Tag: TBR

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.

My TBR pile is still at 704 books.  I finished my library books and started another book for RIP XIII, but I also added a book to my wish list.  

This week’s five books:

Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst – KEEP.  This is an adventure story all about fairy tales, so there’s no way I’m taking it off of my TBR.

Hunter by Mercedes Lackey- KEEP.  A Dystopian society AND fantastical monsters?!  Yes, please!

A Better Way to Die by Paul Cornell – KEEP.  The synopsis spends more words about how great the author is than about anything concerning this short story collection, which makes me feel extremely skeptical.  However, I already own it and Cornell has written a couple of the “Doctor Who” books, so I’ll give it a shot.

Only the Animals by Ceridwen Dovey – KEEP.  This is another short story collection, but with a theme.  Each of the stories are told from the point of view of a different animal.  I’m very intrigued.

A Free Man of Color by Barbara Hambly – KEEP.  I bought this book, and the 2nd in the “Benjamin January” series, Fever Season, while the Boyfriend and I were visiting Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana a few years back.  I’m hoping to read it before the end of the year.

My to-read shelf is still at 704 books.  Hopefully that will change by next weekend, but I’m not going to hold my breath.  I went from finishing 4 to 6 books a month to only getting through 2 books in August and 2 books this month.  I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.

My TBR pile is still at 705 books.  I’m now trying to finish a couple of library books, and then I think I’ll stick to my own books for the rest of the year.  I really want to see my TBR below 700.  If that happens prior to January, I might make it a goal of mine to decrease my TBR by 100 each year.

This week’s five books:

Exceptional Advice for Adventurers Everywhere by Joseph J. Bailey – KEEP.  I bought a copy of this for the Boyfriend several years ago, and he enjoyed it.  I got the ebook for myself, but haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.  

Cinderella’s Big Score by Maria Raha- KEEP.  I’ve had this book for years.  I honestly don’t remember when I bought it, but I know it’s been a long time.  I’ve read parts of it when I was doing some research for one of my college classes, but I want to read the entire book at some point.

The Dirty Parts of the Bible by Sam Torode – GO.  The synopsis sounds like the author tried to put too many things into the story to make it interesting.  It’s also a self-published book, and after reading the author’s bio as well, I’m definitely not interested.

Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore – KEEP.  This book was recommended to me by a friend.  I also miss Texas and the synopsis sounds like this story will be the YA version of Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris.  I’m always down for some “Magical Trash”.

The Immortal Prince by Jennifer Fallon – KEEP.  The Boyfriend bought this for me while we were checking out an independent bookstore in Austin.  I’m a little skeptical of the story since the synopsis makes it sound like it might be more of a Romance dressed in Fantasy, but I’ll give it a shot.

My to-read shelf is down one to 704 books.  I’m hoping that I’ll finish up my library books in time to finish one more book on TBR before the end of the month.

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.

My TBR pile is still at 706 books.  I’m slowly catching up on my favorite blogs, and that means I’m finding books to add to my wish list.

This week’s five books:

The Very Best of Charles de Lint by Charles de Lint – KEEP.  De Lint has been recommended to me many times, but I had no idea where to start until I found this book.  The author or an editor didn’t choose the stories in this collection; instead, de Lint asked his fans for their favorites.  I’m hoping he’ll become a new-to-me favorite.

Auraria by Tim Westover- KEEP.  I’m a bit skeptical about this one.  However, it’s set in a ghost town in the Southern Appalachians in Georgia so I’m intrigued enough to give it a try.

Anni Moon and the The Elemental Artifact by Melanie Abed – KEEP.  This appears to be a classic Middle-Grade Fantasy Adventure, and I rarely ever turn down one of those.

The Luck of the Weissensteiners by Christoph Fischer – KEEP.  First off, I love the cover.  Secondly, this is a WWII story set in Eastern Europe in a bookstore, which  is another type of story I rarely ever turn down.

Fire and Ice by Patty Jansen – GO.  With such a completely unoriginal title, I’m afraid the story will be wholly unoriginal as well.  The synopsis makes it seem like it could be a decent book, but the reviews confirm my fear.  No, thanks.

My to-read shelf is down one to 705 books.  I’ll be spending most of this weekend reading, so I hope that number will be a little lower next weekend.

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
My TBR pile is still at 706 books.  Now that I’m starting to get the hang of things at my new job, I’m hoping my reading will pick back up, but until then, my TBR will only get smaller by tossing some books off of it.  Let’s see if that happens today…

This week’s five books:

Quite Contrary by Richard Roberts – KEEP.  I got this book because of the title and the cover.  The synopsis sealed the deal.  I hope I’m able to find time to read this one during RIP XIII.

