Hello everyone,
My Goodreads TBR has risen quite considerably in the last two months. This is mostly because of the number of fantastic new releases we have seen lately, and also a lot of great recommendations from other book bloggers. I would love to be able to read them all at once, but I need to suspend my excitement for a little longer!
As evidence of this, my physical TBR pile next to my bed – which is actually composed of three separate piles – is starting to get quite high. In addition to this, I have four books on my Netgalley shelf, and I even keep a few unread books in my office at work.
Anyways, here are five of the more recent additions to my list. The aim is read them before the end of the year, but I realise that target may prove too ambitious!
King Of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
I finally introduced myself to the Grishaverse this year by reading the Shadow And Bone trilogy, which I quite enjoyed for the most part. The next stop for me will be King Of Scars, and I am really looking forward to it because it is a spin-off focusing on Nikolai, who was probably my favourite character in the trilogy.
The Shadows by Alex North
I recently read Alex North’s debut novel The Whisper Man, and I loved its eerie atmosphere and the way it took such a thoughtful approach to character development. This one sounds like another great thriller, so I hope to get to it sooner rather than later.
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
The sequel to one of my best reads of the year – this is an absolute must-read! I have already bought a copy and will get to it as soon as I can. If it is anything like as enjoyable and full of twists as A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder, then this will be another special book.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
I have never read anything by Ann Patchett, but this one has caught my eye and the synopsis really has me intrigued. Also, I love atmospheric historical fiction so this one looks right up my street.
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
Everything about this book tells me that it contains a beautiful story – the cover, the synopsis, the diverse representation. This is high on my list for October.
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these books? If you have, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!
Ooooooh the Shadows sounds really good and intense. I just added it to my tbr! The henna war sounds really good too. I hope you enjoy them when you get to them 😀
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Thank you, Amber! I hope you enjoy The Shadows, it definitely sounds like an intense read 🙂
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Hi Stephen – I read The Dutch House and loved it! I’m a bit of an Ann Patchett fan, although I haven’t read all of her books – just 4 of them. If you like The Dutch House, I’d also recommend Commonwealth and Bel Canto. Happy reading!
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I’m really glad you have enjoyed Ann Patchett’s books! I’m looking forward to discovering her writing – thank you for the recommendations!
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The Shadows was good!! I listened to the audiobook, The Whisper Man will be my next one from Alex North. Can’t wait to see what you think of it. Not read any of the other, but hope you end up enjoying!! Happy Reading!!
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I’m glad you enjoyed The Shadows, Mani! I recently read The Whisper Man and it was good, so I hope you like that one. Happy reading to you, too!
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Hello. I read The Dutch House and enjoyed it very much. I didn’t love it but it was a good read.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Ooh I’d love to know what you think of The Dutch House! I’ve been seeing it around a lot lately, and I loved Patchett’s Bel Canto, so I’m considering picking it up one day! Hope you enjoy all these books, Stephen! 😊
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The Dutch House sounds like a captivating read and I have heard lots of great things about it lately. I’m really glad you enjoyed Bel Canto, Abby! Thank you so much, and happy reading! 🥰
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I really want to read The Shadows so I look forward to hearing your thoughts on that one particularly 😊
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I’m looking forward to reading it. I really liked The Whisper Man, which I read recently.
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Hi Stephen! I would suggest reading the Six of Crows duology first before going to King of Scars. You’ll miss some references from this series if you go to King of Scars first. 🙂 I’m reading this now! Hopefully, I’ll finish it this weekend.
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Hi Sandee! Thanks so much for the tip! I’ll read Six of Crows first then ✨
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Great post as always Stephen! I picked up A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder based on your recommendation so hoping to get to that soon. I started The Dutch House and thought it was beautifully written but did find it a little slow in parts.
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Thank you, Amy! I’m sure you will love A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and I would be excited to read your review. 😊
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My book buying has also got out of control. I did read The Dutch House earlier this year though and loved it!
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So glad you loved The Dutch House! And yes, book blogging is such a slippery slope.
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I really want to get my hands on The Henna Wars! It sounds like such a great read 😄
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I hope you get to read it soon, Alexia! ❤ I’m planning to pick it up in October.
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Ooh, soon then! I can’t wait to see what you think of it. 🤩
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Great list! All of them are on my TBR except for Henna Wars which I read earlier this year and it was so wonderful! I’m keen to check out The Shadows after reading and enjoying North’s debut last year. Hope you do manage to get these in before year end!
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Thank you! Ah I’m really glad you loved The Henna Wars; I’m so excited for it. 😊
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The last couple of months have definitely impacted my TBR too! Between all of the amazing new releases and recommendations my TBR has been beyond packed each month! I hope you enjoy these!
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Thank you! I know, there are just so many incredible books around right now and it’s impossible to get to them all at once! Happy reading 😊
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I’ve heard so many good things about The Dutch House. Looking forward to hearing your take on it
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Same here, I am really interested to read it.
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Really like the sound of henna wars! And I really liked king of scars- hope you do too!
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I’ve just realised I never replied to this – so sorry! 🙈 I’m glad you liked King of Scars, and The Henna Wars does sound like such a lovely read!
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Omg I’ve been meaning to get to king of scars for FOREVER! I told myself I would read it once it came out, but it’s been sitting on my shelf gathering dust hahaha. Hope you enjoy if you get to it! 🙂
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I hope you get to read it soon! Thank you 🙂
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Oooh I hope you’ll love The Dutch House. It’s up on my tbr and I absolutely love Ann Patchett. Though I have seen a lot of mixed reviews. Happy reading!
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Thank you so much, Faith! I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews for The Dutch House as well, but I am excited to read it.
Sorry for replying to this comment two months late – I must have missed it at the time. Happy reading to you too!
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That’s what this grishaverse is that they keep talking on Instagram.. Whew I need to get aboard that train. The author seems prolific
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