Mogsy's Book Haul

Time for another Book Haul! This is a feature where I talk about the books I've acquired over the week. Hopefully these posts won't become too common an occurrence, for as much as I love writing them, they're also a clear indication that I have been spending way too much time and money at the online bookstore. It's a lucky thing that my husband is just as voracious a reader as I am, or I'm sure he would have staged an intervention by now.

Still, we've a bit of a mixed bag this week. Everything from new releases to old favorites, from store bought to library loans to ARCs-for-review, as well as titles in all formats.

River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay

Guy Gavriel Kay's newest novel came out Tuesday, which I had preordered and found delivered to my Kindle when I woke up that morning. I loved Under Heaven, and though River of Stars isn't exactly a sequel, it does take place in the same "universe" inspired by Tang Dynasty China, approximately four hundred years after the first book's events.

I've started this book; so far, I'm really enjoying it. As usual, GGK's gorgeous writing takes my breath away.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

My favorite book by my favorite fantasy author. For my birthday yesterday, my husband surprised me with a hardcover first edition copy of The Way of Kings. Signed, too. Yep, I think he's a keeper!

You can imagine how psyched I was. I already own the digital version, of course, but while I will be the first to admit being a hardcore fan of ebooks, I have to concede that maps and illustrations will always look so much better on paper and in full size. I had forgotten that the book is filled with beautiful images, and I spent quite a while just admiring them yesterday. When the second book of the Stormlight Archive comes out, I'll have to be sure to pick up the hard copy of that too, to keep up with the collection of this series.

The Allow of Law by Brandon Sanderson

This was one of my audiobook library holds that became available this week, and not a moment too soon. I've just begun listening to audiobook of The Hero of Ages, book three of The Mistborn Trilogy. I'd read all three books years ago, but since the entire series is also available in audio format at my county library's digital collection, I decided to take advantage of the fact by "rereading" them by listening this time around.

The Alloy of Law, however, will be completely new to me. Though I'd heard it is not a direct sequel, it's been so long since I read the Mistborn books, I've been feeling in need of a refresher before I tackle it anyway.

Seduction by M.J. Rose

An ARC I received via NetGalley. Seduction will be the latest in a series of books called The Reincarnationist focusing on the topic of reincarnation and other paranormal phenomena.

With Victor Hugo thrown into the mix, this book had me intrigued right from the get go. Really looking forward to reading this.

Birthright by B.J. Keeton 

The author of Birthright is a twitter contact, and I first found out about his book last year when he launched a Kickstarter to fund the project. As always, interested in supporting both traditionally and independently published writers in finding alternative ways to get their works into their readers' hands, I happily pitched in.

Ultimately, that project was successfully funded, and all that hard work on B.J. Keeton's part came to fruition when he sent out his completed novel to his backers last week. I've finished the book, and I have to say the end result is an outstanding product for an indie author self-publishing on his own. Keep an eye out for the review in the coming days!