T. S. Livingston and the Mystery at Madame Molineaux’s by Violet Selborne – KEEP.  This is another book I picked up because of the title and will be keeping.  I need to bump this one up the list on my RIP XIII TBR as well, and maybe my potential Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon TBR too.

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker- KEEP.  I’m a bit skeptical about this one, especially after reading several reviews.  However, I’m willing to give it a shot.  I guess I’m feeling generous.

The Creator’s Eye by R.N. Feldman – GO.  I’m not feeling so generous that I’m willing to keep a book that has a synopsis that uses a bunch of clichés to say it breaks “metaphysical clichés.”  No thank you.

Wulfheart by Daniel T. Ritter – GO.  This book is actually only a 12 page short story that is supposed to introduce a much longer story.  However, Goodreads doesn’t have any other books listed by the author.  It was published in 2015, and while the author might publish the whole book or at least the next part some day, I’m not going to hold my breath.
My to-read shelf is down to 704 books.  Perhaps I will break into the 600’s before the end of the year!

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
My TBR pile is down one book to 710.  I don’t get a whole lot of time to read anymore, but that means I also don’t get a lot of time to find new books to add to my TBR.

This week’s five books:

The Hall of the Wood by Scott Marlowe – KEEP.  This looks like a good, dark Fantasy perfect for this time of year.

Queen Mab by Kate Danley – GO.  Meh.

The Gemini Effect by Chuck Grossart- GO.  This looks like a barely plausible apocalyptic story with a romantic subplot.  No thank you.

Helen of Sparta by Amalia Carosella – GO.  This is another “meh” for me, mostly because it seems to be more of a romantic retelling than anything else.

Ben the Dragonborn by Dianne Astle – GO.  Yet another “meh.” It sounds like a poorly written, unoriginal, and trope-filled hero’s journey.
My to-read shelf is down to 706 books.  I wonder if I’m becoming more critical of the books on my TBR now that my reading time is much more limited?

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
My TBR pile is down one book from last week to 711.  It’s been a bit of a crazy week thanks to starting a new job and everything that comes along with that (figuring out my commute, lunches, etc).  I’m hoping to spend quite a lot of time this weekend reading, but for now, let’s take a ride down the TBR hole!

This week’s five books:

Boundary Crossed by Melissa F. Olson – KEEP.  I’m extremely skeptical of this one, but I’m willing to give it the 50 page test because the MC is a Veteran and I want to see how the author portrays that, since Olson is not a Veteran herself.

Scarlet and the Keepers of Light by Brandon Charles West – KEEP.  This looks like it might be a fun Middle-Grade Fantasy, so I’ll keep it for now.

Child of the Mist by Kathleen Morgan- KEEP.  This book is Historical Fiction set in the Highlands of Scotland.  Enough said.

Beauty and the Beast by Jenni James – KEEP.  This is a YA retelling of my all-time favorite fairy tale; of course I’ll give it a try.

Truth Teller by Kurt Chambers – KEEP.  I’m pretty sure I’m going to wind up feeling disappointed with this one.  Why do so many main characters have to have “the greatest power of all?”  Especially when they’ve spent their lives believing they’re just an ordinary person living an unremarkable life?  It’s probably one of the most used Fantasy tropes.  However, I still want to find out if this book is good or not.  It’s worth the 50 page test.
My to-read shelf remains at 711 books.  I thought for sure I’d get rid of most of this week’s books.  Maybe they’ll end up failing my arbitrary 50 page test, but what if they don’t?!

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
My TBR pile is still sitting at 715 books, despite finishing a book and starting two others, because of course I found more books I want to read!

This week’s five books:

That Risen Snow by Rob E. Boley – KEEP.  How could I get rid of a book that is a horror retelling of Snow White?!

The Marenon Chronicles by Jason D. Morrow – GO.  I’m so tired of the “nearing the brink of war” trope in Fantasy, along with the “MC being the center of a difficult to decipher prophecy” trope.  What makes this one worse is that the only way to get to Marenon, according to the synopsis, is to die.  No thanks.

True Calling by Siobhan Davis – GO.  You know what I’m also tired of seeing?  YA Romance thinly veiled as Dystopian Sci-Fi, especially when it sounds like a horrible copy of The Hunger Games.

Wolves: I Bring the Fire Part 1 by C. Gockel- KEEP.  I don’t think I read the synopsis when I got this ebook.  I love wolves, and Loki is mentioned at the beginning of the synopsis so I’m pretty sure that was my only reasoning to get it besides it being free to download.  I’m a little skeptical after finally reading what this book is about (it’s not about wolves), but I do like the idea of the trickster god saving the day, or at least attempting it.

