figure out which side to fight for. I love a great historical adventure and this book sounds particularly fun. I am hoping to read it in the next few weeks, and I have no doubt I will love it.

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Usagi Yojimbo: Volume 38: The Green Dragon by Stan Sakai

Usagi Yojimbo - Volume 38 - The Green Dragon Cover

One of the highpoints of my year has to be the release of the new volume of the Usagi Yojimbo comic by Stan Sakai. One of my all-time favorite comic book series, the Usagi Yojimbo books are so much damn fun and I love the great combination of clever stories and breathtaking artwork. Well Stan Sakai just released his new volume of this series, The Green Dragon, which features several amazing new stories. I naturally read this comic the very second I got my hands on it and The Green Dragon was everything I wanted and more. I absolutely loved this comic and I will hopefully get a review up for it soon.

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Falling Sky by Harry Sidebottom

Falling Sky Cover

I was pretty happy to finally get my hands on a copy of the latest book from one of my favourite historical fiction authors, Harry Sidebottom, Falling Sky. Set in ancient Rome, Falling Sky will continue the adventures of Sidebottom’s original protagonist, a barbarian turned Roman soldier, as he fights to defend the Emperor and his adopted city of Rome. This new book will feature a deadly civil war in the Italian Alps and should be a particularly awesome read. I have been eager for this book for ages, and I am very glad to finally have my hands on it.

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The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien De Castell

The Malevolent Seven Cover

One of the books that I was particularly happy to get a copy of was The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien De Castellari, which looks to be an outstanding and intriguing fantasy novel. This awesome sounding novel will see a group of rogues attempt to take down seven of the most powerful mages in the world. I love the epic plot surrounding The Malevolent Seven and I honestly think that this book has potential to be one of the best fantasy novels of 2023. I really hope I get the chance to read this book soon as it sounds like something I will have a lot of fun with.

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The Fire and the Rose by Robyn Cadwallader

The Fire and the Rose Cover

An intriguing and powerful sounding historical fiction novel by a great Australian author, The Fire and the Rose sounds like an amazing book and I look forward to reading it.

The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence

The Book That Wouldn't Burn Cover

I managed to receive an early copy of The Book That Wouldn’t Burn from one of the top fantasy authors at the moment, Mark Lawrence. The Book That Wouldn’t Burn is a particularly awesome sounding novel set in a massive magical library and I am deeply excited to read it as soon as I can. I am actually planning to dive into it later this week and I have no doubt it will be one of the best books of the year.

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The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman

The Isles of the Gods Cover

One of Australia’s leading young adult fantasy authors, Amie Kaufman, returns with another amazing novel, The Isles of the Gods. An intriguing nautical themed adventure that sees a young sailor and a rogue prince head off on a dangerous adventure across the seas, The Isles of the Gods sounds like an outstanding young adult adventure and I am very keen to check it out. I really enjoyed some of Kauman’s previous work, including the Aurora Cycle series she wrote with Jay Kristoff (Aurora Rising, Aurora Burning and Aurora’s End) and I look forward to seeing how her new novel turns out.

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A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson

A Hunger of Thorns Cover

Another young adult fantasy novel from an Australian author I was very happy to get was A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson. Wilkinson is another author who has really impressed me in recent years with her two amazing young adult novels, After the Lights Go Out and The Erasure Initiative. Her latest novel also sounds really amazing as it features a unique tale about magic and hidden horror. I am very intrigued by Wilkinson’s new book and I will hopefully dive into it in the next few weeks.

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Dragonfall by L. R. Lam

Dragonfall Cover

The fantasy hits keep on coming with the outstanding Dragonfall by L. R. Lam. A fantastic sounding novel about dragons, thieves and forbidden love, Dragonfall has a lot of potential and I will be very interested in seeing what elaborate story Lam has come up with.

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The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

The Ferrymany Cover

A dark and twisty science fiction dystopian novel that sees people in a futuristic paradise transported to another island against their will when their time is up. I love the mysterious narrative surrounding The Ferryman and I think this could be quite the awesome read.

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Night Angel Nemesis by Brent Weeks

Night Angel Nemesis Cover

The last book I received was a copy of Night Angel Nemesis by Brent Weeks, one of the most anticipated fantasy novels of 2023 and the sequel to his iconic The Night Angel trilogy. While this book sounds cool, I unfortunately have never read the original Night Angel trilogy and I am a bit reluctant to go diving into this series with the sequel. I honestly would prefer to go back and read the original books first (I have heard they are pretty epic), although I doubt I’m going to have time to do that soon. I will have to see about how I go reading Night Angel Nemesis in the near future but at the very least I’ll hold onto my copy of this book and hopefully read it at some point in the future when I manage to read Weeks’ original trilogy.

