First Book Haul of 2024 (and it better be the last)

[@Wanderness]

I don't think any of these books are published in the US by St Martin's Press, if any are please consider not purchasing them across the pond. SMP does not operate in the UK. After filming this I did some looking up on google of Mark Lawrence and found a lot of blog posts about the opening scenes of Prince of Thorns and was really disturbed by what I read. I'm going to still read this to form my own opinion but I have always stood by that r*pe in fantasy is not handled well and is almost always unnecessary. There is also things with VE Schwab, which are worth reading about online.

[@cleg78]

Really, VE Schwab is not as squeaky clean as we think? I have never thought to have a nose on authors before really. Like with all that kerfuffle about TJ Klune and The House on the Cerulean Sea I think that was blown very much out of context

[@Wanderness]

@cleg78 sorry I put the wrong word, he had beef with V E Schwab, I'm going to find the posts to send to you x

[@Brooksie603]

I noticed many complaints about Iron Flame thinking it was boring in comparison to the first book. It definitely wasn’t as action packed. Read the first few chapters and if you hate it just trade it in for something else you heard good things about. I recently read The Serpent and the the Wings of Night and really enjoyed it. Her take on how vampires are is a bit different so it was interesting. I jumped into the next book immediately after The Ashes and the Star Cursed King and just ordered the novella Six Scorched Roses this morning. I also read all the From Blood and Ash books too. Guilty pleasure for sure. I’m sure there is some sort of Wiki on that world to figure everyone out. The poly relationship wasn’t dirty as much as a necessary thing. I don’t want to spoil anything. You will understand when you read it.

[@myepictbr6968]

The Will of the Many cover design with the columns is obviously superior. It is striking and reflects what’s in the book, as opposed to what looks like a generic moody fantasy landscape.

[@Lillyjoy]

The Godkiller sequel is stunning 😍 and Sisters of Sword and Shadow omg. I wish I could find books with stenciled and sprayed edges at my used bookstores in Texas, I’m gonna have to visit the Uk and come home with a suitcase full of books 😂

[@sarasmith3676]

I love Juliett Marillier's books. I started her books in high school and grew my collection into adulthood. I donated my collection due to size constraints, but her books were one of the sets I regret leaving my shelves.

[@whisper_dvm5157]

I enjoyed the entire Ravenhood Trilogy. It’s not the best books ever but quite entertaining. It also doesn’t really follow standard romance formula so many avid romance readers may not have enjoyed it due to that. I liked the 2nd book, Exodus, best.

[@afreenaftab]

Love the idea of a store that barters books for credit. Like I have sooo many books that I know someone else would love more than me but no way to get rid of it. Also, I've been sold on 'The Will of the Many' after this vid, especially after the last dark academia I read was meh. 'As long as the Lemon Trees Grow' is sooo good, heartbreaking, but im glad to have read it. Also "I just read this for the vibes' should be on a t-shirt 😆

[@Wanderness]

Omg if I made merch that would have to be added 😂

[@charlotteburns3213]

Such a great haul! I loved the Laura Bates one. And you've convinced me to try Natalie Hines. I'm currently between books. Thinking about picking up Voyage of the Damned next

[@MeMyshelfAndI]

I was worried about The Will of the Many because the premise seemed liked Red Rising 2.0 (and I really hate Red Rising). But I actually ended up loving this against my will? lol Definitely still think it's Red Rising 2.0, but it removed all the issues I had with RR and I had a great time!

[@ayragon]

The 6th book is a compendium for the series in that Blood and Ash world. I snagged it and have already found it to be helpful. It is illustrated, so a physical copy is easier to use than an ebook. I love small BookTuber recommendations ❤

[@LifeWithStefy]

Great haul, so many books to read. I look forward to seeing some reading vlogs 😊

[@circlesofflame]

It would be really interesting to see the books that you take to Barter Books, how much you get for each, what you buy and how much each was priced the next time you go. Mark Lawrence has always given me the ick due to the way he conducts himself online... So much so that I had ebook copies of a couple of his books that sounded good, but it put me off from doing more than just starting one because I did that before I knew much about him. I know he has a lot of supporters online and is respected for what he's done to highlight self-published fantasy, but there are a good few of his books that have problematic elements like you've discussed. Look forward to seeing what you think once you've read it, though.