Evensong by Krista Walsh – GO.  That is a beautiful cover, which is probably why I downloaded the book (another freebie).  It’s yet another trope-filled Fantasy that I’m not interested in bothering to try out.
My to-read shelf is down to 712 books.  Looking at a few of the upcoming books on my TBR for the next “Down the TBR Hole” post, I think that number will continue to decline.  I seem to be in the part of my TBR that consists mostly of ebooks I got because they just happened to be Sci-Fi or Fantasy and didn’t cost me anything.

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
Its been a couple of weeks since my last “Down the TBR Hole” post,  thanks to TWO amazing readathons, the #24in48 and the #ReverseReadathon.  My TBR pile is just a little bit lighter at 717 books.

This week’s five books:

Aster Wood and the Lost Maps of Almara by J.B. Cantwell – KEEP.  I’m a little skeptical about this one.  The synopsis makes me feel like the story will be full of some of Fantasy’s most ridiculous tropes.  However, I’m a sucker for Middle-Grade Fantasy, so I’ll give it a chance.

The Last Dragon Slayer by Martyn Stanley – KEEP.  This is another one making me feel a bit skeptical, but what made me decide to keep it is this line from the synopsis: “…he sets out with two…dock-workers and a homeless dwarf.”  That makes me think it will either be hilarious or horrible; either way, I need to find out.

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher – GO.  The synopsis consists of 5 short sentences that are full of suspense and don’t give anything away.  Sometimes that can be a great thing, but sometimes that signals a disaster of a story from page one.  Since this would be the 3rd book in a row I feel iffy about, I decided to read some of the reviews.  I’m glad I did.  Apparently the story isn’t much of a story at all, but a giant cliff-hanger.  I seriously can’t stand that sort of thing unless it’s a comic or very specifically labeled as a serial.

The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley- KEEP.  A Robin Hood retelling by Robin McKinley?!  Yes, please and thank you!

The Bogside Boys by Eoin Dempsey – GO.  The synopsis tells the entire story and also gives me the impression of a book that is trying too hard.  I got it because I haven’t read much about life in Northern Ireland during the 1970’s and I would love to know more.  If you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments, because I don’t think this book is what I’m looking for.
My to-read shelf is down to 715 books.  With the NEWTs Readathon going on this month, along with Bout of Books, I might just break 700 by September.

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
My TBR pile is back up again to 722 books.  I’m starting to think that getting it under 700 will be cause for a celebration.

This week’s five books:

The White Tree by Edward W. Robertson – GO.  This is yet another free ebook I picked up a few years ago.  I wouldn’t say the synopsis is ridiculous, but it did give me the impression that this book won’t be worth my time.

Ice Demon by Elizabeth Watasin – KEEP.  I laughed while reading the synopsis.  I’ll probably DNF the book within 50 pages, but it sounds like it might be fun.  It’s a Steampunk Lesbian Mystery involving an animated skull, and I have to admit, I really got this book because of the cover, and not just because it was free.

Lost Girl by Colleen Vanderlinden – GO.  The synopsis made me skeptical.  Searching for the publisher only to find that the only other book they published was also by this author made me hesitate.  Reading a couple of the reviews made me decide this one isn’t staying on my TBR.

The Amazing Adventures of Toby the Trilby by Angela Castillo- GO.  No.  Just no.

A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon – KEEP.  There is no way I would ever get rid of anything “Outlander”.
My to-read shelf is down to 719 books.  I already feel like celebrating a little, but I’ll hold off so I don’t jinx myself.

Down the TBR Hole was started by Lia over at Lost in a Story.  All book covers are linked to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

How it works:

• Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

I will be repeating this process until I’ve filtered out my entire TBR.
My TBR pile is up to 722 books thanks to adding a couple more books to my wish list .

This week’s five books:

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque – KEEP.  I remember seeing a film adaptation of this book when I was in high school, and I’ve wanted to read the book ever since.  I own the paperback, and yet still haven’t gotten around to reading it.  Probably because I know how difficult it will be for me.

My Ántonia by Willa Cather – KEEP.  This is one of those books that has been sitting on my self because I keep forgetting what it’s about.  Then I re-read the synopsis, remember why I want to read it, and put it back on the shelf to read at some other time.

Audrey’s Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman – KEEP.  I’m skeptical about this one, but I’m willing to give it a shot since I already own the ebook.

Insanity by Cameron Jace- GO.  The synopsis is absolutely ridiculous.  Good-bye.

Fing by Papa G. – GO.  Another ridiculous synopsis for another free ebook I picked up years ago.  Buh-bye!
My to-read shelf is back down to 720 books.  Unless a miracle happens, I highly doubt that number will go down before next Saturday.