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Book Haul – 10 April 2023

On April 10, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul1 Comment

Star Wars: Battle Scars by Sam Maggs

First up, I recently received a copy of the cool new Star Wars novel, Battle Scars by Sam Maggs. A tie-in to the Star Wars Jedi video games, Battle Scars is being released in conjunction with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and serves as a bridging novel between it and the first game, Fallen Order. This should be an outstanding book for fans of the games and I look forward to seeing what interesting story Sam Maggs has come up with.

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Death Under a Little Sky by Stig Abell

The next book I received a copy of was Death Under a Little Sky by Stig Abell. This is Abell’s debut novel and sees a London detective trying to retire in the country until he uncovers a dark murder in his new small town. This sounds like a fun take on classic British crime fiction novels and I will be interested to see both the murder mystery and the changing settings within the book.

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Homecoming by Kate Morton

An intriguing, multi-generational mystery novel by a talented Australian author, this will no doubt be an excellent read.

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Search History by Amy Taylor

Australian author Amy Taylor makes her unique fiction debut with Search History, which sees a woman get obsessed with diving into her new boyfriend’s history online, only to discover a dark secret about his past relationships. This sounds like a very fun book that will no doubt critique our overuse of social media.

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Ascension by Nicholas Binge

A freaky and compelling science fiction thriller that follows a group of scientists sent to investigate a mysterious mountain that rose out of the ocean, only to discover dark secrets and dangerous self-reflection. I am very curious to see what happens in Ascension and it sounds like quite the fascinating read.

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The next several books are all ones I received in advance through NetGalley. This is actually the first time I have really used NetGalley (I know, I’m behind the times), and I am loving that I got early copies of several outstanding books.

Witch King by Martha Wells

I was very happy to get an early copy of one of the hottest upcoming fantasy books of 2023 with Witch King by Martha Wells. Wells is such a beloved author at the moment and I am very intrigued to read one of her books, especially this one which follows a trapped demon who finds himself at the mercy of a lowly mage as he tries to remember how he got into this situation. This sounds like such a fun and awesome book and I look forward to diving into it soon.

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Killer Traitor Spy by Tim Ayliffe

Another upcoming book I was particularly pleased to get a copy of is Killer Traitor Spy by Australian author Tim Ayliffe. The fourth book in his John Bailey series, Killer Traitor Spy once again dives into international espionage in Australian politics, this time with a focus on the lasting impact of the Cold War. I have deeply enjoyed Ayliffe’s previous books, including The Greater Good, State of Fear and The Enemy Within, and I look forward to seeing how his next book turns out.

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The Tyrant Skies by David Annandale

I also decided to dive into the world of tie-in novels associated with Marvel Comics, which included getting a copy of The Tyrant Skies by David Annandale. This book will see everyone’s favourite villain, Doctor Doom, take on the insidious Red Skull in a battle for dominance and control. I know I am going to love this epic book and I am hoping to dive into it soon.

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Mockingbird: Strike Out by Maria Lewis

I also grabbed a copy of the fun sounding book Mockingbird: Strike Out by Maria Lewis. This intriguing novel will follow the great character of Bobbie Morse, AKA Mockingbird, as she travels to England to investigate a world-ending plot. This should be another fantastic read and I look forward to diving into the Marvel canon with this outstanding sounding read.

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Book Haul – 27 March 2023

On March 27, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Book Haul post so I figured I would try quickly update everyone on all the awesome books I have recently received. I have been having a great couple of weeks for book, as I have been lucky enough to receive several amazing new novels from some of my local publishers, and I have even more on the way. These include some truly awesome new releases, including some of the top releases from 2023. I am extremely keen to check out all of the books below and they should make for some amazing reads.

Fatal Legacy by Lindsey Davis

Fatal Legacy Cover

Another epic entry in one of my favourite historical fiction series, Fatal Legacy will see Lindsey Davis’ outstanding protagonist, Flavia Albia, attempt to uncover a tricky and deadly legal situation in ancient Rome. This has the potential to be one of the best books of 2023 and I am very excited for it.

Amazon Book Depository

Echo Lake by Joan Sauers

Echo Laker Cover

An intriguing Australian crime fiction read from Joan Sauers that sounds quite compelling. I look forward to unwinding Sauers’ complex mystery set in the Southern Tablelands of Australia.

Book Depository

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

The Writing Retreat Cover

Murder and death at a mysterious horror writing retreat in the remote wilds, if that isn’t a great setting for a fun horror book, I don’t know what is.