[@Wanderness]

I'll do that next time :) Yeah Mark Lawrence is such a disappointment. Some authors literally need to stay off the Internet.

[@cleg78]

@@Wanderness what am I missing on the Mark Lawrence front? I have his big tome to read The Book that wouldn’t Burn and then the sequel preordered. This will be my first experience of his writing

[@Wanderness]

@@cleg78 I'll send you some things on insta xx

[@Lyzus3]

I adored as long as the lemon tree grows, one of my 5 star reads from last year! It’s devastating and beautiful and soooo hopeful 💛

[@ellyra412]

Speaking of font size : have you all noticed the ridiculous small new font size of Harper Voyager's paperback ? I have The Final Strife and The Witch and the Tsar. Both were first printed in 2023 and they are barely readable. The cost of book fabrication has increased but this was certainly NOT the solution

[@Wanderness]

I haven't no! I'll have a look when I'm next in Waterstones. Smaller font sizes is not the answer because it excludes readers for so many health reasons :(

[@RebeccaReads]

You explaining your Jennifer l armentrout worlds and characters is me with every fantasy 😂

[@Wanderness]

Noooo 😂😂😂😂😂

[@nicolewimbley8653]

It’s great that you have that opinion in The UK. In the US I would be laughed out of HR!😂😂😂

[@Wanderness]

Eeee which opinion?

[@badfaith4u]

I too have a book haul since there was a book fair in my city. I would love a reading vlog. I love how you can exchange books for credit in Barter Books. I wish other bookstores did that. I hope Mango is happy.

[@Wanderness]

Honestly barter books is so good, if it didn't exist I would struggle to get new books. Mango is just the best ❤️

[@cleg78]

Great to see you back in another video 🤗 If I could advise anyone who hasn’t read Legends and Lattes yet I would read Bookshops and Bonedust first then go on to Legends and Lattes. With regards to books I do wish I could erase in my memory the experience of both books and start again with the prequel book. Both are brilliant and I loved them both. These are equally tied for me as both I laughed out loud and absolutely adored them both 😍

[@Wanderness]

I trust you so I will do them that way ❤️

[@cleg78]

I got the Girl Goddess Queen book a while back with a sprayed edge but haven’t got round to it yet. I also got Project Hail Mary, I like the more brightly coloured cover

[@Wanderness]

So jealous of the sprayed edge, I've seen they did it on paperback so I wish I had just got that

[@cleg78]

@@Wanderness it was a total cover and edges buy for me if I am being honest. I am just hoping I enjoy it when I get round to reading it as I am very picky with Greek Mythology books after reading Lore xx

[@cleg78]

@@Wanderness I thinking just flows better, Bookshops and Bonedust though if you are ever having a crappy day pick that book up and give it a read. There is a character called Fern she is amazing and so funny and then their is my beloved Satchel. Again an absolutely hilarious character. This book definitely brightens any dimly lit day xx Both books do in fairness. It will just be interesting now to see what Travis Baldtree does as these two really are powerhouse books and will take a lot of beating these. I don’t even know how he could extend on from Legends and Lattes at this time xx

[@shannonkatereadsstuff]

what an awesome haul - lemon tree is on my TBR.

[@sanitycalamity]

I totally agree with you about tiny font size being annoying. I never read Legendborn for that reason.

[@Wanderness]

It's just so much harder to stay engaged!

[@sianichappell3303]

Yes to the Greek mythology reading vlog I got three on my tbr to read and going to a jennifer Saint event with my sister in May x

[@Wanderness]

I'll add it to the list! Omg I'm so jealous I hope you have a wonderful time x