I don’t normally make a To Be Read (TBR) list for myself because I’m a mood reader. I don’t like being boxed in to a set list. But since my NetGalley approvals with publish dates over the next month fit my mood, I thought I’d jump on the monthly TBR train. Here’s my slew of ARCs, personal copies, and library books I’m eager to read this month. The book covers link to the official synopses.
Descend by L.R. Friedman
This is my friend’s debut, self-published novel that will be available for purchase on August 23. She invited me to her ARC team and I happily obliged. I actually finished this Monday night, so it’s time to write up my review. It’s a fast-paced urban/portal fantasy.
Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid
The cover 100% caught my attention. I wasn’t going to read it this soon, but Chris’s reaction to it piqued my interest to a level that made the decision for me. I checked this out from the library and can’t renew it, so I have to finish it by August 15. It’s a “gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree…where a young witch seeks to discover her identity and escape the domination of her abusive wizard father…”
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
Doesn’t this cover look sumptuous? At 512 pages this adult fantasy novel hits shelves on August 30. I received an ARC for this some time ago on NetGalley and it’s time to crack it open! The opening lines of the official book blurb describe it as “The Goblin Emperor meets “Magnificent Century” in Alexandra Rowland’s A Taste of Gold and Iron, where a queer central romance unfolds in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.”
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless
I first heard about this from Nick at Out of This World SFF, who had a lot of positive things to say about it. So I can’t wait to dive in to this. It becomes available for purchase on e-book September 1 or hardback on November 1. It’s the “first in a gripping new historical fantasy series that intertwines Irish mythology with real-life history…”
How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior
I don’t foray into the realm of general fiction (women’s fiction?) often, but I saw a lot of positive feedback about this book last year. So much so that I bought this for a family member, who loved it, and she sent it back to me to read. I’ll be seeing her in about a month, so I really need to read this so I can hand it back to her.
These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this sequel to the duology after loving THESE HOLLOW VOWS. (The cliffhanger at the end of the first book made me so mad!) This is another library hold and I’m third in line. So whether or not I start it this month (doubt I’ll finish it) depends on whether the book becomes available. I might even suspend my hold if it doesn’t become available before the end of the month since I have vacation coming up.
What does your August TBR look like? Have you read, or plan to read, any of these?
I really like the sound of A Taste of Gold Iron. I wasn’t approved for an ARC so I’ve got to wait for it to be published 😃 The Penguins sounds fun too.
I’m sorry you weren’t approved! To be honest I was surprised I was. The Penguin book sounds like an uplifting read…or, I hope it is!
You’re going to love A Taste of Gold and Iron!
Yay, I can’t wait! That’s what I’ll pick up after I finish Juniper & Thorn.
Hey Celeste,
I am also eagerly awaiting the arrival of These Twisted Bonds. The first book is still waiting here to be read, but I would love to consume the two books in a row.
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men just hopped on my wishlist.
I hope you have a great, adventurous reading month.
Cheerio
RoXXie
Ooo I hope you love the first book, These Hollow Vows. I was thinking about the ending this morning and got riled up about it yet again haha. I hope you have a great reading month as well!
My TBR is..upsetting lol. Just in that there are so many books releasing in August that I have the ARC for, it’s overwhelming!
Yea I noticed that when I was perusing the SFF NetGalley section. There were so many interesting books, most of them due in August! Couldn’t do it to myself haha. I feel like there was another month kind of like that…was it June? Where a whole slew of books seemed to come out all at once?
Good luck with your reading this month! I am also a mood reader so I don’t set TBRs… for some reason as soon as I set an intention, that’s the last book my brain wants to read lol. I hope you enjoy Juniper & Thorn more than I did – I loved Ava Reid’s debut but this one just… idk. I’ve been trying to write a review for 2 months now lol.
Thanks! I totally feel the same way…if I set a TBR then it’s harder for me to want to get to it haha. But this time these are all books I’m excited about, so that makes it easier. Unfortunately I haven’t read Ava Reid’s debut yet (I might have it on my Kindle? not sure). That said, I’m not quite sure yet what to think of Juniper & Thorn…it’s very unique to what I typically read. I’m just over 1/3 done. Hopefully you find the inspiration to write your review soon! 🙂
Ngl, I’m a little jelly about your ARC of A Taste of Gold and Iron! I’ve been looking forward to that one for ages now and I can’t wait to read it cos it sounds (and ugh, that cover looks) so good! Descend also has a stunning cover! I hope you enjoy these reads 😊
Ugh, I’m sorry you don’t have an ARC of it! (Berkley denied my request for The Witch and the Tsar, so I’m sad about that, so I understand your feelings.) I hope you enjoy it when you’re able to read it!
[…] I said last month in my August TBR post, I almost always stay away from making a TBR list. However, I followed my August one pretty well, […]