Amazon Book Depository

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

Tress of the Emerald Seas Cover

I was very excited to receive a new standalone novel from Brandon Sanderson with Tress of the Emerald Sea. Part of his massive Cosmere shared universe, Tress of the Emerald Sea is an elaborate fantasy book that apparently has some similarities to The Princess Bride. I look forward to diving into this captivating tale and I am sure it is going to be magical in all the right ways.

Amazon Book Depository

The Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen

The Blind Spots Cover

One of the books I am particularly glad I got a copy of is The Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen. A high concept murder mystery set in a world where everyone went blind, The Blind Spots sounds like will be a pretty epic read and I look forward to seeing both Mullen’s compelling mystery and the intriguing new world he envisions.

Amazon Book Depository

Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor

Ozark Dogs Cover

Chaos, gunfights and extreme family feuds all set within the confines of a deadly Ozark junkyard, this should be a pretty awesome read and I can’t wait to dive into it.

Amazon Book Depository

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Silver in the Bone Cover

I was very happy to receive a copy of Silver in the Bone, the latest fantasy novel from Alexandra Bracken. Featuring a fantastic sounding tale with some intriguing Arthurian elements to it, Silver in the Bone should be an amazing read and I particularly love that cool cover it has.

Amazon Book Depository

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing Cover

A compelling new fantasy read from Rebecca Yarros that will see a fragile women forced to enroll in a deadly dragon academy where everything wants to kill her. I love a great magical school scenario and I can’t wait to see what happens in this awesome sounding book.

Amazon Book Depository

Book Haul – Second-Hand Books

On February 27, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

In addition to all the recent books I have received, I’ve also done a bit of second-hand book shopping that I want to talk about. Not only did I majorly clean up at an awesome second-hand bookstore in the Blue Mountains, but I also scored big at the recent Canberra Lifeline Bookfair (a great event to check out if you’re ever in Canberra). I honestly probably went overboard with some of the books I picked up, but the end result is a pretty awesome collection of older books, including some fantasy classics I have been keen to read for a while, and a ton of Warhammer fiction to fuel my current major obsession. So let us see what epic second-hand books I managed to obtain.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora Cover

I managed to grab a copy of the epic fantasy crime-fiction novel, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. I have actually already read this book before (on audiobook), but I wanted to quickly re-read it before doing a Throwback Thursday review in the future.

Amazon Book Depository

Ashes of Prospero by Gav Thorpe

Ashes of Prospero Cover

The first of many Warhammer 40,000 novels I managed to grab, Ashes of Prospero is an epic Space Marine focused read that see the Space Wolves return to Prospero, the ravaged planet of their greatest enemy

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13th Legion and Kill Team by Gav Thorpe

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I was extremely happy to get a copy of the first two Last Chancers novels by Gav Thorpe, which I have been trying to get for a while. Essentially billed as The Dirty Dozen in space, the Last Chancers are an epic series and I’ve actually already read and reviewed the first book, 13th Legion, in the last week, and it was everything I hoped it would be.

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Temeraire by Naomi Novik

Temeraire

After enjoying some of her previous books, I decided to grab a copy of iconic fantasy author Naomi Novik’s first novel, Temeraire. An alternate history novel that imagines the Napoleonic Wars fought with dragons, I have heard some great things about this series and look forward to seeing how fun they actually are.

Amazon Book Depository

Gotrex and Felix – The Third and Fourth Omnibus – by William King and Nathan Long

Gotrek and Felix - Third Omnibus - Cover

Of all the Warhammer Fantasy series out there, few have been as iconic and epic as the Gotrek and Felix novels by William King and later continued by Nathan Long. Following a suicidal dwarf slayer and his human companion, the Gotrek and Felix books are some of the best books in the Warhammer range and I have been having a lot of fun getting through the first several (see my reviews for Trollslayer, Skavenslayer, Daemonslayer, Dragonslayer, Beastslayer and Vampireslayer). As such, I was extremely pleased when I managed to get the third and fourth omnibuses of the series that contain the next six books I need to read. I cannot wait to dive into these epic fantasy reads, and I know I am going to have a ton of fun with them.

Amazon Book Depository

Space Wolf series – Ragnar’s Claw, Grey Hunter and Space Wolf: The Second Omnibus by William King and Lee Lightner

Space Wolf Cover

Another series that I got a ton of books for in my recent second-hand book hunt are the next five novels in the iconic Space Wolf series of Warhammer 40,000 fiction. I deeply enjoyed the first book, Space Wolf, last year, and it was pretty epic to find good copies of the next several entries, including the single copies of Ragnar’s Claw and Grey Hunter, as well as the second Space Wolf omnibus. This should set me up with some cool space viking adventures I will ever need and I can’t wait to continue this fantastic series.

