Hello everyone,
The days are brighter again and that immediately makes me happier. To be typing this at almost 7pm UK time and for it still to be light outside is a very good feeling that breathes positivity.
At the same time, my TBR gets higher and higher. There are three reasons for this: 1) I have been a bit slow with my reading so far this year. 2) I have recently added a whole bunch of new releases to my Goodreads TBR. 3) I am a reader, what else would you expect?!
With that in mind, here is a list of five of the books I have added to the aforementioned Goodreads pile over recent weeks and months, along with what makes me so hyped to read them.
Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez’s debut young adult thriller Lies Like Wildfire was one of my most surprising reads of 2021 – I really liked it. As well as being addictive and containing surprising twists, the main character was fascinatingly enigmatic and the concept felt quite original, especially when you factor in the setting.
That immediately made me want to read more by the author, and this follow-up looks like another gripping mystery that will keep me guessing throughout.
Song Of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amelie Wen Zhao
I came across this one in a bookstore recently and it was pretty much an immediate decision to add it to my TBR. Anything that remotely resembles fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology is a sure-fire way to catch my eye, but I particularly love the look of this one.
From the dragon on the cover to the magic and mystique of the blurb, I am super excited to read this. It has the makings of a book that could consume me entirely.
The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
Another book I added to my TBR due to the strength of the author’s debut novel, I can sense that this one is going to be atmospheric and mysterious. I already love the sound of the dual settings and contrast that is promised between the two main characters.
I really enjoyed Penner’s debut The Lost Apothecary. It may have divided opinion in some quarters, but I loved some of the ideas for the direction of the plot, the dual timelines, and the strong female protagonists it possessed.
Last Violent Call by Chloe Gong
I have been so out of the loop with new releases lately that I only found out about this one a couple of weeks ago. A spin-off from the These Violent Delights duology with two novellas featuring my favourite characters – what an absolute treat!
The novellas themselves sound amazing too, as they seem to answer some of the burning questions from the duology. One of them also focuses on the character of the scientist Lourens, who I was always quite intrigued by. I cannot wait to read this.
Such A Good Liar by Sue Wallman
I have said frequently on here that Sue Wallman’s young adult thrillers deserve more love, as they always have a good premise that makes for a gripping story. This is her sixth one, and I have read all five of her previous novels to date.
The synopsis for this one has definitely drawn me in, too. I love the idea of the vengeful, socially climbing main character who is not who she says she is. Also the claustrophobic setting should make it very suspenseful indeed.
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these books? If so, I would love to know your thoughts! Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading 🙂
Stephen Reads Books 