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Ulrika the Vampire – Bloodborn by Bloodforged by Nathan Long

Bloodborn Cover

I’m always happy for some cool Warhammer Fantasy vampire fiction and few vampire series sound better than the Ulrika the Vampire books by Nathan Long. A spin-off of the Gortek and Felix books, Bloodborn and Bloodforged will follow recent vampire convert Ulrika as she comes to terms with her condition and new place in society.

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Helsreach by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

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There was no way I could resist an epic novel about orks versus the Black Templar Space Marines on the planet of Armageddon, which is going to result in quite an epic read.

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Hunt for Voldorius by Andy Hoare

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Another Space Marines focused novel, Hunt for Voldorius will see the White Scars and their allies go to war to kill an evil Daemon Prince.

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Death & Dishonour, edited by Alex Davis, Nick Kyme and Lindsey Priestley

Death & Dishonour Cover

A cool Warhammer Fantasy short story anthology that should make for quite an interesting and fun read.

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Soul Drinkers Series – Soul Drinker, The Bleeding Chalice, Crimson Tears and Chapter War by Ben Counter

Soul Drinkers Cover

I was very pleased to grab the first four books in Ben Counter’s iconic Soul Drinkers series, which I have heard some excellent things about. Following the doomed Soul Drinkers chapter of Space Marines as they attempt to save themselves from corruption and mutation, only to be declared heretics and traitors by the Imperium. I have had a lot of fun with Ben Counter’s books in the past (such as Van Horstmann) and I have a feeling this is going to be an outstanding and great series that I am going to really love.

Amazon Book Depository

Shira Calpurnia series – Crossfire, Legacy and Blind by Matthew Farrer

Shira Calpurnia Cover

The last addition to my collection I got during my second-hand book foray was all three Shira Calpurnia books by Matthew Farrer. An intriguing Warhammer 40,000 series that follows a member of the Arbites, intergalactic space cops, these books look set to blend crime fiction with high-concept Warhammer 40,000 elements. I am very interested in checking these books out and I think I will have a great deal of fun doing so.

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That’s the end of my post and as you can see, I have managed to grab quite a few second-hand books in recent weeks, perhaps too many if that’s a thing. All of the above sound pretty epic to me and I cannot wait to dive into all of them in time. This will probably be a bit of a lengthy process, so make sure to check back over the next year or so to see how I do.

Book Haul – 27 February 2023

On February 27, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul1 Comment

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Book Haul post so I figured I would try quickly update everyone on all the awesome books I have recently received. I have been having a great couple of weeks for book, as I have been lucky enough to receive several amazing new novels from some of my local publishers. These include some truly awesome new releases, including some of the top releases from 2023. I am extremely keen to check out all of the books below and they should make for some amazing reads.

Unnatural History by Jonathan Kellerman

Unnatural History Cover 2

The first book I recently received was the latest Jonathan Kellerman novel, Unnatural History. Part of the amazing Alex Delaware crime fiction series, which I have been having an outstanding time reading in recent years (check out my reviews for The Wedding Guest, The Museum of Desire, Serpentine and City of the Dead), Unnatural History sounds like another epic novel with a great mystery behind it. Set to see the series’ fun detective duo dive into the murder of a controversial photographer, this should be an excellent read and I am hoping to start reading it next.

Amazon Book Depository

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

How to Sell a Haunted House Cover

The next book I received was the highly anticipated horror read, How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. Hendrix is an intriguing author who has been wowing audiences with his cool horror novels that deconstruct the genre with impactful and impressive narratives. I had a great time with his 2021 novel, The Final Girl Support Group, and I was very happy when I received a copy of How to Sell a Haunted House. As the name suggests, this will be Hendrix’s unique take on the Haunted House sub-genre of horror fiction and I look forward to seeing what elaborate and fun story this latest book contains.

Amazon Book Depository

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder Cover

An intriguing debut from Australian author Kerryn Mayne, Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is a fun sounding novel that will follow an unusual protagonist as she dives into the great mystery of her past and the dark reasons why her mother left her. I have a feeling that Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is going to be a particularly compelling debut and I am very interested in seeing what unique story that Mayne has come up with.

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The Last Highway by R. J. Ellory

The Last Highway Cover

An exciting and striking thriller that will see a vengeful sheriff attempt to find out who murdered his estranged brother amongst the Appalachian Mountains. I have heard great things about Ellory in the past and I cannot wait to see what fun and powerful story waits for me in The Last Highway.

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The Half Burnt House by Alex North

The Half Burnt House Cover

A gritty and powerful psychological thriller that sees a woman attempt to save her brother from himself and the dangerous secrets from the past that threaten both of them. This sounds like a very dark read and I am curious to finally try out North’s writing style.

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Bunny by S. E. Tolsen

Bunny Cover

The final book I received is an advanced copy of the fascinating upcoming horror thriller, Bunny. Written by author S. E. Tolsen (the pen name of husband-and-wife team Emma Olsen and Vere Tindale), Bunny will see a damaged man return to his family home to confront the demons of his past, including his abusive Aunt Bunny and a mysterious presence in the woods. I don’t have a lot of extra details about this book at the moment, but I am very curious about Bunny and I will have to read it to see what happens.

Book Haul – 22 November 2022

On November 22, 2022 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

I have been having an absolutely fantastic week for book, as I have been lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from some of my local publishers. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, some of which rank amongst my top books of 2022. I am extremely keen to check out all of the books below and they should make for some amazing reads.

Death to the Emperor by Simon Scarrow

Death to the Emperor Cover

The first book I recently received was the latest historical epic from the master of Roman historical fiction, Simon Scarrow, with Death to the Emperor. The 21st book in his amazing Eagles of the Emperor series (which has previously featured such awesome reads like The Blood of Rome, Traitors of Rome, The Emperor’s Exile and The Honour of Rome), Death to the Emperor puts Scarrow’s long-running protagonists in the middle of Boudica’s rebellion in Britannia. I have actually already read this amazing book and it proved to be particularly captivating and action-packed. Review to follow soon.

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Retribution by Sarah Barrie

Retribution Cover

Next up is the outstanding Australian thriller Retribution by Sarah Barrie. A sequel to Barrie’s dark 2021 read, Unforgiven, Retribution presents several intriguing, interlocked cases that tie into the events of the last book and sees her maverick protagonist once again try to take down the deadly antagonist from Unforgiven. I have already started reading this fantastic novel and I can’t wait to see how the various cases unfold.

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Usagi Yojimbo: Volume 37: Crossroads by Stan Sakai

Usagi Yojimbo - Crossroads Cover

I was exceedingly happy to receive a copy of the new Usagi Yojimbo volume, Crossroads, this week. As most readers will know, I am a massive fan of Stan Sakai’s outstanding Usagi Yojimbo comic series, and I was extremely happy that Sakai released a second volume this year. Crossroads, which I read the second it was delivered, is another amazing read with two epic stories to them. Loaded with action, incredible artwork and fantastic characters, this was another impressive outing from Sakai that I had a wonderful time reading.

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Silver Queendom by Dan Koboldt

Silver Queendom Cover

The next book I was lucky enough to receive is the fantastic and fun fantasy novel, Silver Queendom by Dan Koboldt. I absolutely love the sound of Silver Queendom which sees a scrappy group of conman attempt to pull off an impossible heist to save their skins. There is nothing about this book’s plot that I do not love, and I am very excited to see how this fantasy heist novel pays off. I already know I am going to have an awesome time with this book, and I am hoping to check it out next.

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The Resemblance by Lauren Nossett

The Resemblance Cover

I was also lucky enough to receive a copy of a fantastic new debut novel with The Resemblance by Lauren Nossett. Set in a college town, this book will see a police detective dive into the corrupt world of fraternities and sororities as she attempts to solve a curious murder of a college student run over by someone who looks exactly like him. This sounds like quite an intriguing read, and I look forward to diving into this elaborate case, which will no doubt provide some interesting insights into the crazy world of elite university students.

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Private Beijing by James Patterson and Adam Hamdy

Private Beijing Cover

I have been getting a few James Patterson books recently, and the latest is the compelling Private Beijing, which Patterson cowrote with Adam Hamdy. This is the 17th book in Patterson’s The Private series which follows a group of private investigators, and his latest book will see the Beijing office of the agency come under attack, forcing Private’s leader, Jack Morgan, into action. I haven’t had a chance to check out this series before, but I am very keen to try now, especially as this sounds like quite a fun spy thriller. I look forward to getting through more of Patterson’s books this year and I am sure I am in for an excellent time with Private Beijing.

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Judgement Day by Mali Waugh

Judgement Day Cover

The final book I received a copy of is the awesome 2023 Australian thriller, Judgement Day, by new author Mali Waugh. The debut novel from Waugh, Judgement Day will see a detective investigate the murder of judge, which will bring her to the dark heart of the local legal system. I am already quite intrigued by this upcoming novel, and I am very excited to already have a copy of this Australian crime fiction debut.

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